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Sun May 21 2017 Spring #9
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From the Minister
"Joy" is our theme for May. It raises the question: do we really want it? Do we (secretly?) believe there's nothing we can do about joy -- it either descends upon us or it doesn't? Do we think we don't deserve to have any more joy than we have?
The "Practices of the Week" (see the index of them HERE) offer concrete ways that we can, in fact, have more joy. Several of the practices have been drawn and adapted from Joanthan Robinson's book, Find Happiness Now: 50 Shortcuts for Bringing More Love, Balance, and Joy into Your Life. Several others (including this week's) are drawn and adapted from Norman Fischer's book, Training in Compassion. I mention these two titles by way of pointing out that finding joy and training in compassion turn out to be the same. This joy thing and the compassion thing go together. Joy makes us more compassionate, and compassion brings us more joy.
If you're not interested in being a more compassionate person, then you might want to stay away from the practices that cultivate joy. If you'd really rather focus on guarding your resources and making sure other people aren't taking advantage of you - if you're more interested in assessing other people's worthiness for whatever you might offer than you are in just offering it freely and profligately - then maybe joy itself isn't your thing. And so I ask, dear friends: is it?
Yours in the faith we share,
Meredith |
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This Week on
The Liberal Pulpit
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Practice of the Week
Put It in Context
"Put it in context" entails a deeper sense of what we are. This practice involves going beyond conventional or relative understanding. The isolated self of our concepts does not and could not exist. From an absolute perspective, there is no self and other. There's only Being, and there's only Love, which is Being sharing itself with itself without impediment and with warmth. READ MORE... |
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Lifespan Religious Education
We all live in a culture where, in order to live out our UU Principles, we must address racial bias. This means developing an understanding of how insidious the issue is and keeping a constant awareness so we may be activists for equality. In response to the UUA hiring bias controversy, all congregations have been asked to hold a White Supremacy Teach-in, which we will be doing this Sunday. By talking to our children and youth about cultural bias, white privilege, and white supremacy, we enable them to develop a lens to see how a fairer future might come to fruition. The racial justice movement has made progress and, yet, we are still dealing with the same issues that we were during the Civil Rights Movement, only in a different form. As the Third Reconstruction unfolds, we can educate our children and ourselves to be a positive force for lasting change. Our shared values call us to learn more and take action.
Please see the following three (3) announcements:
White Supremacy Teach-in for all ages.
Learn about Marley Dias, a young person, who took action to create a more diverse representation of races, ethnicities, and cultures in picture books.
We are asking each child/youth to bring in a picture book from home for an activity related to Marley and diversity in picture books.
K-7th and Youth Group start in Fellowship Hall for the Teach-in introduction.
8th-9th OWL starts in classroom.
Classes
Pre-K - We're All the Same; We're All Different
K-1 - Teach-in Picture Books
2nd-3rd - Teach-in and Free to Believe: How Do We Live Our Principles?
4th-5th - Teach-in and Toolbox of Faith Puppet Show Creation, Part II
6th-7th - Teach-in and Kiva Microfinance
8th-9th - Our Whole Lives: Sexual Decision Making and Communication
10th-12th - Youth Group: White Supremacy Teach-in
2) All You Need to Bring Is Your Presence
Each CUUCer has an opportunity to connect with our children, youth, and adults in Religious Education.
There are many ways to be a part of it...
- Teach once a month on a six-person team
- Help in an interest area
- Adult RE, welcoming newcomers, social events, social justice, spiritual practices, music, or your special interest.
Contact Perry at dlre@cucwp.org or 914-946-1660 x4 to find your place or visit the RE table at Coffee Hour this Sun.
3)
College Scholarship Awards for Graduating Seniors
Each year CUUC offers two scholarships in the amount of $250 for our
graduating seniors. One scholarship is given in honor of Sylvia Schnall-Pierorazio and the other Rev. Betty Baker, both former CUUC Directors of Religious Education.
Please send a short essay on your contributions and leadership at CUUC, with a brief explanation of how the scholarship will be used and the names of two CUUC references to dlre@cucwp.org by May 30.
