Sunday Service:Democracy As A Dream Deferred? I'm Taking the Fifth

3/7/21

After the “perfect storm” of events of the past year – coronavirus, political upheaval and economic free fall, it may seem our democracy is on its last legs – truly a “dream deferred.” However, on that question I will take the fifth. But what fifth?

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Speaker: Rev. Dr. Richard S. Gilbert

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Please send your Joys and Sorrows to be read at our Sunday Worship service to JoysandSorrows@uuroc.org.

Note: When you email a joy or sorrow to us, you are giving us permission to read it aloud at our Sunday service and possibly publish it in this weekly email. Thank you!

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Sunday Service Link: 

Dial in via phone: Meeting ID: 131 764 422 - Dial: +1 646 558 8656

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Don't forget to join us for coffee hour after the worship service!

We will be holding coffee hour ten minutes after the service, in the same Zoom meeting! 

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Due to COVID-19 we will be holding our worship services online for the foreseeable future . We will hold on-line services each Sunday at 10:30am (our regular worship time). 

March 2, 2021

Drop-In Discussion:

Statehood for Washington D.C. or not?

6:30-7:30pm virtual!

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There are common sense reasons why it obviously SHOULD be a state, but some compelling, historical reasons why not. What do you think? Beth Ares presents.

March 20, 2021

"This Day in Recovery" Book Launch

Join Revs. Lane Campbell and Katie Kandarian-Morris as we launch and celebrate the new Skinner House publication, "This Day in Recovery: 365 Meditations".

This book seeks to be a resource for Unitarian Universalists and spiritual seekers whose lives have been touched by addiction. We will share some of the stories as to how this book came about, read some excerpts from the book, and have some time for questions and answers. For folks in Rochester, NY and in Durango, CO there will be opportunities on Sunday, March 21st to order and pick up signed copies of the book. For Rochester folks, sign up for a signed copy here!

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If you would like to order the book directly from the inSpirit bookstore through the Unitarian Universalist Association, here's the link:https://www.uuabookstore.org/This-Day-in-Recovery-P18760...

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So excited to share this book with all of you and to continue honest dialogue in our denomination about recovery!

One of the often repeated mantras of 12-step and recovery programs is “one day at a time.” This Day in Recovery: 365 Meditations offers a short daily experience to help bring readers back to their spiritual center in the moments of struggle and questioning. Editors Lane Campbell and Katie Kandarian-Morris and contributors―each of them speaking from direct personal experience with addiction and recovery―have collected a quote, reflection, and question for readers on their spiritual journey of recovery, with each month focusing on one of the 12 steps. Inclusive and accessible, This Day in Recovery is a thoughtful and powerful spiritual tool for those in recovery and their families.

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Rev. Lane Campbell currently serves the First Universalist Church of Rochester, New York, in the heart of Rochester’s downtown.

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Rev. Katie Kandarian-Morris is a minister serving the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango, Colorado, a thriving congregation in the Four Corners area.

January, 2021

Eastman at Washington Square

Details TBA! Eastman at Washington Square concerts are back, streaming live and virtual on Thursdays at 12:15pm!

This Week's Concert: 

Find the livestream here!

March 3, 2021

Midweek Meditation

First Universalist Church will be hosting Midweek Meditation services with Rev. Lane Campbell and Rev. Michelle Yates on Wednesdays from 11:30am-noon.

On second Wednesdays, an extra half hour of sharing and meditation will follow the traditional format. A time to connect for deep breathing, meditation, singing, and silence. 

March 21, 2021

Eckberg Racial Justice Memorial Film Series:  "Selma

This discussion series is held on select Sundays from 2-3:30pm. 

Note: A separate email with the link for this event will not be sent out. Use the link below to attend.

(2019, 2hrs. 8 min, Netflix, Amazon): This unforgettable true story chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965 when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Directed by Ava DuVernay, Selma shows how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.

About the Film Series
This series features films that address racial justice through history, music and spiritual avenues. This event is a facilitated discussion of ways to further the message of racial equity in our city and world. Films are to be viewed on your own prior to discussion. It is requested that you view the film BEFORE the discussion to assure a quality experience.

This film series is named in memory of two beloved First Universalist Church members who shared an enduring quest for racial justice throughout their years together. Eunice was tireless in her giving as a Rochester City School District teacher and her work at Rochester Psychiatric Hospital. Jim inspired through his gentle and insistent quest for racial equity. We are honored to remember them.

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Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/9tJELPm5V

March 19, 2021

RiBS Dialogues with Verdis Robinson

#4: Enduring the Long Night: A Meditation

Note: A separate email with the link for this event will not be sent out. Use the link below to attend.

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Mr. Robinson will share an interpretation of Psalm 30:5 “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”  What does it take for the joy to come? We will create a collective meditation on enduring the long night of racism to get to that glorious morning together.

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This series of dialogues creates a brave space to learn, grow, and act toward antiracism – all in the context of our UU principles -- especially concerning the inherent worth and dignity of every person.  Participants will engage in real talk about race in relationship to (1) American History, (2) the Unitarian Universalist faith, (3) local Rochester history, and (4) an inspiring meditation to lift up racial justice.  All sessions will be virtual from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

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Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/381063016620660

April 11, 2021

Stewardship 2021: 

Forward Through the Ages

April 11, 2021 is Stewardship Sunday!

This congregation has been supported by members since 1846! Let’s celebrate 175 years by pledging our own support in 2021.

Watch for more information, coming soon!