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Sun Jul 30 2017 Summer #6
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From the Minister
There's a saying I've mentioned before: the purpose of congregations is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. This would be a more manageable endeavor if we could separate the comfortable from the afflicted. The truth is, probably every one us is both comfortable and afflicted. That is, there are some ways that we have allowed ourselves to become complacent, basking in our comforts inattentive to the plight of others -- in need of affliction by some pangs of conscience. In other ways we are hurting, struggling, and need some support and comfort. We all carry wounds of disappointments, self-doubts, and we could use some friendly presence from others. This something to reflect on as you make your way to CUUC on Sunday morning. Ask yourself: In what ways have I grown too comfortable? What new challenges could I be rising to meet though doing so would require sacrificing some of my comfort? And: in what ways am I hurting today? What is the healing that I might get from my faith community? After some reflection on these questions, I want to suggest that you turn the same questions outwards, directed to the other members of CUUC. In what ways are others possibly too comfortable? How might I be a part of encouraging them, and CUUC collectively, to new levels of compassion and service? And: In what ways are others possibly suffering? What burdens might they be bearing that I could ease, if only temporarily?
The latter questions require attention. Perhaps you, like many CUUCers (including me), are more on the "comfortable" side, but as any congregation, CUUC includes people at various places in life. Maybe a spouse or a child was just diagnosed with incurable cancer. Some may be wracked with loneliness, beset with financial anxiety, weighed down with depression, or gripped with addiction. They might or might not want to talk about it. Let us bear in mind that the struggles of any given member might far exceed our assumptions, approach everyone in a way that invites them to share of themselves, and be ready to offer what help we can. And if you're among those going through hard times, it may be helpful to talk it over with your minister. Let me know. It's what I'm here for.
Yours in the faith we share, Meredith |
Practice of the Week Accept the Limits of Your Influence You don't have the power to make something happen if the prerequisites aren't present. For example, you can't grow roses without good soil and water. If you've been pounding your head against a wall for a while, it's time to stop, accept the way it is, and move on. READ MORE... |
Lifespan Religious Education
Summer means fun and games! CUUC is no exception, so join us on Sundays. High school youth are there to play games with children of all ages and childcare is provided during the Sun services. When the weather is warm, there may even be water balloons, so be ready for summer fun on Sunday mornings.
Please see the following two (2) announcements:
1)
Summer Sunday Games During the Service
Children of all ages are invited for:
- outdoor games
- basketball
- playground play
- water balloons
- board games
You are also welcome to attend services as a family in air-conditioned Fellowship Hall. The childcare room is also air-conditioned.
Nursery care is available.
2)
Bring your special interest to life...in our Religious Education Ministry.
What lights up your heart, stirs your soul, or sparks your creative thinking?
Tell us
your passion and we will find a way to help you share it with others.
Creative arts, spiritual practices, social justice causes, hobbies, religious traditions, and life stories have all been turned into activities, projects, classes, or presentations for children, youth, or adults.
Contact Perry at dlre@cucwp.org or 914-946-1660 x4.
Sincerely,
Perry
Director of Lifespan Religious Education
and Faith Development
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Kevin Jagoe
Our guest preacher this Sunday is Kevin W. Jagoe, a Candidate for Ministry with the UUA. He holds a BA in anthropology and criminal justice as well as a Master in Nonprofit Management from Hamline University in Saint Paul. He is a graduate of the Humanist Institute and is currently studying for his Master of Divinity at Meadville Lombard Theological School. |
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Upcoming Worship Services
Community Can Be Holy Now
Kevin Jagoe
In our covenantal tradition, the very act of gathering together is a religious and holy one. So how do we create community and sanctuary that is ever more expansive?
Kevin Jagoe serves First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn as their Ministerial Intern, and the Church of the Larger Fellowship as a Learning Fellow.
Harmony
Cat Guthrie
This interactive worship explores harmony, the great equalizer where each voice is as important as every other. Singing together unites us, improves our health, and may just help change our world. Cat Guthrie leads harmony workshops at corporations, directs three community choruses and a Threshold Choir serving hospice patients, and is a founding member of BlisSing, a sacred singing duo.
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Days in Place
Sat Aug 5, all day
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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Summer Services in Fellowship Hall
Sundays, 10:00am Worship (Prelude music at 9:50am), Fellowship Hall
Keep the flame alive (while keeping your body cool) by attending our Summer Services in air-conditioned Fellowship Hall. Prelude music will start at 9:50am and Worship starts promptly at 10:00am. These Sundays are informal and intimate so people can 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 and older children can play games with our high school youth. After worship, stay for light refreshments and conversation. We look forward to seeing you! (Regular services and religious education classes begin again Sun Sep 10.)
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Are YOU in the Directory?
Take a look
HERE
or pick up a printed version at Sunday services. If you don't see your picture or address included and you would like them to be, contact Pam at the CUUC office, admin@cucwp.org or 914-946-1660 x2. Help us make our Directory complete!
