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Unity Church of North Easton News
(Unitarian Universalist)
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"Welcoming people into community to grow in thought, spirit, and service to others."
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Volume 5, No. 4, Sept.25, 2015
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Black Lives Matter Banner
If you've been by the church you may have noticed a "Black Lives Matter" banner. Why is it up, what opportunities does this present, and where do we go from here? I'll try to answer these questions.
Why is it up? Jannelle Codianni donated the banner over the summer time. The message is consistent with our UU principles, in line with our Vision Statement, and is endorsed by the UUA. Therefore, the Executive Committee approved its display. Jannelle explained what the Black Lives Matter banner means in the last newsletter. Read her article here.
What opportunities does this present? To my surprise (and delight) the Easton community took notice. We have received comments both in support of and opposed to the message. One passerby told us that it is "offensive and supports cop killers". Another resident told us "I smiled with tears in my eyes. I felt so proud that a church in my community was showing its support." And someone apparently stole the first banner. Cut it down and took it off of our front lawn.
Where do we go from here? This response provides an opportunity to engage the public. Before we do, however, we need to engage each other. The congregation needs to learn about this issue, discuss it, debate it, and decide whether or not to embrace it. The first discussion will be held this Sunday (9/27/15) after the (brief) congregational meeting. Wherever you stand on #BlackLivesMatter, racial injustice, and Unity's role in this movement I encourage you to join the conversation.
If this is an issue that the congregation chooses to stand behind then we will decide how best to engage the public. Public forums? Discussion groups? Newspaper articles? That work, if supported by the congregation, would begin in mid to late October. In the meantime, a new banner has replaced the stolen one "1st Sign Stolen, not our voice. Standing on the Side of Love; Black Lives Matter". (Thanks to Jannelle and Caroline McCafferty.)
I hope to see you on Sunday at both the congregational meeting (warrant below) and a Black Lives Matter discussion following.
Yours in service,
Jason Gold, President
P.S. Here are some UUA resources to learn more about the Black Lives Matter movement:
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Casino Night Tickets On Sale Now
You are invited to Unity Church's Casino Night Fundraiser. Come enjoy some food, drinks, music, and prizes! Have FUN playing blackjack, Texas hold'em, Money Wheel, and Chuck-A-Luck with "play money".
All this fun is for a great cause! This is a joint effort between Unity Church Aiding Neighbors (UCAN) and the fundraising committee. Unity will donate half of all proceeds to School on Wheels of Massachusetts. This joint fundraiser is in line with our Vision to "deepen our work to build a healthy community" through outreach efforts. Details
Where: Stonehill College's Alumni Hall
When: October 3, 2015 from 7 - 11 pm.
What: Tickets are $50 and includes $1,000 in chips.
** Use Promo Code "UnityChurch2015" to save $20. Valid through Wed., 9/30. **
Click the button below or visit UCANcasinonight.eventbrite.com for more information or to buy tickets. Our goal is to sell 200 tickets. So please share this event with everyone you know!
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Special Congregational Meeting
September 27, 2015 Noon
Article I. To accept the warrant with times for discussion. (5 minutes)
Article II. To hear a report from the EC regarding plans for moving forward with ministerial options. (30 minutes)
Childcare will be provided.
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Let's Meet & Mingle with other UUs
in our Neighboring Towns
Join us on Saturday, September 26th, at 5:00 PM for a Five Points Cluster pot luck supper, conversation, and discussions about our congregations' present and future. The UU congregations that make up the cluster are Canton, Foxborough, North Easton, Sharon, and Stoughton. The event will be held at First Parish UU-Canton at 1508 Washington Street in Canton. Child care will be provided.
Feel free to come early (4:00 or after) if you'd like to help set up and/or take a tour of the church.
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In Worship
September Theme is Vision
Sept. 27 Rev. Judith Wright "Profound Vision"
October Theme is Reverence
Oct. 4: Jason Haven, preaching
Oct. 11: Alison Flemming, preaching at Foxborough Universalist Church, 10 AM, 6 Bird Street, Foxborough, MA 02035 (No service at Unity Church.)
Oct. 18: Ilona Robbins, preaching."Abusing Reverence: An Individual Perspective From The Eyes of a (Colored) Woman"
Oct. 25: Rev. Martha Neibanck,preaching. "Crucial Conversations: Growing in Covenant"
The Worship Committee : Ken Love, Katelyn Haven, Kate Meneses, Carol Heap, Cheryl Brigante.
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 Discussion : Black Lives Matter
September 27, 2015, after the Special Congregational Meeting, to discuss how we as a congregation would like to engage in discussion amongst ourselves and whether we want to engage the wider community in the discussion. There will be coffee but bring your own lunch if desired. |
Looking for Executive Committee and Church Meeting Agendas, Warrants, Minutes, or Member Contact information?
You can find it all on our web site under the Member Access menu, after you log in as a member.
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New to Unity Church?
New to Unity Church or want to Join Our Mailing List?
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Photo/Graphics/Video Credits for this Issue of the Unity News
Ellen Dehm and Cathy Adler
Unity News Contact Info
For questions or comments regarding this message, please contact Cathy Adler, Unity News Managing Editor & Web Administrator,
at welcome2ucne@gmail.com . |
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