ROCMassMob This Sunday! 

Here's a link for you to listen to the Morning Edition interview with Luke Myer, describing the ROC MassMob event; we expect this to be a very exciting Sunday morning here! http://wxxinews.org/post/roc-mass-mob-encourages-interest-church-history

As usual, MOCHA folks will provide refreshments, and all kinds of behind-the-scenes folks are helping prepare for a very festive atmosphere. So don your best bib and tucker and join the fun! We hope to see you all here.

Joy Leccese et al

GIFT: Generously Investing for Tomorrow

It's Stewardship Season!  This year we will ask you to Generously Invest for Tomorrow- to make a GIFT.   

Watch for your stewardship letter, brochure, and pledge card in the mail during mid-March,  and start thinking about how YOU can make a difference in the future of First Universalist Church by investing in our GEM:  UU's Downtown Gem!  

Plan to be in church on Stewardship Sunday, April 6, when we will celebrate our collective generosity with pie and lots of fun.

Book Club 

The Book Club meets in the Adult Lounge on the last Sunday of each month during the church year. The next meeting will meet March 30th at 12:15. The book selection for March is One True Thing by Anna Quindlen. 

The selection for April is The Grass is Singing by Doris Lessing. May's selection is Cry Beloved Country by Alan Paton. 

Everyone is welcome to attend. There's sure to be lively discussion! Please contact Shirley Bond if you have any questions.

This Week at First Universalist

Thank you for keeping us updated, both when you schedule events and when you need to cancel one!  Please continue to do so. Send news of your events to [email protected]; or call 546-2826.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR MARCH 9, 2014:

NEXT SERVICE: Sunday, March 16: Theodicy: the Problem of Evil.Evil is a source of no small distress among religious liberals. Where does the "bad stuff" come from and why can't (don't) we do more to combat it? Rev. Martha Munson.

NEXT DROP-IN DISCUSSION: Sunday, March 16:  Big Box Stores Revisited. Facilitated by Dwight Montague.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:Kids ages four and older join us every week in the sanctuary for the first portion of our worship service. Children's Worship begins after the Message for All Ages.  Nursery care for babies and younger children is provided throughout the service on the second floor.  We also have seating in our second floor foyer, where parents can hold their little ones and listen to the service via speaker.

ARE YOU NEW TO FIRST UNIVERSALIST?  Have you come a few times and want to find out more about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation?  Then stop by the Welcome Table  in the Clara Barton Lounge during coffee hour.  You'll find friendly folks there every Sunday who are eager to talk with you!

FOOD INGATHERING: The monthly Food Ingathering is today. Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit The Community Food Cupboard.

A SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will be held next Sunday, March 16, immediately following the service. The purpose is to seek approval for a major roof and building repair project.  All members are encouraged to attend. Please see your Outlook monthly newsletter for more details. A copy is available on the church website.

STEWARDSHIP 2014: GIFT: Generously Investing for Tomorrow. It's Stewardship Season!  This year we will ask you to Generously Invest for Tomorrow- to make a GIFT.   Watch for your stewardship letter, brochure, and pledge card in the mail during mid-March,  and start thinking about how YOU can make a difference in the future of First Universalist Church by investing in our GEM:  UU's Downtown Gem!  Plan to be in church on Stewardship Sunday, April 6, when we will celebrate our collective generosity with pie and lots of fun.

BOOK CLUB will meet March 30th at 12:15 Our selection for the month is:  One True Thing by Anna Quindlen There should be a lively discussion Any questions please contact Shirley Bond

CHILI COOK-OFF: March 23rd in the Clara Baron Lounge. Prepare the chili at home, heat it up at the church and then satisfy the palates of the friends and members with what you consider an award winning recipe.  Then let the voting begin for the Grand Prize and the recognition that comes with cooking the best chili. Then relax in the warm glow of friendship. Please let Bill Elwell know of your intention to participate.

DISTRICT ASSEMBLY 2014: MARCH 28-29, ERIE PA: Avalon Hotel and Convention Center, Erie, PA. If you would like to serve as a delegate, please contact Tom Williams at [email protected] 

EARTH WEEK OUTREACH: Wednesday, April 23, 2 pm at First Universalist Church. Discussion of Will Allen's book "Good Food Revolution". Rev. Lori Staubitz will share how Lots of Food is addressing food justice issues in Rochester. RSVP to [email protected].

THE FLOWERS IN THE SANCTUARY have been provided by the Caring Committee.

EASTMAN LUNCHTIME CONCERTS: Concerts are held on Thursdays in the sanctuary from 12:15 to 12:45, are free, and open to the public. 

A CARING COMMITTEE REMINDER: When a family member enters the hospital, needs emergency meals, needs transportation to church, or wants home visits; please contact Ruth Fitzgerald [email protected] 225-0555,or Eileen Fernandez, [email protected].

HEARING LOOP IN SANCTUARY: Please use the T setting on your hearing aid or see an usher for a receiver.

From the Ministerial Search Committee:

The search committee is nearly done with interviewing 5 potential ministers for our congregation. Since this part of the process is done in strict confidence, you won't have seen much of us in church lately, except for a rare weekend off. We want you to know that we are working hard on the search, and are looking forward to presenting you with the name of our final candidate for minister some time in early April. Thanks for your support!