Happening This Sunday
Sunday, September 13, 2020

Worship Service at 10:00 AM
(Children's Worship at 9:30 AM)

"Here Be Dragons"
Rev. Shari Halliday-Quan. preaching

Meet us online (live-captioning also available there) or if you do not have access to the internet, call 646-876-9923, and use meeting ID #5852719070
Stay for connection and conversation following the worship service!
Are you new to First Unitarian? Please join us for UU 101: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism and First Unitarian Church, this Sunday September 20 at 11:30 AM. We will be meeting through this Zoom link. For more information about First Unitarian and our membership classes contact Shannan Foos.   
*Next Sunday, September 27, 2020 Worship Service at 10 AM
Rev. Shari Halliday-Quan, preaching: “Imagine Winning”*
Gratitudes, Joys and Sorrows
Our hearts and deep condolences are with the family and friends of church member Kathleen Mater, who died this past Monday. Information on a memorial service will be forthcoming. “To live in hearts that love is not to die.”

We continue to hold William Hayes in our thoughts and prayers. He is out on medical leave indefinitely. Cards sent to his home are appreciated.

We’re here if you need us! Pastoral Care is available through our Pastoral Care phone line (585-270-0851) or email
Other News and Reminders

POC Family Homecoming Zoom Dessert! If you or someone in your family is black, indigenous, or a person of color, please come enjoy some dessert and a chance to connect! Friday, September 18 at 7-7:45pm Contact Pam Adams for zoom information.
Looking for a way to spread joy and hope? Sign up here to read a book to First Unitarian families with young children, either live on a Thursday at 7:00 PM or record at your leisure. Books will be provided, or make a suggestion to Sheila. We will be centering themes of love and justice. Thank you!

This week’s Elder Tree, on Saturday September 20 at 12:00 PM, will be a conversation with questions like, “where were you when?” Click here to join. All are welcome!

UU Parenting/Grandparenting as a Spiritual Practice: Please join us for bi-monthly offerings for spiritual deepening and resourcing as we move through uncertainty and challenges together. These meetings will be held from 8:45 - 9:45 PM on September 21, October 5 and 19, November 2 and 16, and December 14. Click here to join.

Need a mid-week centering? All are welcome for Rise and Shine Wednesdays from 8:00 - 8:15 AM for a short mindfulness practice with an open time following for a brief check in. Log in here. Questions? Contact Sheila or Jan.
From Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, UUA president: Unitarian Universalists advocate for policy changes to expand access in our communities. We give our time and resources to sustain life-saving ministry. We protest injustice, siding with love and resisting hate. As a living tradition, Unitarian Universalists are called to make beloved community here on earth. That’s why we keep showing up. That is why I am inviting you to join me at "Gather the Spirit" our kickoff to our Fall Push Week of Action on September 23, 7:30 PM ET/ 4:30 PM PT. Register here
All are invited to learn the depth of a central Buddhist practice called Tonglen (Giving and Receiving). Join Jan Cook and others in learning the important steps of this practice to build perspective, resiliency, courage, love and wise action. For more information and how to participate contact Jan Cook.

Calling all BIPOC UUs! Please join us on Saturday, September 26 at 11:00 AM on Zoom for DRUUMM's (Diverse & Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries) Central East Regional Caucus. From the organizers: "We are organizing these member-led BIPOC spaces with the intention of deepening our connections with one another, being present to one another’s stories and truth, and fostering systems of care." BIPOC means Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. In the US, People of Color is a currently and commonly accepted term that includes Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, and multiracial people. It is an imperfect term but a functional and uplifting one to describe the non-white global majority. For more information, go to the event’s Facebook page.

FirstLight Players invites you to a planning session, Sunday September 27, 4:00 - 5:30 PM via Zoom to discuss ideas for producing “illuminating theatre” rehearsed and delivered in a virtual environment. We welcome anyone with ideas for creating a virtual theatre piece this church year to attend this session!  Contact Ira Srole for Zoom information.

On September 30, 1770, John Murray preached an historic sermon on Universalism. To celebrate the coming of a Universalist "founder" to these shores, Murray Grove Conference Center is hosting a virtual Sestercentennial Weekend October 2 - 4. Click here for more information, including how to register.
The Immigration Ministry will host a Zoom presentation by Fr. Sean Carroll, Director of Kino Border Initiative in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico on Thursday, October 15 at 6:00 PM. His presentation is titled ”Update from the Southern Border”. As we deal with the Daniel Prude killing, COVID-19, and the upcoming election, the building of “The Wall” and the inhumane treatment along the southern border continues. Please participate in Fr. Sean’s talk to get up-to-date information from a person whose “boots are on the ground.” Registration information coming soon! Donations are welcome. The proceeds will benefit both the Kino Border Initiative and the First Unitarian Immigration Ministry.

First Unitarian’s History Team has been re-invigorated after a long hiatus. One of our primary goals is to help educate our friends in the congregation about First Unitarian’s rich history and to encourage you to get involved with us. If interested, contact Danette Johnson. We're starting a weekly UU History Planet quiz for your edification and enjoyment. Which of the following Rochester residents was a member of First Unitarian Church? A) George Eastman B) Amy Post C) Susan B. Anthony D) Frederick Douglass. Please send your responses to Ira Srole. We'll reveal the correct answer and how many got it right in an upcoming newsletter.

Green Tip from the Environmental Justice Ministry: One of the most important aspects of an eco-friendly life is making a conscious decision to consume less (conscious consumption). To help make these decisions, ask these four questions before buying something: Do I truly need this item? Can I make it? Can I borrow or buy it second hand? Is this the best quality that I can afford? Learn more here.
Calls to Action
Amplify your voting impact and reach out to voters in Florida by joining us for the First Unitarian UUtheVote Phone Banking Party on Wednesday, September 23 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Before the party, be sure to familiarize yourself with the process and script. Questions? Contact Julia Smith or Mallory Szymanski

There are many ways to participate in our community's fight for racial justice. If you are an elder or unable to participate in protests, but want to be updated on what is happening and actions you can take from home, please email Kristi to be added to our new Elder and Allies Social Justice email list.
 
The Criminal Justice Ministry invites you to read this message to white Unitarian Universalists from a Special UUA Presidents Column.
In Case You Missed It
Watch Rev. Shari speak to Rochester City Council earlier this week.
Join our First Unitarian Rochester Community Facebook page - a place to build community, to ask for and offer help, and to share resources.
Last week's letter to the congregation from Rev. Shari.
Our YouTube Channel has past Worship Services, Elder Tree and more!