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Bring a Flower on Sunday!
Sun May 7 is our annual Flower celebration. Please bring a flower with you to the service!
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From the Minister
The precise midpoint between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice this year is Fri May 5, at 3:26pm EDT. We celebrate this midpoint of spring with our annual Flower Celebration. The historic Gaelic festival of mid-spring is called Beltane.
For the Irish, for centuries, Beltane was time for the cattle to be driven out to the summer pastures. Rituals were performed to protect the cattle, crops and people, and to encourage growth. Special bonfires were made. The people and their cattle walked around the bonfire or between two bonfires to receive the protection of the Beltane flames, smoke, and ash. Household fires were doused and then re-lit from the Beltane bonfire. Doors, windows, byres and the cattle themselves were decorated with May flowers.
The morning dew of Beltane was held to bring beauty and maintain youthfulness. Fairies or nature spirits, according to tradition, are especially active at Beltane - as they are six months later at Samhain. It is a "spring time festival of optimism." The power of the sun is growing. The days are warmer and the light is longer. We know the sun's power will wane again, and cold days and long nights will return, but now is the time of ascendency - of burgeoning, blooming, fertility, of the resurrection of new life.
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
Enjoy Your Hands
Appreciating your hands makes you appreciate living. Being mindful of them - paying attention to what they're feeling and doing - is a simple and available way to drop down into a more sensual, in-the-body connection with the world, including the people you touch. READ MORE... |
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Lifespan Religious Education
Last Sun, Mike Santini from The Prospector Theater, the Variety Show fundraiser recipient, visited CUUC to tell us more about their effort to provide jobs for people with disabilities and create a unique movie-going experience for visitors. Mike shared his rap video with the children and spoke about each "prospect" receiving work connected with their "sparkle." He encouraged each child to follow their passion and turn that into a joyful career. We are fortunate to support the great work of the Prospector Theater with our own sparkling performances and creations at the Variety Show on May 13.
Please see the following four (4) announcements:
1) This Sun May 7
Multigen Flower Celebration Service
For all ages and specifically designed with families in mind.
- Stories, including Frog and Toad
- Music with motions
- Flower ceremony
Each member of your family should bring a flower to share.
2) Pancake Brunch
There will be flowers in the sanctuary and flour in the kitchen.
Join us this Sun after the service for a variety of pancakes.
Hosted by our youth who guarantee the pancakes will be so flippin' good!
$5/adult, $3/child, $15/family
3)
Variety Show - Request for Additional Help
Preparation for the
show is coming along very well, but we have a few remaining items that we could really use help gathering.
If you would be willing to donate a food related item, or your time to a task, please CLICK HERE to sign up.
We greatly appreciate any help you can give.
A very generous member of our congregation has offered to
match a portion of the raffle ticket sales this Sunday, so be sure to purchase your tickets during Pancake Brunch and double the donation!!!
There are many ways to support the Variety Show and help raise money for the Prospector Theater that employs people with disabilities. (www.prospectortheater.org)
If you would still like to perform in the show or contribute in some other way, contact Liz at elizabethsuvanto@hotmail.com.
4) College Scholarship Awards
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
The Bouquet
Cindy Davidson
Our flower celebration for all ages affirms that we are better and more beautiful together. Bring a flower to share!.
More about Sunday's music
HERE
Joy
Rev. Meredith Garmon
While there are differences between happiness (a mood or feeling) and joy (a spiritual virtue), the best way to cultivate joy is to cultivate happiness. How much control of your own happiness do you have?
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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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Adult Religious Education
Our Place in the Web of Life, Sat May 6, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Room 41
Part 2 of the program that calls us to look deeply at the consequences of our actions on people and the environment. Lead by Cindy Davidson and offered by the Environmental Practices Group as part of our
Green Sanctuary
certification process. Contact Janet Bear (jsbear1@gmail.com).
Science & Spirituality Group, Thu May 11, 11:30am, CUUC
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Visioning Forum
Visioning Forum, Sun May 7, 12:15pm, Fellowship Hall
Over the weekend of March 17-19, m
ore than 75 CUUC Members and Friends engaged in an intensive process and helped devise a Vision Statement to outline where are going together and how we the want to look in the future:
"Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains will be a sanctuary without walls that promotes diversity, fellowship, spiritual growth, and inspiration, while committing to people and the planet through social action and service."
The congregation will vote on adopting the Vision Statement at our annual meeting on June 4. In preparation, we are holding a Visioning Process Forum on Sunday May 7 immediately following the Pancake Brunch. The forum is an opportunity to learn more about the steps we have taken to date, and to brainstorm and collect ideas for how we move forward together. Contact: Creighton Cray (Creighton.cray@gmail.com, 914-830-0987).
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The Quarterly
The Quarterly Communitarian Newsletter is now available
Read about what has happened and what we are looking forward to here at CUUC.
CLICK HERE
for the latest edition of the Quarterly.
CLICK HERE
for all our quarterly newsletters, plus the most recent weekly e-newsletters.
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Grow with Us!
Fund the CUUC Programs!
Your contributions of time, talent, and financial resources will continue to power our mission to nurture spirituality, foster compassion, and engage in service in the year ahead. 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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Denomination News
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). Registration rates increase May 1.
uua.org/ga/registration.
