For questions about the Social Justice Calendar, email sjmt@rruuc.org.

As we contemplate the joy of acquiring the land where we worship, we remain concerned about its indigenous inhabitants and the nearby River Road African American community, which white developers and County officials destroyed by the time we purchased our spiritual oasis in 1961. All that is left of that community is the Macedonia Baptist Church on River Road. along with the memory of a historic African American cemetery nearby. 

Some of us have been working with Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition to support both the church and the preservation of the cemetery site. If you would like to learn more and hopefully join us, contact David Ward.

The Earth Ministry is asking members of RRUUC to support three important climate and climate justice bills which are being debated now in Annapolis. The first two bills – Climate Solutions Now and Transportation Safety and Investment Act – have been selected by the UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland as top climate priorities in the 2021 session. For more information, click here.

Override Gov. Hogan’s Veto of Gun Violence Bills. Contact your MD State Senators and Delegates and urge them to override Gov. Hogan’s veto of bills to provide continuing funding for Safe Streets and other organizations using violence interruption and prevention programs, and to require rifles and shotguns to be registered just like handguns. We need both of these bills to become law. Contact David Ward of the Prevent Gun Violence Ministry if you’d like to discuss.

Recurring Events

Fridays – Black Lives Matter Vigil, 6:30pm, Corner of Whittier & River Road
Join us rain, snow, or shine, in witness to justice for Black Lives Matter. Come be a part of the vigil. Wear your mask and social distance while enjoying the company of others. Bring a chair if you need one. Contact: Jana Kirkman or Jon Kerner.

Tues. – Thurs., 8:30am, and the first Saturday of the month – Food Distribution with our community partner, Clifton Park Baptist Church, 8818 Piney Branch Rd., Silver Spring.
An ever increasing number of folks are suffering from growing food insecurity during the pandemic. As more families show up for Clifton Park Baptist Church’s food distribution, River Roaders have joined the essential workers to help distribute food to them. Join us! Just show up, or contact Engaging Communities’ David Ward for more information. You may also want to consider helping buy baby food and baby wipes for these families with an online donation.

Tues. (the second Tuesday of every month) – serving at Shepherd’s Table
Shepherd’s Table soup kitchen serving meals to hungry people. Join the RRUUC team that is responsible for dinner the second Tuesday of each month. Contact: Peter Benjamin.