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Coming this Weekend
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Monthly Worship Theme: Character
"Taking One's Moral Inventory"
Rev. Kaaren Anderson, Senior Minister, preaching
This sermon will be presented in two parts. Rev. Kaaren will preach the second part at next weekend's worship services.
Saturday Service, January 25, 4:30pm
ASL Interpretation provided
Music provided by our in-house band, "Orange Sky"
Sunday Services, January 26, 9:30am and 11:15am
9:30am - Music provided by Mustard's Retreat
11:15am - Music provided by the Late Service Choir,
Tim Burns, piano and Zachary Zwahlen, organ
Our plate collection this week goes to East House.
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News from our Transition Team
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Dear Friends,
This is an update from the Transition Team, which was established last year to assist with the process of filling the gaps that were created when Rev. Scott Tayler left to take a position in the national office. We, along with Revs. Kaaren and Tina, have been taking a broad inventory of the needs of our congregation in the months after his transition. This careful exploration has unearthed some needs we hadn't perceived at the start of our work as a team. Our work has made us realize just how grateful we are for the gift of Scott's ministry with us. We have interviewed 3 candidates and are reviewing the credentials of 11 others, but we feel we must reassess the intent of the hiring process to ensure it meets the congregation's needs.
First, as a result of their humility and strong work ethic, Revs. Scott and Kaaren routinely accepted lower salaries than are normally recommended for such positions at a church of our size and worked more hours than typically expected. In our congregation's acceptance of this level of dedication, we have artificially deflated the pay grade and inflated productivity expectations of ministers who might replace either of them. Our understanding of this discrepancy is only reinforced by the substantial salary increase offered to Rev. Jen by her new congregation. In short, friends, we pay our ministers too little for the scope of ministerial work we require. We have found this to be a significant barrier in the hiring process.
Additionally, in the past two years, we shifted from a congregation with 3.25 ministerial positions to a congregation with fewer than 2 full-time equivalent ministerial positions. We have been blessed with continued congregational growth in that time, and our ministerial needs have grown as well, not declined.
We have discovered that the initial intent to hire one full-time minister is not sufficient to meet our needs as a congregation. We will need to increase ministerial staffing by 1.5 positions to continue to be a congregation of life-changing worship, mission, and growth. We have faith that you, our beloved community, will help ensure that our common needs are met, and that, as we look toward our next fiscal year, we will be in a strong financial position to attract high quality ministerial staff.
In gratitude,
The First Unitarian Transition Team
Bill Fugate, Eileen Casey-Campbell, Glenn Koch, Mary Jones, and Ruth Myers |
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Caring Notes
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Let us keep you in our thoughts and prayers
Please contact Rev. Tina Simson, Minister of Pastoral Care and Spiritual Development, if you have a joy or concern to share, so that it can be included in the Order of Service: tsimson@rochesterunitarian.org or 585-330-9177. |
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Fundraisers and Financials
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Gifts and Talents Auction
Thank you to everyone who donated, bid, and came out last Friday night for the Gifts and Talents Auction. There are still a few items left, including dinner at Rev. Kaaren's with a custom art piece made by her, an hour of rock from Orange Sky, and ASL lessons from Rupert. Bidding is open until Sunday, February 2 (click here).
Pay your Pledge with a Credit Card
We have partnered with Simple Give to allow us to take pledge payments via credit card. With Simple Give, you can setup reoccurring payments: (click here). You can also make a payment before or after worship on the kiosk in the lobby. The fees will no longer be charged back to you. We hope you enjoy this new feature, and you can rack up airline miles, cash rewards, or Disney Dollars with your credit card!
Shopping on Amazon
If you are shopping on Amazon, please click here for all of your purchases. A percentage, up to 15%, will be donated to our church! |
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The Week Ahead
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Membership Joining Weekend
We will have Membership Joining Weekend this weekend, January 24 and 25! If you are ready to become a member, please contact Erin Julian, Director of Membership and Fund Development, at 585-271-9070, x105 or at ejulian@rochesterunitarian.org. We look forward to having you join us!
First Unitarian Food Cupboard Collection
Help us contribute to needs greater than our own with a small weekly donation to the Brighton Food Cupboard. Please put items in the basket in the lobby. No glass containers, please. Non-perishable items only. Contact Pat Swinton for more information: nereid7@frontier.com or 585-288-8112.
Got an Early Bird Smile?
Use it to greet at the Early Service! February and beyond dates available; enthusiasts are invited to share in this simple and important way. To sign up click here, or call Pat Swinton at 585-288-8112, or email earlyservice@frontier.com.
