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Sunday, Feb. 14, 10 am“Standing on the Side of Love”Ms. Beverly Waring
Every day, people are targets for violence, exclusion or oppression when their identities are somehow deemed “okay to hate” because of their race or ethnicity, their immigrant status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or other differences. To promote respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person and combat social injustice, First Parish of Sudbury, a Unitarian Universalist congregation, has joined a public advocacy campaign whose slogan is “Standing on the Side of Love.” On Sunday, February 14 (which also happens to be Valentine’s Day), First Parish will celebrate this advocacy with a special service, also titled “Standing on the Side of Love.” The service begins at 10 a.m. and is open to all.
Says First Parish minister the Rev. Katie Lee Crane, “We stand with all who believe that no person should be dehumanized through acts of exclusion, oppression, or violence. A campaign like “Standing on the Side of Love” is about the inclusion of people who are marginalized and a way in which we can act upon our deepest religious passions. There’s no difference between spiritual values and social action.”
First Parish was recently awarded a 12-foot bright yellow “Standing on the Side of Love” banner that will be displayed outside in the spring. To win the banner, long-time church members Donna Scalcione and Beverly Waring submitted a winning essay that read, in part:
“For those who believe that hate is the opposite of love, this banner will provide a clear message that states where Unitarian Universalists stand when it comes to violence, bigotry, discrimination and hate-filled actions of any kind. For those who believe that apathy is the opposite of love, this banner will provide a clear message that Unitarian Universalists care deeply about the state of our society and are willing to act with conviction to foster peace and dignity and equality wherever it is lacking.
“Having the Standing on the Side of Love banner displayed prominently in the center of Sudbury will invite all people, regardless of their cultural, religious or ethnic backgrounds to come inside and hear our message and to see how we put our inclusive faith into action and to participate in a community based on love and compassion and respect.”
On Valentine’s Day, the banner will be unfurled and displayed, and at 10 a.m. Waring, a candidate for the Unitarian Universalist ministry, will lead a special worship service celebrating the awarding of this banner and exploring the connections between love and justice. “To many, love is a feeling,” says Waring. “But I think of love as a verb, an active concept that motivates me to do something, to seek justice, to work for equality, to show others what a difference love can make to heal a troubled world.”
All are welcome at the worship service followed by refreshments and a hearthside conversation about the day’s topic and the issues it raises. Childcare is provided.
First Parish of Sudbury is a Unitarian Universalist congregation located at 327 Concord Road. The Meetinghouse is accessible to wheelchair users and those who are hearing impaired. We embrace diversity and are intentional about the participation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons in all aspects of congregational life. We welcome all who share the principles and goals of our community. For more information about upcoming events, visit fpsudbury.org or call 978-443-2043.
Save the Date: Saturday, April 10Annual Service Auction starting at 6pm
Religious Exploration for Children and YouthFor information on this week's plans for children up through 8th grade, see ComingUpInRE.
TempoTime!!First Parish of Sudbury is pleased to offer TempoTime, a free and very popular "music and movement" program for children ages 2 to 6 and their parents/care-givers on Saturdays, January 30, February 13th, and February 27th at 10:30am. Come sing, dance, and have fun with your child!! Then stay to enjoy a snack together. Everyone is welcome and you do not have to be a member of First Parish to attend! For more information, contact Roberta at dre fpsudbury.org
Youth Group NewsFor Youth Group news, check out YouthPrograms.
Women's Alliance NewsThe next Potluck will be Sunday, February 28th at 5pm in the Brackett Room
Past Newsletters and ENews Bulletins are Now Available at NewsLetters
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First Parish of Sudbury in the wintertime
Our Mission:We are First Parish of Sudbury, a diverse and welcoming community of spiritual seekers; we strive to learn together and support one another as we celebrate life's important moments and serve the larger community.
Our Covenant:We the people of First Parish of Sudbury pledge that we will come together with open minds and open hearts, always seeking to learn, to share, to respect and forgive, and to help each other grow towards our best selves.
One community, first and foremost, compassionate, respectful, and generous, we pledge to listen to each other, express our views openly, handle disagreement with honesty, humility and humor, and nurture our sense of belonging together.
We pledge to participate in the work of the congregation to the best of our abilities, to practice and encourage leadership, and to support our ministry materially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Thinking of Visiting?Here's what to expect when you visit us.
Directions to First Parish
Map and written directions Parking Map
First Parish strives to make our world a better place by supporting:  
The Wayside Pulpit
The best way to get a bad law repealed
is to enforce it strictly.
- Abraham Lincoln
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Accessibility Reserved accessible parking spaces are available. All church facilities are accessible for wheel chair users. This includes all bathrooms and an elevator to all floors.
Large print orders of service and hymnals are available.
 An assistive listening system with headsets is available in the sanctuary. There is a loudspeaker system in the sanctuary and parish hall used during church services and meetings.
Welcoming Congregation
First Parish of Sudbury welcomes the presence and participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in all aspects of our congregational life.
Green SanctuaryFirst Parish has begun the process of becoming a Green Sanctuary certified by the UU Ministry For the Earth. A Green Sanctuary is a congregation that lives out its commitment to the Earth by creating a sustainable life style for its members as individuals and as a faith community.You can participate. For more information see our page here.
Revision 89. Last edited Mon 1 Feb 2010 5:47pm by SusanStocker |
