Ministries

Our Ministries

Worship Service.

We gather together in spiritual community because we need constant reminders of what matters most in life. In a world of heartbreak and dehumanization, our congregations and communities call us to our better selves. We learn to live with more wisdom, more connection, and more compassion.

Our Worship Services are weekly reflections that weave together our own thoughts and experiences with music, beauty, poetry, and words that both comfort and challenge. Our programs for all ages inspire us, and awaken us to our capacities to make a difference in our own lives and in the world.

We are inspired not just by religious sources but by the people with whom we journey: the diverse and spirited Unitarian Universalists.

Our worship services are currently in person in our Sanctuary and online. You can join us virtually at 10:30 am on zoom.

What to Expect in Worship

We gather in worship to find meaning and live more deeply. Worship creates connections within, among, and beyond us, calling us to our better selves, calling us to live with wisdom and compassion.

Unitarian Universalist worship styles vary by congregation, and even within congregations. Some congregations’ worship is contemporary and high tech. Some congregations’ worship is traditional and formal. Some features exuberant music, some includes long periods of silent reflection. Our congregation’s worship is authentic, meaningful, and fun.

Elements of a typical Unitarian Universalist Sunday morning worship service include:

Words of welcome
Lighting a flaming chalice, the symbol of our faith
A multigenerational segment, such as a “story for all ages”
Music, both instrumental and vocal and in a variety of styles
A time for lifting up the joys and concerns of the congregation
A meditation or prayer
Readings—ancient or contemporary
A sermon given by a professional minister, a guest speaker, or a member of the congregation
An offering, collecting financial donations for the congregation or for justice work in the community

From time to time, worships incorporate holiday celebrations, such as solstice, Christmas Eve, Yom Kippur, or Easter, multigenerational plays and pageants, longer musical performances, child dedications, and coming-of-age ceremonies. We offer childcare and learning programs for children and youth during the Sunday service.

Reverend Molly’s Most Recent Services.

Bloom Where You’re Planted

May 29, 2024•
Our annual Flower Ceremony service is a beloved UU tradition that reminds us of the love and beauty that bloom when we share our gifts with one another. Please bring a fresh flower (or several!) with you to share. The Annual Meeting will take place in person and over Zoom, directly following the service.
Read More
May the Road Rise: A Bridging Service

May 29, 2024•
Bridging is a Unitarian Universalist rite of passage that celebrates our youths’ entry into young adulthood. Come join us to celebrate those who’ve grown up in First UU, and commemorate the passages and journeys of life.
Read More

View All Past Services

Small Group Ministry and Affinity Groups.

Climate Justice Circle

Facilitator: Jim D’Aloisio
Purpose: To advance climate justice initiatives, to envision a positive climate-just future and our roles in creating that future, and to support each other in the challenges of this path going forward.

The circle typically meets the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor, with a remote Zoom option. Check the church calendar to confirm.

The circle is open to anyone who feels that climate change is a serious problem and that society needs to make significant changes to minimize future negative impacts.

CNY Open Pagan Circle (CNY OPS)

Facilitator: Kelvin Williams
Group that meets to plan and conduct pagan rituals according to the Sabbats.
This is an open group.

Men’s Gatherings

Facilitator: Rick Olanoff
Our purpose is to help men feel connected, appreciated, loved, and able to share from their hearts.
The group is open to anyone who identifies as male.

Open Heart Meditation Circle

Facilitator: Coran Klaver ( ccklaver@gmail.com )
Sundays 9:15-10:00 am; walking meditation 9:00-9:15 on the first Sunday of the month
Twenty-minute of silent meditation followed by a dharma reading and a discussion of the reading and our daily practices. Beginners and all practitioners from all traditions are welcome. In person and Zoom.

RnR

Facilitator: Kaaren Remley
We hang out on zoom and chat and do arts and crafts if we feel like it. This is a no politics zone that started at the beginning of the Hillary Clinton issue and it’s been every first Tuesday of the month.
We are open to a small number of people joining us.

Soul Matters

Facilitator: Felice Killian-Benigno

Still COVIDing

Facilitator: Tina Lesley-Fox
A group of people from First UU and the wider community who continue to take precautions to prevent Covid and other infections. We advocate for cleaner air through ventilation, masking, co2 tracking and air purifiers. We gather masked for socializing and connection on a semi regular basis offering educational opportunities as well as Covid safer community building.

UU Book Group

Facilitator: Jane Pickett
Meets the second Monday of each month at 2 PM in the First UU Parlor. Men and women from the two local UU Societies share and discuss what they have been reading. All are welcome.

Young Adult Chalice Circle

Facilitators: Artemys McCrae & Cam Gee
Once a month young adults gather for spiritual growth, community building and fun. This chalice circle led by young adults in our community is open to anyone 18-40 years old.

A few years ago, I had been searching for a church/community that would be accommodating to my beliefs. I was born Muslim and do admire many things about Islam. My husband was born Eastern Orthodox Catholic. So, I have been exposed to Christianity through my husband and through friends. I like many aspects of Christianity. I found that the UU Church did not have any contradiction to the many beliefs that I have espoused. I find that the humanitarian values that are put forth by the UU Church are great and admirable.

Qudsia

My husband and I are both totally blind and have two Seeing Eye dogs. Not only have we been welcomed into this congregation, but we are accepted as equal participants in this caring community. Shortly after we began attending the services, we were provided braille hymnals, which demonstrates First UU’s commitment to meeting the needs of people with disabilities. We have participated in a summer service and given a presentation to the youth’s religious education classes about our blindness and how our dogs enhance our mobility. Attending the services at First UU has expanded our knowledge of social justice, provided us with deep friendships and has helped us to expand our spiritual growth.

Lucy & Don

Honesty is important to me. Honesty with those around me, but more importantly, with myself. What I truly appreciate about First UU is that I am not only encouraged to honestly develop my own spiritual beliefs, I am supported in doing so. No one is telling me what to believe. Instead, inspiration has been provided from diverse perspectives from the pulpit, courses, workshops, and dialog with other members and friends. For me, I am also inspired by so many of our traditional belief systems so wonderfully expressed by our wonderful chancel window!

Dennis

I like going to First UU because I know everyone there and they are friendly. I know the building well so I don’t get lost and it is fun to play hide and seek. My RE class is small without too many kids so I feel like I can get to know them well. There is a time in the service when the kids go up front to hear a story, I enjoy listening to the stories. I would recommend First UU to other kids because it is a fun place.

Amelia

At First UU, I have found an institution which does not pelt me with answers to existential questions, but which provides me opportunities to seek answers to them in a community of open-minded people as well as ways to pursue social justice in the larger community.

Georgia

Contact Info

Quick Links