Past Events

”Our History Matters: Wisconsin in Black & White” – Nov. 7

Please join Jeanette and Mike Clawson in attending the screening of Our History Matters: Wisconsin in Black & White on Tuesday, November 7th at 7PM at the Barrymore Theater. This PBS journalism project, created in partnership with the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership, explores the history of racism in the criminal justice and education systems, how these issues are locally unique, as well as efforts to right these wrongs. The first two episodes will be screened as a part of this event. They were reported by PBS reporter of Here & Now, Murv Seymour. Following the screening, Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee, founder and president of Nehemiah, will host a dynamic conversation with key individuals who have shaped the need for an understanding of a shared history around racial inequalities in Wisconsin. Anyone interested in carpooling can contact Jeanette.

Volunteers Needed For Outreach Farmer’s Market Table

From Nick Schweitzer of Free Congregation of Sauk City: Volunteers are needed to staff a Unitarian / Humanist / Freethinker / Atheist / Agnostic / Skeptic table at the Capitol Square Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings from roughly 9 to roughly noon from April to November (in good weather only). Those who participated last year found it to be a very positive experience. The main task is having usually-brief discussions with well-wishers (and occasional critics) during the morning, and handing out brochures for Prairie, Reeb, FUS, and other organizations. Please contact Nick Schweitzer (contact information in JRUUC’s weekly email) if you would be willing to help out any time during the season.

Oct. 10 12-1pm – MOSES/WISDOM Action Protesting Prison Lockdown Practices

MOSES stands for Madison Organizing in Strength, Equity, and Solidarity for Criminal Legal System Reform.  JRUUC is a member of this organization. 

This past month, the New York Times published a significant piece that was picked up by Milwaukee and Madison newspapers as well. You can read it here through the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. It concerns the agonizing months-long lockdown that occurred at the Waupun Correctional Institution. Since June, people at Green Bay’s penitentiary have faced remarkably similar conditions.

On October 10th from 12-1pm at the steps of the State Capitol, WISDOM, its affiliates and partners will stage a public demonstration against the Department of Corrections’ cruel, destructive, and detrimental “lockdown” procedures at its numerous institutions. In order to solve this human rights disaster, we will be urging the governor, the state legislature, and the Department of Corrections to end the lockdowns, reduce the jail population and reinvest taxpayer funds in community-based alternatives. Please join us during this important moment. 

Register for the event in advance here. 

Following our press conference with local and state media outlets, we will stand with the family members of incarcerated people as they enter into Governor Evers offices in the State Capitol building demanding he schedule a meeting to explain what he intends to do to immediately address the inhumane, abusive, and critical emergency conditions in our state prisons. We need your show of support as we make it perfectly clear to the Governor that action must be taken now!

Besides the opportunity to support family members of people in prison as they demand relief for their loved ones, participants will have the opportunity to tour a replica of a Solitary Confinement cell. Men and women are forced to spend extended periods of time alone or with only one other person in cramped spaces while prisons are locked down. There will also be an opportunity to sign a petition demanding that the Department of Corrections comply with statutory mandates to provide for the rehabilitation of incarcerated people, and support for those being released.

Contact Joan Kemble if you are interested in carpooling with other Reeb folks.

Urban Triage Unhoused Youth Initiative Drive 

September 11 – October 6, 2023

Urban Triage strives to end youth homelessness though their transitional housing services: Youth- Headed Family Shelter, Scattered Transitional Housing Units, Rapid Rehousing, and Youth Drop-In Center. You can support their initiative by contributing household items to either a drop off bin near you or checkout their Amazon Wish List. View the wish list here. Read more about the Unhoused Youth Initiative here.

Emerson-East Eken Park Art Walk Sept. 23rd

JRUUC won’t be a stop on the Emerson-East Eken Park Art Walk this year, but you can meet our neighbors and enjoy art on Saturday, September 23 at 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. We hope to be one of the gallery sites for 2024 so keep it in mind…

Vigils for Our Healthcare – Sept. 17th 7pm – Braxton Place

More info here

MOSES Meets at JRUUC October 1st 2-4pm at Reeb

Please come to meet folks from other congregations, and learn what MOSES groups do. Hoping for a good turn-out from Reeb.

