Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains, NY
Spirituality   ·   Compassion   ·   Service
On the Journey, 2018 Feb: "Love": HERE.
Practice of the Week

Reproach Your Demons. Your bad habit, or greed, or anger, or selfishness isn't your essential character. Think of it as a person in its own right - a demon who comes to visit you more often than you'd like. It's the bad habit, not you, that needs reproaching. To be able to address a fault -- say, selfishness -- like this is no easy thing. READ MORE
From the Minister

The Greeks had a number of words to distinguish different kinds of love: philia: love of friends; eros: sexual and erotic attraction; agape: selfless, unconditional, universal spiritual love; storge: familial love, esp. between parent and child; xenia: stranger love, hospitality , embrace and appreciation of what is Other and different....READ MORE

The Variety Show Planning Team received many amazing recipient proposals from the CUUC Social Justice Teams. The planning team then chose three of those organizations for the children and youth's vote last Sunday. Although the Variety Show only raises money for one organization, we plan to bring the other causes into RE in other ways. The vote is in... READ MORE & RE NEWS 
Loving Learning - I love learning. And so, I am often grappling with questions like how do we learn from our past shortcomings and disappointments and strive to live into our faith more fully? How do we learn to compassionately love our beautiful, yet flawed, world, kin and selves more fully?... READ MORE
Sunday morning's music was "purchased" at our Goods and Services Auction by Catherine Kortlandt. Ever ebullient and enthusiastic, Catherine requested musical works associated with Joy. Accordingly, the CUUC Choir will perform J. S. Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Our Desiring", the concluding chorus from the composer's... READ MORE
  • Minister's Tuesday Coffee Chat - On Tue Feb 6 find me at Black Cat Cafe, 45 W. Main St., Irvington. -- 3-5pm. Drop by if you can! - Meredith
  • See the Statement of Conscience, "Escalating Economic Inequity" HERE. (This version does not reflect the supported amendments.) Further amendments still to be considered are posted as comments HERE. You can also add a comment to this post to propose an amendment.
  • Check out the two Common Reads for 2017-18 HERE.
Upcoming Worship Services
 
Sun Feb 4, 10:00am
All You Need is Love
Re v. Meredith Garmon
It comes in different forms, shapes, and sizes. Sometimes it goes wrong -- we aren't always skillful in pursuing what we need. Yet love remains all we need. 
 
 
 
Sun Feb 11, 10:00am
Lo ve and Desire
Rev. Meredith Garmon
In what ways -- if any -- do we distinguish between what we love and what we desire?
From the Treasurer

Tax statements for 2017 have been mailed out.  
If you have any questions, contact: Diane Pearson, bookkeeper ( [email protected] , 914-946-1660 x5), or Chris Kortlandt, treasurer ( [email protected] , 917-821-4289).
Day in Place
 
Saturday, February 3
If you love our CUUC grounds, join us throughout the Day as we celebrate and tend the land. Walk with us through the expanding paths and help us create a vision for our beautiful woods. If you'd like to bake or watch how, that will happen for our potluck lunch. More information on our Facebook CUUC forum or contact [email protected].
Congregational Forum/Debate

Forum on the "Escalating Economic Inequity" Statement of Conscience (SOC), Sun Feb 4, 11:45am, Sanctuary
Young Adult Gatherings
 
Sun Feb 4, 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]).
Jazz Concert

Valentine Concert with Antoinette Montague, Sun Feb 11, 12:30 pm, Sanctuary
Jazz and Blues vocalist Antoinette Montague returns to CUUC with a captivating Valentine's Day weekend show that embraces the power of Jazz history along with the excitement of the present. Suggested  Donation: $20 Adults; $10 Seniors/Students; $5 Kids 13 and under; $45 Family Max. Discount tickets available during coffee hour this Sunday only!
Mardi Gras Brunch

Winter Brunch, Sun Feb 11, 11:30, Fellowship Hall
The theme for our winter brunch is Mardi Gras, so come enjoy traditional New Orleans' fare and laissez les bon temps rouler ! Suggested donation: $4 Adults; $3 Seniors/Students; $15 Max/Family.
Job Search for CUUC-Supported Refugee
 
The Afghani family that arrived in November has been settling into their new life in White Plains. (Learn more HERE.) The father, an experienced professional, has begun an intensive job search. If you know of a position that would be a good match for this energetic young man, please contact Barbara Lowney ([email protected]) or Paula Meighan ([email protected]) of the CUUC Refugee Resettlement team.
Nominations Wanted!
 
Board of Trustees Nominations, Deadline Sun Feb 11
Do you know someone who would make a great addition to our Board of Trustees? The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee invites you to help identify nominees for election at our Annual Meeting. Instructions are HERE, and application forms are in the lobby or HERE. Forms will also be on the website. Self-nominations encouraged! Application deadline is Sun Feb 11. Contact: Janet Bear ([email protected]).
Faith Development Friday

Fri Feb 16 * 6:30pm Pizza dinner * 7:15pm Spiritual Centering * 7:30pm Programs  Programs include: Faith Like a River - An adult RE class that explores the people, ideas, and movements that have shaped our faith heritage; Youth Social and Movie Night - Hang out in the Youth Room for a night of fun! Gnomes welcome; Family Journey Group - Parents discuss the monthly theme while children gather for related activities. (Adults without children are welcome in the parents' group.) RSVP to [email protected]. 
From the Animal Advocacy team
 
Send Us Your Animal Pics by Fri Feb 16!
Send in a digital photo of your pet or any favorite animal so we can display it during the Sun Feb 25 worship service dedicated to animal advocacy. (Learn more HERE.) Email or text your image to John Schwam (JGSchwam@gmail, 914-774-4204) by Fri Feb 16. Contact: Joe Majsak ([email protected]).
Save the Date
 
CUUC's Variety Show, Sat May 12, 5:00pm, Sanctuary
Performances! Bake Sale! And much more! Sign up in RE lobby to participate in our fantastic fundraising event. Contact: [email protected].

