Even in the midst of the pandemic, the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) continues to organize its members and move forward on its priorities, many of which have become more urgent as a result of the public health crisis.  Two weeks ago, Pastor Stacy signed a letter to Governor Baker, along with 97 other GBIO clergy leaders, that pledged to work with him to address the needs of so many Commonwealth residents impacted by the COVID pandemic.  In response, Gov. Baker met with GBIO leaders to discuss GBIO's three priority issues in this time of crisis:  affordable health care, housing (mortgage deferral and assistance, moratorium on evictions, etc.) and reforming the criminal justice system. The housing justice measures recently passed - for a summary go HERE.   And finally, this week five UCW members (Brita, Kent, Nancy, Mark and Pastor Stacy) participated in a GBIO video-conference meeting to discuss ways to stay in touch with and engage members of our community during this time of social distancing.  For more info, please contact UCW's co-liaisons to GBIO, Brita Gill-Austern and Mark Smith.

In the midst of this scary and unsettling time, many of us are frustrated by our sense of helplessness in being able to help the most vulnerable in more concrete ways.   Our church is providing two ways you can make a difference by dropping off needed supplies for health care workers and food for those with food insecurity in this time.  All supplies may be dropped off at the church in the anteroom outside the elevator in the two marked boxes.   We hope you will tell others in Newton about this drop off place.  We will deliver the medical supplies to Boston Medical Center, the hospital that serves the most vulnerable and homeless in the city and sanitizer and food supplies for those made homeless to Common Cathedral.