MOSES is an interfaith, non-partisan organization that unites congregations, non-profit organizations and individuals to build a better community. We join together to take action on social justice public policy issues, especially mass incarceration in Wisconsin. Click here for more about MOSES.

MOSES Meets at JRUUC Sept. 10th 2-4pm

Please come to meet folks from other congregations, and learn what MOSES groups do. Hoping for a good turn-out from Reeb.

MOSES is an interfaith, non-partisan organization that unites congregations, non-profit organizations and individuals to build a better community. We join together to take action on social justice public policy issues, especially mass incarceration in Wisconsin. Click here for more about MOSES.

Support Just Dane Youth with Backpacks and Calculators

Youth in Just Dane’s summer Just Bakery program are in need of backpacks and calculators. Kids in the Mentoring Connections will also receive these supplies at their summer picnic.  Please consider donating by ordering from their Amazon wish list here and have the order delivered to:

JustDane

2115 S. Park St. 

Madison, WI 53713

MOSES Annual Rummage Sale – August 25-26 8am-3pm, Donate Aug. 24th

Get your treasures ready for MOSES Rummage Sale!

• Donate clean clothes and other items in good condition at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 6205 University Avenue, near the corner of Allen Blvd on the west side of Madison, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm on Thursday,  August 24^th. We are not able to accept computers, TVs, exercise equipment, sofas, futons, or baby furniture. 
• Volunteer on SignUp Genius by clicking here. No need to log in or download any app.
  • Scroll down to the schedule of shifts and click “Sign Up” for one or more options for which you wish to volunteer.   
  • Click “Save and Continue”.
  • Enter your contact information in the form provided.
  • Click “Sign Up Now” or “Cancel” if you wish to start over (e.g, to add or remove time slots)

• Shop! Stop by for bargains and conversations  Friday 8-5, Saturday 8-3 St. Dunstan’s – 6205 University Ave 
• Contact Mary Anglim with questions
• Learn more about MOSES here – Criminal justice reform to restore our community

Register by August 25th For the Fall “BLACK HISTORY FOR A NEW DAY” Course

One way to help “dismantle white supremacy” (our new 8th Principle) is to take this amazing course offered by the Black-led Nehemiah Center in Madison.  The fall session will be held at 7 p.m. Monday nights from Sept. 11–Nov. 13, both in person and on Zoom.  The deadline for registration for this exciting course taught by UW-Madison faculty is August 25th (extended from Aug. 18th).  So far about 15 other Reeb members and many UUs at FUS have taken the course and were amazed at how much they learned!  JRUUC has some limited funding to offer partial scholarships to Reeb members who can’t afford the whole tuition of $300 (on a first come, first served basis).  For more information contact Leila Pine.

Open Discussion: “Building Our Racial Awareness” – Fourth Sundays of each month at 4:00-6:00 pm (on break for summer)

This conversation is hosted by the 8th Principle Project Team, and will be on Zoom. Participants will be invited to bring news items related to racism in our local community to facilitate conversation and to sharpen our awareness of the inequities surrounding us here at home.

If you have questions or comments on these offerings or the 8th Principle Project, please contact Team members Randy Coloni, Erik Gunn, Eva Wingren, and Jeanette Clawson by using this form. Or talk with us during coffee hour!

Immigration and Refugee Rights Report – May 2023

How do we support immigrant and refugee rights? Our members have been involved in providing housing, meals, rides to medical and legal appointments and to English classes, social events and case management support services to three Nicaraguan asylum seekers and three Cuban asylum seekers. We also invited Atty. Aissa Olivarez from the Community Immigration Law Center as a guest speaker to speak to our congregation about her work with asylum seekers on Sunday, October 16, 2022 (listen here), followed by Q&A. Click here for the full report of our activities over the last six months. 

JRUUC is a member of the Dane Sanctuary Coalition, and this report has also been shared with the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice.

