A little introduction for folks who don’t know what JUST Pensacola is and is about: At a congregational meeting several years ago, UUCP voted to join JUST Pensacola as individuals and as a congregation. You need to know what we/you have joined! JUST Pensacola is a local organization of multiple congregations of faith, all working together for justice. While most of the congregations are protestant, there are also Catholics, Jews and Unitarian Universalists. For a while we had a Muslim congregation, but their lead associate with JUST Pensacola dropped out, and we have lost that connection despite reaching out to them.
The work is arranged in an annual cycle. In the fall we gather to hear from each other about injustices in our community that we would like to address. Over the winter small groups of us do research into the problem, talking to local people who have the power to make the changes we need. We also reach out to people from other communities who have worked on the same problems in their communities and had some successes. As we discuss the problems, we come up with suggested requests for the people who have the power to make the needed changes. We acquaint them with our suggested plans and invite them to a Nehemiah Action in the spring. At the Nehemiah Action, before hundreds of members of the community, we ask the people who can make the changes if they will commit to a solution. After a celebration for a successful year of justice work, it is time again to listen to the voices describing injustice, then research, then Nehemiah Action and the wheel turns.
On November 6th we will meet with other congregations in what is called a Community Problem Assembly. In previous years we met in small groups in people’s homes to listen for problems. This year we will meet in a larger group at Gateway Church. There we will identify the injustices to undertake.
The work for justice is never done. It was great to have so many of us at the Nehemiah Action last April. That was a culmination of one year’s work and the beginning of the next. Some of us made pledges for continuing financial support at the celebration. Others of us have made no commitment yet. It is time to consider if you would like to make a personal contribution for the good work undertaken and continuing. The pledge can be as small or as large as you feel comfortable making. The suggested level is $200, but the amount is up to you. Our church also makes an annual donation.
Please mark November 6th on your calendar. You will get the time and address in a later newsletter. I hope to see you there.
Questions to: Paula Montgomery