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:
5/27/26 Press Release
Upcoming Services
Sunday Service:
Queer History & Personal Myth
6/14/26 at 10:30am
This Pride Month, Willow Shirtz is presenting a guest sermon that blends a discussion of trans history focusing on Lili Elbe, the first person to medically and legally transition, her own personal story and the story of Don Quixote to illustrate how personal myth, and fantastical artistic expression can be a form of affirmation of queer dignity and identity.
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Speaker(s): Willow Shirtz (he/she)
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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
June 2026
June Scripture Study
Join Rev. Eileen on four Mondays in June for a deeper dive into stories of creation from religious texts around the world. We'll explore these stories and ask: What makes a creation story? How do sacred scriptures inform our understanding of creation/creativity? What are our modern creation mythologies? We'll meet via Zoom on 6/1, 6/8, 6/22, and 6/29 from 6:30-8:00 pm. Please sign up in advance to participate at tinyurl.com/5fbztmu9.
June 16, 2026
Drop-In Discussion: Surprise Guest Sermon
Tonight we’ll watch and discuss a sermon which I’ve handpicked and share with full permission, but it’ll be a surprise. My only hint is that it might have something to do with last week’s topic. John Lukes will moderate. ​
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​Drop-in Discussions meet via Zoom Tuesday nights from 6:30-7:30pm.
July 7, 2026
Fellowship Club
We invite you all to our newest gathering: Fellowship Club.
No need to RSVP. No expectation to show up every time. No pressure to explain if you are late or leave early. You are always welcome. Come as you are. There is a place for you here.
Coffee will be provided, but feel free to bring other snacks or refreshments you would like. Show up, socialize, get to know one another, play a board game - or don't! You'll still be welcome next month. We hope to see you there: First Tuesdays, 12PM-1:30pm in the Library/ Clara Barton Lounge.
Fall 2026
Eastman at Washington Square - Fall 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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Fall 2026 Concerts TBA in September or early October!
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June 14, 2026
LGBTQIA+ Social Action Circle Meeting
The LGBTQIA+ Social Action Circle is having its meeting once again!
Both queer and ally individuals alike are invited to attend our meeting, as we plan on collaborating to make our congregation and Rochester even more fabulous!
Since we heard the EcoJustice committee has something going on during coffee hour after services, we pushed our meeting back to noon to give everyone time to check that out first.
Talk to Willow, or a committee member, if you want to help!
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Feel free to grab a snack from the coffee hour and head upstairs to the Gratitude Room (22) after service at noon! We hope to see you there!
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Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85214334476?pwd=Kpx5oUaiCItabp0rO4HlYyhqaQasq7.1
June 21, 2026
Social Justice Plate Offering: R Community Bikes Inc.
Our June Social Justice Plate Offering is designated for R Community Bikes, Inc.
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Please contribute to support this important work. For more info, visit rcommunitybikes.net.
July 17, 2026
Gender Affirming Clothing Swap & Pride Parade Float Decoration!
Kick off our Pride Weekend on Friday, July 17, starting at 6:30pm!
In our Clara Barton Lounge, celebrate your authentic self and save clothing from the landfill in our clothing swap. Drop off clothes in advance or bring them to donate and share with others. Pick out clothes, try them on, and taken them home.
In our parking lot, join us to decorate our Pride Parade float!
March with us in the parade on Saturday, July 18, starting at 11am (more details to come). Want to help out? Let Justin or Willow know!
July 5, 2026
In-Person Drop-In Discussion: TBA
Scientists are discovering that ancient history is older and more complicated than anyone thought. For example the Sphinx in Egypt is 5,000 years older than the pyramids. What? Then who built it, and what happened to them?
As we consider what comes next for human civilization, it may be helpful to expand our thinking beyond the stories and assumptions of our time.
Hank Stone will lead the discussion.
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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!
July 19, 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!