Social Justice Council Newsletter
December 2019
Social Justice Council
Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore Holiday Party/Dinner, Thurs. Dec 12th
If you would like to help with the fun and very special holiday celebration for the parents and children living in our local family shelters, the Holiday Dinner/Party will take place on Thurs. Dec 12th from 6-8pm in our Fellowship Hall. Old Shippers are needed to prepare some of the foods at home, help with last minute cooking at Old Ship, serve the holiday meal and clean up after the party. Contact Jill McElroy to sign up to help jillmcelroy@mac.com or 401 741-5558.
Guest at Your Table Ends on Sunday, December 15! Bring your donations to our special plate collection that day!
-A 79-year-old human rights organization rooted in Unitarian Universalist values, UUSC advances human rights in the United States and around the globe through research, advocacy, and partnerships with small grassroots organizations. Guest at Your Table is the major fundraising program for congregations supporting our values through the many projects of UUSC.
-The theme for this year’s program is “Women Leaders, Strong Communities.” We will learn more about women leaders from UUSC partner organizations who are taking on some of today’s greatest human rights challenges. Here are some examples of how your donations are used:
-Individual contributions of $125 or more are eligible to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY. For this match, as well as for membership, please make your donation by check, or fill out the envelope distributed at the November 24 service.
-Questions? Contact Davalene Cooper, Old Ship’s UUSC Congregational Liaison, at davalenecooper@verizon.net or 781-749-0790.
Serving Others by Supporting the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
A heartfelt THANK YOU for the stepped up support for the Hingham Food Pantry
Old Ship delivered 210 lbs of non-perishable foods to the Pantry on 10/28, our largest donation to date from our congregation.
For December, the Pantry has asked especially for donations of the following needed foods (and they are happy to receive donations of other foods too)
Green Sanctuary
-Following up on last month's commentary regarding the dramatic McKibbon article on Banking support for the Fossil Fuel industry - I dug more deeply into the source reporting from the Rainforest Action Alliance and discovered MY BANKS WERE GETTING "D minus" RATINGS! I have now left Bank of America where I had both line of credit and all my banking. Last year my mortgage was with JP Morgan Chase!! Wow, It is also "D minus" rated. Now I also have to get rid of my Amazon Card (JP Morgan Chase). Two popular alternatives for credit card banks are Capitol One and Discovery. Now living in Linden Ponds - my banking is conveniently in house (and fossil free) with Hingham Institute for Savings.
-This was not the end of my enlightenment: I turned to look more deeply into my "Fossil Fuel Divested" retirement account. I discovered these D minus banks were in my portfolio - plus several more. I have since been exchanging important literature references on the "Climate Crisis" with my financial advisor because these banks are clearly supporting Petroleum Industry drilling in reserves that will push global warming to unsafe levels. This week will be my day of reckoning with this advisor!
-On an upside note; Hingham's Energy Action Committee is now embarked on the pathway to "Net Zero Emissions” for the entire town. Towns across Massachusetts and the South Shore are also actively working on this pathway as well.
-Last but not least the legislature has a number of exciting bills coming up for hearings with great potential to fund what we are hoping to do. For these efforts we give much thanks! Bless you all!
Turner Bledsoe
-If you would like to join other UU’s in advocating for these bills, you are invited to join
UU Climate Action Advocacy Day, Tuesday December 17, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
We’ll meet at the State House in a conference room 413E, briefly go over the bills and the plan and then send a team of volunteers to each floor on the State House. All the materials you’ll need will be provided – we just need you! This is part of a coalition wide effort to have weekly groups visit every legislator's office to keep up the pressure about our bills!
-The Plan: there will be 8 teams (minimum, 2 people per team). Each team will be assigned a floor in the State House. The teams will drop off packets of information and have short conversations about why they are there. All materials will be provided to you. Just wear your yellow, Side with Love, shirt and show up (get one here)!
You can learn more about the legislation here
Important – Please *RSVP* Here!
UU Urban Ministry (UUUM)
The mission of the UU Urban Ministry (UUUM) is to unite communities and transform individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential. Over nearly 200 years, our programs have adapted to meet the needs of our community. Updates on programming and ongoing events are at uuum.org
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Old Ship Coffeehouse Off the Square: Southern Rail
Note the Special Time: Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 4 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
Admission is $15.00 per person.
This month’s coffeehouse features the return of Southern Rail. This Appalachia-rooted, New England-based bluegrass and gospel band has played at the Coffeehouse for many attentive, engaged audiences at Christmastime. Come for an afternoon of high-energy, exuberant fun, riveting harmonies, a touch of humor, and sparkling banjo and mandolin solos. Their gospel base with a bluegrass flavor brings the season to life. Profits from the Coffeehouse are donated to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), so this is another way to support UUSC and their justice work around the world!
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Look for announcements of the next SJC meeting date in the Order of Service in January. Contact Brenda Black blackpollara@verizon.net or Davalene Cooper davalenecooper@verizon.net
November 2019
Social Justice Council
November Special Plate Collection—Sunday, November 10
This month’s special plate collection will benefit the Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore. As you may know, Old Ship hosts a holiday party for families who are housed by this organization each December—this year’s party will take place on Thursday, December 12. Old Shippers provide and prepare the food for the party and other Hingham based groups provide other items needed to have a wonderful evening for our guests. Special Plate monies will be used to purchase the food for the party and any remaining funds will be donated to the Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore.
Thanks to everyone who donated to last month’s special plate collection, "No More Deaths." We raised $550.78 to support their humanitarian aid work.
Save the date: If you would like to help with the fun and very special holiday celebration for the parents and children living in our local family shelters, the Holiday Dinner/Party will take place on Thurs. Dec 12th from 6-8pm. Old Shippers will be needed to prepare some of the foods at home, help with last minute cooking at Old Ship, serve the holiday meal and clean up after the party. Look for information about signing up to help in any of these ways in the weekly announcements and in the December Newsletter.
Guest at Your Table is Coming!
Our annual fundraising drive for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), known as Guest at Your Table, will begin Sunday, November 24 and end Sunday, December 15. The theme for this year’s program is “Women Leaders, Strong Communities.” We will learn more about women leaders from UUSC partner organizations who are taking on some of today’s greatest human rights challenges.
Who are these women? A climate activist from Kiribati, Pelenise is responding boldly to climate change in the Pacific. Marta is working to support victims of violence and eradicate violence against women in Honduras. Wai Wai is helping prevent violence and bridge ethnic and religious divides in Burma. And in Mexico and the U.S., Monica is using the arts to bolster resiliency and leadership among migrants.
For newer members of our Old Ship Community, Guest at Your Table is UUSC’s annual intergenerational program to raise support for and awareness about key human rights issues. Since UUSC works in more than 20 countries, with over 60 grassroots partners, there are thousands of individuals involved in and who benefit from the work that our members make possible. The program is an opportunity to celebrate grassroots partnership, support human rights, and learn about just four of these individuals, those referenced above, who are this year’s “guests.”
Questions? Contact Davalene Cooper, our UUSC Congregational Liaison, at davalenecooper@verizon.net or 781-749-0790.
Serving Others by Supporting the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
The Hingham Food Pantry would like” to thank Old Ship Church for your donation of 53 pounds of food for the month of September 2019. In addition, the Old Ship Stop & Shop Food Drive yielded 1,283 pounds of food and $169 in cash. This abundance of food was received with gratitude by all those involved in the operation of The Pantry. We are so very grateful for the support we receive from all the members of your congregation.
For November, the Pantry has asked for the following items which are especially needed:
Grape or strawberry jelly
Dinty Moore Beef Stew
Pasta sauce
Rice
Granola Bars
Individually bagged or packaged snacks
Green Sanctuary
-Bill McKibben’s piece in the New Yorker (9/17/2019) “Money Is the Oxygen on Which the Fire of Global Warming Burns: What if the banking, asset-management, and insurance industries moved away from fossil fuels?” proposes that the fastest way to lower CO2 is targeting banks underwriting of Fossil Fuels.. See the 350. org newsletter for the campaigns to transfer investment from fossil fuels to renewables.
UU Urban Ministry (UUUM)
Events and volunteer opportunities with our Roxbury-based partner, UU Urban Ministry (UUUM)
Sat, November 2, 3-4 pm at the UUUM: The Handel + Haydn Society returns to the First Church in Roxbury for a community "Every Voice" concert highlighting Black and Jewish composers. Details can be found here and tickets should be reserved. Would you like to help with set up or clean up? Please contact engagement@uuum.org.
Help us welcome a new life! Renewal House has a mama in shelter who will be welcoming a daughter this winter. We are looking for a congregation or individual (or a few) who can sponsor a festive baby shower for her to help her celebrate and prepare for this new arrival.
We are looking for the following items, please contact UUUM liaison Pam Harty at pamharty@comcast.net by 11/21:
Identity / Diversity Learning Opportunity
Monday, November 25th from 6-8PM in the Cohasset High School Auditorium. South Shore Unity Council (umbrella org of Hingham Unity Council) invited you to a free screening of Dawnland, followed by a discussion with the film’s co-director and producer Adam Mazo, and Wabanaki educator Roger Paul. Dawnland is an Emmy-award-winning documentary about cultural survival, stolen children, and the first truth and reconciliation commission for Native Americans.
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Coffeehouse off the Square – Geoff Muldaur
Saturday November 16, 2019 at Fellowship Hall
Admission is $20.00 per person. Open mike begins at 7:30 p.m.
This month’s coffeehouse features Geoff Muldaur, once of the great voices and musical forces to emerge from the Cambridge folk, blues, and folk-rock scene of the ‘60s. He was a founding member of the noted Jim Kweskin Jug Band; has composed TV and film scores, garnering an Emmy; and has collaborated with such notables as Jerry Garcia, Eric Von Schmidt, and Bonnie Raitt. Profits from the Coffeehouse are donated to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), so this is another way to support UUSC and their justice work around the world!
Profits benefit the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. This is another way we support UUSC! And we get to hear great, live music!
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Our next meeting will be Saturday 11/23 at 9 am in the Parlor of the Parish House. Contact Brenda Black blackpollara@verizon.net or Davalene Cooper davalenecooper@verizon.net
October 2019
Social Justice Council
October Special Plate Collection-Sunday, October 6
This month's special plate will support "No More Deaths," a humanitarian organization in southern Arizona that was founded to reduce or stop the deaths of migrants in the desert. Crossing the desert is especially dangerous and since 2004, volunteers have left food, water, and blankets for those making the journey. They also work to provide emergency medical care, if needed, and document evidence of deaths in the desert. The group also maintains a 24-hour hotline where family members can report missing persons. Volunteers are in the desert every day doing this work, and in recent years, some volunteers have been charged with federal crimes for harboring, abandoning property on federal land (i.e., the food, water, and blankets) or trespassing or driving on administrative roads on federal (to leave water and other items where migrants cross). Since 2008, No More Deaths is an official ministry of the UU Church in Tucson.
Opportunity to Help Others and Do Some Holiday Shopping--
Sun. Oct. 20, 11:30am-12:30pm
During Coffee Hour on Sunday, October 20, the Social Justice Council will host a fair of area groups selling handcrafted items from Central America. Proceeds will benefit projects and persons in Central American countries. One such group is Under the Same Moon, which raises funds for Asociación Bendición de Dios - a nondenominational, nonprofit school and community development organization in San Juan Alotenango, Guatemala. The school educates about 500 children, most of whom otherwise would not be able to afford the $250 in annual costs for the "public" school. Under the Same Moon sells handcrafted items made by Guatemalan indigenous artisans and locally sourced, fair trade Guatemalan coffee, Dean's Beans. Under the Same Moon works directly with the artisans or artisans' cooperatives to follow fair trade principles and practices. The purchases provide opportunities for greatly improved earnings for the artisans, leading to a more stable economic well-being. We expect to have one or two other groups here that day, including one group that sells baskets made by women in Honduras. This will be a great opportunity to help those in Central America!
Serving Others through bringing a non-perishable food item
for the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
The Pantry has asked for the following items especially needed to restock their shelves after the summer lull in donations:
Canned vegetables (all sorts: canned green beans, corn, peas, and others)
Canned fruit (all sorts: fruit cocktail, canned peaches, pears, pineapple)
Hearty canned soups: Progresso, Campbells Chunky and similar brands
Canned pastas (Chef Boyardee),
Canned stews and chilis
Pasta sauce
Identity / Diversity Learning Opportunity
The Scituate Unity Council will be hosting a community book discussion of There There by Tommy Orange...
Read: There There, by Tommy Orange
Meet: Scituate Library Community Room
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm
The Scituate Unity Council is a node of the South Shore Unity Council whose mission is "Neighbors who seek to understand the complexity of identity and affirm our common humanity through open communication and productive dialogue. Through community events and other learning opportunities, we seek to cultivate an understanding of the shared human experience, while celebrating our uniqueness."
Book overview: There There is the first novel by Cheyenne and Arapaho author Tommy Orange. Published in 2018, it opens with an essay by Orange as a prologue, and then proceeds to follow a large cast of Native Americans living in the area of Oakland, California, as they struggle with a wide array of challenges ranging from depression and alcoholism, to unemployment, fetal alcohol syndrome, and the challenges of living with an ethnic identity of being "ambiguously nonwhite." All coalesce at a community pow wow and its attempted robbery.
Anti-racism learning opportunity
Do you want to continue (or initiate!!) your anti-racism work? We are invited by our neighbors up the street at St. John's Episcopal Church, (172 Main street Hingham) to a film-based dialogue of race and faith. Spanning ten sessions starting in early October, we are invited to take "a journey over the sacred ground of racial introspection and reconciliation. In this series offered by St. John's Adult Education, developed by the Episcopal Church, we will walk through the chapters of America's history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, socio-economic status, and political and regional identity." Sessions are offered on Wednesdays 7-8:30 pm starting October 9 (OR Sundays starting October 6, 11:30-1 pm) registration is required and they ask we commit to attend all sessions. For more info visit sacred-ground
Green Sanctuary Notes for October 2019 from Turner Bledsoe
This Summer and Fall have been a kaleidoscope of events around the climate crisis. Following the record shattering heat spells in July and August, Hurricane Dorian burst on the scene. This was the largest, most powerful, most destructive hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. Lingering wind speeds of 220 mph wreaked havoc on the Bahamas. As I write, Houston again. is recovering from the extensive flooding of another tropical storm "Ismelda". All this has been a more than fitting prelude to what I believe is the best evidence to date that we are approaching "The Turning Point" (to the rescue). Friday, September 20, 2019, marks the largest protest event the world has ever seen: The worldwide youth driven "Global Climate Strike" honoring 16 year old Greta Thunberg of Sweden who has brought this movement to America on the eve of the United Nations Climate Action Summit. Four million youth and supporting adults rallied in major cities of 163 countries on multiple continents around the world. In Boston at the City Hall, thousands gathered for songs, chants speeches - and a march to the Statehouse for more. Old Shippers were well represented among UUs from all over the state.