UUs Reading Non-Fiction
Most of us are likely to have ancestors who were greatly affected by the spread of disease and panic that shook the world in 1918. This occurred during a "perfect storm" of circumstances described by John M. Barry in his book The Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918. All are welcome to join us on Monday, January 27, 7:00-8:00pm, as we meet to discuss this fascinating and meticulously written story.
Bible Study Lecture Series
Anne Merideth's lecture series on wealth and the churches, originally scheduled for Fall 2013, will be given on six sequential Tuesdays from January 28 through March 4. For more information, contact Cliff Eddy at ceddy001@rochester.rr.com.
Camping at Letchworth
All are invited to join us January 31 - February 2, 2014. There is indoor and outdoor fun to be had by all ages, no matter the weather. In years past, activities have included hiking, tubing, snowshoeing, skiing and naturalist-led walks. Indoors, the crackling fire in the wood stove welcomes conversation, game-playing, storytelling and community. Warmth abounds with hot showers, heated cabins and rich fellowship. Contact: Suzy Farrell, suzmacefa@gmail.com or 585-747-6379. To make cabin reservations, click here.
Upcoming Baby Dedication
Interested in having your baby blessed by the community during one of our Baby Dedications? You're in luck! We have an upcoming Baby Dedication scheduled for February 1 and 2. If you would like to participate, please let Sara Turnbull know (sturnbull@rochesterunitarian.org). Every child brings new life and hope into the world. We set aside a special time, called simply the Ceremony of Dedication, for the community to bless the child and celebrate the blessing of this gift of life. The ceremony does not make the life of the child sacred; we believe that life is sacred inherently. When we dedicate a child, we acknowledge the truth that each child's life is sacred and hold that truth in the light of our faith.
Café Veritas
On Saturday, February 1, at 7:30pm, Café Veritas will present Kim and Reggie Harris, singers and storytellers who promise to entertain and inspire. Also, be sure to mark your calendars! Tickets for an Evening of Music and Conversation with Peter Yarrow (May 3) go on sale beginning February 1! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cafeveritas.org.
Gilbert Spirit Fund - Last Call!
The Gilbert Spirit Fund committee is accepting applications for monetary grants from non-partisan and non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. The committee will award grants that will: Contribute to social or economic justice; or promote art and music; or support the goal of world community. Applications forms and instructions are available on the church's website: click here. The deadline for applications is IN-HAND on or before February 1, 2014. |
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Upcoming Events and News
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News from our Board of Trustees
Part of the Board of Trustee's work is assessing how our ministries work with the congregation to help us live into our mission of Listen, Open, and Serve. At our January 14 Board meeting, Rev. Kaaren shared a long list of such accomplishments, two of which I'd like to highlight for you.
Sheila Schuh, our RE director, has created a series of 7 classes for parents which focus on mindfulness, non-violent communication, gratitude and UU identity. These classes take place once a month, during the services so parents can attend while their children are in RE. Through these classes, Sheila teaches the parents the many ways in which our children are learning to Listen, Open, and Serve every day. Parents are thrilled with the classes and have asked Sheila to continue this program every year.
Our Social Justice Coordinator, Luis Torres, created a joint program for volunteers from First Unitarian and our Canandaigua partnership church who are teaching English as a Second Language to migrant workers at a dairy farm near Canandaigua. One volunteer described this as some of the most meaningful work she has ever done.
Our other news is that the Board of Trustees nominated Dave Burnet to run for President of the Congregation at our June 1 annual meeting. The Board also nominated Steve Schmitt for treasurer for church years 2014-16, and approved Steve Schmitt to be assistant treasurer to our current treasurer Steve Brown. Steve Brown will be sharing his extensive knowledge about treasurer and church finances with Steve Schmitt during the remainder of this church year. We are all grateful for the many years of service Steve Brown has given us.
~Submitted by Nora Walter, President of the Congregation
One-time Volunteer Opportunity
Can you pick up/deliver the First Unitarian Food Cupboard donations on Sunday, February 2? Instructions and directions will be provided. Contact Pat Swinton 585-288-8112 or 1stUfoodcupboard@frontier.com.
Bookstore Manager Needed
Do you love books? Do you want to contribute to an important ministry at our church? Our Bookstore is looking for a manager and a volunteer coordinator for the upcoming 2014-2015 church year. After four years, Amanda Kish and Emily Osgood are retiring from these positions and are looking for volunteers to take over their duties. The Bookstore Manager role involves selecting books to be sold during church services, ordering and pricing the books, and handling proceeds from sales. The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for scheduling volunteers in the bookstore, recruiting new volunteers if necessary, and submitting occasional bookstore notices to the Weekly Reminder. If you are interested in the Bookstore Manager position, please contact Amanda at 585-282-0644 or amandakish@yahoo.com. If you want to learn more about the Volunteer Coordinator role, get in touch with Emily Osgood at 585-223-8730 or dogberry4@frontiernet.net. Training and support will be provided for these important volunteer positions. Get involved today!
