#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid Update & Call to Action

To those who #LOVEfranklin:

Nearly two years ago you signed onto a "A Call to Our Community," written by the Franklin Interfaith Council (FIC) in response to several incidences including targeted hate speech and vandalism against members of the LGBTQIA+ community, racial slurs at public events, and anti-Semitic graffiti. The FIC issued a call to #LOVEfranklin. Part of that call was an expressed commitment of each signer to "create a beloved community where all persons regardless of their gender, identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnic background, stature, ability, creed or faith can find a home."

As most of you are aware, the State of Massachusetts has opened some 80 emergency shelters across the state, including in Franklin, to help support "homeless families in crisis."  You can find a copy of the town press release here. Currently the emergency shelter in Franklin is housing some 120 people. The shelter is expected to fill over the next few weeks to a capacity of 400-500 people. Over half the people currently placed in Franklin are native English speakers. While the state is providing most of the basic needs for these individuals and getting them setup with social services, many needs remain unmet as people try to make a new home for their family.

This is where you come in. The Franklin Interfaith Council will be regularly communicating the needs of the families placed in the emergency shelter in Franklin, providing local drop-off points for you to make donations, and distributing the donations at the shelter. In addition to tangible donations like food, clothing, and hygiene products, we will also help communicate volunteer opportunities. There are many ways you can help.  See the attached flyer for a listing of current needs and volunteer opportunities. We will update and distribute this flyer regularly.

If you know of people who would like to be added to this distribution list, please have them email info@franklininterfaith.org. If you would like to be removed from this distribution list, please respond to this email and let me know.

Thank you for your on-going commitment to #LOVEfranklin and your efforts to help others make a home and fall in love with Franklin too!

Peace.
Jacob

 

><O><O><O><O><O><O><O><

Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker

Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church

President, Franklin Interfaith Council

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Flyer -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DI6Xtcy2Q-tcaG6LYsfeCpcJypqbDuze/view?usp=drive_link

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid Update & Call to Action

Additional Links:

• "A Call to Our Community: #LOVEfranklin" (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/a-call-to-our-community-lovefranklin.html)
• Town of Franklin Press Release from 8/24/23 (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZrtRuZM0DyW9gbQ1K5GPRaKD2-1iMokO/view).
• Town Administrator's Report on the Migrant Housing Status – 9/06/23 (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant.html)
• Town Administrator's Report on the Migrant Housing Status - 09/20/23 (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant_20.html)
• "1,000 families now arriving in Massachusetts shelter every month, officials estimate," WCVB.com, September 8, 2023 (https://www.wcvb.com/article/migrant-crisis-massachusetts-emergency-shelter-rapidly-growing/45049626)

Voice of Faith - a community concert - Sunday, May 21 at 7 PM

Join the Franklin Interfaith Council on Sunday, May 21, at 7 PM, for a community concert that will bring together choirs and other musical acts from Franklin communities of faith. The theme for this year's concert is "Unity & Community."

A Community Choir, under the direction of Mary Diehl, is being brought together for this concert. All are welcome to participate. If you are interested in participating, message this page and we will get you in contact with Mary Diehl.

This concert is FREE. Donations will be collected to support the Franklin Food Pantry's initiative to expand SNAP recipients' purchasing power at the Franklin Farmers' Market.

https://facebook.com/events/s/voices-of-faith/1231117720881259/

Voice of Faith - a community concert - Sunday, May 21 at 7 PM

Franklin Faith Forum - WFPR: 030 - Religion and It's Role In Social Issues (audio)

In this episode, Dr. Pandora Carlucci is joined by Reverend Juncker, Reverend Oughton and Rabbi Alpert to talk about the role of religion in social issues. How can houses of worship help in different situations, what does the text say, the history of these religions regarding social issues and more.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9fa64b1d-7101-4df6-b991-9dd51b1a5d8a

Franklin Faith Forum - WFPR

Bringing More Faith Into Your Day

Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Pastor Juncker, Reverend Oughton, and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their congregations and how listeners can embrace faith in their own lives.

Find all the episodes -> https://franklin-faith-forum.captivate.fm/

Franklin Faith Forum - WFPR

Reminder: Interfaith Teen Climate Change group next meeting - Apr 2

Join us on the first Sunday of each month at 7 PM. On April 2, we’ll continuing planning our Earth Day celebration. We are specifically focused on Climate Justice (mitigating the effects of Climate Change on the poorest people of the world and our community). 