This youth awakening has driven the climate crisis into the spotlight of national politics in America. At long last all contenders for the Democratic Presidential candidacy recognize the climate crisis and most have plans to advance a "Green New Deal" to find a solution. Because the Trump administration, the Republican controlled Senate and Statehouses continue to expand gas infrastructure, dismantle existing protections of the environment, and resist both renewable energy development and use (in electric vehicles) - the upcoming Presidential, Congressional and Statehouse elections of 2020 will undoubtedly determine our ultimate future.
However, the challenge of halting global heating cannot wait for a political transformation that may be ahead, nor can it be won by politicians alone. Each of us must start now to electrify our heating, cooking, and transportation, and to reduce our intake of red meat. We need to lobby the dairy industry to implement fermentation reducing feed and limit our intake of dairy products that don't meet that standard. Using Seventh Generation recycled paper products (toilet paper and paper towels) is the best way to protect against the destruction of the Northern Boreal forest. Finally, if you continue to own petroleum industry stock, you will be funding "the breaking of the carbon budget" that takes the world beyond 2 degrees C. Our future is in our own hands!
UU Urban Ministry (UUUM)
Events and volunteer opportunities with our Roxbury-based partner, UU Urban Ministry:
-Youth-led walking tour of Roxbury 10/12 (1 and 2:15 pm) and 10/26 (1 pm): "Are you curious about the history of Boston? Interested to know more about the First Church in Roxbury's role in the Revolutionary War? Do you wonder what architectural styles can be found in John Eliot Square?" Support the UUUM by attending the tour!! Make a day of it!! Grab lunch at the Dudley cafe, take the tour, and go browse at Frugal Books!! Either sign up through the link, or look for a carpool partner through Pam at pamharty@comcast.net
-Seeking SAT and ACT test prep volunteers for Roxbury Youth Program students. Tutoring a small group of students bi-weekly in the Fall, volunteers work under the close supervision of Roxbury Youth Program staff. Email Christine Dickerson at cdickerson@uuum.org
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Coffeehouse off the Square - Toni Lynn Washington & Paul Speidel
Saturday October 19, 7:30 pm, Old Ship Parish House
Classic blues singer, Tony Lynn Washington, has performed throughout the United States and Europe during a long, successful career, carrying on the tradition of Bessie Smith, Nellie Lutcher, and other blues greats. According to the Boston Globe she "has a lovely, deep, smooth voice that exudes strength and self-assurance." Toni will be accompanied by longtime blues guitarist Paul Speidel. Toni and Paul were a hit with our audience in an earlier performance.
Profits benefit the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. This is another way we support UUSC! And we get to hear great, live music!
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Our next meeting will be Saturday 11/23 at 9 am in the Parlor of the Parish House. Contact Brenda Black blackpollara@verizon.net or Davalene Cooper davalenecooper@verizon.net
September 2019
Social Justice Council (SJC) News
Would you help with Old Ship’s Annual Food Drive to benefit the Hingham Food Pantry?
Sunday Sept. 22nd 12-2 or 2-4 pm at Stop and Shop, Lincoln Plaza, Rt 3A, hingham
Old Ship’s annual effort to collect donations of non-perishable foods for the Hingham Food Pantry, held in September this year at the Pantry’s request to help them restock after the summer months of reduced donations.
Old Ship volunteers stand at the Stop and Shop entrances, hold signs, offer “shopping lists” of items needed by the pantry, collect donations and box them for delivery to the Food Pantry.
adult, youth and children volunteers needed! If you can help, please contact Davalene Cooper davalenecooper@verizon.net or look for the sign up during Fellowship Hour on Sun 9/15.
Forum on Migrant Justice
Sun. Sept. 29th at 12 noon in the Parlor
Eva Marx will speak about visiting UUSC Project Partners in Mexico! One of the primary ways that the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) addresses its mission of advancing human rights and social justice around the world is by partnering with grassroots organizations that advance its objectives. In March, Eva Marx had the opportunity to visit four of UUSC’s partners working on migrant justice in Mexico City and Guadalajara. These partners are helping people gain asylum in Mexico, advocating for families of migrants who disappeared on the trail, and running shelters that provide safety and services to the those fleeing violence, corruption and poverty in Central America. She will share her observations with us.
Serving Others through bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
Our donations over the summer totaled 107 lbs. for which the Pantry was very grateful!
The Pantry has asked for the following items especially needed to restock their shelves:
Canned vegetables
Canned fruit
Canned soup
Macaroni & cheese
Canned pasta and stews
Pasta sauce
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Our first meeting for this church year will be Saturday 9/14 at 9 am in the Parlor of the Parish House. Contact Brenda Black blackpollara@verizon.net or Davalene Cooper davalenecooper@verizon.net
Early Holiday Shopping--Hold the Date – Sun. Oct. 20: During Coffee Hour on Sunday, October 20, the Social Justice Council will host a fair of area groups selling handcrafted items from Central America. Proceeds will benefit projects and persons in Central American countries. More details will be forthcoming in the next newsletter.
Green Sanctuary
Welcome back to our Green Sanctuary work. It has been a significant Summer for Global Warming Watchers and Workers. The numbers are in: For the World, this July has been the warmest July on record ever. On July 21 through 24th Hingham was under formal “Heat Alert” with a call to constrain excessive electrical use through peak hours. Our heat index reached 110 degrees. The heat dome reached from Maine to Seattle, and St Louis to Washington DC. On July 25th a torrential rainstorm blew through the area, spawning a waterspout turned tornado that did damage on the Cape. Abroad, Spain and central Europe suffered more with a heat dome sourced over the Sahara that later went on to cause torrential melting of the Greenland Ice sheet. And so Global Warming’s threat has become a “here and now” crisis and the call to stop its advance grows absolute.
While this call is ignored in Washington DC and the administration goes in the other direction, Massachusetts and many “Blue” states are working hard to meet the Paris Accord promises by reducing carbon emissions to Zero by 2050. “Global Warming Crisis” has finally found voice in the presidential politics of the Democratic primary. In truth, the fight to save the planet has fused with the fight to save Democracy. It is time for the watchers to become workers.
In Massachusetts the efforts to reduce emissions to zero by 2050 are both top down and bottom up. Top down the Baker administration continues the implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act, Green Communities Act, solar incentives, hydropower procurement and new incentives for transportation. The ISO-NE continues to manage the grid with improvements in the renewable supply of electricity through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative while the legislature is working to improve all these elements, create new ones and develop funding for what remains to be done.
The bottoms up is where we come in. Across Massachusetts individual towns are on the forefront of converting their electricity – like we have – to 100% fossil fuel free. With the notable success of this effort and the growing recognition of what needs to be done for the climate crisis; a new movement has begun. Towns are taking the leap to bring all the town’s (and towns-people’s) carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. This will involve all sectors; homes, businesses, transportation, new building codes for the future, more solar installations, contracting for offshore wind and much more. Mass Climate Action Network, Mass Area Planning Council, Mass Power Forward, 350MA and many other environmental organizations are supporting these efforts. The legislature is working on funding sources to help municipalities as well. In Hingham, Laura Burns has catalyzed the forming of “Citizen’s for Hingham net Zero” which will be working to mobilize the community of Hingham in support of this essential transition. We hope to make Green Sanctuary an important player in this campaign.
Important Upcoming Events:
-Sat. Sept. 14th 12 noon-5 pm: Sustainable South Shore annual Sustainable Technology Fair to demonstrate the many tools and related vendors available to help us reach our sustainable goals. Part of Hull’s Endless Summer event, Nantasket Ave in front of the Paragon Carousel, Hull -- noon to five Details http://www.hullchamber.com/endless-summer
-Sun. Sept. 15th 12 noon: Green Sanctuary and Ken Read Brown will host a post-sermon discussion Ken will be preaching on the challenges to achieving the full measure of social, economic and climate Justice. Green Sanctuary will be present in the post sermon discussion to answer questions about our plans and hopes for the coming year. In the Parish House parlor.
-Fri. Sept. 20th : International Climate Strike begins. Greta Thurnberg has invoked the saying “There is no hope without action”. This day and the days through the 27th will see a number of events to spur the call on the world to act. We must respond. For more information see https://globalclimatestrike.net/
UU Urban Ministry (UUUM)
"The mission of the UU Urban Ministry (UUUM) is to unite communities and transform individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential. Over nearly 200 years, our programs have adapted to meet the needs of our community."
Events and volunteer opportunities with our Roxbury-based partner:
-Sept 14th 1-5pm: The Makanda Project Jazz concert and family friendly fair. Jazz, Ice cream, chair massages and MORE!! On the green of the First Parish in Roxbury, 10 Putnam St, Roxbury. Rain or shine!
-Seeking SAT and ACT test prep volunteers for Roxbury Youth Program students. Tutoring a small group of students bi-weekly in the Fall, volunteers work under the close supervision of Roxbury Youth Program staff. CLICK HERE to read more in the August newsletter, or email Christine Dickerson at cdickerson@uuum.org
Coffeehouse off the Square - Jezz Lowe, Saturday Sept. 21st 8 pm
All the way from England comes this great folk legend. No one else writes or sounds like Jez Lowe. You will be amazed by his singing, his multi-instrumental playing, and all the original songs that you're likely to recognize. His songs have been covered by Gordon Bok, Liam Clancy, Fairport Convention, The Tannahill Weavers, Cherish the Ladies, and literally hundreds of others. Please come enjoy a super evening with a world famous folk singer right here in Hingham! http://www.jezlowe.com
Note: Proceeds from Coffee House on the Square performances benefit the UU Service Committee
April 2019
Social Justice Council (SJC) News
Serving Others through bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship in 2019. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime. In February our donations totaled 149 lbs. Thank you!
The Pantry asks for help in providing foods for those with food allergies and asks that donations in April address that need if possible, including:
Gluten-free pasta
Gluten-free crackers
Gluten-free cookies
Gluten-free granola bars
Rice cakes
Social Justice Plate Collection, Sunday April 7th
Our Special Plate collection will go to our Youth Group to support their service trip to the Burlington Vermont area. See details in another part of the newsletter.
Common Art is coming to Old Ship
Old Ship Church is hosting an art show and sale by Common Art artists on Sunday April 7, from 11:30am – 12:30pm in the Old Ship Parish House, 107 Main Street, Hingham.
Common Art, a program of Common Cathedral, provides space, materials and caring support staff to support unhoused and low income individuals as they develop their artistic abilities. People who live in shelters, rooming houses, on unclaimed couches and benches, and on Boston's streets, gather every Wednesday at Emmanuel Church on Newbury Street to draw, paint, sculpt, make crafts, and to share with other artists in like circumstances. Begun in 1999 by a group of un-housed men and women with the assistance of ministers from St. John the Evangelist Church on Bowdoin Street, Common Art in its present form works both to promote access to the arts for its members and to help facilitate the expression of members' artistic gifts. In this way, Common Art acknowledges the dignity of all human beings and honors the divine creativity within each person.
Plan to come view the art and talk with the artists who will be showing their work on Sunday April 7, from 11:30 am- 12:30pm. Works of art will be for sale with proceeds going directly to the artists. Purchases can be made by cash or check only. Cash in strongly preferred.
For more information about Common Art: http://commoncathedral.org/common-art
or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/commonartboston
UU Urban Ministry Corner
Based in Roxbury, "the UU Urban Ministry unites communities and transforms individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential."
Explore ways to be in community with the UUUM in Roxbury here
Old Ship has partnered with several other local houses of worship to create a team to walk and fundraiser for the Louis D Brown Peace Institute’s Mother’s Day Walk on Sunday, May 12. Started in 1996 so mothers of murdered children could receive support and love from their neighbors, 23 years later, the Mother’s Day Walk continues to be a powerful way to honor loved ones who have been murdered and embrace partners in peacemaking. The Institute is a center of healing, teaching, and learning for communities impacted by murder, grief, trauma, and loss. To register to walk that morning or to donate, please go to https://tinyurl.com/yxe9xxxq. contact/OSC team leader: Pam Harty pamharty@comcast.net
Green Sanctuary
Next meeting of our Green Sanctuary/350MA node will be Tuesday 4/2 at 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Connie Gorfinkle to be added to the email distribution of Agenda and other notes from our local 350MA node : connieg1233@gmail.com
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Coffeehouse off the Square
Saturday, April 20th at 8pm in the Fellowship Hall -Eric Cornetta and friends - - - - - -
Always entertaining and always someone to sing along with, Eric Cornetta shares songs which took him from coffeehouses in Chelmsford and Harvard Square to Greenwich Village, Nova Scotia, and London. His first CD shows folk roots - simple voice and guitar, and his second, polished by Wlifred Raterink, his Dutch friend and songwriting partner. You’ll be encouraged to join in enjoying a cheerful mix of originals, covers, and traditional songs with this long time local Hingham troubadour.
Note: Proceeds from Coffee House on the Square performances benefit the UU Service Committee
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Please contact Brenda Black blackpollara@verizon.net or
781 740 2835
March 2019
Social Justice Council (SJC) News
Serving Others through bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship in 2019. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
In January our donations totaled 119 lbs.
Foods especially needed by the Pantry in March:
Rice or rice side dishes
Canned stew
Canned spaghetti or ravioli
Strawberry or grape jelly
Pasta sauce
Social Justice Plate Collection, Sunday March 17th
Our Special Plate collection will go to Common Cathedral, an outdoor church based on the Boston Common for those experiencing homelessness and their friends. Common Cathedral serves as an important community for people experiencing homelessness, and for faith communities who want to be in supportive relationship with un-housed individuals and their friends
U.U. Urban Ministry
Based in Roxbury, "the UU Urban Ministry unites communities and transforms individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential."
