Wakefield UU and Stories for a Safer Wakefield

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Wakefield is involved in an exciting collaboration with the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence (WAAV) and Beebe Library in a project called “Stories for a Safer Wakefield”, a series of events to take place this coming May in downtown Wakefield.

Stories projects include suggested readings for all ages; guest readers in the elementary schools, including by Reverend Maddie Sifantus; Story Walks with book pages distributed along a pathway at Spaulding Playground on weekends and along Main Street during the week; movie and trivia contest combos; book discussions; Martial Arts demonstrations and defense trainings;  and a series of very interesting events at our church. These events will be kicked off by a 10:30 AM worship service on Sunday, May 3 led by Reverend Sifantus, Safety Net, considering how we and all faith communities can be a safety net for those suffering from and perpetrating domestic abuse, bullying and other forms of violence.

With the help of a newly formed UUCW Social Action committee, the Welcoming Congregation team will provide events on four consecutive nights of the Stories calendar:

• May 20 at 7 PM – Giving A Voice, dramatic readings of personal stories of violence from Wakefield residents presented by the Wakefield High School Drama Club
• May 21 at 7:30 PM – A special Rise Up Singing, featuring peace songs at 7:30 PM in the Social Hall, led by Reverend Maddie Sifantus
• May 22 at 7 PM – A screening and discussion of the film, Hip-Hop, Beyond Beats and Rhymes, a riveting examination of manhood, sexism and homophobia in hip-hop culture.
• May 23 at 7 PM – Fruit Punch, a comedy and variety show led by nationally known lesbian comic, Chantal Carrere. This event is part of a day-long, one-year celebration of our Welcoming Congregation status and is also a benefit for Rosie’s Place.