Weekly Connections Newsletter |
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WINTER SOLSTICE OUTDOORS
Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 7 PM
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Join us for our outdoor celebration of the longest night of the year. Together, we’ll chant, dance, howl, and burn away the baggage that’s holding us back from rekindling joy. All are welcome at this turning of the wheel of the year (this is a great service to invite friends!), but reservations and masks are required. Please note that we’ll be on our feet for this whole service (ca. 30 minutes), but some chairs will be available.
Tuesday, December 21 at 7:00 PM!
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CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
In-person and online
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Being held both in-person (kindly RSVP) and online.
For families with young children
Rock and Roll with Orange Sky
Traditional Candlelight Service
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Worship Service this Sunday
December 19, 2021 at 10 AM
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Worship Service at 10:00 AM online ONLY
Turning Inward for Quiet Reflection on the Gifts of the Season
Incorporating faith traditions that have quiet, contemplative practices as the center of their spirituality, this service, led by First Unitarian’s Buddhist Fellowship, will include readings, reflections, poems and meditations as we welcome the changing of the seasons.
Conversation & Connection Online at 11:00 AM
Stick around after the service to meet and greet old and new friends, and some folx from our 2 Greater Good organizations.
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Use the link above to join us Sunday mornings. Not internet?
Just call 646-876-9923, meeting ID 585-271-9070.
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The Greater Good continues -
through January 6, 2022!
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Youth, adults, community partners, first-timers and longtime Greater Good practitioners came together in an online celebration of nourishing roots/routes to joy! So far, we have raised almost $20,000 to be split between Keeping Our Promise and Friends of Ganondagan, and this is just the beginning. You have until January 6th to contribute to this project, so consider cutting back on the things that don’t bring you joy or asking for a contribution from others in lieu of a gift and make the Greater Good part of your holiday traditions. The Gomes Family can show you how it’s done or click here for other ways to give. You can pick up cards at the front door of the church or download them here to let people know that a donation has been made in their honor.
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Elder Tree Online
Saturday, December 18 at 10 AM
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This Saturday we will discuss our holiday traditions and memories, how these traditions and activities have changed over the years, and how we feel about this. Bring your stories and join us at 10:00 AM. Note: The next Elder Tree will occur on January 8, 2022.
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Cafe Veritas Concert
Saturday, January 8 at 7:30 PM
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Come join us for wonderful music, camaraderie and our traditional Local Songwriters in the Round concert, featuring hometown favorites Connie Deming, Maria Gillard, and Scott Regan.
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Transcendentalism: Then and Now Begins January 9! |
Join us for a 4-part adult religious education class titled: Transcendentalism: Then and Now, led by Rev. John Buehrens*. Hosted virtually at First Unitarian Rochester, and co-sponsored by several UU congregations across New York State. Sundays: January 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2022, 7:00 - 8:30 PM.
*Rev. Buehrens will also be our guest preacher on Sunday, January 9!
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With heavy hearts we share the recent passing of 2 beloved church members. Danette Johnson died in early December and our condolences and prayers are with her family and friends. Marty Erway, beloved spouse of Barbara Bissell-Erway, died on December 7. May we hold all who are grieving loss in our hearts.
“To live in hearts that love is not to die.”
We're Here For You
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 our Pastoral Care Coordinator, Shannan, at 585-270-0851 or click on the link below.
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Other News and Calls to Action |
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Environmental Justice Ministry Green Tip
Our EJM invites us to step back from the list of holiday to-do's and relax in the beautiful images of Nature. Visit and enjoy this collection. The floating otters offer us lessons in relaxation! We wish you a happy holiday season & a more peaceful 2022.
Remember to Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle.
Newsletter Update
Please note that the next week's newsletter will cover events for 2 weeks instead of the usual one week. After December 23 newsletter, the next newsletter will go out on January 6, 2022.
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