Justice Outreach
Do you want to help others? Are you interested in justice, state constitutional reform, religious freedom, women's rights, civil rights, peace issues or advocacy? Then the Justice Committee might be just the place for you! This is not only a great way to help others and stay informed about the many issues that affect our community, but it is also an effective way to find out about activism opportunities that you would find enjoyable and worthwhile. Many people want to help but don't know where their unique talents and interests fit in. We can help you find that niche. Contact one of the justice committee coordinators or chair Nancy Rhodes.
Discussion Circles
Changing Faces in a Diverse Nation: Immigration & race, jobs, and
language differences
WHO: Open to the Public
Call or Email: Nancy Rhodes (205) 337-1888
WHAT: 6 weekly discussion meetings, which will include refreshments
& conversations about immigration problems and solutions.
WHERE: Unitarian Church of Birmingham 4300 Hampton Heights Drive,
Homewood AL 35209
VOLKER ROOM
WHEN: Tuesdays - 5:30 to 7:30pm - Jan 22, 28, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26
Sharrif Simmons - Facilitator/moderator
Points of View from Past Discussion Circles
V.P. #1 Pop culture and the media show negative stereo types of
different groups.
V.P. #2 Policies based on race are the problem.
V.P. #3 When new immigrants do well, racism gets worse for African Americans.
V.P. #4 White people have privileges just because of the color of their skin.
V.P. #5 People don't make the most of the chances they have.
Your Personal Story
What got YOU on the Path to Social Justice?
Was there one event, book, person, or element that inspired you to care about social justice? The Justice Committee will compile stories from members and friends into a book so that all of us can find out what led the people we admire to become giving, caring citizens.
Write your story (by hand, typed or online) and send it to Nancy Rhodes, chair_justice@uucbham.org. The deadline is October 30. We will have it edited and bound for you in a month or so.
UUCB Casserole Drive
Do you like to cook? Do you care about homeless women and children? Well then, make us a casserole!
In February, we are inaugurating a once-a-month casserole drive for Pathways, a local shelter for homeless women and children. Here's how it works. We ask you to make a casserole (in a disposable and freezer safe pan wrapped in tin foil for freezing) and bring it to us on the third Sunday of the month. We then transport all the casseroles to Pathways and viola, they have meals for their guests for two weeks or more.
How simple will it be to add this to your to do list each month? Feed Someone and Make a Difference!
If you need casserole recipes, check out www.recipegoldmine.com, www.recipezaar.com, www.dianaskitchen.com, www.allrecipes.com, www.cooks.com.
Contact Carrie Crenshaw for more information at 426-8229.
Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM)
GBM is an inter-faith community agency sponsored by the UUCB and 14 other faith groups in the Birmingham metropolitan area. Formed in 1969, GBM provides emergency services to families in crisis, and works with other agencies and systems to reduce poverty and pursue social and economic justice for all people. Volunteers at GBM may work in the food pantry or clothes closet, perform administrative duties or do clean-up, renovation or landscaping work. Persons may also volunteer their time by conducting food drives or fund raising activities, or by attending Direct Services, Systems Change/Economic Justice or Faith in Community meetings at GBM where they can offer their insight and support. Please contact Darryl Hunt, Chairman, GBM’s Direct Services workgroup, for further information.
The Old Firehouse Shelter: an emergency shelter for homeless adult men (Director Steve Freeman). The concept there goes beyond that of a soup kitchen, but seeks to empower homeless men and get them back on their feet. The shelter provides meals, night shelter, and other programs are based there during the day such as narcotics anonymous and various life skills programs. The Firehouse also oversees a transitional housing program which places homeless men from the shelter into transitional housing. There is also a street outreach program to reach homeless who do not come to the shelter and provide them services. Volunteers from our church go to the shelter the 4th Sunday of each month at 6 pm to cook dinner. There is also a great need for overnight hosts. Contact Martin Pike or Darryl Hunt.
Habitat for Humanity : Volunteers team up to assist with home building and finishing. Habitat Birmingham brings families and communities in need together with volunteers and resources to build affordable, quality houses. Contact Nancy Rhodes.
