How much are our life choices shaped by circumstances? How much by our will and how much by our environment? How much by conscious choice and how much by unconscious motive? Does it matter what we think about these matters? Phil Ebersole will facilitate a discussion of these questions. 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 description!
The next Midweek Meditation is August 25 at 11:30am. Look on the First Universalist homepage for details and a link!
Medical Aid in Dying
Interested in participating in a local legislative visit re: Medical Aid in Dying? I am seeking constituents of Senator Samra Brouk’s (55th NYS District) who support End of Life Options and would like your voice heard, encouraging Senator Brouk’s support of the two identical bills that are currently in the state legislature. These bills offer compassion to those who otherwise would suffer through the painful ordeal when having a terminal illness. A visit to Senator Brouk’s local office has been scheduled for Monday, August 9 at 2pm. Her office is conveniently located at 274 N. Goodman St. If interested in this opportunity of participating in an ‘in person’ visit on this issue, please contact Carole Hoffman.
Open House at the Western NY Rural & Migrant Ministry Center
On August 13 from 4:30-7:30pm, Rural & Migrant Ministry is hosting an Open House on its Liturgia campus, 7 Phelps Street, Lyons, NY 14489. This coincides with the last day of summer camp for the children of farmworkers. You’ll be able to enjoy music, art produced by the campers, theater by the Teen JOY group, displays of the good work accomplished by RMM, and good food. The event is family-friendly—bring the kids and grandkids!
Want to carpool? Connie Valk will coordinate. Email
FIAC@UUROC.com by August 10. So that RMM can plan for food, we ask that you please register for this event
HERE.
A Challenge Grant for Summer 2021
Once again First Universalist is blessed with an anonymous donor of $2,500 with our part being to match the funds. This year F.I.R.E. has been designated as the recipient (with the charge of raising the additional $2,500.) The Civil Right Heritage Site continues to be our focus. You will be hearing about opportunities to re-invest in the Black Community Focus Fund over the summer months. The timing couldn't be better; the story-telling project will be carried out by students this summer, along with technical enhancements to bring the stories alive. Participation in this excavation of history, and eventual development of the Heritage Site, will increase our community's awareness of the deep activist roots that have given rise to a community still dedicated to the work of creating an equitable society. Please take time to donate as you can so we can honor this funding opportunity with success by summer's end (September 1). Additionally, there may be an opportunity to match our donation with a NYState Grant.
To donate on-line, go to
uuroc.org and click on donate on the top menu. After you put in your generous amount, please indicate "Summer Challenge FIRE" so it goes into the right pot. You can also simply mail a check to the church and indicate "Summer Challenge FIRE" on the memo line. Many thanks to our anonymous donor and to you for your continuing generosity and support during these challenging times!
