Why I March  Reflections from those marching on why they feel called by their faith to take part can be found at:  macucc.org/whyimarch

People from all over the Massachusetts Conference are planning to take part in the upcoming Women's March on Washington, as well as in sister marches in Boston and Greenfield.

The Women's March is planned for the day after the 2017 Presidential Inauguration, and was started by women alarmed by the harsh rhetoric during the Presidential campaign.
 
"We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families -- recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country," national organizers of the event say on their Facebook page. (Further information can be found at: www.womensmarch.com.)

Associate Conference Minister Wendy Vander Hart explains in her recent blog post, The Church Marches, why she feels it is appropriate for the church to be involved in such an event. 

The Massachusetts Conference staff is asking church members and clergy persons planning to participate in Washington or Boston to RSVP so the number of UCC participants can be counted and shared.

Read on for more information:

Boston

Washington DC

Greenfield

 

Washington, DC.

For those who will be marching in Washington, DC (on your own, with another group, or with others from the MACUCC), please  Use this form to let us know so you can be counted.  

All Mass. Conference UCC marchers are invited to gather at the First Congregational Church of Christ, 945 G Street NW. For info on getting there and on the hospitality offered, go here. There will be red-and-black winter hats available for those who wish to march together. Please gather by 9 a.m. for a blessing and sending and then the group will proceed to the rally. Kelly Gallagher is the point person. 

Please note that backpacks are not allowed unless clear and a specific size. Cell phones may be jammed, so choose specific meeting points and times beforehand. See the principles of the march here.

More important resources:
Women's March website
Video resource
Travel with children
Preparing for the march
Keeping warm

These are a few bus sites that might be helpful if transportation is needed:
rallybus.net/womens-march-on-washington/
www.letskedaddle.com/events
sites.google.com/womensmarch.com/massachusetts/getting-to-the-march?authuser=0

Greenfield

There will be a "Women Standing Our Ground Rally" in solidarity with the Washington march on Jan. 21 at 12:30 PM in Greenfield.

Marisa Brown Ludwig, Interim Associate Pastor at First Church of Christ in Longmeadow, is organizing a UCC contingent for that event. Anyone from a UCC church who would like to join together to march is encouraged to meet in front of Greenfield Coffee at 1 Bank Row, located right next to the rally site on the Green. The group will gather at 12:15 PM and proceed to the rally at 12:30.

If you have questions, contact Ludwig at seastarfalls@gmail.com  General rally information and directions are available on Facebook.

Boston

For those who will be marching in Washington, DC (on your own,with another group, or with others from the MACUCC), please  Use this form to let us know you'll be in Boston so you can be counted.

Many people who were already planning to join the march asked if the Massachusetts Conference would be organizing a way to march together. In response, here are the plans that have been made:

Where: Meet at the "Make Way for Ducklings" statue in the Public Garden in Boston at the corner of Beacon and Charles Streets, across from the staging area for the start of the March. Using public transportation is strongly urged for this event!

When: We will gather at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 21 and join the rally that proceeds the March at 11:00 AM. The whole event is scheduled between 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.  The UCC group is committing to be together from our gathering spot at 10:30 AM until the finish of the March at 2:00 PM.

Associate Conference Minister Wendy Vander Hart has been organizing the UCC Boston contingent in partnership with The Rev. Dr. Nancy Taylor of Old South Church and The Rev. June Cooper and The Rev. Ruth Edens of City Mission.  They are suggesting that UCC folks participating come garbed either in a UCC "Be the Church" apron or anther apron.

"As followers of Jesus, we are servant leaders of a servant Christ - our aprons will unify us in that message," Vander Hart wrote in a recent email. "For those who wish, and are able to purchase, the UCC apron will proclaim that message clearly. Aprons are also easy to wear over winter clothing and should look fantastic! As a "women's" march, the apron with this message also provides a delicious domestic twist and play on stereotypes."

Information on the Boston march is at: www.womensmarch.com/massachusetts

Here is a Facebook page offering/asking for ride shares or bus seats to Boston: www.facebook.com/groups/155205758297373/

 

Remember, it may be cold. Go here for some tips for keeping warm.