As UUs, we are a justice centered people. Our faith calls us to work toward creating the beloved community here and now, but that can feel overwhelming in face of all the injustices of our current world. In order to stay in this work for the long haul, we have to be able to practice faithful discernment. Join us to honor the sorrows of the world and connect to our deepest yesses for justice so we can keep on moving forward.
Heather Vickery is the Coordinator for Congregational Activism at the UU Service Committee and as such, works with congregations, state action networks and other groups that want to do their social justice work more effectively and faithfully. She is part of the Congregational Accompaniment Project for Asylum Seekers (CAPAS) team that matches and supports congregations with asylum seekers needing sponsorship. Outside of her paid work, Heather co-coordinates the Beyond Bond & Legal Defense Fund which is part of the wider Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network in Massachusetts and is an active member of her UU church, First Parish Malden.
Share the Plate
The share the plate for 4/16/2023 and 4/23/2023 is The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). The UUSC advances human rights and social justice around the world, partnering with those who confront unjust power structures and mobilizing to challenge oppressive policies. It’s work is grounded in the belief that all people have inherent power and dignity. The UUSC supports self-determination and defends the rights of people displaced due to climate, conflict or economic hardships and responds to humanitarian crises as partners with people whose access to aid is most limited.
Join us after the service today for a special workshop with Heather
Faith in Action: Organizing Effective Justice Ministry Teams
Faith in Action explores how groups can better organize in order to harness the power at the intersection of faith and justice. It also provides a framework that helps groups better understand their justice work, ensure the work is done in an effective anti-oppressive manner, and firmly root the justice work in Unitarian Universalism and the mission and vision of the church.
Order of Service
- Gathering Song: #188 “Come, Come, Whoever You Are”
- Welcome
- Prelude: “Lift Each Other Higher,” Elisa Keeler
- Call to Worship
- Lighting the Chalice and Musical Response
- Shared Music: “The Tide is Rising” by Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman & Yotam Schachter
- Time for All Ages: “The Very Busy Spider,” Eric Carle
- Shared Music: Hymn #1024 “When the Spirit Says Do”
- Wisdom from the World’s Traditions: from “A Slower Urgency” by Bayo Akomolafe
- Reflection: “Saying Yes and Saying No” with Heather Vickery
- Offering: “Keep on Moving Forward,” Emma’s Revolution
- Joys and Sorrows
- Shared Music: Hymn #113 “Where Is Our Holy Church?”
- Extinguishing the Chalice and Benediction
Click for This Week’s Newsletter
Topics: Resistance