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Music at CUUC presents
JAZZ FEST! Sat May 20, 8:00pm, CUUC Sanctuary
Jazz legend Valerie Capers & her trio return to CUUC for an evening of jazz standards all transformed by Ms. Caper's inimitable touch and style. An evening not to be missed! Discounted tickets will be available during Sunday coffee hour, or you can order online
HERE
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Racial Justice Book Discussion
Book Discussion: Tears We Cannot Stop, May 21, 11:40am, Fellowship Hall
Author Michael Eric Dyson
provides suggestions
for what White America can do
"to redeem the nation for our future."
Take a look at the book and join us as we use his suggestions to explore
what we as a community can do to make things better. Hosted by the CUUC Racial Justice Team.
Copies available for purchase after Sunday service. Contact: Amy Nathan (amynbooks@gmail.com).
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Vow Renewal and Celebration Luncheon
Renewal of Wedding Vows by Janet Press and Bob Indra, 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. They signed the book not long after and became the active and vibrant members they continue to be today. This year they will celebrate 25 years of marriage with a renewal of their vows here in the presence of their family--which includes their CUUC faith family. In gratitude for all this congregation has meant to them over the years, Janet and Bob invite everyone to stay after the service and be their guests at a celebration luncheon. Please RSVP to Jane Dixon (lilrhodie@gmail.com).
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Neighboring Community
Sixth Annual River Sweep, Sat May 6, Various locations
Organized by the
Riverkeeper, the day includes 90 cleanups and planting projects from NYC to Albany. More info
HERE.
Fair Trade & Craft Fair, Sat May 6, 10:00am, Ethical Culture Society, 7 Saxon Woods Rd, White Plains
Ethically sourced and handmade items. Proceeds donated to the Interfaith Council for New Americans supporting refugee resettlement. Contact norafreeman777@gmail.com.
Mt. Kisco Immigrant Support March & Rally, Sun May 7, 2:30pm
To show support of immigrants living in and around the Mt. Kisco area. Organized by
Neighbors Link and supported by various churches and synagogues.
For more information, visit
the Facebook event page.
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Westchester Social Forum, Sat May 20, 10am, New Rochelle High School
Join WESPAC, the MLK Institute, WCPR, and other community organizations for a social forum to exchange ideas and information, foster solidarity, and celebrate our work to create a more just and equal society.
Lunch provided. Learn more HERE. Share the Facebook event HERE.
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Outside Events at CUUC
United Nations Association: "The United Nations at Risk - Taking a Stand," Sun May 7, 4:00pm, Sanctuary
The Annual General Meeting of UNA-USA Westchester. The public is invited to attend in support of your local chapter at a time when it's work is threatened. Register HERE.
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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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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Where Is the AED (Automated External Defibrillator)?
Too often the answer is "We don't have one." Sadly, the same research that demonstrated a nearly five-fold increase in survivability when an AED is used, also showed that an AED is available only 2% of the time. CUUC has an AED, located in a marked cabinet by the coat rack near the main entrance. Once turned on, the unit gives voice instructions to guide even untrained individuals. For a brief demonstration, click HERE. For a longer guide, click HERE.
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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 4
9:15am Building Rental
10:30am Building use
7:30pm Journey Group Facilitators
Sat May 6
9:00am Building Rental
10:00am Environmental Practices course - Part 2
10:00am Zen
12:30pm Journey Group Facilitators
Sun May 7
9:00am Racial Justice Team/In the Spirit of Truth
9:00am Hunger & Homelessness
9:30am Nursery Care
10:00am Multigenerational Worship
11:00am Juneteenth Worship meeting
11:30am Pancake Brunch
12:15pm Visioning Forum
2:00pm Building Rental
Mon May 8
6:30pm T'ai-ch'i
7:30pm Internship Comm
Tue May 9
10:00am LREDA Cluster Meeting
10:30am Building Rental
3:00pm Building rental
7:00pm Building Rental
7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
Wed May 10
10:00am Building Rental
7:30pm Board of Trustees
Thu May 11
10:00am MLK Institute Award Dinner
11:30am Science & Spirituality Group
7:30pm Journey Group - P. Montrose
7:30pm Journey Group - T. Litcofsky
Fri May 12
11:00am Journey Group - C. Davidson
4:30pm Variety Show Rehearsal
6:15pm Building Rental
Sat May 13
10:00am Zen
12:00pm Journey Group - S. Cleary
5:00pm Variety Show
Sun May 14
8:45am Choir rehearsal
9:30am Nursery Care
10:00am RE Classes
10:00am Worship
11:15am Coffee Hour
11:40am Journey Group - Rev. Garmon
11:40am Journey Group - C. Heller
11:40am Journey Group - S. Bear
11:40am Journey Group - T. Arrien
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UU Summer Programs
WhaleCoast Alaska 2017
Have you ever dreamed of visiting Alaska? Four Alaska UU fellowships invite you to experience our eco-cultural and spiritual program this summer. See the sights through the eyes of local UUs in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Seward, and Sitka with friendly homestays and unique tour activities. Learn more at www.WhaleCoastAK.org or email dfrey@whalecoastak.org, or call 907-322-4966. We would love to share our Alaskawith you!
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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
Faith. Practice is faith.
One morning after a round of zazen, Raven asked Brown Bear, "Does faith have a role in practice?"
Brown Bear said, "Great faith."
Raven asked, "How should I direct it?"
Brown Bear said, "One, two, three." (adapted from Robert Aitken,
Zen Master Raven)
For more about Saturday morning Zen practice, CLICK HERE.
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The
E-Communitarian
newsletter is e-mailed each Thursday.
Please send submissions to admin@cucwp.org by noon on Tuesday.
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