The Compass, September 24, 2025
- Sep 24
- 6 min read
Sunday Service
Did you miss Sunday service? Watch it here!
A Sense of Belonging: How to Create a Meaningful Sense of Coming Home
Click here for a Spotify playlist on Belonging
I know, you never intended to be in this world.
But you’re in it all the same.
So why not get started immediately.
I mean, belonging to it.
There is so much to admire, to weep over…
Do you need a prod?
Do you need a little darkness to get you going?
Let me be as urgent as a knife, then,
and remind you of Keats,
so single of purpose and thinking, for a while,
he had a lifetime.
Mary Oliver
Annie & Margaret Visit UU Cambridge
Dear Friends,
On Tuesday night, Annie and I drove to the First Parish in Cambridge to hear the fabulous Ta-Nehisi Coates speak about the world we are living in. The ever-gracious and grounded Mr. Coates thanked his audience for coming out, recalling for everyone the times in the past when he was new on the scene, unknown, and bound to be speaking to six people.
Last night, he spoke in a packed sanctuary about the lack of support from our major academic institutions for staff and students standing up for rights, such as the right to express oneself freely, and the right to assemble peaceably.
I was most struck by how he unhesitatingly called this inaction by its simple name, cowardice. For me, across all regions of our nation and across all layers of our communities, these times are our times to stand up for each other. Standing up for each other is a part of courageous behavior. To protect each other, defend each other, and most importantly, to envision together how we want to live in this world in peace and non-violence, with justice and fairness for all.
This is our moment in time to gather and create now what we want for future generations.
In the future, if anyone would like to join us on our travels to search out speakers who are fabulous and speaking to current challenges, connect with us. -Margaret
Social Justice Committee Meetings
Join the SJC virtually on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. Be part of the change you would like to see in your community and beyond.
UUNB is a stop on this year's #DouglassWeek
The office will be closed on Thursday, October 2, for this event.
#DouglassWeek is a collaborative event series celebrating the work and life of Frederick Douglass in different countries around the world. The week is organized by The Globe Lane Initiative in partnership with a wide network of Douglass scholars, historians and researchers, along with artists, musicians, poets, community groups and activists from around the world. Participants respond to the story of Douglass and other changemakers through historical, creative, academic, cultural, and other lenses to describe the influence of history on contemporary topics and conversations and create memorable and thought-provoking events and activities. The week includes performances, creative installations, and critical discussions addressing the history and impact of Douglass in each location.
On Thursday, October 2, the group visits New Bedford!
Location: Various sites in New Bedford (see description below)
Participants: This event is hosted by our partners, Mass Humanities, with the New Bedford Historical Society
Description: Explore the place where Frederick Douglass lived for five years, where his first three children were born, and where he earned his first paid wages as a free man.
The New Bedford Historical Society and partners will provide guided tours and experiences to the Nathan and Mary Johnson House, the first home of Anna and Frederick Douglass; Abolition Row, murals, museums, and more. Lunch will include a presentation from author and historian Tim Walker, and afternoon snacks will be provided.
See the complete list of places you will visit here. (UUNB is on the list!)
NOTE:
Spaces are limited for this curated event. Registration is required
This is a walking tour; we recommend layers and comfortable shoes
The tour starts at New Bedford Historical Society (21 7th Street #3, New Bedford, MA 02740) around 10:00/10:15 AM.
Registration: Please register using THIS link
September 28: Interdependence: “Notice and Care for the Wider Web!”, Walking Field Trip to Serlingpa Meditation Center at 11 am, 514 Pleasant Street, if you plan to meet us there!
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.
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.
The calendar on our website shows everything happening at UUNB. Updates are displayed immediately, so you will always know what is planned.
Community Meeting | Tuesday, September 30 | 5-7:00 PM
First Unitarian Church | Tryworks Auditorium
2nd Floor, Parish House
71 Eighth Street, New Bedford, MA
Elevator Access available
Learn more and RSVP at bit.ly/NBSeptMeeting.
DETAILS: This community meeting is part of AHA! New Bedford’s expanded role to facilitate conversations about management services for downtown New Bedford.
During the meeting, attendees will hear from:
A local business owner who will share their perspective about the current economic climate
Andre Leroux from MassINC, who will present key findings from his report: District Management for Downtown Vitality
A Q&A session will follow.
Pizza and refreshments will be served beginning at 5:00 PM, with the presentation starting at 5:30 PM. This event is free and open to the public.
Save the Dates! Your Vote is Your Voice!!
Join the candidates' forums for the NewBedford School Committee and New Bedford City Council's At-Large. Hear from those running for office, learn about community priorities, and get informed before Election Day.
Key Election Dates to Remember:
September 27, 5 p.m.: Last day to register to vote in the preliminary election.
September 30, 5 p.m.: Deadline for mail-in or absentee ballot applications for the prelim.
October 6, noon: Cutoff for in-person absentee preliminary ballots.
October 7: Preliminary election day, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October 25, 5 p.m.: Voter registration deadline for the general municipal election.
October 28, 5 p.m.: Application deadline for mail-in or absentee ballots for the general election.
November 3, noon: Final day for in-person absentee general ballots.
November 4: Municipal election day, polls from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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
Trustees
Camilla Brooks
Elise Rapoza
Mary Rapoza
Niko Tarini
Jack Vitale
Committee Chairs
Bylaws: Niko Tarini
Endowment: Carlton Dasent
Finance: Helena Hartnett & Larry Jaquith
Garden: Mary Rapoza & Bette Low
Hospitality: Deb Carmel
House & Grounds: Steve Carmel
Outreach: David Godinez (interim)
Religious Education: Charlie Morgan
Social Justice: Tonianne Wong & IsaiahKidney
Thrift Shop: Pamela Sherman
Staff
Minister: Rev. Karen LeBlanc
RE Director: Yasmin Flefleh-Vincent
Music Director: Randy Fayan
Administrator: Jessica DeCicco-Carey
Facilities: Tony Gonsalves
Sunday School Teacher: Mari Fay-Martin
Sunday School Teacher: Sam Angelini
The Thrift Shop is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM
(508)994-9686 ext.12
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