Free August 29 event will bring Hendricks County neighbors together through food, music, family activities, and nonpartisan civic action

DANVILLE, Ind., — The Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Hendricks County will host Families Belong Together: A Community Picnic and Public Witness on Saturday, August 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 95 N. Jefferson St. in Danville.

The free, family-friendly gathering will include food, community singing, family activities, invited speakers, educational resources, and opportunities for peaceful, nonpartisan civic action. Everyone is welcome, regardless of religious background or political affiliation.

The event is part of the Indiana Weekend of Public Witness, a statewide effort coordinated by the Indiana Organizing Project calling for an end to Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention at Miami Correctional Facility near Bunker Hill, Indiana.

“This gathering is about making room for our neighbors to come together, learn, sing, share a meal, and stand for the dignity and safety of every person,” said Rev. Dr. Sarah Ratekin, a lay leader at UUCCHC and leader of Hendricks County Singing Resistance. “People do not have to agree on every political question to recognize that families deserve compassion, due process, and the opportunity to remain together. This community event is an invitation to practice what healthy communities do best: show up, listen, care for one another, and consider how we can help build a more just and compassionate future together.”

The UUCCHC Board unanimously approved the congregation’s participation in the statewide weekend during its August 9 meeting. The Board described the event as an expression of the congregation’s Unitarian Universalist values of justice, equity, interdependence, generosity, and the inherent worthiness of every person.

The event will take place outdoors on the church grounds, or indoors in the Fellowship Hall in case of inclement weather.. Admission and food are free. Additional information, including accessibility and weather updates, will be shared at www.uucchc.org.

Event Details

What: Families Belong Together: A Community Picnic and Public Witness
When: Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Hendricks County, 95 N. Jefferson St., Danville, Indiana
Activities: Free food, community singing, family activities, speakers, educational resources, and nonpartisan civic actions
Admission: Free and open to all

About UUCCHC

The Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Hendricks County is a welcoming spiritual community committed to justice, compassion, curiosity, and belonging. UUCCHC brings people of many beliefs and backgrounds together to explore life’s meaningful questions, build authentic relationships, and serve the wider community.