Here are some events and activities you might like to put on your calendar. See our previous Outside 1st Universalist announcements for other upcoming events.

• Thursday November 21, 2008 — Discussion Course at the UU of Canandaigua Church: Healthy Children – Healthy Planet

  The Unitarian Universalist Church of Canandaigua will be offering a new discussion course from the Northwest Earth Institute this fall, starting November 21. Healthy Children – Healthy Planet is a seven-session course addressing how the pervasive effects of advertising, media, and our consumer culture can influence a child’s view of the world. Each session consists of two parts: an opening and a facilitated discussion. Topics covered are: (1) Cultural Pressures; (2) Family Rituals and Celebrations; (3) Advertising; (4) Food and Health; (5) Time and Creativity; (6) Technology and the Media; (7) Exploring Nature. Optional 8th Session: Celebration.

  The discussion course format encourages: trust, respect, and a sense of community among group members; personal clarity over group consensus; the creation of a supportive environment for personal change; and evaluation of personal lifestyle choices and subsequent effects on the natural world. Goals are to understand how the pervasive effects of advertising, media and our consumer culture can influence a child’s view of the world; to discover ways to create meaningful family times and healthful environments for children; and to explore ways to develop a child’s connection to nature, and to foster creativity.

  We would like to start this discussion group Thursday November 21st. The cost per/person is $20, which pays for the study guide books. The study guide, about 100 pages, contains a diverse collection of short essays, articles, and book excerpts organized around weekly themes to create lively discussion. The course is limited to 12 participants/group. If we have more persons interested we will run two groups. Questions: contact Scarlett Miles, DRE via email or phone 315 235-1545.

Here are some events and activities you might like to put on your calendar. See our previous Outside 1st Universalist announcements for other upcoming events.

• Saturday, November 8, 2008 – 9:30 a.m. to noon — Navigating the Sea of Social Services workshop at 1st Universalist Church, 150 S. Clinton, Rochester, NY. See our This Week, This Month – Oct 21, 2008 post for details, including a workshop flier.
• Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008 — Veteran’s Day Peace Observance and Ceremony: “Sharing the Burden”
  • 3:00 p.m. — Washington Square Park (if no rain): Reading of names and sharing stories of war dead. During this time all attendees are welcome to share remembrances of veterans in their lives in the form of pictures and/or stories.
  • 4:30 p.m. — First Universalist Church (rain or shine) – Program and ceremony with reflections by local veterans from past wars and conflicts
  • 6:00 p.m. Food and community-building – at First Universalist Church.

  All are invited to attend and be a part of this poignant event to honor veterans of all wars by focusing on peace and healing. Veterans are invited to bring a “symbol of war” which will be exchanged for a “symbol of peace” during the ceremony.

  Sponsors (in formation): Rochester Chapter of Iraq Veterans Against War (IVAW), Rochester Against War (RAW), RAW Theater, Rochester Chapter of Veterans for Peace, Declaration of Peace Affinity Group, Peace Advocates-First Unitarian Church, Military Families Speak Out Upstate NY Chapter, Food Not Bombs, and Metro Justice’s Peace Action and Education Task Force.

  For further information: call (585) 271-4796.

• Monday, Dec. 1, 2008 – 6-9 PM — Shop ‘Til You Drop at Pittsford Plaza. Retailers give 15-20% of proceeds to the Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (RAIHN). Farm Fresh Kitchens, Camille’s, One World Goods, blueground, Rugged Bear , Irish & Celtic Imports, Color Me Mine. Camille’s also extends 20% of the evening’s proceeds to RAIHN at its other two locations on Park Ave and Eastview Mall.

Here are some events and activities you might like to put on your calendar. See our previous Outside 1st Universalist announcements for other upcoming events.

• Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008 – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Shults Center Forum (Nazareth College) — What Religious Values Do You Take into the Voting Booth? During this political season, you are invited to an evening of comfortable table talk on common ground, discussing “What Religious Values Do You Take into the Voting Booth?” This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.  Sponsored by CISD and The Interfaith Alliance of Rochester (TIAR). Need more information? Call CISD at (585) 389-2963 or contact us by email.

• Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008 – 7 p.mm at Third Presbyterian Church — Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (RAIHN) training. New to RAIHN? You’ll want to attend this volunteer training session. Please contact Matt Comeau.

• Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008 – 3 p.m.  – at Washington Square Park, Rochester, NY — Veteran’s Day Peace Observance and Ceremony. The Observance starts 3 pm, there will be a Ceremony at First Universalist at 4:30 pm, followed by food and community-building.  Contact: kcastania@frontiernet.net

Here are some new events and activities you might like to put on your calendar. See our previous Outside 1st Universalist announcements for other upcoming events.