All young people are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation.

St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street in Franklin.

For more information:
Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Like us on Facebook  and Twitter
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org    

 

St John's Episcopal Church

Interfaith Teen Climate Change group continues monthly

Join us on the first Sunday of each month at 7 PM. On April 2, we’ll continuing planning our Earth Day celebration. We are specifically focused on Climate Justice (mitigating the effects of Climate Change on the poorest people of the world and our community). All young people are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation.

St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street in Franklin.

For more information:

Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org

Like us on Facebook  and Twitter

See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org  

St John's Episcopal Church

A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station: 028 - What Are The Sacred Texts? (audio)

In this episode, Dr. Pandora Carlucci and Jay Horrigan are joined by Reverend Juncker, Reverend Oughton and Rabbi Alpert to discuss the sacred texts in each of their respective faiths; which writings are included, which aren't, how to make sense of these writings and so much more.

Audio file -> https://priest-rabbi-minister.captivate.fm/episode/028-what-are-the-sacred-texts

A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station

A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station - WFPR

Bringing More Faith Into Your Day

Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Pastor Juncker, Reverend Oughton and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their congregations and how listeners can embrace faith in their own lives.

Interfaith Teen Climate group joins Mass Youth Climate Coalition at State House

Our interfaith climate group from Franklin travelled to Boston for a march and rally on February 7th. We also met with Rep Jeff Roy's chief of staff to speak about several bills that need support in the legislature this session. 

Check out:

https://www.wwlp.com/news/state-politics/high-school-students-advocate-for-climate-justice-at-state-house/

All are welcome to our next meeting on Sunday, March 5th at 7 PM at St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street in Franklin.

Interfaith Teen Climate group joins Mass Youth Climate Coalition at State House

A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister: 027 - Defining Faith, The Importance of Having It & Kathy's Departure (audio)

In this episode, Dr. Pandora Carlucci and Jay Horrigan are joined by Reverend Juncker, Reverend McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith, what it means to have faith, why faith extends beyond religion and announcing Reverend Kathy McAdams departure from the program.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b46c4b63-aed8-47b5-bf1a-15d77fbfe3f4

A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station

A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station - WFPR 

Bringing More Faith Into Your Day Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Pastor Juncker, Reverend McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their congregations and how listeners can embrace faith in their own lives.

Find all the episodes in your favorite podcast app or online here ->
https://priest-rabbi-minister.captivate.fm/episodes 

Reminder: Interfaith Teen Climate Change group scheduled to meet St John’s Episcopal Church - Jan 22

We had a small initial gathering with great discussion about how youth can make a difference in the fight against climate change. We watched a video of teen Swedish Climate Activist Greta Thunberg. The group is interested in learning more about Climate Justice - how climate change affects the poorest peoples disproportionately. 

Join us for the next meeting on Sunday, January 22 at 7 PM at 237 Pleasant Street in Franklin.

For more information:

Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org

Like us on Facebook  and Twitter

See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org  

St John's Episcopal Church

Reminder: Franklin Interfaith Council - Thanksgiving Service - Sunday, Nov 20 at 7 PM (live stream added)

The Franklin Interfaith Council will be holding its annual Thanksgiving Service at the Franklin Federated Church on Sunday, November 20, at 7 PM. Rev. Bev Waring of the First Universalist Society of Franklin will be preaching. All are welcome to attend in person at the Franklin Federated Church or via live stream.

The service is being live-streamed courtesy of Franklin TV. You can find the live stream here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCahhxS6rENnYA3iH0pgf0jA. The live stream will begin a few minutes before 7 PM.

You can also find a live stream on the Facebook Page of the Franklin Federated Church here: https://www.facebook.com/franklinfederated/.

Donations will support the Fuel Assistance Fund. You can also contribute online via the Interfaith webpage ->  https://franklininterfaith.org/

Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 20

“Give us this day, our daily bread.” - Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, Sunday, November 20 at 7 PM

“Give us this day, our daily bread.” 