Sincerely,
Perry
Director of Lifespan Religious Education
and Faith Development
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Upcoming Worship Services
White Supremacy
Rev. Meredith Garmon
African American scholar Cornel West addressed the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in 2015. He said: "I've got a lot of vanilla brothers and sisters that walk with me and say, Brother West, Brother West. you know, I'm not a racist any longer. Grandma's got work to do, but I've transcended that. And I say to them, 'I'm a Jesus-loving, free, black man, and I've tried to be so for 55 years, and I'm 62 now, and when I look in the depths of my soul I see white supremacy because I grew up in America. And if there's white supremacy in me, my hunch is you've got some work to do too.'" Shall we take up that work?
More about Sunday's music
HERE
The Fire of Commitment
Rev. Meredith Garmon
As our hymn says: "When the fire of commitment sets our mind and soul ablaze; when our hunger and our passion meet to call us on our way; when we live with deep assurance of the faith that burns within; then our promise finds fulfillment and our future can begin." What commitments are defining your life? We'll also be honoring the commitment of Bob Indra and Janet Press, who will be renewing their vows.
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Music at CUUC presents
JAZZ FEST! This Saturday, May 20, 8:00pm, CUUC Sanctuary
Jazz legend Valerie Capers' trio returns to CUUC for an evening of jazz standards transformed by Caper's inimitable touch and style. An evening not to be missed! Tickets available at the door or online at cucwp.org/concert-series.
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CUUC Budget Forum
Budget Forum, This Sun May 21, 9:00am, Fellowship Hall
We will walk through the proposed CUUC budget for 2017-2018, which will be voted on by Members at our annual meeting June 4. Printouts of the budget are available in the entryway or you may view it online HERE. Contact: Chris Kortlandt (kortlandtbunch@gmail.com).
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GA Orientation Meeting, This Sun May 21, 9:00am, R43
An overview of this summer's UUA General Assembly in New Orleans, including the candidates
for UUA president
and the voting process. For delegates, participants, and folks interested in the GA experience. Contact: Mary Cavallero (
marycava4@gmail.com
)
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UU Roots Conversations: for Visitors & Newcomers, Sun May 21, 11:15am, R13
An introduction to being well grounded in our Unitarian Universalist faith. This discussion is for visitors, newcomers thinking about their path to membership, and members who want to learn more about our faith. Contact: Jane Dixon (lilrhodie@gmail.com).
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Racial Justice Book Discussion
Book Discussion: Tears We Cannot Stop, This Sunday, May 21, 11:40am, Fellowship Hall
The author
provides suggestions
for what White America can do
"to redeem the nation for our future."
These will be the focus of our discussion, so please consider joining us even if you haven't read the book.
Hosted by the CUUC Racial Justice Team.
Contact: Amy Nathan (amynbooks@gmail.com).
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We will celebrate the life of Lore Silton at the Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 468 Rosedale Avenue, White Plains, NY, on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 3:00 pm. A reception will be held immediately following the service.
~ Peter Silton, Andrew Silton, Nicole Klemens, and family
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Nurture Nature Community
Birding to Nurture Life, Sun May 28, 8:00 - 9:45am,
Tarrytown Lakes Park
Our monthly gathering facilitated by Rev. LoraKim Joyner. We will walk through the park, take time out to talk to one another and reflect on the beauty of birds, as well as see as many as we can!
Bring binoculars if you have them and walking clothes and shoes. RSVP so we can send your Nurture Nature Community Connection packet in advance. Rev. LoraKim (amoloros@gmail.com) or HERE.
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Vow Renewal and Celebration Luncheon
Janet Press & Bob Indra Vow Renewal, Sun May 28
during Worship, followed by a Celebration Luncheon in Fellowship Hall
On Christmas Eve 2003, Janet and Bob first attended a service at CUUC and knew they had found their spiritual home. This year they celebrate 25 years of marriage with a renewal of their vows in the presence of their family, which includes their CUUC faith family. Janet and Bob invite you all to be their guests at a celebration luncheon afterward! Please RSVP to Jane Dixon (lilrhodie@gmail.com).
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Sun Jun 4, following Worship
The Board of Trustees calls the Annual Meeting of the Congregation for the purpose of:
- receiving annual reports;
- voting on the Board of Trustees slate presented by the Nominating Committee;
- election of members to the Nominating Committee;
- voting on CUUC's operating budget for July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018; and
- voting on the Visioning Statement developed by the congregation: "Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains will be a welcoming "sanctuary without walls" that promotes diversity, fellowship, spiritual growth, and inspiration, while committing to people and the planet through social action and service."