• Christian Faith and LGBT Experience 2008 with William Stacy Johnson, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary and author of “A Time to Embrace: Same Gender Relationships in Religion, Law, and Politics”

  Join the Rev. William Stacy Johnson for these events:

  • Saturday, October 4, 2009 – 9:00 am to 1:00 pm — Community Forum on Marriage Equality at the Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs Street (corner of East Avenue), Rochester, NY. Professor Johnson will offer a keynote address. The day will include panels, an information fair and networking opportunities.
  • Sunday, October 5, 2008 – 8:30 am and 10:45 am — The Rev. Johnson will preach at the Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs Street (corner of East Avenue), Rochester, NY.

• October 10 – 19, 2008 — Image Out: The Rochester Gay and Lesbian Film and Video Festival. Please go to www.imageout.org or pick up an Image Out magazine for more info.

• October 17 & 18, 2008 — Rummage Sale at First Unitarian Church on Winton Rd, Rochester. Donations will be accepted October 11 – 15. Call 271-9070 for details.

Here are some new events and activities you might like to put on your calendar.  See our previous Outside 1st Universalist announcements for other upcoming events.

• Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008 – National Coming Out Day.  This day velebrates those bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender people who have braved fears of discrimination, rejection, hatred and violence to lead open lives in the community.  Take a moment to celebrate our friends, family members and others whose courage has paved the way for others by coming out.  Send a card, write a letter or email, light a candle of thanks and celebration for all of those who celebrate the day.
• Friday, Oct. 17, 2008 – daylong — Social Welfare Action Alliance conference and workshop on poverty and violence at the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 141 Adams St., Rochester. We will have two free tickets and others cost $20. See Sarah Singal, Sally Hamlin or call Kris in the church office.
• Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008 – 7 p.m. – Volunteer training for RAIHN at the Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St., Rochester. This training is necessary before starting to volunteer in the RAIHN program. This session will be RAIHN Director Erica Vera’s last, as she leaves for a new job.

• Monday, Oct 27, 2008 at 6 p.m. – Annual RAIHN dinner at the Church of the Transfiguration in Pittsford. Keynote speakers are Joe Robach, Bill Johnson and Erica Vera. Cost is $40 per person. Order tickets by phone at (585) 506-9050 or in person at the RAIHN Day Center, 34 Meigs St., Rochester. Donations are welcomed for a silent auction fundraiser; drop off gadgets, art work, condo rental, etc. to Deni Mack at the Church of the Assumption, 20 East Ave. in Fairport, NY. For more information about the dinner and auction, contact Deni Mack at (585) 388-0400 x314 or by email.
• Monday, Dec. 8, 2008 – United Nations Human Rights Day. This is an evening event held at the Downtown Presbyterian Church (DUPC). The topic is School to Prison Pipeline. More details to come.

Here are new events and activities you might like to put on your calendar. See our previous Outside 1st Universalist announcements for other upcoming events.

• October 4, 2008 from 9:30am-4pm — Politics and Liberal Religion in the Wake of Knoxville. This is a SLD event hosted by First Unitarian Society of Schenectady. Per the SLD website, “”Politics & Liberal Religious Values in the Wake of Knoxville” will be the focus of the third annual Social Justice Conference with an address by Blair Horner, Legislative Director of the New York Public Interest Research Group.  He has held this position for 21 years, interrupted only by a stint in Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s office to create Project Sunlight, an interactive website that allows New Yorkers to learn more about state politics.  He has been a driving force behind NYPIRG’s successful campaigns to protect consumers, preserve the environment, reduce tobacco use, reform and make government more accountable, improve healthcare quality and provide the public with information on how state government works.  This will be an opportunity for social justice people to consider the implications of their faith in a critical election year.  Brochure & registration form.”

• October 10 & 11, 2008 – NYSCU (New York State Convention of Universalists) Annual Meeting, hosted by the UU Fellowship of Poughkeepsie. Please see bulletin board for agenda and registration forms.

Here are some events and activities you might like to put on your calendar.

• September 15, 2008 — deadline for Chalice Lighter Grants. The deadline for filing an “Intent to Apply” form. An “Intent to Apply” must be filed with SLD in order to obtain a Chalice Lighter Grant application.
  
