If you haven’t voted yet and it is before 9pm on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024 – GO VOTE and it’s not too late to GET OUT THE VOTE!
Share the Plate (STP) collections were taken up for New York Unitarian Universalist Justice (NYUUJ) <nyuuj.org> on September 1st and October 13th to fulfill our member commitment (1/10th of 1% of our annual operating budget, which this year amounted to $ 206.13). I would like to reiterate my thanks for your support of our advocacy network, which amplifies the progressive moral voice of all NYS UUs on key legislative issues, and builds our collective power through rallies, issue education events, and letter-writing campaigns.
In past years, when we’ve collected more than the amount required, we have given NYUUJ carte blanche to use the funds they thought best. This year, we collected an extra $ 93 to which an extra $ 7 was given by a late donor to even the amount to $ 100. SAC decided, and the Board concurred, that we send two checks – one for our annual commitment and the second to support a special project – an inaugural Justice Convention in Albany being held by NYUUJ on Saturday, November 16th, from 10am-4pm. The time is mentioned because SAC members have a conflict that day (*see below*) but requested suggested donations are between $1-$100, so should anyone wish to “attend online” your admission would be covered – any takers? If you are interested in attending, contact Patte McManus at (631) 997-9405 or <[email protected]> for details on “How-To.” Though current / ongoing issues include safe, affordable, housing; criminal justice reform; and, medical aid in dying, my understanding is that the focus of the Convention is going to be on our environment.
SAC had considered limiting STP collections this year but there are two groups that are certainly worthy and needing of our support. Therefore, SAC requested and received Board approval for use of First Sunday STP collections to aid:
– the Long Island Chapter of the Poor People’s Campaign <poorpeoplescampaign.org> on November 3rd; and
– the Sound Justice Initiative <sound-justice.org> on December 1st.
Both of these local organizations have spoken to us about their important efforts to improve the lives of the disenfranchised. The congregation will be receiving periodic updates on their work and ways in which we may continue to better ally with them.
North Fork Environmental Council (NFEC) <nfec1.org> has been airing “Regenerating Life: How to cool the planet, feed the world, and live happily ever after,” a three-part documentary film by John Feldman (2023) and video production company Hummingbird Films, based in the mountains of NYS. Bad news – by the time you read this article, Parts 1&2 will have already appeared in Aquebogue and Cutchogue and Part 3 may also have been aired here in Southold at CAST. Good news – Mark Haubner has assured us that as soon as we have all our technical glitches corrected and staff trained, we will be hosting NFEC here and showing all three (3) parts.
Coming To The Table (CTTT) <comingtothetable.org> is a national organization dedicated to racial healing and creating social harmony together, in community. The goal of Coming o The Table North Fork (Long Island) is to form a Beloved Community where each person is seen as a brother or a sister. They meet:
Date & time – 2nd Monday of each month, November 11, 2024, 6:30pm
Place – Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church, 614 Third Street, Greenport
Members are currently reading Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Think About Race and Identity by Michele Norris, creator of The Race Card Project
ReWild Long Island / North Fork Chapter <rewildlongisland.org> promotes sustainable landscaping for biodiversity and climate resilience.
Date & time – Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 1pm
Place – in the Contemplative Garden, we will be readying our front garden for the upcoming Fall planting of native plants. Bring gloves; shovels; pots to put plants you want to remove for your home garden; and, water.
Date & Time – Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 1pm
Place – in the Contemplative Garden, we will be hosting volunteers who will assist us in the installation of native plants. Bring gloves, shovels and water.
These next three events will be held in the large / small gathering space(s) on the same day, Saturday, November 16, 2024:
1) 9-10am Tai Chi Chuan class with Alan Stewart <[email protected]> Beginner or advanced, all are welcome. Dress in loose, comfortable clothes and flat shoes.
2) 10am-12noon Long Island Area Council of UU Congregations (LIAC) < liacuu.org> Quarterly Board meeting of congregational delegates are usually held at a mid- island location. However, they are all anxious to visit with us
12noon-12:45pm Break for lunch, to visit with congregation, and tour the building
12:45-2pm Finish meeting
3) 3-4pm Memorial service with family for Jack Speyer with reception afterwards in Brecknock Hall at Peconic Landing.
Your next meeting of SAC / 8th Principle Task Force is scheduled for…
Date & time – 2nd Wednesday of each month, November 13, 2024 from 4-5pm
Place – in person / via Zoom link (sent earlier that day) in small gathering space OR in the Contemplative Garden (Yes, this is the same day that we will be removing non-native plants from the contemplative garden to replant in our home gardens.)
Thanks to all of you, as always, for your support of the work and service of our congregation,
Patte McManus (she, her, we) (631) 997-9405 <pattemcgoo@yahoo.com>