Oct 25, 20234 min read

The Compass, October 25, 2023

OCTOBER SERVICES

OCTOBER 29: Honoring the Ancestors

We all have one: a favorite family memento that holds something important about our family heritage and history. Most of the time, these mementos also keep us grounded in a value or offer us comfort or inspiration when we need it most. We encourage you to bring a photo or memento of a loved one for our ancestors alter for this service.

#WaySideWednesday

"Whereas history pleads, “Protect what we put into place!” Heritage urges, “Know the plotline of which you are a part.” History is what happened; Heritage is a story still unfolding. History tends to trap us in tales about what they did; Heritage inevitably gets us talking about what we are called to do." - Rev. Scott Tayler

Did you miss Sunday service? Watch it here!

What does it mean to be a people of HERITAGE?

October 29: The Gifts of Honoring & Grieving Our Roots, Badgers Parting Gifts by Susan Varley, spoken by Ruby Dee

THRIFT SHOP, OPEN 10 AM - 1 PM, TUESDAYS & SATURDAYS

All Halloween is 50% off
Women's sweaters 50% off
Thrift Shop coupons now available! Visit us during regular hours to get $5 off a purchase of $25
Men's suits, blazers, dress pants - $1 each

TAKE A VISIT TO THE OAKS REHABILITATION CENTER IN NEW BEDFORD

Cheer up two of our members with a visit to the Oaks Nursing Care Facility at 4525 Acushnet Ave. New Bedford.

Laurie Waclawik is permanently residing in room 101 and Larry Jaquith is there short-term in room 115.

GARDEN COMMITTEE

The garden committee needs your help planting bulbs on Sunday, October 29.

SAVE THE DATE

Our yearly Thanksgiving potluck will take place on November 19. There will be a signup sheet in the kitchen to let everyone know what you are bringing.

DID YOU KNOW?

One of the benefits of being a member of our church is free notary services from Rev. Karen LeBlanc. Contact her at minister@uunewbedford.org with any questions or to schedule a visit.

MESSAGE FROM THE ADMIN

The Holiday Market vendors have been chosen! Here is a list of who will be setting up shop on December 2nd:

Lory Cyr - handmade jewelry
Jackie's Knits & Knots - knitted and crocheted items
WeHa Co. - handmade, crocheted stuffed animals, hats, bags, and up cycled sweaters
Sharon Russo - tote bags, wallets, quilts,
Sandhill Farm - honey and beeswax
Finneran Carpentry - rocking chairs
Cedar St. Creations - jewelry, crystals, air plants, sea shell magnets
Cards by GiGi - all occasion, handmade cards
New Bedford Department of Children & Families
Stone That Flows - kiln-formed glass jewelry
Raenbeau Art
Bess's Baubles - jewelry
Caribe Creations - Caribbean inspired designs
Thrift Shop

Also, we are looking for a few volunteers to help run a bake sale at the Holiday Market scheduled for December 2 from 11-4. If you can't volunteer on the day of perhaps you could donate a baked good for the sale? For more information, or to sign up to volunteer, please email me at admin@uunewbedford.org.

Thank you,

Jessica

Remembering The Black Empowerment Tragedy by Mark Morrison-Reed, UU World Magazine

Image: Supporters of the Black Affairs Council commandeer the microphones and demand a new agenda at the 1969 UUA General Assembly.

"In the beginning, thinking that what had happened in the Unitarian Universalist Association between 1967 and 1970 had little to do with me, I ignored it. In October 1967, I was a freshman at Beloit College when my mother flew to New York City to participate in the Emergency Conference on the UU Response to the Black Rebellion, held at the Biltmore Hotel. The meeting was inspiring and tumultuous. Returning to Chicago energized, my mother threw herself into preparing for the first National Conference of Black Unitarian Universalists, which took place four months later.

At age eighteen, anything one’s mother is involved in is suspect, particularly if, in her enthusiasm, she cajoles you into coming along. First, she dragged me up to the Rev. Jesse Jackson, then into the plenary session. Listening to speeches was not on my agenda; I fled.

The foray with my mother ended my institutional interest in the UUA until I decided to enter the ministry. In spring 1977, my meeting with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee was looming. To prepare, I participated in a mock interview. The only question I still remember is, “Would you have joined BAC [the Black Affairs Council] in walking out of the 1969 Boston General Assembly?” I was eloquently mealy-mouthed and secretly glad I had not been there. Trapped is what I felt, would have felt, and continued to feel."

UPDATE: Thank you to our donors who have given a total of $125 as of October 25.

We Need Your Help!

Our Flentrop organ, the musical centerpiece of our Sunday service, is facing an urgent need for plaster repairs directly above it. The cracks and damages, if left unattended, pose a serious threat to the performance of this beautiful instrument.

We are reaching out to you, our generous community, seeking support for these essential repairs. The organ holds not just musical notes but also a history of shared moments and connection. Without prompt attention, the damage could escalate, potentially causing permanent harm to the organ we hold so dear.

Your donation, no matter the size, will contribute to the restoration of this vital piece of our worship experience. Let's ensure that the organ continues to resonate with joyous sounds for generations to come!