This Week at First Universalist

Join us next Sunday

December 23, 2018

9:15 am Drop In Discussion: December 23 | Campaigning for Liberals

in a Conservative District.

What's it like going door to door for liberal candidates in the very conservative hometown that you love? Janus Mary will relate her campaigning experiences and lead a discussion on why this was worth doing, and why it brought her closer to her community.

-- Janus Mary Jones

10:30 am Morning Service: December 23 | The Light of Expansive Love. The longest day of the year, winter solstice falls around December 21. We will gather to tell stories of light and hope, stories of the sun’s return. Join in this service for the whole church that invites us to know love through light, to know hope in the longest day of the year.

-- Rev. Lane Campbell

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, December 19 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Spirit in Practice: Faith Development Program:

On December 19, in the Clara Barton Lounge, we will learn a UU-friendly Prayer Bead practice (from Nov), and share a communal worship practice. Email Rev. Michelle at [email protected] if you plan to attend or have questions. Walk-ins are also welcome!

Monday, December 24 | 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Christmas Eve Service: Following Yonder Star.

An old story, the story of the three wise men, told in a new way – through the eyes of their spouses. We will sing the carols of the season and take part in a no-rehearsal Christmas pageant. Come celebrate Christmas in contemplation, joy, and candlelight.

Christmas Eve Cookies: If you are planning on attending the Christmas Eve Service, please consider bringing a dozen or so of your favorite homemade or store-bought Christmas Cookies to share with punch after the service. Please contact Tom Williams thru [email protected].

Friday, December 28 | 5:30-7:30 PM

Cozy Night Supper

Mark your calendars for a relaxing post-holiday potluck Cozy Night Supper December 28th from 5:30-7:30. Bring your favorite dish, any leftover cookies and your memories of holidays past. Sign up on the bulletin board or let [email protected] know of your attendance. Families welcome!

Sunday, December 30 | 12:00 Noon

Book Group

The book group selection for December 30th is The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande. We meet in the Chalice Room. Didn't read the book? No problem. Questions? Contact Shirley Bond thru [email protected].

Sunday, January 6 | After the Sunday Service

An Invitation for Visitors

If you’re a First Universalist visitor and interested in learning more about our church and its Unitarian Universalist traditions, join us for a brief orientation session called UU and You . Meet us in the sanctuary after the service on January 6; if you plan to attend, please email [email protected] .

RAIHN Week - January 20-27

During RAIHN* Week we will turn our church into a home for temporarily homeless families. We'll convert our classrooms into bedrooms, cook meals, stay overnight, and provide other help. To join our volunteer team, sign up in the lounge after church on Sundays, or contact Chris DeGolyer, thru [email protected] with questions. If you'd like to learn more before volunteering, we have opportunities to "shadow" experienced volunteers.

*RAIHN=Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network

Sunday, February 3 | Noon

Service Auction

The clock is ticking --- and the Service Auction is coming! The big fund-raising event is Sunday, February 3, 2019 after the church service, but NOW is the time to plan! Think about what you might like to donate to the auction --- perhaps a dinner, service, or unique item. (Please remember that the auction is not the place for garage sale or Goodwill items). Donation forms, both hard copy and online, will be available by early January, and there are lots of volunteer opportunities. Contact Service Auction chairs Paula Marchese or Katherine Flynn thru [email protected] with questions.

Additional Announcements

THE LITTLE LIBRARY : Our Little Library, located in front of our church just off the Clinton Avenue sidewalk, is almost empty. It's not uncommon to see a passer-by browsing through a book that's been made available there. If you have a few books you'd like to donate, please place them directly into the Little Library.

CHURCH INVESTMENT REPORT AVAILABLE: The Finance Committee recently met with our financial advisor, Bob Reeves of Geovest. If you are interested in knowing more about how our endowment is invested, a copy of the report is available upon request. Contact Finance Chair Ann Rhody thru [email protected] for details.