As Unitarian Universalist congregations across the country prepare for the church year to begin anew, many congregations begin their fall with an Ingathering Water Service - where members bring a sample of water from their summer travels or their beloved communities and add it to a communal vessel at the front of the worship hall. For many congregations, this is a cornerstone ritual of Unitarian Universalism, and a powerful tradition that holds deep meaning of what each person brings into the community to create the whole - their grief, their joys, their experiences, and their passions. Often, we use this water to dedicate babies. It is a symbol of our covenant to be a community and solidarity with one and other.

This fall, UUs for Justice in the Middle East is inviting UUs to participate in a symbolic protest during their water ingathering service by bringing an empty cup to the service. UUJME chapter members, local advocates, and other congregants who would like to participate can decorate a paper or reusable cup with designs (e.g., keffiyeh pattern, prayers for Palestine and peace, kites, watermelon, or the faces of healthy Palestinian children), bring that cup to the front during the ceremony, spill some "missing water" into the vessel, and then leave the cup behind beside the water communion vessel.  

UUs across the country are taking this prayerful action in sympathy with the 2 million Palestinians in Gaza who are denied potable water by Israel, a war crime that is enabled by the United States. These people are dying of starvation, thirst, preventable disease, and weapons of war.

This silent yet powerful symbolic protest will be only the beginning of continued conversations within each congregation as the violence in Gaza continues with no sign of a ceasefire. UUJME will provide materials to help you figure out what format of conversations or actions your congregation should take next based on the needs of your unique community. 

If you would like to learn more about participating in Empty Cups for Gaza, please attend our information call on Wednesday, August 21 at 1PM EST. There, we will share more about how you can take this action at your congregation, and resources for further action and education. RSVP below and then check your email for a Zoom link!