Explore ways to be in community with the UUUM in Roxbury here
Green Sanctuary
The mission of our Green Sanctuary is to protect all elements of our precious Web of Life from what is now recognized as an existential danger: the man-made threat of runaway global warming. While the "Big Picture" context is daunting we have already demonstrated that strategic action by a small band of Old Ship activists convinced the Hingham Light Plant to convert Hingham's electricity to 100% "Fossil Fuel Free. At Hingham's last town meeting Hingham's Energy Action Committee won approval of the town to seek certification as a Green Community. In January, their application was approved. This will provide state funds to help improve energy efficiency in town facilities. In discussions with Tom Mayo the town administrator, it appears the time is ripe for Hingham to go beyond "Green Community" and join other MA towns in the quest for "Net Zero" status where all of the elements of energy use in town can become carbon free. We are focusing on campaigning with like minded allies such as local organizations, businesses, religious congregations to support a town meeting warrant to catalyze a town study group to launch this transformation. The goal would be a successful warrant in the 2020 town meeting. The towns of Cambridge and Lexington have done this and others are working on it. We have the people in our congregation who can help to make this happen, we have civic organizations who can be recruited to the cause. Success with these campaigns across the state could take the market for energy away from the petroleum industry and save Mother Earth. We look forward to hearing from anyone interested.
Next meeting of our Green Sanctuary/350MA - South Shore node will be Tuesday 3/5 at 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Coffeehouse off the Square
Saturday, March 16th at 8pm in the Fellowship Hall -Robbie O'Connell
Irish Celtic - tributes to dark history, original whiskey cats, & romantic classics. Note: Proceeds from Coffee House on the Square performances benefit the UU Service Committee
Information session : Sunday 3-24 at 12 noon in the Parlor
"Reduction of Plastic Bags and Encouraging Reusable Bags" Warrant article for Hingham's 2019 Town Meeting. Janice McPhillips and Brenda Black, who serve on Cleaner Greener Hingham will present information about the proposed bylaw which will be voted on at the April 2019 Town Meeting. Please join us if you would like to learn about the details and rationale for the proposed ban on single use plastic bags and the recommendation to use reusable bags.
If you are unable to come to the information session but have questions, please feel free to contact us: Janice McPhillips jbbmcphillips@gmail.com Brenda Black blackpollara@verizon.net
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Next SJC meeting will be Sat 3/2/2019 at 9 am in the Parlor.
February 2019
Social Justice Council (SJC) News
New Hope for an Old Planet - Viewing party on Feb. 5 at Old Ship
Not long ago a group of United Nations scientists announced that global warming is happening much faster than originally thought. That meant those in the climate movement had to speed up their goals for achieving 100% renewable energy from 2050 to 2030.
That's the bad news. The good news is that a climate organization, which has been around for awhile, but largely unnoticed, suddenly has exploded into the news thanks to our recent mid-term election, which loosed on Congress lots of young progressives, who are fully aware of the climate crisis and the need to address it immediately. Its purpose is to create a Green New Deal, and many of its newest members hail from another organization known as Sunrise, most of whom are schoolchildren. Chapters of Sunrise are all over the country, including Boston, which, with their partners, is sponsoring watch parties, on Feb. 5, about themselves and the Green New Deal movement.
Old Ship's Green Sanctuary Committee has endorsed, and believes wholeheartedly, in the power Green New Deal is infusing into the climate movement. Because we feel this good news is so important and so inspiring we will be hosting a watch party in Fellowship Hall at the Parish House, next Tuesday, February 5, beginning at 7 p.m.
Submitted by Connie Gorfinkle
The Father Bill's Cooking Teams need Cooks and Salad Makers
For more than 30 years, Old Shippers have helped serve the needs of the homeless in our area by providing dinner meals at Father Bill's Place shelter in Quincy. There are six teams, each of which is responsible for providing trays of a Main Dish or a Salad four times per year on either Mondays or Thursdays. The dates are set well in advance and it is possible to prepare and freeze your main dish in advance (recipes are provided). You are invited to help serve at Father Bill's (a rewarding experience) or you can prepare your dish and drop off earlier that day or arrange with another team member to get it there.
Additional cooks are needed for both Monday and Thursday teams. Contact Brenda Black blackpollara@verizon.netor 781-740-2835 if you are interested or have questions.
Special Guest Speaker and Social Justice Plate Collection, Sunday February 24
Our collection this month will go to The International Institute of New England (IINE), an organization that provides humanitarian relief, education, skills training, job placement, family reunification and pathways to citizenship for 2,000 immigrants and refugees each year.
Social Justice Forum, Sunday February 24th at 12 noon in the Parlor.
Andrea Spake of IINE and Meg Glazer, founder South Shore Action's Meals and Conversation Program will present on "How you can get involved to make an impact on immigration and refugee issues, everything from volunteer initiatives, to financial support, to advocating for policy changes and changes in the business sector." Note: Arising from the Women's March and started as part of South Shore Action's Immigration Justice focus, "Meals and Conversations" provides a monthly lunch and volunteers with whom to practice conversational English for 125 English language learners at Boston's IINE office.
Next Meals and Conversation, Thursday, Feb 21.
If you would like to help with donating food, helping prepare the lunch, and/or join the group going to Boston to talk with 125 English language students at the IINE office contact Meg Glazer megglazer@gmail.com or 617.290.6322
Serving Others through bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship in 2019. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
In December our donations totaled 84lbs.
Foods especially needed by the Pantry in February:
Canned spaghetti or ravioli
Canned stew
Strawberry or grape jelly
Pasta sauce
Rice or rice side dishes
U.U. Urban Ministry
Based in Roxbury, "the UU Urban Ministry unites communities and transforms individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential."
Green Sanctuary
We were among an engaged and inspired audience this past weekend attending the two training sessions given by the UU College of Social Justice and UU Mass Action representatives on organizing our congregations for faith in action. A key message that resonated with me was how essential it is to frame our work in the context of our religious spirituality.
For Green Sanctuary this framework is our mission to protect all elements of our precious Web of Life from what is now recognized as an existential danger: the man-made threat of runaway global warming. While the "Big Picture" context is daunting we have already demonstrated that strategic action by a small band of Old Ship activists convinced the Hingham Light Plant to convert Hingham's electricity to 100% "Fossil Fuel Free." At Hingham's last town meeting Hingham's Energy Action Committee won approval of the town to seek certification as a Green Community. Last month their application was approved. This will provide state funds to help improve energy efficiency in town facilities. In discussions with Tom Mayo, the town administrator, it appears the time is ripe for Hingham to go beyond "Green Community" and join other MA towns in the quest for "Net Zero" status where all of the elements of energy use in town can become carbon free. Our goal would be to campaign with like minded allies such as local organizations, businesses, religious congregations to support a town meeting warrant article to catalyze a town study group to launch this transformation. The goal would be a successful warrant article in the 2020 town meeting. The towns of Cambridge and Lexington have done this and others are working on it. We have the people in our congregation who can help to make this happen, we have civic organizations who can be recruited to the cause. Success with these campaigns across the state could take the market for energy away from the petroleum industry and save Mother Earth. We look forward to hearing from anyone interested.
Turner Bledsoe - Chair, Green Sanctuary
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Coffeehouse off the Square
Saturday, February 16th at 8pm in the Fellowship Hall -Jay Psaros
Just nominated for "Male Performer of the Year" for the 2018 New England Music Awards, Jay has been called a "storyteller of precision," a "masterful guitarist," and a musical "painter of beautiful rolling images." You can hear these on all four of his CDs, each critically acclaimed and earning him supporting spots with such national acts as Third Eye Blind, Ziggy Marley, Los Lonely Boys, and Boz Scaggs, to name but a few. So mark your calendar and hurry over, this is your chance to catch up with him up close and local.
www.jaypsarosmusic.com Note: Proceeds from Coffee House on the Square performances benefit the UU Service Committee
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Next SJC meeting will be Sat, March 2, at 9 am in the Parlor.
January 2019
Social Justice Council (SJC) News for January 2019
Faith in Action: Living Our Values, Building Our Vision
Saturday, January 26, 2019 9:15AM-3PM
You are invited to a special program helping UUs to learn how to better advocate for the world we wish to see!
Faith in Action: Organizing Effective Justice Ministry Teams presented by the UU College of Social Justice (10:00 AM-12 Noon)
In a political climate hostile to human rights, environmental protection, and even to the truth, we want to show up and speak out in ways that will make a difference. This workshop explores how we can better organize ourselves to harness the power at the intersection of faith and justice.
Climate Justice and Action presented by UU Mass Action (1:00 PM-3 PM)
The impacts of the climate crisis effects us all, but some communities bear the burden fossil fuels use more acutely than others. This workshop includes an overview of the MA 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act, discussion on achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050 and why we must prioritize equity in all that we do.
You are welcome to come to part or the full program. There is no charge for the event which will be held in the Fellowship Hall. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
To register: contact Davalene Cooper at davalenecooper@verizon.net or 781-749-0790
For details : http://www.oldshipchurch.org/uploads/3/4/4/6/34464488/faith_in_action_program.pdf.
Serving Others through bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship in 2019. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
We are happy to report that our donations to the pantry have increased over last year and the Pantry wrote in December: “Our Thanksgiving Pantry was a great success as a direct result of the generosity of the members of our community. We were able to provide our clients with a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and groceries for the month.”
Fall 2018 our donations to the Hingham Food Pantry totaled:
Sept – 55 lbs
Oct. - 73 lbs
Nov - 146 lbs
Click here for the full list of items the pantry needs: http://www.oldshipchurch.org/opportunities-to-serve.html
Green Sanctuary
We call to your attention the special program on January 26th and hope that you will attend to learn more about how to organize successful social justice actions and understanding the social justice impact of global climate change (described above).
Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore Holiday Party
Thank you to all Old Shippers who donated to our Social Justice Special Plate in November and who helped with cooking, serving, and holding babies for the Holiday Party on December 13rh. It was a joyous event, full of good food and fun for the families who were very appreciative!
U.U. Urban Ministry
Looking for ways to deepen your anti-racism commitment and learning? Join the many ways to support the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry, based in Roxbury. Based in Roxbury, "the UU Urban Ministry unites communities and transforms individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential."
If you are curious about other ways to be in community with the UUUM in Boston, click here to learn more about their other opportunities.
Ongoing-Join Old Shippers who volunteer once a month with UUUM’s (UU Urban Ministry) Fair Foods affordable food distribution at UUUM headquarters at 10 Putnam St in Roxbury. Email pamharty@comcast.net to be connected with them.
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Coffeehouse off the Square
Ry Cavanaugh & Jennifer Kimball
January 19th 8pm in the Fellowship Hall
Ry is best known for founding Session Americana, & Jennifer was half of The Story. Each have released solo records. Now these two great talented singers, writers, & players can be seen & heard together in a very exciting duet experience.
http://www.rycavanaugh.com
http://www.jenniferkimball.com
Note: Proceeds from Coffee House on the Square performances benefit the UU Service Committee
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Next SJC meeting will be Sat 1/5/2019 at 9 am in the Parlor.
November 2018
Serving Others through bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry when you come to Old Ship. This fall we will have a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
The Hingham Food Pantry serves 175 local families who are hungry and benefit greatly from the nutritious foods we donate. Any non-perishable food is welcome, and this month the Pantry especially needs donations of:
November Special Social Justice Plate Collection Special Plate Collection for November:
Our special plate collection will be on November 18, and it will be used for the food for the South Shore Friends of the Homeless Holiday Dinner in December. This dinner has been held at Old Ship for many years and for the past few years, we have prepared and served the dinner. This special collection allows us to buy the food for the dinner. Any remaining funds will go to South Shore Friends of the Homeless.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to October’s Social Justice Special Plate collection. We collected $809.75 for UU Mass Action's Climate Action and Justice Program. If you were not here and wish to support this important work, donations are accepted online at https://www.uumassaction.org/.
Green Sanctuary: Soup Lunch and Presentation on Climate Change
This past month the latest report from the IPCC was released concerning the current health and future prognosis of Mother Earth in her long battle with Global Warming. The report is not reassuring: Her temperature has risen to 1.0 degrees C (over “normal”); The poisonous emissions in her atmosphere continue to rise to a point that our future will almost certainly be a world at 1.5 degrees C or more. The IPCC’s loud call for urgent corrective action is unprecedented in its’ years of reporting. Despite the resounding silence of our national leaders and mainstream media, those who know and care are responding. Much is happening at the state and community level and the tools are available now for all of us to help turn the tide. Come to our November 11th Green Sanctuary luncheon presentation to get the details and join the action.
Turner Bledsoe, Green Sanctuary Chair
Save the Date: Saturday, January 26 Special Social Justice conference at Old Ship
Want to be a better advocate for Social Justice? For Climate Change?
The Social Justice Council is hosting a special social justice conference on Saturday, January 26, 2019. We will have two workshops—one presented by the UU College of Social Justice and the other by UU Mass Action focusing on climate change—as well as an opportunity at lunch to meet other UU Social Justice Advocates in the South Shore. More details will be forthcoming, but in the meantime, save the date! If you have questions, contact Davalene Cooper at davalenecooper@verizon.net.
Guest at Your Table: Justice Across Borders
This is the theme of this year’s Guest at Your Table Program from UUSC. We will kick off the program on Sunday, November 18 and end with our special plate collection on Sunday, December 9. Guest at Your Table is our major fundraiser in support of UUSC and its work.
Violence, impunity, and corruption have forced thousands of Central Americans to flee their homes. All people have the rights to safety, human dignity, and a process to seek asylum. Yet when they flee, migrants face further dangers and abuses designed to deter them from their journey. Upon reaching the United States, they can be detained, prosecuted, or have their family members taken from them. After years spent building their lives in the United States, they may still be at risk of deportation. UUSC’s strategy uses a regional lens, aimed at three aspects of the issue: The right to safety in Central America, the right to safety on the migrant trail, and human rights and the U.S. immigration system.
