Peace and social justice news
October 28, 2010
The mission of the Peace and Social Justice Committee is to create opportunities for members and friends of the congregation to practice our Unitarian Universalist principles through activities that promote peace and understanding, as well as social, economic and environmental justice in our community and the world.
We will make lunches for the clients of Crossroads RI on Sunday, Nov. 7, after the service. We are very grateful to A.T. Siravo Wholesale Produce for agreeing to donate a case (at least 100 pieces) of fruit each month for inclusion in the lunches. Being able to include fruit helps make the lunches more nutritious. And thanks, also, to PSJ member Mike Durette for volunteering to pick up the fruit each month. We count on YOU to donate the juice boxes, cookies, BIG cans of tuna, lunch bags, and plastic sandwich bags. If you pick up one item each time you shop, it will help us so much! We only have a limited budget for purchasing these items, so we really need your donations. Bring them to church any time and leave them in the kitchen.
Our November activities will include observation of Trans Day of Remembrance by participation in a march and vigil on Nov. 20. People will gather at 5:30 p.m. at Youth Pride, Inc. (171 Chestnut Street, Providence) and march to Beneficent Church on Weybosset Street for the vigil. Refreshments will be served after the vigil back at YPI. We hope there will be a large turnout of Bell Streeters to support our transgender citizens.
The 14th Annual Buy Nothing Day Winter Coat Exchange will be held on the State House lawn, across from the Providence Place Mall, on the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain location: St. John’s Cathedral, 570 North Main St., Providence). As usual, Bell Street Chapel will participate by collecting coats, scarves, hats and gloves to donate to the coat exchange, where people can come to select winter coats, etc. for the whole family, no questions asked. The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day in the American retail calendar and the unofficial start of the international Christmas-shopping season. Thousands of activists and concerned citizens worldwide will take a 24-hour consumer “detox” as part of the annual Buy Nothing Day. Jim McCartin will head up Bell Street’s participation in this event.
We continue our Books Through Bars project of sending books to prisoners all over the country. Many prison facilities do not provide adequate library services for their inmates. Reading is a healthy productive way for incarcerated individuals to spend their time. The letters of gratitude that we receive inspire us and renew our commitment. Please join us on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Come when you can. It’s fun!
The PSJ committee would love some new members on the committee. See Carol Crowley or come to one of our meetings if you want to know more about the important work we do.
~Carol Crowley, Chairperson
Movie Night Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.
October 28, 2010
For the past several years, Bell Street Chapel has sponsored a monthly movie night, at which we view and discuss films with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or gender identity themes. In this way, we live out our commitment as a Unitarian Universalist Association Welcoming Congregation; we also have a good time together and share a delicious potluck dinner. Over the past few years, we have seen some spectacular films – dramas, comedies, musicals and documentaries – all mainstream films, many of which have won awards. We show these films on a large screen donated by the Rhode Island International Film Festival, for which Bell Street Chapel is a venue.
The movie for this month, which our licensing agreement prohibits our citing by title, is a Spanish film, a story of sexual awakening, both gay and straight, set in a seaside town near Barcelona. It is superbly acted and a winner of awards at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival.
So bring some food or beverage to share and join us at Movie Night! This movie night will be held at the home of Carol Crowley, because Eddy Hall is in use for a Daydream Theatre production. See Carol or contact her at ccrowley8@cox.net for the address.
Working on our Mission and Vision statements
October 28, 2010
Why is Bell Street here? What do we hope to accomplish? Every once in a while, it is empowering to step back and look at ourselves and try to answer these questions. We have had several sessions over the past year where we shared our ideas. At our last meeting on Sept. 12, we reviewed and modified our ideas. Here are the resulting statements.
Mission (who we are) – We, the Religious Society of Bell Street Chapel, a Unitarian Universalist congregation, welcome all people into our loving community, nurture ourselves, deepen our spirituality together, and work for peace and social justice.
Vision (our dreams) – We strive to develop staff, finances, attractive functional space, and other resources to support vibrant ministries, provide opportunities for lifelong spiritual growth, and be out front and out spoken leaders on matters of peace and social justice.
Please think about these statements. If you have any suggestions for minor changes, please let me know now. We will vote to accept these statements at our congregational meeting in January.
~Kate Gillis, Vision and Mission Committee, ksgillis@netzero.net
INSPIRED: SPIRITUAL MOMENTS THAT HAVE CHANGED OUR LIVES
October 28, 2010
Sally Gabb
Awareness of meaning and values in our lives comes to each of us differently, and often in surprising ways. Members of our community share readings and experiences with personal spiritual significance.
TODAY AND TOMORROW — THANKSGIVING
October 28, 2010
Rev. José Ballester
We gather what has been planted and await the future with anticipation and hope.
SPIRITUAL DRIFT
October 28, 2010
Raymond Perreault and Audrey Greene
There is a medieval analogy of the state of spiritual drift as being like a rudderless boat. During uncertain time, we may feel adrift and wonder where the currents will take us.
LET THE FAITH LEAD
October 28, 2010
Rev. José Ballester
In a gathered community, it is often asked “Who is in charge?” Historians cite the Cambridge Platform as an indicator that the congregation leads. However our history and actions inform us that our communities follow their faith.
WE REMEMBER
October 28, 2010