Tai Chi Classes Offered
Join us on Saturday mornings at 11:15am as we meet to learn and practice the ancient Taoist exercise Tai Chi. It improves health and balance, and it can be a great stress reducer. Classes are open to all levels; beginners are quite welcome. Students who are more experienced may want to attend the intermediate level class that meets at 12:30pm. Questions? Contact Tim Farnum: 585-749-3240 or tim.farnum@gmail.com.
Starting Point begins February 6
Starting Point provides an enjoyable exploration of First Unitarian, Unitarian Universalism, and how we join together in community, particularly small group ministry. The next series will be held on Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 6:30-8:30pm. Sign-up by emailing Erin Julian at: ejulian@rochesterunitarian.org.
Attention UU Movie Goers
Let's restart our movie night on Saturday, February 8 with "Kinky Boots" (do we have your attention?!). The potluck begins at 6:00pm and the movie at 6:30pm. "Kinky Boots" revolves around the untimely death of the president of a shoe factory forcing an unwilling son into the throes of running and saving a failing enterprise and a town that relies on the factory for its livelihood. His chance encounter with a flamboyant drag queen cabaret singer, Lola, leads to a suggestion to change the product to create a desperate chance to save the business: Make men's fetish footwear. This disparate lot must struggle with this unorthodox idea while dealing with both the prejudice of the staff, Lola's discomfort in the small town, and the selfish manipulation of Charles' greedy fiancée who cannot see the greater good in Charles' dream. All are welcome!
First Muse presents Argos Piano Trio
Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 9 at 7:30pm for a remarkable evening of piano chamber music by Beethoven, Brahms, and Shostakovich! Liana Koteva Kirvan (violin), Lars Kirvan (cello) and Chiao-Wen Cheng (piano) are known for their "charismatic, fiery, and unabashed" performances; Melissa Matson (viola) will join them for the C minor Piano Quartet of Brahms. Tickets are available online (www.FirstMuse.org) and will also be sold after church services January 26, February 2, and February 8-9. Twenty-five percent of the ticket revenue will be donated to the new Micro-Finance and Community Development Task Force!
Reception Help Needed
The Micro-Finance and Community Development Task Force will be hosting the reception following the First Muse Concert on Sunday, February 9, and needs some help. They are asking for volunteers to show off their best recipes for baked goods to serve at the reception. Please contact Terri Goldstein at tgoldstein@coniferllc.com or 585-506-7423 if you can help. Baked goods can be labeled "First Muse" and dropped off in the kitchen at church Sunday morning, February 9.
Church Member Art Show - Entry Deadline February 12
Calling all artists at First Unitarian! There will be an exhibit of art work done by church members and friends February 21 - April 6. If you are interested in receiving an Exhibitor Entry Form and more details, please contact Sue Ames at 585-377-8283 or samesRN@gmail.com. The forms are also available in a red folder on the big desk in the church workroom. The exhibit will be sponsored by the Williams Gallery Art Exhibit Committee. Entry deadline is February 12.
Susan B. Anthony Luncheon
The annual Susan B. Anthony Birthday Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, February 12 at 12:00pm, at the Downtown Convention Center. The event theme is "Up and Doing," a directive issued by Miss Anthony herself. The luncheon speaker will be Louise W. Knight, author of two biographies of Jane Addams, who was definitely a woman who was "up and doing." If you are interested in attending with a group from church, please contact Sally Whitbeck at 585-461-3150.
LGBTQ+ Potluck Dinner Here on February 15
Come and join us for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) potluck dinner, on Saturday, February 15, 6:00-8:00pm in the Williams Gallery. Let's get to know each other in our church community and have a discussion on being a welcoming church both spiritually and socially. Please bring a dish to pass and your own table setting. Coffee will be provided. All are welcome. For questions, contact Brian Hurlburt at 585-413-0601 or bigbhurl12@rochester.rr.com.
Where Do I get a Name Tag?
If you would like a permanent name tag to wear each week, you can request one at the Welcome Table before or after worship. The name tag will be printed and available for pick-up the following week at the Welcome Table. Everyone can have a name tag, and it is helpful when everyone wears them!
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How to Communicate and Connect with Us
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E-Newsletter deadline is Tuesday, January 28, at 10:00am for events covering Saturday, February 1 through Saturday, February 8, 2014. Send articles to: announcements@rochesterunitarian.org.
Please submit all building usage requests to: office@rochesterunitarian.org.
For Emergency Pastoral Care, call 585-330-9177.
For Office, call 585-271-9070, [Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 2:00pm]
www.rochesterunitarian.org
For Staff listing, click here
Volume 4, No. 3, 2014
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