Partnering with grassroots allies along the Central American migration trail, UUSC addresses root causes, supports migrants in transit, and protects the right to seek asylum. During our Guest at Your Table program, we will learn more about UUSC’s and our nation’s involvement in Central America – historically and presently – and our courageous Migrant Justice partners. To learn more about UUSC’s work in this area, go to https://www.uusc.org/initiatives/central-american-migrant-justice/.
Fair Foods – UUUM
Join Old Shippers who volunteer once a month with UUUM’s (UU Urban Ministry) Fair Foods affordable food distribution at UUUM headquarters at 10 Putnam St in Roxbury. Email pamharty@comcast.net to connect with them.
Based in Roxbury, "the UU Urban Ministry unites communities and transforms individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential."
U.U. Urban Ministry
If you are curious about other ways to be in community with the UUUM in Boston, click here to learn more about their other opportunities. One way to support them is simply to attend events, like the upcoming play, author discussion, and musical performance….
November 3, 3 pm at the UUUM: Handel + Haydn Society once again graces the First Church in Roxbury with their moving Every Voice concert, this year highlighting the voices of Latinx people, members of the LGBTQIA community, and our nation's veterans.
Question #3 on the Massachusetts Election Ballot for 11/6/18
The SJC would like to call your attention to Question #3 on this November’s Ballot. Currently Massachusetts has a law preventing discrimination against transgender peoples in public spaces.
This fall there is a conservative initiative to remove the rights of transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice. The transgender community and their families fear that
if public accommodation protections are removed, it will have ramifications for other rights.
A Yes vote will keep everything the same for now. As Old Ship is a Welcoming Congregation,
we thought you’d like to know about this human rights issue.
To learn more go to:https://www.freedommassachusetts.org/learn-more/
Meals and Conversations
Interested in welcoming immigrants to our area and helping them learn English? Through South Shore Action’s monthly Meals and Conversation program, a group from the south shore meets in Hingham to prepare a lunch meal for English language learners at IINE (International Institute of New England) and takes the lunches to their Boston office to share a meal and conversation in English with the students. Next date: Tuesday, November 13th. Contact: Meg Glazer at megglazer@gmail.com or 617-290-6322
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Coffeehouse off the Square – Susie Burke and David Surette Sat 11/17 at 8 pm in the Fellowship Hall
This engaging couple from South Berwick, Maine, has been a big hit in past shows. The combination of their compelling voices, particularly Susie’s and David’s lively, masterful, and imaginative string playing - fill a room.
Note: Proceeds from Coffee House on the Square performances benefit the UU Service Committee
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Next SJC meeting will be Sat 11/3 at 9 am in the Parlor.
October 2018
- The SJC invites you to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry when you come to Old Ship. This fall we will have a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
The Hingham Food Pantry serves 175 local families who are hungry and benefit greatly from the nutritious foods we donate. Any non-perishable food is welcome, and this month the Pantry especially needs donations of:
-Our Special Social Justice Plate Collection for October will take place on Sun 10/21 and will go to UUMassAction and their climate action/climate justice work.
-Join Old Shippers who volunteer once a month with UUUM’s (UU Urban Ministry) Fair Foods affordable food distribution at UUUM headquarters at 10 Putnam St in Roxbury. Email pamharty@comcast.net to be connected with them.
Based in Roxbury, "the UU Urban Ministry unites communities and transforms individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential."
If you are curious about other ways to be in community with the UUUM in Boston, click here to learn more about their other opportunities. One way to support them is simply to attend events, like the upcoming play, author discussion, and musical performance….
October 13, 3 pm at the UUUM: 2018 Mendelsohn Lecture featuring Unveiled, a one-woman play written and performed by Rohina Malik. Mark your calendars!
October 30, 6 pm at the UUUM: Author of The Penalty for Success, Josephine Bolling McCall, tells the story of her father's lynching in Alabama. Dinner will be served and all are welcome.
November 3, 3 pm at the UUUM: Handel + Haydn Society once again graces the First Church in Roxbury with their moving Every Voice concert, this year highlighting the voices of Latinx people, members of the LGBTQIA community, and our nation's veterans.
-The SJC would like to call your attention to the Question #3 on this November’s Ballot. Currently Massachusetts has a law preventing discrimination against transgender peoples in public spaces.
This fall there is a conservative initiative to remove the rights of transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice. The transgender community and their families fear that if public accommodation protections are removed, it will have ramifications for other rights. A Yes vote will keep everything the same for now. As Old Ship is a Welcoming Congregation, we thought you’d like to know about this human rights issue. To learn more go to https://www.freedommassachusetts.org/learn-more/
-Interested in welcoming immigrants to our area and helping them learn English? Through South Shore Action’s monthly Meals and Conversation program, a group from the south shore meets in Hingham to prepare a lunch meal for English language learners at IINE (International Institute of New England) and takes the lunches to their Boston office to share a meal and conversation in English with the students. Next date: Thus Oct 18th. Contact: Meg Glazer at megglazer@gmail.com or 617-290-6322
-Green Sanctuary: Save the date: Sunday November 11
Old Ship’s Green Sanctuary Committee will present on “Why Address Climate Change and What are our State and local governments doing to respond to Climate Change?” with a soup lunch provided by the SJC. 12 noon in the Fellowship Hall
-Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators…
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
-Next Coffeehouse off the Square –Dillon Bustin, Sat 10/20 at 8pm in the Fellowship Hall - This inventive musician-singer-composer-author of the Joshua Slocum song cycle about that 19th-Century Seaman’s solo sailing trip around the world returns to Hingham. He will do excerpts from the cycle and many other works, including his acclaimed musical settings of Ralph Waldo Emerson poetry. Dillon is a memorable performer with a great stage presence and is not to be missed. We are glad to welcome him back
Note: Proceeds from Coffee House on the Square performances benefit the UU Service Committee
-Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship? You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Next SJC meeting will be Sat 11/3 at 9am in the Parlor.
September 2018
Everyone is welcome to the first meeting of the Social Justice Council (SJC) this fall which will be held on Saturday, 9/15, at 9am in the Parlor of the Parish House. Join us if you would like to suggest a social justice activity for the coming year, are interested in helping to plan our activities for this year, or are just curious about how the SJC works to support our congregation’s chosen focus on “Protecting Vulnerable Communities.”
The Hingham Food Pantry especially needs donations of back-to-school snacks, red pasta sauce, mac 'n cheese and canned soups and stews as they prepare for the September Pantries. Donations of any of these or other non-perishable foods can be left in the collection box at the entrance to the Parish House or can be dropped off at the collection centers around town located at Stop and Shop on 3A, the offices of Coldwell Banker 56 South St and Jack Conway 321 Main St. The Hingham Food Pantry which serves 175 Hingham families greatly appreciates the support Old Ship has given over the last many years!
Interested in welcoming immigrants to our area and helping them learn English? Through South Shore Action, Old Shippers are helping prepare lunches and bring them to share food and conversation with English language students at the International Institute of New England (downtown Boston) on a monthly basis. You can help by providing ingredients, helping prepare and pack the bag lunches, and/or go into Boston for the lunchtime sharing of food and conversation. Lunch prep begins at 9:15 am, the group leaves for Boston around 11 am and is back by 2:45 pm (and some meet the group at the IINE office on Washington Street from noon-1:30pm). This Fall the dates are: Thursday, September 20th; Thursday, October 18th; Tuesday, November 13th and Wednesday December 19th.
If you would like to help with any part, please contact Meg Glazer (megglazer@gmail.com) or 617.290.6322
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators… Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net.
Next SJC meeting, Saturday November 3rd at 9am in the Parlor
Everyone is welcome to join us at our planning meetings to propose new social justice actions or support ongoing ones. Contact Brenda Black (blackpollara@verizon.net) or Kate Philbin (kate.philbin4@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
June 2018
Feeding Others – Supporting the Hingham Food Pantry
Background: The Monthly Feeding Others food collections for the Hingham food pantry have not been working for our congregation. The contributions have fallen, and in fact, most of the food we donate to the food pantry is coming from the AA Groups who meet here and bring food for our collection basket in the vestibule. Another issue has been the feedback from some in the congregation that they do not care for the “no food” coffee hours. And in fact, that has not always worked. So we are considering a few changes and would appreciate hearing your feedback about the following ideas:
Sunday June 3rd, Please bring boxed Mac and Cheese to donate: Any brand, any size of Mac and Cheese packages
Remember, if you are unable to bring non-perishable foods to donate, cash donations are always welcome.
Supporting the Hingham Food Pantry over the Summer
During the summer months the Food Pantry continues to need food donations for the 175 local families who use the pantry. You can leave donations of non-perishable foods in the following locations:
Interested in advocating for vulnerable populations?
The Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network sends out alerts when it would be particularly helpful to contact our local and national elected officials, especially during budget negotiations. We also send out notices of advocacy days, state or national, and other opportunities to advocate for those populations particularly at risk in our current times. In the past year, we sent out about 25 such alerts, so if you would like to be on this list, we do not overwhelm you with emails. Our focus is on when we can take actions to advocate for vulnerable populations. How do you get on the list? Just send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at: davalenecooper@verizon.net. Currently, we have about 35 Old Shippers on the list.
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net.
Green Sanctuary
The exciting news from Green Sanctuary is that we have a formal plan and application for Re-Accreditation of our Green Sanctuary Program in the UUA’s recently invigorated program. At our last Social Justice Council noon luncheon, Laura Burns reviewed the history and good works of our current Green Sanctuary Group/350MA affiliated group to test the enthusiasm and solicit ideas for a plan to seek re-accreditation. The result was a wide spectrum of environmental focus and interest and a clear consensus that we should develop such a plan. The SJC reviewed and refined Laura Burn’s follow up draft and has approved the final application – which has now been received by the UUA! (A copy will be posted on our Website).
The plan proposes: Continuing our support of the 350MA Node and its action and legislative work to fight global warming; Continuing support of Weymouth residents (FRRACS) fight against the pipeline compressor station; Supporting Old Ship’s plan to build a “net zero emission’ new parish house; launching a new project “Parish Education to Action” which is envisioned to test and find new ways to interest, educate, and draw in and learn from our parishioners the many ways all individuals can contribute to the growing campaign to fight dangerous global warming; and finally: Establishing an Adult education class on the biblical roots for climate change activism. The program will begin in September and we expect the UUA will give us the green light to give it a go.
We hope you will join us in great numbers!
Questions? Contact Turner Bledsoe turnerbledsoe1@verizon.net
The 350MA.org members lead twice monthly meetings on Tuesday evenings in the Parish Hall to explore and plan for actions to challenge climate change in our area. Next meeting May 1st at 7pm.
Contact Connie Gorfinkle connieg1233@gmail.com and Turner Bledsoe for information turnerbledsoe1@verizon.net
Next SJC meeting, Saturday September 15th at 9am in the Parlor
Everyone is welcome to join us at our planning meetings to propose new social justice actions or support ongoing ones. Contact Brenda Black (blackpollara@verizon.net) or Kate Philbin (kate.philbin4@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
December 2019
Social Justice Council
Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore Holiday Party/Dinner, Thurs. Dec 12th
If you would like to help with the fun and very special holiday celebration for the parents and children living in our local family shelters, the Holiday Dinner/Party will take place on Thurs. Dec 12th from 6-8pm in our Fellowship Hall. Old Shippers are needed to prepare some of the foods at home, help with last minute cooking at Old Ship, serve the holiday meal and clean up after the party. Contact Jill McElroy to sign up to help jillmcelroy@mac.com or 401 741-5558.
Guest at Your Table Ends on Sunday, December 15! Bring your donations to our special plate collection that day!
-A 79-year-old human rights organization rooted in Unitarian Universalist values, UUSC advances human rights in the United States and around the globe through research, advocacy, and partnerships with small grassroots organizations. Guest at Your Table is the major fundraising program for congregations supporting our values through the many projects of UUSC.
-The theme for this year’s program is “Women Leaders, Strong Communities.” We will learn more about women leaders from UUSC partner organizations who are taking on some of today’s greatest human rights challenges. Here are some examples of how your donations are used:
- $25 helps women in Kiribati access clean water for their households by supporting the installation of new water tanks.
- $50 supports a research project led by Muslim women about the surveillance of Muslim communities in the United States.
- $75 advances drought recovery in Tanzania by providing livelihood support for one single mother, elderly woman, or woman living with disabilities.
- $100 bolsters women’s farming cooperatives in Nicaragua through supporting improved administrative systems and strategic planning.
- $150 helps girls and women from Burma (Myanmar) attend leadership and peace-building trainings focused on bridging ethnic and religious divides within the country.
- $300 supports legal assistance for vulnerable migrant populations applying for asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, including mothers with young children and pregnant women.
- $500 helps fund psychological support and improved security measures for Honduran women human rights defenders, who are facing threats, harassment, and surveillance.
-Individual contributions of $125 or more are eligible to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY. For this match, as well as for membership, please make your donation by check, or fill out the envelope distributed at the November 24 service.
-Questions? Contact Davalene Cooper, Old Ship’s UUSC Congregational Liaison, at davalenecooper@verizon.net or 781-749-0790.
Serving Others by Supporting the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
A heartfelt THANK YOU for the stepped up support for the Hingham Food Pantry
Old Ship delivered 210 lbs of non-perishable foods to the Pantry on 10/28, our largest donation to date from our congregation.
For December, the Pantry has asked especially for donations of the following needed foods (and they are happy to receive donations of other foods too)
- Grape or strawberry jelly
- Hearty canned soups
- Dinty Moore Beef Stew
- Pasta sauce
- Rice
- Granola Bars
- Individually bagged or packaged snacks
Green Sanctuary
-Following up on last month's commentary regarding the dramatic McKibbon article on Banking support for the Fossil Fuel industry - I dug more deeply into the source reporting from the Rainforest Action Alliance and discovered MY BANKS WERE GETTING "D minus" RATINGS! I have now left Bank of America where I had both line of credit and all my banking. Last year my mortgage was with JP Morgan Chase!! Wow, It is also "D minus" rated. Now I also have to get rid of my Amazon Card (JP Morgan Chase). Two popular alternatives for credit card banks are Capitol One and Discovery. Now living in Linden Ponds - my banking is conveniently in house (and fossil free) with Hingham Institute for Savings.
