This Week at First Universalist

Join us this Sunday

January 14, 2018

10:30 am Morning Service: Freedom of Religion . We gather together on this first Sunday of the new year to look both backward and forward, to let go and commit, and to align ourselves with the forces that create, uphold, and renew life.

- The Reverend Peggy Meeker

Drop-In Discussion: January 14, Oneness. All of us have grown up in a culture of "othering"- claiming value because we are not part of an "inferior" group (like people of color, immigrants, women, poor people, gays, etc.). The powerful story of heaven and hell suggests that God believes in othering. Now, as we try to figure out global problems like climate change, we need a new story. We must recognize and act out our Oneness. Hank Stone will facilitate.

UU and You: 12 pm . An Introduction to our Church - held the first Sunday of every month in the Choir Room (room 25, second floor) at 12:00 pm. Join us for an informal informational gathering especially designed for visitors and friends who want to know more about us and our liberal religious movement. This roughly 45 minute get-together offers attendees an opportunity to get to know one another and this congregation better, and includes a quick overview of Unitarian Universalist history and principles. For questions contact Peter Perine at pwperine@gmail.com .

Upcoming Events

Our Minister

Rev. Peggy Meeker is recovery very nicely from her surgery and is back on duty.

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Luuunch Buuunch

The Luunch Buunch, our informal gathering of folks from The First Universalist Church, will meet on January 07, 2018 at Pita in College Town at 12:20 pm. Everyone is welcome! Please contact Joyce Gilbert at JTGilbert@frontiernet.net , with any questions.

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RAIHN

This week from January 7th through the 14th we will turn our church into a home for temporarily homeless families by converting our classrooms into bedrooms, cooking meals, staying overnight, washing bedding, and providing other help. To join our volunteer team, sign up in the lounge after church on Sunday, or contact Chris DeGolyer at chrisdeg@frontiernet.net. If you are interested in being a RAIHN volunteer, please contact Jen Canning at coordinator@raihn.org . Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network: keeping families together. Getting families home for good.

Cozy Night Supper

Our next Cozy Night Supper will be Friday, February 2nd. This dinner, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm, will feature the Empty Bowls Project , a focus on hunger in our community. A simple supper, including a vegan option, will be provided along with wonderful camaraderie - hopefully including you! You will choose the handmade pottery bowl to use for dinner and for a donation of at least $10 to Foodlink, you will take home your bowl with a full stomach and the knowledge you contributed toward making a difference in our community! A local agency representative will provide a brief program of the local hunger situation. Let us know of your ability to attend by signing up on the Bulletin Board in the hall or by contacting Kathy Russell at krussel6@frontiernet.net .

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Book Group

January 28 ^th ’s selection is “ A World Lit By Fire "

by William Manchester. This book for highly

recommended and is being enjoyed by the

group. It is an historical non-fiction book

and is apparently riveting.

February offers us

" The Reluctant Fundamentalist "

by Soshin Hamid.

March brings us “ La Rosa ”

by Louis Erdrich.

So … Just a reminder that one does not have to have read the book to come to the discussion group. We meet upstairs in the Chalice Room at noon on the Sundays indicated. For any questions please contact;

Shirley Bond ( bondshirl1@gmail.com )

Sarah Singal ( ssingal@rochester.rr.com )

Goodbye and Thanks ......

Our collector, Bill Jones, will be in Berlin for the first half of 2018. Bill has served the congregation as collector for many, many years, and he is the one who records pledges, deposits funds, and reports income to the treasurer and all donors. A big job! We are grateful that Jim Milch has stepped up to learn the collector’s job, assisted by Karl Abbott and Ann Rhody. Our deep gratitude to Jim, and to Bill for his years of faithful service in this role.

Thursday Lunchtime Concerts

Eastman at Washington Square. The Lunchtime concert will be January 11, 2018. The concerts will begin at 12:15 pm and end at approximately 12:45 pm. Brown bag lunches are welcome during the performances, and admission is free. See you in the New Year! For more information visit www.esm.rochester.edu/community/events/lunchtime .

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Transport the Homeless

Would you like to drive homeless folks to--and/or--from appointments? REACH Home (102 North Union St, Rochester) staff and social workers set it all up, but needs drivers. You are not required to stay, just drop people off, or pick them up. Times and destinations vary, but offer your own schedule to make things smoother. If you'd like to volunteer as a driver, contact Jeannie Gloss: d.gloss@frontiernet.net or (585) 342-4605. Many thanks!

Service Auction

It's Coming: Auction 2018! Our annual service auction is scheduled for Sunday, February 4, 2018, after the morning service. Donation forms will be available on the church's website in early January 2018. Start dreaming of what you can bring to the auction table! Be part of the fun by donating a service, item, or experience, by volunteering to help, and of course, by attending the auction and participating! Contact

Paula Marchese at pmarchese@rochester.rr.com for more information.

Service Auction 2018 Form https://uuroc.wufoo.com/forms/zu0y30212sb7y1 .

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Blue Recycle Tote

The church is looking for help moving the large blue recycle bin to the sidewalk on Monday afternoons, for pick up early Tuesday mornings. It helps to live or work near by. We have some people that take a month at a time, and it would be wonderful to add some more. Please see Sarah Singal or email her at ssingla@rochester.rr.com Thanks in advance!

Additional Announcements

LGBTQ+ Caregivers

Lifespan of Greater Rochester is teaming up with the Out Alliance (formerly the Gay Alliance) to offer an educational series called “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” at the Out Alliance specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals caring for a partner, friend, or family member and allies who are caring for LGBTQ+ individuals with a chronic illness. Classes will be held six consecutive Tuesdays starting January 23rd and ending February 27th, from 5:30 to 7 pm. Call Mara at 585-244-8400, x239, or email mkouides@lifespanrochester.org to register.