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Sun Jun 18 2017 Spring #13
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From the Minister
I don't believe people come "to church" -- i.e., participate in congregational life -- in order to stay the same. I think we come to be transformed. We're not sure how it would happen, nor what we might get transformed into, but I think we sense that somehow it is possible to be more wise, more compassionate, more alive than we often have been -- and also more happy and self-accepting about our own foolish pettinesses.
So let me ask: how's your transformation going? Our worship services and journey groups aim to help. The more we explore the perennial big issues of life, the better equipped we are to face life's vicissitudes with equanimity and cheer. For 2017-18, the themes we'll be exploring in worship and your journey groups are:
Sep - Forgiveness
Oct - Death
Nov - Mindfulness
Dec - Embodiment
Jan - Resilience
Feb - Love
Mar - Wandering/Journeying
Apr - Faith
May - Truth
Jun - Justice
We aren't exactly repeating the themes every three years (as was the original conception when the themes were launched in 2013), but each year includes a revisiting of at least half of the themes of three years before.
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
Do Good, Avoid Evil, Appreciate Your Lunacy, Pray for Help
If spiritual teachings are to really transform our lives, they need to oscillate between the profound and the mundane. If practice is too profound, it's no good: we are full of wonderful inspiring, lofty thought, insights and speculations but lack the ability to get through the day with any gracefulness or to relate to the issues and people in ordinary life. On the other hand, if practice is too mundane, we sink under the weight of obligations, details, and daily-life concerns. We need both profound religious philosophy and practical tools for daily living. READ MORE... |
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Lifespan Religious Education
Thank you to all those who participated in and attended RE Sunday. It was great to be together for the celebratory service. If you were a teacher this year and you did not get your gift, please let me know when you are able to pick it up.
Please see the following five (5) announcements:
1)
This Sun Jun 18
Join us for one more fun Sunday of RE before summer games on Jun 25.
All ages will be together for fun and meaning. We will end with RE music led by a special guest.
2)
Teacher, OWL, and Bridger Gifts
If you were on a teaching team this year and you did not receive your gift last Sunday, please let me know when you can pick it up.
OWL youth received special gifts. Let me know if you did not get your decorative pillow and pin.
Senior youth, your chalices were not handed out so please get in touch with me about picking one up.
3
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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.
4)
Did you get video and photos or RE Sunday or the Variety Show?
Please contact Perry if you can share your videos and photos of these events.
5)
Pick an area of interest...
We are looking for people to participate in small ways in the following RE areas:
Adult RE - creating programs, putting together a catalog of offerings
Connections - welcoming newcomers, pen pal program, and Bingo Night
Social Justice - MLK Sunday, Kiva microfinance, and Earth Day
Spirituality - spiritual practices, Christmas Pageant, and multigen services music
Teaching - teacher training and development, curriculum, Special Sundays
Youth - social events, service trips,
Contact Perry at [email protected] or 914-946-1660 x4 to find your place at the RE table.
Sincerely,
Perry
Director of Lifespan Religious Education
and Faith Development
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Upcoming Worship Services
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.
More about Sunday's music HERE
Juneteenth
Mary Lane Cobb, Tara James, Amy Nathan
Our annual observance of the holiday commemorating the end of slavery after the Civil War. We feature readings on the topic of freedom, including the narrative of Virtue Lane, Mary Lane Cobb's great-grandmother, and musical interludes by Mary and by noted drummers John and Marthalene Grady, who will also lead a West African drumming workshop for all ages at the end of the service.
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Environmental Practice Course
Today, 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]).
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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.
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Animal Ministry Social Justice Team
Sun Jun 18, 12:30pm, Room 41
Our newest social justice team will have its first meeting after Worship this Sunday. We will discuss our mission and vision. Anyone with an interest is invited to attend. Contact: Doreen Rossi ([email protected]).
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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]).
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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.)
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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 Sundays 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 musicians and special guests. The nursery is staffed for young children. Stay after Worship for
light refreshments and conversation. Regular services and religious education classes begin again Sun Sep 10. Hope to see you there!
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Neighboring Congregations
Midnight Run, Fri Jun 23, First Unitarian Society of Westchester (FUSW), Hastings
To be a success, we need the participation of volunteers bringing contributions of food and clothing, helping prepare and pack, and distributing and interacting in NYC. If you haven't gone on a Run before, there is no time like the present to get involved! Contact: Annie Patton (914-588-4782), Art Lowenstein ([email protected], 914-844-4189, or 845-424-3638).
