Join us this Sunday January 28, 2018

10:30 am Morning Service: Practicing Joy . Could joy be a spiritual practice? Could your life use more joy? Let's reflect on the meaning of joy and on finding, claiming, celebrating, and practicing joy. - The Rev. Peggy Meeker Service Auction 2018: LAST CALL! Just a few more days to donate your item, service, or event!!  Visit the church website and click on the auction link to donate. Be sure to visit the Auction table in the Clara Barton lounge, where you can donate, get information, or be one of the FIRST to pre-purchase your auction lunch ticket! Look for the booklet of auction offerings at church this coming Sunday, and of course, plan to attend the auction on February 4 after the service. If you have questions, contact Paula Marchese at pmarchese@rochester.rr.com . Drop-In Discussion: Intelligence Overrated?  Here is a provocative thought: Is individual intelligence overrated? Bill Elwell will help us explore the possibility that, from an evolutionary perspective, individual intelligence may have been less important than we think. 

Upcoming Events

Special Congregational Meeting Proposed Bylaws Change Regarding the Vote to Call a Settled Minister January 28, 2018 The board has approved a motion to change the voting process for calling a settled minister. This motion requires congregational approval to be enacted. A special congregational meeting will be held immediately following the January 28th service for this purpose. All members are encouraged to attend.   The current bylaws, Article VIII, Section C-801, state “A minister shall be selected by the Society by a three-fourths majority vote of the qualified members present and voting at a duly called Business Meeting of the Society.” A quorum for such a duly called business meeting is 40 members which is less than 30% of our current membership.   The board proposes a motion to change this section of the bylaws to read "A minister shall be selected by the Society by a 90% majority vote of the qualified members present and voting at a duly called Business Meeting for which a quorum shall be designated as 40% of the Society's members."   The purpose for this change is to reflect a higher degree of congregational support for calling a new settled minister.

Service Auction Last Call! Service Auction - February 4 th . Ju st a few more days to donate your item, service, or event!! The deadline for donations is this coming Wednesday, January 24th. Visit the church website and click on the auction link to donate. Be sure to visit the Auction table in the Clara Barton lounge, where you can donate, get information, or be one of the FIRST to pre-purchase your auction lunch ticket! Look for the booklet of auction offerings at church this coming Sunday, and of course, plan to attend the auction on February 4 after the service. If you have questions, contact Paula Marchese at pmarchese@rochester.rr.com .

Weekly Peace Vigils Join us at Goodman Street and East Avenue for our weekly, Sunday noon, Peace Vigils from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm, at the Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC), where you can warm up and enjoy science too. Make your sign sharing views or choose one of many. Please dress appropriately. Questions? Contact Hal Bauer, Springwater Farm: (585) 334-2325

People of Faith Moving Forward in an Angry world GRCC Annual Meeting Greater Rochester Community of Churches with Rev. Dr. Prince Singh keynoting Monday, January, 22, 4:00-6:00 pm at Incarnate Word Lutheran Church GRCC-Faith in Action Network grcc1@frontiernet.net (585) 254-2570 facebook.com/grcc.churches

Book Group January 28th's selection is " A World Lit Only By Fire " by William Manchester. This historical non-fiction book was highly recommended and is being enjoyed by the group. Our February 25th’s selection is " The Relunctant Fundamentalist " by Soshin Hamid. March brings us “ La Rosa ” by Louis Erdrich. So ... One does not have to have read the book to come to the discussion group. We meet upstairs in the Chalice room at noon on Sundays indicated.

Shirley Bond (bondshirl1@gmail.com) Sarah Singal (ssingal@rochester.rr.com)

Chocolate, Coffee, and Coloring! Need a midweek space to relax after the holidays? Wednesday, January 31 st join Rev. Meker from noon to 1:30 pm in the Clara Barton lounge. We'll listen to some meditative music, enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack, and relax with the popular practice of mandala coloring. A variety of designs will be provided; no art experience necessary. Church and community members welcome.

UU Common Read Book Discussion Together we will read and reflect on one of the two UUA Common Reads this year, " Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and "Power in Ministry," edited by Mitra Rahnema, available at the church bookstore and library. We will meet Thursdays, Feb 1 st , and Feb 15 th from 6:30-8:30pm in the Chalice Room. Please let Rev. Michelle know if you are interested in attending at edu@uuroc.org .

UU & You An introduction to our church is held the first Sunday of every month in the choir room (room 25, second floor) at noon. Join us for an informal informational gathering especially designed for visitors and friends who want to know more about us and our liberal religious movement. This roughly 45-minute get-together offers attendees an opportunity to get to know one another and this congregation better, and includes a quick overview of Unitarian Universalist history and principles. ** Due to the Annual Service Auction taking place on February 4 th , our meeting will be on March 4 th at 12 noon. See you there.

Cozy Night Supper  Our next Cozy Night Supper will be Friday, February 2 nd .  This dinner, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm, will feature the Empty Bowls Project , a focus on hunger in our community. A simple supper, including a vegan option, will be provided along with wonderful camaraderie - hopefully including you! You will choose the handmade pottery bowl to use for dinner and for a donation of at least $10 to Foodlink, you will take home your bowl with a full stomach and the knowledge you contributed toward making a difference in our community! A local agency representative will provide a brief program on the local hunger situation. Let us know of your ability to attend by signing up on the Bulletin Board in the hall or by contacting Kathy Russell at   krussel6@frontiernet.net .