Black Film Festival – July 13-14-15

Thursday, July 13: 5-8 pm – 13th Friday, July 14: 3-8:30 pm – Black Boyhood is Hell & School Daze Saturday, July 15: 3-9:30 pm – I Am Not Your Negro, We Have Just Begun, Judas & the Black Messiah Fountain of Life Church 633 W Badger Rd, Madison, WI 53713

From Nehemiah: We are so pleased to present our Black Film Festival hosted by Justified Anger. You are invited to come to watch and discuss these seminal works of Black art, culture, and politics. This film festival will feature artists and intellectuals showing the true beauty and diversity of Black and brown culture. You cannot miss this opportunity. With films made by prolific writers and directors such as Ava DuVernay and Spike Lee, this film festival centers Black voices and is uniquely designed to showcase Blackness in all of its forms; the trials, tribulations, and celebrations that make black people who they are.  Come watch and participate in the allyship discussions around complex topics of being Black in these United States of America. Don’t miss your opportunity to come together and listen to our Black voices. Please email Sjackson@nehemiah.org to RSVP or for questions. Admission is free. Click here for full itinerary & discussion questions

Can you spend one hour a week speaking English with an English-language learner?

The JRUUC Immigrant and Refugee Rights Team is seeking 7 volunteers who could spend just one hour a week (on the same day each week–you pick which day) speaking English with a young asylum seeker who needs more practice speaking English and developing his listening comprehension skills in English. Ideally we need one volunteer for each day of the week who could meet weekly with the young man. Please contact Leila Pine if you can help this asylum seeker prepare for a job that requires basic English skills.

Madison-Arcatao Sister City Event

Madison-Arcatao Sister City Project’s (MASCP) recent delegation’s presentation on the horrendous oppression in El Salvador: 

ARCATAO SPEAKS OUT

6:00-7:30 pm, Monday, July 10, 2023

Village Cohousing Community

1104 Mound Street, Madison

A simple supper will be provided

MOSES – New Member Orientation via Zoom – 5/25/23 6:30pm

MOSES is an interfaith coalition and an affiliate of the state-wide organization, WISDOM.  MOSES works on ending mass incarceration and reform of the criminal legal system. JRUUC is a participating congregation of MOSES.

Anyone who is new to MOSES or other WISDOM affiliate or  joined us for Madison Action Day, is  interested in a Task Force or issue area, or just needs a refresher is cordially invited., 

To participate, please register here:  May 25 6:30 pm WISDOM New Member Orientation registration

MOSES Updates

MOSES General Meeting Notes, May 7, 2023

This meeting was a hybrid meeting, both on Zoom and in person.

Our learning exercise was about Adultification: the tendency to over-estimate the age of young persons of color, and treating them like adults, even when they are children. This has contributed to arrests and convictions of black youth, and in a few cases, the actual shooting of the young person. It is prevalent among police, and to prove the reality of this problem, we heard statistics – and- we were each given the chance to guess the age of teenagers of varying ethnicities from pictures.

MOSES stands for Madison Organizing in Strength, Equity and Solidarity. JRUUC is a Member Organization of MOSES, which advocates for criminal justice reform.

Madison Action Day – Thursday, April 27, 2023
Masonic Temple 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Registration is $25 and includes a free lunch, entertainment by the Raging Grannies and a chance to join in group visits to legislators. Every live body helps make an impact! Register through this webpage: “Wisdom Madison Action Day” There is a register link on this page. (Wisdom is the umbrella under which Moses and its sister city groups function)

Register here ($25)

MOSES stands for Madison Organizing in Strength, Equity and Solidarity. JRUUC is a Member Organization of MOSES, which advocates for criminal justice reform.

April 2 Meeting Notes

Racial Equity Team report

• Disproportionately long prison sentences and the myth of the “superpredator”
• Most of these long sentences were handed out in the 1990’s and sometimes were given to teenagers!
• Most of these sentences were not for the crime of murder by the accused. Sentences have been for 180 years and upwards, sometimes much over two hundred years! And they included no chance for parole.
• The “superpredator” myth is false myth that young men of the ghetto cannot be rehabilitated and will always remain dangerous.
• The US Supreme court has since ruled that such sentences given to teens are unconstitutional, but the ruling was not retroactive. Only one out of 26 such men convicted was white. Wisconsin prisons still hold some of these men unjustly sentenced.
• MOSES asks that these cases be re-examined. The Governor has the power to reduce the sentences or rectify the injustices.

Racial Justice for all Children report

• Families of incarcerated adults frequently face eviction, often through financial hardship and inability to pay rent.
• Wisconsin currently maintains a 20-year record of such evictions in CCAP, making it nearly impossible for those families to get housing again.
• MOSES opposes maintaining these records for long periods.

