Join us next Sunday

May 31, 2026

10:30am Sunday Service: Tending the Flame

Our solidarity is practiced here and now, in the place we are planted. And it also lives across a wide expanse of time, including all the ancestors–spiritual and genetic–who struggled for liberation before us and everyone who will tend the flame after we are gone.  


Speaker(s): Rev. Eileen Casey-Campbell (she/her)


Each Sunday, we will have several large-print copies of the order of service available. If you would like one, please ask an usher.

Connecting:

Via Zoom:

Via phone:
Dial 1-646-558-8656,
and enter the
Meeting ID: 131-764-422

Worship Service Video: 5/24/26

Turning the Wheels of Change:

A Story of Solidarity

with Lisa Gwinner (she/her)

Upcoming Events &
Additional Announcements

Tuesday, May 26 | Drop-In Discussion: Empowerment Controversy & Modern “Gadfly” Movement 

You can tell a lot about a family or system by its controversies. The "family secrets" that are frequently sources of gossip and shame, but if we don't learn from them we may be doomed to repeat them. Let's "spill the tea" about these two controversies in the UU family, separated by about 50 years, but I believe closely connected. If you want more details before we meet online, check out "Revisiting the Empowerment Controversy: Black Power and Unitarian Universalism" among other books by one of our former ministers, Mark Morrison-Reed, which are in the church library. Presented by Rev. Michelle Yates.​​ ​​Drop-in Discussions meet via Zoom on Tuesday nights from 6:30-7:30pm. Look on the First Universalist homepage for details and a link, or click the Zoom meeting link in this blurb title!


Thursday, May 28 | Homeless Outreach Team: Free Breakfast Plus Services

The Homeless Outreach Team and First Universalist Church will be hosting a free breakfast for unhoused people (plus clothing and access to representatives from housing agencies, case management, etc.). See Bill Schubmehl or Elizabeth Osta if you would like to volunteer or for additional information!


Sunday, May 31 | Book Club: The Lion Women of Tehran

Join us at noon in the Chalice Room (#23) to discuss "The Lion Women of Tehran" by Marjan Kamali. A coming-of-age story about two girls growing up in mid-20th century Iran who become friends, while facing family disruptions amid political upheaval. A National Bestseller that provides historical context to current events. All are invited to attend – prior reading not required. Order your copy or place a hold at the library now – It is popular and could be on backorder!


Sunday, May 31 | Budget Forum!

In preparation for the Annual Meeting on June 7, we invite anyone who has questions about the proposed 2026-27 budget to participate in a forum following the service on May 31. Printed copies of the budget will be provided for those present. Zoom participants, in addition to viewing the budget on screen, will be able to access the budget via a link that will be shared in the chat.

Proposed Budget Link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nbrtgjjldefym6ylxi2ty/2026-27-Budget-May-31-Forum.pdf?rlkey=g8qnx0pu1ko1j9o5nf8dki2aj&st=or11a55q&dl=0


June Scripture Study

Join Rev. Eileen on four Mondays in June for a deeper dive into stories of creation from religious texts around the world. We'll explore these stories and ask: What makes a creation story? How do sacred scriptures inform our understanding of creation/creativity? What are our modern creation mythologies? We'll meet via Zoom on June 1, 8, 22, and 29 from 6:30-8:00 pm. Please sign up in advance to participate at tinyurl.com/5fbztmu9.


Tuesday, June 2 | Fellowship Club

We invite you all to our newest gathering! No need to RSVP. No expectation to show up every time. No pressure to explain if you are late or leave early. You are always welcome. Come as you are. There is a place for you here. Coffee provided, and feel free to bring other refreshments you like. Show up, socialize, play a board game—or don't! We hope to see you there: first Tuesdays, 12-1:30pm in the Library/Clara Barton Lounge.


Sunday, June 7 | Annual Congregational Meeting!

The annual business meeting of the congregation will be held immediately after Sunday worship on June 7. While only members can vote, everyone interested in the life of First Universalist is warmly invited to attend (and we need as many members as possible to ensure a quorum). 


Agenda items include:

  • Summary of annual reports
  • Elections
  • Adoption of the annual budget
  • Proposal to designate Homelessness and Immigration Issues as our two principal Faith in Action projects for the coming year
  • By-law changes to authorize online voting


The Nominating Committee has submitted the following slate of election candidates:

  • For the Board of Trustees: Kathy Russell & Trish Gallaher
  • For the Nominating Committee: Rachael Baldanza & Grant Fish
  • For the Committee on Ministry: Alex Pita
  • For Board/Congregation President: Michael Scott


To submit an item for 'This Week' at First Universalist
please e-mail it to: office@uuroc.org 
(no later than noon on Wednesday of the week prior to publication)

Staff:



Rev. Eileen Casey-Campbell,

Minister

minister@uuroc.org



Rev. Michelle Yates,

Minister of Lifespan Faith Development

edu@uuroc.org

(716)-208-5891



Dr. Brock Tjosvold,

Director of Music

music@uuroc.org



Mx. Emma Barry,

Office Manager

office@uuroc.org



Justin Wilson,

Congregational Life Coordinator

conglife@uuroc.org

Quick Links:

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150 S. Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604

(585) 546-2826 | office@uuroc.org

 
 

Office Hours

 Tuesday - Friday

9am - 4pm


Building Office Hours

Tuesdays & Thursdays

9am - 4pm


 

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