Religious Education: As Unitarian-Universalists, we consider community service a necessary component of the religious education of our young people. Throughout the year, children and youth engage in hands-on projects in which they assist members of the larger community in various ways. Past projects include volunteering with the American Council of the Blind, putting together toiletry packets for foster children, working with Heifer Project, International and providing Halloween and other holiday decorations to nursing homes and homeless shelters. If you would like to volunteer to work with the religious education program on some of their activities, please contact Julie Reardon.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes:
We will not have ESL classes this fall.
We suggest those interested in English classes contact: The Literacy Council at 326-1925 or HICA at 942-5505 to find out about other English classes.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Wraps up Two Great Years
Over the two years that Marion Fintel ran an ESL class here nearly every Sunday afternoon, our church hosted 77 students for a total of 646 hours. Along with several dedicated tutors, Marion saw this project through and we thank her for such dedicated service to our neighbors. The Justice team will study whether we should resume ESL classes next year and consider other methods of outreach to Hispanics in our community. While Marion is not leaving UUCB, she must concentrate on other projects, such as her new job. Good luck and thanks, Marion!
Alabama Arise: The Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham is one of 150 churches and community organizations that belong to the statewide organization Alabama Arise, which promotes state policies that improve the lives of low-income people. Members of the church community are invited to be a part of Alabama Arise’s efforts to inform the citizenry and/or lobby state legislators on poverty-related issues. Individuals who want to become directly involved in Alabama Arise should contact Helen Rivas for more information.
Ongoing and Periodic Collections for Various Agencies: Members of the church community are given the opportunity to donate new and used items for various organizations throughout the year. Food and clothing drives for organizations such as Greater Birmingham Ministries are periodically announced in the newsletter, email and during the service, when such collections are needed. A permanent bin has been set out in the church closet next to the nametag board to collect donated items, such as clothes, for the Firehouse Shelter. In addition, a box to collect used eyeglasses has been set out on the Justice Table.
Donations to Community Organizations: The UUCB Board of Trustees, after receiving the recommendations of the Justice Committee, pays dues to and donates funds to various community agencies such as Greater Birmingham Ministries and Alabama Arise. These donations are made possible by the financial contributions of members of the church community in accordance with promises made during the yearly canvass.
Pathways: A Wish List
As a shelter for women and children, Pathways can always use toiletries, clothing, and supplies for kids. We'll collect goods this month; you can drop your donations near the Justice table in the narthex. They especially need towels and washcloths and plus sized clothing. You can also volunteer to work a few hours in their Pride Shop. See more of their wish list in the narthex or go to http://www.pathwayshome.org/get_involved_wishlist.html.
Currently, we are organizing two projects at Pathways, a local homeless shelter for women and children. One project involves creating (cleaning, painting, decorating and supplying) a playroom at their Woodlawn shelter. A second involves volunteering on a longer term basis for supplying, cooking and serving a meal for 60 once a month. If you are interested in volunteering for either or both projects, please contact Carrie Crenshaw.
Bridge Ministries
Bridge Ministries’ mission is to help families with difficult transitions. They have given $85K this past year to help keep people in their homes after devastating family events. A third of their resources are spent helping families of children with serious illnesses keep their rent paid and utilities on as the child leaves the hospital.
Although Bridge Ministries is not a UW agency, you can direct contributions to Bridge Ministries through United Way.
Would you like to Sponsor a family this Christmas? Individuals and groups can sponsor a family in need. You will get the ages of the children and should buy them clothing (sometimes school uniforms), toys, and food. Ccontact Lisa Isay at bridgemn@bellsouth.net if you want to help with any family needs for Christmas.
Bridge Ministries will also sell Christmas Cards this year.
More opportunities to promote justice...
Share the Plate is a new program that started in September 2006.
UU's recently helped Habitat for Humanity build a house for Pam. We'll be doing more HFH work on Thursdays and Saturdays. A list of current projects will be available in the sanctuary.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham
A member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association
Location: 4300 Hampton Heights Drive · Birmingham, Alabama · 35209 · U.S.A
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 19786 · Birmingham, AL 35219
Phone: (205) 945-8109 · Fax: (205) 945-8111
E-mail: office@uucbham.org
Copyright © 2006-2008 Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham
All Rights Reserved.