Congregational Conversations on Adopting the 8th Principle – Sunday, April 23

In person at 11:30, Virtual at 4:00

Share your thoughts with us here.

In August 2022 the 8th Principle Project Team was created and charged with bringing the work of the 8th Principle Project to JRUUC. Our overall goal is to educate Reebers on the 8th Principle, in order to bring a formal vote to adopt the 8th Principle at a congregational meeting no later than May 2024. You can read more about the 8th Principle, including its language and history, here.

We invite you to gather this Sunday to discuss this effort and plan next steps in moving towards a vote. Your questions and thoughts on what is needed are key to our progress, and we sincerely hope you can find the time to participate.

Please join us in the sanctuary at 11:30, or join “Building Our Racial Awareness” on Zoom at 4:00.

April 22 – Earth Day Celebration – Games, Potluck, Cake, Sustainable Saturday Night

Bring your friends and family for an Earth Day celebration of the end of 10 years of Sustainable Saturday Nights combined with a potluck and JRUUC games night.  Community potluck at 6:00 pm, SSN celebration at 6:45, and games and cake at 7:15.  All ages welcome.  Bring a potluck dish and some games to share.

MOSES March 5 Meeting Notes

• The beginning reflection was a poetic multi-media presentation by Church Women United of Madison on how to make the world a better place. “Each one of us is a grain of sand”
• The main activity was a presentation by the Racial Justice Circle: reviews of the political attack ads by Ron Johnson against Mandela Barnes, which were racist. We broke into discussion circles to brainstorm ideas on how to counter-act or defuse racist ads. We were cautioned not to suggest direct combat, which would give credence and power to the attack ads. Rather, we were asked how to “lift up the voice and needs of marginalized people.” Each group had a variety of ideas.
• In summary, we saw an effective anti-racist ad and we were told not to use the word “everyone” because people of color often interpret “everyone” to mean White people. Rather, we should name the components of everyone and thus give each more power.
• Please vote. Go to myvote WI.gov. As a 501© entity, MOSES cannot advocate or endorse candidates. We encourage you to do your research.
• Save the Date: April 27: Madison Action Day. It is $25 at registration. A link to registration is on the MOSES webpage Mosesmadison.com – Email Eric Howland with questions

Rally for Our Rights!  Sunday, April 2 at 1:00 – 2:30 pm

Join members of First Unitarian Society to rally for our rights ahead of the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court election!  Come hear about what’s at stake this election and how you can make an impact.  The UU group will meet at East Main and South Webster- look for the big yellow “Madison UUs Side With Love” banner.

If you’d like to carpool, meet at 11:45 at First Unitarian Society to organize the cars.  We should probably leave by 12:15 for the Capitol.

Safe Skies Clean Waters Event: March 24-27

From Reeb Members Tom Boswell & Kelly Kearns: Safe Skies Clean Waters invites everyone to an important event this weekend, March 24 to March 27. Midwest Catholic Workers will be hosting a Faith & Resistance Gathering that will include speakers, socializing, music, a film, good food, and nonviolence training. The weekend will culminate on Monday morning (March 27) with Nonviolent Direct Action to oppose the planned F-35 fighter jet basing in Madison.

Speakers will include long-time peace activist and World Beyond War president Kathy Kelly; Ground the F-35 Program Coordinator & National Co-Director of CODEPINK Danaka Katovich; and BrianTerrell of the Strangers & Guests Catholic Worker Community and Nevada Desert Experience.

If you would like to participate in the nonviolent direct action on Monday, you should attend the nonviolent training on Saturday afternoon and the direct action training on Sunday afternoon.

The basecamp for all of the activities is the Madison Christian Community campus at 7118 Old Sauk Road on the northwest side of Madison. Various churches in the community will be providing meals.

For further details and to register to attend, follow this link: https://www.safeskiescleanwaterwi.org/save-the-date-march-24-27-catholic-worker-faith-resistance-gathering-no-f-35s/

We look forward to working with you on this important effort.

Healthcare is a Human Right Campaign!

