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):
- SAC Grants Informational Meeting on Wed., Jan. 14th at 7 PM
- Social Action Grant Application Deadline is Fri., Jan. 30th
- Volunteer to be a Grant Reader
- Interfaith Environmental Potluck on Mon., Jan. 12th at 6:30 PM at Kerem Shalom
- Vegan Potluck on Tuesday, January 13th at 6:30 PM
- Annual MLK Event Hosted by the Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council on Wed., Jan. 14th at 7 PM
- Sustainable Concord Coffee To Discuss the Local Natural Gas Pipeline on Tues., Jan. 20th at 7:30 - 9 AM
- Sarah Chayes Speaking on Thurs., Jan. 29th at 7:30 PM
- Inequality for All Screening and Discussion on Fri., Jan. 30th at 7 PM
- Rock 'n' Roll Bingo Fundraiser for Youth Group Service Trip on Sat., Jan. 31st at 6 PM
- UU College of Social Justice Youth Summer Programs
- Funderburg Scholars Dinner on Sat., Feb. 7th
SAC Grants Informational Meeting on Wed., Jan. 14th at 7 PM
Want to learn more about the SAC Grants? How does one apply? What criteria are used to assess grants? Come to this informational meeting, meeting members of the SAC Council and potential grantees, and find out!
Social Action Grant Application Deadline is Fri., Jan. 30th
The Social Action Community’s Grant Application deadline is January 30th. Each year, First Parish allocates 7.5% of annual pledge income to the SAC Council. The Council distributes this grant money to local, national, and international organizations. Grant award priority is given to these new concepts and ventures. Please keep in mind that grant applications must be sponsored by a First Parish pledging member. Further details on the grant application process, policies and requirements can be found at http://bit.ly/1xJgxu2 or by contacting Wendy Holt (wen...@dmahealth.com) or Bethany Lowe (bl...@firstparish.org).
Volunteer to be a Grant Reader
Last year the Social Action Community Council invited parishioners to read and comment upon grant applications. The ratings and comments we received were a valuable addition to our decision making. This year we are again inviting parishioners to be grant readers. The commitment would involve an optional orientation meeting in early February. Readers will asked to read 5 - 7 short grant applications and complete a one page review form. Applications will be distributed during the second week in February and ratings will be due at the end of the month. Please contact Wendy Holt (wen...@dmahealth.com) if you are interested in exploring this opportunity.
Interfaith Environmental Potluck on Mon., Jan. 12th at 6:30 PM at Kerem Shalom
This is a monthly gathering of six local faith communities working together on sustainability issues. Come join our next potluck dinner at Kerem Shalom, located at 659 Elm St., Concord. We have a few projects under discussion, from cooperative composting to sustainable building events to a Patriot’s Day climate justice event. We are open to new ideas and what interests you around ideas that foster greater awareness and participation by all our congregations. Bring a dish that does not contain nuts, pork and shellfish.
Vegan Potluck on Tues., Jan. 13th at 6:30 PM
Enjoy a delicious pot-luck dinner in the Parish Hall on Tuesday, January 13th at 6:30 p.m. hosted by Reverence for Life and the Environmental Leadership Team. Please bring your own beverage and a dish to share that is free of meat, fish, eggs, honey and dairy. Also, attach a card with the ingredients of your dish, to help out those with allergies or special diets. Your $2 donation helps to cover expenses. Don't have time to cook? A simple salad or a loaf of bread is just fine. Need a recipe? Contact Lyell Slade at 978-369-0636 or lls...@netscape.net.
Annual MLK Event Hosted by the Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council on Wed., Jan. 14th at 7 PM
On Wednesday, January 14th at 7 PM the Concord Human Rights Council will host the annual Martin Luther King event at the Fenn School auditorium. The fabulous line up of performers include Willard School Chorus, Fenn Treble Chorus, Boston Children's Chorus, Lisa Lee-Slam Poet, Carl Alleyne-Acapella Singer, and The Holy Tabernacle Brotherhood Choir. On display in the lobby will be photography by the late Ivan Massar of Concord. All are welcome at this special evening event. For more information contact Arthur Walker (history...@gmail.com or 978-369-3051).
