Happening This Sunday
Sunday, September 27, 2020

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

"Imagine Winning"
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!
*Next Sunday, October 4, 2020 Worship Service at 10 AM
Rev. Margalie Belizaire, preaching*
Gratitudes, Joys and Sorrows
We’re here if you need us! Pastoral Care is available through our Pastoral Care phone line (585-270-0851) or email

Due to the pandemic restrictions on in-person gatherings, Melissa Matson invites you to view the memorial tribute video she created to celebrate the life of her husband, Bob Taylor, who passed away in May. Bob was a long-time member of our church and was active in the choir, and with the labyrinth and First Muse. The video can be found on YouTube: either search for “Bob Taylor Tribute - August 15, 2020” or use this link. “To live in hearts that love is not to die.”
Other News and Reminders
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.
This week’s Elder Tree, on Saturday September 26 at 12:00 PM, will be a conversation between attendees. Click here to join. All are welcome!
Christmas in September! Connect and Breathe is hosting a tailgate sale this Saturday, September 26 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM in the church parking lot. Come buy chocolate bars and minis, coffee, and hot chocolate mix at discounted prices! Supplies are limited so come early. Cash or checks only, please. Masks are required.
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.
meditating_old_temple.jpg
Free Online Guided Meditation Series. In these times of so much distress, it can be helpful to take an hour a week to practice being centered and calm. Online (via Zoom) classes on Thursdays at 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM; October 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. First time and beginning meditators welcome. Being gently guided to fully embody yourself is such a gift of self-care! Best if you can attend at least four. Questions or to sign up, email Rev Joy Collins (or call/text 585-749-0695). No cost. Space is limited. It is wonderful to center your heart in a small community!

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 is hosting 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.” Click here to register. Donations are requested on a scale, as you are able to pay. Proceeds will benefit the Kino Border Initiative and the First Unitarian Immigration Ministry. Thank you for contributing to these efforts to support immigrants and asylum seekers.

UU History Planet quiz: The History Team is happy to announce that the correct answer to last week’s quiz was that C) Susan B. Anthony was a member of our church. Congratulations to the four who submitted the correct answer! Here is the next question: What year was First Unitarian Church founded? A) 1829 B) 1848) C) 1873 D) 1902. Please send your responses to Ira Srole. We'll reveal the correct answer and how many got it right in an upcoming newsletter.

Have you checked out the new Church Directory? It's online and called Simple Church! It's the place you can update your own information, track your pledging, and look up other church members contact information. Here's how: Go to: Simple Church and follow these steps: Your User Name is your name with a period separating your first and last name, (for example, Jane.Doe) Then click “Forgot Password” and a password will be sent to the email we have on file for you, allowing you to login. This should enable you to sign on regularly. You can check your profile, pledge, and look up basic (address, etc.) information of other members of our congregation. You can even upload a photo of yourself so others can put a name with a face!
Calls to Action
RAIHN Update: First Unitarian is the “host” church for the week starting Monday, September. 28, which in pandemic times means we're providing grocery store gift cards and basic food items, delivered to RAIHN to take to families being housed in a local hotel. The hotel will continue being used through the end of 2020, at least. Though the volunteer opportunities are minimal, RAIHN and the families they serve are so grateful for our financial support. Here’s how you can help: look for the plate collection for RAIHN coming up in January.

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.
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!
In Case You Missed It
Join our First Unitarian Rochester Community Facebook page - a place to build community, to ask for and offer help, and to share resources.
Our YouTube Channel has past Worship Services, Elder Tree and more!