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
Join the Clara Barton Guild in supporting the annual UU rummage sale. Drop off items beginning April 24. Volunteers are needed to make this event successful. Please sign up here if you are interested in helping with this event. You can also sign-up in the commons. Contact Joe Schwartz with any questions.
Thursday, April 25 7:30am-6:00pm
After Thoughts with Rev. Luke
Sunday, April 28|12:30-1:30 pm|Hearth Room
Come for a casual conversation following the 11 am service reflecting on the monthly theme and recent services. Come to ask questions, share thoughts, listen to others, and deepen the conversation of the Sunday services. You are invited to bring a sack lunch or bring a simple snack to share with the group. Childcare provided. All are welcome!
Play-Time & Parent-Time – A Gathering for Young Families
Saturday, May 4|9-10:30 am| Commons
Hosted by Rev. Luke and Joyce Rood, DRE, please join other UU families of children through 5th grade for breakfast and brainstorming. We will meet in the Commons for breakfast (provided by the church) and then the children will gather for activities and play while parents/guardians discuss the future of young family opportunities at our church.
Saturday, May 11|6:30 pm|Rochester Repertory Theatre
Join hosts John and Myatt Helmers at the Rochester Repertory theatre on Saturday, May 11, for the 7 pm performance of the comedy, “Don’t Talk to the Actors.” The cast features Laurie Helmers and Larry Sinak. Tickets are $22. Contact the Helmers at laurie.helmers@gmail.com or 261-0027 to sign up by May 1st. We will meet in the lobby at 6:30 pm, and you can purchase your tickets or use your season pass at the box office from the reserved seats for our group.
Yay Beer! Second Annual Beer Tasting
Saturday, May 18|7-9 pm|Commons
Join fellow UUs in a craft beer tasting. Bring a six-pack (or the equivalent) of your favorite craft beer (or one you would like to taste) and an appetizer or dessert to share that goes well with or is made with beer. Look for the sign-up sheet in the Commons. You are also welcome to attend without signing up. Must be 21 or older.
November 1-3|Cedar Valley Resort|Whalan, Minnesota
It is time to register for our annual UU Women’s Retreat. Join us for beautiful surroundings, incredible women, and a weekend of spirituality, creativity, and self-care. To learn more and to register, click here. Scholarships are available. Please contact Melissa Eggler to inquire.
Sharing | Volunteering | Social Action
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. Please call or email Ella VanLaningham for information (egvanlaningham@gmail.com).
Seasonal Reminders
2019 Pathway to Membership
June 30|11:30am-2pm|Commons
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 one-week advance request, childcare will be provided.
Affinity Groups
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. Contact: Anne Black-Sinak
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.” Contact Peggy Marchesani for more information.
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. Contact Darin Podulke-Smith for more information.
Clara Barton Guild
TBD|11 am|Hearth Room
Great Books Club
1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 9:30 am | Chapel
UUs and the community at large are welcome. For information about upcoming readings, contact Sandy Ramage.
UU Book Club
3rd Tuesdays | 6 pm | various locations
Tuesday, February 19 | 6 pm | Commons -December’s book is, “Just Mercy”, by Bryan Stevenson. Potluck & reading list planning meeting. Contact: Barbara Wijdicks
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. For more information please contact Anne Black-Sinak (charyut@gmail.com)
Wednesdays
Interest Group: Buddhism
1st Wednesdays | 7:00 pm | Clara Barton Room
Questions? Contact Frank Druktainis
Elders Discussion Group: The Journey
3rd Wednesdays | 12 pm | Hearth Room
Bring a sack lunch, a beverage, and engage in conversation with others who, like you, have embarked on a new adventure. Sign up is not required. Contact: Pat Calvert or Darrel Waters
Thursdays
Caring Crafters
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. Meets 3rd Thursday each month. Contact: Sarah Rothwell
Saturdays
UU Horton Bridge
Generally 3rd Saturdays | 1-5 PM | Joyce Lewis’ home