 |
|
Sun May 14 2017 Spring #8
|
From the Minister
"Sanctuary without walls." Our proposed vision statement, which our congregation has a chance to vote to adopt on Sun Jun 4, says, CUUC "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."
I was able to observe the beginning and ending phases of the process that produced the proposed vision. It was the product of some 75 CUUCers arriving at language to express our collective aspiration -- and 20 or so gathered last Sunday for further deliberation. I am inspired both by their process and by their result. In the phrase, "sanctuary without walls," I see two meanings of "sanctuary" and two meanings of "without walls."
Without walls. On the one hand, the vision says we won't wall ourselves in. We will be a people bringing justice and peace -- and the good news of Unitarian Universalism -- to the wider world, not merely making ourselves feel good while gathered in our building. On the other hand, the vision says we won't wall others out. It's a commitment to radical hospitality, to doing the work of examining ourselves to discern the sometimes-subtle ways that our habits and assumptions can be unwelcoming to others, and ultimately to realizing greater diversity among our members.
Sanctuary, in one sense, refers to the room in which we have Sunday morning worship. I read the vision as calling for a worship experience that breaks down the barriers around our hearts, that opens us up, and that helps us be people who welcome the full range of what life includes -- even the hard parts.
Sanctuary also refers to a safe place. In this sense, we are saying that everything about CUUC -- its worship and programs, every square inch of its building and grounds, and, indeed, everywhere that CUUC members gather to carry out our congregation's mission and vision -- will be a place of safety, a place of recognizing each other's kinship and accepting each other's differences, a place of deep respect for the sacred humanity each of us bears, a place of thoroughgoing ahimsa, without violence of any kind, without aggressions, including micro-aggressions. The walls that divide people at any level will not exist. That's the vision, as I see it.
We have seen in the last couple years the rise in some quarters of our society of a mania for building walls. Yet in our hearts we find, as Robert Frost put it, "Something there is that doesn't love a wall." We stand, then, in resistance to the self-defeating impulse for walls. We stand, instead, on the side of love. And, yes, that love, while not extending to walls themselves, does embrace even those who have, in their fear and frustration, voted in favor of wall-building.
Yours in the faith we share, Meredith |
|
This Week on
The Liberal Pulpit
|
Practice of the Week
Art
"Creativity is about the process, not the outcome, especially when it is being used as a spiritual discipline. Creativity is about the experience, the identifying and releasing of feelings and core responses to the world around us. I have found artwork to be a very powerful spiritual discipline, one that has allowed me to reconnect with parts of myself that I had long negated and devalued. Having integrated artwork back into my life, I feel a sense of wholeness that I had lost." (Julie-Ann Silberman) READ MORE... |
|
Lifespan Religious Education
We bring our unique talents and beauty to CUUC each weekend. Then we are transformed by our presence to each other and leave this place just as beautiful, but somehow different. This was symbolized in our Flower Celebration last Sunday, when we each brought a flower and then received a different one from a fellow CUUCer. We meet on this hill in a continual blossoming. Come to be nurtured so you may grow.
Please see the following three (3) announcements:
K-7th start in Fellowship Hall to get ready for the Courtyard Cleanup. Each class will work on beautifying an inner courtyard for the first half hour of RE.
8th-12th start in classrooms.
Classes
Pre-K - Chalice Children
K-1 - A Discovery Year:
Discovering Our Church
2nd-3rd - Free to Believe: How Did Life Begin?
4th-5th - Toolbox of Faith Puppet Show Creation
6th-7th - Kiva Microfinance Social Justice Project
8th-9th - Our Whole Lives: Sexual Decision Making
10th-12th - Youth Group: OWL - Healthy Relationships and Power Dynamics
2)
Variety Show This Sat at 5 p.m.
Performances you will not want to miss!
- Comedy
- Juggling
- Singing
- Dancing
- Magic
- Poetry
- Drums, guitar, piano, and cello
Plus a bake sale and an art sale!
But there's more...a raffle and a silent auction!
$5 is all it takes to get in the door for all this wonder and excitement.
And this is all for a good cause!
Help us support The Prospector Theater (
www.prospectortheater.org).
For questions, please contact Liz at elizabethsuvanto@hotmail.com.