 
Add More Joy to Your Week! Sing with CUUC Choir
 
Choir Rehearsals, Tuesdays, 7:30-9:15pm, Sanctuary
Singing with us is enjoyable, musically satisfying, and a wonderful opportunity for fellowship. We rehearse each week and sing at two Sunday services a month. Contact: Lisa Meyer ([email protected], 347-278-3187) or speak to a choir member during coffee hour.
Do You Have a Sermon in You?
 
The Summer Services Task Force Wants to Know!
If you would like to lead a summer service, or have a speaker to recommend, contact Pam Parker at [email protected] by Wed Feb 28. The Summer Services Task Force will get back to you in March.  
In the Community 

Police Use of Force: A Community Conversation, Thu Feb 1, 6:30pm, White Plains Public Library Auditorium
A conversation with local law enforcement leadership on how use of force policy is implemented, presented by the Westchester Coalition for Police Reform. Facebook event HERE . Contact: [email protected], 914-949-6555.

Bedford 2020 Climate Action Summit, Sat Feb 3, Fox Lane School, Bedford
Help us address the urgent need for immediate local and regional action to create and implement solutions to climate change. Register HERE .
 
Civil Disobedience Training, Sat Feb 3, 12:00 - 5:00 pm, White Plains Presbyterian Church, 39 N Broadway, White Plains
Organized by SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice) Westchester. Cost: $10 (no one turned away for a lack of funds). Lunch provided. Learn more HERE. Contact: [email protected], or [email protected].

#FREEnewyork Westchester Town Hall, Tue Feb 6, 6:00pm, Yonkers Riverfront Library, 1 Larkin Center, Yonkers
Join us for a Town Hall to discuss how mass criminalization impacts Westchester County and learn what YOU can do to help. Learn more HERE . Register HERE .
Share the Plate for February: MLK Institute for Nonviolence
 
We share half our non-pledge collection this month with the Westchester MLK Institute for Nonviolence, which has promoted nonviolent activism for social justice since 1987. Their mission is to advance racial equity for all our communities by: educating and empowering youth and adults; supporting inclusiveness, courage, and peace; and collaborating to advocate for justice, equity, and shared power for all. Organizations and programs include Westchester Coalition for Police Reform (WCPR), Beloved Community Dinners, Interfaith Connection, the MLK Freedom Library, Ending Violence, Building Hope (EVBH) Youth Conferences, and the annual Celebration of Champions. Learn more at mlkwestchester.org.
Caring & Sharing Circle


If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Johanna Bauer (914 636-1047, [email protected]) or her backup Ingrid Hartmann (914 946-2026 or [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, contact Pam at the CUUC office (914-946-1660 x2, [email protected]).

Thu Feb 1 - 9:30am Rental: League of Women Voters; 7:30pm Journey Group Facilitators
Fri Feb 2 - 6:15pm Journey Group - Families
Sat Feb 3 - Day in Place; 10:00am Zen; 11:00am Auction Event: Myers-Briggs Personality Types; 12:30pm Journey Group Facilitators
Sun Feb 4 - 8:15am RE Council; 8:45am Choir Rehearsal; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:30am Children's Choir; 11:40am Racial Justice/ITSOT; 11:45am Congregational Forum: SOC; 11:45am Teacher Development Lunch; 11:45am Young Adult Gathering
Mon Feb 5 - 7:00pm Rental: Straight Spouse Network; 8:00pm Rental: Amnesty International
Tue Feb 6 - 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP; 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
Wed Feb 7 - 7:30pm Program Council
Thu Feb 8 - 11:30am Science & Spirituality Group; 1:00pm Thornton Donovan School visit; 7:30pm Journey Group - P. Montrose
Fri Feb 9 - 11:00am Journey Group - C. Davidson; 8:00pm Rental: WCSPP Scientific Meeting
Sat Feb 10 - 9:00am Rental: WCSPP (tentative); 10:00am Zen
Sun Feb 11 - 9:00am Environmental Practices Group; 9:00am LGBTQIA Meeting; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:30am Winter Brunch; 12:30pm Valentine Concert w Antoinette Montague 
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
Social Justice Coordinators
Jeff Tomlinson, [email protected]
Mary Cavallero, [email protected]
Pamela Cucinell, [email protected]
Rev. Meredith Garmon, [email protected]
Quick Links

On The Journey (current and past issues)
Social Justice Teams
Practice of the Week (current and all past)
The Quarterly Communitarian
CUUC Main Web Site
Liberal Pulpit Index
The Liberal Pulpit Video
Boundless Way Zen of Westchester
Our Black Lives Matter Resolution
Your Moment of Zen

Porcupine came by Tallspruce one day to see if he could just hang out with Raven. He found her in consultation with Woodpecker, so he made himself scarce until Raven was free. Then he said, "You're an experienced master now. Do you have a general set of guidelines for your teaching of the Way?" Raven said, "Don't give away the nest." Porcupine....READ MORE
Info on our Saturday Zen practice: HERE
The e -Communitarian newsletter is e-mailed each Thursday. 
Please send submissions to [email protected] by noon on Tuesday.
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