Congregation Vote after the March 18th service on Sunday. We would like to have a congregational vote regarding hanging the rainbow banner (pictured above) on the front of the church, facing Elm Street. You may have seen it in the Parish Hall. While the Social Justice Committee (SJC) has heard nothing but enthusiasm about it since the banner arrived, it's possible that members with reservations haven't spoken to us, and it's possible that members may prefer to keep it indoors. Since a public display will seem to speak for everyone, we offer a chance to weigh in: after the service on March 18th, in the sanctuary. Please feel welcome also to write to the SJC chair, David Weber: dweber@exeter.edu

Congratulations to Renay Allen -Hitzot! Winner of the FUUSE "Ethics in Action " Award.
Each year our congregation recognizes a member who is living our ethics out in the greater community. These are people who guide us, inspire us, and invite us along to participate more in public life.  Recipients of this award from over the years are displayed in the hallway between the Sanctuary and the Community Room.  They are individuals who have made a difference by living our Unitarian Universalist values out loud in the world.

Renay  has used her multiple talents to build community in aid of environmental, and social justice for a long time, but her efforts have gone into super-hyper-drive this past year.   The works she has championed this year alone are almost too numerous to name, but here goes:

• Renay was a leader in gathering people to join the 2017 National Women’s March and she organized a “Virtual Women’s March” at FUUSE to share the progressive loving energy of activism with all of us shortly after.   
• You probably know that she was one of the members of the culture keepers/culture makers art group for racial unity in Exeter whose work has been displayed widely.  Her painting of a glowing goddess facing a line police in riot gear brings tears to my eyes. 
• Renay has been active in the program Energize 360, a solar panel initiative in which she has helped earn enough credits to be granted a free panel for a building in downtown Exeter.
• Renay is responsible for helping to bring a host of great speakers to Exeter in her work with We the People.  The lecture series engages thousands of people every year in conversations around the intersections of religion and current events.
• Renay is also a member of Exeter Rises, a new progressive group that focuses in local and state politics . And in her spare time, she is inviting Exeter area people to create a literary heritage trail.
• Renay’s community activism is interwoven with her commitment to FUUSE.  She is an active member of the Social Justice Committee, the Green Team and the Artivists whose Clean Energy Mural has been displayed in numerous locations.  She is also the co-editor of the Active Hope Newsletter which keeps us updated on opportunities to get involved in all of the justice work our church members are connected to.

No one can match Renay’s brilliant energy as a community organizer and voice for change, however, she manages to multiply her efforts by encouraging all of us to partner with her.  We are inspired by how Renay puts her Ethics into Action and we are so grateful that she is a member of the FUUSE community.  

FUUSE newsletter - What could be included? Our newsletter needs your input - you could send in a story of interest, share family news, or such over the summer or anytime of the year. The form is online or click this link: Submit your newsy item or writing, As always, if you have any questions or need help, contact Nancy Grenier, Office Manager. (office@exeteruu.org or 603-772-4002).