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Sun Apr 30 2017 Spring #6
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From the Minister
The Unitarians and Universalists consolidated into the "Unitarian Universalist Association" in May 1961, and in June that year the new association held its first General Assembly. The delegates at GA 1961 expressed their social justice orientation through no fewer than 11 "General Resolutions" on justice matters. GA 1962 saw passage of nine more General Resolutions. For 35 years, the GA delegates passed multiple General Resolutions every year, though the number was down to two or three a year by the 90s. In the late 1990s, General Resolutions were renamed Statements of Conscience and limited to only one per year. The Statements of Conscience were intended to be longer -- more detailed, grounded, and thorough -- than the General Resolutions had been. The first Statement of Conscience was adopted in 1999, and a new one adopted every year until 2007. Since then, Statements of Conscience have been limited to one every two years.
Every two years the delegates select one issue to be a "Congregational Study/Action Issue" (CSAI) for the next four years -- thus we are always in the first two years of one issue and in the last two years of a second. Each CSAI leads to a draft Statement of Conscience for the delegates to consider at the end of year three. (The fourth year is then the "implementation year.") In 2014, the delegates selected "Escalating Inequality" as the CSAI for 2014-2018. There will be a draft Statement of Conscience on this issue up for amendment and consideration this summer at GA 2017. The current draft is HERE. In 2016, the delegates selected "The Corruption of Our Democracy" to be the CSAI for 2016-2020. The complete text of this CSAI -- not yet a draft of a Statement of Conscience -- is HERE, and a 24-page study guide is HERE.
UUA Statements of Conscience since 2007:
2015 - Reproductive Justice
2013 - Immigration as a Moral Issue
2011 - Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice
2010 - Creating Peace (in 2009, the delegates deferred it for a year of further study and re-writing)
2007 - Moral Values for a Pluralistic Society
Please take some time to "click-through" some these links and learn more about our social justice process and stands.
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
Discernment
Discerning is different from deciding. Deciding can be a very rational process (carefully assessing pros and cons), or not rational (whimsical, impulsive). Either way, deciding doesn't put "who am I?" and "what is my highest purpose?" at the center of the process. Discernment draws upon intuition, but in a very careful and intentional way.
READ MORE...
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Lifespan Religious Education
It was wonderful to see all the children engaged in the Earth Day stations outside that were led by the Environmental Practice Social Justice Team last Sun. The children learned a great deal about the watershed on our property and had fun exploring the grounds in the process. A big "thank you" goes out to Bice Wison and all of the people in the group who participated.
Please see the following four (4) announcements:
1) This Sun Apr 30
K-7th grade start in Fellowship Hall.
8th-12th grade start in classrooms.
Children's Worship includes the Helping Hands Project.
Each decorative, paper hand we make will benefit programs empowering youth in Nicaragua and Indonesia to rise into a life they dream for themselves.
Classes
Pre-K - Chalice Children
K-1 - A Discovery Year: Caring for the Earth
2nd-3rd - Free to Believe: We Care for Our Planet Earth
4th-5th - Toolbox of Faith
6th-7th - Riddle and Mystery: UU Me
8th-9th - Our Whole Lives: Pornography
10th-12th - Youth Group: Safe Congregations Conversation
2)
Variety Show Fundraiser - Your Participation Needed
There are many ways to support the Variety Show and help raise money for the Prospector Theater (www.prospectortheater.org) that employs people with
disabilities.
The show is on Sat May 13, 5-7 p.m.
Choose one or more of the following:
- Get donations for the raffle, whether gift certificates or physical merchandise. For a letter to hand out to merchants, CLICK HERE.
-
Buy raffle tickets in advance! $5 each. Come to the table at Coffee Hour.
-
Perform in the show. All acts welcome from children, youth, or adults. Contact Liz at elizabethsuvanto@hotmail.com.
-
Donate a piece of art. Contact Rhonda at
rhondagmiller@gmail.com.
-
Bake a goodie. Contact
Irene at irene.cox@gmail.com.
This is our biggest fundraiser of the year. We are grateful for your participation.
3) Pancake Brunch - May 7
There will be flowers in the sanctuary and flour in the kitchen.
Join us after the Flower Celebration Service for a variety of pancakes.
Hosted by Youth Group
$5/adult, $3/child, $15/family
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
Corruption of Democracy
Rev. Meredith Garmon
The Delegates at our UU General Assembly in 2016 selected "The Corruption of Our Democracy" as the Congregational Study/Action Issue for 2016-2020. See HERE.
More about Sunday's music
The Bouquet
Cindy Davidson
Our flower celebration for all ages affirms that we are better and more beautiful together. Bring a flower to share!
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Science & Spirituality
Today, Thu Apr 27, 11:30am, off-site Contact Barbara Mair (barbara.mair@verizon.net) for details. We are reading Jared Diamond's The World Until Yesterday: What Can We Learn from Traditional Societies? To learn more CLICK HERE. Pick up a copy and join us!
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Adult Religious Education
Our Place in the Web of Life, Today, Thu Apr 27, 7:30-9:30pm & Sat May 6, 10:00am-12:00pm, Fellowship Hall
This program 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).
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Day in Place
Sat Apr 29, all day, CUUC Building & Grounds
On four Saturdays a year, we come together to honor earth- and nature-based faiths, celebrate the traditions of the seasons, and celebrate the heritage of CUUC's building and land. This is our opportunity to gather in fellowship--child, youth, and adult--to appreciate, improve, and maintain this our physical and spiritual home. Contact: Bice Wilson (bicewilson@gmail.com), Pam Cucinell (pamelajcny@gmail.com).
