Join us this Sunday
10:30 a.m. Service:  Apocalypse Now. One of the more unnerving themes of Advent is that of waiting for an end. But an end to what? Is this a message of warning, or one of comfort?  Rev. Celie Katovitch.

9:15 a.m. Drop-in Discussion:  Infant CPR and Choking. During the holidays, there will be lots of little treats for little folks, and the possibility of choking.  Kate Fleury lead a session of lifesaving skills for our youngest family members.  CRP cards will not be provided and there will be no test.
Upcoming Events
Need a midweek space to relax as holiday busyness begins to fill up our days? You are invited to join Rev. Celie and office manager Melissa Davies from noon to 1 on Wednesdays, December 7th, 14th, & 21st. Come listen to some meditative music, enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack, and relax with the popular practice of mandala-coloring. A variety of designs will be provided; no art experience necessary. Church and community members welcome.  
Food Ingathering - December 11
Consider donating a non-perishable food item this Sunday, December 11th.  A collection will take place during the service and donations will go to the Community Food Cupboard. Most needed items include peanut butter, canned beans & proteins, low-sodium soups & stews, brown rice, canned vegetables, whole grain pasta, and whole grain cereal. Let's help provide local seniors and families with nourishing food during these cold months.  Thank you!
Blankets for the Homeless

A blanket ministry is being organized to provide blankets for the Homelessness Outreach Initiative and for "Clara's Cupboard" (our Little Free Library & Pantry). If you knit or crochet and would like to make blanket squares for this project, please join Rev. Celie & me on Sunday, December 11 at noon in the back of the Sanctuary for more information on this project. If you have questions, please contact Lisa Gwinner at gwincourt@gmail.com. 
Do you know the seven "R's" of sustainable living?

The EcoJuustice Group is helping us rethink the way we use and dispose of everyday items; to be mindful of consumption, our earth, and our relationship to things. Over the next few weeks, they would like to share with you the seven R's of sustainable living: 

#4 - RE-USE: Share with others.  Find new uses for old objects. When possible, bring your own (to-go containers, shopping bags, durable utensils, mug, cloth napkin, etc.). 

#3 - REDUCE consumption of energy and materials. 

#2 - REFUSE:  Don't consume what you don't need to. 

#1 - RECYCLE:  Close the loop and remake.  
Additional Announcements

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS:  Please help make the sanctuary beautiful for our Christmas Eve service by ordering a poinsettia plant for $8. The Caring Committee will be taking orders on December 11th after the service in the Clara Barton Lounge.  Please specify whether you will take the plant home after the Christmas Eve service or donate it to Hospice.  If you'd like to dedicate the plant in memory or honor of someone, we'll list his/her name in the Christmas Eve insert.  

HOLIDAY COLLECTION FOR FIRST UNIVERSALIST STAFF:  The plate collection on December 11th will be used for holiday bonuses for our staff at First Universalist in appreciation of the wonderful work they do. Please give generously.

CHRISTMAS COOKIES:  If you are planning on attending the Christmas Eve service, please consider sharing a dozen of your favorite Christmas cookies, homemade or store bought.  Please let Tom Williams know at busterdawg_1947@yahoo.com or 663-4362.  Thank You.

YOUTH GROUP & BRIDGING GROUP:  Youth Group (9th-12th graders or home school equivalent) and Bridging Group (ages 17/18 through 20) have starting meeting on alternate Sunday afternoons. Please visit www.uuroc.org/yaya-ministries for a list of dates.

BOOK GROUP: The next Book Group will meet on January 29th, 2017 (no December meeting) to discuss Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. There are lots of copies in the library, so enjoy your read and we will see you in January.

START THE YEAR RIGHT WITH RAIHN:  January 1-8 will be our next RAIHN* Week when we will house and feed temporarily homeless families at our church. We have some spots available for new volunteers and also the opportunity to "shadow" experienced volunteers. See Chris DeGolyer after the Sunday service or contact her at chrisdeg@frontiernet.net.  *Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network: keeping families together. Getting families home for good.

SJTF UPDATE:  Click here to read the latest developments on our Social Justice Task Force.

RAIHN HOLIDAY WISH LIST:  Graduating from homelessness to one's own place is thrilling, but it doesn't leave much in the piggy bank for holiday gifts.  Gift cards are always welcome, especially cards from Price Rite and Walmart as they are very useful for families needing one-stop shopping.  Gift cards also empower the parents to choose some gifts themselves.  You can send gift cards to the RAIHN Day Center, 34 Meigs Street, Rochester 14607, or give to Marti Eggers any time.  Thanks!

BRIDGE HOME is in desperate need of donations – it takes $1800/week to operate! All donations are tax deductible. There are two ways to donate:
  1. Check made out to FLACE/REACH Advocacy, PO Box 31765, Rochester, NY 14603-9998.
  2. Direct deposit to:https://www.cnbank.com/FLACE/(you must choose "REACH Advocacy" as the organization).
WEATHER-RELATED CLOSINGS:  In the event that the Rochester City Schools are closed due to weather, the church office will also be closed that day.

To submit an item for "This Week at First Universalist", e-mail  office@uuroc.org  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 | office@uuroc.org