-This was not the end of my enlightenment: I turned to look more deeply into my "Fossil Fuel Divested" retirement account. I discovered these D minus banks were in my portfolio - plus several more. I have since been exchanging important literature references on the "Climate Crisis" with my financial advisor because these banks are clearly supporting Petroleum Industry drilling in reserves that will push global warming to unsafe levels. This week will be my day of reckoning with this advisor!
-On an upside note; Hingham's Energy Action Committee is now embarked on the pathway to "Net Zero Emissions” for the entire town. Towns across Massachusetts and the South Shore are also actively working on this pathway as well.
-Last but not least the legislature has a number of exciting bills coming up for hearings with great potential to fund what we are hoping to do. For these efforts we give much thanks! Bless you all!
Turner Bledsoe
-If you would like to join other UU’s in advocating for these bills, you are invited to join
UU Climate Action Advocacy Day, Tuesday December 17, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
We’ll meet at the State House in a conference room 413E, briefly go over the bills and the plan and then send a team of volunteers to each floor on the State House. All the materials you’ll need will be provided – we just need you! This is part of a coalition wide effort to have weekly groups visit every legislator's office to keep up the pressure about our bills!
-The Plan: there will be 8 teams (minimum, 2 people per team). Each team will be assigned a floor in the State House. The teams will drop off packets of information and have short conversations about why they are there. All materials will be provided to you. Just wear your yellow, Side with Love, shirt and show up (get one here)!
You can learn more about the legislation here
Important – Please *RSVP* Here!
UU Urban Ministry (UUUM)
The mission of the UU Urban Ministry (UUUM) is to unite communities and transform individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential. Over nearly 200 years, our programs have adapted to meet the needs of our community. Updates on programming and ongoing events are at uuum.org
- December 8: 2pm Join the UUUM for a visit to Black Market for a holiday shopping extravaganza. Founded by Kai & Christopher Grant, Black Market's mission is to help eradicate Boston's wealth gap. Join us to meet the founders and peruse the stunning variety of clothes, jewelry, art, and artisanal holiday gifts from local vendors. Get your holiday shopping done in style! Kindly RSVP to Bithyah at bisrael@uuum.org
- December 22: 3 pm at the UUUM: John Muratore's Noel: An afternoon of classical guitar in the UUUM Meetinghouse to celebrate the season.
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Old Ship Coffeehouse Off the Square: Southern Rail
Note the Special Time: Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 4 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
Admission is $15.00 per person.
This month’s coffeehouse features the return of Southern Rail. This Appalachia-rooted, New England-based bluegrass and gospel band has played at the Coffeehouse for many attentive, engaged audiences at Christmastime. Come for an afternoon of high-energy, exuberant fun, riveting harmonies, a touch of humor, and sparkling banjo and mandolin solos. Their gospel base with a bluegrass flavor brings the season to life. Profits from the Coffeehouse are donated to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), so this is another way to support UUSC and their justice work around the world!
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Look for announcements of the next SJC meeting date in the Order of Service in January. Contact Brenda Black blackpollara@verizon.net or Davalene Cooper davalenecooper@verizon.net
November 2019
Social Justice Council
November Special Plate Collection—Sunday, November 10
This month’s special plate collection will benefit the Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore. As you may know, Old Ship hosts a holiday party for families who are housed by this organization each December—this year’s party will take place on Thursday, December 12. Old Shippers provide and prepare the food for the party and other Hingham based groups provide other items needed to have a wonderful evening for our guests. Special Plate monies will be used to purchase the food for the party and any remaining funds will be donated to the Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore.
Thanks to everyone who donated to last month’s special plate collection, "No More Deaths." We raised $550.78 to support their humanitarian aid work.
Save the date: If you would like to help with the fun and very special holiday celebration for the parents and children living in our local family shelters, the Holiday Dinner/Party will take place on Thurs. Dec 12th from 6-8pm. Old Shippers will be needed to prepare some of the foods at home, help with last minute cooking at Old Ship, serve the holiday meal and clean up after the party. Look for information about signing up to help in any of these ways in the weekly announcements and in the December Newsletter.
Guest at Your Table is Coming!
Our annual fundraising drive for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), known as Guest at Your Table, will begin Sunday, November 24 and end Sunday, December 15. The theme for this year’s program is “Women Leaders, Strong Communities.” We will learn more about women leaders from UUSC partner organizations who are taking on some of today’s greatest human rights challenges.
Who are these women? A climate activist from Kiribati, Pelenise is responding boldly to climate change in the Pacific. Marta is working to support victims of violence and eradicate violence against women in Honduras. Wai Wai is helping prevent violence and bridge ethnic and religious divides in Burma. And in Mexico and the U.S., Monica is using the arts to bolster resiliency and leadership among migrants.
For newer members of our Old Ship Community, Guest at Your Table is UUSC’s annual intergenerational program to raise support for and awareness about key human rights issues. Since UUSC works in more than 20 countries, with over 60 grassroots partners, there are thousands of individuals involved in and who benefit from the work that our members make possible. The program is an opportunity to celebrate grassroots partnership, support human rights, and learn about just four of these individuals, those referenced above, who are this year’s “guests.”
Questions? Contact Davalene Cooper, our UUSC Congregational Liaison, at davalenecooper@verizon.net or 781-749-0790.
Serving Others by Supporting the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
The Hingham Food Pantry would like” to thank Old Ship Church for your donation of 53 pounds of food for the month of September 2019. In addition, the Old Ship Stop & Shop Food Drive yielded 1,283 pounds of food and $169 in cash. This abundance of food was received with gratitude by all those involved in the operation of The Pantry. We are so very grateful for the support we receive from all the members of your congregation.
For November, the Pantry has asked for the following items which are especially needed:
Grape or strawberry jelly
Dinty Moore Beef Stew
Pasta sauce
Rice
Granola Bars
Individually bagged or packaged snacks
Green Sanctuary
-Bill McKibben’s piece in the New Yorker (9/17/2019) “Money Is the Oxygen on Which the Fire of Global Warming Burns: What if the banking, asset-management, and insurance industries moved away from fossil fuels?” proposes that the fastest way to lower CO2 is targeting banks underwriting of Fossil Fuels.. See the 350. org newsletter for the campaigns to transfer investment from fossil fuels to renewables.
- To find out what your investment fund(s) are supporting see https://www.banktrack.org/ and fossil fuel finance reportcard. You can find your investment funds and their fossil fuel letter grades at this website.
- To find out which insurance companies are underwriting fossil fuel extraction projects see https://350.org/ring-aig-to-stop-adani/ and this ranking of insurance companies on their distancing themselves from coal
UU Urban Ministry (UUUM)
Events and volunteer opportunities with our Roxbury-based partner, UU Urban Ministry (UUUM)
Sat, November 2, 3-4 pm at the UUUM: The Handel + Haydn Society returns to the First Church in Roxbury for a community "Every Voice" concert highlighting Black and Jewish composers. Details can be found here and tickets should be reserved. Would you like to help with set up or clean up? Please contact engagement@uuum.org.
Help us welcome a new life! Renewal House has a mama in shelter who will be welcoming a daughter this winter. We are looking for a congregation or individual (or a few) who can sponsor a festive baby shower for her to help her celebrate and prepare for this new arrival.
We are looking for the following items, please contact UUUM liaison Pam Harty at pamharty@comcast.net by 11/21:
- Stop and Shop gift cards (for a cake and other treats)
- Target gift cards (some for decorations, others to give to the mama so she can pick out items she needs for her baby and herself)
Identity / Diversity Learning Opportunity
Monday, November 25th from 6-8PM in the Cohasset High School Auditorium. South Shore Unity Council (umbrella org of Hingham Unity Council) invited you to a free screening of Dawnland, followed by a discussion with the film’s co-director and producer Adam Mazo, and Wabanaki educator Roger Paul. Dawnland is an Emmy-award-winning documentary about cultural survival, stolen children, and the first truth and reconciliation commission for Native Americans.
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Coffeehouse off the Square – Geoff Muldaur
Saturday November 16, 2019 at Fellowship Hall
Admission is $20.00 per person. Open mike begins at 7:30 p.m.
This month’s coffeehouse features Geoff Muldaur, once of the great voices and musical forces to emerge from the Cambridge folk, blues, and folk-rock scene of the ‘60s. He was a founding member of the noted Jim Kweskin Jug Band; has composed TV and film scores, garnering an Emmy; and has collaborated with such notables as Jerry Garcia, Eric Von Schmidt, and Bonnie Raitt. Profits from the Coffeehouse are donated to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), so this is another way to support UUSC and their justice work around the world!
Profits benefit the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. This is another way we support UUSC! And we get to hear great, live music!
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Our next meeting will be Saturday 11/23 at 9 am in the Parlor of the Parish House. Contact Brenda Black blackpollara@verizon.net or Davalene Cooper davalenecooper@verizon.net
October 2019
Social Justice Council
October Special Plate Collection-Sunday, October 6
This month's special plate will support "No More Deaths," a humanitarian organization in southern Arizona that was founded to reduce or stop the deaths of migrants in the desert. Crossing the desert is especially dangerous and since 2004, volunteers have left food, water, and blankets for those making the journey. They also work to provide emergency medical care, if needed, and document evidence of deaths in the desert. The group also maintains a 24-hour hotline where family members can report missing persons. Volunteers are in the desert every day doing this work, and in recent years, some volunteers have been charged with federal crimes for harboring, abandoning property on federal land (i.e., the food, water, and blankets) or trespassing or driving on administrative roads on federal (to leave water and other items where migrants cross). Since 2008, No More Deaths is an official ministry of the UU Church in Tucson.
Opportunity to Help Others and Do Some Holiday Shopping--
Sun. Oct. 20, 11:30am-12:30pm
During Coffee Hour on Sunday, October 20, the Social Justice Council will host a fair of area groups selling handcrafted items from Central America. Proceeds will benefit projects and persons in Central American countries. One such group is Under the Same Moon, which raises funds for Asociación Bendición de Dios - a nondenominational, nonprofit school and community development organization in San Juan Alotenango, Guatemala. The school educates about 500 children, most of whom otherwise would not be able to afford the $250 in annual costs for the "public" school. Under the Same Moon sells handcrafted items made by Guatemalan indigenous artisans and locally sourced, fair trade Guatemalan coffee, Dean's Beans. Under the Same Moon works directly with the artisans or artisans' cooperatives to follow fair trade principles and practices. The purchases provide opportunities for greatly improved earnings for the artisans, leading to a more stable economic well-being. We expect to have one or two other groups here that day, including one group that sells baskets made by women in Honduras. This will be a great opportunity to help those in Central America!
Serving Others through bringing a non-perishable food item
for the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
The Pantry has asked for the following items especially needed to restock their shelves after the summer lull in donations:
Canned vegetables (all sorts: canned green beans, corn, peas, and others)
Canned fruit (all sorts: fruit cocktail, canned peaches, pears, pineapple)
Hearty canned soups: Progresso, Campbells Chunky and similar brands
Canned pastas (Chef Boyardee),
Canned stews and chilis
Pasta sauce
Identity / Diversity Learning Opportunity
The Scituate Unity Council will be hosting a community book discussion of There There by Tommy Orange...
Read: There There, by Tommy Orange
Meet: Scituate Library Community Room
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm
The Scituate Unity Council is a node of the South Shore Unity Council whose mission is "Neighbors who seek to understand the complexity of identity and affirm our common humanity through open communication and productive dialogue. Through community events and other learning opportunities, we seek to cultivate an understanding of the shared human experience, while celebrating our uniqueness."
Book overview: There There is the first novel by Cheyenne and Arapaho author Tommy Orange. Published in 2018, it opens with an essay by Orange as a prologue, and then proceeds to follow a large cast of Native Americans living in the area of Oakland, California, as they struggle with a wide array of challenges ranging from depression and alcoholism, to unemployment, fetal alcohol syndrome, and the challenges of living with an ethnic identity of being "ambiguously nonwhite." All coalesce at a community pow wow and its attempted robbery.
Anti-racism learning opportunity
Do you want to continue (or initiate!!) your anti-racism work? We are invited by our neighbors up the street at St. John's Episcopal Church, (172 Main street Hingham) to a film-based dialogue of race and faith. Spanning ten sessions starting in early October, we are invited to take "a journey over the sacred ground of racial introspection and reconciliation. In this series offered by St. John's Adult Education, developed by the Episcopal Church, we will walk through the chapters of America's history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, socio-economic status, and political and regional identity." Sessions are offered on Wednesdays 7-8:30 pm starting October 9 (OR Sundays starting October 6, 11:30-1 pm) registration is required and they ask we commit to attend all sessions. For more info visit sacred-ground
Green Sanctuary Notes for October 2019 from Turner Bledsoe
This Summer and Fall have been a kaleidoscope of events around the climate crisis. Following the record shattering heat spells in July and August, Hurricane Dorian burst on the scene. This was the largest, most powerful, most destructive hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. Lingering wind speeds of 220 mph wreaked havoc on the Bahamas. As I write, Houston again. is recovering from the extensive flooding of another tropical storm "Ismelda". All this has been a more than fitting prelude to what I believe is the best evidence to date that we are approaching "The Turning Point" (to the rescue). Friday, September 20, 2019, marks the largest protest event the world has ever seen: The worldwide youth driven "Global Climate Strike" honoring 16 year old Greta Thunberg of Sweden who has brought this movement to America on the eve of the United Nations Climate Action Summit. Four million youth and supporting adults rallied in major cities of 163 countries on multiple continents around the world. In Boston at the City Hall, thousands gathered for songs, chants speeches - and a march to the Statehouse for more. Old Shippers were well represented among UUs from all over the state.
This youth awakening has driven the climate crisis into the spotlight of national politics in America. At long last all contenders for the Democratic Presidential candidacy recognize the climate crisis and most have plans to advance a "Green New Deal" to find a solution. Because the Trump administration, the Republican controlled Senate and Statehouses continue to expand gas infrastructure, dismantle existing protections of the environment, and resist both renewable energy development and use (in electric vehicles) - the upcoming Presidential, Congressional and Statehouse elections of 2020 will undoubtedly determine our ultimate future.
