September 16, 2021
WEEKLY CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER
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BIG NEWS, Beloveds! Starting this Sunday, we are holding our Worship services in collaboration with First Universalist Church. We'll gather under a big tent at our church in person, and online for those who wish.
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Happening this Sunday, September 19 |
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"The Tender and Delicate Art of Accountability"
Rev. Lane Campbell, preaching
As a covenantal faith, Unitarian Universalists should be no strangers to making promises with one another in community. But what happens when promises are broken? How can we truly begin again with one another? Let us explore the art of accountability for our words and our actions together.
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If you’re attending in person, kindly RSVP. Online, connect with us via Zoom or dial in at 646-876-9923, meeting ID 5852719070.
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ONLINE CONNECTION TIME - FOLLOWING THE SERVICE |
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For those attending online, we invite you to stay after the service to share some connection time. It's our coffee/tea hour, just held virtually. Stay online to meet and greet friends and visitors.
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CHILDREN K-5 & FAMILIES WORSHIP at 11:10 AM ON EAST LAWN |
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"Many Ways to Begin Again in Love"
After the adult service from 10:00-11:00 AM in the back parking lot, you are welcome to join in Children's Worship with your child. Worship is geared for K-5th but open to all ages! This week, we share "The Black Bull" story about how many actions help a relationship begin again in love. We will learn about ploughshares and using our powers wisely.
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UU 101 CLASS - IN-PERSON at 11:30 AM |
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For visitors and/or new-ish friends, this Sunday we offer UU 101: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism and First Unitarian Church at 11:30 AM. We’ll meet in person (with masks) on the Susan B. Anthony Patio (behind the church). Learn about our UU faith and opportunities to connect further with our community. No need for prior registration, just drop by. Questions? Contact Shannan Foos.
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This Week in Religious Education |
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Thank you to all of the families and volunteers who participated in our outdoor Homecoming service last Sunday! This Sunday in RE, we begin our official programming from our youngest in Pre-K beginning Chalice Children, K-5 with Workshop Adventure, Jr High in Spiritual Survivor, and our teens in Coming of Age and Youth Group! Questions? Contact Sheila!
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Elder Tree - Saturday, September 18 at 10:00 AM |
Join us this week on the church zoom link for another gathering of church members and friends to tell our stories and hear about one another’s lives. All are welcome both to listen and to speak. If you’d like to tell your story, please contact Libby Moore.
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Starting Point - Saturday, September 25, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM |
Want to delve deeper at First Unitarian? Join a Soul Matters group? Or Wellspring? Take part in Starting Point, an in-depth look at Unitarian Universalism, First Unitarian history, our community, and your own personal beliefs. The next offering is on Saturday, September 25 from 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM on the church grounds. This class is for newcomers and seasoned members alike! Please contact Shannan Foos as soon as possible to register!
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Microaggressions - Tuesday, September 28 at 6:00 PM |
Our monthly anti-racism programming kicks off this month! Mark your calendars for this Race, Racism and Relationships (R3) presentation on Microaggressions. More details to follow. Questions? Contact Rev. AJ van Tine.
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Book Discussion - Thursday, September 30 at 6:00 PM online |
All are invited and encouraged to join an online discussion of the book How We Show Up by Mia Birdsong with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Canandaigua (UUCC) on Thursday, September 30 at 6:00 PM. This book lifts up our deep longing for community as a connection point for all people. Birdsong, an activist and organizer, points us toward radical expressions of community as a source of our liberation. We will meet on UUCC's Zoom, and all are welcome. Sign up here.
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We hold in our hearts Bob & Ann Teese. Bob underwent emergency heart surgery last week. Our caring cuisine angels are providing meal support. Cards are also appreciated.
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 us at 585-270-0851 or click on the link below.
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Other News and Calls to Action |
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Welcome new RE staff!
Our Religious Education Staff Team begins again in the love of our ministry serving this congregation's children, youth, and families! We have added some new leaders! Reach out just to say hi or come join the fun!
Kelly Lund, Early Childhood Coordinator
Hope Worthington, 8th Grade Group Leader
Michele Petronio, Early Childhood Assistant
Wayne Holt, Coming of Age Assistant (also serving the church as Lead Sexton)
sexton@rochesterunitarian.org
Emma Hale, Jr. Youth Ministry Coordinator (6th-8th) and Religious Education Administrator
Sheila Schuh, Director of Religious Education (Including Coming of Age, K-5th, & staff leadership; development & management of all programs)
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Unirondack - October 2-3
For many years, this has been a weekend at Unirondack, the Unitarian-Universalist camp in the Adirondacks; a great end of summer opportunity to get to know families at First Unitarian – from the youngest babes in arms to the oldest grandparents. We hoped to go back this Fall but then the Delta variant surfaced! Since we can’t go there, we’ve decided to bring a piece of our annual gathering home to us! Come and spend an evening (or all night!) to share some time, space, food, and fun. Unirondack at Home also welcomes all who are new to our church! Together we’ll create a safe space where we can capture some of the Unirondack magic here at home. It is a great opportunity to have fun, get to know others and become familiar with the 8 UU principles. Times are Saturday, October 2, 3:30 – 9:00 PM, and for those tent camping overnight, we’ll have a light breakfast before departing at 9:00 AM. Join in the fall fun at home! Register and learn more here. Photo credit: Ira Srole.
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Sales of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives are soaring as more people seek plant-based options to reduce their carbon footprint. Have you been thinking about cutting back on meat and dairy products? We have a few tips to help you start! Thank you for helping our planet heal. Remember to Reduce, Reuse, Re-purpose & Recycle!
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