SAC Announce

[Bethany L]

In this email, you'll find information about some exciting events sponsored, supported, or promoted First Parish in Concord's SAC.

 

The announcement contains information on (red bold indicates new news items):

 

-          Rain Barrel Program 2015 - Conserve Water and Save Money

-          Environmental Film Series on Tuesday, April 7^th at 7 PM

-          Inequality Discussion on Friday, April 10th at 7 PM 

-          UU Mass Action Advocacy Day on Tuesday, April 14 at the Arlington Street Church – Registration is Now Open!

-          Hope Out Loud 4 on Sunday, April 12^th at 3 PM at the UU Urban Ministry, 10 Putnam Ave, Roxbury – Great Multigenerational Activity

-          The SHOUT Heard ‘Round the World: Revere Our Climate --  Bike Ride, Walk and Rally on Sunday, April 19^th – Great Multigenerational Activity

-          Upcoming Events on Immigration from UU Mass Action

-          Holocaust Memorial Commemoration on April 26 at 7 PM at the Concord Town House

-          Mother’s Day Walk for Peace on Sunday, May 10^th at 8 AM

 

Rain Barrel Program 2015 - Conserve Water and Save Money

We are offering a Rain Barrel Program to help residents conserve water and save money.  Rain barrels collect and store rainwater for outdoor water use which means you’ll save money on your water bill. In New England, this means that up to 1700 gallons of water can be captured during extended summer months. Rain barrels reduce pollutants from entering into the water supplies by reducing runoff – which helps towns manage the water supplies and keep costs down. Best of all, rain barrels are low cost and easy to install. The rain barrel available through First Parish in Concord is repurposed from a 60 gallon shipping drum that is 39" tall by 24" wide, 20 lbs. empty. The shipping drum is made from 3/16" polyethylene which is UV protected and BPA free. The barrel comes complete with overflow fittings, drain plug, screw on cover, and a threaded spigot with a choice of two ports to use with either a watering can or a garden hose. The rain barrel arrives with simple instructions for fast and easy installation. Each barrel $75 and comes in forest green, earth brown and Nantucket gray. Fill out order form and send order form and check to: First Parish Church, 20 Lexington St, Concord, MA 01742. Check can be made out to "First Parish in Concord" with "rain barrels" in the memo. Barrels will be available for pick up on Saturday, May 2^nd from 9 – 11 AM at First Parish. Orders must be received by April 25^th 5:00pm. Rain barrel order forms will also be available at coffee hour now through the end of April.

 

 

Environmental Film Series on Tuesday, April 7^th at 7 PM

Parts of our planet that were once habitable are slowly but dramatically changing, causing the displacement of people around the world. How does that affect us here in Concord? Join Howard Dana for a viewing and discussion of the documentary Climate Refugees. This award winning film examines the moral, economic and political implications of climate change.

 

Inequality Discussion on Friday, April 10th at 7 PM 

Were you dismayed at the March 29 front page Boston Globe article titled “Divided Nation”? Were you inspired by Howard’s stirring sermon on Palm Sunday titled “The Limits of Tyrants”? Here’s a chance to do something constructive with your feelings. The Denominational Affairs Committee has recently formed a group of people who have begun working on the UUA action issue “Escalating Inequality.” At our Escalating Inequality upcoming meeting we will focus on identifying and prioritizing the actions we want to take to learn more about the topic, to raise awareness, and to work with other groups. We would love to have you join us. For additional information, please contact Fred Van Deusen at fredv...@gmail.com. 

 

UU Mass Action Advocacy Day on Tuesday, April 14 at the Arlington Street Church – Registration is Now Open!

Come join Unitarian Universalist activists from around the state at UU Mass Action’s 10^th Annual Advocacy Day on Tuesday, April 14^th. Events from 9:30 AM – 4 PM at Arlington Street Church (351 Boylson St., Boston) and the MA State House. We will hear a special message from Bill McKibben, world renowned climate activists and co-founder of 350.org. Our Keynote Speaker is Senator William Brownsberger, D-Belmont. Senator Brownsberger is a Unitarian Universalist, Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, and strong leader and ally in legislation to address climate change, ending mass incarceration, immigrant rights, and economic justice. Our Worship Leaders are Rev Nathan Detering, Senior Minister and Rev Heather Concannon, Assistant Minister for Youth and Family from First Parish in Sherborn.

 

Following the morning program, we will break out into groups to prepare for the legislative meetings at the State House. Each group will be facilitated by lead issue organizers. Participants are asked to choose their preferred issue focus when registering for the event.

 

Legislative Priorities
 

•  End Mass Incarceration: End Mandatory Minimums, Pre-Trial & Bail Reform, Justice Reinvestment Act

•  Immigration Rights: Trust Act, Safe Driving and Education Equity

•  Economic Justice: End Homelessness, Paid Family & Medical Leave

•  Environment/Climate Change: Green Bank, C-PACE and Fossil Fuel Divestment

 

Registration: http://tinyurl.com/mzuo33z   

 

Register by April 1st and the appointment with your legislator will be made for you.

