MCUUF welcomes everyone, regardless of age, race or ethnicity, immigration status, sexual orientation,
gender identity, or disability. Wherever you are on your spiritual path, you are welcome here.
“Never react to an evil in such a way as to augment it,” the great French philosopher Simone Weil wrote in 1933 as she contemplated how to be a good human in a world that seemed to be falling apart.
I find myself reflecting on those words after returning from ten days of Noble Silence on a Vipassana meditation retreat, to a world that seems to be falling apart.
“Never react to an evil in such a way as to augment it.”
We often shy away from the word evil because it seems to challenge our commitment to and faith in the inherent worth and dignity of each and every person. But if we can’t discuss evil, then how can we hear or heed the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who wrote, “Is anything more obvious than the presence of evil in the universe?”
Despite my own resistance, over the years, I have decided it is important to accept that evil does manifest itself in the form of such things as racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia, rape, child abuse, genocide, colonialism, extractive capitalism and many other human creations.
Since the responsibility for evil lies solely with people and not in a supernatural devil, we are the ones who have the responsibility to not only see and understand evil, but also the ones to have the insight and courage to be and do good.
So, let our theme for the month of February be Good & Evil. And as we move into the new year, facing the personal and political challenges of the day, I hope you’ll help me remember that we never want to “React to an evil in such a way as to augment it.”
- Every Tuesday from 9-11 am: Pam Zachary-Morneault hosts a “Garden Café.” Drop in anytime between 9:00 am and 11 am in White Salmon. No politics or religion are discussed. Women and men welcome. Contact Pam for location (541-490-3329)
- Every Wednesday at 4 As we begin a new year, the We are Immigrants campaign will be showing up in new ways around the community. You are invited to join us every Wednesday at the Providence intersection in Hood River (12th and May Streets). We plan to be at this location on a recurring basis – every Wednesday from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (rain or shine). We’ll be waving at cars as they honk and drive by.
- Please bring your We are Immigrants signs (we’ll have a few loaners available as well).
- Every Third Thursday at 5:30 pm: Come together at the Rockford Grange for “Third Thursdays Together“.
- Every Friday at 4:30 pm (NEW TIME): Community Action for Gaza at the Salmon Street fountain at the intersection of Second and Oak Streets in Hood River. Bring signs and friends if you can. These vigils will continue until a permanent ceasefire is achieved. Many of us are very concerned about the human cost of the war in Gaza, as it drags on for months on end. You can express your support for efforts to achieve a ceasefire by attending the weekly vigil.
- Every Sunday at Mercado Guadalajara. Join the Somos Inmigrantes Campaign at the Mercado in Hood River with a solidarity sign (any sign that inspires you) every Sunday. Show up between 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – it’s the busiest shopping time. The intention of our presence is to show support and solidarity for our community. Need groceries? Don’t forget to shop at the Mercado!
Please send requests to
administrator@mcuuf.org with the name, date and hours of your proposed event, the specific area at the Grange you want to use and your contact info. We’ll submit it and let you know asap if the request is approved or if there is a scheduling conflict. There is a once-a-month meeting where space/rental questions are decided, so get your requests in as early as possible. Thank you!
After receiving her Master of Divinity degree from Bangor Theological Seminary in 2009, Rev. Prose served the All Souls Unitarian Church of Tulsa Oklahoma from 2010 to 2023. As the Executive Minister of this 2,000 member congregation (one of the largest UU churches in the US), she led a staff of 20 or more.
Rev. Prose moved to Hood River over a year ago and has been enjoying spending time with her granddaughter in Washougal.
Rev. Prose also serves as Executive Director of the Portland-based Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (“IMIrJ”). We are pleased to support Rev. Prose as she continues to lead IMIrJ’s vital programs while also serving as our minister this coming year.
Feb 19 features a Community Forum with a Panel on Free Speech and the Local Mediahttps://mcuuf2.org/events/third-thursdays-together-3/
