The Welcoming Congregation Certification Team has selected the LGBTQ+ charity — Housing Our Future, (which is part of the Montrose Center and a program dedicated to keeping LGBTQ+ youth off of the streets of Houston) for a significant financial contribution. This is part of living Tapestry's Mission and Vision.

It's been an exciting week for the WCC Team! In 6 days, Tapestry raised 1500+ dollars and has a commitment from the UU Tapestry Board to match $750 of that, bringing the monetary total raised to date to more than $2250. A very kind, loving and generous Mr. Jim Spears has pledged to match everything and double whatever we submit, meaning it could easily be $4,500.10+ raised to date. Contributions will be accepted through May 17th. At the conclusion of the campaign, a link will be provided from the Montrose Center for a watch party gala with live music, celebration, gifts and more!

The WCC Team and the LGBTQ+ Covenant Group will remain in contact with the Montrose Center Representatives Look for more info in future newsletters, or email wcc@uutapestry.org.

Our 8th principle also calls us towards: “journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.” The 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism (8thprincipleuu.org).

We have a legacy of “deeds not creeds.” Our work for a better world calls us to unexpected places as we harness love’s power to stop oppression. From grassroots community organizing to interfaith state, national, and corporate advocacy; in protest marches, prayer vigils, and press conferences; in homeless shelters and in prisons, Unitarian Universalists put our faith into action.

Our justice efforts are grounded in our congregationally-driven social justice statements and our call to break down divisions, heal isolation, and honor the interconnectedness of all life and all justice issues. We model these commitments by creating just, welcoming, and inclusive congregations. We act in partnership with groups and communities most impacted by injustice on local, state, national, and international levels. (see more @ Justice & Inclusion | UUA.org) Other organizations can be found here NEST: Collaborative to Prevent LGBTQ Youth Homelessness - the Montrose Center.

Last week, James G had an exciting and inspiring conversation with Kent ( Kennedy Loftin ) who is an admin at Houston's Montrose Center. Kent is willing to help facilitate tours to show exciting developments such as the Senior Center or speak about current needs of Houston, such as homeless LBGTQ+ youth. UU Tapestry WCC team is working towards doing the framework for the Church to re-new it's annual Welcoming Congregation Status

Also, new contacts are being made to fellow UU Houston area congregations to key leaders that may assist either in a workshop or may participate if we sponsor or put one on via Zoom soon. If you would like to help do a single task or join the "Team', please email wcc@uutapestry.org