• September 16, 2008 – Zhaxi Zhouma Rinpoche Lecture. Zhaxi Zhouma Rinpoche will be giving a free lecture at the First Universalist Church at 150 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY, on September 16, 2008 from 7-9 pm. “Anyone interested in obtaining good fortune and happiness, becoming enlightened in this lifetime, and learning more about why and how Dorje Chang Buddha has come to America should attend this presentation.” Please visit www.zhaxizhuoma.net for more information.
• September 18, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. — Let’s Get Political! – formerly Causes in Common. Location: Brighton Town Hall, 2300 Elmwood Ave, Rochester NY. Open to the General Public. Interfaith Impact and the Empire State Pride Agenda will be hosting an educational forum on the position of local candidates on the following pieces of legislation:
  • Dignity for All Students Act
  • Healthy Teens Act
  • Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA)
  • Marriage Equality for Same-sex Couples
  • Reproductive Health & Privacy Protection Act

  This is your opportunity to find out where incumbents and those seeking political office REALLY stand on issues that effect your quality of life and our shared prospects for a future that offers greater freedom and opportunity for us all. You owe it to yourself and your community to attend this forum and GET THE FACTS before you cast your vote this November.

  Questions can be directed to WNY Field Organizer Todd Plank via email.

• September 19-21 – Unirondack work/play weekend. Have you ever visited Adirondack, our UU camp in the North Country? It’s a beautiful and reverence-inspiring place. Work/play weekends are a low-key way to enjoy the woods and contribute to the upkeep of the camp. Attendees spend Saturday morning cleaning and repairing facilities, and the rest of the weekend hiking, canoeing, or otherwise relaxing in the great outdoors. Cost is $15 for communal meals. Accommodations (cabins) are rustic. Contact director@unirondack.org.

The Sept. 18, 2008 Causes in Common event has been re-framed as “Let’s Get Political!”

Location: Brighton Town Hall, 2300 Elmwood Ave, Rochester NY
Time 7:00 PM; Open to the General Public

Interfaith Impact and the Empire State Pride Agenda will be hosting an educational forum on the position of local candidates on the following pieces of legislation:

• Dignity for All Students Act

• Healthy Teens Act

• Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA)

• Marriage Equality for Same-sex Couples

• Reproductive Health & Privacy Protection Act

This is your opportunity to find out where incumbents and those seeking political office REALLY stand on issues that effect your quality of life and our shared prospects for a future that offers greater freedom and opportunity for us all. You owe it to yourself and your community to attend this forum and GET THE FACTS before you cast your vote this November.

Questions can be directed to WNY Field Organizer Todd Plank via email or call 585.271.2420.

Here are some events and activities you might like to put on your calendar.  For more information about St. Lawrence District (SLD) activities, contact the people and websites listed for events below or ask Michael Scott at First Universalist.

September 15 – deadline for Chalice Lighter Grants. The deadline to file an “Intent to Apply” is Monday September 15. An “Intent to Apply” must be filed with SLD in order to obtain a Chalice Lighter Grant application.

September 16, 2008 – Zhaxi Zhouma Rinpoche Lecture. Zhaxi Zhouma Rinpoche will be giving a free lecture at the First Universalist Church at 150 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY, on September 16, 2008 from 7-9 pm. “Anyone interested in obtaining good fortune and happiness, becoming enlightened in this lifetime, and learning more about why and how Dorje Chang Buddha has come to America should attend this presentation.” Please visit www.zhaxizhuoma.net for more information.

September 18, 2008 – Causes In Common. Causes in Common, a program which focuses on GLBT community issues, is being planned for Thursday Sept 18th at First Universalist. For more information, please see Todd Plank at First Universalist.

September 19-21 – Unirondack work/play weekend. Have you ever visited Adirondack, our UU camp in the North Country? It’s a beautiful and reverence-inspiring place. Work/play weekends are a low-key way to enjoy the woods and contribute to the upkeep of the camp. Attendees spend Saturday morning cleaning and repairing facilities, and the rest of the weekend hiking, canoeing, or otherwise relaxing in the great outdoors. Cost is $15 for communal meals. Accommodations (cabins) are rustic. Contact director@unirondack.org.

September 27 – “Building and Sustaining a Strong Small Group Ministry Program”. Hosted by the First UU Society of Albany, NY, this workshop will provide inspiration and information for lay and professional leaders who are (1) beginning a Small Group Ministry Program, (2) in an existing program in need of revitalization, and/or (3) seeking inspiration and ideas on how to expand and grow an existing program. The workshop leader will be the Rev. Dr. M’ellen Kennedy of Strafford and Washington, VT. Cost is $40 ($35 for each additional person from the same congregation). Contact Rev. Deane Perkins: deaneperkins@gmail.com or (518) 793-3405.

