Committees
Activities Fair September 17th
Our annual Activities Fair will be held on Sunday, September 17th after both services. The Activities Fair is a great opportunity to learn about the various groups, programs, and committees of the church. Attention church groups: tables will be set up outside and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Hospitality Help Needed
Hospitality Ministry needs volunteers for Greeters, Welcome Table and Congregational Life Table. Please contact Laurie Robinson at for more info or to volunteer.
Social Justice Film Screening Sept. 29th
Save September 29, 7 pm, Eliot Hall, for a free film and discussion. "The Wanted 18" will be presented and there will be snacks. This film is based on a true Palestinian story. The Israeli Defense Force is searching for 18 violators. Who are these 18? Are they terrorists? Maybe not. The villagers hide the 18. Who are they? This film has some animation and is appropriate for anyone over ten years old. There will be a discussion afterwards led by Just Peace in the Holy Land and J Street.
Auction - Save the Date!
Annual First Church Auction will be held Saturday, November 4, 2017 at The Falls at Trolley Square. More into to come. If you are interested in helping, please email Michele Page .
Seeking hikers and walkers
A First Church hiking group is starting up. Potluck Fall/Winter organizing meeting 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Tuesday 9/26 Elliot Hall. Bring your day planner and a dish to share! Come meet other hikers and sign-up to lead a hike or walk. Contact Catherine at for more information.
Artists Discussing Art
On the last Monday of every month Artists gather in the Haven at 7 pm to discuss each others art in progress or recently completed. This discussion is open to all visual artist, watercolor, acrylic, oil, mixed media, fused glass, and clay. Bring work to discuss or just come to listen. Bring a light refreshment to share. Please contact Bill Reed at with questions
Mindfulness Group
Mindfulness Group Meditation is held Sundays, after the first service ends, around 10:00 am. (11:15 on Sept. 3rd) We gather in the Parlor, up the stairs at the south side of Eliot Hall. Mindfulness practice is shared, then followed by 20 minutes of guided meditation, and closing with loving kindness. All are welcome for the first time, to investigate or to maintain mindfulness practice
-submitted by John Rasmuson
The Refugee Resettlement Committee (RRC) seeks your help in making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
With the Trump Administration limiting the number of refugees admitted into the U.S. now and in the future, the RRC is expanding its services to those who the International Rescue Committee manage to bring to Salt Lake City. Two initiatives—the Basket Project and the Pedal Project—have been launched. Both are intended to provide the means by which First Church congregants may respond to a global humanitarian crisis by acting locally.
Helmed by Johanna Whiteman, the Basket Project provides refugee families with such needed household items as tea kettles, sheets, towels—dictionaries and soccer balls for the kids. A list is available on the RRC bulletin board and at the Congregational Life Table. Your options for joining the project are also explained there. Questions? E-mail Johanna Whiteman at .
The Pedal Project is led by Andrea Globokar. It collects gently used bicycles and gives them to refugees. Volunteers tune up the bikes beforehand, and donations pay for new helmets, locks, and lights. To donate or volunteer, please e-mail Andrea at .
The RRC, with 20 years’ experience settling refugees, believes the two projects will also afford welcoming, face-to-face connections with refugees as they adjust to their new life in Salt Lake City.
Both projects offer donation receipts for income tax returns.
UU Lunch Bunch (through August 27th)
UU Lunch Bunch is a family-friendly group for anyone and everyone who would like to get together for lunch and chat with like-minded people. Meet at the Restaurant on Sundays following coffee hour. For more information contact Sonia Carnell at (801) 262-1151 or
- August 6: No Lunch Bunch
- August 13: The Dodo Restaurant (1355 East 2100 South)
- August 20: Hog Wallow Pub (3200 East Big Cottonwood Canyon Dr.)
- August 27: Indochine (230 South 1300 East)
Mindfulness Group
Meets Sundays following Summer Forum in the Parlor.
Refugee Resettlement Committee: The Pedal Project
The Pedal Project is a collaboration between First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City Refugee Resettlement Committee and the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The purpose of the Pedal Project is to provide free, gently used bicycles, new helmets, lights and bicycle locks to newly arriving refugee families in Salt Lake City. Donated bicycles are picked up my members of the Refugee Resettlement Committee who will provide a tax donation receipt. Contact Andrea Globokar, Project Coordinator at 801-518-7461 or to donate or for more information.
Looking Ahead
Summer Forum continues each Sunday at 10 am through August 20, 2017. Meditation group meets 15 minutes after the service in the parlor.
August 27th & Sept. 3rd: Worship services resume with one service only at 10 am. Childcare will be provided.
