This Week at
First Universalist
September 13, 2016
This Week's Service
10:30 a.m. Service: After the Mountain Top. Moments of higher consciousness are sustaining, for many of us, on the road of the spiritual life. They are also--for most of us--relatively rare... and all such moments are not equal. - Rev. Celie Katovitch

9:15 a.m. Drop-in Discussion:  Our Hopeful Predictable Future.  Kevin Kelly, in his book, The Inevitable, says  our future will be different and better than we can imagine.  During the next 30 years, technological forces will revolutionize the way we work, play, learn and communicate with each other.  Bill Elwell will review the book and lead a discussion. 
Upcoming Events
Adult Faith Development Workshop

Beginning this week, From Age-ing to Sage-ing is a 3-session workshop that will be offered twice at two different libraries and is open to the public. Invite your friends, but please rsvp to Rev. Michelle Yates, Director of Life Span Faith Development, at edu@uuroc.org with which library program you will attend, OR call the library directly.

  • Arnett Branch Library- 310 Arnett Blvd., (585) 428-8214.  Mondays, September 12, 19, & 26 from 1:30- 3:30pm

  • Irondequoit Public Library- 1290 Titus Ave., (585) 336-6060. Thursdays, September 15, 22, & 29 from 1:30-3:30pm

Social Justice Task Force

A Social Justice Task Force, appointed by the Board and approved by the congregation, has been created to help discern our role in helping transform the Rochester community into a more just, equitable and peaceful place. The Task Force is seeking to gather input from members and friends of the congregation through a series of focus groups. If you were not able to attend yesterday's focus groups, there is one more chance to be a part of the conversation.  Join us on Sunday,September 18th after Coffee at 12:00 noon in the Chalice Room.

You can also participate by completing an online questionnaire.  Click here to access the questionnaire:  http://www.uuroc.org/sjtf

RAIHN WEEK & TRAINING DATES

October 9-16 will be our last RAIHN Week for 2016. During that week we will provide temporarily homeless families with good food to eat and a safe place to stay at First Universalist Church. If you'd like to help, contact Chris DeGolyer,  chrisdeg@frontiernet.net, Marti Eggers, mceggers@gmail.com, or Sarah Singal, ssingal@rochester.rr.com.  If you would like to learn more before volunteering, ask us about "shadowing" experienced volunteers. 


The last two training sessions for RAIHN Volunteers in 2016 are:

  • Monday, September 19th, 6:30 pm - Temple B'rith Kodesh, 2131 Elmwood Ave., Rochester 
  • Tuesday, October 25th, 6:30 pm - Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4115 Dewey Ave., Rochester.


Additional Announcements

SOCIAL JUSTICE PLATE OFFERING:  Our Committee has selected RAIHN as our September 18th Social Justice Plate collection recipient. The Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network is a group of interfaith communities that provides support for families who are in need of shelter. This help includes a paid staff and a ton of volunteers. The important aspect of this organization is that IT WORKS, and First Universalist is proud to have been involved in RAIHN for many years. Please consider giving as the plate sails by you.  

NEEDED - BRAND NEW WASHCLOTHS AND SOCKS:  Our Homelessness Task Force is collecting washcloths and socks to donate to House of Mercy. Please donate as you are able:

  • Washcloths and/or Socks (NEW only) ~ any size, any color
  • Bring to the Clara Barton Lounge (place in box labeled for this drive)
  • No later than Sunday, September 18th.   Your compassion is greatly appreciated!

WATCH PARTY FOR DEFYING THE NAZIS: THE SHARPS' WAR  Tuesday, September 20th at 9 PM.  The latest documentary from renowned filmmaker Ken Burns is a portrayal of Martha and Waitstill Sharp, whose work with the Unitarian Service Committee helped save the lives of many during World War II. This is a great chance to learn about two modern-day heroes of our faith. The film premiers on PBS Tuesday, September 20th, at 9 PM. Bring your favorite late-night snack and come watch with us in the Clara Barton Lounge! 

BOOK GROUP:  The Book Group will meet on September 25th at noon in the Chalice Room to discuss The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. All are welcome - it is not necessary to have read the book. A look ahead to October's book selection is All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doeer. The library has many copies, but it is a very popular book so request your copy!  Any questions happily answered by Sarah Singal (ssingal@Rochester.ff.com) or Shirl Bond (Bondshirl1@gmail.com).

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY & PANTRY:  Join us on Thursday, September 29th at 12 noon for a Grand Opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony for our Little Free Library.  We are excited to share this new resource with our downtown neighborhood.If you have books or items to share, you may place them in the little library & pantry or bring them to the office. We are also looking for volunteers to help monitor and stock it. Please let Rev. Celie or the office know (office@uuroc.org) if you are interested.  

RACE TO JUSTICE:  Are you compelled by the racial justice conversation? Not sure where to start? We've heard you! Which is why our year long Faith Development program, "Race to Justice," is focused on these issues.  To enhance this initiative, we have the opportunity to participate in "Sacred Conversations" with several area churches.  Check out our bulletin board, website, or contact Rev. Michelle at edu@uuroc.org to learn more. 

To submit an item for "This Week at First Universalist", e-mail office@uuroc.org no later than Thursday at noon.  

This Week's Calendar of Events

Wednesday, September 14

  • Board Meeting, Chalice Room, 7 pm

Thursday, September 15

  • Announcements Deadline for "This Week at First Universalist", noon

Friday, September 16

  • Office Closed

Saturday, September 17

  • Worship Associates Retreat, Chalice Room, 9:30 - 12
  • SNYP AA, Clara Barton Lounge and 2nd Floor Lounge (rental), 8 pm 

Sunday, September 18

  • Drop-In Discussion, Chalice Room, 9:15 am
  • Sunday Service, Sanctuary, 10:30 am
  • Refreshments, Clara Barton Lounge, 11:45
  • Social Justice Focus Group, Chalice Room, 12 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 office@uuroc.org; or call 546-2826.
Minister:   Rev. Celie Katovitch 

Director of Life Span Faith Development:   Michelle Yates 
edu@uuroc.org 
  
Director of Music: Stacey Yang

Office Administrator:  Melissa Davies office@uuroc.org
Contact Us
150 S. Clinton Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 546-2826

Office Hours:  Tuesday-Friday, 9 - 3:15