Weekly Connections
Newsletter
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HAPPENING SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2021 |
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Worship Service at 10:00 AM
Rev. Shari Halliday-Quan, preaching
Conversation and Connection following the service
Connect with friends, old and new. It’s our coffee hour, just held virtually.
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HAPPENING SUNDAY, JULY 11, 2021 |
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Worship Service at 10:00 AM
Rev. Mariela Perez-Simons, preaching
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Conversation and Connection following the service
Connect with friends, old and new. It’s our coffee hour, just held virtually.
UU101 - Introduction to Unitarian Universalism at 11:30 AM
Are you new or newish to First Unitarian? Join us through this Zoom link to learn more about our faith and church . For more information about First Unitarian and our other membership classes contact Shannan Foos.
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Use the Zoom link above for all Worship Services.
No internet? Call 646-876-9923 and enter meeting ID #5852719070.
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IMPORTANT UPDATES FROM REV. SHARI! |
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Happy July, First Unitarian! The precious, gorgeous Rochester summer has begun, and before I take a little break to connect with family and nature, I have a few important updates for our community.
SUMMER ASSIGNMENT: This summer's church assignment asks us to listen deeply! This past very long year of Covid-19 has been an historic global event that has impacted each of us at the small, daily routine scale and possibly also in broad, maybe life-changing ways. Each of us has been impacted differently, and the pandemic is not over yet--we are all living a story where the end is not yet written. Here in the spiritual community, let us begin the theological task (yes, YOU are a theologian) of truth telling, listening, and meaning making within our lives. In July and August, take some time with us to take stock of the past year, to connect with others, and to celebrate resilience.
There are a number of ways you can participate, but the basic idea is this: In a 90 minute session either on Zoom or in person, you will be partnered with another family or in small groups of 3 people or in larger groups of 5-7 people to share some of what pandemic has been like for you. It's not therapy and it's not small talk; it is a chance to get real and connect with others. Here is a journal for all ages to help begin to process this. Sign up to connect as a family or individual in small groups/pairings mid-July through August.
VACATION WEEK: Before we all get to the deep homework of listening to our shy souls and each other, please note that the church will be closed and all staff on vacation from July 5-10. Fun and relaxation are mandatory for paid staff; highly recommended for you.
STAFF UPDATE: Not only will vacation make us feel like new people, we have some great new people on our team! Florence Jessup has started as our new Director of Operations, and Rev. AJ van Tine begins July 13. You’ll have a chance to meet Rev. AJ at the Pride carnival the evening of July 23!
COVID UPDATES: While we are not taking reservations for meetings or small gatherings, we invite you to enjoy our grounds this summer. It’s first-come, first-choose when it comes to spaces, but there’s plenty of room here at 220 Winton S.
We’re looking forward to multi-platform (in-person and online) worship, starting with Homecoming on September 12 and outdoor RE for kids in late August.
Our building remains closed during the summer with a couple of key exceptions, including memorial services and a Summer LEAP program for RSCD students.
SUMMER WORSHIP: This summer, we’ll have a fabulous mix of a worship led by our team, outdoor worship, and field trips to other congregations. Don’t miss the wonderful Rev. Mariela Perez-Simons on July 11 and July 18! As we prepare to do multi-platform worship, there will also be sign-up opportunities to be in-person during August as we experi-learn with multi-platform worship!
PASTORAL CARE: Finally, life, like each of us, contains multitudes. If warm weather doesn’t mean a perfectly sunny life for you, that’s OK! That’s human! Our pastoral care team is here for you if you’re going through a tough time. Email caring@rochesterunitarian.org or call 585-270-0851.
In love and faith,
Rev. Shari
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EVENTS THROUGH JULY 15, 2021 |
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Free, online Guided Meditation Series - Thursdays this summer
Learn to more deeply savor the long days of summer! Come cultivate openness and calm in a group. Eight online (via Zoom) meditation classes will be held Thursdays at 3:00 PM or 5:30 PM on July 1, 8, 22, 29 and August 5, 12, 19, 26. Beginning meditators welcome! Being gently guided to fully embody yourself is such a gift of self-care. Best if you can attend at least 6 of the 8. Select 3 PM or 5:30 PM. Questions or to sign up, email Rev Joy Collins or call/text 585-749-0695.
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PASTORAL SUPPORT - WE'RE HERE FOR YOU |
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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.
A Big Thank You - to the 54 folks who participated in the Fostering LGBTQ+ Intersectional and Inclusive Spaces workshop. Here is one of the many positive comments about the program:
“The presenters and personal anecdotes were very powerful. I learned that each of us has a unique evolving space on the gender spectrum. My understanding and sensitivity were deeply enhanced. The vulnerabilities, subtleties and sensitivities of all people were well examined, furthering my growth and promoting my desire to assist more effectively with inclusion for all. I’m so grateful I was invited to attend and wish that more will have the opportunity to benefit from this education.”
Thanks again to all who attended. We look forward to seeing even more of you all at our next LGBTQ+ offering!
Upcoming Memorial Services
We will be remembering and celebrating the lives of some of our beloved members on the following dates this summer:
Jean France - Saturday, July 24, time TBA
Dick Fitts - Saturday, July 31 at 1:30 PM
Bill Trow - Saturday, July 31 at 3:30 PM
Alison Wilder - Saturday, August 7 at 10:00 AM
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CALLS TO ACTION & OTHER REMINDERS |
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Pride Carnival for all ages - Friday, July 23 at 6:30-8:30 PM on church grounds
Mark your calendars for this intergen (all ages) fun event to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ pride@ Share some time with friends and family through art, music, story, and games that lift up the joy of inclusive love and dignity!
Summer Yard Sale - Volunteers needed!
We’re looking to have an outdoor yard sale this summer, on Saturday, August 14, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, and we need your help! We’ll need planners in July and August, as well as help on the day of the sale. If interested, please contact Carol Anne at cacleary@rochesterunitarian.org.
Black Lives Matter Silent Vigil - Saturdays at Noon
All are invited to participate in these weekly silent vigils, held each Saturday at noon at various locations.
Summer Newsletter Schedule!
As we move into summer, staffing transitions, study leave and the occasional vacation, beginning with this newsletter, we will be sending out the Weekly Connections Newsletter every other week through July. You can always check our Online Events Calendar.
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WAYS TO FURTHER CONNECT / IN CASE YOU MISSED IT |
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Need support? Contact our
Interested in membership?
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Past Worship Services are on our
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220 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14610
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