A religious community concerns itself not only with spiritual development; it also invites all people into a circle of connection, caring, fun, and friendship. We value and support each other through opportunities to both give and receive care and we develop treasured connections by gathering together for celebration and fun.
Upcoming Events…
Outdoor Property Workdays
Saturdays – 9 am to noon: Jul. 22, Aug. 19, Sep. 16, Oct. 21, and Nov. 11
Please add these dates to your calendar to work on the church gardens and grounds. Be aware the dates may change depending on the weather. Contact Bill Thompson for more information.
“Science Fiction Summer Reading Series” – Summer Book Club
Presented by Anne Black-Sinak for readers from High School on up! Read the selections and join us for an enlightening discussion!
Monday, July 24 – “The Handmaid’s Tale,” by Margaret Atwood / Hearth Room
“The Handmaid’s Tale” is a 1985 dystopian novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood. Set in a near-future New England in a totalitarian theocracy that has overthrown the United States government, the novel explores themes of women in subjugation and the various means by which they gain individualism and independence. Winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award (1987) and the Governor General’s Award for English Language Fiction (1985); nominated for the Booker Prize (1986), the Nebula Award (1986) and the Prometheus Award (1987).
Racial Justice Task Group Forum on Sanctuary Churches
Sunday, July 30 / 11:30 am / Sanctuary
The Racial Justice Task Group will host a forum featuring Catalina Morales of ISAIAH. She will cover why sanctuary churches are needed and how we can be involved. ISAIAH is an interfaith organization actively involved with the Twin Cities area sanctuary churches (including our three UU churches) and already working with Peace UCC in Rochester in establishing their sanctuary program.
Pert Near Sandstone/ Down by the Riverside Concert
Sunday, August 6/ Gather at 6 pm, Concert at 7 pm
Pack a picnic dinner and a blanket and join us behind the Rochester Art Center to listen to Bluegrass/Newgrass sounds of Pert Near Sandstone from the Twin Cities. Free! Host: Robin Taylor
Monday Funday Ice Cream Social
Monday, August 7 / 6:30-8 pm / Church Courtyard (inside if rainy)
Bring your favorite topping to share -Fellowship will provide the ice cream. Hosts: Lyn Smith, Sarah Hayes Janet Breitenbach
Honkers Baseball Game and Fireworks!
Saturday, August 12 / Gather at 6:00 pm, Game at 7:05 pm
Meet at the stadium at 6:00 p.m. The game starts at 7:05 p.m.
The Fellowship Committee is hosting a Honkers game on Saturday, August 12th. You are responsible for obtaining and purchasing general admission tickets ($8.00; free for kids under 3). The committee will be at the game at 6:00 p.m. to hold bleacher sections/seating. It is not required, but it would be appreciated if you would sign up in the Commons or email Beth Thompson at beth705thompson@yahoo.com so we know how many seats to hold.
They’re Finally Here!! Potluck Brunch
Sunday, August 13 / 11:15 am / Commons
Potluck Brunch to welcome our new minister and his family (wife Jenna and daughters Louisa & Clara) following the 10 am service – the first service with Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer officially in our pulpit! Hosts: Linda & Bill Thompson
New Here? Let’s Chat!
Sunday, August 20 / 11:15 am
Please join Coordinator of Congregational Life, Melissa Eggler, for our Monthly Visitor Chat. This is a brief 30-minute introduction to the Unitarian Universalist faith and the First UU of Rochester for those of you new to us. Please meet in the Hearth Room following our service at 11:15 am. Childcare is available, or you are welcome to bring your children to the gathering.