Voting on the Annual Budget for Longtime Friends
The Board shall allow nonmembers sixteen years of age or older who have been more than occasional attendants at the worship services and who have made annual recorded contributions to the financial support of the Congregation during each of the preceding 10 years, who so request it in writing, to be permitted to vote on approval of annual Congregation operating and capital budgets. If you would like to make a request, please contact the secretary, Amy Swiss (amyswiss@aol.com).
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Grow with Us!
Fund the CUUC Programs!
Help fund our aspirations so all aspects of our congregational life and commitment to the wider world remain healthy and viable. Visit the Pledge Table after Sunday service, or
CLICK HERE
to
pledge online, or return
the pledge form you received in the mail. For more information, contact Campaign Chair Creighton Cray (creighton.cray@gmail.com).
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Neighboring Congregations
Benefit Concert for Refugee Families, Fri May 19, 7:30pm, UUCSR (Shelter Rock), Manhasset
Featuring renowned Syrian singer Gaida. $20 Adults, $10 Under 18, $25 at door. Tickets online:
uucsr.org/GAIDA. Learn more
HERE.
Indigenous Issues Support, Sat May 20, 1:00-4:00pm, 4th Unitarian Society, Mohegan Lake, NY Facilitated by Rev. Karen Brammer and long-time organizers. Education on local indigenous issues and strategies for Westchester folks to support Indigenous organizing, especially but not exclusively around water. Learn more in Evan Pritchard's book
Native New Yorker. Contact: Rev. Brammer (karen.molake@gmail.com).
Breakfast Run, Sun May 28, FUSW, Hastings-on-Hudson
Our next Midnight Run will be a Sunday morning Breakfast Run, a great time to involve kids and youth! Contact: Annie Patton (914-588-4782), Art Lowenstein (arthur.lowenstein@gmail.com, 914-844-4189, or 845-424-3638).
NYC Pride Parade March with UUCHV, Sun Jun 25, NYC
March with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Hudson Valley (UUCHV), Croton. UUCHV is registered as an official contingent and we welcome you to join us. Click HERE
to read FAQs. Email Marjie Kemper (marjiekemper@gmail.com) with the subject "PRIDE PARADE" to sign up.
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In the Community
Westchester Social Forum, Sat May 20, 10am, New Rochelle High School
Join WESPAC, the MLK Institute, WCPR, and other organizations for a forum to exchange ideas, foster solidarity, and celebrate our work to create a more just society. Over 20 workshops offered, with two sessions (2:15 and 3:30pm) so participants have two opportunities to attend.
Register HERE.
Sat May 20, Youth Empowerment Symposium
, 10:00am, St. James the Less Church, Scarsdale & Sowing Seeds of Justice Dinner
, 6:00pm, St. Bartholomew's Church, White Plains Presented by Rural & Migrant Ministry. Learn more at
ruralmigrantministry.org
or 845-485-8627.
Make Peekskill a Hate Free Zone: A Forum for the Whole Community, Sun May 21, 3:00-6:00pm, St Peter's Episcopal Church, Peekskill NY
Contact: Julia at 914.514.7632 or Julia@CVHaction.org, Cori at LoHud.dsa@gmail.com, Luis at 203-667-3799 or lyumbla@hvccoalition.org.
LOFT Pride 2017, Sat Jun 3, 12:00-5:00pm, 252 Bryant Ave, White Plains
A day-long celebration of LGBT Pride filled with free entertainment, a variety of local vendors, craft tents, pet parade, games, food, and so much more! Join in the fun! Loftgaycenter.org.
White Plains Juneteenth Heritage Parade & Festival: Voices of Our Past, Vision of Our Future, Sat Jun 10, 11:00am (parade), 12:00pm (festival), White Plains Library Plaza.
Info: wpjuneteenth.com. Contact: festival@wpjuneteenth.com, 914-948-6211.
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Outside Events at CUUC
Film Screening: The Borscht Belt, Sat May 20, 2:30pm, Fellowship Hall
Historian Marty Schneit hosts his documentary on the old Catskill's Borscht Belt where so many of the famous comedians got their start. Presented by the Westchester Community for Humanistic Judaism. $10 for non members. Havdalah service follows. wchj.org.
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Denomination News
Wake Now Our Vision, Sun May 21, 12:00-2:30pm, UU Congregation of Princeton, NJ
Join us to learn how planned giving can transform your congregation and Unitarian Universalism. Free. Learn more HERE. RSVP Rev. Laura Randal, 617-948-6511, lrandall@uua.org.
