Centering Justice as an Act of Love

February 2025

Dear Friends,

As we embrace the theme of “Love as Justice” this February, we are called to reflect on how love compels us to act courageously and compassionately in pursuit of justice. This month, we are excited to offer new programs and resources that support justice-centered leadership and creative growth in our congregations and communities.

New Programs and Offerings
We are thrilled to announce two dynamic opportunities to engage with our shared work of justice and leadership development:

1. A Passion for Justice: Constructive Theology & Creative Expression Workshop Series
   • Beginning Thursday, February 1st, at 11:00 am MT, this almost weekly workshop series invites participants to explore the intersection of theology and creativity while centering justice as a spiritual and actionable practice. Each session will include opportunities for collaborative reflection, artistic expression, and understanding your personal history and experience within a ministry of justice. It will be offered in California in the San Fernando Valley, Colorado in Parker, and online via Google Meet. Please RSVP and let us know if you are interested in attending. (DATES: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/29, 4/5, 4/26)
2. Monthly Congregational Leadership Development Workshop
   • Launching on Saturday, February 17th, this monthly workshop is designed to support congregational leaders in fostering sustainable stewardship and community growth. February’s session will focus on “Growing Your Stewardship Campaign” and offer practical strategies to inspire generosity, build trust, and align financial stewardship with your congregation’s mission and values. (DATES: 3rd Monday of the month)

Both of these offerings are part of our commitment to nurturing congregants and leaders who embody love and justice in every facet of their work.

Join Us with one of our Ongoing Programs

1. Weekly Mind, Body, & Spirit
   • Our Mind, Body & Spirit Meeting is open to anyone and everyone who would like to discuss stresses of daily life, eating options, struggles with exercise, and support each other in mind, body, and spirit
2. Covenant Groups
   • Covenant groups are now forming as an easy way to make friends and build community formed mostly around 8-10 people who commit to meeting together for 6 months at a time. They are usually formed geographically, but can also be formed based on identity (BIPOC, Queer, Age, Relationship Status, etc.) or special interest, such as (Parenting, Occupation, Sports, etc.)
   • Each covenant group decides how often and when to meet, but generally meet formally monthly, and informally as desired. Monthly get-togethers during the week are the most common. Meetings are usually held in people’s homes and have three basic elements: Chalice Lighting, Meal, and Discussion

Resources and Tools
Additionally we continue to provide online resources to assist congregations in deepening their justice work and expanding their capacity for inclusive leadership. Check out our website for toolkits, recorded webinars, and downloadable guides to support your community’s journey.

As we move forward together, I invite you to consider: How does love call us to embody justice in our personal lives, our congregations, and our broader communities? What steps can we take to ensure our leadership practices reflect this commitment?

I look forward to joining you in this work and invite you to share your stories and reflections as we explore what “Love as Justice” means to each of us.
With gratitude and solidarity,

AJ
Pastor AJ Blackwood
Executive Director
Bridges: A Unitarian Universalist Network