One of the mainstay aspects of our community is our social justice interaction with our greater regional area. We had a wonderful concert two Saturdays ago by John Finbury and his band along with singers Patty
Brayden and Ned Claflin that raised almost a thousand dollars for Bread & Roses. We had a large Christmas plate that was donated to Lazarus House.

We have many congregation individuals volunteering their time and energy for several area charities and organizations. Coming up on March 21st, we have an opportunity as a community to donate what is more important than money – our time, our muscles, and our sweat (I realize some of you don’t sweat, you glisten……..whatever!) – And even though we are a small group, we make a difference. We will be doing a Habitat for Humanity Build Day on the 3rd Saturday in March and this is an event that everyone CAN participate in. No matter what your skill level or lack thereof, there will be something worthwhile for you to do to create viable housing for one or more families in need in the Greater Lawrence area. Details of what is involved, how you need to dress, what, if anything, you need to bring will be furnished to you as we get nearer to the date by our Habitat Coordinators. Suffice to say, you will laugh, groan, hopefully not cry but will walk away at the end of the day feeling you have done something important for others and for yourself. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, March 21st.

Our very own Chime Time Players presented the play “If You were arrested for Being a Unitarian Universalist, Would there be enough Evidence to Convict You?’ last Sunday morning and it was a masterful performance. In addition to the light hearted moments, some serious reminders of what it means to be a UU were portrayed. We belong to a religion that has extraordinary ideals and important gifts to offer the world. We need to be reminded of those from time to time and it was important information to three individuals who last Sunday decided to join our community.

More details follow later in this Plumb Line but it was a wonderful experience for all those involved with the Newcomer’s Meeting after service on Sunday. Many thanks to Lauren Miller and the members of the Congregational Family Committee and please welcome our new members, Isabel, Holly and Shelly.
During the month of March, Thea Shapiro, our Religious Education Director, will present and coordinate a series of services on ‘The UU Experience: How We Journey.’ It will be a mix of music, ideas, meditation, interaction and community energy that will focus our attention on who are we, where are we going and how will we get there. It should be a great experience for everyone.
The strength of our UUCIA Congregation is in our people and week after week, that is demonstrated in our services and in our caring for those within and outside of the community. Everyone’s participation is appreciated and important, no matter what level of involvement. Thank you all for being a part of our community.