Sunday Morning Book Discussion

This group meets every Sunday from 9 am to 10 am via zoom. Newcomers are always welcome.

Contact:                 Mary Galligan uuftsundaymorningbooks@gmail.com

Current book:  Everyone Who is Gone is Here by Jonathan Blitzer

From the publisher’s website:

“An epic, heartbreaking, and deeply reported history of the disastrous humanitarian crisis at the southern border told through the lives of the migrants forced to risk everything and the policymakers who determine their fate, by New Yorker staff writer Jonathan Blitzer

“Everyone who makes the journey faces an impossible choice. Hundreds of thousands of people who arrive every year at the US-Mexico border travel far from their homes. For years, the majority came from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, but many more have begun their journey much farther away. Some flee persecution, others crime or hunger. They may have already been deported, but the United States remains their only hope for safety and prosperity. They will take their chances.

“As Jonathan Blitzer dramatizes with forensic, unprecedented reporting, this crisis is the result of decades of misguided policy and sweeping corruption. Brilliantly weaving the stories of Central Americans whose lives have been devastated by chronic political conflict and violence with those of American activists, government officials, and the politicians responsible for the country’s tragically tangled immigration policy, Blitzer reveals the full, layered picture of this vast and unremitting conflict.

“Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here tells the epic story of the people whose lives ebb and flow across the border, delving into the heart of American life itself. This vital and remarkable story has shaped the nation’s turbulent politics and culture in countless ways—and will almost certainly determine its future.”

Sunday Forum

The UUFT Sunday Forum occurs once per month, at 9:00 am, in Fahs Chapel.  Each Forum is a presentation by a community member on a matter of Social Justice, Education and/or Politics.  In addition to UUFT members and friends, their guests and interested community members are welcome to attend.

Fall 2024 Roster of Speakers:

September 8:  Diana Carlin, to discuss her recent book about First Ladies

October 6:  Bill Lucero, Ric Silber and more on Unitarian Universalists for Peace.

November 3:  Anita Alexander, VP of Loud Light, on their efforts to increase voter turnout in Kansas for progressive causes.

December 1:  Karen Hiller, City Councilperson & Topeka United activist, on Topeka United’s  efforts to bring our community together and in particular the Mosaic Partners efforts.

Please join us at the UUFT!  More details will be forthcoming closer to the dates.

For additional information or to join the UUFT Sunday Forum committee, please contact gemonaco@gmail.com.

Past speakers:

April 21, 2024: Wendy Guerra-Garcia & TaZaras Isom, Bilingual Outreach Coordinator & Community Engagement Manager, Topeka Habitat for Humanity

April 7, 2024: Carl Frazier, Executive Director, Topeka Center for Peace and Justice

March 3, 2024: Marge Ahrens, Community Organizer

February 4, 2024: Micah Kubic, Executive Director, Kansas ACLU

January 7, 2024: Andrew Howell, Election Commissioner, Shawnee County Election Commission

UU Women’s Group

WOMEN’S GROUP HAS A NEW HOME

It’s the Emily Stowe room, the RE room where the adolescents meet during service. The
group needed larger quarters and finds the colorful atmosphere and “good vibes” to be a
fine fit. Meetings are on 2nd and 4th Sundays at 12:30. Come early at 11:45 for social
time—bring your own lunch. This month meetings are March 9 and March 23. Contact
suewestwind@gmail.com for information.