However, the challenge of halting global heating cannot wait for a political transformation that may be ahead, nor can it be won by politicians alone. Each of us must start now to electrify our heating, cooking, and transportation, and to reduce our intake of red meat. We need to lobby the dairy industry to implement fermentation reducing feed and limit our intake of dairy products that don't meet that standard. Using Seventh Generation recycled paper products (toilet paper and paper towels) is the best way to protect against the destruction of the Northern Boreal forest. Finally, if you continue to own petroleum industry stock, you will be funding "the breaking of the carbon budget" that takes the world beyond 2 degrees C. Our future is in our own hands!
UU Urban Ministry (UUUM)
Events and volunteer opportunities with our Roxbury-based partner, UU Urban Ministry:
-Youth-led walking tour of Roxbury 10/12 (1 and 2:15 pm) and 10/26 (1 pm): "Are you curious about the history of Boston? Interested to know more about the First Church in Roxbury's role in the Revolutionary War? Do you wonder what architectural styles can be found in John Eliot Square?" Support the UUUM by attending the tour!! Make a day of it!! Grab lunch at the Dudley cafe, take the tour, and go browse at Frugal Books!! Either sign up through the link, or look for a carpool partner through Pam at pamharty@comcast.net
-Seeking SAT and ACT test prep volunteers for Roxbury Youth Program students. Tutoring a small group of students bi-weekly in the Fall, volunteers work under the close supervision of Roxbury Youth Program staff. Email Christine Dickerson at cdickerson@uuum.org
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Coffeehouse off the Square - Toni Lynn Washington & Paul Speidel
Saturday October 19, 7:30 pm, Old Ship Parish House
Classic blues singer, Tony Lynn Washington, has performed throughout the United States and Europe during a long, successful career, carrying on the tradition of Bessie Smith, Nellie Lutcher, and other blues greats. According to the Boston Globe she "has a lovely, deep, smooth voice that exudes strength and self-assurance." Toni will be accompanied by longtime blues guitarist Paul Speidel. Toni and Paul were a hit with our audience in an earlier performance.
Profits benefit the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. This is another way we support UUSC! And we get to hear great, live music!
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Our next meeting will be Saturday 11/23 at 9 am in the Parlor of the Parish House. Contact Brenda Black blackpollara@verizon.net or Davalene Cooper davalenecooper@verizon.net
September 2019
Social Justice Council (SJC) News
Would you help with Old Ship’s Annual Food Drive to benefit the Hingham Food Pantry?
Sunday Sept. 22nd 12-2 or 2-4 pm at Stop and Shop, Lincoln Plaza, Rt 3A, hingham
Old Ship’s annual effort to collect donations of non-perishable foods for the Hingham Food Pantry, held in September this year at the Pantry’s request to help them restock after the summer months of reduced donations.
Old Ship volunteers stand at the Stop and Shop entrances, hold signs, offer “shopping lists” of items needed by the pantry, collect donations and box them for delivery to the Food Pantry.
adult, youth and children volunteers needed! If you can help, please contact Davalene Cooper davalenecooper@verizon.net or look for the sign up during Fellowship Hour on Sun 9/15.
Forum on Migrant Justice
Sun. Sept. 29th at 12 noon in the Parlor
Eva Marx will speak about visiting UUSC Project Partners in Mexico! One of the primary ways that the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) addresses its mission of advancing human rights and social justice around the world is by partnering with grassroots organizations that advance its objectives. In March, Eva Marx had the opportunity to visit four of UUSC’s partners working on migrant justice in Mexico City and Guadalajara. These partners are helping people gain asylum in Mexico, advocating for families of migrants who disappeared on the trail, and running shelters that provide safety and services to the those fleeing violence, corruption and poverty in Central America. She will share her observations with us.
Serving Others through bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
Our donations over the summer totaled 107 lbs. for which the Pantry was very grateful!
The Pantry has asked for the following items especially needed to restock their shelves:
Canned vegetables
Canned fruit
Canned soup
Macaroni & cheese
Canned pasta and stews
Pasta sauce
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Our first meeting for this church year will be Saturday 9/14 at 9 am in the Parlor of the Parish House. Contact Brenda Black blackpollara@verizon.net or Davalene Cooper davalenecooper@verizon.net
Early Holiday Shopping--Hold the Date – Sun. Oct. 20: During Coffee Hour on Sunday, October 20, the Social Justice Council will host a fair of area groups selling handcrafted items from Central America. Proceeds will benefit projects and persons in Central American countries. More details will be forthcoming in the next newsletter.
Green Sanctuary
Welcome back to our Green Sanctuary work. It has been a significant Summer for Global Warming Watchers and Workers. The numbers are in: For the World, this July has been the warmest July on record ever. On July 21 through 24th Hingham was under formal “Heat Alert” with a call to constrain excessive electrical use through peak hours. Our heat index reached 110 degrees. The heat dome reached from Maine to Seattle, and St Louis to Washington DC. On July 25th a torrential rainstorm blew through the area, spawning a waterspout turned tornado that did damage on the Cape. Abroad, Spain and central Europe suffered more with a heat dome sourced over the Sahara that later went on to cause torrential melting of the Greenland Ice sheet. And so Global Warming’s threat has become a “here and now” crisis and the call to stop its advance grows absolute.
While this call is ignored in Washington DC and the administration goes in the other direction, Massachusetts and many “Blue” states are working hard to meet the Paris Accord promises by reducing carbon emissions to Zero by 2050. “Global Warming Crisis” has finally found voice in the presidential politics of the Democratic primary. In truth, the fight to save the planet has fused with the fight to save Democracy. It is time for the watchers to become workers.
In Massachusetts the efforts to reduce emissions to zero by 2050 are both top down and bottom up. Top down the Baker administration continues the implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act, Green Communities Act, solar incentives, hydropower procurement and new incentives for transportation. The ISO-NE continues to manage the grid with improvements in the renewable supply of electricity through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative while the legislature is working to improve all these elements, create new ones and develop funding for what remains to be done.
The bottoms up is where we come in. Across Massachusetts individual towns are on the forefront of converting their electricity – like we have – to 100% fossil fuel free. With the notable success of this effort and the growing recognition of what needs to be done for the climate crisis; a new movement has begun. Towns are taking the leap to bring all the town’s (and towns-people’s) carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. This will involve all sectors; homes, businesses, transportation, new building codes for the future, more solar installations, contracting for offshore wind and much more. Mass Climate Action Network, Mass Area Planning Council, Mass Power Forward, 350MA and many other environmental organizations are supporting these efforts. The legislature is working on funding sources to help municipalities as well. In Hingham, Laura Burns has catalyzed the forming of “Citizen’s for Hingham net Zero” which will be working to mobilize the community of Hingham in support of this essential transition. We hope to make Green Sanctuary an important player in this campaign.
Important Upcoming Events:
-Sat. Sept. 14th 12 noon-5 pm: Sustainable South Shore annual Sustainable Technology Fair to demonstrate the many tools and related vendors available to help us reach our sustainable goals. Part of Hull’s Endless Summer event, Nantasket Ave in front of the Paragon Carousel, Hull -- noon to five Details http://www.hullchamber.com/endless-summer
-Sun. Sept. 15th 12 noon: Green Sanctuary and Ken Read Brown will host a post-sermon discussion Ken will be preaching on the challenges to achieving the full measure of social, economic and climate Justice. Green Sanctuary will be present in the post sermon discussion to answer questions about our plans and hopes for the coming year. In the Parish House parlor.
-Fri. Sept. 20th : International Climate Strike begins. Greta Thurnberg has invoked the saying “There is no hope without action”. This day and the days through the 27th will see a number of events to spur the call on the world to act. We must respond. For more information see https://globalclimatestrike.net/
UU Urban Ministry (UUUM)
"The mission of the UU Urban Ministry (UUUM) is to unite communities and transform individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential. Over nearly 200 years, our programs have adapted to meet the needs of our community."
Events and volunteer opportunities with our Roxbury-based partner:
-Sept 14th 1-5pm: The Makanda Project Jazz concert and family friendly fair. Jazz, Ice cream, chair massages and MORE!! On the green of the First Parish in Roxbury, 10 Putnam St, Roxbury. Rain or shine!
-Seeking SAT and ACT test prep volunteers for Roxbury Youth Program students. Tutoring a small group of students bi-weekly in the Fall, volunteers work under the close supervision of Roxbury Youth Program staff. CLICK HERE to read more in the August newsletter, or email Christine Dickerson at cdickerson@uuum.org
Coffeehouse off the Square - Jezz Lowe, Saturday Sept. 21st 8 pm
All the way from England comes this great folk legend. No one else writes or sounds like Jez Lowe. You will be amazed by his singing, his multi-instrumental playing, and all the original songs that you're likely to recognize. His songs have been covered by Gordon Bok, Liam Clancy, Fairport Convention, The Tannahill Weavers, Cherish the Ladies, and literally hundreds of others. Please come enjoy a super evening with a world famous folk singer right here in Hingham! http://www.jezlowe.com
Note: Proceeds from Coffee House on the Square performances benefit the UU Service Committee
April 2019
Social Justice Council (SJC) News
Serving Others through bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship in 2019. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime. In February our donations totaled 149 lbs. Thank you!
The Pantry asks for help in providing foods for those with food allergies and asks that donations in April address that need if possible, including:
Gluten-free pasta
Gluten-free crackers
Gluten-free cookies
Gluten-free granola bars
Rice cakes
Social Justice Plate Collection, Sunday April 7th
Our Special Plate collection will go to our Youth Group to support their service trip to the Burlington Vermont area. See details in another part of the newsletter.
Common Art is coming to Old Ship
Old Ship Church is hosting an art show and sale by Common Art artists on Sunday April 7, from 11:30am – 12:30pm in the Old Ship Parish House, 107 Main Street, Hingham.
Common Art, a program of Common Cathedral, provides space, materials and caring support staff to support unhoused and low income individuals as they develop their artistic abilities. People who live in shelters, rooming houses, on unclaimed couches and benches, and on Boston's streets, gather every Wednesday at Emmanuel Church on Newbury Street to draw, paint, sculpt, make crafts, and to share with other artists in like circumstances. Begun in 1999 by a group of un-housed men and women with the assistance of ministers from St. John the Evangelist Church on Bowdoin Street, Common Art in its present form works both to promote access to the arts for its members and to help facilitate the expression of members' artistic gifts. In this way, Common Art acknowledges the dignity of all human beings and honors the divine creativity within each person.
Plan to come view the art and talk with the artists who will be showing their work on Sunday April 7, from 11:30 am- 12:30pm. Works of art will be for sale with proceeds going directly to the artists. Purchases can be made by cash or check only. Cash in strongly preferred.
For more information about Common Art: http://commoncathedral.org/common-art
or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/commonartboston
UU Urban Ministry Corner
Based in Roxbury, "the UU Urban Ministry unites communities and transforms individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential."
Explore ways to be in community with the UUUM in Roxbury here
- Ongoing-Join Old Shippers who volunteer once a month with UUUM’s (UU Urban Ministry) Fair Foods affordable food distribution at UUUM headquarters at 10 Putnam St in Roxbury. Email pamharty@comcast.net to be connected with them.
- April 3, 4 pm at Boston City Hall: the UUUM are proud to join The New Democracy Coalition's annual reading of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Letter from a Birmingham Jail again this year. Come be part of this beloved community (as a reader or spectator).
- April 14, 3 pm at the UUUM. Join us for this rescheduled date for The Ties That Bind. $10 donation to Opera unMet at the door. You won't want to miss this event, described as "a different kind of MLK celebration". Under the direction of UUUM board member Marshall Hughes, the ensemble presents a thought-provoking look at social justice and civil morality through words, song, music and interactive response. This year, we honor Sam Cornish, Howard L Resnikoff, Elizabeth Donaldson and Joanne Lowry as great leaders in social and civic justice.
- April 20, 10:30 am at the Museum of African American History: Byron Rushing will share the history of the black community's movement from Beacon Hill to Roxbury. Stay for lunch on site, catered by Haley House Bakery Cafe. Details here.
Old Ship has partnered with several other local houses of worship to create a team to walk and fundraiser for the Louis D Brown Peace Institute’s Mother’s Day Walk on Sunday, May 12. Started in 1996 so mothers of murdered children could receive support and love from their neighbors, 23 years later, the Mother’s Day Walk continues to be a powerful way to honor loved ones who have been murdered and embrace partners in peacemaking. The Institute is a center of healing, teaching, and learning for communities impacted by murder, grief, trauma, and loss. To register to walk that morning or to donate, please go to https://tinyurl.com/yxe9xxxq. contact/OSC team leader: Pam Harty pamharty@comcast.net
Green Sanctuary
Next meeting of our Green Sanctuary/350MA node will be Tuesday 4/2 at 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Connie Gorfinkle to be added to the email distribution of Agenda and other notes from our local 350MA node : connieg1233@gmail.com
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Coffeehouse off the Square
Saturday, April 20th at 8pm in the Fellowship Hall -Eric Cornetta and friends - - - - - -
Always entertaining and always someone to sing along with, Eric Cornetta shares songs which took him from coffeehouses in Chelmsford and Harvard Square to Greenwich Village, Nova Scotia, and London. His first CD shows folk roots - simple voice and guitar, and his second, polished by Wlifred Raterink, his Dutch friend and songwriting partner. You’ll be encouraged to join in enjoying a cheerful mix of originals, covers, and traditional songs with this long time local Hingham troubadour.
Note: Proceeds from Coffee House on the Square performances benefit the UU Service Committee
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Please contact Brenda Black blackpollara@verizon.net or
781 740 2835
March 2019
Social Justice Council (SJC) News
Serving Others through bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship in 2019. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
In January our donations totaled 119 lbs.
Foods especially needed by the Pantry in March:
Rice or rice side dishes
Canned stew
Canned spaghetti or ravioli
Strawberry or grape jelly
Pasta sauce
Social Justice Plate Collection, Sunday March 17th
Our Special Plate collection will go to Common Cathedral, an outdoor church based on the Boston Common for those experiencing homelessness and their friends. Common Cathedral serves as an important community for people experiencing homelessness, and for faith communities who want to be in supportive relationship with un-housed individuals and their friends
U.U. Urban Ministry
Based in Roxbury, "the UU Urban Ministry unites communities and transforms individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential."
Explore ways to be in community with the UUUM in Roxbury here
- Ongoing-Join Old Shippers who volunteer once a month with UUUM's (UU Urban Ministry) Fair Foods affordable food distribution at UUUM headquarters at 10 Putnam St in Roxbury. Email pamharty@comcast.net to be connected with them.
