Weekly Connections Newsletter |
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Friday, December 24, 2021
Whether you’re solo this season or with family and friends you haven’t seen in years, join us online or in-person for some favorite Christmas songs and traditions and an ancient story of hope in our progressive faith community.
*If you plan to come in person, please register below. Given rising COVID risks, our in-person gatherings will be at ¼ capacity. KN95 or better masks and proof of vaccination (if eligible) required.
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For families with young children
Rock and Roll with Orange Sky
Traditional Candlelight Service
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Sunday, December 26, 2021 at 10 AM |
Worship Service at 10:00 AM online ONLY
"Holiday Blues"
Rev. Shari Halliday-Quan, preaching
Conversation & Connection Online at 11:00 AM
Stick around after the service to meet and greet others
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Sunday, January 2, 2022 at 10 AM |
Worship Service at 10:00 AM online. If you'd like to watch together with others at church, we'll have space set up for viewing the service.
"Twenty-Twenty, Too??"
Rev. AJ van Tine, preaching
Conversation & Connection Online at 11:00 AM
Stick around after the service to meet and greet others
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Use the link above to join us Sunday mornings. Not internet?
Just call 646-876-9923, meeting ID 585-271-9070.
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Looking for a Last Minute Gift?? |
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You can pick up cards at the front door of the church or download them here to let people know that a donation has been made in their honor.
Youth, adults, community partners, first-timers and longtime Greater Good practitioners came together in an online celebration of nourishing roots/routes to joy! So far, we have raised almost $20,000 to be split between Keeping Our Promise and Friends of Ganondagan, and this is just the beginning. You have until January 6th to contribute to this project, so consider cutting back on the things that don’t bring you joy or asking for a contribution from others in lieu of a gift and make the Greater Good part of your holiday traditions. The Gomes Family can show you how it’s done or click here for other ways to give.
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Coming Soon in Religious Education |
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Junior Youth Jubilee and Jubilee Kids
Junior Youth Jubilee (for youth in grades 6-8) and Jubilee! Kids (for 5th graders)
This anti-racism curricula empahsizes building skills in promoting the Beloved Community through words, action, and understanding of historical and contemporary inequities and racism. It is similar to the Jubilee programming that our congregation has hosted for adults, but adapted for youth.
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
OWL is a comprehensive sexuality education program developed to equip UU children and youth with the knowledge and tools they will need to navigate sexuality issues in today’s culture. Our K-1, 5th-9th, and 10th-12th levels all have parent education components which are integrated into our regular programs. These programs are in-person only and support the “three R’s” of childhood sexuality education: Respect, Relationships, and Responsibility. OWL’s goals are to help families communicate openly about life questions, and to help children learn to make responsible decisions that show respect for self and others with accurate information grounded in UU values.
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Cafe Veritas Concert
Saturday, January 8 at 7:30 PM
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Come join us for wonderful music, camaraderie and our traditional Local Songwriters in the Round concert, featuring hometown favorites Connie Deming, Maria Gillard, and Scott Regan.
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UU 101 Class
Sunday, January 9 at 11:15 AM
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New or new-ish to First Unitarian & want to learn more about us? Join us for UU 101: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism and First Unitarian Church. Learn about the UU faith and opportunities to connect further with our community. No sign-up needed, just join us online. Questions? Contact Shannan Foos. |
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Transcendentalism: Then and Now Begins January 9! |
Join us for a 4-part adult religious education class titled: Transcendentalism: Then and Now, led by Rev. John Buehrens*. Hosted virtually at First Unitarian Rochester, and co-sponsored by several UU congregations across New York State. Sundays: January 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2022, 7:00 - 8:30 PM.
*Rev. Buehrens will also be our guest preacher on Sunday, January 9!
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Rochester Unitarian Universalists Young Adults (RUUYA) is for people age 18-35, to join together in fellowship to help foster personal, professional, and spiritual growth. We seek to provide love, comfort, and support to each other and our community. RUUYA meets 2nd Wednesdays in person at church and 4th Wednesdays via zoom. 6:30-8:30 PM.
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Race, Racism & Relationship
Thursday, January 20 at 6:00 PM
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Our monthly R3 anti-racism programming continues in 2022 on the 3rd Thursdays at 6:00 PM. January's session will be on Implicit Bias. For more information, contact Rev. AJ van Tine.
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Our hearts are with the family of Merrillan Thomas who passed away on December 18. Information about a memorial service will be forthcoming. May we hold all who are grieving loss in our hearts. “To live in hearts that love is not to die.”
Our gratitude is abundant to the many congregants and friends who spent the year knitting mittens, hats and scarves, sewing neck gators and searching out gently used winter jackets and boots for students at our UU/Schools Partnership Schools #15 and #22. Bags and bags of outdoor winter clothing were delivered; even sharing some to fulfill needs of a third school. Thank you!!
We're Here For You
Caring for each other in times of joy, sorrow and transition is a priority at our church. In these uncertain and anxious times, we want you to know that First Unitarian is here for you. If you need support in any way, we hope you'll reach out. Whatever the need or concern, reach our Pastoral Care Coordinator, Shannan, at 585-270-0851 or click on the link below.
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Other News and Calls to Action |
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Church Building Holiday Closure
Our church building will be closed the week of December 27. If you are in need of pastoral care support, contact Shannan via email or call 585-270-0851
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Newsletter Update
This week's newsletter covers news & events for 2 weeks instead of the usual one week. Look for our next newsletter to go out on January 6, 2022!
Free Online Guided Meditation - Thursdays in January
Begin the new year with times of intentional inner quieting. Give yourself the gift of meditating in a welcoming small group. Cultivate embodied openness and calm as you are gently guided. Four online one-hour (via Zoom) meditation classes will be held on January 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 3:00 PM or 5:30 PM. Beginning meditators welcome. Best if you can attend all four. For questions or to sign up, email Rev. Joy Collins or call/text 585-749-0695. Space is limited for these free gatherings. It is wonderful to center your heart in a small community and cultivate a practice for the New Year!
Elder Tree - Saturdays at 10 AM online
This group is taking a break for the next couple of weeks, and will resume on January 8, 2022 at 10 AM via Zoom.
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