This Week at First Universalist

Join us this Sunday

January 21, 2018

10:30 am Morning Service: Nevertheless We Persist . “Nevertheless, she persisted.” Damning words spoken recently by a conservative senator to a liberal colleague. I take them, not as an insult, but as a mandate. Theodore Parker tried to bend the “moral arc of the universe,” as did Susan B. Anthony and Martin Luther King, Jr. They all persisted. What can we learn from this prophetic trinity?

- The Rev. Richard S. Gilbert

Drop-In Discussion - January 21: Life’s Long Haul . Shirley Bond will review and lead a discussion of The Long Haul by Finn Murphy, a biography about life on the road of a long-haul truck driver. Much to his parent's chagrin, the author dropped out of college and worked his way up in the trucking business until he eventually owned his own truck and business. Do you ever wonder how your life would have turned out if you had made a different career choice or other life choice?

Upcoming Events

Train for RAIHN

Four times a year, temporarily homeless families stay at First Universalist for a week. We provide a safe haven and tasty meals. To join the volunteers who make this happen, attend one of these orientation sessions which cover how RAIHN works, why it's needed, who are the families we serve, and what you need to know to volunteer.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018, 6:30 pm - United Church of Christ (UCC) Webster, 570 Klem Rd., in Webster and Tuesday, February 6, 2018, 6:30 pm - St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2000 Highland Ave., Rochester.

RSVP to Jen Canning, coordinator@raihn.org or 506-9050. Questions? Ask Chris DeGolyer, Marti Eggers, or Sarah Singal after the Sunday service.

* Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network: Keeping Families Together, Bringing Families Home

Healing the Great Divides

An opportunity to build bridges that cross political and social divides, working with the pain that today’s divisions cause in ourselves, our families and our country, and learning ways to connect to people whose values and feelings differ.

Saturday, January 20, 2:00-5:00 pm at Greece Baptist Church

Our country is being torn apart by our political, racial, class, and religious differences. Let's come together across our differences and learn how to be division-healers and bridge-builders in our families, at our workplaces, and the world.

On January 20th, we will ...

Work with the pain that today's divisions cause in ourselves, our families, and our country.

Explore the experiences, feelings, and values that give rise to our positions and identities.

Learn ways to connect to people with values and feelings that are different from those we hold dear.

Learn essential skills for turning conflict into connection.

Learn how to embody the inner unity, confidence, and power we need to be active agents of healing.

Create a personal plan for bridging the divides we encounter.

Experience a moving artistic presentation by Thomas Warfield.

This event is FREE and open to one and all.

Please reserve a space at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healing-the-great-divies-tickets-41308755600?aff=eac or email Padme at padmelivingstone@gmail.com.

People of Faith Moving Forward

in an Angry world

GRCC Annual Meeting

with Rev. Dr. Prince Singh keynoting

Monday, January, 22, 4:00-6:00 pm

at Incarnate Word Lutheran Church

GRCC-Faith in Action Network

grcc1@frontiernet.net

(585) 254-2570

facebook.com/grcc.churches

Special Congregational Meeting

Proposed bylaws change

regarding the vote to call a settled Minister

January 28

The board has approved a motion to change the voting process for calling a settled minister. This motion requires congregational approval to be enacted. A special congregational meeting will be held immediately following the January 28th service for this purpose. All members are encouraged to attend.

The current bylaws, Article VIII, Section C-801, state “A minister shall be selected by the Society by a three-fourths majority vote of the qualified members present and voting at a duly called Business Meeting of the Society.” A quorum for such a duly called business meeting is 40 members which is less than 30% of our current membership.

The board proposes a motion to change this section of the bylaws to read "A minister shall be selected by the Society by a 90% majority vote of the qualified members present and voting at a duly called Business Meeting for which a quorum shall be designated as 40% of the Society's members."

The purpose for this change is to reflect a higher degree of congregational support for calling a new settled minister.

Book Group

January 28th's selection is " A World Lit By Fire " by William Manchester. This historical non-fiction book was highly recommended and is being enjoyed by the group.

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.

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)

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 on 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 .

UU & You

An introduction to our church is held the first Sunday of every month in the choir room (room 25, second floor) at noon. 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.

Thursday Lunchtime Concerts

Eastman at Washington Square. These concerts are held every Thursday from 12:15 pm to approximately 12:45 pm. Brown bag lunches are welcome during the performances, and admission is free. 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 need 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

Service Auction 2018 is coming. It’s on February 4th right after the church service! Donations are being accepted right now, via hard copy at church, or on the website at uuroc.org . Donations must be received by Wednesday, January 24th to be included in the auction booklet.

Wondering what to donate? Services, social events, food, and unique items are big sellers…. the service auction isn’t a good place for “garage sale” donations. If you have questions about potential donation items, please contact Paula Marchese at pmarchese@rochester.rr.com . And be sure to stay for the auction on February 4th!

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Remembrance Quilt Project

The Remembrance Quilt Project highlights the loss of life by gun violence, with an invitation to contribute a block of fabric to the quilt.

This is an invitation to submit to the Remembrance Quilt Project that highlights those that have been lost due to gun violence committed either by homicide or suicide.

How: Contribute an article of clothing to represent the family or friend whos life has been taken by a gun.(ex. Including but not limited to a portion of fabric from a favorite shirt, pictures on fabric, words of inspiration, etc.)

When: Starting November 21 - March 31, 2018.

Measurement: Limited ot 16x16 block per person represented. This will be included in the creation of the Remembrance Quilt.

Location: United Christian Ministry 121 N. Fitzhugh St. Rochester, NY 14614-Third Floor.

Purpose: A public exhibit is to bring awareness to the impact that gun violence is an epidemic in our community.

Contact: Lentory Johnson (585) 749-3494 chairperson of The Light the Way Committee.

* All articles are non-returnable and will remain as a collection of the Remembrance Quilt Project.

Remembrance Quilt Project highlighting the loss of life by gun violence, with an invitation to contribute a block of fabric to the quilt.

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 Until further notice the blue recycle tote will remain inside the building. 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.