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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.
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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.
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In the Community
Justice Monday Rallies on Hiatus
The Justice Monday rallies usually held at Renaissance Plaza in White Plains are on hiatus until later in the summer when the issues will begin heating up again as we approach election season. In the meantime you can Share and Like the Westchester Social Justice Community Facebook site HERE.
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CUUC Photo Album: Pamela Cucinell, Deb Margoluis, and Norm Handelman carry our banner and its message of love at the White Plains Juneteenth Heritage Parade on Sat Jun 10. Thanks for helping make a difference!
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A Message from Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)
Diego Puma Macancela, a 19-year old Ossining student, was arrested by immigration officers hours before his senior prom (read the Washington Post article HERE)
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The
Hudson Valley Community Coalition
(HVCC) is asking for our support.
Click
HERE
to help in one of four important ways, and HERE to like and share their Facebook page. You can also click HERE to donate. It is important to show up now, in whatever ways we can.
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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 with a cash match of 10% of the gift's estimated value (up to a $10,000 match on a $100,000 planned gift). More details will follow in the coming months, and the Challenge is in effect until December 31, 2018.
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.)
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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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General Assembly Viewing at Home
Video streaming from your computer at home.
General Assembly is in New Orleans, Louisiana. All times below are EST
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Welcoming Celebration & Banner Parade - 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Thursday Morning Worship & General Session II - 9:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Service of the Living Tradition - 9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Friday, June 23, 2017
Friday Morning Worship & General Session III - 9:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Public Witness 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
UUA Presidential Candidates Forum- 9:00 to 10:30 pm
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Saturday Morning Worship & General Session IV - 9:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Synergy Bridging Worship - 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.
Ware Lecture by Bryan Stevenson - 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Streaming online only- will not be recorded or available after lecture
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Sunday Morning Worship - 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
General Session V and Closing - 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
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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. According to founder Sandee Martensen, "Our goal is always to give a child a reason to smile."
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Please Take Me Home!
Missing a sweater, an umbrella, or a travel mug? Check the turquoise plastic bucket and nearby hangers in the coat hallway near the rest rooms. For smaller items like jewelry and glasses, look in the upper corner of the entryway bulletin board. Lost items are just waiting to be found!.
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Recycling Sense
Did you know that White Plains picks up paper recycling on a different day than plastic? When you place your recycling in the correct container, you save time for our CUUC staff who otherwise need to sort and separate. Check the receptacle before you toss and help us keep paper, plastic, and waste where they belong!
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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]).
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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 Jun 15
12:00pm Rental: Film Crew
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
11:30am Music Chair Meeting
Mon Jun 19
6:30pm T'ai-ch'i
7:30pm Journey Group-Rocchi
8:00pm Finance Committee
Tue Jun 20
10:30am Rental: Exercise
7:30pm Journey Group-Majsak
Wed Jun 21
7:30pm Worship Committee
Thu Jun 22
11:30am Science & Spirituality Group
Sat June 24
10:00am Zen
1:30pm Rental: Memorial Service
9:00pm Ware Lecture Screening
Sun Jun 25
9:30am Nursery Care
10:00am Summer Worship
11:15am Refreshments
11:30am Drumming Workshop
5:00pm Journey Group-Hunt
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Contacts
Director of Lifespan Religious Ed. & Faith Development: Perry Montrose, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x4
Congregational & Communications Administrator: Pamela Parker, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x2
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Your Moment of Zen
Early Students. What is it that makes people gather? What drew the students?
Raven took Brown Bear's instruction, "Try camping out for a while," to heart. She wandered a long time, from forests to upland meadows to icy lakes. Finally, with pinfeathers under her beak getting sparse, she found an abandoned place in a tall spruce tree. She fixed it up, and students began to gather, including Porcupine, who had studied with Coyote Roshi. Other early students were Woodpecker, Grouse, Badger, Owl, and Black Bear, who lived nearby. They would sit in a circle in the little meadow under the tall spruce. Raven would sit with them and afterward would respond to their questions, and at more formal teaching times, she would take a perch in the outer branches of an oak tree close by -- the Assembly Oak, as it came to be called. A stone outcropping served as an altar. (adapted from Robert Aitken,
Zen Master Raven)
Verse
Wander. Find something abandoned and tall.
Fix up. Sit with what gathers.
Take a perch. Rinse. Repeat.
How could anything be grander than life?
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The
E-Communitarian
newsletter is e-mailed each Thursday.
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