Beverly Unitarian Church

Living our faith through action is important at Beverly Unitarian Church.  This happens in a variety of ways, including individual efforts and those organized by groups such as the Social Action and UU Affairs Committee and the Green Sanctuary Group.

Focus areas for the Social Action and UU Affairs Committee for the 2009 – 2010 year include:

Volunteering at the South Suburban PADS homeless shelter on fifth Thursdays of the month

As the weather becomes colder, more people seek shelter with South Suburban PADS.  Please, please contact Marcia Curtis at (312)-431-0381 or RevMyoshin@msn.com if you can volunteer.

Supporting the work of New Neighbors, a local non-profit group that assists one family a year with an apartment and assistance in making the transition from being homeless

New Neighbors is in the process of merging with Rainbow House, which provides shelter for battered women.  We’re committed to provide two delegates for their Board of Directors.  Talk to Claire Karcher to learn more about the organization, and talk to Rev. Marcia Curtis if you are interested in being a delegate. 

Making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth

Two committed women who live a few blocks away from the church have taken in two foster teenagers.  We may be able to assist with tutoring in math and reading.  Please contact Rev. Marcia Curtis if you are interested in this important effort.  

Annual Food Drive in November to benefit the Morgan/Maple Park Food Bank

Please bring in donations of cranberry sauce, yams, pasta, proteins, and canned goods by Sunday, November 20.  Help make someone’s Thanksgiving a holiday of abundance and love!

Installing a Peace Pole at our church

We’re exploring erecting a Peace Pole near the entrance to the church.  There are tens of thousands of peace poles around the world, made of wood or metal with the message “May Peace Prevail” in at least four languages.  This movement was started by the Japanese Buddhist monk Masahisa Goi in response to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

Providing opportunities to support same-sex marriage

Standing on the Side of Love is a public advocacy effort of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in support of same-sex marriage.  They seek to “harness love’s power to stop oppression.”  Please take a moment to sign the nationwide petition at www.standingonthesideoflove.org.  Members of the Social Action Committee feel tasked to help the congregation transform its mission of “living our values in the world” into action, by providing opportunities to do the work of a justice that is rooted in love.  “And in union what we will can be accomplished still.”

A special collections policy at our church establishes the second Sunday of each month as Special Collections Sunday.  On these Sundays, all cash and any checks not designated as a pledge will go to the organization designated to benefit from the special collection.  Checks are to be made payable to Beverly Unitarian Church, and it is recommended that individuals write "special collection" in the note section. 

Marcia Curtis, Social Action Committee Chair, at (312) 431-0381 or RevMyoshin@msn.com