Capital Campaign, Witnessing at Standing Rock, and “You Are Needed!” Weekly Liberal Dec. 1
Read the full issue of this week’s newsletter here: The Weekly Liberal Dec. 1
Rev. Justin writes:
Dear First Universalist members and friends,
It is an unsettling and unnerving time, given all that is going on in our country and the world. It is a time to stay awake, to renew commitments, to be with those feeling marginalized and afraid, and to honestly name our own vulnerability and fears. This is not a drill. We need to show up in the world, spiritually grounded, and fiercely committed to living out loud our progressive religious values. I have never needed, nor been more in love with this faith community than I am right now! Together, we can, and will, do the next right thing.
Capital Campaign. Speaking of the next right thing, I’m delighted that the Board of Trustees, after doing additional due diligence, and taking in the feedback from the Capital Campaign Focus Groups we held in October, has decided to move forward with this bold undertaking! (Information about the campaign can be found here.) This Sunday, during both services, we’ll be introducing the Capital Campaign Steering Committee to the congregation, and then moving into the quiet phase of the campaign.
Standing Rock. This Sunday, Rev. Ruth MacKenzie and I will be in Standing Rock, North Dakota, responding to the call of Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle, who has asked people of faith to join him at Standing Rock on Sunday, for an Interfaith Day of Prayer, to support the camp and the Water Protectors. (To understand some of the history behind this moment, please see this piece by Winona LaDuke.)
You Are Needed! So many of you have asked, “I want to be of service. What can I do to help?” We’ve got an answer for you!
- Greeters: Since the election, we have been receiving record amounts of visitors on Sunday mornings. Our Welcome Teams need more people to offer a warm welcome to all those who are coming through our doors.
- Office Volunteers: Our front office volunteers are the face of the church on weekdays, answering phones and lending a helping hand. Could you take on a 3-hour shift at a time that works for you?
We need you and we need one another! Will you help us build and strengthen this community, as we respond to the hundreds of new visitors that are coming to the church? You can sign up at the “Information Center” on Sunday, or contact Sandy DiNanni at sandy@firstuniv.org. Thank you!
I’ll see you in church,
Justin
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