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If your device displays only part of this issue, be sure to click on "View Entire Message" at the bottom to see all of this week's news.
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Pandemic restrictions lifted
Please note: The Pandemic Response Team has recommended and the Prudential Committee approved that we remove pandemic restrictions in the church buildings, effective immediately. Masks will be welcome for those who seek to be cautious but will no longer be required. Singing in worship without masks will take place by the congregation and the choir. All pews will be open for seating.
More details about Spiritual Pathways plans will soon follow.
We encourage everyone to manage your risk according to your health and wellness. And please continue to stay home if you do not feel well or exhibit any COVID-like symptoms. We hope to see you soon!
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Don't forget the Alliance Indoor Yard Sale!
The first floor of the Parish House is FULL to overflowing with donations for the Yard Sale.
If you can imagine it, you can probably find it here!
Come visit and browse TOMORROW, 10:00am - 2:00pm.
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'One Drop' multi-generational Homecoming service with Water Communion
 Welcome back to First U for the first service of our new program year! Our first multi-generational service features our traditional Water Communion. Be sure to bring with you a container of water that has significance to you and your summer. All the waters will be joined together and consecrated.
Our service will be led by Rev. Roger, Interim DRE Mandy Neff, and Interim Music Director Beth Armstrong. Come and meet Mandy, greet and socialize with other First U members and friends, share some fellowship over coffee, and browse leftover items from Saturday's Alliance Yard Sale.
We are worshiping in person. Please note that since masks are no longer required, there will be singing without masks. If you cannot join us in the Meeting House, click here to watch the service on our YouTube channel at 10:30am. If you would like to send joys and sorrows to Rev. Roger, click here to send them by noon on Saturday.
Click here to access the order of service.
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Our long-awaited traditional coffee hour returns
 Coffee hour is back! We'll be gathering in the Parish House after worship for fellowship. The Newcomers' Cafe will be open, and items left over from the Alliance Yard Sale will be available for sale in the Atrium. Come catch up with First U friends that you haven't seen in a while, greet newcomers, and make new friends.
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Legislative team meets after worship to begin planning for new year
Come join our discussion! The Legislative Team will meet in the Parish House following the worship service on Sunday. We'll review the progress made in the 2022 legislative session and start planning ahead.
All members of the congregation are invited to join the discussion. If you can't attend in person but have suggestions or want more information, click here to contact Kate McGovern.
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What did UU Men do on their summer break? Join us at 7pm Sunday to find out
UU Men will have its first meeting of the new year this Sunday at 7pm in the Parish House. This will be a time for catching up with "what I did on my summer vacation."
UU Men is open to all members and friends of First U who identify as male. Click here to contact Burr Harrison for more information.
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Loaves and Fishes needs you!
 Please consider becoming part of the Loaves & Fishes mission. The Neighborhood Social Justice Committee will meet on Monday, September 12, at 7pm via Zoom to elect volunteers for all leadership positions: chairperson, co-chair, secretary, LFM coordinator, and LFRI board representative.
For more information, click here to reach Joe Salvatore.
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Benevolent Zen begins both Zoom and hybrid in-person meetings on Mondays
Benevolent Zen meets weekly on Monday evenings, 7-8pm on Zoom. We plan to begin hybrid meetings on the second Mondays of the month, beginning September 12th, in the Parish House, 7-8pm. All are invited to attend. If you do not have a practice, please arrive for an orientation to our forms at 6:45.
The practice involves chanting (The liturgy book is available for download at https://benevolentzen.org/liturgy.), zazen (sitting meditation), and kinhin (walking meditation). During the final zazen period there will be a brief reading from John Daishin Buksbazen's book Zen Meditation in Plain English.
Our website has a lot of information, but for any additional questions please contact Cindy Bapties at 401-573-0881.
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Irene's Book Nook needs volunteers
 Irene’s Book Nook will reopen in the Atrium later this month. We are looking for volunteers to make a monthly commitment to set up books before the service and help with sales afterwards. If we all pitch in, we can keep Irene’s Book Nook open for years to come.
If you have questions or want to volunteer, click here to contact Betty Finn.
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Join the monthly Partner Church Zoom call Thursday at noon
 The Transylvania Partner Church Committee will again be coordinating Zoom calls to our partners in Szentegyhaza. The calls provide a good opportunity to find out what is going on with our church partners.
The Partner Church Committee meets the third Thursday of the month. Our next call will be at noon, our time, on Thursday, September 15. If you are interested in attending the next call or any others, please contact Tom Getz or Janet Downing Taylor. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Meet the artists at Atrium art gallery opening on Thursday, 5-7pm
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You’re invited to view the "Sacred Space 2022" art exhibition in the Atrium and to meet the artists at the Gallery Night Opening on Thursday, September 15, 5-7pm. Thirteen First U member/friend artists will exhibit expressions of spirituality, peace, and places of deep connection. The Art in the Atrium exhibition is sponsored by First U's Art Collective and The Peace Flag Project. It is curated by Ginny Fox and Lucille Riccitelli.
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Lay Ministry team is available, with their own email address
 We all experience challenges in our lives from time to time. If you become ill, suffer a loss, or experience a difficult life transition or celebration, call on us. Our Caring Crew, Lay Ministry Team, and First U Buddies want to help.
If you have a pastoral concern, click here to contact Rev. Roger or one of the Lay Ministers; they check email often.
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Tuesday noon deadline
Deadline for submitting materials for each week's First U Times is noon on Tuesday at the latest. Much earlier is better. To submit your article and photo or graphic to Nancy Forsstrom, click here.
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