Justice & Community Update

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MOSES Statement on the Killing of Renee Nicole Good

JRUUC is a member of MOSES – Madison Organizing in Strength, Equity, and Solidarity for Criminal Legal System Reform. The following statement was issued by email January 13, 2026 by MOSES.

MOSES supports the advocacy work of our parent organizations, including the WISDOM Immigration Task Force and the Gamaliel Civil Rights of Immigrants Campaign. 

With gratitude to Pablo Tapia Mendoza, Chair of Gamaliel’s Civil Rights of Immigrants, we borrow from his statement to the Gamaliel Network. 

Our hearts are broken and our spirits are deeply challenged. On January 7th, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents shot and killed Renee Nicole Good on the streets of Minneapolis. The very next day, Customs and Border Control officers shot two more people in Portland. 

These actions by federal agents demonstrate a growing pattern… Read more here…

Justified Anger Black History Course Begins 2/16/26

Justified Anger invites you to a course, either in person or online, to understand how the African-American experience has shaped the world we all live in, and how allies can find roles supporting racial justice today. We will lead this process without the use of guilt, finger-pointing, or propaganda, and lead from a place of compassion, community, and understanding. Rooting ourselves in our history, and understanding how we got here, will help us move forward together to make a better world and a stronger local community. Click here to register.

From the Justified Anger website:

Our purpose is to understand how the African-American experience has shaped the world we all live in, and how allies can find roles supporting racial justice today. We will lead this process without the use of guilt, finger-pointing, or propaganda, and lead from a place of compassion, community, and understanding. Rooting ourselves in our history, and understanding how we got here, will help us move forward together to make a better world and a stronger local community.

Our course is available in three flexible formats to suit your needs: “Monday in person” for those who prefer face-to-face interaction, “Monday virtual” for a live online experience on the same day and an asynchronous format that allows you to complete coursework at your own pace, anytime. Each option is designed to provide you with the same quality content and support, ensuring that you can learn in the way that works best for you.

Class Dates: (7PM- 9PM @ 633 W Badger Rd or Virtual)
February 16 – Kodesh – Africa, Early History, and the Atlantic Slave Trade
February 23 – Clark-Pujara – Sugar, Joint-Investments and Forced Migrations
March 2 – Clark-Pujara – Inheritable, Perpetual, Race-Based Bondage: Slavery in the US
March 9 – Kantrowitz – How Freedom Came: Civil War and Reconstruction
March 16 – Kantrowitz – The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow
March 30 – Gee – Black Woman Heal: The Impact of Historical Trauma on Black Women and Girls
April 17 – Shashko – A Short History of the Long Civil Rights Mvt
April 20 – Shashko – WIsconsin and the Struggle for Justice in Post-War American
April 27 – Clark-Pujara – The Cost of Apathy: Crimes Against Humanity

Have you already taken this course? Consider being a volunteer facilitator for these folks continuing their anti-racism journey! Please contact Siobhan Jackson (sjackson@nehemiah.org).

WUUSAN Monthly Newsletter

The Wisconsin UU State Action Network envisions UU congregations in Wisconsin in a collaborative relationship, sharing hopes and ambitions, embracing UU values, and working together to bring about the Beloved Community. WUUSAN’s newsletter is available here.


Thanksgiving Basket Donations at Reeb through November 16

We collected more than $40 and nearly 50 items for Goodman’s Thanksgiving Basket Drive. 4,000 families signed up in just 5 hours this year! Thanks much for participating in this community effort.

Open Mic Saturday – February 14, 2026

On the first Saturday of every month (except for February 2026 which will be the 2nd Saturday!), Reeb is hosting an open mic event. Suggested donation is $5/person, and all admission and concession proceeds will go to JRUUC. Please come and entertain with your music, poetry, comedy or any other talent you can offer! To donate food or beverages to sell, or for further information, please contact Mike Stimson.

Please come and share your talents or just enjoy the show.

Community Potluck Meal Sundays After Service

Eating together is one way we build community!  Once a month after the service (around 11:30-12:30) we gather to share a meal. Frequently (but not always) the meal happens on the third Sunday of the month. Upcoming dates:

  • January 18 – Let Emily know what you can bring at re@jruuc.org or just bring a dish to pass (with ingredients listed so folks can avoid allergens).

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 Sunday greeters, we are 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 Emily before or after service or email her at re@jruuc.org if you have any questions or are interested in volunteering.

Watch your newsletter for updates about future meal dates.

Food Equity Opportunity – Luke House

In January our participation at the River Food Pantry ended. Prairie UU Social Justice Coordinators have been seeking a new service opportunity and would love to continue to include us in their volunteer numbers.

They have landed on serving (not preparing) a lunch once a month at Luke House, which is just off Williamson Street. The first time was on Tuesday April 22 from 11:00-1:00. Volunteers commit to sitting and eating with the guests. Is this something you are interested in?  We need 3 volunteers for each date, so check your calendars and contact Peggy Haack if you are interested.

Let Peggy know if you’d like to be added to the list of future volunteers.

Just Bakery at Reeb

Get your goodies after Sunday Services in the foyer and support a just cause. 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. Watch this space for future dates.

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!

Did you know you can buy your own “Side with Love” apparel at Inspirit, the UUA bookstore?

In Our Wider Communities…