2014-09-11

Sun Sep 21: Climate March!

Thousands of UUs and an expected total of around 200,000 people from around the country will be marching on Sun Sep 21 to demand action on climate change.

Wear your yellow shirt and stand with me and other Westchester UUs!

Most people are taking the train from their local neighborhood. Those of us leaving from the White Plains area can meet at the North White Plains station, where there is a county lot with free parking on Sundays.

I suggest the 9:02am train from North White Plains to Grand Central station -- that's the train I plan to be on. If you take a train from a different station, then aim for arriving at Grand Central at about 9:30-ish.

From Grand Central, take the M train to 58th street (alternatively: take the shuttle to Times Square, then the #1 train to 58th street). The faith contingent will be gathering on 58th, between 8th and 9th. Look for the UU sign.

A vast array of of faith groups is expected to be represented, including Pentecostals and Pagans, Muslims and Jews, Hindus and Catholics, Mennonites and Baha'i. Each will have a location with a sign.

Yours,
-Meredith

Here are the details from Rev. Peggy Clarke, minister at the UU Congregation in Hastings-on-Hudson:
At 10:30, Internationally acclaimed cellist Michael Fitzpatrick will begin playing. At 11:00, a multi-faith prayer service will start. It is very likely (albeit still unconfirmed) that Rev. Peter Morales will have a role in that service. (This is a big deal; UUs are often overlooked for these things, but this time, the general feeling has been that UUs are leaders on the issue of climate change.)

The service will be over by 11:45. There will be some multi-faith singing. Then we'll have some time to wait before it's our turn to start marching, so each faith group, ours included, will do our own thing. (The Quakers and Buddhists have asked to be near each other so they can spend some time in silence, the Muslims will have midday prayers and at some point, the Jewish contingent will be blowing their shofars.)

We step into the March at about 1:00. The March is about 2 miles long. About half way through, there is a place for folks with mobility issues to join us. I think that would be a good place for people with children to leave if they are getting tired. There will be port-a-potties along the route and other things we might need. The March ends on 11th and 42nd street. There will be things going on there like tables with information, etc.

When the March is over, I'll be heading to Saint John the Divine to participate in the worship happening there. If you'd like to join me, let me know so we can get you a pass. Otherwise, you'll all head back to Grand Central or wherever you'd like to go.

Two more notes: if you can, avoid bringing large backpacks or bags with you. The NYPD is being super cautious about security and are planning to inspect large bags. Also, if you have Standing on the Side of Love t-shirts or hats, please wear them. UUs will be in that crazy yellow. If you don't, we purchased 10 baseball caps which you can buy from us for $11. But let me know now; we only have 10 of them!

I'm crazy excited about this and wildly grateful to those of you who are coming. Let me know if you have any questions or if there's anything I can do to make this even more fabulous for you.

Rev. Peggy Clarke
Minister, First Unitarian Society of Westchester

Other events:

Saturday 8 to 10pm Unitarian Church of All Souls 1157 Lexington Ave. A panel discussion of strategy and tactics for the climate justice movement, with opening remarks by Sen. Bernie Sanders and moderated by Brian Lehrer of WNYC. (come early for best seating).

Saturday 10pm: Raucous but Reverent: Interfaith Young Adult Worship Service with Tim DeChristopher at Fourth Universalist Society, 160 Central Park West. All welcome.

Sunday 3:30-5:30pm: Unitarian Universalists Unite: Debrief at Community Church of New York, UU, 40 East 35th St. (off Park Ave.)

Sunday 6pm: Prayer Service at Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave. This public multifaith celebration will include government officials, activists, scientists and artists. This event requires a pass.

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