Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains, NY
Nurture Spirituality · Foster Compassion · Engage in Service
This Week on The Liberal Pulpit
Practice of the Week
Fasting
We are all hungry people. It is often difficult to be in touch with our spiritual hunger if we are satiated with food. Try to meditate on a full stomach! Often we stuff ourselves with food in a vain attempt to feed another kind of hunger that cannot be satisfied with food. Often we fill our hungers with food, with drink, with busyness, with distractions like television. Fasting is a time-honored spiritual discipline that awakens us to the deeper hungers within. READ MORE...
Lifespan Religious Education

I am filled with gratitude for this year in Religious Education. Gratitude for the teachers who gave their time and care to the children, but found their own spiritual growth in the process. Gratitude to the children and youth who supported each other and explored with open minds whatever topic came before them each week. Greatly thankful for the parents who make the effort to get their family to CUUC on Sundays and make congregational life a priority in their lives. Grateful for this faith community that gives importance to RE and embraces the children and youth's presence in all we do. Thank you for engaging across the generations and meeting each other with minds that think, hearts that love, and hands that are ready to serve.

Please see the following four (4) announcements: 
 
1) This Sun Jun 11
RE Sunday Service
A worship celebration of the year in Religious Education that includes:
  • Banner parade for all classes to start the service
  • Skit by the 4th-5th grade
  • Band doing Katy Perry
  • Reading of the kids' responses
  • Bridging ceremony for graduating seniors
  • Barbecue after the service
All children and youth please arrive at 9:50 to prepare for the parade!

Rehearsal times:
8:45 - Band
9:00 - Bridging
9:20 - 4th-5th grade skit
9:35 - RE Council reading
9:50 - Parade lineup  

Teachers: gifts will be waiting for you after the service! 

2) Children & Youth Feedback Needed
It is important that we receive a Participant Feedback Form from each child and youth, so please have your children fill out the form today!

CLICK HERE to fill out and scan the form or email Perry at [email protected] to receive the Word form that can be saved and emailed back.
 

3) Photos and Videos Wanted
Did you record or take pictures at the Variety Show, or another RE event? Please let Perry know - [email protected].

4)  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 [email protected] or 914-946-1660 x4 to find your place in RE. 
 
Sincerely,  
Perry  
Director of Lifespan Religious Education  and Faith Development
Upcoming Worship Services

Sun Jun 11
Religious Education Sunday  
Perry Montrose, DLRE
A celebration of our teachers, our students, and all the wonderful religious education events of 2016-2017.






Sun June 18
Freedom!  
Rev. Meredith Garmon
The end of the school year means freedom for many of our young reluctant scholars. Their parents look forward to vacation free time. Partly illusion -- but only partly -- freedom is central to the good life.

Memorial Service 
 
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
CUUC BBQ   

Sun Jun 11, after Worship, Fellowship Hall
The Annual CUUC BBQ is this Sunday, June 11 following services. Don't miss it! BBQ Chicken, Kicked Up Vegan Beans, Hot Dogs, Burgers, Mexican Roasted Corn and More! Suggested donation only $5 per person, kids under 12 and seniors $4, maximum $21.00 per family.
Environmental Practice Course   

Thu Jun 15, 7:30pm, Room 41
A continuation of the Our Place in the Web discussion begun at our classes in April and May. Contact: Cindy Davidson ([email protected]).  
Animal Ministry Social Justice Team   

Sun Jun 18, 12:30pm, Room 41
Our newest social justice team will have its first meeting after Worship next Sunday. We will discuss our mission and vision. Anyone with an interest is invited to attend. Contact: Doreen Rossi ([email protected]).   
Nurture Nature Community  

Awe and Wonder, Sat Jun 17, 10am, Parsonage
Our monthly gathering facilitated by Rev. LoraKim Joyner. We will be reflecting upon Awe and Wonder, which we will experience not only in our discussion but also during a walk. Experiencing Awe and Wonder helps us connect to nature, improve our health, find more joy, and respond more compassionately to others of all species. RSVP so we can send your Nurture Nature Community Connection packet in advance. Rev. LoraKim ([email protected]) or HERE.
Ware Lecture Livestream   