GA 2017 Orientation Webinar, Tue Jun 13, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Our Central East Region's GA Orientation Webinar includes everything you need to know about attending the General Assembly, including themes, topics, delegate information, and tips for having the best possible experience. Register HERE.
Watch the CER UUA Presidential Candidate Forum
Find a video of the April 1 forum and information about the UUA Presidential Election process HERE. Or watch on YouTube HERE.
General Assembly 2017, June 21-25, New Orleans, LA
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Register HERE. |
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Interfaith Council of New Americans
In May, we share half of the Sunday non-pledge
collection with the Interfaith Council of New Americans (ICNA). ICNA is a volunteer group of five faith organizations in lower Westchester County (including CUUC) that works together to prepare for, welcome, and assist with the settling in of refugee families under the sponsorship of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), one of the nine agencies approved by the U.S. State Department to process refugees into the United States.
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Caring & Sharing Circle
If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Carole Mehta (914 234-6294 or Carole.Mehta@gmail.com) or her backup Ingrid Hartmann (914-946-2026 or ih63053@gmail.com)
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This Week at CUUC
The full calendar can be found here. Room numbers subject to change; please check the board on Sunday morning.
Thu May 18
6:00pm
Caring & Sharing Circle
7:30pm
Journey Group - B. Kurth
Fri May 19
6:30pm
Journey Group - Families
Sat May 20
2:30pm
WCHJ Public Event: Borscht Belt History
8:00pm
Music at CUUC Concert: Jazz Fest!
Sun May 21
8:00am
RE Council meeting
9:00am GA Orientation meeting
11:15am
UU Roots: Conversation for Visitors & Newcomers
11:40am
Journey Group - C. Heller
11:40am
Racial Justice Book Discussion
5:00pm
Journey Group - C. Hunt
Tue May 23
7:30pm
Journey Group - J. Majsak
Thu May 25
9:00am
Building & Parking Lot Rental
10:00am
Journey Group - L. Taylor
11:30am
Science & Spirituality Group
Fri May 26
9:00am
Building & Parking Lot Rental
Sun May 28
11:30am
Celebration
Lunch hosted by Janet Press & Bob Indra
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Contacts
Minister: Rev. Meredith Garmon, minister@cucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x3
Director of Lifespan Religious Ed. & Faith Development: Perry Montrose, dlre@cucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x4
Community Minister: Rev. Deb Morra, community-minister@cucwp.org, 914-830-1509
Community Minister: Rev. LoraKim Joyner, amoloros@gmail.com, 914-948-1696
Ministerial Intern: Cindy Davidson, intern@cucwp.org, 781-710-1640
Youth Program Coordinator: Chandeerah Davis, ypc@cucwp.org
Music Director: Adam Kent, music@cucwp.org, 212-595-7280
Choir Director: Lisa Meyer, choir@cucwp.org
Congregational & Communications Administrator: Pamela Parker, admin@cucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x2
Bookkeeper: Diane Pearson, cuucwpbookkeeper@gmail.com, 914-946-1660 x5
Board of Trustees
Board Chair: Tom Wacht, tjwachtesq@aol.com, 914-949-5741
Vice Chair: Ann Marie Damashek, scottam@verizon.net, 917-623-0624
Treasurer: Chris Kortlandt, kortlandtbunch@verizon.net, 914-834-7112
Secretary: Amy Swiss, amyswiss@aol.com, 914-273-3445
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Your Moment of Zen
Turning Points. Love and hate, killing and giving life, hunting and being hunted, growling and shooting, all empty, all one. Nothing is everywhere and everything is nowhere. Please explain this without using words of any language.
Raven sat with Brown Bear at zazen early one morning, and afterward she asked, "Why don't we study turning points that are relevant for the forest today?"
Brown Bear said, "Ask me a relevant question."
Raven asked, "Does the bear hunter have Buddha-nature?"
Brown Bear growled, "
Mu."
"There you go," Raven said. "
Mu is an old Asian word."
Brown Bear said, "That's the difficulty." (adapted from Robert Aitken,
Zen Master Raven)
For more about Saturday morning Zen practice, CLICK HERE. |
The
E-Communitarian
newsletter is e-mailed each Thursday.
Please send submissions to admin@cucwp.org by noon on Tuesday.
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