What's Happening at First Universalist Church
Find out what's going on and join us for one of our upcoming events.
Weather & Emergency Updates on this week's service will be posted here:
2/25/26: The elevator in our building is currently working!
Upcoming Services
Sunday Service: The Virtue of Skepticism - Pulpit Swap!
3/1/26 at 10:30am
As a radically progressive religious movement, today’s Unitarian Universalism is indebted to the skeptics of previous eras for questioning accepted “truths” of their day. In our current moment of multiple institutional crises, discovering and preserving that which is true requires guarding against advertisements, government propaganda, deep fakes, and “AI” fabrications. How do we cultivate a virtuous skepticism that is not merely contrarian and obstinate, but is a consistent servant of truth and freedom?
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Speaker(s): Rev. AJ VanTyne (First Unitarian)
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This will be a hybrid service, with the in-person portion being held in the sanctuary of First Universalist, and the virtual portion being held on Zoom.​
Other Upcoming Events
February 26, 2026
Archives Reception at U of R, 4-6pm: RSVP by Fri, Feb. 20!
We invite you to a reception at the Dept. of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation to celebrate the acquisition of our archives! Over the past few years, with funding from the New York State Convention of Universalists, First Universalist hired a professional to catalog our church archives.
We have now transferred our archives to the the University of Rochester, where they have been processed and are available for use.
RSVP to MJ Curry by Friday, February 20!
If you need her email, contact office@uuroc.org. For detailed directions, see the church calendar event description!
We hope to see you there!
March 1, 2026
Open Listening for All: Sponsored by Rochester Theater Organ Society
Bring yourself, family and friends to listen and watch members of the Rochester Theater Organ Society practice some of their favorite pieces on the pipe organ in our sanctuary.
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From 1:30-4:30pm on Sunday afternoon, March 1, community organists will sign up to play the Hope-Jones, just for fun. Usually they play on the Wurlitzer organ at the Rochester Museum and Science Center, but it is under renovation at this time. So, we invited them to come to First Universalist. Church members are welcome to come and go, walk up to the console and speak with the organists, and listen as well at this free event.
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They plan to return on April 19 and May 17, so save the dates! Contact Charlie Courtsal with any questions.
March 8, 2026
Wanted: Bowlers and Donors...
.. to strike out homelessness at Family Promise's Bowl-a-thon. Every $500 we give shelters a family for two weeks!
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To Bowl:
go to fpgroc.org/bowl and buy a ticket--$60 per bowler. Sign up as an individual bowler. On the "Leave a Message" screen, write "First Universalist" in the message space. On the payment page, Givebutter (the ticketing platform) automatically adds a 15% tip for GiveButter, which also charges a processing fee. To remove the tip, click one of the arrows, select “Other,” and enter 0% in the pop-up. After signing up, please email Chris DeGolyer at fpgroc@uuroc.org that you're planning to bowl.
To Donate:
Go to fpgroc.org/bowl and click on “Purchase Tickets Here”. On the next page, click on “Tix/Sponsor/Donate and “No thanks, I'd just like to donate”. Questions? Contact fpgroc@uuroc.org. Let's see how many weeks we can support!
March 8 at 10am, 2026
Ritual of Release: Room 21
Join us in a ritual of release at 10am for the former space in Room 21, before our Sunday service on 3/8/26.
We will bid goodbye to the artwork on the walls, honor the generation and memory of youth leadership in our congregation's history, and release its previous use to be readied for a new and exciting future in that space.
March 15, 2026
Monthly Open Connection Circle
Looking to have deeper conversations about our faith? Want to connect with other congregants about spirituality? Or maybe you want to discuss the sermons and seasonal themes in more depth?
Every third Sunday at noon (following church service), join us in the Chalice Room (2nd floor) for this new open group series on dedicated spiritual topics and themes.
Open to all, attend when you can!
