Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains, NY
Spirituality   ·   Compassion   ·   Service
September issue of On the Journey: Covenant -- Click HERE
This Week's Post from the Minister: HERE
Practice of the Week: Work with Your Biggest Problem First  You don't need to overcome your biggest problems overnight, nor should you defer them to another time. Pay attention right now to what bothers you the most about yourself in your relationships to others and trust that simply by paying attention, little by little you will see what you need to do. READ MORE.
List of Spiritual Practices
Religious Exploration (RE) Classes and Youth Group Begin this Sunday! My thanks to the RE Council, who worked hard this summer to lay the groundwork for RE this year. We are ready to begin a new season of RE this Sun Sep 15, and look forward to seeing you! Families, find all you need to know HERE.
New York City native Edward MacDowell (1860-1908)
celebrated the natural world in much of his piano music, and several of his works are included this Sunday in recognition of our growing consciousness of climate-change issues. The CUUC Choir is also on hand with two beloved classics
... READ MORE.
Upcoming Worship Services
 
Sun Sep 15, 10:00am 
"Climate Strike!
Rev. Meredith Garmon  
Greta Thunberg and other youth have issued a call for everyone to join them in a massive climate strike on Fri Sep 20. We UUs know that all that exists is part of an interdependent web. What we do matters. We must show up for each other now. Religious Exploration (RE) Classes and Youth Group Begin this Sunday! 
  
Sun Sep 15, 10:00am, Sanctuary
"Where Are We Now?
Rev. Meredith Garmon  
It's been seven or eight years since our congregation examined where it was on our theological, religious, and spiritual stances and needs. It's time to begin to explore where we might be now.
   
Our CUUC YouTube Channel has videos of many past services. Check it out HERE!
Starting Together   
 
To enhance multigenerational community and promote safety, we will all enter through the main doors by the sanctuary. The doors to the Religious Education wing will stay locked. Also, all ages will start together in the sanctuary, This Sunday, children, youth, and teaching team volunteers will leave during the first hymn. 
Get Active at the SJT Fair 
 
Social Justice Team Fair, Sun Sep 15, after worship, Fellowship Hall
Enjoy coffee hour in Fellowship Hall, meet our social justice teams, then choose where you want to share your talent and energy. Our goal is for all CUUCers to be at least "on call" to one team. Will you step up? 
Religious Exploration
 
Parent-Teacher/Advisor Meetings, Sun Sep 15, 11:30-11:50am, Classrooms 
Parents, meet the adults supporting your children and youth this year, learn about the year ahead, and receive a copy of the fall schedule. Pre-K-1st grade meet in room 33; 2nd-3rd grade in 24; 4th-5th grade in 21; 6th-7th grade in 41; 8th-9th grade in 11; and 10th-12th grade in 14. While you meet with class leaders, 4th-12th grade children and youth will play Social Justice Bingo in Fellowship Hall. Childcare in room 32 will extended to noon for children through 3rd grade. 
Woodstock: 50!
 
Auction Committee Meeting, Sun Sep 15, 11:30, 43  
Looking for a "far-out" way to get involved in life here at CUUC? Are you a flower-child at heart? Join us! Our team will have a brief planning meeting after service. Hear what we're doing to gear up for this big event, and learn ways you can get involved, from small jobs the night of the event to advance planning done at your convenience over the next few weeks. See if something interests you! Future meetings at 11:30 are Sun Oct 6, Oct 27, Nov 3, and Nov 10. Click HERE to see our flyer. Auction 2019, Sat Nov 16, Doors open 5:30pm
Climate Action     
 
Climate Strike, Fri Sep 20, 12:00pm, New York City   
Three days before the UN Climate Summit in NYC, young people and adults across the globe will strike to demand action be taken to address the climate crisis. Find other UU Climate Strike action locations HERE. Local UUs can learn more HERE.  
Join CUUC at the Climate March
On Fri Sep 20, CUUC members will march in the Climate Strike in NYC. We meet at Grand Central Station, under the clock at 11:30am, or at the Starbucks by Foley Square before 1:00pm. We will join the march going to the Battery Park rally. Learn more HERE. Contact: Charlie McNally. And remember to register at the special UU "Side With Love" site HERE.  
Faith Development Friday
 
Faith Development Friday, Fri Sep 20, CUUC
Our evening of learning, spiritual growth, and community. 6:15pm Pizza & Salad Community Dinner; 7:00pm Programs; 8:30pm Coffee. Programs include Journey Groups for adults and young people. RSVP to [email protected] by Fri Sep 20, 12 noon so we know how much pizza to order.    
Journey Groups

