As we go marching, marching, unnumbered women dead
Go crying through our singing their ancient call for bread.
Small art and love and beauty their drudging spirits knew.
Yes, it is bread we fight for, but we fight for roses too.

“Bread and Roses” – James Oppenheim, inspired by Helen Todd

“Bread and Roses” came from the labor struggles of the early 20th century, and during more than a century since, many have reminded us that our singular focus on economic and technological progress, reason, and individual rights is not just insufficient but soul-killing. But our focus as a society today, including liberal and social justice thought, is still on economics, power paradigms, and rights. Even the interpretation of “roses” has morphed into a call for dignity rather than art, love, and beauty. Lisa deGruyter will talk about what we are missing, and whether centering art, beauty, comfort and human flourishing rather than wealth; giving up left-wing conspiracy theories; and reclaiming solidarity, not just with our own, but with the world will help.

Join us for Worship:

After a year of virtual services, West Fork Unitarian Universalists were excited to resume in-person services the end of May. In light of the current surge in Covid-19 infections we resumed Zoom services in August.

We share music, readings, and hymns, on our usual presentation slides, have a story and a talk, and share joys and sorrows, as well as a virtual “coffee hour” discussion, starting at 10:30, with the service at 11. If you prefer not to be seen, video is optional. If you would like to participate, please email westforkuu@gmail.com for details and a link, or for help with using ZOOM.

If you are a regular attendee, we have added you to our Google Group if we had an email address. If you have not gotten a group email already, please email westforkuu@gmail.com so that we can add you to the group, which we will be using for staying in touch with each other during this time. Public announcements will continue to be posted here on the website and on our Facebook page and Twitter account, as usual.

Email westforkuu@gmail.com or use our contact form for more information or write to us at PO Box 523, Clarksburg WV 26302