This Week at First Universalist
November 9, 2015
This Week's Service
Of Freebies and Freedoms. Last year, a bizarre musical controversy involving the band U2 caught the world’s attention. It prompted me to reflect on our UU 7 Principles, and some of the creative tensions among them. Reverend Celie Katovitch

Drop-in Discussion:  What is Neo-Liberalism?  Phil Ebersole will make a presentation about this influential  way of thinking.
Upcoming Events
Compassion Meditation Group
This Wednesday at 5pm in the Sanctuary.

This informal exploration of compassion through meditation and other UU spiritual practices will be held for three Wednesdays leading up to the holidays - Nov. 11, Nov. 18, & Nov. 25, at 5:00 in the Sanctuary.  No RSVP required, but you are welcome to e-mail Rev. Celie to let her know you'll be coming ([email protected]).  No prior meditation experience required. 
Cozy Night Supper
“Share the Wonder” at our Friday, November 27th COZY NIGHT SUPPER.  This program, from 5:30 to 7:30, is the beginning of our exploration of the Unitarian Universalist sources.   Consider adding this to your Thanksgiving weekend plans and let us know of your ability to attend by signing up at the Membership Table after the service or contacting Kathy Russell [email protected] so we can plan appropriately.  Child-friendly activities exploring this source will be arranged if requested one week in advance.  And for those who like to plan ahead… Future Cozy Friday Night Supper dates exploring other sources are January 15th, February 26th and March 18th.  
Book Club
Join us on Sunday, November 29th at 12 noon in the Adult Lounge to discuss the book The Age of Miracles, by Karen Thompson Walker.  All are welcome!  See or e-mail Sarah Singal ([email protected]) or Shirley Bond ([email protected]).
Additional Announcements
NEW TO FIRST UNIVERSALIST?  On Sunday, November 22, plan to join Reverend Celie and folks from the Membership Committee to view and discuss a video presentation about the First Universalist Church.  We’ll meet in the second floor Adult Lounge from 11:45 - 12:15.  If you will need child care, please let Nancy Gaede (flower50@frontiernet) know by November 15.  We look forward to getting to know you better.

T HE HOLIDAY SHOPPE  is almost here!  We are seeking donations of new gift items to sell.... we welcome crafts,  "re-gifts,"   baked goods,  and any gift items which can be sold for under $20.  No "garage sale" items,  please.  Contact Paula Marchese at  [email protected]  for more information.

THANKSGIVING SERVICE:  This year's Rochester Union Thanksgiving Service  will be held at at Temple Sinai, 363 Penfield Road, at 11:00 on Thanksgiving Day. Rev. Celie will preach the sermon. The service is a tradition dating back more than 140 years, and is the longest-running interfaith collaboration of its kind in the country.

HAVE YOU NOTICED OUR NEW NAME TAGS?  The Membership Committee is in the process of replacing the badge holders on a string with ones that clip on.  The beautiful calligraphy on the tags is being done by Joy Lecesse and Kitty Forbush.  We will be removing the old name tags from the holder during November.  If you have not received your new one yet, please add your name to the “Make me a new name tag” list that is on the Greeter Table in the Clara Barton Lounge.  If you’d like to keep your old one, please take it home with you.  Thank you.

ANNUAL TREASURER'S REPORT:   Is our church spending wisely?  Are we fiscally healthy?  How are we doing with our social justice plate offerings?   Answers to these and other questions can be found in the Annual Treasurer's Report!  Copies are now available in the Clara Barton lounge,  or can be obtained electronically from finance chair Ann Rhody at [email protected] .

"I'M NOT RACIST... AM I?"  http://www.notracistmovie.com/  The Rochester Religious Society of Friends ( Quakers ) are hosting a screening on November 15 at 1:30-4:30pm at 84 Scio Street.  No charge.  RSVP e-mail to [email protected] .  In addition, Downtown United Presbyterian Church and MetroJustice are hosting a screening on Monday, November 23rd, 6:30pm-8:45pm. at 121 North Fitzhugh Street. Free will donation to support the project. RSVP (text or voicemail), (585)469-8249 or [email protected] .  Immediately following the documentary film is a facilitated workshop/conversation on race.  Because the film and conversation address sensitive issues and language both screenings are suggested for teens and adults

This Week's Calendar of Events
Wednesday, November 11
  • Communications Committee, Volunteer Office, 1:30 pm
  • Compassion Meditation Group, Sanctuary, 5 pm
  • Board Meeting, Adult Lounge, 7 pm
Thursday,  November 12
  • Announcement Deadline, noon
  • "This Week at First Universalist" e-Newsletter Deadline, noon
  • Eastman Lunchtime Concert Series, Sanctuary, 12:15 pm

Saturday, November 14 

  • SNYP AA, Clara Barton Lounge and Adult Lounge (rental), 8 pm 
Sunday,  November 15
  • Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room, 9 am
  • Drop-In Discussion, Adult Lounge, 9:15 am
  • Sunday Service, Sanctuary, 10:30 am
  • Coffee Hour, Clara Barton Lounge, 11:45 am
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