Sign our petition to demand that the State Joint Finance Committee expand Medicaid and keep Wisconsin citizens covered!  WI PPC Healthcare is a Human RIght Petition

Get to know your Dane County PPC this Saturday March 11th 1-3 pm at the Catholic Multicultural Center (1862 Beld Street, Madison).  We will be gathering for campaign updates, sign making, solidarity singing in preparation for our Day of Action at the Capitol on March 22nd.  Contact Megan Barry with questions.  (Learn more HERE )

Want to know more, get involved or share your story? All are welcome. Contact Megan Barry

Upcoming Opportunities for Learning and Reflection with the 8th Principle Project Team

Rev. Karen and the 8th Principle Project Team are facilitating a number of activities in the near future to help us learn more and take actions to dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institution.

All the talk of anti-racism and white supremacy is bringing up a lot of feelings in many people. The book group for Me and White Supremacy will provide an opportunity to dig deeper into those feelings and gain insight. The intention of this supportive environment is to provide a safe place to discuss thoughts and feelings of guilt, confusion, and overwhelm and provide a path through to a more productive outlook on being an ally to BIPOC.

This is a powerful tool of self-reflection and deep sharing – please commit to all four sessions.  Please contact Jeanette Clawson if you’d like to join or have questions.

The book is available at “A Room of One’s Own” at 2717 Atwood Ave. or on the internet.

“This work is not an intellectual exercise or a mental thought experiment. When we talk about racism, we are talking about people’s lives.” — Layla F. Saad

From Jeanette Clawson, 8th Principle Project Team leader: “My first time working through this book I took a deeper look into white saviorism and how it played a role in my choice of choosing to adopt black boys. My introspection and discussions with my sons have improved our relationship as a consequence of joining this book circle. Please join me as I again do the deep work of continuing to uncover the remaining vestiges of white supremacy culture that remain in myself.”

If you have questions or comments on these offerings or the 8th Principle Project, please contact Team members Randy Coloni, Erik Gunn, Eva Wingren, and Jeanette Clawson by using this form. Or talk with us during coffee hour!

We look forward to working with you on this important effort.

Let’s talk about the Article II Revisions!  Sunday, February 26 at 11:30 am

Rev. Karen will host an open multiplatform conversation about the new values and inspirations.  If you attend worship in person, just come back to the sanctuary after a brief social time.  If you attend virtually, stay on the Zoom meeting and you’ll be brought back to the sanctuary when the conversation begins.

Questions will include:

• What helps you feel connected to the congregation?
• What prevents you from feeling more connected to the congregation?
• What would inspire you to be more involved in the congregation?

Sustainable Saturday Night for Feb 25th Canceled  

There will be no SSN in February or March. Expect a final wrap-up event or continuation plan to be announced in April. 

Sustainable Saturday Night has been a beloved tradition for JRUUC and other community members. However, with attendance dropping and organizer capacity limited, it’s time to open ourselves up to change. To weigh in on the future of Sustainable Saturday Night (and especially to step up as a leader!) fill out this short survey: https://forms.gle/GF7uCUybXVyQJqXM6. 

In Our Wider Community: Madison Mutial Aid Network News

“Tough Talks” Discussion Groups on Zoom Feb. 21st 7-8:30

 HEY NEIGHBORS: YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US IN AN EXPERIMENT!

Madison Mutual Aid Network is launching its inaugural “Tough Talks” session on Tuesday 2/21 at 7PM on Zoom, to see if folks are interested in exploring issues together related to challenges every neighborhood faces. With the benefit of a facilitator certified by the international Center for Nonviolent Communication we will consider the question: How do you deal with someone in your neighborhood doing something you don’t like? e.g. dog barking, blowing leaves too early in morning, racist comments? Together we will explore:

• Are there conversations you want to have with a neighbor that you are hesitant to start because you anticipate it will be a difficult conversation? 
• Are you wanting to be heard without starting an argument that might lead to more tension? 
• Are you hopeful that talking to them might lead to more connection rather than less?
• Or, are you hearing from a neighbor that they don’t like something you are doing, and struggling to hear them because of the intensity or the judgment in their words?

We will establish ground rules and be guided in sharing, listening, and connecting in a safe and non-judgmental space. Please drop a note to Randy Coloni if you have questions, and invite other folks you think might be interested.

Click here to go to MAN’s page for the zoom link or contact JRUUC member Randy Coloni.

