This Week at First Universalist
May 16, 2016
This Week's Service
Sunday, May 22
10:30 a.m. Service -  The Universalist Home Repair Manual. Our Universalist faith proclaims the good news that we are always whole, held as we are by unconditional love. Yet it also recognizes the parallel truth: that we are also always broken. Rev. Celie Katovitch.

9:15 a.m. Drop-in Discussion - The Trouble With the DemocratsPhil Ebersole will discuss the ideas in Thomas Frank’s new book, Listen, Liberal: What Ever Happened to the Party of the People?.
Upcoming Events
Eastman at Washington Square - Final Concert of the Season this Thursday

Come and enjoy a free lunchtime concert this Thursday at 12:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary.  The final concert of the season features two ECMS Honors Graduates: David Morse, cellist from the studio of Rosemary Elliott and Megan Ormsbee, vocalist from the studio of Jane Gunter-McCoy.

Understanding Homelessness in Our Downtown Neighborhood 

Rev. Celie, the Homelessness Task Force, and the Board invite all members and friends of the congregation to a presentation at noon on Sunday, May 22, in the Sanctuary.  Several local experts will speak with our congregation about the diverse factors influencing homelessness in downtown Rochester.  We encourage all members to attend who are able; the hour may be especially helpful to those with limited prior experience with homelessness beyond RAIHN.  The primary goal of this hour is not to come to decisions or solutions, but simply to take one more step in learning more about this complex topic.  

Adult Religious Education Class

Our Adult Religious Education class continues on Thursday, May 26th from 6-8 PM in the Clara Barton Lounge.  We will watch Part 2 (The Story We Tell) of California Newsreel's 3-part documentary about race in society, science, & history, to be followed by facilitated discussion and conversation.  Teens are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Please RSVP to Michelle Yates ([email protected]).  

The series will conclude with Part 3 on Thursday, June 9th from 6-8 pm.  Childcare available if requested one week in advance.

Additional Announcements

ROC/ACTS EVENT: Sacred Conversations on Race + ACTION Planning Launch Event. Thursday, May 19th, 6:30pm - 8pm at Our Lady of the Americas, 864 East Main Street. Contact Becky Elwell (elwellbecky@gmail, 585-313-2358) if interested in attending with a group from First Universalist. 

BEGINNING MEDITATION PRACTICE  will take place in the rear of the Sanctuary each Wednesday from 5:15 - 6:30pm through May 25th.  All are welcome - no experience necessary.  Please contact Kathy Russell at  [email protected] for more information.

LUUNCH BUUNCH is rescheduled for Sunday, May 29th at 12:30.  All are welcome.  We will meet at the Mt. Hope Diner,1511 Mr. Hope Avenue.  

THE BOOK CLUB meets Sunday, May 29th at noon in the discussion room.  This month's 
selection is "The Garden of Evening Mists" by  Tan Twan Eng.  You do not need to have read the book to join us. Any questions please see Sarah Singal or Shirley Bond.

FLOWER COMMUNION: June 5th is Flower Communion! Bring a flower (or several) to share. Plenty will be provided by the church as well. Come one, come all, to this annual service celebrating the beauty and diversity of our human community.

CALLING ALL MUSICIANS! Our summer services will be starting on June 26th , and music for those services is provided by volunteer musicians.  Could you be one of them?  Even if you have just one piece you’ve always wanted to try to perform, we’ll make a time and place for you to do it, whatever your voice or instrument.  Please contact the summer music coordinator, Ann Rhody at [email protected] for more information.

MOOSEWOOD BUFFET:  The auction item “Moosewood Comes to Rochester” has been rescheduled to October 2nd. Stay tuned!

PATIENT CARE, RIGHTS AND OPTIONS AT THE END OF LIFE:  Sunday, May 22, 1-4 PM @ The Commons at the Harley School.  Dr. Timothy Quill, MD, and David C. Leven, Executive Director of End of Life Choices New York, will explore the array of issues, problems and decisions and relevant laws as people face death themselves and with their loved ones. The program will be moderated by James D’manda, who teaches the hospice course at The Harley School. The speakers will explore advanced directives, palliative care, hospice and various alternatives for a dignified death, including medical aid in dying. After introductions to the issues, there will be a question and answer period. All are welcome. There is no charge.
This Week's Calendar of Events

Wednesday, May 18

  • Beginning Meditation Practice, Sanctuary, 5:15 pm
  • Membership Committee, Volunteer Office, 6:30 pm

Thursday, May 19

  • Deadline for Weekly Announcements, noon 
  • Eastman Lunchtime Concert Series, Sanctuary, 12:15 pm 

Friday, May 20

  • Paper Our Outlook Deadline, noon

Saturday, May 21

  • SNYP AA, Clara Barton Lounge and Second Floor Lounge (rental), 8 pm 

Sunday, May 22

  • Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room, 9 am
  • Drop-In Discussion, Second Floor Lounge, 9:15 am
  • Sunday Service, Sanctuary, 10:30 am
  • Coffee Hour, Clara Barton Lounge, 11:45 am
  • Homelessness Panel, Sanctuary, noon
Thank you for keeping us updated, both when you schedule events and when you need to cancel one!  Please continue to do so.  Send news of your events to [email protected]; or call 546-2826.
STAFF:
Minister:   Rev. Celie Katovitch 
   
Director of Music:   Carol Xiong [email protected] 

Director of Life Span Faith Development:   Michelle Yates 
[email protected] 
  
Office Administrator:  Melissa Davies [email protected]
Contact Us
150 S. Clinton Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 546-2826

Office Hours:   Monday-Friday,  9:30-2:30