|
First Unitarian Weekly Connections
So many ways to Listen, Open and Serve
Creating spiritual connection by listening to our deepest selves, opening to life's gifts and serving needs greater than our own - every day!
|
|
|
|
January Worship Theme: Integrity
"What does this call you to do in the world?"
Rev. Tina Simson, preaching
Rev. Emily Hartnett Liefert, Assistant Minister, co-leading
Saturday, January 17, at 4:30pm
ASL Interpretation provided
Music by our in-house band,
"Orange Sky"
Sunday, January 18, at 9:30am
and 11:15am
9:30am Music by Zachary Zwahlen
11:15am Music by First Unitarian Choir, and Zachary Zwahlen
Our plate collection will help support Building Leadership And Community Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.).
|
Let us keep you in our thoughts and prayers
Please hold Rev. David Blanchard in your thoughts and prayers as he spends time with his father who is in hospice. Please contact Rev. Emily Hartnett Liefert at emily@rochesterunitarian.org, or Rev. Marcus Hartnett Liefert at marcus@rochesterunitarian.org if you have a joy or sorrow to share, so it can be included in the First Unitarian Weekly Connections.
|
|
Fundraisers and Financials
|
Gifts and Talents Auction is Open
Start your bidding! The Gifts and Talents Auction is now live. Bidding will close on Friday, January 30 at 6:00pm. Click here to see all of the amazing items we have up for bid - getaways, art, dining, dancing, and so much more! Contact Erin Julian, ejulian@rochesterunitarian.org or 585-271-9070, x105, with any questions. Thank you for supporting this fundraiser for our church community. Listen * Open * Serve * Bid!
Fashionista Frolic
Calling all Fashionistas! The Fashionista Frolic is returning on March 19, 2015. We are offering "Share the fabulous: buy more, save more" on our tickets: 1 ticket - $60, 2 tickets - $100, 3 tickets - $138, 4 tickets - $168, 5 tickets - $200. For more details, visit fashionistafrolic.com or check out our Facebook page.
Rummage Sale Reminder
You know those great gifts you got for the holidays that you can't use? Just put them aside for the First Unitarian Rummage Sale the first week of June. Someone else will love your unwanted gift. Downsizing? We can help with that, too! Call Sandy Hollands 585-872-2606 or email at sandy.hollands@gmail.com. Remember ALL the proceeds from this sale go to our church.
Pay your Pledge with a Credit Card
We have partnered with SimpleGive to allow us to take pledge payments via credit card. To set up recurring payments, click here. SimpleGive also has an app, and you can make a pledge payment using your smartphone. Just download the app and search for First Unitarian Church of Rochester.
Shopping on Amazon
If you are shopping on Amazon, please use this link for all of your purchases. A percentage, up to 15%, will be donated to our church! Click here to get started!
|
|
Happening in the Week Ahead
|
Living the Seven Principles: Introduction to Compassionate Communication
Join Revs. Emily and Marcus along with Jared Finklestein for an afternoon of interactive learning and growth on Saturday, January 17, 1:00-4:00pm. We will share tools and skills from Non-Violent Communication (NVC) that help people strengthen relationships and handle conflicts with more ease. Also known as compassionate communication, NVC is a practical, learnable process that helps people put their attention on shared values. This workshop is an introduction to this practice. The workshop is offered on gift economy;donations will be gladly accepted to support the work of certified non-violent communication trainer, Jared Finkelstein. If you have ever been curious about NVC, this is a great place to begin. This toolkit supports people to: speak honestly in ways that others can hear compassionately, deepen their ability to listen to both themselves and others, build trust and collaboration in their personal and professional relationships, more fully bringing their values, words and actions into alignment. Workshop will be held in the Youth Room. Please note: Space is limited. To sign up, please click here or contact Rev. Emily at emily@rochesterunitarian.org.
