Ministries
Social Justice
Social Justice activities take a forefront at the Concord UU Church. We work to engage our congregation and community in various local, national and global issues promoting peace, human rights, and sustainability.
2008-2009 Sampling of Activities & Events
During the 2008-2009 church year, congregants, and in some cases, the wider public, engaged in a variety of education and action programs hosted, sponsored or planned by the Social Justice Committee.
Peru service project presentation. Slide show presentation by Dan Paul, organizer of a Concord-area crew to Chincha, Peru, to build in areas destroyed by a major earthquake.
War and Peace Concert. The acclaimed Peterborough Chamber Choir performs in the sanctuary as part of the Peace Site program. Free-will donations benefit the NH Campaign for the US Department of Peace.
Social Justice Focus. Develop and distribute survey to congregation; 34 returned. Top issues: global warming/energy issues, peace & nonviolence, involving children & youth in social action, racism & tolerance, and Iraq War.
Volunteers for Peace. Two-week workcamp for international youth hosted by the UU church.
Soldiers of Conscience film showing & discussion. Show film in Fellowship Hall with VFP youth, congregants, and public attending. Iraq War veteran Will Hopkins leads follow-up discussion.
9/27 Day of Action; Rally for Green Jobs. Host 1 Sky rally for green jobs.
UU Friends of Refugees. Sponsor new initiative created by Cheryl Bourassa & Patricia Bass to build church connections with Concord's refugees.
Reverse Trick or Treat. Young people in congregation learn about Fair Trade.
Letter writing. Organize letter writing session on topic of global climate change.
Guest at Your Table. Support of UUSC program to provide funding to justice programs in US and abroad.
Soup and Peacemaking. Discuss and provide feedback on Peacemaking Statement of Conscience.
Marriage Equality. Promote and help publicize marriage equality hearings.
Mountaintop Mining. Host presentation by Lenny Kohm of Appalachian Voices about the human rights and environmental devastation caused by the practice of mountain top removal coal mining.
Combatants for Peace. Host presentation by an Israeli and a Palestinian who were actively involved in opposing armed forces and who have since laid down their weapons to engage in discussion about resolving the conflict by peaceful means.
Concord's Refugees: A Justice Journey. Justice Sunday service with guest speakers Augustin Ntabaganyimana and Cathy Chesley, RE classes, and social hour.
UU Urukinja - Working with Lutheran Social Services, five UU church families support a recently arrived refugee family to help them settle into life in our Concord NH community.
Peace Site program - On-going program allows peace and social justice groups in the area to use our church facilities at reduced or no charge.