Ware Lecture Livestream, Sun Jun 24, 9:00pm, R41
Join Denice Tomlinson to watch Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy , deliver the Ware Lecture at this year's UUA General Assembly on June 24 at 9:00pm (livestream starts at 9:30pm EDT). More info HERE. Contact: Denice Tomlinson ([email protected]).
Juneteenth Service & Drumming Circle 

Sun Jun 25, 10:00am, Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall

 





















We host a free West African drumming circle for all ages--kids included--as part of CUUC's celebration of Juneteenth, a special day that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. The service will feature drumming, singing, the reading of a picture book for children about the first Juneteenth, poetry, and Mary Lane Cobb reading a narrative about her great-grandmother's escape from slavery in North Carolina before the Civil War. All are welcome! Light summer refreshments follow. Our drummers are John and Marthalene Grady, who led a drumming circle a few years ago that was enjoyed by all. (Note: this Summer Service will be in the sanctuary; the following services will be in air-conditioned Fellowship Hall. Summer Services begin at 10:00am.)  
Summer Services in Fellowship Hall
 


Starting Sun Jul 3, 10:00am, Fellowship Hall

Keep the flame alive by attending our Summer Services in air-conditioned Fellowship Hall. Prelude music starts at 9:50am. These services are more intimate and less formal so people participate more and get to know one another better. Services are led by Members and Friends of CUUC, outside speakers, and guest ministers. Music is provided by our talented staff and special guests. The nursery is staffed for young children and members of our Youth Group are present to play games with older children. Join us after Worship for light refreshments and conversation. Regular services and religious education classes begin again Sun Sep 10. Hope to see you there! 
Neighboring Congregations


NYC Pride Parade March with UUCHV, Sun Jun 25


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 ([email protected]) with the subject "PRIDE PARADE" to sign up.  

Undoing Racism Workshop, June 25-27, Bedford Presbyterian Church
Sponsored in part by a generous grant from the Unitarian Universalist Fund for Social Responsibility to UU Fellowship of Northern Westchester (UUFNW) Mt. Kisco. Offered by The People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, a national, multiracial, anti-racist network from New Orleans dedicated to ending racism and other forms of institutional oppression. Please consider registering for this fantastic three-day workshop. This training has been approved as 16 CEUs for social workers and mental health practitioners (LCSW, LMSW, LMHC, LMFT and LCAT). Learn more and register HERE. 
In the Community


Note New Time for Justice Monday Rallies
The next Justice Monday rally on Mon Jun 5--and all rallies in June, July, and August--will take place at Renaissance Plaza in White Plains at 5:00pm instead of 12:00 noon. Info at wespac.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
A day full of music, fun activities, great food, and vendors. Come march in the parade with CUUC, NAACP of White Plains & Greenburgh, and the Westchester Social Justice Community in the parade!
As CUUCers recently read in Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America by Michael Eric Dyson, it makes a positive difference when white folks stand together with people of color in parades or protests. Let's make that difference! We invite congregants of all shades to come solo or with buddies to honor the history and support the future of the black community. To march, contact Deb Margoluis ([email protected]). For more info, contact: [email protected], 914-948-6211. Info: wpjuneteenth.com

A Message from Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)
On May 4, Marcos Dario Peñaloza was detained by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Tarrytown. Marcos has two young children and a wife who live in Tarrytown (learn more HERE ). The Hudson Valley Community Coalition (HVCC) is asking for our support. Click HERE to help in one of four important ways. You can click HERE to donate. It is important to show up now, in whatever way we can. 
Denomination News

Limited Time Matching Giving Opportunity  
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has announced the Wake Now Our Vision Legacy Challenge, made possible by a generous grant from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock (UUCSR). In order to promote and inspire planned giving among Unitarian Universalists, the Challenge will match new legacy gift intentions at 10% of the gift's estimated value (up to a $10,000 match on a $100,000 planned gift) with a cash match. While more details will follow in the coming months, the Challenge--which is in effect until December 31, 2018--is intended to work as follows:

When people designate in their will a new legacy gift to CUUC or other UU institution during the Challenge period, the Challenge will match 10% of that amount and will pay out the cash match by the year 2020. For example, a new legacy gift designation of $50,000 would receive a match of $5,000. A planned gift of $200,000 would receive the maximum match of $10,000. Our congregation would benefit in the near term from these matching grants and would benefit even more in the future from legacy gifts, while our donors would see the value of their giving increase significantly.

