What We Do
There is a lot happening at Fourth Universalist. Below is a sampling of ministries, programs and other happenings in the life of our community:
Sanctuary Ministry In 2017, our congregation voted unanimously to become a sanctuary congregation. A year later, we welcomed an undocumented family into sanctuary to protect them from deportation. Since then, we have sheltered a number of families for short times and are currently working to support the many migrants arriving from Texas. Racial Justice Team Our congregation is taking steps to address issues of white supremacy and racism, both within our selves, our community, and the larger world. This works has included leading a vigil following the shooting of Eric Garner, a vigil following the murder of George Floyd, solidarity work with local Islamic and Jewish communities targeted in hate crimes, and participating in efforts to end mass incarceration. We have also recently adopted the 8th Unitarian Universalist Principle, calling for active work to dismantle injustice in our community. 4thU Artivists The Artivists have had a long history of bringing their gifts of art, theater and performance to Fourth Universalist. Their work has ranged from community productions of the Vagina Monologues to plays that explore the spiritual nature of belly dancing and the #MeToo movement. Democracy Team Our congregation is devoted to the principles of democracy and a fair society. Since 2018, our democracy team has worked to register voters in key local races as well as nationally. Partnering with Reclaim Our Vote, our team built a coalition of interfaith partners, who sent over 150,000 voter registration postcards to BIPOC Americans at risk of voter suppression in Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida. The work continues as we approach the 2022 midterms. Person of Color Affinity Group Begun in the spring of 2016, the POC Affinity Group offers a space of community and fellowship for the congregation's people of color. The group meets regularly. Interweave Members of our LGBT community gather each month for community and events. Currently there is a month bookclub and in the past they have hosted a special drag show fundraiser for the congregation. Young Adult Group Those between the ages of 18-35 gather twice a month for community, meals and events. A significant percentage of the congregation population, many young adults serve in key leadership position, including the board of trustees. |