September 10th: Ingathering Sunday; regular worship service schedule resumes with services at 9:00 and 11:00 am; Religious Education classes for children and youth resume at the 11:00 am service only. Childcare for little ones offered during both services.
September 17th: Our annual Activities Fair happens after each service - a great way to find out how to be more involved and connected at First Unitarian Church.
Environmental Ministry thought you would want to know about the following recent publications and upcoming events/hearings/actions:
The Uninhabitable Earth - Annotated Edition. [David Wallace-Wells] July 14, 2017 NY Magazine []
This is one of the most widely read articles ever written on the climate crisis, and one that has stirred conversation and debate across the US. There have been dozens of responses to the article, many from leading climate scientists and bloggers. One from Dave Roberts (Vox) is: click here . Check out the Wikipedia page that is tracking the discussion . Plan to take part in an Environmental Ministry/Association for the Tree of Life series of discussions focused on this and related material this fall.
An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power [Al Gore, 2017]
Century 16 Cinema, 125 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City (August 3rd, 7:00pm and 9:40pm; August 4th, 7:20pm; August 5th, 7:20pm; August 6th, 7:20pm)
According to the Internet Movie Database: “A decade after An Inconvenient Truth brought climate change into the heart of popular culture comes the follow-up that shows just how close we are to a real energy revolution.” Some reviewers praise An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power saying “it takes viewers to climate change’s front lines” . Others say “it is a strange artifact of a post-truth year” pointing out that “its first press screening was on was on January 19, the evening before Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States.” . Read the New York Magazine article linked above, check out An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, and then stop by the Environmental Ministry table to share your thoughts!
Rooftop Solar Public Hearing
Weds, Aug 9th, 2:00-6:30 pm * Heber M. Wells Building 160 East 300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84111. Fourth Floor Facebook
* Note time change – previous announcements indicated an earlier start time. Also note that As long as you arrive at the hearing room by 6:30 pm that day, you will be guaranteed a spot to speak.
The biggest chance yet for the public to participate in the rooftop solar fight is coming up on August 9th. Rocky Mountain Power is trying to raise rates on new rooftop solar customers. Read more about it in this Salt Lake Tribune article .
Over the last few months you have had a chance to submit written comments through HEAL’s action alert (you still can!) And guess what? Thousands of comments have been submitted!! However, nothing makes as big of a difference as in-person public testimony. Between the hours of 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm on Wed. August 9, the public will have the opportunity to speak directly to the Public Service Commission (the state body which will make the final decision on the utility’s application). Face-to-face you can tell the Commission how important rooftop solar is to you. More information: http://www.healutah.org
Last Chance Tour & Rocking Chair Blockade
10AM Mon, Sept 25 – 1PM Tues, Sept 26, 2017; Salt Lake City to Vernal to PR Springs Facebook
Hosted by Elders Rising for Intergenerational Justice
Elders Rising invites you to join us for a tour of PR Springs and a Rocking Chair Blockade at the tar sands mine. For the last five years a dedicated set of groups led by Utah Tar Sands Resistance has maintained a vigil at the site of a tar sands mining operation in the Book Cliffs. The mine owner, United States Oil Sands, (USOS), a Canadian company, has destroyed acres of habitat and risked pollution of water and air. The State built a $3M road to facilitate the extraction. Other groups that have supported the vigil include Canyon Country Rising Tide, Seeds of Peace, Wasatch Rising Tide, Environmental Ministry, and Peaceful Uprising. The vigil has included family campouts, action camps, and documentation of the destruction.
We plan to depart SLC around 10AM on Monday, September 25, and arrive in Vernal by around 4PM. Depending on our numbers, we will travel together in a bus, van, or private cars. We will stay in a hotel and in the morning we will proceed to the mine site near PR Spring. We will tour the area and plan to leave for SLC at around 1PM.
Besides our commitment to work for climate justice, Elders Rising is a fun-loving and easy-going group. We welcome all who are interested in seeing the area. The cost could be around $100 per person including room and transportation. We have a few folding rocking chairs and a plan that will keep us safe and comfortable.
This trip involves LOTS of PLANNING--we need to know as soon as possible if you are planning to join us or have any questions. PUT THIS ON YOUR CALENDAR TODAY AND RSVP to or to Kathy Albury at .