A strong planned giving program can transform our congregation and fortify our mission for generations to come. The Legacy Challenge offers a unique opportunity to spark a more powerful and enduring legacy program. CUUC member Tom Wacht has extensive experience in this particular field of the law. To learn more you may contact Tom at [email protected], or CUUC treasurer Chris Kortlandt at [email protected]. (Personal information will be kept confidential.)

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
Plate Share for June
 
The Pinwheel Project 
For 14 years The Pinwheel Project Foundation has been bringing comfort, support, and joy to children and their loved ones as they endure long term ho spital stays and palliative care. Project volunteers work creatively to give emotional and practical support to enhance the healing process and increase the quality of life. This may involve fulfilling children's wish lists by decorating rooms and providing toys, art supplies, books, electronics, or dietary appropriate snacks. Volunteers work to restore a sense of "normalcy" in kids lives with regular drop-in visits so children are entertained and better able to carry on. According to founder Sandee Martensen, "Our goal is always to give a child a reason to smile." 
Caring & Sharing Circle

If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Ingrid Hartmann (914 946-2026, [email protected]) or her backup Paula Meighan (914 834-6454, [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.   

Thu Jun 8
  11:30am  Science & Spirituality Group
  7:30pm  Journey Group - Litcofsky
  7:30pm  Journey Group - Montrose
 
Fri Jun 9
11:00am  Journey Group - Davidson
 
Sat Jun 10
10:00am  Zen
12:00pm  Journey Group - S. Cleary
  3:00pm  Lore Silton Memorial Service
  5:00pm  RE Sunday Setup (tentative)
 
Sun Jun 11
  9:30am  Nursery Care
10:00am  Worship: RE Sunday
11:00am  BBQ
11:40am  RE Council meeting
  1:00pm  Journey Group - Garmon
  1:00pm  Journey Group - Arrien
  1:00pm  Journey Group - Bear
  1:00pm  Journey Group - Heller
 
Mon Jun 12
  6:30pm  T'ai-ch'i
  7:00pm  Rental: Furniture Sharehouse
 
Tue Jun 13
10:30am  Rental: Exercise
12:00pm  Rental: Film Crew SP
 
Wed Jun 14
12:00pm  Rental: Film Crew SP
  7:30pm  Board of Trustees
 
Thu Jun 15
12:00pm  Rental: Film Crew SP
  7:30pm  Environmental Practices course
  7:30pm  Journey Group - Kurth
 
Fri Jun 16
  6:30pm  Journey Group - Families
 
Sat Jun 17
  9:00am  Rental: We Persist Meeting
10:00am  Zen
 
Sun Jun 18
  8:45am  Choir rehearsal
  9:30am  Nursery Care
10:00am  RE: Fun Sunday
10:00am  Worship
11:15am  Coffee Hour
11:30am  Animal Ministry Meeting 
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], 914-948-1696
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: Tom Wacht, [email protected], 914-949-5741  
Vice Chair: Ann Marie Damashek, [email protected], 917-623-0624
Treasurer: Chris Kortlandt, [email protected], 914-834-7112
Secretary: Amy Swiss, [email protected], 914-273-3445
Quick Links

Your Moment of Zen

Thoroughgoing. Who has been your most thoroughgoing teacher? After a transformative experience, maybe it's good to let it settle -- camp out for a while. We all teach and have much to teach. What is the role of "camping out for a while" in a teacher's growth and development?
Raven came to Brown Bear's den and walked right into her lair. "Time for me to be moving on," she announced.
Brown Bear asked, "What will you say about your study here?"
Raven said, "Brown Bear is quite thoroughgoing."
Brown Bear said, "Try camping out for a while."
(adapted from Robert Aitken, Zen Master Raven)
Verse
Retreat. Preparation? For advancing? Maybe.
Or perhaps advancing was preparation for this retreat,
Accouterments reduced to carryable.
This temporary eternal world-self never stops shining.
The  E-Communitarian newsletter is e-mailed each Thursday. 
Please send submissions to [email protected] by noon on Tuesday.
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