Join us this Sunday
10:30 a.m. Service:  Songs of Blackness. In honor of Black History Month, Verdis Robinson, Assistant Professor of History and African-American Studies at Monroe Community College, and a member of this congregation, will speak and sing a message exploring highlights of African American history through song. You won't want to miss the knowledge and insight that Verdis brings to the history of our nation and our city, or the beauty of his singing.

9:15 a.m. Drop-in Discussion:  Judicial Philosophy. The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land, but it doesn’t interpret himself. Legal scholars have varied philosophies of interpretation - originalism, textualism, legal pragmatism and judicial restraint, to name a few. Phil Ebersole, who is not especially learned in the law, will make a presentation and lead a discussion.
Upcoming Events
"From Age-ing to Sage-ing: Elderhood and Spirituality"
Adult Religious Education Class

Returning and expanded by popular demand!  

So you're getting older. What does that mean? How does that change things? Based on the A Profound New Vision of Growing Older by Zalman Schachter-Shalomi & Ronald Miller, this 4-session workshop/discussion group will reflect on our personal experiences of aging, look at models of aging from various cultures, and revision our framework for aging and creating meaning in our later lives.

Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, and 23

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. @ the Irondequoit Library (1290 Titus Ave.)

Presented by Rev. Michelle Yates, Director of Life Span Faith Development. RSVPs and questions can be directed to Michelle at edu@uuroc.org.
Cozy Night Supper - March 3

Our final Cozy Night Supper for the 2016-17 church year will be Friday, March 3rd.  This dinner, from 5:30 to 7:30, will be held in the Clara Barton Lounge.  This will be a potluck  and all who are able will provide a simple salad, bread, dessert or main dish (soup/stew/chili/casserole) along with you wonderful camaraderie! At 6:30 we will focus on a program presented by our Race to Justice groups. Let us know of your ability to attend by signing up on the Religious Education Bulletin Board in the Clara Barton Lounge or by contacting Kathy Russell at krussel6@frontiernet.net.  Your RSVP/sign up allows us to prepare appropriately.  Child-friendly activities exploring this topic will be arranged if you make a request one week in advance. 
Annual Chili Cook Off - March 12

Our annual Chili Cook Off takes place after the service on March 12th.  Culinary greats of First Universalists are ready to face-off in a rivalry that mirrors the cable show, Chopped (or more likely the show Cons versus Cooks). Judges of similar culinary talent (hint: members and friends of the church) select the winner for the Grand Prize of a gift card to Chili’s.

Many are invited to participate in this event but only a few will be willing to have their chili
judged in such an open competition.  If you are one of the few who have ego enough to go head-to-head with other talented Universalist cooks, please let Bill Elwell know of your desire to participate.  
Additional Announcements

THANK YOU for your generous food donations to Clara's Cupboard. We were able to pack 40 lunch bags to distribute to those who come to our door during the week, with plenty left to continue stocking our free pantry.  

WANT TO BE A LITTLE GREENER? Use the First Universalist dishwasher and forego single use throw-away dishes. Our dishwasher guru, Karl Abbott, will be giving lessons after church February 26th. Other hours by appointment. Free! Newbies and forgetful veterans welcome. Thanks in advance, Karl!

BOOK GROUP will not meet on January 29th due to the congregational vote taking place after the service. Book Group will resume on February 26th to discuss "Americanah" by Chimamanda Adichie. Any questions happily answered by Sarah Singal (ssingal@Rochester.ff.com) or Shirley Bond (bondshirl1@gmail.com).

LUUNCH BUUNCH:  Everyone is welcome to join in this after-church lunch gathering on March 5th at the Mediterranean Kebab House @ 3047 West Henrietta Road.  Specifics: Order at counter (Dutch treat).  If Dick and Joyce Gilbert know in advance that you’re coming, we may be able to arrange a buffet for greater choice and lower cost. Contact Joyce at JTGilbert@frontiernet.net.

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY:  A new group is forming. New sessions, co-facilitated by Bob Remley and Connie Valk, begin March 9th, 1:30 to 3:30 PM, and will be held every two weeks. Sign up on the Clara Barton Lounge bulletin board, or contact Connie or Bob.

INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP? Have you found that First Universalist Church is your spiritual home?  Join us for the Path to Membership session on April 1, 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon with brunch served. Rev. Celie and others will give you information to help you to decide if you would like to pursue membership.  Contact Connie Valk cvalk@frontiernet.net  to register.  Let her know if you need childcare.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR RAIHN WEEK: March 26-April 2 will be our next RAIHN* Week, when we will give temporarily homeless families  good food to eat and a safe place to stay at First Universalist Church. If you'd like to help, sign up in the Clara Barton Lounge after the Sunday service or contact Chris DeGolyer, chrisdeg@frontiernet.net, Marti Eggers, mceggers@gmail.com, or Sarah Singal, ssingal@rochester.rr.com. If you'd like to learn more before volunteering, ask us about "shadowing" experienced volunteers. *Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network

NYSCU ANNUAL MEETING: The New York State Convention of Universalists (NYSCU) is looking for a host congregation for its 2017 annual meeting to be held in October. First Universalist could host the event if we have a core committee to organize the local arrangements. (NYSCU takes care of program.) We could expect perhaps 60-80 guests. The program would run Friday evening and from breakfast through late afternoon on Saturday. Please contact Ed Deller if you are interested  in organizing this event.
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