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Guided Walk
Guided Walk of our CUUC Land, Sat Apr 29, 11:00am, during Day In Place
This walk, lead by Bice Wilson, will introduce you to the special places on our property. Did you know we have a spring? Have you visited the stream or spent time at our Spirit Grove? Meet Bice (after service at the back of the sanctuary for the Sunday walk or at the Spirit Fire for the Saturday walk) and explore our property. Please wear appropriate shoes and long pants/socks.
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Social Justice Teams
Trans* 101 Educational Forum: Encore Presentation, Sat Apr 29, 1:30pm, Fellowship Hall
A video broadcast of the forum presented in February. During Day in Place. Part of our renewal as a UUA Welcoming Congregation. Contact: Tony Arrien (arrien@optonline.net).
Gender & Orientation Panel Discussion, Sun April 30, 11:40am, Fellowship Hall
A moderated panel discussion with LGBTQ individuals from our congregation sharing personal stories about gender and orientation. Q&A session follows. Part of our Welcoming Congregation re-certification process.
Contact: Tony Arrien (arrien@optonline.net).
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UU Roots
UU Roots Conversations, Sun April 30, 11:15am, CUUC
An introduction to help us be well grounded in our Unitarian Universalist faith. This discussion is for CUUC visitors and newcomers thinking about their path to membership, as well as members who want to learn more about our history. Contact: Jane Dixon (lilrhodie@gmail.com).
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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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Social Justice Opportunities
White Plains Climate Rally, April 29, 11:00 am,
Main Street & Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains Contact: Ceil Lavan ceilie@aol.com, 914-654-8990
Sat May 6, Sixth Annual River Sweep
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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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Artists Supporting Social Action
Performers for Protection, Sun Apr 30, 4:00p $15/$20 BeanRunner Cafe, Peekskill
live music & spoken word fundraiser for immigration justice. To learn more CLICK 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.
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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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Denomination News
Climate March Events for UUs Going to the Climate March in DC on Sat Apr 29? Commit2Respond is hosting additional UU-specific activities at All Souls Church in DC. To learn more CLICK 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.
Revolutionary Love: Disruptive Ethics to Dismantle Racism,
Fri Apr 28 - Sun Apr 30, Middle Collegiate Church, NYC
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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Our Unitarian Universalist Association and White Supremacy
Controversy over a recent UUA hiring decision in March produced significant and important criticism of white supremacy at UUA. It's an issue for all UUs to think about seriously. Read the
UU World
article
HERE
. Then see the Open Letter from Gini Von Courter
HERE
.
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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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Neighboring Community
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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Plate Share for April
Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic
In April, we share half the non-pledge Sunday collection with
Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic (PPHP)
.
For 84 years, PPHP has provided exceptional health services, accurate information and education, and fearless advocacy for reproductive rights and justice.
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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 Liz Laite (em.laite@verizon.net or 914-366-4211
) or her backup Carole Mehta (914 234-6294 or Carole.Mehta@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 Apr 27
10:00am Journey Group - L. Taylor
11:30am Science & Spirituality Group
7:00pm Environmental Practices Class - Part 1
Fri Apr 28
6:30pm OWL Class
Sat Apr 29
All day DAY IN PLACE
10:00am Zen
1:30pm "Transgender 101"
- Encore
Presentation
4:00pm Newcomers Reception
Sun Apr 30
8:45am Choir rehearsal
9:30am Nursery Care
10:00am RE Classes
10:00am Worship
11:15am Coffee Hour
11:15am UU Roots: Conversation for Visitors & Newcomers
11:45am LGBTQIA Education Panel
3:00pm Roy Zimmerman Concert
Mon May 1
6:30pm T'ai-ch'i
7:00pm Building Rental
7:30pm Internship Comm
8:00pm Building Rental
Tue May 2
10:30am Building Rental
7:00pm Building Rental
7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
Wed May 3
7:30pm Program Council
Thu May 4
9:15am Building Rental
7:30pm Journey Group Facilitators
Sat May 6
9:00am Building Rental
10:00am Environmental Practices Class - Part 2
10:00am Zen
12:30pm Journey Group Facilitators
Sun May 7
9:00am Hunger & Homelessness
9:30am Nursery Care
10:00am Multigenerational Worship
11:00am Juneteenth Worship meeting
11:30am Racial Justice Team/In the Spirit of Truth
11:30am Environmental Practices Group
11:30am Pancake Brunch
12:15pm Visioning Forum
2:00pm Building Rental
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CUUC on Facebook
The
CUUC Facebook Forum
is the private social space where we share reflections, photos, discussions, and calls to action. Go to facebook.com/groups/cucforum and request to join. And Like our public Facebook page, facebook.com/cucwp, to get news and event postings.
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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
Metaphor. Anything that means, means via metaphor -- connection with a previously-formed association. What about bird song?
As they got better acquainted, Raven would ride on Brown Bear's back as Brown Bear foraged for food. When they were setting out one day, Raven asked, "Do you teach exclusively with metaphor?"
Brown Bear said, "The robin sings in the oak tree; the finch sings in the madrone."
Raven asked, "What do they stand for?"
Brown Bear turned her head to look at Raven and asked, "The lark sings in the deep blue sky -- what more can you ask?
Raven asked, "What is this singing?"
Brown Bear turned back to the path and grunted, "We'll have auditions again tonight." (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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