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
|
|
|
Upcoming Worship Services
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?
More about Sunday's music
HERE
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?
|
|
Today, Thu May 11, 11:30am, Fireside Area
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!
Contact: Norm Handelman (yakman42@gmail.com).
|
|
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
.
Valerie Capers and bassist John Robinson will be our special musical guests during this Sunday's Worship. Join us and start your Mother's Day celebration with a touch of jazz!
|
|
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).
|
|
Racial Justice Book Discussion
Book Discussion: Tears We Cannot Stop, 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, please consider joining us even if you haven't read the book.
Hosted by the CUUC Racial Justice Team.
Copies available for purchase after Sunday service. Contact: Amy Nathan (amynbooks@gmail.com).
|
|
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.
|
|
Vow Renewal and Celebration Luncheon
Janet Press and 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. In gratitude for all this congregation has meant to them over the years, Janet and Bob invite you all to be their guests at a celebration luncheon afterward! Please RSVP to Jane Dixon (lilrhodie@gmail.com).
|
|
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 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).
|
|
Neighboring Community
Concert: Soprano Misty Ann Sturm with acoustic duo Endless Field, Sat May 13, 7:00pm, UUCHV, Croton
Jazz standards, pop favorites, and instrumental originals. $20 suggested donation. See flier
HERE. uuchudsonvalley.org.
Concert to Benefit Midnight Run, Sun May 14, 3:00pm, South Presbyterian Church, Dobbs Ferry
The internationally acclaimed Cassatt String Quartet performs Beethoven & Mendelssohn.
Learn more HERE.
Suggested Donation at the door, $20-25 or $10-15 Seniors/Students.
Presentation: What Syrian Refugee Women And Children Are Facing, Tue May 16, 7:00pm, Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, Croton
Multi-faith coalition with featured speakers from Syria and Women Now. 914.271.4705.
Benefit Concert for Refugee Families, Fri May 19, 7:30pm, UUCSR, Manhasset
Featuring renowned Syrian singer Gaida. $20 Adults, $10 Under 18, $25 at door. Tickets online:
uucsr.org/GAIDA. Learn more
HERE.
|
|
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.
Breakfast Run, Sun May 28, FUSW Hastings
Our next Midnight Run will be a Sunday morning Breakfast Run. Volunteers needed to donate food and clothing, pack and sort, prepare food, and deliver to the homeless in New York City. Breakfast Runs are 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).
|
|
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.
|
|
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. Lean more HERE. RSVP
Rev. Laura Randall
617-948-6511, lrandall@uua.org.
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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)
.
|
|
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 11
11:30am Science & Spirituality Group
5:30pm MLK Institute Award Dinner
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 - S. Bear
11:40am Journey Group - T. Arrien
Mon May 15
6:30pm T'ai-ch'i
7:30pm Journey Group - A. Rocchi
8:00pm Finance Committee
Tue May 16
10:30am Building Rental
7:00pm Building Rental
7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
Wed May 17
7:30pm Worship Committee
Thu May 18
7:30pm Journey Group - B. Kurth
Fri May 19
6:30pm Journey Group - Families
Sat May 20
10:00am Zen
2:30pm WCHJ Public Event: Borscht Belt History
8:00pm Music at CUUC Concert: Jazz Fest!
Sun May 21
8:00am RE Council meeting
8:45am Choir rehearsal
9:00am Budget Forum
9:30am Nursery Care
10:00am RE Classes
10:00am Worship
11:15am Coffee Hour
11:15am UU Roots: Conversation for Visitors & Newcomers
11:40am Journey Group - C. Heller
11:40am Racial Justice Book Discussion
1:00pm Building Rental
5:00pm Journey Group - C. Hunt
|
|
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!
|
|
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
|
|
Your Moment of Zen
The Unborn. Denise Levertov: "You are given the questions of others /as if they were answers /to all you ask. Yes, perhaps /this gift is your answer." The questions are the answer.
Relaxing with Brown Bear under the night sky, Raven asked, "What is the unborn?"
Brown Bear said, "Awesome."
Raven asked, "Is it the same thing as the void?"
Brown Bear asked, "Where does all this come from?" (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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
