Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains, NY
Spirituality   ·   Compassion   ·   Service
Practice of the Week

Own Your Nobility. It is a rare and precious thing to be a human being. That's why we send money overseas in times of disaster, why we know it is wrong to take a human life. The heritage, the legacy, of being human is to manifest wisdom, compassion, and lovingkindness, to be fully worthy of our lives, worthy   READ MORE
From the Minister

I grew up Unitarian Universalist. I grew up in the Southeast: in Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia. In adulthood, I lived in Atlanta, Georgia; Waco, Texas; Charlottesville, Virginia; Nashville, Tennessee; Rochester, Minnesota. That was all before I became a minister. However strange   READ MORE
As we learned from our Native American guest last week, George Stonefish, Thanksgiving history is filled with misconceptions...For many people, the personal celebration of the holiday is dampened by loneliness or family difficulties...We realize that thankfulness is...READ MORE & RE NEWS
From the Ministerial Intern

"Over the river and through the wood," the well-known setting of "A New England Boy's Song About Thanksgiving" by Unitarian Lydia Maria Child certainly captures a child's excitement and anticipation en-route to the family feasts. "Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!" "Onto the highway and to the mall..." might be  READ MORE

A belated musical Thanksgiving greeting from your Music Director this Sunday morning at CUUC, with seasonal favorites and works connected to the holiday and its spirit ... READ MORE
  • Minister Coffee Chat. On Tuesdays, 3-5pm, I'm available at an area coffee shop. In November, I'll be at the Barnes & Noble Cafe, City Center, 230 Main St, White Plains. Drop by if you can! - Meredith
  • On the Journey, 2017 Nov: "Mindfulness." Get it HERE.
  • Check out the two Common Reads for 2017-18: HERE
Science & Spirituality
       
Thu Nov 30, 11:30am, Fireside Area
A bi-monthly meeting to explore the relationship between science and spirituality. We are discussing How the Mind Works by Steven Pinker. Grab a copy and join us! Contact: Yvonne Lynn ([email protected]).
 
Young Adults Gathering 
       
Sun Dec 3, 11:45, Room 43
All young adults interested in meeting one another and engaging on issues and interests are invited to participate. Contact: Cindy Davidson ([email protected], 781-710-1640) or Perry Montrose ([email protected]).

Upcoming Worship Services

Sun Nov 26
Who Are These People?
Rev. Meredith Garmon
"These people" are we -- we Unitarian Universalists. But what does that mean? The more we know our history, the more we know who we are. One very influential chapter in our history is the life and work of Rev. Hosea Ballou (1771-1852).

Sun Dec 3
On Waiting, Hope Embodied
Cindy Davidson, Ministerial Intern
How long the wait, what pathways to follow, until embodiment of love divine, the promised land, the beloved community, enlightenment?

Opportunities for Giving
 
Ecumenical Emergency Food Pantry
Cash donations are especially needed at this time of year. Send checks to Ecumenical Food Pantry, PO Box 2037, White Plains, NY 10602. Contact: Vicky Van Wert ([email protected]).
 
Gently Used Children's Books and Toy Drive, through Sun Dec 3, RE Lobby
For client families of the Ecumenical Food Pantry. We are also col lecting stuffed animals (new or like new) for the senior clients. Contact: Mary Cavallero ([email protected]) for information or to volunteer.

Personal Items for Shelter Residents
New socks, men's underwear (L & XL), and toiletries will be collected throughout December for residents of local shelters. Contact: Ray Messing ([email protected]).

Gift Cards for Coachman Family Center
Help a family at the Coachman by signing up to purchase a $25 gift card for their school-age children. Beginning Sun Dec 3, we will have the age and gender of the children plus the type of card they prefer. Please box and wrap the gift cards, tag with the child's name and room number, and bring in by Sun Dec 17. Contact: Ray Messing ([email protected]).

The Mitten Tree is Coming!
Help us decorate it by donating mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves for all ages and sizes. Share the gift of warmth! We will be collecting until Sun Dec 31.
Did You Know?

