Shaping UUCF’s participation in the annual Weekend of Service takes lots of work. In this most unusual and turbulent year, it has been important to keep doing the things that draw us into community. It is also important to be adaptable. While in other years we would have had large numbers of people in the Commons repackaging giant bags of rice and beans, this year we asked folks to take them home and do the same work with their families. Instead of traveling to Richmond to talk with legislators, we’re following up on our UU the VOTE letter-writing by writing to our representatives about topics that concern us. Whatever you did (or did not do) I deeply hope this Weekend of Service was a good experience and brought you joy.
There will be many more opportunities for service. Service is year-round.
- On this Martin Luther King Day afternoon, from 4-5 p.m., we will write letters to Virginia representatives around topics of racial justice, an eviction moratorium and the environment. Sign up here to get the Zoom link.
- In February, like we do every year, volunteers from UUCF will support the Hypothermia Shelter. This time it won’t be in our building, but we will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner to shelter guests. Most of the volunteer slots are full, but there are still a few open and you can sign up here. You can also donate here to the Hypothermia Shelter by selecting “Hypothermia Shelter” from the drop-down menu.
- The food drive has been a wonderful activity every month, and we will look for more opportunities for service, advocacy and other ways to engage in social justice.
In times of trouble we can look to each other for support. In times of trouble we can look toward others doing good work in the community, and others may look toward us. I love staying connected to good people doing what is needed. The helpers are an inspiring beacon of how wonderful people can be.
Eventually this time of trouble will pass, though it will take time. All our caring efforts will sustain and empower a resilient community that can continue to work for a better world. In the next phase, what will we do? What do we all do to keep on transforming ourselves, our community and our world through acts of love and justice? It’s a good question for a new year. I’m looking forward to good works and good trouble.
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