Elder Tree is pleased to have Emily Jones, a person of many interests and talents, as our speaker this week. Join us on the Zoom link above this Saturday to hear Emily’s story. The following week, May 22, the Legacy Society will offer their second in a series of three presentations. Everyone is always welcome at Elder Tree.

Our Board of Trustees nominees are: Ken Buckle (second term), Barbara Gawinski, and Cathy Reda-Cheplowitz. Also, Gregory North and Anne Perry are renewing their candidacies as Board President and Clerk, respectively. Our Nominating Committee nominees are: Brownlee Field and Jennifer Gaul. There will be an opportunity to meet the candidates after worship on Sunday, May 16 via the Zoom link above. Learn more about each here.

Thinking about Membership? Want to know more about what it means to be a member? Please join us for UU 201 after worship this Sunday May 16th at 11:30am. UU 201 offers the information you need to discern whether you are ready to make the commitment of membership and what joining involves. We will via this Zoom link.. No sign-up needed. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact Shannan Foos

On May 10, the Board of Trustees passed a motion to bring the adoption of the 8th principle to the Annual Meeting on June 6. The motion that will come to the meeting includes relevant history of our congregation and ends with this statement: “The First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY, adopts the Eighth Principle: “We covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.” The full motion can be accessed here. Please join us Wednesday, May 19 at 7:00 PM via Zoom, to learn more and get answers to your questions. Following a brief presentation by Rev. Shari, a Q&A will be facilitated by Board members Jon Horne and Anne Perry.

It’s easy to become so overwhelmed by the tragedies of the day that we no longer feel human. We must find ways to return to our present human experience; becoming a softer and stronger human, again. Diverse and Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM) will hold a Worship and Fundraiser Wednesday, May 19, 2021at 8:30 PM Eastern/ 5:30 PM Pacific. This worship will lift up the DRUUMM community and explore the journey toward our human-ness. All are invited and welcome to experience, return, and give to the DRUUMM BIPOC community. Our DRUUMM Worship & Fundraiser will model our values of intergenerational, multiracial, sacred space. Rev. Mitra Rahnema, Guest Preacher, Joshua Long and Nicole Rumeau, Musical Artists RSVP at here to join the congregation via Zoom or watch our livestream online via Facebook.

The Legacy Society is sponsoring a series of workshops to inform and advise members on issues related to planning for the final stage of life. The video of the first workshop, “Plan Your Own Funeral” is available here. The second of these workshops, on planning your financial legacy such as wills, trusts, and bequests, will take place virtually during the Elder Tree gathering online on Saturday, May 22 at 10:00 AM. The third workshop, on creating a personal legacy with a letter or Ethical Will will take place on June 12. For questions, contact Annie McQuilken, Jan Miller, or Bruce Fredericks at legacysociety@rochesterunitarian.org or call Bruce at 585-233-2857.

Happy 95th Birthday to Jane Davis! Longtime member Jane Davis celebrated her 95th birthday on May 6. She shares that she is doing well, is grateful for the flowers the church sent to her, and she’s always happy to hear from other church members, too.

We’re here for you! Pastoral Care is available through our Pastoral Care phone line 585-270-0851 or email us at caring@rochesterunitarian.org. Everything you share will be held in confidence. 

This week in RE, Jubilee Kids! with Julē and Arnulfo learned about how racism in our current world is related to historical racism in the US.

This coming weekend, if you take a walk through the church garden you might spot our Coming of Age (9th Grade) youth on retreat! This replaces some activities from the annual COA Boston trip! Mark your calendar for our annual youth-lead rites of passage on Sunday, June 13: 5th grade Leap of Faith at 9:30 AM and Coming of Age 10:00 AM online! 

Our parents are in need of some renewal time - for a simple date, to work on a project, take a nap, or see a friend! We would love to provide support for our families by having outdoor activities available for kids and junior youth for a few hours on Friday, May 21st at 5:30-8pm. Please sign up here if you can offer some childcare support. Safety protocols will be in place and RE staff on hand. 

Questions about RE? Email us!

General Assembly is more affordable and accessible than ever this year! Learn the many ways you can join with other UUs across the continent!

The Art of Simple offers simple and creative ideas for going greener at home, some you likely practice regularly and some that may surprise you, like an interesting, artistic way to use common containers, a thrifty & simple way to build your own composter, and the value and how-to of a Food Swap. Remember to Reuse, Reduce, Re-purpose and Recycle!

Have you included the First Unitarian Church of Rochester in your legacy planning?   

Perhaps through a bequest in your will, or as a beneficiary on a retirement account or insurance policy? If so, we want to hear about it! The Legacy Society is updating our records, and we want to be sure to include you in all the fun events we have planned for the coming year. Please let us know, even if you think we already know, by sending an email to legacysociety@rochesterunitarian.org or calling Bruce Fredericks at 585-233-2857. 

The Greater Good Committee Seeks Nominations 

We are seeking members to nominate not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations for next year's Greater Good Gift for 2022. Complete this short form with your recommendations, which will be accepted through May 31. Questions? Email greatergood@rochesterunitarian.org.

The Board of Trustees invites congregants to one of two budget forums to be held ahead of the Annual Congregational Meeting in June. Join us online on Sunday, May 23 at 11:30 AM or Tuesday, May 25 at 7:00 PM, both to be held on the church's main Zoom link.

The Environmental Justice Ministry requests your help in promoting legislation that funds a ‘just transition to a renewable energy economy’ by making polluters pay. If you would consider doing a call or email to NYS legislators in the next few days, please click here. It is vital we get a bill passed this NYS-legislative-session before it ends in mid-June, so we can begin the major changes in the economy that scientists tell us must happen by the end of this decade. Thank you in advance for your help.

220 Winton Road South

Rochester, NY 14610