 

Ticket Price $25  - Covers breakfast, lunch, beverages & building use fee

 

Reduced Fee $10 tickets & scholarship passes are available

 

Hope Out Loud 4 on Sunday, April 12^th at 3 PM at the UU Urban Ministry, 10 Putnam Ave, Roxbury – Great Multigenerational Activity

Once again, all First Parish Concord choirs will be participating in Hope Out Loud, 4 a multi-faith, multigenerational praise celebration at the UU Urban Ministry, 10 Putnam Ave, Roxbury. Hope Out Loud is a time for us to hear a diverse collection of voices speak their truths through dance, song, and spoken word. Led by the renowned Brother Dennis Slaughter, UU choirs from the metro-Boston area will join the Boston Community Choir in a resounding community sing featuring songs like “Draw the Circle” and “How Good!” There will be lots of group singing, so bring your voice and help us make HOPE come alive! This is a great opportunity to show our ongoing support for the good work of the UU Urban Ministry, an organization grounded in UU values which serves the needs of children and families in their Roxbury neighborhood. All First Parish members and friends are invited to come, celebrate, and learn. Door to door bus service will be provided. Contact Beth Norton (mu...@firstparish.org) to reserve your spot on a bus. A donation of $5.00/person, with a maximum of $20/family will be gratefully accepted to help cover bus costs.

 

The SHOUT Heard ‘Round the World: Revere Our Climate --  Bike Ride, Walk and Rally on Sunday, April 19^th

Hear ye, hear ye! The climate is changing, and it’s time to take action! On April 19th, environmental, faith-­based, civic and grassroots organizations -- including members of First Parish in Concord -- are coming together to “sound the alarm” about this century’s urgent challenge: the immediate need to address climate change. The SHOUT Heard ‘Round the World: Revere Our Climate, ​will be held on the 240^th  anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride and the battles in Concord, Lexington and Arlington that started the American Revolution. Again, a united citizenry can change the direction of history!

The day’s events include: a bike ride along Paul Revere’s route from Charlestown (leaving at 10:00 AM from Bunker Hill Monument) to Concord, groups of walkers following the route from various points, and two gatherings in Concord. Everyone will assemble at First Parish from 12:30 – 1:30 for lunch (BYOL) and to learn about local opportunities to take action to address climate change. At 1:30 we will walk together to Minute Man National Park for a 2 PM rally featuring speakers, music, participation and reflection. Our goal is to provide energy and motivation to engage more activists in specific efforts to reduce the effect and reach of climate change. For more information about these events and ways to participate, see our website (shoutroc.org) Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/events/570750993028215/) or contact Leslie Fisher leslie...@treitman.com.

 

Upcoming Events on Immigration from UU Mass Action

One of UU Mass Action’s legislative priorities this year is immigration. Below are two actions that might be of interest to those seeking to take action to support rights for immigrants in Massachusetts. First Parish member Tony Rodriguez is planning to attend both of these events. Contact him if you’d like to join: trod.ro...@gmail.com.

 

Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Detainees
When: Sunday April 19th, 2-3:30
Where:  Suffolk County House of Corrections, 20 Bradston St, Boston
Lead Sponsor: Boston New Sanctuary Movement
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/433078083540402/

 

Public Action and Launch of Trust Act Campaign
When:  Thursday April 23rd, 11:00 AM
Where: State House, Boston
Lead Sponsor: Immigrant Justice Coalition
All Allies are strongly encouraged to attend!  Let’s have a huge turnout!
More info: Laura Wagner, LWa...@uumassaction.org

 

Holocaust Memorial Commemoration on April 26 at 7 PM at the Concord Town House

The Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council announces the annual Holocaust Memorial Commemoration gathering at the Concord Town House on April 26 at 7:00 PM. This year’s speaker is Holocaust survivor Pedro Lilienfeld, who experienced the confinement of his father in a French internment camp; the overnight stay by two Nazi soldiers in their home with a warning that the Gestapo would come; and his narrow escape from Nazi soldiers at a train border crossing. Also participating is cantor Rosalie Gerut and Rabbi Darby Leigh of Temple Kerem Shalom. The event welcomes the public and is without cost.

 

Mother’s Day Walk for Peace on Sunday, May 10^th at 8 AM

“We hear and read about it every day. Needless and senseless violence in our schools, on our streets, in our neighborhoods. Please join us as Boston, and ALL of Massachusetts, comes together to make a statement: "It's time to unite, and together, stop the violence that impacts all of us!" (Tina Chery, Founder of the LDB Peace Institute).

 

This Mothers' Day, Sunday, May 10th, 2015, thousands of caring and concerned citizens will rally and walk in support of creating a more peaceful and violence free community.

 

The Mother's Day Walk for Peace began in 1996 for families who had lost their children to violence. On a day that we celebrate mothers and children, the Walk became a place for families and friends to feel support and love with thousands of others who pledge their commitment to peace. The Walk is the primary fundraiser to support the work of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute.”

Please note ALL walkers must register at www.mothersdaywalk4peace.org. This year First Parish Concord hopes to have enough folks participating so we can rent a bus (or 2) and ride down together. Families with children are more than welcome. My son Graeme, his wife Kelly and their daughter Anya (age 4) have walked for the past 2 years and hope to do so this year. Starting Sunday, April 5 and every Sunday until the Peace Walk, please visit the Mothers’ Day Peace Walk table during coffee hour – before or after the service - to learn more about the walk, to make a donation, and/or to learn how to register for the walk.

 

Also please come to hear Tina Chery, founder and executive director of LDB Peace Institute speak at the Sunday, May 3 Forum and learn first-hand about life-giving work of the Peace Institute.

 

I look forward to seeing you at coffee hour, or communicating with you on the phone or email,

 

Margie

Rev. Margie King Saphier

781 424 2179