- March 2, 10:30-12:30: Museum of African American History. 46 Joy st, Beacon Hill. As part of UUUM's "Roxbury Connections Corner", we invite UUs to engage in Roxbury's cultural richness and to learn about its history art and activism. Discover the history of our city's African American Community with a visit to the African Meeting House and Abiel Smith School. Stay for lunch following an engaging tour by former State Representative Byron Rushing. Tickets are $10 for the Museum only and $22 for the tour and lunch and can be purchased on the day of the event. Please RSVP to Marcia Butman. More here.
- March 17, 3 pm at the UUUM 10 Putnam St, Roxbury: (and a 2:15 p.m. - Artistic Exchange featuring a performance by students from Project STEP) Boston Symphony Orchestra presents its Community Chamber Concert in the First Church in Roxbury. FREE event, but you must reserve tickets here.
Green Sanctuary
The mission of our Green Sanctuary is to protect all elements of our precious Web of Life from what is now recognized as an existential danger: the man-made threat of runaway global warming. While the "Big Picture" context is daunting we have already demonstrated that strategic action by a small band of Old Ship activists convinced the Hingham Light Plant to convert Hingham's electricity to 100% "Fossil Fuel Free. At Hingham's last town meeting Hingham's Energy Action Committee won approval of the town to seek certification as a Green Community. In January, their application was approved. This will provide state funds to help improve energy efficiency in town facilities. In discussions with Tom Mayo the town administrator, it appears the time is ripe for Hingham to go beyond "Green Community" and join other MA towns in the quest for "Net Zero" status where all of the elements of energy use in town can become carbon free. We are focusing on campaigning with like minded allies such as local organizations, businesses, religious congregations to support a town meeting warrant to catalyze a town study group to launch this transformation. The goal would be a successful warrant in the 2020 town meeting. The towns of Cambridge and Lexington have done this and others are working on it. We have the people in our congregation who can help to make this happen, we have civic organizations who can be recruited to the cause. Success with these campaigns across the state could take the market for energy away from the petroleum industry and save Mother Earth. We look forward to hearing from anyone interested.
Next meeting of our Green Sanctuary/350MA - South Shore node will be Tuesday 3/5 at 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Coffeehouse off the Square
Saturday, March 16th at 8pm in the Fellowship Hall -Robbie O'Connell
Irish Celtic - tributes to dark history, original whiskey cats, & romantic classics. Note: Proceeds from Coffee House on the Square performances benefit the UU Service Committee
Information session : Sunday 3-24 at 12 noon in the Parlor
"Reduction of Plastic Bags and Encouraging Reusable Bags" Warrant article for Hingham's 2019 Town Meeting. Janice McPhillips and Brenda Black, who serve on Cleaner Greener Hingham will present information about the proposed bylaw which will be voted on at the April 2019 Town Meeting. Please join us if you would like to learn about the details and rationale for the proposed ban on single use plastic bags and the recommendation to use reusable bags.
If you are unable to come to the information session but have questions, please feel free to contact us: Janice McPhillips jbbmcphillips@gmail.com Brenda Black blackpollara@verizon.net
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Next SJC meeting will be Sat 3/2/2019 at 9 am in the Parlor.
February 2019
Social Justice Council (SJC) News
New Hope for an Old Planet - Viewing party on Feb. 5 at Old Ship
Not long ago a group of United Nations scientists announced that global warming is happening much faster than originally thought. That meant those in the climate movement had to speed up their goals for achieving 100% renewable energy from 2050 to 2030.
That's the bad news. The good news is that a climate organization, which has been around for awhile, but largely unnoticed, suddenly has exploded into the news thanks to our recent mid-term election, which loosed on Congress lots of young progressives, who are fully aware of the climate crisis and the need to address it immediately. Its purpose is to create a Green New Deal, and many of its newest members hail from another organization known as Sunrise, most of whom are schoolchildren. Chapters of Sunrise are all over the country, including Boston, which, with their partners, is sponsoring watch parties, on Feb. 5, about themselves and the Green New Deal movement.
Old Ship's Green Sanctuary Committee has endorsed, and believes wholeheartedly, in the power Green New Deal is infusing into the climate movement. Because we feel this good news is so important and so inspiring we will be hosting a watch party in Fellowship Hall at the Parish House, next Tuesday, February 5, beginning at 7 p.m.
Submitted by Connie Gorfinkle
The Father Bill's Cooking Teams need Cooks and Salad Makers
For more than 30 years, Old Shippers have helped serve the needs of the homeless in our area by providing dinner meals at Father Bill's Place shelter in Quincy. There are six teams, each of which is responsible for providing trays of a Main Dish or a Salad four times per year on either Mondays or Thursdays. The dates are set well in advance and it is possible to prepare and freeze your main dish in advance (recipes are provided). You are invited to help serve at Father Bill's (a rewarding experience) or you can prepare your dish and drop off earlier that day or arrange with another team member to get it there.
Additional cooks are needed for both Monday and Thursday teams. Contact Brenda Black blackpollara@verizon.netor 781-740-2835 if you are interested or have questions.
Special Guest Speaker and Social Justice Plate Collection, Sunday February 24
Our collection this month will go to The International Institute of New England (IINE), an organization that provides humanitarian relief, education, skills training, job placement, family reunification and pathways to citizenship for 2,000 immigrants and refugees each year.
Social Justice Forum, Sunday February 24th at 12 noon in the Parlor.
Andrea Spake of IINE and Meg Glazer, founder South Shore Action's Meals and Conversation Program will present on "How you can get involved to make an impact on immigration and refugee issues, everything from volunteer initiatives, to financial support, to advocating for policy changes and changes in the business sector." Note: Arising from the Women's March and started as part of South Shore Action's Immigration Justice focus, "Meals and Conversations" provides a monthly lunch and volunteers with whom to practice conversational English for 125 English language learners at Boston's IINE office.
Next Meals and Conversation, Thursday, Feb 21.
If you would like to help with donating food, helping prepare the lunch, and/or join the group going to Boston to talk with 125 English language students at the IINE office contact Meg Glazer megglazer@gmail.com or 617.290.6322
Serving Others through bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship in 2019. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
In December our donations totaled 84lbs.
Foods especially needed by the Pantry in February:
Canned spaghetti or ravioli
Canned stew
Strawberry or grape jelly
Pasta sauce
Rice or rice side dishes
U.U. Urban Ministry
Based in Roxbury, "the UU Urban Ministry unites communities and transforms individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential."
- Ongoing: Join Old Shippers who volunteer once a month with UUUM's (UU Urban Ministry) Fair Foods affordable food distribution at UUUM headquarters at 10 Putnam St in Roxbury. Email pamharty@comcast.net
- February 2: 9am youth and adults will participate in"Seeing Me in the World" when they will explore and deepen their faith from this perspective and engage with critical issues of our time: the history of racism in America, in Roxbury, and in Unitarian Universalism, and the current issues facing our changing neighborhood now at risk of gentrification. (for details contact Sarah Hurley hurleystrings@yahoo.com)
- February 12 6pm: Community Supper and facilitated reading!! Mimi Jones, long-time Roxbury civil rights activist and community organizer, will read from Dorothy Height's "Open Wide the Freedom Gates" and Dr Carter Woodson's "Mis-education of the
Green Sanctuary
We were among an engaged and inspired audience this past weekend attending the two training sessions given by the UU College of Social Justice and UU Mass Action representatives on organizing our congregations for faith in action. A key message that resonated with me was how essential it is to frame our work in the context of our religious spirituality.
For Green Sanctuary this framework is our mission to protect all elements of our precious Web of Life from what is now recognized as an existential danger: the man-made threat of runaway global warming. While the "Big Picture" context is daunting we have already demonstrated that strategic action by a small band of Old Ship activists convinced the Hingham Light Plant to convert Hingham's electricity to 100% "Fossil Fuel Free." At Hingham's last town meeting Hingham's Energy Action Committee won approval of the town to seek certification as a Green Community. Last month their application was approved. This will provide state funds to help improve energy efficiency in town facilities. In discussions with Tom Mayo, the town administrator, it appears the time is ripe for Hingham to go beyond "Green Community" and join other MA towns in the quest for "Net Zero" status where all of the elements of energy use in town can become carbon free. Our goal would be to campaign with like minded allies such as local organizations, businesses, religious congregations to support a town meeting warrant article to catalyze a town study group to launch this transformation. The goal would be a successful warrant article in the 2020 town meeting. The towns of Cambridge and Lexington have done this and others are working on it. We have the people in our congregation who can help to make this happen, we have civic organizations who can be recruited to the cause. Success with these campaigns across the state could take the market for energy away from the petroleum industry and save Mother Earth. We look forward to hearing from anyone interested.
Turner Bledsoe - Chair, Green Sanctuary
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Coffeehouse off the Square
Saturday, February 16th at 8pm in the Fellowship Hall -Jay Psaros
Just nominated for "Male Performer of the Year" for the 2018 New England Music Awards, Jay has been called a "storyteller of precision," a "masterful guitarist," and a musical "painter of beautiful rolling images." You can hear these on all four of his CDs, each critically acclaimed and earning him supporting spots with such national acts as Third Eye Blind, Ziggy Marley, Los Lonely Boys, and Boz Scaggs, to name but a few. So mark your calendar and hurry over, this is your chance to catch up with him up close and local.
www.jaypsarosmusic.com Note: Proceeds from Coffee House on the Square performances benefit the UU Service Committee
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Next SJC meeting will be Sat, March 2, at 9 am in the Parlor.
January 2019
Social Justice Council (SJC) News for January 2019
Faith in Action: Living Our Values, Building Our Vision
Saturday, January 26, 2019 9:15AM-3PM
You are invited to a special program helping UUs to learn how to better advocate for the world we wish to see!
Faith in Action: Organizing Effective Justice Ministry Teams presented by the UU College of Social Justice (10:00 AM-12 Noon)
In a political climate hostile to human rights, environmental protection, and even to the truth, we want to show up and speak out in ways that will make a difference. This workshop explores how we can better organize ourselves to harness the power at the intersection of faith and justice.
Climate Justice and Action presented by UU Mass Action (1:00 PM-3 PM)
The impacts of the climate crisis effects us all, but some communities bear the burden fossil fuels use more acutely than others. This workshop includes an overview of the MA 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act, discussion on achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050 and why we must prioritize equity in all that we do.
You are welcome to come to part or the full program. There is no charge for the event which will be held in the Fellowship Hall. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
To register: contact Davalene Cooper at davalenecooper@verizon.net or 781-749-0790
For details : http://www.oldshipchurch.org/uploads/3/4/4/6/34464488/faith_in_action_program.pdf.
Serving Others through bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to continue to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry whenever you come to Old Ship in 2019. There is a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
We are happy to report that our donations to the pantry have increased over last year and the Pantry wrote in December: “Our Thanksgiving Pantry was a great success as a direct result of the generosity of the members of our community. We were able to provide our clients with a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and groceries for the month.”
Fall 2018 our donations to the Hingham Food Pantry totaled:
Sept – 55 lbs
Oct. - 73 lbs
Nov - 146 lbs
Click here for the full list of items the pantry needs: http://www.oldshipchurch.org/opportunities-to-serve.html
Green Sanctuary
We call to your attention the special program on January 26th and hope that you will attend to learn more about how to organize successful social justice actions and understanding the social justice impact of global climate change (described above).
Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore Holiday Party
Thank you to all Old Shippers who donated to our Social Justice Special Plate in November and who helped with cooking, serving, and holding babies for the Holiday Party on December 13rh. It was a joyous event, full of good food and fun for the families who were very appreciative!
U.U. Urban Ministry
Looking for ways to deepen your anti-racism commitment and learning? Join the many ways to support the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry, based in Roxbury. Based in Roxbury, "the UU Urban Ministry unites communities and transforms individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential."
If you are curious about other ways to be in community with the UUUM in Boston, click here to learn more about their other opportunities.
Ongoing-Join Old Shippers who volunteer once a month with UUUM’s (UU Urban Ministry) Fair Foods affordable food distribution at UUUM headquarters at 10 Putnam St in Roxbury. Email pamharty@comcast.net to be connected with them.
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Coffeehouse off the Square
Ry Cavanaugh & Jennifer Kimball
January 19th 8pm in the Fellowship Hall
Ry is best known for founding Session Americana, & Jennifer was half of The Story. Each have released solo records. Now these two great talented singers, writers, & players can be seen & heard together in a very exciting duet experience.
http://www.rycavanaugh.com
http://www.jenniferkimball.com
Note: Proceeds from Coffee House on the Square performances benefit the UU Service Committee
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Next SJC meeting will be Sat 1/5/2019 at 9 am in the Parlor.
November 2018
Serving Others through bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry
The SJC invites you to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry when you come to Old Ship. This fall we will have a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
The Hingham Food Pantry serves 175 local families who are hungry and benefit greatly from the nutritious foods we donate. Any non-perishable food is welcome, and this month the Pantry especially needs donations of:
- Canned fruit
- Rice
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta sauce
- Campbell Chunky & Progresso Soups
- Tuna
- Beef stew
- Canned spaghetti or ravioli
November Special Social Justice Plate Collection Special Plate Collection for November:
Our special plate collection will be on November 18, and it will be used for the food for the South Shore Friends of the Homeless Holiday Dinner in December. This dinner has been held at Old Ship for many years and for the past few years, we have prepared and served the dinner. This special collection allows us to buy the food for the dinner. Any remaining funds will go to South Shore Friends of the Homeless.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to October’s Social Justice Special Plate collection. We collected $809.75 for UU Mass Action's Climate Action and Justice Program. If you were not here and wish to support this important work, donations are accepted online at https://www.uumassaction.org/.
Green Sanctuary: Soup Lunch and Presentation on Climate Change
This past month the latest report from the IPCC was released concerning the current health and future prognosis of Mother Earth in her long battle with Global Warming. The report is not reassuring: Her temperature has risen to 1.0 degrees C (over “normal”); The poisonous emissions in her atmosphere continue to rise to a point that our future will almost certainly be a world at 1.5 degrees C or more. The IPCC’s loud call for urgent corrective action is unprecedented in its’ years of reporting. Despite the resounding silence of our national leaders and mainstream media, those who know and care are responding. Much is happening at the state and community level and the tools are available now for all of us to help turn the tide. Come to our November 11th Green Sanctuary luncheon presentation to get the details and join the action.
