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To the community of Kenosha and beyond:
We, the members and clergy of Bradford Community Church Unitarian Universalist, are outraged at the violence perpetuated in the name of law enforcement on our people of color throughout our nation’s history and yesterday in Kenosha in the case of Jacob Blake for whose life we now pray. Despite the fact that we cannot condone violent response to injustice, we understand and appreciate the anger and frustration that fueled the events of last night. While we are relieved that our church home mostly survived the inferno in the lot next door, we affirm that we would rather lose 100 buildings than one more life to police violence. Some folks have already commented that our decision to display “Black Lives Matter” on our road sign in some way contributed to the fire or that our support of the BLM movement is hypocritical or “un-Christian.” Indeed, all lives do matter to us (that’s what “Universalist” means), but given the overwhelming and disproportionate injustice suffered by Americans of color we are compelled by our faith to speak up and affirm that Black Lives Matter too. If this is not your faith, so be it, but it is most certainly ours and we ask that all folks be respectful in honoring our sacred calling to speak truth to power, protect the innocent, empower the disenfranchised and promote equity and compassion in human relations. In the name of Love, Rev. Erik David Carlson On Behalf of Bradford Community Church Unitarian Universalist, Kenosha |
Photo by Bethany Crevensten
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Watch Heroic Journalists Save our Church
Two video journalists, CJ Haliburton and Andrew Mercardo saw the danger our church home was in during the first night of the protests responding to the shooting of Jacob Blake. We are beyond grateful and at a loss for words for the concern they showed for our building.
Message from Rev. Erik
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Dear Friends,
We know how difficult this time has been and continues to be for so many of us who seek contact with our beloved faith community and want to make sure people know how to remain connected to each other at Bradford UU. Your church leadership remains committed to providing for the care and spiritual enrichment of all of us in addition to our safety and are looking forward to this next phase of our ministry together. These past Sundays saw the beginning of our online-only worship followed immediately by our video-conference coffee hour, and will continue to hold small-group classes, discussions and meditation sessions led by our talented ministry team online.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything I or the church might help with by writing me at uureverend@gmail.com. Many blessings for a healthy week and hope to see you at church (online)! In Faith, Rev. Erik |
Rev. Erik David Carlson
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Bradford Community Church Unitarian Universalist...
is a place where we know that we need not think alike to love alike, and that if only we might agree in love, no disagreements can harm us. Whoever you are, from wherever you come, you are welcome here. Whomever you love, however you define family, you are welcome. The identities you hold, how you wish to be addressed and your pronouns are respected and welcome here. Whatever you believe, whatever you hold as sacred, you are welcome. We would love to hear your story. Won't you join us for a service?
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Upcoming ServicesAll services begin at 10:00 AM on Sundays unless otherwise noted: September 27th - "Magic of Tashlikh" In honor of the Jewish New Year we will be exploring the ways ancient cleansing rituals can have a real impact in our modern lives. October 4th - "Listening to our Breath and Body" Rev. Dr. Monica Cummings will lead a service about how we can better communicate through listening to one another. October 11th - "UU The Vote" We will join our UU siblings across the country in a national service dedicated to our continued engagement in our democratic process. October 18th - 2:00 PM Kimberlee Tomczak Carlson Ordination Please join us at 2:00 PM to celebrate the ordination of Bradford UU member Kimberlee Tomczak Carlson in an online service hosted by First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee: http://OrdainKimberlee.org Note there will be no 10AM service this Sunday. |
Event CalendarThere is always something happening at Bradford UU! Check out our events listing and calendar and join us for a service or event!
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Visit Us5810 8th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140.
Located conveniently off Sheridan Road in Kenosha, Bradford UU is just minutes from the interstate and most of the Kenosha area. Come visit us! Services and children's programming weekly Sundays at 10am. (262) 656-0544 |
About Bradford UU
Family
Justice
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Faith
Lifelong Learning
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