The Stonewall Riots
May 23, 2009
Richard Corso and Don Laliberte
Forty years ago raids against gay bars were common. However on June 28, 1969 a group of patrons decided to fight back, ushering in the modern gay rights movement. What do the Stonewall riots have to say to us today?
Father’s Day
May 23, 2009
Philip Smith
Come join us for a celebration of fathers in song, poetry and prose.
Flower Communion
May 23, 2009
Rev. José Ballester
Bring a flower to the service; go home with a different flower. Our annual Flower Communion will remind us of the love we share and our connection to all that is around us.
In Praise of Falsehood
May 23, 2009
Ray Perreault and Audrey Greene
One of our Unitarian Principles is “A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” Challenging each other’s assumptions is one of the ways we get there.
Sharing the Plate
May 23, 2009
Each month, Bell Street Chapel shares a portion of our offertory with a charitable organization in Rhode Island through our “Share the Plate” program. We donate half of the unallocated (non-pledge) donations) received to an organization chosen by the Peace and Social Justice Committee. Donations for May will benefit Marriage Equality RI, which works for equal marriage rights for gay and lesbian individuals, and donations in June will benefits Community Music Works.Thank you to everyone for you generosity, which allows us to share our gifts with the community.
LGBT Film Festival Preview June 13
May 23, 2009
Bell Street Chapel and the Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) will join together and present a Pride Flick on Saturday night, June 13 at 7:00 pm. This year we will be providing a “First Look” of an exciting new work by Rob Williams, Make the Yuletide Gay. The screening will also introduce RIIFFs focus on Marriage Equality which will be expanded upon during their main festival, August 4 – 9. We hope you can join us for what has become Bell Street’s newest annual event!
Bell Street Awarded Chalice Lighter Grant
May 23, 2009
The Ballou Channing District Board of Directors selected two congregations to receive Chalice Lighter grants. Bell Street Chapel will receive a grant to assist with the purchase and installation of chair lifts to improve handicapped accessibility in their multistory building. The UU Fellowship of Falmouth will receive a grant to fund an upgrade of its website to improve congregation promotion and outreach. Donation request Call Letters will be sent to current Chalice Lighters by May 26.
Chalice Lighter grants are funded by the donations from individuals in the district who have pledged to give $10 up to three times a year, when a “Call Notice” is sent for a growth related project.
It’s easy to become a BCD Chalice Lighter to support these and future projects. Enrollment forms are available in Eddy Hall. Completed forms can be given to Dan Greco, Denominational Affairs Coordinator.
Good News
April 27, 2009
Rev. José Ballester
Traditionally this is Whit Sunday or Pentecost, wherein we speak about the goodness of the church universal. Our Universalist forbearers used this occasion to preach proudly about the joy and love of their faith. This Sunday we will follow in the footsteps of de Benneville, Murray, Ballou and Skinner.
Letters from the Front
April 27, 2009
Revs. José Ballester and James Ford
Joint Memorial Day Service with the First Unitarian Church of Providence
Service will feature words from soldiers and families involved in United States wars over the years and reflections on Memorial Day.
What’s Love Got to Do with It?
April 27, 2009
Rev. José Ballester
From marriage equality to love thy neighbor, the core of our faith is love. In these days where harsh words are all around, we need to renew our commitment to love and strengthen our resolve.