      If there is adequate interest, we will then tentatively host these sessions on the 3rd Tuesday each month on topics that matter to our well-being, and which may not be getting talked about much due to fear of disagreement, being judged, or just wanting to avoid confrontation. We invite both your participation and your suggestions of such topics; Our second session would occur on March 21st at 7PM (3rd Tuesday of month), with a possible  topic being: Does your neighborhood have any arrangement for people helping each other out when help is needed? Is there something that can be done to facilitate more connection and mutual support?

     Please email Randy Coloni to indicate your plan to attend, to suggest better times for you (we would like to establish a monthly schedule), and ideas for future topics you would like to discuss. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THESE SESSIONS. 

Timebanking

Madison’s Mutual Aid Network (MAN) and timebanking are about connection and sharing with the people around you. MAN acknowledges that our current political and economic system does a poor job of distributing resources justly, leading to extreme disparities in the wealth and well-being of people in our community. Our Timebanking clearinghouse of “wants and offers” provides a way for everyone to offer skills and resources they choose to share while also enabling them to satisfy a want (need) without having to come up with cash or pay extra (to generate excess profit for someone). It’s a chance to break free of the “$ is king / everyone needs to have their own everything” mentality, allowing folks to be on equal footing and share even if money is short. WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US AT https://madisonman.coop/ and consider listing some offers and wants.       

WUUSAN is launching a Book Club beginning January 29th! 

From the Wisconsin UU Social Action Network:

We want to create a Wisconsin-wide virtual book club to discuss water pollution and protection.

The book is To Be a Water Protector: The Rise of the Wiindigoo Slayers, by Winona LaDuke

Please let us know if it would help you, by receiving assistance in getting access to this great book!  We want to support anyone who is interested to join us. 

We will have a launch party on Zoom on January 29th at 4 pm CT with the goal of learning a bit more about one another and talk about the format of this book club!  Sign up here

The Zoom link will be sent the day of the event and same day registration is welcome! 

You can join the book club if you cannot attend the launch Party!  We will begin the discussion after the Launch party, so you also do not need to have begun the book by January 29th. 

Then for the book club discussion, we will discuss the book through guided questions provided by WUUSAN on a private facebook group.  That way, YOU can join the discussion as it fits best in your schedule.  Excited? 

Join the facebook group NOW by clicking here.

Other considerations: 

If you are able to afford to, please purchase this book through a local bookstore, an indigenous-owned bookstore, or a second-hand bookstore.  We understand that this is not an option for many people, so this serves as a gentle reminder to those that are able to.  We’d be happy to offer recommendations and links to above options. [Link to A Room of One’s Own bookstore in Madison – buy online or visit in person]

Another great option would be to buy a copy for your local library or to buy a copy for your congregation or fellowship to share!

Sunday Jan 22nd at 4:00-6:00 pm on Zoom: “Racial Justice at JRUUC- a Facilitated Conversation.”  

We’ll use this tool to help us analyze 9 areas of congregational life at JRUUC.  You’ll need a copy of the tool for the conversation.  Please print it or pick up a copy in the foyer at Reeb. Zoom link Meeting ID: 893 2626 5974 Passcode: 782731

Justified Anger’s “Black History for a New Day” Course Begins February 6 – REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 22!

“I thought I understood and had learned about slavery, Jim Crow and segregation, but this course taught me, without any blame or guilt, how much I never knew about the history and lives of Black people around me, and how to get involved in improving the lives of our Black community and families in the Madison area.”

This course will be offered at 7:00-9:00 pm on Monday evenings, February 6 through April 17. Please contact Leila Pine for details, and to participate in a group with other Reeb members. 

Justified Anger’s Black History for a New Day Begins Feb. 6th

“I thought I understood and had learned about slavery, Jim Crow and segregation, but this course taught me, without any blame or guilt, how much I never knew about the history and lives of Black people around me, and how to get involved in improving the lives of our Black community and families in the Madison area.” This course, will be offered from 7-9pm on Monday evenings from Feb. 6-April 17. For details, contact Leila Pine.

Sign-up Deadline is January 15th!

Also, be sure to catch our January 15th service led by recent participants in this class.