April 5, 2026
Rochester Theater Organ Open Listening Session
Members of the Rochester Theater Organ Society will practice their favorite pieces on our Hope-Jones organ—just for fun! Usually performing on the Wurlitzer at the Rochester Museum & Science Center (currently under renovation), they’ll be playing at First Universalist instead.
Bring your family and friends! Drop in anytime to listen, chat with organists, and enjoy this free event.
March 1, 2026
In-Person Drop-In Discussion: Margaret Sanger: Hero or Villain?
At the time of her death in 1966, Margaret Sanger was praised as the driving force behind giving women the right to birth control. Now some condemn her as a eugenicist. Phil Ebersole will do a presentation and lead a discussion about this complex figure. ​
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​In-Person Drop-in Discussions meet at 9:15am in the Chalice Room, and will continue on the first Sunday of the month. All are welcome!
March 3, 2026
Drop-In Discussion:
Zoom & Related Tech Issues/Questions
The pandemic supercharged our use of technology. We use Zoom for online drop-in discussions, small group ministry, Board and staff meetings, Sunday worship, and events like the auction. This has increased opportunities but also created challenges. How well is tech at First Universalist working for you? How could it be better? Do you have questions/problems/suggestions? Michael Scott will present. ​​​
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​Drop-in Discussions meet via Zoom Tuesday nights from 6:30-7:30pm.
March 8, 2026
Rochester Model Railroad Club: Open House!
The RMRRC is celebrating their annual Open House! Saturday’s hours are 10am-5pm, Sunday’s hours are 1-5pm; members of First Universalist can visit for free following the service. Their model railroad features a 2,400 sqft layout, with steam and diesel locomotives in the basement of First Universalist.
Note: Unfortunately their space is not accessible.
March 15, 2026
March Social Justice Plate Offering: Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU) & Diverse & Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM)
Our March Social Justice Plate Offering is designated for Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU) & Diverse & Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM).
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Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism started as a small organizing collective in 2015 in Cleveland during the Movement for Black Lives Convening. They are now a thriving spiritual community and justice-minded organization creating connection for Black people. BLUU is committed to expanding the power and capacity of Black UUs within Unitarian Universalism; providing support, information, and resources for Black Unitarian Universalists; and justice-making and liberation for Black people.
Diverse & Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries is the oldest and largest Unitarian Universalist People of Color ministry and anti-racist community organization based in North America. In 2018, the UUA and DRUUMM re-entered into a five year covenant, including direct financial support and mutual agreements to serve UU People of Color. Today, DRUUMM includes religious professionals, adults, youth, children, joined together to affirm, celebrate and strengthen the racially diverse communities within Unitarian Universalism.
Please contribute to support this important work. For more info on BLUU, visit blacklivesuu.org. For more info on DRUUMM, visit druumm.org.
March 22 & 29, 2026
Preaching as Storytelling Workshops
Join us to craft a service or just hone your worship skills!
If you love worship and have even one story that moves your heart, you can preach!
We’ll gather twice after worship, on Sundays 3/22 and 3/29, from noon-1:30, and we will all finish this short series with a ready-to-lead worship service (though you do not have to commit to leading worship to participate!).
May 28, 2026
Homeless Outreach Team: Free Breakfast Plus Services
The Homeless Outreach Team and First Universalist Church will be hosting a free breakfast for unhoused people (plus clothing and access to representatives from housing agencies, case management, etc.).
See Bill Schubmehl or Elizabeth Osta if you would like to volunteer or for additional information.
Note: Guests and volunteers are invited to stay for the Eastman at Washington Square concert at 12:15pm.
March 1, 2026
Newcomer's Circle
Are you interested in learning more about our faith?
Our Congregational Life Coordinator, Justin Wilson, and worship leaders will host a discussion session after the service on Sunday, 3/1/26, in the back of the sanctuary.
This brief discussion is designed for visitors or newcomers who are looking for a general introduction to help decide if First Universalist Church would be a good match for them.
