Fourth Universalist Society in the City of New York

January 20: “Living Despite Your Fears” – led by Lynda Blackmon Lowery.

Lynda Lowery turned fifteen years old during the Selma to Montgomery Civil Rights march. She was arrested fifteen times over the years in which she participated in the civil rights movement.

The Men’s Group at Fourth U has been created to build community among members and to explore issues of spiritual and personal growth. If you are interested in joining, contact Bob McNatt at robert1954@earthlink.net.

January 13: “The Faith of a Scientist” – led by the Rev Dr. Michael Tino

Michael Tino is minister at the UU Fellowship of Northern Westchester (Mount Kisco NY), and holds a doctorate in Cell Biology from Duke University.

Fourth U is raising funds to help participants in the Leadership Training Team for Ministry travel to a conference in Nairobi, Kenya, where they will work with representatives of emerging Unitarian Universalist congregations in East Africa.  UU congregations have developed all over East Africa without leadership or assistance from the UUA, and now they have asked for our help. The total cost is $38,000, but we are not the only congregation raising funds for this conference.  Give generously to train African UU leaders by writing a check to Fourth Universalist Society, and writing “Africa Leadership Training” in the memo line; you can place your check in the collection plate on Sundays or mail it to the office. Your contributions will help leaders from all over East Africa deepen and spread the newest roots of Unitarian Universalism.

The Unitarian-Universalist United Nations Office has reserved a block of tickets to the award-winning play, “Oroonoko,” for the Saturday matinée, February 16, at 2:00 PM. “Oroonoko” is a tragic love story depicting the journey from kingship to slavery, rebellion and death. Biyi Bandele, a prolific Nigerian writer, was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company to adapt Aphra Behn’s 1688 novella, which preserved tales from African slaves emerging from a Dutch slave ship. Playwright Bandele has infused his script with drumming and dance from his Yoruba culture. The UU-UNO has chosen this play in honor of Black History Month and its Ghana program, “Every Child Is Our Child.” Tickets for the event are $65.00 (a $10.00 discount from box office prices), which includes the play and a reception. Don’t miss this special opportunity to see a challenging play and meet the organization’s new executive director and board. For more information, call Sumon at the UU-UNO, 212.986.5165.

It’s time to dust off your dice and get ready for a little relaxation after the hectic holiday season. On Friday, January 18th from 6:30-9:00 PM, please join your fellow Fourth Uers, friends and family for our next Game Night. We will be playing games of every stripe — board games, card games, party games — you name it, we’ll play it! Many games are provided, but feel free to bring your favorites as well. All are welcome, so please invite your friends and remember to bring the kids for this intergenerational evening of fun and laughter. Refreshments will be served and donations for pizza are encouraged. Childcare will be provided. For more information, please contact Jennifer Jackson at jenncjack@mac.com or 718.783.8757. We look forward to seeing you.