Join us this Sunday
10:30 a.m. Service:  Into the Coracle (Easter Sunday). We ponder the enduring mystery of rising to new life. Rev. Celie Katovitch.

9:15 a.m. Drop-in Discussion:  Open Forum Discussion. No set topic
Upcoming Events
Mindfulness & Meditation
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Saturday, April 15 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.  Learn how Mindfulness and Meditation can improve your inner vision, reduce stress, increase calmness, and equip you with skills for coping with the challenges of everyday life in these turbulent times. Learn, practice, and master the wisdom of the sages without a PhD in Neuroscience and Buddhism, right in the comfort of our little Downtown Gem. Don’t miss out! Sign up now on the bulletin board in the Clara Barton Lounge. Coffee, conversation, meditation: partners on the path.

Free. Donations to First Universalist Church happily accepted but not required.  Email Joy Leccese at  [email protected] if you have questions. 
Caravan to EcoPark - April 15

Celebrate Earth Day early on April 15. Collect items that you cannot recycle curbside and pile them in your car. Meet in lower parking lot of First Unitarian, 220 Winton Rd., at 10am and follow the cars to ecopark. Once you've been there it will be easier to come again and again. Check the site for what you can and can't bring. Monroecounty.gov/ecopark.

Questions? Contact Sarah Singal at [email protected]. 
Donations Needed! (extended until April 30)

Homeless shelter, House of Mercy, has opened its new, permanent location at 285 Ormond Street. Their residents are in need... kindly donate SCRUBS or SWEATS ~ new or gently used; any size. We will collect them in a box in Clara Barton Lounge ~ by April 30th. Volunteers from our Homelessness Task Force will deliver them to the Ormond St shelter. The generosity of this wonderful church is so greatly appreciated. 
~Lois Baum, HTF Chair,  [email protected].
Additional Announcements

SOCIAL JUSTICE PLATE: In honor of Earth Month, the Rochester People’s Climate Coalition (RPCC) has been chosen for the April 16th Social Justice Plate Offering. Founded in 2014, RPCC is an active non-profit, non-salaried alliance of over 100 local organizations, including business, faith, social justice, labor and environmental groups. Your donation will provide critical support for Rochester’s efforts to arrest climate change, and is deeply appreciated!    

REV. CELIE EXTENDED OFFICE HOURS: Over the next three months, I will be offering extended community office hours at differing locations and times, in addition to my usual office hours at Java’s. This month's will take place on Tuesday, April 18th, from 2-4 at Stir Coffee in Irondequoit. It is okay to come with something in particular that is on your mind, or just to talk without any specific agenda. Please know that I am available to meet one-on-one well. 

REMEMBERING JIM ECKBERG: A memorial service and celebration of the life of Jim Eckberg will be held Saturday, April 22nd, at 1 PM in the First Universalist Sanctuary. A reception will follow. Jim was a beloved friend of the church, and we send light and prayers to his wife Eunice at this difficult time. 

BOOK GROUP: The book selection for April is The Enchanted by Rene Denfeld. Please join us on April 30th at 12 noon in the sChalice Room on the second floor.  You don't have to have read the book, hopefully our stimulating conversation will inspire you to do so! Contact Sarah Singal ([email protected]) or Shirley Bond ([email protected]) with questions.

FLOWER COMMUNION: This year, our beloved UU ritual of Flower Communion will take place on Sunday, June 4th. The same Sunday, there will also be an opportunity for a Child Dedication. Dedication is a beautiful UU ritual of blessing that welcomes children into the life of the congregation. If you would like your child to participate, please let Rev. Celie know ([email protected]) by May 21st.

UUA GENERAL ASSEMBLY: The UUA General Assembly will be held in New Orleans this year from June 21st ‒ 25th. Details are on the UUA website at www.uua.org/ga/program/schedule. Everyone who has gone raves about what a wonderful experience it is. If you are interested in attending, please speak with Shirley Bond and she will answer your questions or point you in the right direction.

To submit an item for "This Week at First Universalist", e-mail  [email protected] no later than Thursday at noon.  
Staff:

Rev. Celie Katovitch, Minister

Rev. Michelle Yates, Director of Life Span Faith Development

Stacey Yang, Director of Music

Melissa Davies, Office Administrator
150 S. Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY 14604 | (585) 546-2826 | [email protected]