Social Justice Team

The Racial Justice Team has become the Social Justice Team! As we looked at the events and activities we were sponsoring, we realized that so much of what we were committed to exploring included not only race but other issues of importance in today’s society, both at home and abroad. Often these issues are intertwined. We are committed to exploring and embracing diversity, equity and inclusion and to cooperating with other First Church committees in this quest. 

Social Justice Team Mission Statement:

The overarching goal of First Church’s Social Justice Team is to broaden engagement within our church community in matters related to race, gender identity, and social, economic, educational and political inequalities.

Our aim is also to broaden congregants’ understanding of other faiths, cultures and their needs, and to combat prejudice and discrimination wherever it exists.

Our work can take the form of frank facilitated conversations, book and film studies, hosting speakers and working with other church and/or community groups with similar goals. We will offer ways to put social justice into action.

In short, the Social Justice Team seeks to marry the Micah commandment to “do justice and love mercy” with First Church’s commissioning charge “to hold fast to that which is good…to support the weak [&] to help the afflicted…” and to welcome the stranger in our midst. In this way we hope to walk in God’s path.

Upcoming Social Justice Team Events:

1. Lecture on the Smith sisters presented by Diane Hoover, Historical Society of Glastonbury. Tuesday, October 7, 7:00 p.m., Schultz Hall. Join us to learn about the fascinating history of the Smith Sisters, two women who paved the way for women’s rights in Glastonbury, as related by Diane Hoover, appearing in character. You will hear an incredible story of two sisters who were activists, writers, advocates and landowners right here in Glastonbury! We will also learn about the connection between First Church and the Smith sisters.

2. Micah Moment: In the Fierce Urgency of Now, presented by David Taylor. Sunday, October 26, 11:30 a.m., Micah Chapel. We will learn more about the mission and purpose of Franklinton Center at Bricks.

3. Music at the Meetinghouse: A Sacred Nine Project Premier Performance by C. Leonard Raybon of Hannah and Her Daughters. Saturday, November 8, 7:30 p.m., Meetinghouse. Composer Leonard Raybon, the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History and the Historical Society of Glastonbury are partnering to present this work. You can learn more about the development of this “Ameri-musical” in a Connecticut Explored Grating the Nutmeg podcast at: https://gratingthenutmeg.libsyn.com/217-the-smith-family-of-glastonbury-hannah-and-her-daughters

4. Annual Multicultural Potluck Dinner. Sunday, November 23, Schultz Hall. Participants are invited to bring food representing their cultural heritage(s) and, if they wish, to dress in clothing that does the same. An Interfaith Thanksgiving service follows directly after the dinner.

If you’d like to become a member of the Social Justice Team and/or learn more about our activities, please contact Deborah Willard at deborahgladdingwil@sbcglobal.com or 860-334-1983.