The Pedal Project
-submitted by Andrea Globokar
The Pedal Project is a collaboration between First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City Refugee Resettlement Committee and the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
The purpose of the Pedal Project is to provide free, gently used bicycles, new helmets, lights and bicycle locks to newly arriving refugee families in Salt Lake City. It is estimated that between 50-75 families will be resettled by IRC between July 1, 017-June 30, 2018. Gently used bicycles are tuned up for free by First UU Church volunteers. Each newly arriving family will receive one adult bicycle, a new helmet, lock and light. Children's bicycles will also be provided to families
The program was created because:
- Bicycles are a familiar and comfortable form of transportation for refugees that is economical, immediately useful and highly appreciated. A bicycle can be shared among many members of a single family.
- Bicycles provide cost free independence.
- Previous experience providing bicycles to refugee families has brought resounding joy to all ages.
- This program is a way to expand our welcome to refugees and integrate them into the community.
- Bicycles are free transportation to work and school for adults.
- Current programs offering used bicycles can not meet refugee needs.
Donated bicycles are picked up my members of the Refugee Resettlement Committee who will provide a tax donation receipt.
Contact Andrea Globokar, Project Coordinator at 801-518-7461 or to:
- Donate a bicycle; and
- Volunteer to tune up donated bicycles; and
- Make a donation to be used for the purchase of new tune up materials, helmets, locks and lights.
The camping trip is attended by approximately 80 to 140 people depending on campsite. It is a community building activity were attendees of both services and their families can take time to get to know each other away from the church. For many attendees it is a family church tradition.
The event covers 3 nights and 4 days on average. Family friendly activities take place every day and there is a huge pot luck that is often also attended by people who drive up just for the day (another 10 people or so). This summer we will be camping at Pine Valley North Group Site C located up Mirror Lake Highway. The site holds 140 people (number of vehicles 25). Cost is $30 per car.
Arrival Date: Fri Jul 21 2017 Check-in Time: 2:00 PM Departure Date: Mon Jul 24 2017 Check-out Time: 1:00 PM
Overview: Pine Valley North Wasatch Cache Group Campground is located on the beautiful Mirror Lake Scenic Byway in the Uinta Mountains of northeastern Utah. The Uintas are known for their abundant recreational opportunities and scenic beauty.
Natural Features: The campground is situated among shady pines and aspens at an elevation of 7,400 feet. The dense stands of trees provide nice shade.
Recreation: The Lower Provo River is nearby, offering good trout fishing. Numerous hiking, biking and horseback riding trails crisscross this beautiful mountain area, including North Fork and Shingle Creek Trails. Off-road vehicle trails are in the vicinity.
Facilities: The campground contains three group sites with picnic and serving tables, grills, campfire circles and large paved parking areas. Vault toilets, and trash collection are provided. We are in Site C. Nearby Attractions: Mirror Lake Scenic Byway parallels the Lower Provo River as it snakes across a portion of the Uinta Mountains, leading to numerous high alpine lakes and streams, countless trails, breathtaking scenic viewpoints. Fishing, canoeing, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and biking are popular activities. The High Uintas Wilderness can be accessed from several trails along the byway.
There is limited parking, so please sign up early by filling out the form and pay fee at by clicking here.
On Being White ...
-Submitted by Joan M. Gregory, Member, Anti-Racism Committee (ARC)
So many of us in our congregation are white. We’ve been white for our entire lives. Obvious? Maybe ... maybe not. Being white is something we cannot escape, being white is something we cannot change. In America, being white comes with privilege. Privilege that we take for granted, privilege we take advantage of every living moment of our lives. Privilege we are taught NEVER to see. But privilege is something we can and must change, privilege is something we can learn to see, and then learn how to speak up and show up and stand up when white privilege and white supremacy take action to trample and endanger people of color.
Some of us have dark skin and we’ve had dark skin for our entire lives. Being dark skinned, being black, being people of color, is something we cannot escape, something we cannot change. In America, being dark skinned, being black, being people of color, is dangerous every living moment of our lives. From the day we are born our community teaches us that we must be vigilant every second. We must practice this vigilance daily, we must teach it to our children. It is the air we breathe.
And when we speak up for our rights or the rights of our children or friends or colleagues, we, people of color, are taking huge risks. We are not bringing race into unrelated contexts or playing the race card. We are living and breathing the impacts of racial injustice ... all ... the ... time. There isn’t a moment of rest. It is the context we live in.
What does racial injustice look like in SLC? Rebecca Hall, JD, PhD, an African American woman, was fired on April 6, 2017 via a text message from her position as Center Coordinator of South Salt Lake’s Promise after school program located at Cottonwood High School. Read - http://tinyurl.com/FiringOfRebeccaHall - about the impact of her firing not only on her, but on the immigrant families whom she was serving. How would you respond? Would you ask: What may I do to help?
