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

-          Special Presentation from Stephanie Leighton, of Trillium Asset Management, on Sunday, March 29^th at 11:30 AM

-          Environmental Film Series -- Tuesday, March 31st at 7 PM 

-          “Putting Social Action into Practice” with Sandy Wood on Wednesday, April 1 at 9:30 AM

-          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

 

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.

 

Special Presentation from Stephanie Leighton, of Trillium Asset Management, on Sunday, March 29^th at 11:30 AM

Please join us on Sunday, March 29, at 11:30am for a special presentation by Stephanie Leighton of Trillium Asset Management. Ms. Leighton is a partner, portfolio manager and research analyst at Trillium, the oldest investment management firm focused exclusively on sustainable and responsible investing (SRI). Trillium is headquartered in Boston and was founded in 1982; the firm is a leader in shareholder advocacy and public policy work. Ms. Leighton is a Unitarian Universalist and served on the UUA’s Committee on Socially Responsible Investing. She will be discussing opportunities in First Parish investments and also personal investing. Her visit is part of a congregational dialogue about SRI and fossil fuel divestment, and is sponsored by the Divestment subgroup of the Environmental Leadership Team. Questions? Please speak with Bruce Blumberg (ELT), Laura Bernstein (Trustees), Bob Andrews (ELT), Kate Crosby (Standing Committee liaison), or Bethany Lowe (FP staff).

 

Environmental Film Series -- Tuesday, March 31st at 7 PM 

Have you considered reducing your intake of animal products? Perhaps you're concerned about your health, or the environmental, or the way animals are treated. Please join us on March 31 at 7:00pm for a showing of Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret. While some object to the title, the film itself is an excellent exploration of the impacts of large scale animal agriculture on our environment. Sponsored by the SAC Council and Reverence For Life.

 

“Putting Social Action into Practice” with Sandy Wood on Wednesday, April 1 at 9:30 AM

Sandy Wood, who grew up in this church, will tell us about the year she has just spent teaching at a children’s community in northeastern India. She has truly gone out into the world. To learn more about the children’s community where Sandy is teaching see http://jhamtseinternational.org/our-work/jhamtse-gatsal/.  This talk if part of the Wednesday morning Buddhist group who meets each Wednesday from 9:30-11 AM in the Chapel. 

 

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.

Commit2Respond Events: 

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