Join us next Sunday

February 5, 2023

10:30am Sunday Service: The Borders and the Beast

Borders are often created around a sense of identity for a place or a location. But what happens when borders take on a mind of their own, when they seek to exclude rather than identify or even welcome in? The walls that are created have so much to say about the people who reside on either side.


Speaker: Rev. Lane-Mairead Campbell


Masking in the First Universalist church building is now optional, please respect any distancing requests by fellow attendees. A mask-required section of the sanctuary is designated for those preferring to stay masked.

Worship Link
Connecting:

Via Zoom:

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

Worship Service Video: 1/29/23

Both Firm and Flexible

with Rev. Lane-Mairead Campbell

Upcoming Events &
Additional Announcements

Tuesday, Jan. 31 | Drop-In Discussion: Magical Thinking

What is it? When is it beneficial and when is it harmful? John Lukes presents. Drop-in Discussions meet via Zoom. 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 in this blurb title!


Feb. 5 | In-Person Drop-In Discussion: Democracy and Ignorance

In our democracy, should the ignorant and uninformed have an equal voice with the educated and well-informed? Facilitated by Phil Ebersole. This will be the topic of our next in-church drop-in discussion, which are held at 9:15am in the Chalice Room on the first Sunday of the month. All are welcome. If you have a topic you'd like discussed or, better still, would be willing to facilitate a discussion, speak to Phil Ebersole.


Feb. 5 | Family Ministry Discussion

Programming for children and families is changing throughout mainstream religions. How do we meet the needs of families for spiritual community in this new world? Join the Children's Faith Development Team from noon to 1:30pm in the Sanctuary and via Zoom to watch a clip from a webinar and discuss what Family Ministry might look like in our church.


Feb. 8 to Mar. 8 | UU Theology Zoom Sessions

You've asked for it, and finally its time has come! What is Unitarian Universalist Theology and what is your Theology as a UU? How does this connect to our covenant and values statements? Join us for five sessions on Zoom, Wednesdays, Feb. 8 to March 8, 10:30am-12noon. To sign up, contact Rev. Michelle Yates at edu@uuroc.org.


Thursday, February 9 | Eastman at Washington Square: Something Old, Something New

Eastman at Washington Square Concerts take place on Thursdays at 12:15 to 12:45pm in our sanctuary. Feb 9 is "Something Old, Something New": Bassoonist Blaire Koerner and pianist Zack Peterson will be returning to Eastman at Washington Square. Don’t miss this much anticipated reprise! Admission is free! 


Feb. 12 | Book Group: "Gravel Heart"

Our book group selection for February is "Gravel Heart" by Abdulrazak Gurnah. The Book Group will meet on February 12 at noon in the Chalice Room. It is a book not to be missed. The author won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2021 for this fascinating read. The author shows us that there is nothing romantic about the immigrant experience. We should have a lively discussion about this novel so please consider joining us. We love piquing interest and we certainly appreciate seeing you there. Any questions? Contact bookgroup@uuroc.org.


Friday, Feb. 24 | Multigenerational Game and Craft Night (with food)!

Let's bring back the potluck and welcome our families with young children to just come and be fed from 6 to 8pm! We are inviting our youth to have "first pick" of games or crafts. Have a game to bring or craft to share? Please sign up with Rev. Michelle at edu@uuroc.org.


Small Group Ministry: Opportunities for Connection

Longing for deeper connection in our church community? Our Small Group Ministry (SGM) groups have openings and welcome you to join one that fits your schedule. Members covenant to share, listen, and build beloved community while exploring topics both thoughtful and light-hearted to achieve greater self-awareness and spiritual growth. Current groups meet in-person or virtually every other Monday or Thursday afternoons, or Wednesday evenings. Find the SGM description on our website (uuroc.org) by clicking on the "Connect" tab, then "Small Group Ministry". Or email Rev. Michelle at SGM@uuroc.org.


EcoJustice

If you missed the drop-in discussion on Climate Solutions and regional strategy, email ecojustice@uuroc.org. You will receive slides and relevant links. Next EcoJustice meeting is February 5, 15 minutes after the end of the service, in the Chalice Room. All are welcome.


From the Caring Committee:

We are so grateful for the support of our beloved community. You have stepped up to give rides and offer food and comfort to our membership throughout the years. And we are always open to new volunteers. Please, consider becoming a member of the Caring Committee. Contact us at caring@uuroc.org!


MOCHA is Back!

It has been heart-warming to see the Clara Barton Lounge all a-buzz after service on Sunday! Coffee hour provides a wonderful opportunity to make connections and grow relationships at First Universalist. Will you help make it happen? Starting in February, your MOCHA team (Kitty, Karl, and Nancy) will need your help. We will serve at coffee hour twice a month. We need YOU to step up and volunteer to help out on the other Sundays. There can be some

flexibility in dates...adjustments can be made as needed. Everything that you will need will be provided, including detailed instructions.

So grab a friend (it does help to have more than one person working) and sign up on the sheet on the refreshment table. It’s easy and fun, and if you did this even once each church year, it would be a wonderful service to our congregation. Unfortunately, if no one is able to help, there will be no coffee hour on that Sunday.

Thanks in advance for your help. If you can help, please contact mocha@uuroc.org.

Your MOCHA team - Kitty, Karl and Nancy


Need a COVID-19 test? 

Need a COVID-19 test or know someone else who does, but can't find one or afford one? Come visit us! We have had a generous donation of COVID-19 tests and we want to help the community. Please email office@uuroc.org to arrange a pickup time! No questions asked!

Joys & Sorrows

Please send your Joys and Sorrows to be read at our Sunday Worship service to JoysandSorrows@uuroc.org.


Note: When you email a joy or sorrow to us, you are giving us permission to read it aloud at our Sunday service and possibly publish it in this weekly email. Thank you!

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. Lane-Mairead Campbell,

Minister

minister@uuroc.org




Rev. Michelle Yates,

Minister of Life Span Faith Development

edu@uuroc.org

(585) 310-2484




Dr. Brock Tjosvold,

Director of Music

music@uuroc.org




Emma Barry,

Office Manager

office@uuroc.org

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150 S. Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 546-2826 | office@uuroc.org
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