On this Martin Luther King Sunday, we’ll consider what it means to dream, to imagine a new world, and how to do the work of justice making. We’ll talk about the action-reflection model of justice work, which encourages us to be imaginative and adaptive, learning as we move through the world.

To join online, go to zoom.us/j/89214621289

Last Sunday, the Westborough Interfaith Clergy Group led an "Interfaith Prayer Vigil for our Country." If you were not able to participate, or would like to share the event with a friend, you may access the video now on the Westborough TV Youtube channel.

SMOC is in need of warm winter clothing, especially socks, coats, sweatshirts, sweatpants, long sleeve shirts, hats and gloves. New socks only please, other items should be new or gently used and clean. Please bring your donations to UUCSW on Thursday, January 28th between 4:30 and 5:45 pm. If this timing does not work for you reach out to Nancy Siegal at NSIEGAL185@msn.com or Pauline Sciarappa at psciarappa@gmail.com for other options. Thanks in advance!

As you know, members of the Social Justice Committee have been working with a Worcester Shelter (SMOC - Southern Middlesex Opportunity Council), dropping off food and clothing donations, that our congregation has so generously provided. Jerry Breecher and Ed Walsh initiated the project by organizing members once a month to pack and deliver actual lunches to the Worcester shelter. With the onset of Covid, we have shifted to providing the ingredients for lunches, once a month: packages of bologna, juice boxes, fruit, granola bars, etc. In addition, in December, we started collecting warm clothes as well.

Our friends at the shelter have been so appreciative of the deliveries, and of the support and friendship they feel coming from our congregation. We want to pass that message along to the whole community, and thank members for their donations. For instance, in December, we delivered 30 pounds of bologna, 9 bags of apples plus a box of 100 apples from Stop and Shop, a bag of oranges and a bag of pears, 342 granola bars, and 310 juice boxes, and a van full of warm clothes for the men and women at the shelter. You can see why they are so grateful!

Thank you to our entire community for supporting all these types of giving projects. It makes such a difference in the lives of our friends in need, especially during such tough times.

The membership team invites you to join us at 6:00 pm on Saturday, January 30th for a Zuumapaluuza! What is a Zuumapaluuza, you might ask? It's a celebration of our members and friends with games, shared cakes, and funny hats. We can't have an in-person birthday bash this year so we are trying the next best thing for celebrating UUCSW.

Here is what you need to do:

RSVP by Sunday, January 24th to receive a home-baked cupcake to add to your celebration. Please RSVP for each person in your household who will be participating. RSVP on SignUp Genius at Zuumapaluuza RSVP or by email to membership@uucsw.org.

Our Members and Friends Service on January 31st is the moment during the year when we recognize new members. If you are interested in formally joining UUCSW, which makes you a voting member, please reach out to Rev. Laurel at laurel.gray@uucsw.org.