Sustainable Concord Coffee To Discuss the Local Natural Gas Pipeline on Tues., Jan. 20th at 7:30 - 9 AM
To address growing demand, a large, new pipeline is being planned to bring fracked natural gas from Pennsylvania through Massachusetts, with its cost to be paid for by Massachusetts’s electric ratepayers. The question as to its need and the environmental consequences of this controversial project are the subjects of this month’s Sustainable Coffee. The event will feature two speakers on the issue: Cathy Kristofferson (Conservation Commissioner, Town of Ashby, MA) and Rich Cowan (Non-Profit Consultant in Dracut, MA) who have been actively involved in this issue with the MassPLAN (Mass Pipeline Action Network). This is a free public event; strong coffee and assorted local goodies provided.
Sarah Chayes Speaking on Thurs., Jan. 29th at 7:30 PM
You might remember Sarah Chayes, who came to Concord a few years ago to raise funds to rebuild a village outside of Kandahar, Afghanistan. Chayesbecame familiar with Afghanistan while reporting for NPR following the US intervention there. While in Afghanistan, Chayes reported on the corruption that perpetuated both the US intervention in Afghanistan and the public corruption in Afghanistan. Chayes’ newest book, Thieves of State, is due out January 19th. Learn more about Chayes’ new book here: http://www.thievesofstate.com. On January 29th, Chayes will speak about her current work in Nigeria, and also about her experiences in Afghanistan. This event is free and open to the public.
Inequality for All Screening and Discussion on Fri., Jan. 30th at 7 PM
The Denominational Affairs Committee invites you to a screening of Robert Reich’s gripping film about the origins and corrosive effect of income disparity in America. First Parishioner and Massachusetts State Rep Cory Atkins, who brought this film to the community in October, will introduce the evening. Fred Van Deusen will moderate the follow-on discussion, starting with further materials Reich has provided. Atkins will be on hand to field questions on legislative action. The film is in line with the UUA's current Congregational Study/Action Issue (CSAI) of income disparity, and it may be the chance to kick off deeper engagement with UU’s everywhere on the CSAI.
Rock 'n' Roll Bingo Fundraiser for Youth Group Service Trip on Sat., Jan. 31st at 6 PM
On Saturday, January 31st, the Youth Group will lead a night of Rock ‘n’ Roll Bingo. This event will be open to folks of all ages and families of all sizes. Pizza and homemade chili will be sold at the event. Youth lead many rousing rounds of bingo. Each time a “bingo” is announced, we’ll celebrate with music. Dancing will be encouraged. There will also be a silent auction of toys, games, babysitting services, etc. All proceeds will go to support the Youth Group's service trip to New York City this coming February. Please come and support the efforts of our youth to make their service trip financially sustainable.
UU College of Social Justice Youth Summer Programs
Get Activated -- join a UU College of Social Justice summer program for high school youth! Put your faith to work in Boston, New Orleans, or along the Southwest Border. Come grow, learn, and explore with us. Learn more and apply at uucsj.org/youth!
Funderburg Scholars Dinner on Sat., Feb. 7th
Join us on Saturday, February 7th for the Funderburg Scholars fundraising dinner at church. Help Roxbury youth attend and graduate from college – while you enjoy a nice meal with great company! These engaging students will tell stories about their college experiences. No fixed "price" - donate what feels right to you at the dinner. Reserve your place at dinner at coffee hour today, by calling Loretta Ho Sherblom’s cell at (508) 935-6750 or e-mailing her at Lor...@LHSBenefits.com. Join us for wine and cheese at 6:30 PM, dinner by Sven Olson at 7:15.