UU101: Introduction to Unitarian Universalism and First Unitarian Church
After each service this Saturday and Sunday, January 17 and 18, we'll have UU101 classes, which provide an introduction to Unitarian Universalism and First Unitarian Church. No need for prior registration, just join us after the services in Room 209; children are welcome. For more information, contact Eileen Casey-Campbell at connections@rochesterunitarian.org. Get Together with the Queer and Ally Group The Q&A (Queer and Ally) group's next get-together is this Saturday, January 17 at 5:30pm. We will meet right after the Saturday service near the entryway. We will be going out to Starbucks, 1914 Monroe Avenue at the Twelve Corners, for coffee and to get to know each other a little better. If you don't come to Saturday service, feel free to meet us at Starbucks around 6:00pm. For questions contact Brian Hurlburt at bigbhurl12@rochester.rr.com or 585-313-7194. Lunch Bunch Please join us on Sundays after the 11:15am Worship service at Panera Bread at 12 corners (1902 Monroe Ave., Rochester 14618) for casual conversation, networking, and planning of future activities. For more information, contact Annette Oyer at 585-467-3564. Vipassana Meditation Vipassana, from the Buddhist tradition, is a simple form of mindfulness and breath awareness. You need not be familiar with Buddhism or sit on the floor! Participants take part in a 40-minute sit. All are welcome to join, every Monday at 7:30pm. Uknitarian Knitting Circle Please join us for two upcoming knitting circles on Tuesday, January 20 and Thursday, February 12, 6:00-8:00pm in the Williams Gallery. Feel free to bring a project underway, learn to knot/crochet, or just come to hang out and socialize. For more information, contact Jenny Cos at jcos@frontiernet.net. Community Labyrinth Walk The next Labyrinth Walk will be held Tuesday, January 20, at 7:00-9:00pm. An introduction to the Labyrinth and healing services will be held from 7:00-7:15pm. Volunteer energy healers from several modalities will be available, and there will also be live music and a boutique on hand. For more information, visit www.labyrinthquest.org. Care Givers Support Group
Are you caring for a loved one: a partner, a parent, a grandparent, or a friend? Is the situation acute or chronic? Caregiver stress is one of the most challenging experiences we can have, taking a toll that is often downplayed as we focus on the person who is ill. Please join us Wednesday, January 21 from 9:30-11:00am, for the first session of a monthly support group. We will learn tips from each other and offer understanding. The group will be facilitated by Ruth Myers and Rev.Tina. If you are interested, please contact Rev. Tina at tsimson@rochesterunitarian.org. Writing from the Heart Join a writing circle dedicated to creating a safe space for finding your inner voice and sharing your gifts with others. Writing experience and proper spelling are not required. Critiques, advice, judgments, and red pens are strictly forbidden. You will find a simple and loving gathering of Spiritual Alchemists, learning more about ourselves and growing closer to each other by spinning the fragile stories of our lives into solid gold on the page. Please join us at our next meeting: Thursday, January 22, 7:00-9:00pm and every 4th Thursday in the Susan B. Anthony Lounge. For questions or this month's writing prompts, contact David Pinto at djpinto@live.com or 585-353-3707. Winter Camping at Letchworth! Those of you who will be joining us January 23-25 at Letchworth Park, be sure to stop by cabin #10 to introduce yourselves to Suzy and John Farrell. A community meal, hike or game time could be planned. Questions? Call Suzy at 585-747-6379.
UU201: Exploring Membership with First Unitarian Open to everyone, UU201 is a chance to meet with First Unitarian Church ministers, discuss what membership means, and learn more about getting involved in our community. Offered on Saturday, January 24 after the 4:30pm worship service and Sunday, January 25 after both the 9:30am and 11:15am worship services in Room 209. For more information contact Rev. Emily at Emily@rochesterunitarian.org. Did you or your adult child have a baby in 2014? All new parents and grandparents are invited to bring your babes to a New Year's Baby Brunch on Sunday, January 25, after the 9:30am service in the Williams Gallery. Come share smiles, lots of sweetness, joys, and challenges! Please RSVP to Sheila, SheilaS@rochesterunitarian.org, by January 19 if you would like to attend. Anne Meredith Lectures Anne Meredith, a Professor at the University of Rochester, is both an entertaining lecturer and a remarkable scholar. Her great depth of knowledge, combined with an easy facility with the English language, leaves her audience feeling both charmed and well informed. The series on "Ritual" is $20 per person and will be held in Gilbert Hall on Tuesdays, January 20 and 27, at 7:00pm. For more information, contact Clifford Eddy at ceddy001@rochester.rr.com. 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. For more information, contact Pat Swinton at 1stUfoodcupboard@frontier.com or 585-288-8112.
|
|
Upcoming Events and Other News
|
Thank You for Your Donations
Before Christmas a call went out to the congregation for donations to support the homeless community of Rochester whose tent city was demolished by the city at the start of the holiday week. In the course of just a few days, great heaps of sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, gloves/hats, and toiletries were brought to the church lobby. Before New Year's Day, these goods were delivered to the House of Mercy by Dave Burnet, Irene Burnet, Louise Paulson, John Solberg, and Kelly Makino. Thanks to all who donated, delivered, and were willing to help in every way.
