The Compass, November 19, 2025
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
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.
Garden Committee Update
Hello all,
Just a note for all you folks who like to get your hands dirty :-) Your Garden Committee will have a space again this year at the upcoming Holiday Market on December 6 as a fundraiser for the church. So, we need your house plant divisions, holiday greens, or whatever you can come up with!
Also, if you could sign up to volunteer at the plant table, that would be helpful too!
Any questions, feel free to email me at nannyoggskin@charter.net
Cheers,
Bet
Did you miss Sunday service last week? Watch it here!
Social Justice Committee Meetings - New Day!
Join the SJC virtually every other MONDAY at 6:30 PM starting on November 17. Be part of the change you would like to see in your community and beyond.
November 23 is our Thanksgiving Service & Potluck
All are welcome to attend the potluck after the service. Thank you to all those who volunteered to cook food.
Reminder
When writing checks out to the church, please write them out to First Unitarian Church in NB. Unfortunately, the bank will no longer accept checks made out to FUCNB or any other abbreviation. Thanks for your understanding.
Tryworks Update
The new stage curtain has been hung, and it looks beautiful! Thank you to all of those who have made this momentous occasion happen: THANK YOU! We still have work to do, but the messy part is complete. Tony and Mark have sanded, scraped, repaired, and painted over the last month to prepare for upcoming concerts, thanks to our collaboration with Infinity Productions. A portion of the ticket sales from each show is used to fund the restoration of this beloved space. Stay tuned for more updates over the next few months!
Food Pantry
Thanks to the generosity of our community, the food pantry is now fully stocked! If you or someone you know needs food, the pantry is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
November 23: Gratitude & “Reciprocity” - How Gratitude Asks Us to Respond
Thanksgiving Potluck Sign Up in Parish House
November 30: Gratitude & The Power of Thank You - How There Are Many Ways to Say Thank You, A Child's Christmas in Wales
Save the Date: Solstice Service 12/21/2025 Hosted by The Way Cool Sunday School
Transgender Day of Remembrance Prayer
On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we remember those who have been murdered for being who they are, those who face violence on a daily basis, those who have lost loved ones, and those who worry for loved ones.
May we come to a time when we cease to shame children around gender roles and expression, where we allow for freedom and exploration of identity and expression, and to a world that operates from love, especially when things are difficult and confusing. May all of us who live with the threat of violence find support, strength, community, hope, and safety from violence.
By Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe
Please share these events with your family and friends, and consider attending yourself. We would love to see you!
FREE Events Happening at UUNB
Being Human takes place every Friday at 11 AM. Please use the parking lot door.
There is also an open AA meeting, led by Walter Silvia, that takes place each Saturday at
noon in the Parish House.
In case you missed the survey—please take our poll! We want to know what types of programming you would like to see in 2026 at UUNB. If you have a program in mind that is not on the list, please send your suggestion to admin@uunewbedford.org
What events would you like to see at UUNB in 2026?
0%Author Talks
0%Theatrical Performances
0%Children's Programs
0%Concerts
You can vote for more than one answer.
Ticketed Events: A portion of the sales from these events will benefit the restoration of the Tryworks Auditorium
In collaboration with Infinity Productions, we are excited to present a monthly concert series. Please check the events page on our website for updates. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
Tickets to all of our shows can be purchased in the office with cash or check during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 1 PM, or online with a credit card.
Saturday, November 29
The calendar on our website shows everything happening at UUNB. Updates are displayed immediately, so you will always know what is planned.
An Evening to Unite and Ignite
Indivisible SE Massachusetts is hosting the SouthCoast Activism Social on November 20, at 6 PM, in the Tryworks Auditorium.
Get ready to connect, celebrate, and commit to action! You're invited to the SouthCoast Activism Social: An Evening to Unite & Ignite, This is a dynamic and fun event hosted by "Do Something" Indivisible SouthCoast New England!
The following organizations will be tabling at this event:
ISCNE
Medicare for All Mass
Coalition for a Free Palestine
Mass50501
Mujeres Victoriosas de New Bedford
Fairhaven Dems
Rochester Dems
Dartmouth Dems
Westport Dems
GSEMA Labor Council
May Day Strong Cape
Mass Pirg
Fairhaven for All
Peace and Social Justice Friends Mtg., Westport
Progressive MA
Coalition for Social Justice
Community Grove
League of Women Voters South Coast
Community Hearts Community Health Initiative
Vigils for Love
This is a great opportunity for the congregation to make connections!
This event is designed to help you plug into the pro-democracy movement in our community. Whether you're a seasoned activist or looking to get involved for the first time, this is the place to be!
What to Expect
Meet & Connect: Engage directly with local activist organizations and find the perfect opportunity to make a difference.
Networking & Fun: Make new friends and build powerful connections with like-minded community members.
Party Vibe: Enjoy music from a DJ and dancing!
Creative Activism: Get hands-on with activist crocheting.
Festivities: Fuel up with light refreshments and capture memories at the selfie station.
Kids Activity Table: Coloring, crafts, and more
Raffle: Enter to win exciting prizes in our raffle.
Come find your next step, meet your neighbors, and have a blast while standing up for democracy!
A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
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
Elise Rapoza, Secretary
Rochelle Pettenati, Clerk
Trustees
Mary Rapoza
Camilla Brooks
Jack Vitale
Committee Chairs
Charles Morgan, Religious Education
David Godinez, Outreach (interim)
Pamela Sherman, Thrift Shop
Carlton Dasent, Finance & Endowment
Bett Low & Mary Rapoza, Garden
Ed Rooney, Religous Services
Steve Carmel, House & Grounds
Tonianne Wong & Isaiah Kidney, Social Justice
Staff
Rev. Karen LeBlanc, Minister
Yasmin Flefleh-Vincent, Director of Religious Education
Randy Fayan, Director of Music
Jessica DeCicco-Carey, Administrator
Tony Gonsalves, Facilities Manager
John Manning, Sunday Sexton
Mari Fay-Martin, Sunday School Teacher
Sam Angelini, Sunday School Teacher
The Thrift Shop is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM
(508)994-9686 ext.12