Racial Justice Team
The UUFM Racial Justice Team has committed itself to studying the UUA Commission on Institutional Change’s final report, Widening the Circle of Concern. This means meeting more often than we usually do. Since we have endorsed Black Lives Matter, this seems a good next step to understanding the changes we may have to make in order to become more antiracist and multicultural. We welcome anyone in the congregation to join us. We meet at 4 pm on Sundays, on scheduled dates seen below.
February 7 – Session 5 – Living Our Values in the World
February 21 – Session 6 — Religious Professionals
March 7 – Session 7 — Educating for Liberation
March 21 – Session 8 — Innovations and Risk-Taking
April 4 – Session 9 – Restoration and Reparations
April 18 – Session 10 – Accountability and Resources
May 2 – Session 11 – Where Do we Go from Here?
Currently, we are meeting on Zoom. Log in at https://uuma.zoom.us/j/9797400824?pwd=WjNTUldoci9VWjNtMFNsNjBsMlZTZz09. The meeting ID is 979 740 0824. The password is zeandale. Learn more from Jonalu Johnstone at revjonalu@uufm.net.
UUFM Sponsors a Blessing Box and a Little Free Library at Wonder Workshop
Doug Walter reports our box is receiving notably increased demand, especially in the past few weeks. To contribute items, contact Doug at kbsi@cox.net. Or, drop by Wonder Workshop, at 506 S 4th Street, and stock the box with your items. You can also contribute financially to stock the box at uufm.net/donate.
The Blessing Box is for people to take what they need and leave what they can. The box is stocked with non-perishable food items and life-essential items such as feminine hygiene products, toothpaste and soap.
We’re also sponsoring a Little Free Library at Wonder Workshop in memory of Richard Pitts. To contribute books, contact Doug Walter at kbsi@cox.net. You’re also welcome to stock the library directly. Our Little Free Library focuses on books for children and youth. UUFM’s box is registered with the international organization as box number 107632, and is on the international map of Little Free Libraries. Learn more at littlefreelibrary.org.
“Blessing Boxes for Manhattan/Riley County is an initiative of the Food and Farm Council of Riley Co. BBFM is an outdoor food pantry that serves those in need 24/7. If you need a blessing, donations are available and if you are blessed, leave a blessing.” — from https://www.facebook.com/blessingboxesformanhattan/.
Helping Hands
Helping Hands contributions will be collected for the Kansas Abortion Fund (formerly, the Peggy Bowman Second Chance Fund), raising funds to ensure that all women and girls can get the abortions they seek. Learn more at kansasabortionfund.org/.
As we gather Sunday mornings from our homes, with no basket passing by, our Helping Hands recipients still count on this annual contribution from UUFM. You can donate online at uufm.net/donate/.
Contact UUFM Social Action Coordinator Judy Nickelson at judynickelson@gmail.com, to learn about all social justice efforts at the Fellowship.