We are still in the process of gathering ideas from local LIAC congregations that have implemented “added safety measures,” “Safety Teams” / a “Protocol for Building Access and Safety,” and will bring findings to the Board for review and approval next month as a first incremental change to our current “Safe Congregation Policy.”
Each member of the Board was emailed a number of UUA resources by Rev. Valerie. These references included guidelines, policies and procedures, and examples to help in the development of a Destructive / Disruptive Behavior Policy that might meet the needs of our congregation. Please note that the policies emphasize problematic “behavior” rather than destructive / disruptive person(s).
On Saturday, February 17th, our congregation had a table at “Southold Winterfest 2024” at which we collected an overflowing “Box of Socks” for Maureen’s Haven, thanks to the stalwart hawking of Mary J., Randy, Mark, and Margaret deCruz; the encouragement of Rev. Valerie to have “meaningful conversations;” AND, the added draw of CANDY and DOZENS of baked goodies lovingly baked and packaged by Susan P. I really do believe the day was warmer than last year, though more than a few people disagreed with me. Granted, it was not as sunny (which always makes a difference) AND then there were those new boots of mine (thank you Brian) which allowed me to wear extra socks. I must remind everyone next year to wear waterproof gloves – mittens don’t keep hands warm very long once they get wet. Anyway, thanks to the efforts and sheer stubbornness of our hardy crew, we also raised $ 150 in donations, which will be added to the congregation’s February Share the Plate (STP) collection of $ 115 for Maureen’s Haven.
Those unwilling to brave the cold brought an additional tote bag full of socks to Sunday service on the 18th along with groceries for CAST. THANK YOU everyone for your generosity.
Last month the Board approved John’s Place homeless shelter in Greenport, as our next STP recipient to be collected on Sunday, March 3rd. Clicking the link below, or typing it into your search engine, will take you to the John’s Place current “Wish List” of items specifically used for / given to guests (https://www.houseofjohn.org/wishlist.html). If the link doesn’t work for you or you receive a hard copy of The Free Spirit, please contact [email protected] for a list of items needed. There will be a box available at March Sunday services for donations and at events planned during the month (Game Night, Fellowship Luncheon, and Soulful Sundown). You can also call (631) 997-9405 for a pick up, if the winter is keeping you huddled up inside.
We received Board approval for our April STP recipient to be Rural & Migrant Ministry (R&MM) which sent out an emergency appeal seeking support in their quest to legally maintain union status AND employment at local farms and vineyards. Since R&MM is an organization that we have been working with for years and they have been previously “vetted,” the main discussion revolved around whether there was any concern about supporting union organizing – and there was none. We will keep you apprised of their progress and challenges.
Mentioned in February’s The Free Spirit was an upcoming LIAC offering to which everyone is welcome. Anyone thinking about serving as a congregational delegate to the 2024 UUA General Assembly (GA) will find this program of particular interest and great preparation for your job as delegate. By the time you read this, you should have received an email containing a more in-depth look at the program. The short version is:
LIAC is hosting:
– a four (4) week online program beginning on Monday, March 4th at 7:30-9pm (90 minutes);
– the course will continue on March 11th, 18th and 25th at the same time
– any LIAC Congregation members can attend FOR FREE!
If you plan to take advantage of this FREE training being offered to any LIAC congregation members, please contact me (631)997-9405 or [email protected]. I am one of your LIAC Representatives (the other is Mary James), and I will make sure you get registered before Tuesday, March 5th and get the Zoom link prior to the 7:30 pm start time.
Hope that you enjoyed some of the 30 Days of Love 2024 offerings from UUA’s Side With Love Campaign and perhaps your activist muscles were tweaked by the ways that UUs are “Imagining an Interdependent Future” and showing up for Liberating Love, Justice and Equity. If you heard, read or saw something that moves you to push back against continued attacks on the climate of our “Blue Boat Home;” on our democracy and right to vote; on your bodily autonomy (gender, reproductive, LGBTQIA+, disability, BIPOC rights), let’s find a way together to amplify your voice.
Come to the next meeting of SAC / 8th Principle Task Force…
Date & time – 2nd Wednesday of each month, March 13, 2024, from 4:00-5:00pm
Place: attend either IN PERSON at Southold Free Library in the 2nd floor meeting room OR via Zoom link. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Quotes of the month:
“Find out what people will submit to, and you have found out the exact amount of injustice which will be imposed upon them. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.”
~ Frederick Douglass
“If a single person achieves the highest kind of love, it will be sufficient to neutralize the hate of millions.”
~ Mohandas K. Gandhi
With gratitude to and for you all,
Patte McManus (she, her, we) (631)997-9405 [email protected]