March 8, 2026
LGBTQIA+ Social Action Circle March Meeting
Our newly forming LGBTQIA+ Social Action Circle is dedicated to serving the Rochester Queer community, and we would love for you to join us! Feel free to grab a snack from the coffee hour, and head upstairs to the Gratitude Room (22) immediately after service!
March 22, 2026
Restart with Art in Room 21!
Join us for the grand re-opening of Room 21 on Sunday, 3/22/26 at 12pm (after service)!
We’ll be kicking off this opening with an art event for kids (and kids at heart).
Make a 6”x6” art piece to keep, or to donate to Rochester Contemporary Art Center for their 6x6x2026 festival (Learn more at roco6x6.org).
March 29, 2026
Book Club is BACK!
The Book Club is BACK! We will be discussing the UUA Annual Read, "Social Change Now!". This book is available for rent in our library, or purchase at inSpirit: uuabookstore.org.
Even if you haven't read the book, you are welcome to attend and learn about this practical guide and the lessons within for us all. We hope you can join us: 3/29 at noon (after church service) in the Chalice Room (Rm. 23).
Fall 2025
Eastman at Washington Square - Spring 2026
The Eastman Community Music School is proud to present free weekly concerts featuring artists from the Eastman School of Music and ECMS. Faculty and Student Performances from both schools offer an excellent opportunity to hear some of the best musicians that Rochester has to offer and all performances are absolutely free!
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Concerts begin around 12:15pm, and run until 12:45 to 1pm. We hope to see you there!
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February 26
“A Woman’s Hand”
Lynn McGrath performs a program that highlights charming works of the 20th century by women guitarist-composers María Luisa Anido, Ida Presti, and Louise Walker.
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March 5
The Sound of Low Brass
Enjoy the magnificent sound of ESM Trombone Choir directed by Larry Zalkind and Mark Kellogg.
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March 12
She Plucks Her Pen
Harpist Sunshine Quan presents solo harp works by female harpist-composers Pearl Chertok, Sophia Dussek, Caroline Lizotte, and Ekaterina Walter-Kuhne.
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March 19
Virtuoso Trumpet
Demian Spindler performs a preview of his solo program for the upcoming International Trumpet Guild’s 50th Anniversary Conference, which will take place this May at the Eastman School!
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March 26
In Slavic Spirit
Violinist Mikhail Kopelman, cellist Rosemary Elliott, and pianist Irina Lupines perform the Piano Trio “Dumky,” a brooding and introspective composition with cheerful sections interspersed throughout.
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April 2
Piano Extravaganza I
The students from the studio of Professors Marina Lomazov and Joseph Rackers will dazzle you with piano masterpieces.
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April 9
Piano Extravaganza II
The students from the studio of Professors Marina Lomazov and Joseph Rackers will dazzle you with more piano masterpieces.
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April 16
Woodwind Chamber Music
Come and enjoy fabulous music for woodwind ensemble performed by ESM students.
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April 23
All American
Soprano Tyler Cassidy-Heacock and composer/pianist Daniel Pesca will present a program of vocal music by American composers using texts from American writers.
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April 30
Fulton Chamber Players
Violinist and ECMS alum Addison Teng and violist Amy Hess present works for violin and viola by Classical stalwart Anton Hoffmeister and little-known late-Romantic Emil Kreuz.
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May 7
Entre Tierra y Recuerdo (Between Homeland and Memory)
Tenor Pablo Bustos and pianist Priscilla Yuen will perform the program centered on themes of memory, love, and cultural storytelling, drawing on music from Argentina, Spain, and Chile.
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May 14
New Horizons Chorus
The New Horizons Chorus will journey through musical eras, sharing songs from medieval chant to Renaissance polyphony and a Bach chorale. They’ll also perform several contemporary pieces inspired by the classics.
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May 21
Honors Finale
Enjoy the final concert of the season, featuring more amazing young high school graduates from the Honors Program at the Eastman Community Music School.