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

Express Love. Sometimes people worry that being loving will make them vulnerable or drained. But actually, you can see in your own experience that love itself doesn't do this: it protects and nurtures you when you give it. While you're loving, don't you feel uplifted and stronger? Love is like water: it needs to flow; otherwise, it backs up on itself and gets stagnant and smelly.... READ MORE
From the Minister

Kudos and my gratitude to the wonderful and inspiring work of CUUC's Refugee Resettlement Social Justice Team (SJT). Our congregation is teamed up with five other Westchester congregations (three Jewish, one Methodist, and the Ethical Society) to provide support for an Afghani family (Dad, Mom, and three kids aged 3.5, 5, and 10) granted a Special Immigrant Visa.... READ MORE

During the Family Journey Group on resilience, the children named a difficult situation in their lives. They came to the conclusion that it would be most helpful to accept the situation, believe in themselves, stay mindfully present to what was needed, and trust that everything would work out. As we conclude our month of reflection on resilience... READ MORE & RE NEWS 
"Waste Reduction"---a sermon topic replete in musical connotations. What does it mean to utilize resources economically, to pare things down to essentials, to eschew excess - musically speaking? Responding to Viennese Emperor Joseph II's quip, "Too many notes, dear Mozart!", the composer is purported to have said... READ MORE
  • Minister's Tuesday Coffee Chat - On Tue Jan 30 find me at Barnes & Noble Cafe in Vernon Hills Shopping Center, 684 White Plains Rd, Eastchester -- 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 to the post 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 Jan 28, 10:00am
Reduce Waste
Rev. Meredith Garmon
It just might save the planet. And even if it doesn't, it's a more connected and joyous way to live in the meantime.   
 
 
 
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. 
 
  
From the Treasurer

Tax statements for 2017 are ready and may be picked up in the CUUC office this Sunday. Any statements not picked up will be mailed out early next week. Contact: Diane Pearson, bookkeeper ([email protected], 914-946-1660 x5) or Chris Kortlandt, treasurer ([email protected], 917-821-4289).   
UUA Common Read Book Sale

We continue to have this year's UUA Common Read books, Centering and Daring Democracy, available for purchase during coffee hour, along with the new book by Rev. LoraKim Joyner, Conservation in Time of War.  
Zero Waste Forum

Sun Jan 28, 11:30, Fellowship Hall
The Environmental Practices Group wants to educate YOU about moving toward Zero Waste! Our family-friendly event includes speakers from the Food-Scrap Recycling Project and a screening of the documentary  Racing to Zero. Light vegetarian lunch. Come learn what we can do now to support a more sustainable future. Contact: Janet Bear ([email protected]).
 
 
Community Socials  
 
C UUC Community Afternoon Socials, Sun Jan 28, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Some CUUC friends are graciously opening their doors to community gatherings where we can get to know one another better. Click HERE to see the assigned host for your town, then RSVP, bring a snack to share, and have fun! Contact: Jane Dixon ([email protected], 914-949-5919).
Save the Date

Valentine Jazz Concert with Antoinette Montague, Sun Feb 11, 12:30 pm, Sanctuary
Following our New Orleans-inspired Winter Brunch, Jazz and Blues singer 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 Maximum.
Update from Refugee Resettlement
 
The recently arrived Afghani family has been settling into their new life in White Plains with support from volunteers from CUUC and other congregations. (Learn more HERE.) The father has begun an intensive job search. If anyone knows of an available position for this brave and energetic young man, please contact Barbara Lowney ( [email protected] ) or Paula Meighan ( [email protected] ).
Nominations Wanted!
 
Board of Trustees Nominations, Deadline Sun Feb 11
Do you know someone who would make a great addition to the CUUC Board of Trustees? The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee will be identifying nominees for election at the Annual Meeting in June, and invite you to participate in the process! Instructions are HERE, and application forms are available 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]).
From Animal Advocacy
 
Send Us Your Animal Pics by Fri Feb 16!
We invite you to send in a digital photo you've taken of your pet or any animal, wild or domestic, so we can display it during our 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. Help us celebrate the notion that animals can be an important part of our spiritual journey! Contact: Joe Majsak ([email protected]).
Add More Joy to Your Week! Sing with CUUC Choir
 
Choir Rehearsals, Tuesdays, 7:30-9:15pm, Sanctuary
Singing with the CUUC Choir is enjoyable, musically satisfying, and a wonderful opportunity for fellowship. We rehearse each week and sing at two Sunday services each month. All voice parts are welcome, and you do not have to read music. We invite you to try us out! Contact: Lisa Meyer ([email protected], 347-278-3187) or speak to a choir member during coffee hour.
A Do You Have a Sermon in You?
 
The Summer Services Task Force Wants to Know!
If you'd like to lead a summer service, or if there is someone you'd like to suggest, we have several Sundays available. Please send an email with your interest, your proposed topic, or the name of a speaker you'd recommend, to Pam Parker at [email protected] by February 28. The Summer Services Task Force will get back to you in March.  
In the Community 
 
Multi-Faith Service and Beloved Community Dinner, Sun Jan 28, 3:30pm, Mt. Hope AME Zion, White Plains  Topic: "Facing Racism: Bearing Witness and Bringing Hope to our Fractured Communities." Sponsored by MLK Institute Westchester. Come together to learn, worship, sing, and break bread in response to the racism that exists in our society. 
 
Beloved Community Dinner, Mon Jan 29, 6:00pm, Memorial UMC, 250 Bryant Ave, White Plains  Special gathering to welcome the new Coming Home program participants. Coming Home is a Restorative Communities Collaborative that seeks to decrease participants' trauma symptoms while increasing their ability to cope. We will share a meal and discuss Resiliency and Resistance in 2018. All welcome! More info 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. RSVP by Friday, January 26 to [email protected] or [email protected]
Share the Plate for January: PrideWorks

We share half our non-pledge collection with PrideWorks, a local educational conference held  for LGBTQ youth and their allies. PrideWorks' mission is to inform people about the realities of growing up gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning; to inspire all communities to respect and support LGBTQ people; and to advocate for positive change.
Caring & Sharing Circle

If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Claire Kuczinski (914-949-6619 or [email protected]) or her backup Johanna Bauer (914 636-1047, [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 Jan 25 - 10:00am Journey Group - Kung; 11:30am Science & Spirituality
Sat Jan 27 - 8:00am Rental: Rug Hookers; 10:00am Zen
Sun Jan 28 - 8:45am Choir Rehearsal; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:20am UU Roots: Conversation for Visitors & Newcomers; 11:30am Zero Waste Forum; 11:40am Refugee Resettlement SJT; 4:00pm Community Socials Sunday
Tue Jan 30 - 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP; 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
Thu Feb 1 - 9:30am Rental: League of Women Voters; 7:30pm Journey Group Facilitators
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; 11:40am Racial Justice/ITSOT; 11:45 Teacher Development Lunch; 11:45am 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
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

At the end of an evening meeting, Raven announced, "The Assembly Oak will preside tomorrow night." Woodpecker said, "This I'll have to see." Next night, Raven appeared at his usual place in the circle. Woodpecker said, "You said the Assembly Oak would preside tonight." Raven said, "I'm here,..."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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