Train for RAIHN Four times a year, temporarily homeless families stay at First Universalist for a week. We provide a safe haven and tasty meals. To join the volunteers who make this happen, attend an orientation session which cover how RAIHN works, why it's needed, who are the families we serve, and what you need to know to volunteer. Tuesday, February 6, 2018, 6:30 pm St. Thomas Episcopal Church 2000 Highland Ave., Rochester RSVP to Jen Canning,  coordinator@raihn.org or 506-9050. Questions? Ask Chris DeGolyer, Marti Eggers, or Sarah Singal after the Sunday service. *Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network: Keeping Families Together, Bringing Families Home

Our Support For School 7 Makes A Difference     The living tradition of this church is that Jewish and Christian teachings call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves. Some of our neighbors are in a real sense those students in School 7 that we have been connected to for several years. Tutoring by members but also by supporting the educational and physical requirements of these children through financial gifts is how we express that love.   Please find more information in the February Our Outlook, and if you would like to increase our connection with the students at School 7 please contact Bill Elwell at willliambearcat@gmail.com.

Thursday Lunchtime Concerts Eastman at Washington Square. These concerts are held every Thursday from 12:15 pm to approximately 12:45 pm. Brown bag lunches are welcome during the performances, and admission is free. For more information visit www.esm.rochester.edu/community/events/lunchtime .

Transport the Homeless Would you like to drive homeless folks to and/or from appointments? REACH Home (102 North Union St, Rochester) staff and social workers set it all up, but need drivers. You are not required to stay, just drop people off, or pick them up. Times and destinations vary, but offer your own schedule to make things smoother. If you'd like to volunteer as a driver, contact Jeannie Gloss at d.gloss@frontiernet.net or (585) 342-4605. Many thanks!

Interfaith IMPACT of NYS (IINYS), Rochester Chapter is pleased to invite you to attend our Annual Legislative Briefing “A Better Prescription for Health Care in New York State” Sunday, March 11, 2018 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Road Speakers Harry Bronson, NYS Assemblyman Carol Tegas, Executive Director Finger Lakes Performing Provider System Rohith Palli, Rochester Campaign for New York Health    The health care issue is ever changing, and may be different in March than it is today. The current situation in New York State; status of health care in the legislature; and the case for single payer, universal health care will be discussed by the panelists.    Interfaith IMPACT of NYS (IINYS) is the progressive religious community’s voice for justice and human rights in New York State. We advocate for state policies that will improve the lives of all New Yorkers while stressing the moral and ethical values of these policies.    Please consider becoming a member of IINYS, at any level. Your contribution will help to continue the important work of IINYS. Donations can be made at http://www.interfaithimpactnys.org/Donations.html to either our 501C4 action arm or to the tax deductible 501C3 Interfaith IMPACT Foundation (518) 463-5652.

Remembrance Quilt Project The Remembrance Quilt Project highlights the loss of life by gun violence, with an invitation to contribute a block of fabric to the quilt. This is an invitation to submit to the Remembrance Quilt Project that highlights those that have been lost due to gun violence committed either by homicide or suicide. How: Through March 31st, contribute an article of clothing to represent the family or friend whos life has been taken by gun violence. (ex. Including but not limited to a portion of fabric from a favorite shirt, pictures on fabric, words of inspiration, etc.) Limited to 16x16 block per person represented. This will be included in the creation of the Remembrance Quilt. Contact: Lentory Johnson, phone number, 585-749-3494 chairperson, The Light the Way Committee.

Blue Recycle Tote  The church is looking for help moving the large blue recycle bin to the sidewalk on Monday afternoons, for pick up early Tuesday mornings. It helps to live or work near by. We have some people that take a month at a time, and it would be wonderful to add some more. Please see Sarah Singal or email her at ssingal@rochester.rr.com . Until further notice the blue recycle tote will remain inside the building. Thanks in advance! 

Additional Announcements

Audio - Loop Headsets The two audio-loop headsets that we used to provide in the sanctuary for the use of hearing-looped members or guests have gone missing. They disappeared late last Fall. Before we purchase replacements, we thought we'd ask if anyone had inadvertently put a pair in their coat pocket after a service and then forgot to return them. If so, please drop them off at the ushering station near the double-door sanctuary entrance near the stairs to the second floor. If you're really embarrassed, you can wrap them in a plastic bag and quietly leave them on a table in the Clara Barton lounge.

LGBTQ+ Caregivers   Lifespan of Greater Rochester is teaming up with the Out Alliance (formerly the Gay Alliance) to offer an educational series called “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” at the Out Alliance specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals caring for a partner, friend, or family member and allies who are caring for LGBTQ+ individuals with a chronic illness. Classes will be held six consecutive Tuesdays starting January 23rd and ending February 27th, from 5:30 to 7 pm. Call Mara at 585-244-8400, x239, or email mkouides@lifespanrochester.org to register.

To submit an item for "This Week at First Universalist", e-mail  office@uuroc.org  no later than Thursday at noon.

Staff: The Reverend Peggy Meeker, Minister minister@uuroc.org Rev. Michelle Yates, Director of Life Span Faith Development edu@uuroc.org Xiaoyu Yang, Director of Music music@uuroc.org Andrea Lewis, Office Administrator office@uuroc.org

Quick Links: Church Calendar Are you new to First Universalist? Monthly Newsletter Religious Education Visit our Website

150 S. Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14604 | (585) 546-2826 | office@uuroc.org

Office Hours:  Tuesday - Friday, 9 - 3:15 (closed Mondays) STAY CONNECTED

‌

‌