Social justice has always been an essential part of the mission of this congregation, supported by our affirmation – “And service is our prayer – and guided by our 2nd Principle “Justice, equity and compassion in human relations”. Here are our current social justice committees and programs. Contact information can be found in the member directory, Breeze, or by contacting the office by phone 508-896-5577, or
emailing cove@firstparishbrewster.org

SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE: This committee provides energy, support and connection to individuals engaged in justice work within and beyond our walls as a core component of our spiritual commitment. Meets on Zoom on the third Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. Katharine Farnham and Sue Trask, co-chairs.

BUILDING A BIGGER TABLE COMMITTEE: BBT is a humanitarian community that supports asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants. The committee meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm in hybrid format (in Winslow or on Zoom). Julia Enroth, Janet Emack and Janet Treanor, co-chairs.

FAITH FAMILY KITCHEN: Volunteers gather at the Faith Assembly of God Church in Hyannis on the fourth Friday of each month to package and distribute meals to local residents who are food insecure. Coordinated by Katharine Farnham.

LGBTQ WELCOMING CONGREGATION COMMITTEE:  FPBUU was the first UU church in the country to earn the designation of Welcoming Congregation from the Unitarian Universalist Association in 1990. With this designation, we made a commitment to become intentionally welcoming and inclusive to LGBTQ persons and their allies in all aspects of congregational life. Meets on Zoom on the second Monday of the month at 4:30 pm. Linda Bailey-Davies and Joanne Hush, co-chairs.

REPARATIONS TASK FORCE: This program developed out of growing concern about acknowledging and repairing the harm resulting from our congregation’s involvement in chattel slavery affecting both African and Native Indigenous peoples. The Task Force meets quarterly first Monday of Feb, May, August, November at 7 pm in hybrid format (in Winslow and on Zoom). Susan Smith and David Sutherland, co-chairs.

SPLIT PLATE DONATIONS:  Each week we give one half of the offertory to nonprofit organizations that align with our mission and vision, building connections and giving preference to those that align with our mission and vision, building connections and giving preference to those that are local to Cape Cod and the Islands. We also maintain the flexibility to support unanticipated needs as world events unfold. Coordinated by Rosanne Shapiro and Rev Kaaren.

ST. JOSEPH’S SHELTER MEALS: Volunteers provide dinners to the kitchen in Fellowship Hall on the third Saturday of the month which are delivered to St. Joseph’s Shelter in Hyannis. Coordinated by Carol Yerby.

UU CONNECTIONS: This committee networks with regional, national, and international entities on behalf of our faith community including the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association), Nauset Interfaith Association, Cape Cod Council of Churches, and the UU Service Committee.  Meets monthly on Zoom & occasionally in person. Carol Ann Yeaple, chair.

UUSC EQUAL EXCHANGE PROJECT: This project supports small farming communities around the world through the sales of Equal Exchange Fair Trade products (coffee, tea, nuts, chocolate, olive oil) during Coffee Hour on Sundays. The proceeds of these sales support the work of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). Coordinated by Mary Wallace.

UU THE VOTE: This program organizes get-out-the-vote efforts in advance of elections, and provides materials (blank letters and postcards, instructions, postage) for members of the congregation to inform and educate residents of target states about upcoming issues and elections. Coordinated by Katharine Farnham & Tavia Ossola.