Due to COVID precautions, First Universalist will be worshipping online as well as outdoors and in-person. September 12th, we worship at the Genesee Valley Park at the Riverbend Shelter, just as we have done this past summer. But what about the Sundays after that? First Universalist is exploring options for worshiping outdoors at First Unitarian on their campus. What could this look like?
Drop-In Discussions are virtual! We meet 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 on the title of this blurb!
Weekly Midweek Meditation sessions are starting back up beginning Wednesday, September 8 at 11:30am! Look on the
First Universalist homepage for details and a link!
Change of Plans for Sunday, September 12
Your COVID Task Force thanks everyone who participated in the Board Listening Session about our plans for our annual return service on September 12. The sentiment expressed by the majority of participants are consistent with recommendations from the UUA and evidence of very high COVID transmission rates in Monroe County. With heavy hearts the Task Force is recommending that the congregation not return to our beloved building on Sept. 12. Instead, we have recommended that we gather on Sept. 12 at our reserved pavilion at Genesee Valley Park. Until the transmission rates fall substantially in our area, our church building will be a mandatory mask wearing space and will not be available for small group use. The COVID virus is asking us to be patient a while longer. The Task Force will be in touch with more info as it is available.
Please join Rev. Lane Campbell at a Zoom event on Wednesday, September 15 at 7pm for a church-wide strategic and formative conversation about First Universalist's next moves towards racial justice. Where have we been? What do you need? Where are we going? This will be a time of appreciative inquiry, discernment, and honesty about what we would like to see happen with our shared efforts to address racial injustice.
Sept 19 | Unveiling Ceremony- The International Plaza
The Ibero-American Action League, the Ibero-American Development Corporation and the City of Rochester will be having a Commemorative Bricks Unveiling Ceremony at The International Plaza, located at 828 N. Clinton Ave. on Sunday, September 19 at 2pm featuring engraved bricks of loved ones, community leaders, small businesses and various organizations. The commemorative wall was a fundraiser to complete the exterior of a maintenance and restroom facility at the plaza, installation of an artpiece designed by a local artist for the plaza, as well as a donation to St. Michael's Church across the street to complete minor repairs.
Jacob Santos made a donation to have First Universalist Church featured on the commemorative wall. A group of people from our church plan to attend. Off street parking is available on Sullivan Street (off N. Clinton Ave). A lot of people plan to attend so come early to find a spot!
Sept. 26 | Book Group Update: We Are Back!
The book group is starting up again. How we have missed you all!
A few of us have decided that for September 26th we will have a discussion about the historical novel "The Island of Sea Women" by Lisa See. The novel takes us on an adventure to South Korea and contains all the elements of page-turning good fiction. This book is hard to put down. Perfect for the waning days of summer. During our hour together it would be great if we could pick out some titles for the church calendar year. If you have read a good book lately, please share it with us!
We plan to meet the last Sunday of each month at 12 noon via Zoom. The next meeting is scheduled for September 26. By the way, did I mention that you do not have to have read the book to join? ALL are welcome! If you have any questions please email Book@uuroc.org.
Want to Help Create Our New Church Banner?
The Communications Committee is offering an opportunity for a couple of craftspersons in the congregation to create a new banner that reflects our church in the here and now. If you would like to work with the Committee to design and create our official banner, please contact Emma at office@uuroc.org. All materials for the banner project will be reimbursed. We are hoping that First Universalist’s new banner to be “unveiled” at the 2022 annual meeting and join the display for the 2022 General Assembly.
