Settled Minister Announcement

We are thrilled to announce that First Universalist called the Rev. Celie Katovitch  to be our new settled minster by a unanimous congregational vote on May 4th. Rev. Katovitch will start her ministry with us in August. You can find more information about Rev. Katovitch at the church web site uuroc.org. 

On behalf of the congregation, the Board of Trustees offers our deep gratitude to the Ministerial Search Committee for their dedication and talents resulting in the successful call of Rev. Katovitch.

We are also profoundly grateful to Rev. Martha Munson for her skilled guidance and support as Interim Minister to prepare us for this exciting new phase of ministry.

Two Garden Opportunities

You may want to choose one or both:

1. We will meet with Lori Staubitz Thursday, May 15 at noon, to discuss how to manage our alcove Lots of Food garden this summer, accomodating  the roof work. All parties interested in the alcove garden are encouraged to attend. You will be able to sign up for watering over the summer at this time.

2. Join us for spring clean up on May 17th, 9:15-12. There will be some annuals to plant in the Court St. planters--or bring some to plant; one planter is sunny and two are very shady. We will spruce up the flower garden, weed the alcove garden. Sign up for watering over the summer. There will not be tons to do so you might cover some of the other church jobs, too.

Questions? See Sarah Singal ([email protected])

Annual Reports

The deadline for annual reports is Monday, May 26. Please include the names of who will be serving on your committee during the 2014-15 church year. Kris will submit the names of those in leadership roles to the Saint Lawrence District (SLD) and the Central East Regional Group (CERG) based on the information in the reports. 

Copies of the report will be available on Sunday, June 1. The annual meeting will be held Sunday, June 8 immediately following the service. 

This Week at First Universalist

Thank you for keeping us updated, both when you schedule events and when you need to cancel one!  Please continue to do so. Send news of your events to [email protected]; or call 546-2826.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR MAY 11, 2014:

NEXT SERVICE: Sunday, May 18: Egypt. Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness for 40(!) years.  They complained, he was a faithful (if sometimes reluctant) leader.  And then the Promised Land came into view.  What was expected there?  What do you expect of your own "promised land", after your time of "wandering"? Rev. Martha Munson.

NEXT DROP-IN DISCUSSION: Sunday, May 18: Open Topic

We are thrilled to announce that First Universalist called the Rev. Celie Katovitch  to be our new settled minster by a unanimous congregational vote on May 4th. Rev. Katovitch will start her ministry with us in August. You can find more information about Rev. Katovitch at the church web site http://uuroc.org/.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:Kids ages four and older join us every week in the sanctuary for the first portion of our worship service. Children's Worship begins after the Message for All Ages.  Nursery care for babies and younger children is provided throughout the service on the second floor.  We also have seating in our second floor foyer, where parents can hold their little ones and listen to the service via speaker.

ARE YOU NEW TO FIRST UNIVERSALIST?  Have you come a few times and want to find out more about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation?  Then stop by the Welcome Table  in the Clara Barton Lounge during coffee hour.  You'll find friendly folks there every Sunday who are eager to talk with you!

FOOD INGATHERING is TODAY. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit The Community Food Cupboard on Nester Street. There is a particular need for canned vegetables, soup, and mac & cheese.

SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY: The 2014 Spring Clean-up Day has been scheduled for Saturday May 17, starting at 9:00 AM.  There will be all kinds of cleaning, fixing, painting, etc. jobs to be completed.  Bring along your favorite tools or products.  Breakfast snacks and a light lunch will be provided.  Much socializing fun will also be part of the agenda.  For more information, contact the church office or Tom Ruganis at [email protected]  or (442-2968).

ANNUAL REPORT: The deadline for annual reports is Monday, May 26. Please include the names of who will be serving on your committee during the 2014-15 church year. Kris will submit the names of those in leadership roles to the Saint Lawrence District (SLD) and the Central East Regional Group (CERG) based on the information in the reports. Copies of the report will be available on Sunday, June 1.

BOOK GROUP: The next book group will be held Sunday,  May 25th at 12:15 in the Adult Lounge. Our selection for the month is: Cry Beloved Country by Alan Paton. Should be fun. Everyone is welcome to attend. Contact Shirley Bond or Sarah Singal for more information.

NURSERY: Help is needed in the nursery on Sunday mornings.If you're interested, please contact Carol.

SIGN UP FOR RAIHN* WEEK May 25-June 1st is our next RAIHN Week, when First Universalist will host temporarily homeless families. To volunteer, please contact Christine DeGolyer ([email protected] or 461-3616). If you haven't attended the required training yet, or would just like to know more about RAIHN, the next training session will be Wednesday, May 21st, from 6:30-8:30 PM at Mary Magdalene Church, 1008 Main St., E. Rochester. Training covers the RAIHN philosophy and expectations for guests and volunteers. *Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network: helping homeless families achieve sustainable independence

RESHAPING ROCHESTER SERIES presented by Rochester Regional Community Design Center:Tuesday, May 20, 7 pm, First Universalist sanctuary. "Green Legacy" Thomas Herrera-Mishler, CEO and President of Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, will speak about helping to maintain and preserve green space.

EASTMAN LUNCHTIME CONCERTS: Concerts are held on Thursdays in the sanctuary from 12:15 to 12:45, are free, and open to the public. 

A CARING COMMITTEE REMINDER: When a family member enters the hospital, needs emergency meals, needs transportation to church, or wants home visits; please contact Ruth Fitzgerald [email protected] 225-0555,or Eileen Fernandez, [email protected].

HEARING LOOP IN SANCTUARY: Please use the T setting on your hearing aid or see an usher for a receiver.