On Earth Day we hosted “Gardening for Change.” There was a leaf cleanup contest pitting a rake against a leaf blower, then a panel discussion moderated by Mark Haubner. The Share the Plate recipient in April was “The Butterfly Effect Project”. There are still “Thinking of You” cards to sign in support of their work.
There are three labeled boxes in the back lobby for donations:
1. The Center for Advocacy, Support & Transformation (CAST) for their food pantry and sharing room (food, personal / household items / gently used clothing)
2. The annual REPAIR CAFÉ – (REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE) sponsored by NFEC. We are collecting unused and unwanted paper products (greeting cards, bows, wrapping paper, stationery notebooks, writing paper, envelopes, decorative cardboard boxes) as well as pens and pencils, and small clean plastics
3. “En Mi Camino” (translation “On My Way”) We are a drop-off site for their effort to collect children’s shoes to be picked up and shipped to Guatemala toward the end of 2025. Though the emphasis is on the great need for children’s shoes, gently used shoes for all ages can be donated OR money can be donated for the purchase of new shoes. More info on this grassroots initiative to come, as details are worked out.
We held a flag-raising and dedication of our Progressive Pride Flag, which was gifted to us by North Fork Women on April 11. We UUs weren’t the only ones looking forward to this Friday night,; people walking in the door were in a great mood. There was laughter and vigorous clapping between speeches. Rev. Valerie’s words were perfect and the predicted rain held off for the short ceremony outside. The music was moving ; “Somewhere over the Rainbow” for flute and guitar, and Hymn # 170 “We are singing for our lives”
from verse “We Are a Gentle, Angry People” all the way through verse #6 “We Are a Gentle, Loving People.” Enough pizza for 45 people, laughter, chatting and lots of hugs. What a beautiful night!
UUs of Southold are supporting the North Fork Action Center, who hold their monthly meeting on the fourth Friday of each month at 4pm in our large meeting hall. The meeting is followed by their Anti-Fascist Book Club in the small meeting room. This month’s discussion is about Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present by Ruth Ben-Gita. Want to know what they’re discussing on June 27th? Are you interested in protecting the Constitution; working toward justice, civic engagement, evidence-based science, diversity and
a free press? https://northforkaction.net>. All meetings are FREE and open to the congregation and the public.
The SAC / 8th Principle Task Force meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (next one is May 14) from 4-5pm in person in the small meeting room OR via Zoom link, which will be emailed the day prior. As always, if you have questions, concerns, ideas, contact me at pattemcgoo@yahoo.com or (631)997-9405
As I write this, my heart is full,
Patte McManus