Connect and Act

The Climate Justice Task Force seeks to raise awareness of the growing threat to our planet of climate change. The mission reflects our UU belief in “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are apart.”
With a UU commitment to “inherent worth and dignity of every person,” we work to reduce the especially negative effects of climate change on the least powerful members of our community. The Taskforce works within the congregation and collaborates with community organizations toward mutual goals.

Objectives for 2010/11:
• Continued education and organization of the Congregation regarding the issues of climate change.
• Promote activism among our members, joining local and national efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
• Raise awareness of the importance of ethical eating and food production as it impacts economic justice and the
environment.

For more information contact ClimateJustice [at] firstparishcambridge [dot] org

In a large congregation like First Parish (FP), it can be difficult to develop and maintain friendships and a feeling of community. FP has created a Covenant Group program to provide the opportunity to develop friendships, a deeper sense of community, and the opportunity to explore spiritual meaning with others in a small group setting outside of Sunday service. Covenant Groups are open to all members and friends of First Parish.

Covenant Groups are comprised of 6 to 11 people who meet for two hours each month sharing their views on selected spiritual issues. Each group will be guided by trained facilitators who support a forum for deepening our spirituality and faith in an intimate and safe setting.

Meetings focus on topics developed by FP members and by other UU congregations. Topics that Covenant Groups have discussed included God as a Metaphor, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Endings and Beginnings. In addition, each group will carry out a small service project, giving back to the church community and the wider world. Some groups meet once a month; others meet more often. Please read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information.

Covenant Groups will restart in January 2011. There will be a link to the registration form in the late fall.

The purpose of the Immigration Task Force is to promote education and awareness of immigrant issues both locally and globally. In keeping with our congregation’s journey toward a multiracial, multicultural, justice-making future, and in affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person, we take action to support positive social change. UUs have consistently supported immigrant workers, families, and immigration reform, as evidenced by General Assembly resolutions from 1961. First Parish in Cambridge participates actively in the Standing on the Side of Love campaign which includes solidarity with immigrant families. Our congregation includes immigrant service providers, immigrant attorneys, and immigrants themselves.

Task Force Objectives for church year 2010-2011:
• Introduce FP to the different immigrant communities in Cambridge and Somerville.
• Educate congregation about current issues and legislation related to immigration reform.
• Make advocacy action opportunities available to congregation.
• Partner with key agencies serving/advocating for immigrants
For more information contact Immigration [at] Firstparishcambridge [dot] org

First Parish has been a Welcoming Congregation since 2002 and voted in the spring of 2004 to conduct public witness in support of marriage equality. Efforts included media outreach, letter writing campaigns and marching as a faith community in the Pride Parade.

Support for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender rights are also part of the UUA Standing on the Side of Love, a public advocacy campaign that promotes respect for the inherent worth and dignity of each person. Individuals can join this public campaign of the UUA at
Standing on the Side of Love