Consider becoming a MEMBER of our church
There have been a lot of new visitors here this year and they must like us because they keep coming back. Are you one of those folks? Would you like to talk about becoming a member of UUNB? This growing Beloved Community would love to have you involved!
New Members Sunday is Feb. 9 and we would like to welcome YOU, so please let Karen know if you're interested or if you have any questions. Call the office at 508-994-9686 or email Karen at minister@uunewbedford.org. Let's GROW this place!
Save the Date!
New Members Sunday Service on February 9. We will celebrate and welcome our new members, and talk about plans for the new fiscal year.
Deb will be doing a hospitality training session in the kitchen BEFORE service on January 19, at 10:30 AM. Anyone interested in volunteering in the kitchen for events and Sunday service coffee hour is encouraged to attend.
Did you miss Sunday service? Watch it here
Upcoming Services
***Please be aware that from now on, if you arrive on Sundays after 11 AM you will have to use the Union Street entrance. This is because we do not have a Sunday Sexton.
Welcome guest Rev. Ann Fox, minister emeritus of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven, on January 12.
January 12: Stories and Friendship: The practice of building meaningful connections
Wally & Freya (Restorative Justice for Kids) by Lindsey Pointer
January 19: Stories and Social Change: The practice of building the future we hope for (MLK Day)
January 26: Stories and Religion: The practice of building our UU identity, We Dream a World: Carrying the Light From My Grandparents Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King by Yolanda Renee King
The UUA’s “Side with Love” 30 Days of Love Event is an “annual month of spiritual nourishment, political grounding, and shared practices of faith and justice, 30 Days of Love will go from January 20 through Valentine’s Day, February 14.
You can check for events on the website at:
We are Unitarian Universalists (open wide toward each other)
Who put love at the center of our lives (hands on heart)
And as we go out into the world,
Let us remember that…
Love is the spirit of this church, and service its law.
This is our great covenant: To dwell together in peace, To seek the truth in love, And to help one another. - James Vila Blake
Contact Yasmin with any questions at flefleh@gmail.com
We are thrilled to announce a partnership with Infinity Productions to bring a monthly concert series and open mic to our church. This is a huge opportunity for the church to make money to support our ministries and facility care. Please share these events with your family and friends and attend yourself.
Our partnership with Jeff Angeley from SouthCoast Lessons continues in 2025 to bring FREE programs to the people with Old Time Fiddle Session, Contra Dancing, and more to UUNB.
Open Mic is FREE and open to the public. Doors open at 4 PM for a 4:30 PM start. After the event on January 19, Open Mic will occur on the first Sunday of each month through June. All donations from this event will benefit the church, so please tell your family and friends.
$7 admission, registration is not required.
FREE - Registration is appreciated
FREE - every 4th Sunday of the month in the Maja Capek room.
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
Save the Date! Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
Save the Date! Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.
The calendar on our website shows everything happening at UUNB. Updates are displayed immediately, so you will always know what is planned.
Reflecting on 2024 and Empowering Our Community
In these turbulent times, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary efforts of UUs across the country who contributed to our UU the Vote work during this election season. No matter the results of the election, your commitment to justice and strengthening our democracy has made a real difference. Together, we mobilized, educated, and inspired thousands of people across key states, demonstrating the transformative power of our faith in action.
A few highlights from UU democracy organizing across the US:
Arizona: UU the Vote volunteers canvassed tirelessly, focusing on pivotal ballot initiatives, including Proposition 139 (expanding abortion care) and Proposition 314 (an anti-immigrant measure). Alongside local partners and out-of-state volunteers, we knocked on doors, educated voters, and grew relationships with grassroots partner organizations.
North Carolina: With legislative and judicial races on the line, UU volunteers and partners connected with over 12,000 voters, with a chorus that uplifted spirits at early voting sites, demonstrating that resilience and hope are powerful antidotes to intimidation and fear.
National Efforts: Phone-banking efforts in collaboration with State Action Networks in MI, NC, PA, and TX ensured voters were informed and empowered to make their voices heard. In Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and Wisconsin, UU volunteers canvassed the weekend before Election Day.
Through every conversation, song, and step, you embodied our faith’s commitment to justice, love, and equity. Thank you.
As we reflect on these efforts, we also invite you to consider an essential question posed by UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt during a recent fireside chat with UUSC President Rev. Mary Katherine Morn: How do we make our interdependence faithful and value-driven? These two theologians and leaders discussed the UU theological grounding for climate justice, highlighting that interdependence is not always positive—someone upstream polluting has an interdependent relationship with those downstream. This question challenges us to align our interconnectedness with values of justice, compassion, and care.
While the election is behind us, there is still much work left to be done. The challenges ahead demand that we remain resilient, adaptable, and deeply connected to one another. In response, we have resources to empower your community as we move forward.
1) Tap into the Community Resilience Hub: The election may be over, but the work continues! The Community Resilience Hub is your go-to destination for tools, resources, and inspiration to help your congregation and community stay organized, advocate for justice, and heal together. Dive into everything it offers to stay grounded and connected as you move forward.
2) Get Involved with State Action Networks
Our Unitarian Universalist State Action Networks (SANs) are crucial in mobilizing local communities for justice. They will also have the latest and best information for state specific actions and community support. For more information on how to get involved with SAN events in your area and to see how you can contribute, visit CUUSAN to find your local SAN.
3 )Why This Matters
Moments that define us are made in the actions we take together. Let us use our time meeting the urgency of the moment while nourishing the networks that build hope and resilience.
Our Mission is to encourage diversity and mutual acceptance and work for positive change in ourselves and our community.
"We envision a congregation in which we practice the principles of our faith. We seek to enjoy peaceful reflection and inspiration in intellectually and spiritually satisfying church services. We aim to embrace the people and efforts of our church community by supporting our children and their programs, our committees and their goals, our staff and their efforts on our behalf, and each other."
Our Promises
Each person is important.
Be kind in all you do.
We help each other learn.
We search for what is true.
Each person has a say.
Work for a peaceful world.
The web of life’s the way.
Build the beloved community, free from racism and oppression.
First Unitarian Church in New Bedford
71 8th Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 994-9686
Administrator ext. 10
Minister ext. 13
Karen cell: (508) 441-9344
Thrift Shop ext. 12
Board Members & Officers
Steve Carmel, President
Charles Morgan, Vice President
Deborah Carmel, Treasurer
Cora Peirce, Clerk
Trustees
Committee Chairs
Staff
The Thrift Shop is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM
(508)994-9686 ext.12
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