Plastic grocery bags, newspaper bags, and dry-cleaning bags may be dropped off at large grocery and retail stores. Americans throw away more than 100 billion plastic bags annually. Recycling reduces waste and protects wildlife from ingesting plastic litter. For full list of plastic items that can be recycled, click HERE. 
Cooperative Coffee Hour this Sunday

We have some extra treats in the CUUC kitchen, and invite anyone who wants to to bring a snack to fill the table for this Sunday's Cooperative Coffee Hour table. Please plan to pitch in and help us set up, serve, and clean up together. Thanks!
Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fundraiser    
        
Sun Dec 3 & 10, following Worship
Unique gifts for family, friends, and teachers! If interested in selling your crafts, please contact Barbara Youngman ([email protected]).
Share the Plate for November: Ecumenical Food Pantry 
 
The all-volunteer staff at the Ecumenical Emergency Food Pantry works 51 weeks a year providing food to 400+ families each month. CUUC was a one of the congregations that founded the pantry and has supported it throughout its 38 years with both funds and long-time volunteers. 
In the Community
 
Beloved Community Potluck Dinner, Mon Nov 27, 6:00pm, Memorial 
United Methodist Church, 250 Bryant Ave, White Plains
Sponsored by MLK Institute. Our theme will be "The Boundaries between Free Speech and Hate Speech." To RSVP, click HERE.
 
Rock & Soul Revue, Saturday, Dec 2, 7:30pm, Common Ground Coffeehouse, FUSW Hastings
With a repertoire of Motown, soul, funk, and other classics sure to make you want to get on down, a Rock & Soul Revue dance party is not to be missed! More HERE.
 
Midnight Run, Fri Dec 8, 7:00pm, FUSW Hastings
We never have as much clothing as we need, so please donate as many gently used weather-appropriate items as you can. Drop off donations anytime using the white box by the FUSW front door. Contact: Art Lowenstein ([email protected]).
Caring & Sharing Circle

If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Adine Usher (914 328-2307 or [email protected]) or her backup Barbara Mair (914-769-7186, [email protected]). 
This Week at CUUC

The full calendar can be found HERE. Room numbers subject to change; please check the board on Sunday morning. To reserve a room, please contact Pam at the CUUC office (914-946-1660 x2, [email protected]).

Thu Nov 23 - Office Closed
Fri Nov 24 - Office Closed
Sat Nov 25 - 10:00am Zen
Sun Nov 26 - 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Cooperative Coffee Hour; 11:20am UU Roots: Conversation for Visitors & Newcomers; 11:30am Animal Advocacy 
Mon Nov 27 - 7:30pm Internship Committee
Tue Nov 28 - 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP Town Meeting; 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal; 7:30pm Journey Group - J. Majsak
Thu Nov 30 - 11:30am Science & Spirituality Group
Sat Dec 2 - 9:00am Strategic Planning Committee; 10:00am Zen; 12:30pm Journey Group Facilitators 
Sun Dec 3 - 8:30am RE Council; 8:45am Choir Rehearsal; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:30am Arts & Craft Fair; 11:30am Deck the Halls; 11:30am Environmental Practices Group; 11:30am Children's Choir Rehearsal; 11:40am Racial Justice/ ITSOT; 11:40am Wisdom Reading & Study Group; 11:40am Women's Issues SJT; 11:45 Young Adult Gathering
Contacts
 
Minister: Rev. Meredith Garmon, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x3 
Director of Lifespan Religious Ed. & Faith Development: Perry Montrose, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x4 
Community Minister: Rev. Deb Morra, [email protected], 914-830-1509
Community Minister: Rev. LoraKim Joyner, [email protected]
Ministerial Intern: Cindy Davidson, [email protected], 781-710-1640
Youth Program Coordinator: Chandeerah Davis, [email protected]
Music Director: Adam Kent, [email protected], 212-595-7280
Choir Director: Lisa Meyer, [email protected]
Congregational & Communications Administrator: Pamela Parker, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x2
Bookkeeper: Diane Pearson, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x5
Board of Trustees
Board Chair: Dean Silverberg, [email protected], 212-351-4642   
Vice Chair: Karen Dreher, [email protected], 914-235-7845
Treasurer: Chris Kortlandt, [email protected], 914-834-7112
Secretary: Steve Miller, [email protected], 914-723-0982
Social Justice Coordinators
Jeff Tomlinson, [email protected]
Mary Cavallero, [email protected]
Pamela Cucinell, [email protected]
Rev. Meredith Garmon, [email protected]
Quick Links

Your Moment of Zen

One day when they were sitting around having a snack, Woodpecker asked Raven, "What is enlightenment?" Raven said, "I won't deny it." Woodpecker asked, "What will you affirm?" Raven said, "Containment." Woodpecker said, "What kind of containment?" Raven asked, "What about you?" Woodpecker READ MORE
Saturday Zen Practice at CUUC: HERE
The e -Communitarian newsletter is e-mailed each Thursday. 
Please send submissions to [email protected] by noon on Tuesday.
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