MLK Weekend Events with the King Coalition, Saturday, January 14 – Monday, January 16

January 14: MLK College Readiness & Success Summit and “I Have A Dream” Scholarship Ball

January 15: Urban League Outstanding Young Person Awards and MLK Ecumenical Service

The 1/15 Ecumenical Service will be at First Unitarian Society, and Rev. Karen is one of the speakers

January 16: MLK Day Youth Call to Service and 38th Annual MLK Day Observance

The 1/16 MLK Day Observance features Donzaleigh Abernathy, daughter of Rev. Ralph Abernathy and Goddaughter of Martin Luther King, Jr., and includes the traditional freedom songs sing-in led by Tamera Stanley and MLK Community Choir.

See the King Coalition’s website for more information and the full event schedule

14th Longest Night Memorial Service – Dec. 21st

From Just Dane: The Longest Night Homeless Persons Memorial Service is approaching on December 21st, the longest night of the year, to remember our neighbors who have died and were unhoused. We are still collecting names of individuals to recognize, if you have one to submit. This is the 14th year for the local service. We will gather at 3:00 p.m. on the Capitol Square at the intersection of East Main, South Pinckney Street and King Street. We will hold a brief outdoor service and then proceed around the Capitol led by a horse-drawn hearse.

Each year we like to create a memorial book with the names of the individuals remembered at the event and for those who may have passed and been remembered in previous years. If you have someone you would like us to remember during this event; please provide us with a little information about the person, their gifts, interests, qualities you admired, and anything you would like to share by filling out this attached google form:  https://forms.gle/cJpq1LbSqXc9NnC69

See article above for ways to contribute warm clothing and supplies for our Madison area neighbors.

Porchlight Holiday Wish List & Just Dane Winter Clothing Drive

For over a decade, JRUUC members supported Porchlight, a non-profit organization that provides services and shelter to Madison’s homeless population, by preparing a monthly meal. COVID changed things and churches could no longer provide safe shelter or meals. But we can still help!

Let’s fill a laundry basket or two with much needed items on the Porchlight Holiday Wish List. These are items you regularly shop for: cleaning supplies, household supplies, and typical hygiene items. Pick up a list from the foyer (or check the list here online) and add something to your shopping list.

And if you’re looking for gifts to give, check out PorchlightProducts at porchlightinc.org .

Please drop off at James Reeb by December 18th

Cleaning supplies
 All-purpose cleaner & disinfectant wipes
 Floor cleaner (ex: Pine-sol)
 Bleach
 Dish soap (for individuals)
 Laundry soap (pods or powder)
 Brooms & dust pans
 Mops, buckets, Swiffers

Household Supplies
 Bowls and cups (microwave safe)
 Pots & pans
 Silverware
 Paper towels and toilet paper
 13-gal garbage bags
 Laundry basket

Shelter Supplies- all travel size!
 Toothbrushes & toothpaste
 Shampoo, conditioner, 2-in-1

In addition, we will be helping Just Dane to collect warm hats, gloves, socks and long underwear for adults and children. These will be taken to the Just Dane office in time for the annual Longest Night Homeless Persons Memorial Service on Dec. 21.

Warm Clothing Needed for Adults and Children – Drop off at Reeb by Dec. 18th.
 Hats
 Gloves
 Socks
 Long Underwear

Click here for a .pdf of the Porchlight & Just Dane wish lists

In Our Community…More Beautiful Music

Perfect Harmony Chorus presents “Shining in Silver” 25th Anniversary Concert

Two performances: Friday December 2, 7:30pm and Sunday December 4, 3:00pm

Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St., Madison, WI

Celebrate 25 years of Perfect Harmony Chorus as we continue to “sing to make a better world.”  Our silver anniversary concert includes PHC Artistic Directors and Pianists emeritus, alumni singers, and features our sibling chorus, Our Voice Milwaukee.  “Shining in Silver” takes us on a musical journey to the past as we look forward to our future! 

General Admission Tickets: $30, only available pre-sale online at www.PerfectHarmonyChorus.org

UU the Vote – Our 5th Principle in Action

There are new actions you can take every week! – Click here! – Georgia is still open…and the work for self-determination and democracy goes on all year long. Climate justice, reproductive rights, honoring treaties, resisting racism and other oppressions, all involve public policy, which involves voting

Get Out the Vote – UU the Vote Success!

10/24/22 – THANK YOU to the 15+ folks that helped with addressing and sending postcards from UU the VOTE to WI residents!  With your help, we sent out 400 postcards with voting information and positive messages about this very important election!  If you still have lists of addresses, please contact Megan Barry-Luglio for pickup or questions.