Cold and Flu Season Reminders
To minimize the spread of germs and illness, we ask that if you are not feeling well, please follow these good health habits: Avoid close contact, stay at home when you are sick, cover your nose and mouth, clean your hands, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Please use the hand sanitizer stations in the lobby and refrain from shaking hands and hugging, if necessary. Stay healthy!
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness is the art of where you put your attention, and the heart quality of that attention. It is a gentle discipline that makes the mission of Listen, Open and Serve more possible in our daily life. A few spaces are left in Meditation Classes with Jan Cook. Please contact Debbie at dgreenfield1@rochester.rr.com or 585-339-9444. More details on our web page.
Should We Divest?
The Environmental Climate Committee asks you to save the date, Tuesday, February 3, for a talk on "Should First Unitarian Divest from Fossil Fuels? Should you?" The talk and discussion will be in Williams Gallery and starts at 7:00pm. For more information, contact John Keevert at 585-473-0295.
Expressions of King's Legacy featuring Soledad O'Brien
Award-winning anchor and correspondent Soledad O'Brien will celebrate the legacy, life and lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 29, 12:00-2:00pm at R.I.T's Gordon Field House. This is a free, but ticketed event. Tickets are available at www.rittickets.com. Contact Rev. Emily, Emily@rochesterunitarian.org, if you would like to attend with other First Unitarian folks.
New Member Weekend
Are you ready to join our church? We are ready for you! Please contact Rev. Emily if you are planning on joining the congregation at Emily@rochesterunitarian.org. All new members are invited to dessert on Friday, January 30, and to join in the New Member ritual and blessing during worship services on Saturday, January 31 or Sunday, February 1.
"Death over Deli" - Having a Conversation About How You Want to Die - Save the Date!
How we want to die represents the most important and costly conversation America isn't having. We are tapping into a national project designed to help change this. How do YOU want to die? Why is this important to talk about when you are healthy? Who would you tell? What exactly would you say? Come explore this together and leave with a "Conversation Starter Kit." This workshop will be held on Sunday, February 1, 12:30-3:00pm in the Williams Gallery. Lunch is included. Pre-registration is required and the size of the group is limited. If you are interested in attending, contact Joy Collins, joy@revjoycollins.com or 585-749-0695 soon. Come plan for one of the most important conversations you will ever have.
Last Call for Gilbert Spirit Fund Applications
The Gilbert Spirit Fund committee is accepting applications for monetary grants from non-partisan and non-profit organizations 501(c)(3). 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. Application forms and instructions are available online: Click here. The deadline for applications is February 1, 2015.
New Art Exhibit in the Williams Gallery
The Williams Gallery Art Committee announces their new exhibit: "Inside Burma - Photographs of an Enduring People." Chris Kogut is a professional photographer whose work has won numerous international awards. Her images depict the life and people of present day Myanmar/Burma, a place and people who have captured her heart. All proceeds from the sale of her work will be donated to humanitarian efforts in Myanmar/Burma. The exhibit runs January 8 through February 16.
Upcoming District Assembly
The 3rd joint District Assembly of the Ohio-Meadville District and the St. Lawrence District will take place March 27-28, 2015 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center in Niagara Falls, NY. The Rev. Scott Tayler, UUA Director of Congregational Life, and our former minister, will be this year's keynote speaker. The keynote address is titled "The Space Between: Building a new day by strengthening the ties that bind." The Gould Lecturer, Rev. Thomas Chulak, will speak on "The Sum of the Parts." The Gould Lecture will be followed by a concert by Orange Sky, our in-house band, and then a Multigenerational Coffeehouse. Saturday morning worship at 9:00am will be led by Rev. Kaaren Anderson, so our church will be well represented in the leadership! We hope the attendance will be as well! Contact the District at http://www.sld.cerguua.org/ or 716-882-0430 for more information.
Remember How You Felt When You Were Greeted for the First Time?
Our Hospitality volunteers are devoted to making your first experience at First Unitarian a welcoming one and to ensure that you are greeted with a handshake and smile every time you walk through the door. If you can devote some time to this wonderful ministry by greeting, ushering, and serving as a welcome table host, please contact Eileen Casey-Campbell at connections@rochesterunitarian.org.
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!
|
|
Get Connected!
| |
Deadline is each Tuesday at 10:00am.
Church Office: 585-271-9070 (Monday-Friday, 10:00am-2:00pm)
For Emergency Pastoral Care: 585-209-0067 or 585-209-3361
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
