Justice & Community Update

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Click Here to Learn About the UUA’s Side With Love Action Center Updates

UUA Joins Lawsuit to Protect Sanctuary Space

The UUA has joined with 27 other religious bodies and denominations in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s new policy that allows immigration raids, arrests, and other enforcement actions at houses of worship.

“As Unitarian Universalists, fighting for justice and liberation for all people is at the heart of our faith tradition, which recognizes the spark of the divine inherent in every person,” said UUA Executive Vice President Carey McDonald. “Our sacred spaces must continue to offer sanctuary to those who face oppression, violence, or alienation, including immigrant communities.”

Click here to read the UU World article on this lawsuit.  And please share widely.

And here are some other UUA resources relevant to these times:

The Immigration and Refugee Rights Justice Action Ministry Meeting 2/19 5:45pm

The JRUUC Immigrant and Refugee Rights Justice Action Ministry will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, 2/19 from 5:45 pm to 7:00 pm at JRUUC. This will be a hybrid meeting – come in person or use the Zoom link here.

The Spiritual Work of Trans Justice and Safety, Saturday 2/22 at 10-3:30

Workshop at First Unitarian Society

Come expand your understanding of what it means to be trans and nonbinary, learn how to tell fact from fiction, and find out how to help create safety for trans people and their families in this moment.  No matter who you are or how much or how little you know about gender diversity, this interactive and informative workshop will expand your mind, open your heart, and give all of us the tools we need to deepen our welcome and care for people of all genders in our community.  You’re also invited to attend worship after the workshop, at 4:30 pm.  The workshop will be led by Zr. Alex Kapitan and the Transforming Hearts Collective.The event is free to all, but you’re asked to register here.

Community Meal March 16 (Third Sundays After Service)

Eating together is one way we build community!  Every third Sunday after the service (usually around 11:30-12:30) we gather together to share a meal.  Most months, this is a potluck meal where folks are encouraged to either bring a dish to share.  We accept cash donations to help defray the costs, but everyone should feel free to come to the meal regardless of their ability to bring a dish or donation. Gluten free and vegan options are always provided.

Want to help?  To lessen the burden on third Sunday greeters, Genevieve is asking for volunteers to help with set up/clean up after service on third Sundays for the community meals. Responsibilities will include setting up tables and chairs as well as ensuring the dishwasher is run and all counters are wiped down. Please see Genvieve before or after service or email her at re@jruuc.org if you have any questions or are interested in volunteering.

It’s Time to Vote Again! Wisconsin Spring Election – 4/1/25

Here are some helpful websites so that you can promote self-determination, in alignment with our UU values:

Just Bakery Returns to JRUUC April 20, 2025

Get your goodies after Sunday Services in the foyer and support a just cause, even numbered months on the third Sunday. Both cash and cards are happily accepted. Just Bakery, an initiative of JustDane, is a 12 week educational and vocational training program. The program works with individuals who are experiencing significant barriers to employment (homelessness, justice involved, lack of education, and/or a lack of work history or skills). Learn more about Just Bakery here.

Just Bakery visits JRUUC quarterly.

Minister’s and Board’s Listening Sessions

Save the date for these gatherings after the Sunday Service:

  • March 23, 2025, in the sanctuary, after service/11:15 – 12:15 PM
  • June 08, 2025, in the sanctuary, after service/11:15 – 12:15 PM

Service Opportunity with Prairie UU at River Food Pantry

Does this sound like a project you’d like to get involved in?  On the first Saturday of each month, several Reeb volunteers will join Prairie UU volunteers in putting together lunches for the River Food Pantry.  Lunches will be taken to drop-off sites where food insecure folks can get a healthy bite to eat.  We work together from 8:30 – 10:30 am at the River Food Pantry, and they have the plan all set up for the volunteers.  It’s easy, it can be fun, folks are friendly and the work is rewarding. If we get enough volunteers, it means helping out just 4-6 times a year.

Put your name on the volunteer list by contacting Peggy Haack.

For those new to our congregation, from 2008 until the pandemic of 2020, Reeb volunteers joined with Prairie volunteers to cook a hot breakfast once a month on a Saturday morning at the downtown Men’s Shelter.  They now have a new site and a new meal plan, so this is a new way to continue working together in service to our community.

Share the Plate Nominations Needed!

Each week this congregation gives half of all offerings collected in our plate to local organizations whose work furthers our mission.

Do you know of an organization you’d like us to give to? Please nominate them!

In Our Wider Communities…