Sunday Morning Videographers Wanted 🎥

Are you interested in helping livestream our services on Sundays? If you'd like to volunteer to be a livestream camera operator please let Rev. Chris know. No experience necessary!

Like many of you, I came through the holidays wishing for peace and more loving-kindness in the world this year, and yet our nation is off to a rough start. This morning, a 37-year-old woman—a U.S. citizen who was not the target of any investigation—was shot and killed by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis. The circumstances remain under investigation and deeply contested. We hold her and her loved ones in our hearts.

This week also marked four years since the January 6th insurrection, and the House Judiciary Committee released the full transcript of Special Counsel Jack Smith's closed-door testimony about his investigation. I am including a link here for those who may wish to read it and form their own conclusions. From what I’ve read, I found the testimony deeply troubling—a stark reminder of how fragile our democracy remains.

Deeply troubling, too, is the dramatic shift in American foreign policy we witnessed this past weekend. On January 3rd, the United States launched military strikes across Venezuela and captured President Maduro. The Unitarian Universalist Association swiftly condemned these actions, stating that they "violate our shared religious values" and are "precisely the kind of abuse of power via military aggression that UUs have condemned throughout the denomination's 200-year history." I have included a link to the full UUA statement here.

In times like these, our faith calls us to bear witness, to speak up, and to act. This Sunday, we'll explore one powerful way to respond: the power of the purse. From the Montgomery bus boycott to today, people of conscience have used their economic choices to resist injustice. We'll look at how the UUA's Side With Love campaign is doing just that—organizing boycotts of corporations like Avelo Airlines and AT&T that profit from immigration detention and deportation. On January 12th, Side With Love is hosting an online gathering focused on these corporate accountability campaigns. I plan to attend, and I invite you to join me by registering for the event here.

We're also delighted to welcome local artist Bruce Orr, who will lead our Sunday Morning Faith Development program during worship. Youth of all ages are invited, through high school! "Hearts & Arts for Youth: Sunday Art Adventures to Benefit the Local Community"—see details below. Invite a friend.

See you in church,

Chris

Hearts & Arts for Youth: Sunday Art Adventures to Benefit the Local Community

Youth of all ages through high school are invited to join local artist Bruce Orr for hands-on art projects during the Sunday morning faith development classes listed below at UUCGL! In this exciting new program offering, youth are invited to put compassion into action through creative projects—brightening a stranger's mailbox, making prints for neighbors in need, and crafting art that speaks to what they stand for. No experience necessary—just bring your creativity! Feel free to bring friends and spread the word to any local youth (printable flyer here). All materials provided. 

Bruce is an art teacher, art therapist, muralist, illustrator, puppeteer, and all-around arts advocate. He is the founder of Inkwell Arts in Peabody.

Upcoming Sessions (10-11am in the Skylight Room):

January 11 – Postal Art: Random Acts of Kindness

January 25 – Prints for People: Printmaking for My Brother's Table

February 8 – Sticker Love: Sticker Making for Valentine's Day

February 22 – Stand Up Puppets & Paper Pop-Ups: What Do You Stand For?

Be on the lookout for additional dates and projects in March and April.

Questions? Reach out to Rev. Chris. 

Thank you to those who have filled out the UUCGL End of Life and Memorial Service Planning Form already. We encourage everyone to complete this form at your earliest convenience — it’s a simple but deeply caring act that helps your loved ones and your ministers know your wishes. Access the form at uucgl.org/planning or pick up a paper copy in the office.

NOTE: most questions are optional. Feel free to fill in only what is comfortable for you. All information will be kept confidential.

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