Last month, Kermit’s Corner discussed the effects of plastics on the environment and communities. We promised to give you some suggestions on how you personally can help minimize the use of plastics in your own life. The first thing we can do is be aware of packaging which is plastic’s largest market. When purchasing goods […]
Ministry of Outreach and Justice
A Season of Anticipation
Thank you, thank you! In the time between my writing and your reading of this article, we will be even closer to our financial goal to have the finest technology we could imagine. It is to be installed at the beginning of Advent. How exciting! (How nerve-wracking!) So many mixed emotions abound. Top of them […]
Kermit’s Korner
What’s Wrong with Plastic? The answer is overwhelming and multifaceted so we cover just a small portion of them here. The real beginning of synthetic plastic on our planet was in 1907 with the creation of Bakelite by Belgian inventor Leo Baekeland. He used fossil fuels as a replacement for whale oil and other […]
Reflections on the Challenge of Becoming Antiracist
As I reflect on my journey to become an antiracism activist, I remember when I didn’t know what white privilege was. Growing up 1960s I remember seeing marches on TV before my father changed the channel, hearing about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at our UCC church and talking at the Sunday dinner table […]
Celebrating our impact
In recent weeks, the Justice and Love in Action Team (formerly the Board of Wider Mission) has received correspondence from several organizations we support, letting us know that our efforts make a huge difference. Here are some updates. For several years, the African Community Education Project in Worcester has received Seeds of Grace grants […]
Songs at the Heart of Our Times
Songs at the Heart of our Times: Bringing Hope and Uplifting Community Through Music Sunday, October 30, 5 pm, in the Edwards Church Sanctuary On Sunday, October 30, at 5 pm in the Edwards Church sanctuary, there will be a special concert: Songs At The Heart Of Our Times: Bringing Hope And Uplifting Community Through […]
September Special Offering
Sunrise School for Learners with Autism in Kenya We invite you to give generously to Sunrise School in Mumias, Kenya. This boarding school teaches children with special needs to care for themselves and share their gifts with their communities. Over the last year, we have created quilts which have been brought to the Sunrise School. […]
Fall for Music
On September 11, we will hold our annual Blessing of the Animals service with music led by members of our house bluegrass band “On the Fence.“ It’s become a years-long tradition and we hope you’ll join us for the fun! It brings me such joy to teach my music appreciation class that I am planning […]
Juneteenth Reflections
When Karen Nell asked for volunteers to lead the June Seeds of Grace worship, something nudged me to accept the challenge. I did not know at the time that it was to be a Juneteenth recognition service. Once I found that out, I was so happy I volunteered. You see, over the last few years […]
Kermit’s Corner
Recently I had a thoughtful conversation with Susan Cleveland about her current endeavor, sewing women’s hats. How does that fit into Kermit’s Corner? She is making Cloche hats, reusing men’s ties as her fabric! Obtaining neckties from secondhand stores, donations from friends, online purchases and rummage sales she has a colorful & diverse inventory of […]