The CUUC Journey Groups help us deepen our understanding and strengthen our connections by exploring monthly themes together. Journey Groups are how we help each other become the people we most want to be. Click HERE to select the group that works best for you. New groups for Youth and Children.  
Adult/Youth Religious Education Survey

Rev. Kimberley Debus, our sabbatical minister, is offering to lead an RE class for adults and youth. Let her know which topics interest you by visiting a short survey HERE to read and rank your choices. Or you can post your preference on a board available after worship. (Please participate only once, online or on the board.)
Sunday Morning Projection Help  
  
Please sign up for occasional slots to plug in the projector and advance the slides during Sunday worship service. Interested in helping? It's easy and we will provide simple training and instructions. Contact: Kim & Christian Force ( [email protected]).  
Hurricane Disaster Relief  
 
The Afya Foundation ("Afya" means "health" in Swahili) provides disaster relief in Africa and the Caribbean. They desperately need volunteers weekdays, 9am to 5pm, at their warehouse (140 Saw Mill River Rd, Yonkers) to sort medical supplies for hurricane victims in the Bahamas. Contact: Mary Grace Pagaduan, volunteer manager, 914-920-5081. 
Volunteer Drivers Wanted 
 
WestFair Rides is a non-profit providing free transportation for older adults, and adults with vision impairment, who live in and travel to medical appointments in Westchester and Fairfield counties. Several CUUC members are already volunteer drivers. Join them! Contact Arlene Penn ( [email protected] , 914-752-2631 x101). 
In the Community  
 
Free Film Screening & Panel Discussion: When They See Us, Tue Sep 17 & Tue Sep 24, 6:00 - 10:00pm, Pelham Picture House, Pelham
The story of the Exonerated Five (AKA the Central Park 5), directed by Ava DuVernay and nominated for 16 Emmys. Presented by Indivisible Westchester and others. Registration required HERE.  
Wild Parrot Wild Walk    
 
Wild Walk at Green-Wood Cemetery, Sat, Sep 28, 10:00am - 12:00pm, 500 25th St, Brooklyn
Embrace your wild side at our walk at Green-Wood Cemetery, where we can see the wild parrots who live there. Part of the Nurture Nature program of Community Minister, Rev. LoraKim Joyner ([email protected]). Register HERE.  
News From Environmental Practices     
 
Try something different with the leaves on your lawn - love 'em and leave 'em. Shred leaves with a mulching lawnmower and leave them to create a healthy mulch. The mulch returns much-needed nutrients to the earth in a slow-release organic form. For more info, including lists of LELE landscapers, click HERE. 
The Fall Communitarian Magazine is Here!   

The Fall Communitarian is full of articles from your ministry, teams, and committees. Learn what's going on in your congregation. Find it online HERE. Printed copies will also be available in the CUUC lobby. Articles for the Winter Communitarian are due Wed Nov 13.
Nurturing Discussions

Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner, our community minister, is co-author of a new book, Nurturing Discussions and Practices , a workbook with discussion guides designed to support the health of individuals, relationships, and communities of all species. Learn more HERE. Order HERE, or purchase copies after worship. 
Minister's Discretionary Fund 
 
Rev. Garmon special fund to assist people in financial distress is running low. We ask that you consider making a donation to help replenish it. Make checks out to CUUC with the memo "Discretionary Fund." Help us give Rev. Meredith the ability to help those in need. 
Sing With the CUUC Choir
 
We welcome all voice parts - you don't have to read music! Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 7:30 - 9:15pm and we sing in two services a month. We work hard while having fun. Come to a rehearsal to sing along or observe, or join our Choir Open House on Sun Oct 13 after service. Contact Lisa Meyer ([email protected]).  
Share the Plate for September: PrideWorks  
PrideWorks® was first organized to produce an annual conference for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth, their allies, and the adults in their lives. PrideWorks' mission is to inform communities about the realities of growing up gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, and to inspire them to respect and support LGBTQ people, and to advocate for positive change. prideworks.com . 
Process for a Share-the-Plate Request 
 
There is no shortage of worthy causes and only twelve months in the year, so our Social Justice Coordinating Committee reviews and approves all Share-the-Plate requests. To better represent all our members, we ask that individual congregants wishing to recommend an organization first connect with a Social Justice Team or other committee that has a connection to the organization's mission and would be willing to sponsor the request... READ MORE
Caring & Sharing Circle
 
If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Paula Meighan (914-834-6454, [email protected]), or Liz Laite (914-366-4211, [email protected]). Or contact the CUUC office (914-946-1660 x2, [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. To reserve a room or Zoom online meeting, contact the CUUC office (914-946-1660 x2, [email protected]).
 