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In the Community
Rally for Farmworker Justice, Wed Aug 2, 12:00pm, Renaissance Plaza (corner Mamaroneck Ave and Main St), White Plains
Join activists, allies, and members of the community as we stand together in solidarity with farmworkers across New York State.
Learn more on Facebook HERE
and HERE. For information, contact: Hannah Van Dolsen, hvandolsen1@gmail.com, 914-420-7954. This rally is cosponsored by WESPAC, engaging with the public at a common space where policies are threatening our neighbors and communities.
A Message from Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)
The
Hudson Valley Community Coalition
(HVCC) asks for our help in preventing unjust deportations such as what is happening to Joel Colindres, married seven years to American Samantha and father of their two American children. Joel must leave the country Aug 17 despite having no criminal record. (A rally is planned at 10am today, Thu Jul 27, at ISAP, 330 Main Street, Hartford, CT). Click
HERE
to help in one of four important ways, and
HERE
to like and share the HVCC 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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CUUC Neighborhood Socials
Sun Oct 1, 4:00 - 6:00pm
You asked for more opportunities to gather together informally and we listened! On Sun Oct 1, the first of our Neighborhood Socials will take place at locations throughout the community. We are looking for hosts willing to open their homes to CUUC families living nearby. Contact Jane Dixon (lilrhodie@gmail.com) to learn more. If you cannot host, please save the date and join us as a guest. Guests bring light snacks or beverages to share. Details to come--stay tuned!
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2017 UUA GA Online
On-demand video, transcripts, and workshop materials from this year's General Assembly, including the printed GA program book, are now available at the UUA website HERE.
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Matching Giving Opportunity
The
Wake Now Our Vision Collaborative Campaign Legacy Challenge is designed to strengthen the future of Unitarian Universalism through planned giving. Thanks to a generous grant from the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, new legacy gift intentions designating a UU congregation are eligible for a 10% matching cash gift--paid by or before 2020--up to $10,000 per donor.
New legacy gift intentions made between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2020 will qualify for the Challenge (see FAQ HERE).
This is a unique opportunity to spark a powerful and enduring legacy program for CUUC! Contact:
Tom Wacht (tjwachtesq@aol.com) or Chris Kortlandt (kortlandtbunch@gmail.com).
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Share the Plate for July: Black Lives of UU
The recipient of half our non-pledge collection in the month of July is Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism. Formed in the wake of several conversations among Black UUs at the July 2015 Movement for Black Lives Convening in Cleveland, OH, the BLUU Organizing Collective works to provide support, information, and resources for Black Unitarian Universalists. They also work to expand the role and visibility of Black UUs within our faith. Learn more at blacklivesuu.com.
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Caring & Sharing Circle
If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact
Catherine Kortlandt (914 834-7112, catherinekortlandt@gmail.com) or her backup Nicky Klemens (914 967-4419 or nsklemens@optonline.net).
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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. To reserve a room, please contact Pam at the CUUC office (914-946-1660 x2, admin@cucwp.org).
Sat Jul 29
10:00am Zen
Sun Jul 30
10:00am Summer Nursery Care
10:00am Summer Worship
11:00am Refreshments
Mon Jul 31
6:30pm T'ai-ch'i
Wed Aug 2
8:00am Rental: Film Crew IR (tentative)
Sat Aug 5
All day Day in Place
10:00am Zen
12:30pm Journey Group Facilitators
4:30pm Rental: WCHJ
Sun Aug 6
10:00am Summer Nursery Care
10:00am Summer Worship
11:00am Refreshments
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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: Dean
Silverberg,
Dsilverberg@ebglaw.com,
212-351-4642
Vice Chair:
Karen Dreher,
KMDreher55@gmail.com,
914-235-7845
Treasurer: Chris Kortlandt, kortlandtbunch@gmail.com, 914-834-7112
Secretary:
Steve Miller,
obitsman@gmail.com,
914-723-0982
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Your Moment of Zen
The Pivot. We have various ways of describing. Sometimes we describe the function of a thing. (What does it do? What is its purpose?) Or we describe its material. (What it is made of?) Or its aesthetics. (How beautiful is it?) Its origin (How did it come to be?) or its form. Taking away all the different types of description, what are you?
After zazen one evening Porcupine asked, "We examine turning points as our practice. What is the pivot on which this study turns?"
Raven said, "The large intestine."
Porcupine asked, "So, it's all physical?"
Raven said, "All physical, all mental, all moral, all spiritual, all void, all material."
Porcupine thought about this and finally asked, "What's the upshot?"
Raven said, "Trout in the pool, lilies on the bank." (adapted from Robert Aitken,
Zen Master Raven)
Verse
Everywhere: things in their place.
Everywhere: things turning --
themselves, each other,
thee and me.
Nowhere: a place that isn't a turning point.
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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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