Turner Bledsoe, Green Sanctuary Chair
Save the Date: Saturday, January 26 Special Social Justice conference at Old Ship
Want to be a better advocate for Social Justice? For Climate Change?
The Social Justice Council is hosting a special social justice conference on Saturday, January 26, 2019. We will have two workshops—one presented by the UU College of Social Justice and the other by UU Mass Action focusing on climate change—as well as an opportunity at lunch to meet other UU Social Justice Advocates in the South Shore. More details will be forthcoming, but in the meantime, save the date! If you have questions, contact Davalene Cooper at davalenecooper@verizon.net.
Guest at Your Table: Justice Across Borders
This is the theme of this year’s Guest at Your Table Program from UUSC. We will kick off the program on Sunday, November 18 and end with our special plate collection on Sunday, December 9. Guest at Your Table is our major fundraiser in support of UUSC and its work.
Violence, impunity, and corruption have forced thousands of Central Americans to flee their homes. All people have the rights to safety, human dignity, and a process to seek asylum. Yet when they flee, migrants face further dangers and abuses designed to deter them from their journey. Upon reaching the United States, they can be detained, prosecuted, or have their family members taken from them. After years spent building their lives in the United States, they may still be at risk of deportation. UUSC’s strategy uses a regional lens, aimed at three aspects of the issue: The right to safety in Central America, the right to safety on the migrant trail, and human rights and the U.S. immigration system.
Partnering with grassroots allies along the Central American migration trail, UUSC addresses root causes, supports migrants in transit, and protects the right to seek asylum. During our Guest at Your Table program, we will learn more about UUSC’s and our nation’s involvement in Central America – historically and presently – and our courageous Migrant Justice partners. To learn more about UUSC’s work in this area, go to https://www.uusc.org/initiatives/central-american-migrant-justice/.
Fair Foods – UUUM
Join Old Shippers who volunteer once a month with UUUM’s (UU Urban Ministry) Fair Foods affordable food distribution at UUUM headquarters at 10 Putnam St in Roxbury. Email pamharty@comcast.net to connect with them.
Based in Roxbury, "the UU Urban Ministry unites communities and transforms individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential."
U.U. Urban Ministry
If you are curious about other ways to be in community with the UUUM in Boston, click here to learn more about their other opportunities. One way to support them is simply to attend events, like the upcoming play, author discussion, and musical performance….
November 3, 3 pm at the UUUM: Handel + Haydn Society once again graces the First Church in Roxbury with their moving Every Voice concert, this year highlighting the voices of Latinx people, members of the LGBTQIA community, and our nation's veterans.
Question #3 on the Massachusetts Election Ballot for 11/6/18
The SJC would like to call your attention to Question #3 on this November’s Ballot. Currently Massachusetts has a law preventing discrimination against transgender peoples in public spaces.
This fall there is a conservative initiative to remove the rights of transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice. The transgender community and their families fear that
if public accommodation protections are removed, it will have ramifications for other rights.
A Yes vote will keep everything the same for now. As Old Ship is a Welcoming Congregation,
we thought you’d like to know about this human rights issue.
To learn more go to:https://www.freedommassachusetts.org/learn-more/
Meals and Conversations
Interested in welcoming immigrants to our area and helping them learn English? Through South Shore Action’s monthly Meals and Conversation program, a group from the south shore meets in Hingham to prepare a lunch meal for English language learners at IINE (International Institute of New England) and takes the lunches to their Boston office to share a meal and conversation in English with the students. Next date: Tuesday, November 13th. Contact: Meg Glazer at megglazer@gmail.com or 617-290-6322
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network to find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
Coffeehouse off the Square – Susie Burke and David Surette Sat 11/17 at 8 pm in the Fellowship Hall
This engaging couple from South Berwick, Maine, has been a big hit in past shows. The combination of their compelling voices, particularly Susie’s and David’s lively, masterful, and imaginative string playing - fill a room.
Note: Proceeds from Coffee House on the Square performances benefit the UU Service Committee
Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship?
You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Next SJC meeting will be Sat 11/3 at 9 am in the Parlor.
October 2018
- The SJC invites you to Serve Others by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Hingham Food Pantry when you come to Old Ship. This fall we will have a collection basket in the vestibule of the Meeting House each Sunday to receive your donation. The collection box in the outer vestibule of the Parish House is also available to accept donations when you come for classes or meetings or anytime.
The Hingham Food Pantry serves 175 local families who are hungry and benefit greatly from the nutritious foods we donate. Any non-perishable food is welcome, and this month the Pantry especially needs donations of:
- Regular coffee
- Regular tea
- Cookies
- Canned fruit
- Hearty soup
- Pasta sauce
- Beef stew
- Chef Boyardee canned pastas
- Crackers
- Cereals
-Our Special Social Justice Plate Collection for October will take place on Sun 10/21 and will go to UUMassAction and their climate action/climate justice work.
-Join Old Shippers who volunteer once a month with UUUM’s (UU Urban Ministry) Fair Foods affordable food distribution at UUUM headquarters at 10 Putnam St in Roxbury. Email pamharty@comcast.net to be connected with them.
Based in Roxbury, "the UU Urban Ministry unites communities and transforms individuals through education, service, and advocacy. We engage communities and congregations in social action and change, with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential."
If you are curious about other ways to be in community with the UUUM in Boston, click here to learn more about their other opportunities. One way to support them is simply to attend events, like the upcoming play, author discussion, and musical performance….
October 13, 3 pm at the UUUM: 2018 Mendelsohn Lecture featuring Unveiled, a one-woman play written and performed by Rohina Malik. Mark your calendars!
October 30, 6 pm at the UUUM: Author of The Penalty for Success, Josephine Bolling McCall, tells the story of her father's lynching in Alabama. Dinner will be served and all are welcome.
November 3, 3 pm at the UUUM: Handel + Haydn Society once again graces the First Church in Roxbury with their moving Every Voice concert, this year highlighting the voices of Latinx people, members of the LGBTQIA community, and our nation's veterans.
-The SJC would like to call your attention to the Question #3 on this November’s Ballot. Currently Massachusetts has a law preventing discrimination against transgender peoples in public spaces.
This fall there is a conservative initiative to remove the rights of transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice. The transgender community and their families fear that if public accommodation protections are removed, it will have ramifications for other rights. A Yes vote will keep everything the same for now. As Old Ship is a Welcoming Congregation, we thought you’d like to know about this human rights issue. To learn more go to https://www.freedommassachusetts.org/learn-more/
-Interested in welcoming immigrants to our area and helping them learn English? Through South Shore Action’s monthly Meals and Conversation program, a group from the south shore meets in Hingham to prepare a lunch meal for English language learners at IINE (International Institute of New England) and takes the lunches to their Boston office to share a meal and conversation in English with the students. Next date: Thus Oct 18th. Contact: Meg Glazer at megglazer@gmail.com or 617-290-6322
-Green Sanctuary: Save the date: Sunday November 11
Old Ship’s Green Sanctuary Committee will present on “Why Address Climate Change and What are our State and local governments doing to respond to Climate Change?” with a soup lunch provided by the SJC. 12 noon in the Fellowship Hall
-Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators…
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net
-Next Coffeehouse off the Square –Dillon Bustin, Sat 10/20 at 8pm in the Fellowship Hall - This inventive musician-singer-composer-author of the Joshua Slocum song cycle about that 19th-Century Seaman’s solo sailing trip around the world returns to Hingham. He will do excerpts from the cycle and many other works, including his acclaimed musical settings of Ralph Waldo Emerson poetry. Dillon is a memorable performer with a great stage presence and is not to be missed. We are glad to welcome him back
Note: Proceeds from Coffee House on the Square performances benefit the UU Service Committee
-Interested in Social Justice work at Old Ship? You are welcome at any Social Justice Council meeting to talk with us about your ideas of how Old Ship can Serve Others. Next SJC meeting will be Sat 11/3 at 9am in the Parlor.
September 2018
Everyone is welcome to the first meeting of the Social Justice Council (SJC) this fall which will be held on Saturday, 9/15, at 9am in the Parlor of the Parish House. Join us if you would like to suggest a social justice activity for the coming year, are interested in helping to plan our activities for this year, or are just curious about how the SJC works to support our congregation’s chosen focus on “Protecting Vulnerable Communities.”
The Hingham Food Pantry especially needs donations of back-to-school snacks, red pasta sauce, mac 'n cheese and canned soups and stews as they prepare for the September Pantries. Donations of any of these or other non-perishable foods can be left in the collection box at the entrance to the Parish House or can be dropped off at the collection centers around town located at Stop and Shop on 3A, the offices of Coldwell Banker 56 South St and Jack Conway 321 Main St. The Hingham Food Pantry which serves 175 Hingham families greatly appreciates the support Old Ship has given over the last many years!
Interested in welcoming immigrants to our area and helping them learn English? Through South Shore Action, Old Shippers are helping prepare lunches and bring them to share food and conversation with English language students at the International Institute of New England (downtown Boston) on a monthly basis. You can help by providing ingredients, helping prepare and pack the bag lunches, and/or go into Boston for the lunchtime sharing of food and conversation. Lunch prep begins at 9:15 am, the group leaves for Boston around 11 am and is back by 2:45 pm (and some meet the group at the IINE office on Washington Street from noon-1:30pm). This Fall the dates are: Thursday, September 20th; Thursday, October 18th; Tuesday, November 13th and Wednesday December 19th.
If you would like to help with any part, please contact Meg Glazer (megglazer@gmail.com) or 617.290.6322
Interested in advocating for vulnerable communities?
Find out about specific advocacy opportunities such as letter writing, advocacy calls, participating in educational/advocacy events with local legislators… Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net.
Next SJC meeting, Saturday November 3rd at 9am in the Parlor
Everyone is welcome to join us at our planning meetings to propose new social justice actions or support ongoing ones. Contact Brenda Black (blackpollara@verizon.net) or Kate Philbin (kate.philbin4@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
June 2018
Feeding Others – Supporting the Hingham Food Pantry
Background: The Monthly Feeding Others food collections for the Hingham food pantry have not been working for our congregation. The contributions have fallen, and in fact, most of the food we donate to the food pantry is coming from the AA Groups who meet here and bring food for our collection basket in the vestibule. Another issue has been the feedback from some in the congregation that they do not care for the “no food” coffee hours. And in fact, that has not always worked. So we are considering a few changes and would appreciate hearing your feedback about the following ideas:
- Food collection stays once a month, but bring a specific item the Food Pantry has requested.
- Food collection once a month, as above, but held during a regular coffee hour with snacks.
- No specific food collection dates, but encourage people to bring food and put in the boxes in the vestibule of both the meeting and parish houses, and SJC will still take the food to the food pantry. Bring an item every time you come to church for a meeting, a class, or on Sunday morning.
- We will continue with our once a year food collection drive at Stop and Shop.
Sunday June 3rd, Please bring boxed Mac and Cheese to donate: Any brand, any size of Mac and Cheese packages
Remember, if you are unable to bring non-perishable foods to donate, cash donations are always welcome.
Supporting the Hingham Food Pantry over the Summer
During the summer months the Food Pantry continues to need food donations for the 175 local families who use the pantry. You can leave donations of non-perishable foods in the following locations:
- Leave donations in the box in the vestibule of Parish House
- Leave donations in the large box at the main entrance of the Stop and Shop, Lincoln Plaza on Rt 3A.
- Leave donations at Conway Realty, Main Street, Hingham
Interested in advocating for vulnerable populations?
The Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network sends out alerts when it would be particularly helpful to contact our local and national elected officials, especially during budget negotiations. We also send out notices of advocacy days, state or national, and other opportunities to advocate for those populations particularly at risk in our current times. In the past year, we sent out about 25 such alerts, so if you would like to be on this list, we do not overwhelm you with emails. Our focus is on when we can take actions to advocate for vulnerable populations. How do you get on the list? Just send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at: davalenecooper@verizon.net. Currently, we have about 35 Old Shippers on the list.
Sign up for the Old Ship Social Justice Action Alert Network. Send your email address to Davalene Cooper, Keeper of the List, at davalenecooper@verizon.net.
Green Sanctuary
The exciting news from Green Sanctuary is that we have a formal plan and application for Re-Accreditation of our Green Sanctuary Program in the UUA’s recently invigorated program. At our last Social Justice Council noon luncheon, Laura Burns reviewed the history and good works of our current Green Sanctuary Group/350MA affiliated group to test the enthusiasm and solicit ideas for a plan to seek re-accreditation. The result was a wide spectrum of environmental focus and interest and a clear consensus that we should develop such a plan. The SJC reviewed and refined Laura Burn’s follow up draft and has approved the final application – which has now been received by the UUA! (A copy will be posted on our Website).
The plan proposes: Continuing our support of the 350MA Node and its action and legislative work to fight global warming; Continuing support of Weymouth residents (FRRACS) fight against the pipeline compressor station; Supporting Old Ship’s plan to build a “net zero emission’ new parish house; launching a new project “Parish Education to Action” which is envisioned to test and find new ways to interest, educate, and draw in and learn from our parishioners the many ways all individuals can contribute to the growing campaign to fight dangerous global warming; and finally: Establishing an Adult education class on the biblical roots for climate change activism. The program will begin in September and we expect the UUA will give us the green light to give it a go.
We hope you will join us in great numbers!
Questions? Contact Turner Bledsoe turnerbledsoe1@verizon.net
The 350MA.org members lead twice monthly meetings on Tuesday evenings in the Parish Hall to explore and plan for actions to challenge climate change in our area. Next meeting May 1st at 7pm.
Contact Connie Gorfinkle connieg1233@gmail.com and Turner Bledsoe for information turnerbledsoe1@verizon.net
Next SJC meeting, Saturday September 15th at 9am in the Parlor
Everyone is welcome to join us at our planning meetings to propose new social justice actions or support ongoing ones. Contact Brenda Black (blackpollara@verizon.net) or Kate Philbin (kate.philbin4@gmail.com) if you have any questions.