Social Justice in 2023

Dear Friends ,
   
   My name is Leslie Guerrero Collins and I’m pleased to be serving as the Social Justice team lead for 2023.  My family and I have been members of UCC since 2016 and I was previously in this role from 2019-2020. Returning to this special work is very exciting as I know that an opportunity to serve this community though teams or volunteering will surely lead to a rich season of deepened friendships and strident faith-building. 


   This year, we’ll see the continuation or return of some of our most meaningful missions work such as: an apartment set-up for a refugee family planned for this spring, discovering new ways to celebrate Pride this summer, and the return of the highly anticipated Period Party in September. And of course we’ll be supporting our ongoing missions with our on-site micro pantry and contributions to the Bethany Faith Food Pantry in East Austin.  Our first 5th Sunday Project is this Sunday 1/29, and you are invited to join us after the service as we prepare sack lunches in the Fellowship Hall for you to distribute all over Austin to folks in need. 


    In addition to our missions projects, we have an opportunity and responsibility to dive further into the more clarified definition of “social justice” by being a force for systemic and restorative changes within the larger governing systems of our city and state.  The Texas Legislature is currently in session and over 2 dozen bills have been proposed targeting the LGBTQ community.  Our calling to radical love and acceptance, and our proximity to the statehouse put us in a unique position to be front row activists in the months ahead.  Look for opportunities to march, meet, and speak out as the legislative process moves forward.


   I’m excited to collaborate with this family of faith, standing shoulder-to-shoulder as we see what God has in store for 2023. 
 
With love,
Leslie