"The hours I spent sorting his papers, running my fingers over the worn, inked notebook pages of his mind and heart were bittersweet. When I finished, I knew I needed to complete this book for him. To ensure his last inspired vision became a reality for both of us." Tracey Saloman

Pride LGBBQT tonight during the Pride Black Party!!

Happy Pride Month! Here we are, my beautiful, amazing friends, approaching the end of another church year. We welcomed 8 new members last week, and that makes me smile and do my “I CAN FEEL THE FUTURE, AND IT’S GOOD” dance. It’s been a great year, and I hope our time together has been spiritually satisfying, informative, inspiring, and joyful.

Only 4 Services Left of the Church Year! You read that right, folks! We are in the single-digit numbers of how many services are left. The last service of the year is on Sunday, June 21. We will be back to a normal schedule on September 13, 2026. But, we want to keep the momentum going! Are you interested in leading a discussion group, book club, hosting a dinner at the church, or offering lessons in a craft? Let's stick together this summer. All ideas are welcome! l

Events, Outreach, and Fundraising Meeting Scheduled for May 21, at 6 PM! Continuing the conversation from the Annual Meeting, we will come together to discuss ways to improve communication, break down silos, and explore the possibility of combining committees that currently have only one member. The discussion will be led by the administrator, Jessica. Please come with an open mind and positive suggestions.

Short newsletter this week!

Happy Earth Day! It's the day for all of us to commit in love for our planet and all the beings who live and thrive here.

April is National Poetry Month! Our Annual Poetry Service is SUNDAY, April 26. All are welcome to read one or two poems at the service. If you want to rehearse your poetry before the service, workshop a poem in process ( bring 5 copies) or meet your fellow church poets, join us SUNDAY April 19, after the service in the Maya Chepek room. So, grab your coffee & snacks and head over for a poets meet up on Sunday, April 19.

If you would like to purchase flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one, please make sure your donations are in no later than March 31. Order forms are on the table in the back of the sanctuary. You can also drop a check off at the mail slot on the office door. Please indicate which flower(s) you would like. Prices are below: Tulips: $10 Hyacinth: $10 Lily: $20

We are thrilled to announce that UUNB has been awarded grants from the New Bedford, Dartmouth, Mattapoisett, and Acushnet Local Cultural Councils to support the 42nd Annual Jazz Concert on June 28, 2026!

Free author talk, sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book, will take place during Thursday, March 12, AHA! night at the First Unitarian Church in New Bedford. Details inside!

When we ask ourselves to “Reimagine Thriving”, what does that mean? Why reimagine? Can’t we just imagine and get on with it? Here’s why it’s important to reimagine: most of us already imagine thriving, and that usually means imagining what it means for me and people like me to thrive: for people of privilege, that means imagining thriving for people of privilege; white people for white people, Americans for Americans, global majority for global majority, and so forth.

"The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion." Albert Camus

This is the last newsletter of 2025! Inside you will find a message from Karen & Jess....amongst other cool things.

The Hospitality Committee wants to thank everyone who contributed to the successful Thanksgiving potluck luncheon on Sunday. People brought food, washed dishes, and the Sunday School kids decorated tables with place settings and flowers! We all created a festive, warm, and welcoming meal.

Thank you to all those who attended Saturday's concert with Eddie Dillon, Mike Laureano, and Seamus Galligan. It was a small gathering, but we made almost $300 for the Tryworks restoration.

THE BURIAL OF THE OLD by Wendell Berry The old, whose bodies encrust their lives, die, and that is well. They unhinder what has struggled in them. The light, painfully loved, that narrowed and darkened in their minds becomes again the sky. The young, who have looked on dying, turn back to the world, grown strangely alert to each other's bodies.

When beloved community comes together, we truly make a difference! Recently, the news regarding the delay in the release of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits for the month of November has sparked significant concern among many families who rely on this essential support for their daily nutrition. The impact of this delay is profound, as it affects not only individual households but also the broader community.

Join us this Sunday for our monthly Social Justice Service with guest, Sidney Murray II, New Bedford Human Rights Commissioner. Committee Chairs will be available after service on Sunday, October 19, to discuss what their committees are up to and plans for the future. This is a great opportunity to mee the Chairs and sign up for volunteer opportunities that may interest you. We will also be saying farewell to Eileen Sorrentino before she moves away.

Committee Chair Fair on Sunday, October 19 & A Goodbye to Eileen Committee Chairs will be available after service on Sunday, October 19, to discuss what their committees are up to and plans for the future. This is a great opportunity to mee the Chairs and sign up for volunteer opportunities that may interest you. We will also be saying farewell to Eileen Sorrentino before she moves away.