Tuesdays | Drop-In Discussion: A look at the beginnings of economic and social injustice

Activist, consultant, teacher Melissa Parrish will guide discussion on this topic using a brief video clip from author Tim Wise. (Thank you FIRE). Drop-In Discussions are back with a virtual spin! We are meeting on Tuesday nights, from 6:30pm-7:30pm. Look on the First Universalist homepage for details and a link, or click the Zoom meeting link on the title of this description!

Wednesdays | Midweek Meditation

First Universalist Church will be hosting Midweek Meditation services with Rev. Lane and Rev. Michelle on Wednesdays from 11:30am-noon. On second Wednesdays, an extra half hour of meditation and sharing will follow the traditional format. An extended time to connect for deep breathing, meditation, singing, and silence. Look on the First Universalist homepage for details and a link, or click the Zoom meeting link on the title of this description!

Three of our Small Group Ministry groups have openings for new members starting immediately!

Interested in joining a group? Want to know what this is all about? Take a look at the description on our website uuroc.org under the “connect” tab, fill out the survey regarding your interest and availability, or email SGM@uuroc.org.

This fall Eastman @ WS concerts will be streamed LIVE from the Eastman Campus in Sproull Atrium from October 15 – November 19 and in the Karen Rettner Community Music Center of Messinger Hall in December. Performances are on Thursdays at 12:15pm, and will be streamed live!

Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/c/eastmancommunitymusicschool/live

Shortly after Covid began, 60 of Rochester's homeless, found living in places unfit for human habitation, were relocated to a vacant area hotel. Potlucks are being provided by volunteers every evening. Individuals are needed for these meals four nights a week. Drop off starts at 5:15pm. Serving begins at 6pm. To volunteer, simply sign up, by clicking on the link in the chat to a Facebook page to sign up or by calling Michael Gill at the number provided.  All are required to be masked and socially distanced and to keep location of the hotel private. Meal sign-up is on the FB page, "HOMES 4 the HOMELESS" . If you are not on FB, or wish to plan for a group instead of individuals, contact Michael Gill: (585) 413-7879

The annual Rural & Migrant Ministry event is virtual this year on November 10 at 6pm. Featured are special video messages from farmworkers, messages of hope, music, and photos. Former newscaster Norma Holland is the Mistress of Ceremonies. Our church joined with other UU churches to place an ad that will be displayed. Rev.Lane is a member of the Host Committee.

Registration: http://bit.ly/HarvestingJusice2020

Nov. 13 | Race in a Brave Space (RiBS) | Dialogues with Verdis L. Robinson: "Wilderness Journey”

Second in the series of 4 dialogues (Race in a Brave Space or RiBS), held from 7-8:30pm, providing a forum to learn, grow, and act toward antiracism. These are led by Verdis Robinson. This month, participants are asked to preview the film “Wilderness Journey: Unitarian Universalism and the Black Empowerment Controversy” which can be found on YouTube. This series is being sponsored by the FIRE Team. RSVP to FIRE@uuroc.org

Katherine Flynn will collect food for Nester Street from 10–10:20am in the church parking lot on Saturday, November 14!

Nov. 15 | Eckberg Racial Justice Memorial Film Series| “I Am Not Your Negro”

Discussions are held on select Sundays from 2-3:30pm. Please preview the film: it can be found on Netflix and Amazon. Based on James Baldwin’s unfinished book, this visual essay explores racism through the stories of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Jim and Eunice Ekberg series features films that address racial justice through history, music and spiritual avenues. This provides a facilitated discussion of ways to further the message of racial equity in our city and country. RSVP to FIRE@uuroc.org

Goal: Depending upon the season, there are from 40,000 to 80,0000 farmworkers, almost all people of color, in New York State. 50% are undocumented. This Social Justice Circle seeks to educate the congregation about their many challenges. Activities are designed to help us learn to be faithful allies to those who toil in the fields, orchards, and on dairy farms to feed us.

You are welcome to join us, and participate in the many activities. This past year we participated in a series of caravans across the state -- we joined a twenty-five car caravan through the farming areas surrounding Sodus. During the summer we supported Rural & Migrant Ministry’s summer camp by delivering food from Foodlink for suppers and connecting with the local school district to provide lunches. Each November, we join with other UU churches to attend the Rural & Migrant Ministry Western New York event (this year the event is virtual on November 10). We also have occasional educational programs and participate in justice rallies.

Contact our Faith In Action Council FIAC@uuroc.org for more information or to express your interest in joining our SJ Circle.

Rev. Lane Campbell,

Rev. Michelle Yates,

Brock Tjosvold,

Emma Barry,