Many of us grew up saying some version of these words regularly, and quite a few of us still do. In this time of Thanksgiving, let’s consider what we are really asking when we request “our daily bread.” What is the deeper meaning in sharing a meal, in asking for relief, and is it the same today as it was for the Pilgrims of Massachusetts in 1621?

The Franklin Interfaith Council announces its annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service for the community. Everyone is welcome! Please join us on Sunday, November 20 at 7 PM at Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, Franklin.

This year, the service features preacher Rev. Bev Waring, Interim Minister at First Universalist Society of Franklin, and live performance by the Interfaith Choir, directed by Mary Diehl of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The collection will benefit the Interfaith Fuel Assistance Fund, administered by the St Vincent de Paul Society.

The Franklin Interfaith Council is an organization whose membership is composed of faith communities in the town of Franklin, Massachusetts. It addresses the various needs of its community by recognizing the power of faith as defined by the individual spiritual traditions.  However, it is these same traditions that unite us in the common goal to initiate and sponsor activities that enrich and challenge the citizens of Franklin. The intent of the council is to sensitize the Franklin community to issues of deprivation and social injustice, and to promote tolerance and understanding through shared worship, programs, performances, and publications, and to bring the understanding of our faith traditions to bear on these issues. Additionally, through these same devices, the council seeks to acknowledge and celebrate both the diversity and the common values existing within the community. The council is a nonprofit organization that has as its primary purpose the betterment of the community it serves.

Participating Houses of Worship :

● First Universalist Society in Franklin

● St. John’s Episcopal Church

● Temple Etz Chaim

● St. Mary’s Catholic Parish

● Franklin Federated Church

● Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

● Franklin United Methodist Church

For more information, go to www.FranklinInterfaith.org or on Facebook:  Franklin Interfaith Council.

Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 20

Franklin Cultural District: theater, theater, and more theater this weekend, but that's not all ....

Theater, theater, theater - Dean College gets it started with All Shook Up, then FHS takes the stage with Cinderella, followed by FPAC with The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

And if theater is not your thing, check out the book sale, the Winter Farmers Market, the assortment of performances at our brewery & winery and close out the weekend with the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Franklin Federated Church. Something for everyone as #artshappenhere in Franklin.

Wednesday, November 16

7:30pm - All Shook Up (Dean College)

Thursday, November 17

6:00pm - Kendo (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:30pm - All Shook Up (sold out) (Dean College)

Friday, November 18

12:00pm - Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm - FHS Red Cross Club: Movie Night -> Monster's Inc (Franklin High School)

5:30pm - Patrick Durkin (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Jess Ward (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - Cinderella (Broadway Version)  (Franklin High School)

7:30pm - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time  (FPAC - THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm - All Shook Up (sold out)   (Dean College)

Saturday, November 19

9:00am - Library Book Sale  (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am - Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Deep Dive

11:00am - Yoga in the Taproom (67 Degrees Brewery)

1:00pm - Library Bag Sale (books by the bag)  (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - All Shook Up (sold out)   (Dean College)

3:00pm - Trolley Dogs Food Truck  (La Cantina Winery)

4:00pm - AK Cody (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

5:30pm - Jennifer Teft (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - Cinderella (Broadway Version)  (Franklin High School)

7:30pm - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (FPAC - THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm - All Shook Up (sold out)   (Dean College)

Sunday, November 20

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (FPAC - THE BLACK BOX)

2:00pm - All Shook Up (sold out)   (Dean College)

7:00pm - Interfaith Thanksgiving Service (Franklin Federated Church)

-------------------

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Do you know any teens who are passionate about fighting climate change?

Several faith communities are joining together to form an Interfaith / Inter-town (Franklin & No Attleboro) group of youth to learn, teach, lead and act to save our planet. You don’t have to be a member of any faith community to be involved.

The first meeting will be on Sunday, December 4th at 7pm at St John’s to gauge interest and plan our actions. Pizza provided. Please spread the word and bring your friends.

St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin

For more information:

Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org

Like us on Facebook  and Twitter

See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org     

Do you know any teens who are passionate about fighting climate change?

Support for Ukraine - Sunday, June 12 - 5 PM

"This Sunday evening at 5 PM there will be a Prayer Vigil/Service on the Town Common for the people of Ukraine. 

The Franklin Interfaith Council along with invited guests will be participating in the service. Please plan to come and stand with and for the Ukraine people, pray for them, and also the end of the horrible violence. You will notice that it is early evening so people may find it more convenient to attend. 

