Outreach and Social Justice

Unitarian Universalism has a long and proud history of reaching out to try to make the world a better place and of taking a stand for Social Justice, even when the cause might not be popular. We believe that it is not enough to just talk about making things better, but that we must work to make change happen. At Outlaw’s Bridge Universalist Church, we are continuing this tradition. We are few in number and remotely located, but are determined to do what we can. Here are our current Outreach/Social Justice Projects.

Fifth Sunday Giving

Each Fifth Sunday in a month, the worship service or a portion of the hour is used to introduce us to the work of a local non-profit organization. The offering taken during that service goes directly to the organization. Among the organizations we have helped recently are The North Carolina Railway Museum in New Hill, NC, Red Hill Universalist Church Ingathering, Albertson Volunteer Fire Department, and Literacy Connections of Wayne County Lilies for Literacy. We believe it is our responsibility to help support the work of these and other local non-profits.

The Grady-Outlaw Memorial Library

In 2003, a not-for-profit corporation was formed to establish a library in the Albertson Community, located at the next crossroads about three miles to our south. As a congregation we supported this development with a cash donation and individual members worked to assist in getting the project organized. The congregation also worked on fund-raising ventures during and since the two-years of planning and preparation as the library became a reality. The library opened in 2005.

On the first Saturday in November, volunteers from our church operate the soft drinks and water booth during the Annual Stew Fest that benefits the Grady-Outlaw Memorial Library. We also provide recycling for all the plastic bottles and aluminum cans discarded during the event.

Social Justice Projects

Some of our members are working with The Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of North Carolina to assist in some of its projects. Prior to the 2020 and 2022 general elections, two members assisted in mailing “Get out the Vote” postcards to previously registered voters reminding them to please re-register and use their right to get out to vote. Currently one of those members is also assisting the NC Conservation Network in collecting postcard petitions urging the North Carolina Utilities Commission to reject Duke Energy’s plans to raise energy bills for projects considered hazardous.

Prayer Shawl Ministry for Victims of Human Trafficking or to Support a Sick Friend

The Prayer Shawl Ministry, an outreach ministry of Outlaw's Bridge Universalist Church, began in May, 2012. Prayer Shawls are available to support friends who are sick. For more information about the Prayer Shawl Ministry that was begun in 1998 by Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, visit their website at www.shawlministry.com.