A religious community concerns itself not only with spiritual development; but 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.

Join us for Walden Hill Wednesdays (learn more)

Upcoming Leadership Meetings

Board of Directors – (meets 3rd Wednesdays)

Upcoming Events

For more details on any upcoming events, please contact the church office at office@uurochmn.org.

Food Justice Films
Saturday, February 8 & 22|6:30-9 pm|Sanctuary
As we wait like seeds in the soil for spring sunshine to warm our part of the earth, let’s gather in community to learn and discuss what’s possible for a healthier food and farming future. Join us for two films that discuss the potential for growing a more just and equitable food system. Q&A to follow with local growers, farmers market vendors and food-access activists. Films begin at 6:30. 
 
Transforming Hearts Collective Course: Trans Inclusion in Congregations
6 Sessions|Sundays 12:30-2:30 pm|Murray Room

February 9
Session 1. Introduction to Beloved Community: Welcome as a Spiritual Practice: “Being welcoming isn’t something we are, it’s something we do—welcome is a spiritual practice. In order to be fully affirming of the full spectrum of gender identities and experiences, we need to think differently about what the purpose of our spiritual communities is and what it means to truly practice welcome. In this session we will: Get grounded in a “Beloved Community” approach to welcome. Reflect on your personal experiences of welcome versus unwelcome and inclusion versus exclusion. Envision what practicing Beloved Community in a congregational setting looks like.”
With advance notice, childcare will be provided. Contact Patty Trnka or Paulette DeMers for more information.
 
Armchair Travelers: Rwanda: Land of Spectacular Scenery and Mountain Gorillas
Friday, February 14|7-9 pm|Commons
(Rescheduled from January 17)
Join Julie & Jim Gilkinson for a visit to Rwanda, a small country in East Africa with spectacular scenery. Rwanda is home to diverse wildlife, including an endangered species of mountain gorilla that exists only in a tiny corner of the globe. Trek with us through their natural habitat and come face-to-face with them.
 
UU Valentine Tea
Sunday, February 16|12-1:30 pm|Commons
All are invited to gather after the second service for a relaxing afternoon of English tea, scones, tea sandwiches, and terrific conversation.
 
Stewardship 2020: Focus on the Future
Saturday, February 29|5:30-8:30 pm|Commons and Sanctuary
Mark your calendar for the ALL AGES, fun-filled, family-friendly celebration. The evening will kick off our annual pledge drive that runs from March 1- March 22.  Enjoy heavy appetizers and desserts, register to win prizes, engage in fellowship and join in youth activities.  The evening will culminate with the highly anticipated variety show at 7 pm featuring local musicians and performers. This kickoff will provide an opportunity, as you wish, to share thoughts and hear from others as you consider the many ways you find our church community meaningful.  Please join us on this leap day evening as we celebrate and commit ourselves to this church and each other, with 20-20 focus on the future.
 
Support YoUUth 5k Fun Run/Walk
Saturday, March 28|9-11 am|First UU Parking Lot
We are gearing up for the 2nd Annual Support YoUUth 5K and fun run/walk!
 
To run or walk the event (discounts for early-bird sign up), sign up at:
To volunteer for the event (many volunteers needed!): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904094baead29a57-support
To simply support the youth through a donation: https://www.4giving.com/donation/179A
 
Or do all three!
 
Contact Erika Beetcher with questions.

Sharing | Volunteering | Social Action

For additional information, please contact the church office at office@uurochmn.org.

Hawthorne Helps Blue Barrel Collection
Contribute to the blue barrel in the Commons, (Accepting only new and unused items…thank you!!)

Volunteer Opportunity – AARP Low Income Tax Assistance
One of our social justice outreach programs is to help lower income taxpayers fill out tax returns so that they can meet their obligations and maximize any refunds. We need volunteers who can help clients fill out tax returns and other volunteers who can help schedule appointments and welcome taxpayers to their appointments. Classes will be provided, November-January, in addition to mentoring where needed. Your “working” schedule is very flexible.

Seasonal Reminders

Spring 2020 Pathway to Membership
TBD|12:15pm-3pm|Sanctuary
Welcome to First Unitarian Universalist of Rochester: A Class for Newcomers

Join us as we explore how wonderful being a member of the First UU Church of Rochester can be!  If you have been visiting and time of discussion. You will meet others who are exploring our church as their spiritual home and together we will have an opportunity to share our religious journey. We will explore the principles, mission, and vision of this church, as well as historical and contemporary Unitarian Universalism.

To attend, please sign up on the clipboard on the Guest Table or contact Melissa Eggler, Coordinator of Congregational Life, at 282-5209 or congregationlife@uurochmn.org. With at least a one-week advance request, childcare will be provided.

Affinity Groups

For additional information, please contact the church office at office@uurochmn.org.

Sundays

Class: “The Bible as a 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.

Mondays

Course in Miracles
Every Monday | 10:00 am | Commons
This weekly study group reads and discusses the text of “A Course in Miracles (ACIM)” which offers a system of metaphysical thought, based on unconditional love and forgiveness. Participants discuss the challenges of trying to “live the Course.”

Tuesdays

UU Zen Meditation Group
Tuesdays|7 pm|Thoreau Room
A weekly group practice of zazen: a meditation as it is taught in the Soto Zen Buddhist tradition. The group will focus on practice, with some time for discussion. Group members will have the opportunity to shape the direction and focus of the meetings to best support their own practice. Bring an open mind and a cushion or pillow.

Clara Barton Guild
TBD|11:30 am|Hearth Room

Great Books Club
1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 9:30 am | Chapel
UUs and the community at large are welcome.

UU Book Club
3rd Tuesdays | 6 pm | Commons

Study Group: Chosen Faith
4th Tuesday | 7 pm | Hearth Room
The Chosen Faith Study Group invites you to come and discuss Rethinking Religion: Finding a Place for Religion in a Modern, Tolerant, Progressive, Peaceful and Science-affirming World, by Barbara O’Brien.  The Study Group reads and discusses Unitarian and Universalist leaders’ views of the past and present, as well as other significant liberal theologies. All are invited for a lively discussion.

Wednesdays

Interest Group: Buddhism
1st Wednesdays | 7:00 pm | Clara Barton Room

Soul Writing
1st and 3rd Wednesdays|7:15 pm| Conference room/Chapel
In Literature, art, and theology, the soul is often described as the story within oneself. During our time together, we will be following the    outline in Rev. Karen Hering’s book, Writing to Wake the Soul: Open the Sacred Conversation Within. The book has 10 topics – justice,    hope, faith, sin, reverence, hospitality, grace, love, redemption, and      prayer. Non-writers and writers are welcome to explore and discover each one’s own inner story. Rev. Hering’s book will be used as a guide and is not required.

Thursdays

Caring Crafters (Sept. through May only)
2nd Thursdays | 1 pm | Hearth Room
The Caring Crafters use their talents to bring comfort or joy to members of our congregation.  We knit, crochet, quilt, and weave items for the minister to give to people facing challenges, crisis, or grief; make tied fleece blankets to give to our Coming of Age graduates and knitted or crocheted baby blankets for infants and young children being welcomed into our congregation; and make cards to send to those who are grieving or celebrating.  The work brings us together; the fellowship keeps us together. Any level of experience is welcome as we have many expert crafters who are happy to teach you their craft!

UU Fiction Book Club
4th Thursdays | 7 pm | Clara Barton Room
If you love reading fiction, join fellow UUs as we use fiction as a tool for discussion about our lives and the world around us. We will be discussing how the books relate to UUism and the work of our church.