If it rains, we will use Saint Mary Church for the Service.

Everyone is welcome. You may wish to bring a “beach chair” to sit on. "

Shared from the St Mary's Facebook page

Support for Ukraine - Sunday, June 12 - 5 PM

Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 24 - Dec 30, 2021

The Christmas holiday weekend is upon us. Many of the Interfaith Council of Churches (https://franklininterfaith.org/) have services scheduled for in-person and remote participation. Sunday, you can join the group walk on the rail trail to "walk off the cookies" at 9 AM.

Otherwise, given COVID is still rather prevalent, PLEASE be careful when you gather. We all need to be healthy going into the new year. There is a whole lot to do. Health first, civil conversation next to take on the tasks ahead.

 
Friday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Day off for Christmas Day

Saturday, December 25
Christmas Day

Sunday, December 26
9:00am - walk off the cookies
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

Candlelight Vigil for Shirley Owen - 12/19/21 (audio)

FM #682 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 682 in the series. 

This shares audio recording of the candlelight vigil in memory of Shirley Owen. The vigil was held on the Franklin Town Common and attended by a couple of thousand neighbors, friends, and members of the Franklin community.

The event ‘master of ceremonies’ was State Representative Jeff Roy.

Link to the GoFundMe for the Owen family is included in the show notes. At the time of the vigil, over $225,000 had been raised.

The recording runs about 33 minutes. Let’s listen to this recording of the candlelight vigil held Dec 19, 2021

** Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-682-candlelight-vigil-for-shirley-owens-12-19-21

--------------

GoFundMe for Shirley Owen  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/gofundme-for-shirley-in-our-hearts.html 

Link to photos of the vigil ->https://photos.app.goo.gl/fhNJYofT7V7AsHqz7

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Franklin's Event Outlook: Nov 19 - Nov 25, 2021

Indoor events mostly now for the autumn season. Book sale/bag sale at the Library this weekend. Rising Stars Cabaret at THE BLACK BOX Friday night. Help decorate downtown Saturday morning and then get to the Winter Farmers Market Saturday.

Close out the weekend with the Thanksgiving Service put on by the Franklin Interfaith Council either in person at St Mary's or via virtual option via live streaming.

Friday, November 19
1:00pm - Book Sale
7:30pm - Rising Stars Cabaret

Saturday, November 20
9:00am - Book Sale
9:00am - Decorating Downtown (volunteers needed)
10:00am - Winter Farmers Market
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm - Bag Sale

Sunday, November 21
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
7:00pm - Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

Reminder: Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 21

The Franklin Interfaith Council announces its annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service for the community. Everyone is welcome! Please join us on Sunday, November 21 at 7 PM at St Mary’s Catholic Parish, 1 Church Square (masks required) and live streamed at stmarysfranklin.org, then  click Live-stream Masses.

This year, the service features preacher Rev. Dr. Marylayna Schmidt, Interim Minister at Franklin Federated Church, and live performance by the Interfaith Choir, directed by Mary Diehl of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The collection will benefit Gilly’s House addiction treatment center in Wrentham (gillyshouse.com).

The Franklin Interfaith Council is an organization whose membership is composed of faith communities in the town of Franklin, Massachusetts. It addresses the various needs of its community by recognizing the power of faith as defined by the individual spiritual traditions.  However, it is these same traditions that unite us in the common goal to initiate and sponsor activities that enrich and challenge the citizens of Franklin. 

The intent of the council is to sensitize the Franklin community to issues of deprivation and social injustice, and to promote tolerance and understanding through shared worship, programs, performances, and publications, and to bring the understanding of our faith traditions to bear on these issues. Additionally, through these same devices, the council seeks to acknowledge and celebrate both the diversity and the common values existing within the community. The council is a nonprofit organization that has as its primary purpose the betterment of the community it serves.

Participating Houses of Worship :

●      First Universalist Society in Franklin

●      St. John’s Episcopal Church

●      Temple Etz Chaim

●      St. Mary’s Catholic Parish

●      Franklin Federated Church

●      Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

●       Franklin United Methodist Church

For more information, go to www.FranklinInterfaith.org or on Facebook:  Franklin Interfaith Council. 

Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 21