This Sunday, we kicked off our year’s worship theme of Stories of Bread and Roses, by hearing the story of the origin of the phrase “Bread and Roses”.
We learned that it likely came from Helen Todd, factory inspector turned Suffragette due to her heartbreak over seeing children working in factories. We also learned that it was likely written down by Helen because of Maggie, the hired help of an older woman hosting the Suffragettes on their tour across Illinois. Maggie shared with the Suffragettes that their reflection on how we needed “bread, and roses, too” was her favorite part. The phrase then went on to become a rally cry and song for workers and so many other fighting for justice.
To read Helen’s full article in American Illustrated Magazine, Volume 72, you can go to the Google books link here, and then search for “Helen Todd”. This will take you to her article “Getting Out the Vote” on page 611.
The Clothes Closet remains closed on a permanent basis. All of the remaining donations have been given to other community helping organizations. We are not able to accept or process any further donations.
Please share your future donations with either The Shalom Project, at 631 South Green St. or Sunnyside Ministries, at 319 Haled Drive.
If you have questions, contact pam@uufws.org
This past Sunday, Rev. Kenneth Pettigrew and Rev. Kayla engaged in a conversation on what it is to worship and be in community across theological, cultural and racial diversity. Rev. Kenneth named that often in predominantly white spaces, the people of color are not seen as being there, or fully human. This naming received words of gratitude from the congregation. He also named that it is a matter of intellectual integrity and honesty to be able to express different names for and expressions of the holy in theologically diverse spaces (including God and Jesus).
He challenged us: how can we be present and take the light, word, hope we find when we’re together, while acknowledging not everything can be for us in a space of theological and cultural diversity?
And I challenge us: let’s be more consciously present of what speaks to us, and what we imagine might speak to someone else. Let’s move that imagination into knowing by taking the time to have a real conversation and get to know someone we don’t know. Especially someone who has a different theology or culture from us, someone who is of a different race, class or age group.
We are only as real, as deep and as honest as we make ourselves. Let’s co-create this community together.
Curious about how we are framing being in such a diverse community, working to truly make space for all, instead of unconsciously centering a few? Read more about Paula Cole Jones’ framework of Community of Communities here.
What a beautiful weekend we shared at Laurel Ridge. From heartfelt conversations and laughter around the firepit to quiet moments of journaling and connection, the 2025 UUFWS Women’s Retreat was a true gift. Thank you to everyone who brought your spirit, stories, and presence to this sacred space. Whether you shared, danced, hiked, sang, or simply rested—you helped shape a weekend of deep nourishment and joy.
We’re already dreaming ahead! Save the Date: August 14–16, 2026
We’ll return to Laurel Ridge next summer, and we hope you’ll join us again. More details will be shared in the spring, but for now, mark your calendars and hold the vision of gathering once more.
With gratitude and hope, Women’s Retreat Coordinator
womensretreat@uufws.org
The raised beds behind the building in front of the rain garden are an EcoSolutions project designed to feed and attract pollinators to the UUFWS property. Each summer, a team of volunteers helps to keep these beds colorful and weed free, with each member of the team adopting one of the six beds. We are looking for 3-4 new volunteers to help out this year since some of the team cannot continue.
Please contact Kathy Johnson or eco@uufws.org if you would like to learn more about volunteering.
You all asked amazing questions for our question box sermon last Sunday! Peruse the list and get inspired by these questions for contemplation and consideration!