Sat Sep 14 - 9:00am Rental: Exercise (Fireside); 10:00am Zen (24); 1:00pm Rental: WCBNY (41)
Sun Sep 15 - 8:45am Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary); 9:00am Hunger & Homelessness (43); 9:30am Nursery (32); 10:00am  Worship (Sanctuary); 11:15am Social Justice Fair (Fellowship Hall); 11:30am Auction Committee (43)
Mon Sep 16 - 5:00pm Rental: Exercise (Fireside); 6:30pm T'ai-ch'i (Fireside); 7:00pm ICNA Volunteer Meeting (Fellowship Hall); 8:00pm  Finance Committee (Remote)
Tue Sep 17 - 10:00am Rental: Exercise (Fireside); 1:00pm Rental: Watercolor (Fireside); 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP (Classes); 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Wed Sep 18 - 8:30am CUUC Dance Movement Group (Fellowship Hall)
Fri Sep 20 - 6:15pm Faith Development Friday (Fellowship Hall, 14, 24, 32)
Sat Sep 21 - 9:00am Rental: Exercise (Fireside); 10:00am Zen (24)
Sun Sep 22 - 9:00am Welcome Committee Meeting (22); 9:30am Nursery (32); 10:00am Worship (Sanctuary); 11:15am Coffee Hour (Fireside); 11:40am Sunday Journey Groups (13, 31, 43); 12:30pm Rental: St Gregory Church (Parking Lot)    
Contacts

Minister: Rev. Meredith Garmon, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x3
Sabbatical Minister: Rev. Kimberley Debus, [email protected]
Dir of Lifespan Religious Education and Faith Development: Tracy Breneman, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x4
Community Minister: Rev. Deb Morra, [email protected], 914-830-1509
Community Minister: Rev. LoraKim Joyner, [email protected]
Music Director: Adam Kent, [email protected], 212-595-7280
Choir Director: Lisa Meyer, [email protected]
Choir Pianist: Georgianna Pappas, [email protected]
Children's Music Director: Lyra Harada, [email protected]
Congregation & Communications Administrator: Pamela Parker, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x2
Bookkeeper: Diane Pearson, [email protected], 946-1660 x5
Board of Trustees
Board Chair: Al Rocchi, [email protected]
Vice Chair: Joann Prinzivalli, [email protected]
Treasurer: Chris Kortlandt, [email protected]
Social Justice Coordinators
Jeff Tomlinson, [email protected]
Mary Cavallero, [email protected]
Rev. Meredith Garmon, [email protected]
Quick Links

On The Journey (current and past issues)
Social Justice Teams
Practice of the Week (current and all past)
The Quarterly Communitarian
CUUC Main Web Site
Liberal Pulpit Index
The Liberal Pulpit Video
Boundless Way Zen of Westchester
Dear Ones,

Prayer for the climate won't lower the CO2 or other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere -- except, perhaps, indirectly. Prayer is the activity by which we orient our intentions. Prayer for the climate is an exercise by which we remind ourselves that our planet matters to us, that the humans and other animals threatened and immiserated by climatic shifts matter to us, that the well-being of future generations matters to us. If we begin with, and return often to, re-orienting our intentions toward mitigating climate change, we become more likely to participate in actions to realize our hopes.

Therefore, let us pray.

These words of prayer are from Interfaith Power and Light:
We Hold the Earth.
We hold brothers and sisters who suffer from storms and droughts intensified by climate change.
We hold all species that suffer.
We hold world leaders delegated to make decisions for life.
We pray that the web of life may be mended through courageous actions to limit carbon emissions.
We pray for right actions for adaptation and mitigation to help our already suffering earth community.
We pray that love and wisdom might inspire my actions and our actions as communities so that we may, with integrity, look into the eyes of brothers and sisters and all beings and truthfully say, we are doing our part to care for them and the future of the children.
May love transform us and our world with new steps toward life.
Amen.

Yours in faith,
Meredith
Your Moment of Zen: Hide Yourself One evening Wolverine appeared and said, "I've been thinking about hiding myself and fasting." Raven kicked a twig at Wolverine and said, "Hide yourself in that." Wolverine stepped behind Black Bear and said, "I'm hidden." Raven said, "Piffle. You don't even dream of my meaning." Wolverine was silent....READ MORE
Zen Practice at CUUC
The e -Communitarian newsletter is e-mailed each week. 
Please send submissions to [email protected] by noon on Tuesday.
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