What does white privilege look like? How will we respond? Want to understand more? Want to get involved? Join the Anti-Racism Committee of First Unitarian Church at our June meeting on Monday, June 19th, 6:30-8:30PM, in Room 207, RE Building. To be added to our email list, send an email to: . We are considering doing another round of reading Debby Irving’s Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race. Would you like to participate in the reading and discussion? Send an email to: to let us know.
We are also working with others in the Salt Lake community, in particular, SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice). SURJ meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7PM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 261 S 900 E. Check out their Facebook page closer to the meeting date to verify date and time: https://www.facebook.com/surjslc/
Learn more at the SURJ meeting, the ARC meeting, or stop by the Environmental Ministry table on Sunday. Why the Environmental Ministry table – because all things are connected - Dr. Hall is also an active member of the environmental and climate justice community.
FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION:
FROM THE ASHES
Friday, June 23rd, 7-9PM in Eliot Hall
From the Ashes captures Americans in communities across the country as they wrestle with the legacy of the coal industry and what its future should be under the Trump Administration. From Appalachia to the West’s Powder River Basin, the film goes beyond the rhetoric of the “war on coal” to present compelling and often heartbreaking stories about what’s at stake for our economy, health, and climate. From the Ashes invites audiences to learn more about an industry on the edge and what it means for their lives. Learn more: https://www.fromtheashesfilm.com/
From the Ashes was produced by RadicalMedia in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies. This screening has been made possible by the Interfaith Power & Light network of which Utah Interfaith Power & Light is a part. This is a great opportunity see this film in advance of the National Geographic global broadcast premiere on June 25th.
Co-Sponsors: Association for the Tree of Life, Climate Emergency Coalition, and Environmental Ministry – First Unitarian Church of SLC.
FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION:
FROM THE ASHES
Friday, June 23rd, 7-9PM in Eliot Hall
From the Ashes captures Americans in communities across the country as they wrestle with the legacy of the coal industry and what its future should be under the Trump Administration. From Appalachia to the West’s Powder River Basin, the film goes beyond the rhetoric of the “war on coal” to present compelling and often heartbreaking stories about what’s at stake for our economy, health, and climate. From the Ashes invites audiences to learn more about an industry on the edge and what it means for their lives. Learn more: https://www.fromtheashesfilm.com/
From the Ashes was produced by RadicalMedia in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies. This screening has been made possible by the Interfaith Power & Light network of which Utah Interfaith Power & Light is a part. This is a great opportunity see this film in advance of the National Geographic global broadcast premiere on June 25th.
Co-Sponsors: Association for the Tree of Life, Climate Emergency Coalition, and Environmental Ministry – First Unitarian Church of SLC.
The camping trip is attended by approximately 80 to 140 people depending on campsite. It is a community building activity were attendees of both services and their families can take time to get to know each other away from the church. For many attendees it is a family church tradition.
The event covers 3 nights and 4 days on average. Family friendly activities take place every day and there is a huge pot luck that is often also attended by people who drive up just for the day (another 10 people or so). This summer we will be camping at Pine Valley North Group Site C located up Mirror Lake Highway. The site holds 140 people (number of vehicles 25). Cost is $30 per car.
Arrival Date: Fri Jul 21 2017 Check-in Time: 2:00 PM Departure Date: Mon Jul 24 2017 Check-out Time: 1:00 PM
Overview: Pine Valley North Wasatch Cache Group Campground is located on the beautiful Mirror Lake Scenic Byway in the Uinta Mountains of northeastern Utah. The Uintas are known for their abundant recreational opportunities and scenic beauty.
Natural Features: The campground is situated among shady pines and aspens at an elevation of 7,400 feet. The dense stands of trees provide nice shade.
Recreation: The Lower Provo River is nearby, offering good trout fishing. Numerous hiking, biking and horseback riding trails crisscross this beautiful mountain area, including North Fork and Shingle Creek Trails. Off-road vehicle trails are in the vicinity.
Facilities: The campground contains three group sites with picnic and serving tables, grills, campfire circles and large paved parking areas. Vault toilets, and trash collection are provided. We are in Site C. Nearby Attractions: Mirror Lake Scenic Byway parallels the Lower Provo River as it snakes across a portion of the Uinta Mountains, leading to numerous high alpine lakes and streams, countless trails, breathtaking scenic viewpoints. Fishing, canoeing, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and biking are popular activities. The High Uintas Wilderness can be accessed from several trails along the byway.
There is limited parking, so please sign up early by filling out the form and pay fee at by clicking here.