Social Justice - Faith in Action

“My heart is moved by all I cannot save:
So much has been destroyed.
I have to cast my lot with those who…
with no extraordinary power,
reconstitute the world.”

~ Adrienne Rich

Many of us are drawn to this faith community because of its commitment to social action and justice. It has been said that ours is a faith of “deeds – not creeds”, meaning simply that we live out our faith in our actions, not just our words. We invite you to explore the myriad ways to connect with the UUFCM community through participation in ongoing “faith in action” initiatives. But the list is by no means exhaustive! If you have a social justice issue that you’re passionate about – bring your intention and creativity to the table. Please contact our current Social Action Committee chairperson with your ideas. Choose to bless the world!

Latest Social Justice News Entries

Ways you can ACT:

• Volunteer at Woodland Hospice
Woodland Hospice offers volunteer training and other opportunities to: honor veterans, offer camp experiences for children, public memorial services, and education about hospice care. See this bulletin for current offerings (September - November 2012).
• Mid-Michigan Interfaith Coalition
The Mid-Michigan Interfaith Coalition (MMIC), an initiative begun by the collaborative effort of the UUFCM and St. John’s Episcopal Church, Mt. Pleasant, meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at the UUFCM. This group was established in January 2011 as an inclusive interfaith coalition of both lay ministers and ordained clergy dedicated to relationship building and collaborative social justice work. For more information, please contact Dawn Daniels.
• Welcoming Congregation Initiative
• Commission on Aging - Gold Key Volunteer Opportunities
• Local Emergency Assistance
  We give substantial support to the John H. Goodrow fund. This fund is intended to provide emergency assistance, including food, shelter, clothing, medicine, gasoline, or other support to community members. Referrals to the fund and to other community aid are obtained by calling Listening Ear at 989.772.2918.
• Red Cross Food Pantry
• Standing on the Side of Love
  Sponsored by the UUA, Standing on the Side of Love (SSL) is a public advocacy campaign that seeks to harness love’s power to stop oppression. The UUFCM board recently passed a resolution endorsing our congregation’s affiliation with the SSL campaign and encouraging the WCC to integrate its LGBT resources into our programs. You’ll be hearing much more about this initiative and how you can get involved at UUFCM. In the meantime, learn more about Standing on the Side of Love.

“We exist to develop spiritually mature people who know that life is precious, and that what matters most is the love we give away. We exist to equip people for a significant ministry, and we help them discover and share the unique gifts and talents they have been given by the spirit of life... We exist to serve and bless the world. We exist to stand with those yearning for freedom, for basic human rights, for their voices to be heard. ...It’s not perfection that liberates, but commitment to purpose that can liberate the human spirit.”

~ Rev. Justin Schroeder, "The Purpose-Driven Church," February 27, 2011

“It is service to others that is transcendent. This has the capacity to make us no longer ordinary. To be a part of this community is transcendent. ... Every single interaction that you have can send out a message of hope.”

~ Ross Levin, “Spend Your Life Wisely,” February 13, 2011