September 27 – “Growing People of Prophetic Fire: Spiritual Osmosis and Social Justice”. Annual Fall Ingathering for Religious Educators to be held at First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 220 Winton Rd. South. The Rev. Richard Gilbert will be the keynote speaker. Cost is $10, which includes lunch. Contact Jacki Thompson: lepican@unitarian.ithaca.ny.us or (607) 273-7521 Ext 23.

September 28, 2008 – A Leap of Faith Reception to benefit Refugees.
A reception with photographer Chris Kogut will be held Thursday, September 28 5:30- 8:30 pm at Gallery Kunstler at Booksmart Studio, 250 N. Goodman Street to benefit Catholic Family Center’s Refugee Resettlement Program. Contact Cheryl Marshall at 262-7172 or cmarshall@cfrochester.org for more info or to register.

October 4 – Politics & Liberal Religious Values Campaign 2008. Hosted by the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady and presented by the St. Lawrence District Social Justice Council, this will be an opportunity for social justice people to consider the implications of their faith in a critical election year. Blair Horner, Legislative Director of the New York Public Interest Group (NYPIRG) will be the featured speaker. There will also be a panel and audience discussion, and various topical workshops. For further information, visit www.sld.uua.org.

October 10-11 – New York State Convention of Universalists annual meeting. Hosted by the UU Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, NY. Charlie Clements, President of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, will be the keynote speaker: “How Universalist Values Are Having An Impact In Every Corner of the World, Every Day”. There will be variety of additional workshops, worship services, social activities, and the annual business meeting. For further information, visit www.nyscu.org.

October 17-19 – Unirondack work/play weekend. Unirondack work/play weekend. A SLD activity, see the Sept. 19-22 description above.

October 17-19 – UU Weekend at Silver Bay, Lake George, NY. This popular annual event provides a wonderful cooperative opportunity to get together at Silver Bay with other UU’s from all over the Northeast, at a classic, 600-acre Adirondack resort. Hosted by the SLD, there will be optional workshops on topics ranging from the intellectual to the recreational; social events; a Saturday night talent show; hiking; boating; and lots of time to talk and relax. Friday evening entertainment will be provided by famed UU musician Jim Scott. Cost ranges from $102 to $318 per person, depending on age, accommodations, and meals. Financial assistance may be available. Contact Randy Rosette: rosette_jensen@juno.com or (518) 783-9202.

June 2009 — UUA Elections. Next June’s UUA General Assembly in Salt Lake City will be a watershed event in the history of Unitarian Universalism. Voting delegates from the Association’s more than one thousand congregations will elect a new president, moderator, and financial advisor as well as members of decision making boards, commissions, and committees.

As with the national political elections taking place this year, UUA elections will focus on a variety of issues as well as the candidates’ experience and approaches to leadership.

Please take a few minutes to get to know each of the candidates for president, moderator, and financial advisor by visiting the UUA’s election website and joining the UUA Election-l email list. Managed by Election Campaign Practices Committee Chair John Gibbons and UUA Secretary Paul Rickter, the list is a neutral place for open discussion of the 2009 UUA elections for President, Moderator, Financial Advisor, and other positions that will be elected at 2009 General Assembly.

Two UUA Presidential candidates participated in the UUA Candidates’ Forum at the 2008 General Assembly (GA). A video of this Candidates’ Forum as well as a transcript are available.

The events outside First Universalist listed in the August 22nd post (see below) are still current.

Additional information about the June 2009 UUA Elections:

Next June’s UUA General Assembly in Salt Lake City will be a watershed event in the history of Unitarian Universalism. Voting delegates from the Association’s more than one thousand congregations will elect a new president, moderator, and financial advisor as well as members of decision making boards, commissions, and committees.

As with the national political elections taking place this year, UUA elections will focus on a variety of issues as well as the candidates’ experience and approaches to leadership.

Please take a few minutes to get to know each of the candidates for president, moderator, and financial advisor by visiting the UUA’s election website and joining the UUA Election-l email list. Managed by Election Campaign Practices Committee Chair John Gibbons and UUA Secretary Paul Rickter, the list is a neutral place for open discussion of the 2009 UUA elections for President, Moderator, Financial Advisor, and other positions that will be elected at 2009 General Assembly.

Two UUA Presidential candidates participated in the UUA Candidates’ Forum at the 2008 General Assembly (GA). A video of this Candidates’ Forum as well as a transcript are available.