ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP CONTINUES:  From Age-ing to Sage-ing is a 3-session workshop that will be offered twice at two different libraries and is open to the public. Invite your friends, but please rsvp to Rev. Michelle Yates, Director of Life Span Faith Development, at [email protected] with which library program you will attend, OR call the library directly.

• Arnett Branch Library- 310 Arnett Blvd., (585) 428-8214.  Mondays, September 12, 19, & 26 from 1:30- 3:30pm
  
• Irondequoit Public Library- 1290 Titus Ave., (585) 336-6060. Thursdays, September 15, 22, & 29 from 1:30-3:30pm

SOCIAL JUSTICE TASK FORCE:  If you were unable to attend a focus group, the online questionnaire will be available for one more week.  Visit www.uuroc.org/SJTF.   This allows you to be a part of the conversation of how we can help transform the Rochester community into a more just, equitable and peaceful place.

​ BOOK GROUP:  The Book Group will meet on September 25th at noon in the Chalice Room to discuss The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. All are welcome - it is not necessary to have read the book. A look ahead to October's book selection is All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doeer. The library has many copies, but it is a very popular book so request your copy!  Any questions happily answered by Sarah Singal ([email protected]) or Shirl Bond ([email protected]).

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY & PANTRY:  Join us on Thursday, September 29th at 12 noon in the front flower garden for a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony for our Little Free Library & Pantry.  We are excited to share this new resource with our downtown neighborhood.  If you have books or items to share, you can place them in the little library & pantry or bring them to the office. Thank you!

LEADERSHIP ASSEMBLY:  The First Universalist Fall Leadership Assembly will be held on Saturday, October 1st, from 9:00-12:00.  We will gather in the Clara Barton Lounge for coffee and goodies at 8:45.  The program will begin at 9:00.  If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Nancy Gaede ([email protected]).

RACE TO JUSTICE:  Are you compelled by the racial justice conversation? Not sure where to start? We've heard you! Which is why our year long Faith Development program, "Race to Justice," is focused on these issues.  To enhance this initiative, we have the opportunity to participate in "Sacred Conversations" with several area churches.  Check out our bulletin board, website, or contact Rev. Michelle at [email protected] to learn more. 

WITNESS PALESTINE FILM FESTIVAL:  Screening documentary and narrative films about the decades-old Palestine-Israel conflict that illustrate the realities on the ground in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.  3000 Nights, Sunday, September 18, 2pm, The Little Theater – a docudrama reflecting eight years in an Israeli prison that houses both Israeli and Palestinian women.  The Idol, Monday, September 19th, 6:45pm, The Little Theater – based on the true story of Mohammed Assaf's childhood with a ragtag group of children who spend their time roaming Gaza, playing and trying to start their own band.  Nominated for Audience Choice Award (Best Feature Narrative) at Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (2016).  Admission for each film $10; students $5.  

To submit an item for "This Week at First Universalist", e-mail [email protected] no later than Thursday at noon.