Join facilitator Elizabeth Osta in a peek into Laura Warren Hill's new book, Strike the Hammer, The Black Freedom Struggle in Rochester, New York, 1940-1970. This important history is the focal point of the new Civil Rights Heritage Site in Baden Park that our church is a part of creating. Where were you then? Where are we now? Drop-In Discussions are virtual! We meet on Tuesday nights from 6:30-7:30pm. Look on the First Universalist homepage for details and a link, or click the Zoom meeting link on the title of this description!
Midweek Meditation will return on July 14 at 11:30am. Look on the First Universalist homepage for details and a link!
Summer 2021 Midweek Meditation Dates:
- July 14
- July 21
- August 4
- August 25
Garden Update!
The garden is doing well. We have a small crew of gardeners who meet Monday and Thursday mornings at 9:20am, in good weather. So far we have been watering during those times with occasional supplements. Feel free to join us if you have some time, contact
garden@uuroc.org. This year we are trying broccoli, bell peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes and lots of herbs. And the Clinton Ave flower garden always has something blooming.
July 31 | POP-UP PRIDE: Pride Day at the Park
“Pride Day at the Park” is a free event on Saturday, July 31* at Veterans Memorial Park in Henrietta, NY. The event starts at noon.
Home base is the Stevens Pavilion, which is surrounded by green grass and other picnic table and grill areas. Nearby, there’s a playground, field, and restrooms. Bring blankets and chairs for your crew! Come and go as you please and spend the day as you like, it’s all up to you, but we’ll be celebrating our pride together! We will have lawn games, music, and other fun to be announced. This is a family-friendly, dry/sober event. Bring your own games, food, and non-alcoholic beverages. Carry out your own trash.
*If the day is a total wash, Sunday, 8/1 will be a rain date.
August 1 | "We Remember" Memorial Service
The Greater Rochester Community of Churches – Faith In Action
Network will host “We Remember,” a community memorial service honoring Monroe County residents who have died from COVID or from other causes during these pandemic days. The ceremony will take place at the MLK Memorial Park in Rochester on August 1 from 2 to 3:30 PM. Family and friends who have lost loved ones during this time are invited to send the names of the deceased to Rev. Deborah Grohman, GRCC Administrative Coordinator, at 585-254-2570 (please spell names) or email to
contact@rocchurches.org by Monday, July 26. The names will be read aloud during the service. Sign language interpreters will be provided. Those attending the service are asked to bring a picture or a memento of their loved one as well as a chair or blanket for seating. We ask that you please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated. Free parking will be available
on-street and at nearby city garages.
Medical Aid in Dying
Interested in participating in a local legislative visit re:Medical Aid in Dying? I am seeking constituents of Senator Samra Brouk’s (55th NYS District) who support End of Life Options and would like your voice heard, encouraging Senator Brouk’s support of the two identical bills that are currently in the state legislature. These bills offer compassion to those who otherwise would suffer through the painful ordeal when having a terminal illness. A visit to Senator Brouk’s local office has been scheduled for Monday, August 9th at 2 PM. Her office is conveniently located at 274 N. Goodman St. If interested in this opportunity of participating in an ‘in person’ visit on this issue, please contact Carole Hoffman at
choffman962@gmail.com, or 585-678-4525 (landline,no text)
A Challenge Grant for Summer 2021
Once again First Universalist is blessed with an anonymous donor of $2,500 with our part being to match the funds. This year F.I.R.E. has been designated as the recipient (with the charge of raising the additional $2,500.) The Civil Right Heritage Site continues to be our focus. You will be hearing about opportunities to re-invest in the Black Community Focus Fund over the summer months. The timing couldn't be better; the story-telling project will be carried out by students this summer, along with technical enhancements to bring the stories alive. Participation in this excavation of history, and eventual development of the Heritage Site, will increase our community's awareness of the deep activist roots that have given rise to a community still dedicated to the work of creating an equitable society. Please take time to donate as you can so we can honor this funding opportunity with success by summer's end (September 1). Additionally, there may be an opportunity to match our donation with a NYState Grant.
To donate on-line, go to
uuroc.org and click on donate on the top menu. After you put in your generous amount, please indicate "Summer Challenge FIRE" so it goes into the right pot. You can also simply mail a check to the church and indicate "Summer Challenge FIRE" on the memo line. Many thanks to our anonymous donor and to you for your continuing generosity and support during these challenging times!
