THANK YOU:  Wow!  What an auction!  Our 2016 Service Auction was a huge success - together, we raised over $6,700 for our church’s programs!  This was truly a group effort.  Over 30 people volunteered to help in some way, and many, many more of you donated or placed bids on services or items.  There are too many names to list all here, but big thanks go to organizer Paula Marchese; lunch coordinator Tim Mullins; clerks and tellers Bill Jones,  Dave VanArsdale,  Karl Abbott, and  Glenda Brayman;  and proxy clerks Connie Valk and Sarah Singal.  A big welcome and thanks to the brand new auctioneer on staff:  Kitty Forbush!  And a thank you to those who baked, cooked, and served - our auction luncheon netted us another $270.00.

SOCIAL JUSTICE PLATE COLLECTION:  The Social Justice Plate collection for February 21st is Metro Justice.  This organization celebrated its 50th anniversary this past year.  Our First Universalist  SOCIA  members and friends work very closely with this organization and are deeply involved. Metro Justice  receives no Federal or State funding.

REDUCING RACISM IN ROCHESTER:  Following the service on Sunday, February 28th, please join Jon Greenbaum from RocActs, a faith-based project, in the Sanctuary to discuss the Project Implicit Task on Race, developed by Harvard. 

• To be more fully a part of the conversation, complete the task online in advance.  Visit: http://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/
• A handout with step-by-step instructions is available at church on 2/7 & 2/14. On 2/21, a help desk will be available to assist in completion of the Project Implicit Task.   
• This important conversation will help us determine future steps as we talk together about how we can help reduce racism in our congregation and community.  We hope you'll be able to join us. Contact anyone of us with questions and ideas:  Becky Elwell, Kitty Forbush, Elizabeth Osta and Social Justice Chair Eric Van Dusen. 

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY:  Small groups are a way to help us think about our spiritual lives through the process of sharing thoughts and experiences with others.  Those new to First Universalist as well as seasoned members are welcome to participate. A new group is forming!  New evening sessions begin in March. Those who sign up commit themselves to attend all five sessions:  March 10, 24; April 7, 21; May 12.  Each of the five sessions are held from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  This group is limited to seven participants.  Location of the sessions is the home of facilitator Connie Valk, located in the city close to the zoo.  Sign-up is on the Religious Education Faith Development bulletin board or you can email Connie at [email protected].      

THE BOOK GROUP meets Sunday, February 28th after the service.  They will be discussing The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander. The book is now in paperback and the libraries have many copies.  All are welcome - see you then!  For questions contact either Shirley Bond at [email protected] or Sarah Singal at [email protected].

EASTER PLANTS:  Please help decorate the sanctuary for Easter by ordering a plant for $8.00.  Ruth Fitzgerald, Eileen Fernandez, and Katherine Flynn will be taking orders through Sunday, March 13th.  Please specify  whether you will be taking the plant home after the service or want to donate it to a member of the home congregation. If you want to dedicate the plant in memory of or in honor of someone, we will list her/his name in the Order of Service on Easter.  Also, if you would like to deliver a plant to someone, we could use your help!

WEATHER-RELATED CLOSINGS:  During this winter season, please note that cancellations of church activities can be viewed at 13wham.com.