All Church Picnic and Games
Sunday, August 20 / 11:30 am / Location TBD
Bring a picnic and beverages for your family, as well as a snack to share. Meet at 11:30 am for fellowship and games. This event is for everyone! Host: Beth Thompson
Racial Justice Task Group Forum on Sanctuary Churches & Immigrant Rights
Sunday, August 27 / 10 am / Sanctuary
Our Sunday service will be led by Rabbi Jean Binkovitz. She will discuss legal and moral questions related to sanctuary and immigrant rights. Jean is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Minnesota State Bar Association and is admitted to the bars of the Supreme Court of Minnesota and the US Supreme Court. She has also been ordained as a Jewish Universalist Rabbi and is the Board Chair of the Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association
Science Fiction Summer Reading Series – Summer Book Club
Presented by Anne Black-Sinak for readers from High School on up! Read the selections and join us for an enlightening discussion!
Monday, August 28 – “The Peripheral” by William Gibson / 7 pm / Hearth Room
According to GQ’s Zach Baron: “The Peripheral” is an emphatic return to the science fiction he ceased to write after the turn of this century, set in not one but two futures. The first, not far off from our own present day, takes place in a Winter’s Bone-ish world where the only industries still surviving are lightly evolved versions of Walmart and the meth trade. The second future is set further along in time, after a series of not-quite-cataclysmic events that have killed most of the world’s population, leaving behind a monarchic class of gangsters, performance artists, and publicists in an otherwise deserted London. Like many Gibson books, The Peripheral is basically a noirish murder mystery wearing a cyberpunk leather jacket and, after an uncharacteristically dense first one hundred pages, a super enjoyable read—though perhaps less so when you consider just how accurate Gibson can be when he’s thinking about what might come next.
Sharing / Volunteering…
Saturday Noon Meals
Next dates: Saturdays August 26, October 28
Shifts at 9-11:30 am & 11-1:30 pm at Christ United Methodist Church (400-5th Ave. SW).
A signup sheet is available in the Commons or online at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0b4daaa82dabfe3-2017
Contact: Roxanne Schlasner schlasner@usfamily.net
Hawthorne Helps Project:
- Mini-Store will open on Tuesdays, July 25, and August 8 (9:30 am-12:30 pm and 2:30-6:00 pm). Teens 15 years and older are encouraged to volunteer. Contact Sandy MacLaughlin to help out at the store.
- Summer Blue Barrel Collection: Body wash, lotion, sunscreen (barrel located at bottom of stairs to Commons)
Community Food Response
July 31 / Shifts 1:30-4:00 pm and 4:35-6:40 pm / Bethel Lutheran Church
Help sort or distribute food recycled from hospitals, restaurants and bakeries for families in need. If any questions or want to help, contact Ella VanLaningham, 289-2668 or gevanlaningham@gmail.com. Sign-up and a fuller description are at: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084eaea728ab9-uucfrdays
Groups…
UU Book Club
Meet 3rd Tuesdays at 6 pm
Off for the Summer – Will return in the Fall
Clara Barton Guild
Meets 2nd Tuesdays/ 11:30 am / Hearth Room
Off for the Summer – see you on Tuesday, September 19
Great Books Club
1st & 3rd Tuesdays / 9:30 am / Conference Room
Off for the Summer – See you September 19
UUs and the community at large are welcome. For information about upcoming readings, contact Sandy Ramage.
UU Horton Bridge
Generally 3rd Saturdays / 7:00 pm / Joyce Lewis’ home
Classes, Study Groups, Interest Groups…
Class: “The Bible as an Historical Document”
2nd Sundays / 7 pm / Hearth Room
Lecture and discussion facilitated by Frank Druktainis & Jim Olson. All are welcome!
Study Group: Principle 4
4th Sundays / 7 pm / Hearth Room
The Principle 4 Study Group is centered around a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Contact: Anne Black-Sinak
Study Group: Chosen Faith
4th Tuesdays / 7 pm / Hearth Room
Contact: Anne Black-Sinak
Interest Group: Humanism
3rd Mondays / 7:00 pm / Hearth Room
Contact: Pat Calvert
Interest Group: Buddhism
4th Wednesdays / 7:15 PM / Clara Barton Room
Questions? Contact Frank Druktainis