Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains, NY
Spirituality   ·   Compassion   ·   Service
2018 Sep On the Journey, "Letting Go." CLICK HERE
Practice of the Week: The Right to Life (Ecospiritual Practice) / The chipmunks, maple trees, and barred owls in the forest, and the forest ecosystem overall, have rights - not more rights than humans, but rights that obligate us to be cautious, take no more than we need to live, and approach the forests...READ MORE.
From the Minister. Journey Groups!

Through Journey Groups we help each other become the people we most want to be, create formative space, embody our theology of connection, explore worship themes, walk with (not through) questions of life significance, slowly learn the substance of Unitarian Universalism, and develop spiritual friendship.

There are some changes to the line-up of available Journey Groups this year.

Here's what we have:
  • On the 3rd Sunday of each month, after the service (or after the brunch, if there is one): 2 groups. Facilitators: Tony Arrien, and Gary Freiberger. At CUUC.
  • 2nd Thu, 7:30pm. Facilitators: Perry Montrose, Debbie Manetta, Kevin McGahren-Clemens. at Parsonage.
  • 2nd Fri, 11:00am. Facilitator: Rev. Meredith Garmon. at Parsonage.
  • 2nd Fri, 6:30pm. Facilitator: Barbara Montrose. at CUUC.
  • 3rd Thu, 7:30pm. Facilitator: Mary Van Hoomissen. Tarrytown.
  • 4th Thu, 10:00am. Facilitator: Terri Kung. White Plains.
  • 4th Sun, 2:30pm. Facilitator: Rev. LoraKim Joyner. at Parsonage.
  • 4th Sun, 5:00pm. Facilitator: Karen Leahy. Mt. Vernon.
Don't see your group? Several groups from previous years are not continuing. One option: Sign up for a different group -- one of those listed above. Another option: Become a facilitator yourself, take over the time slot of your previous group, and invite previous group members to join you.

Even if your group is continuing, and you want to stay in it, please sign up again! It just takes a couple clicks HERE.

Our theme for September is "Letting Go." Find the September issue of "On the Journey" HERE.

Journey on, dear ones!

Yours in faith,
Meredith
Religious Education   This Sunday children are in the sanctuary for our multi-generational water ceremony  - bring a sample from your summer adventures! Bring your backpacks, too, for our annual blessing to start the school year.  Our RE Covenanting and classes begin next week, Sun Sep 16. We will have our teacher orientation that morning in Fellowship Hall from 8:45 - 9:45am. Please attend even if you have taught before. RSVP: [email protected], 914-946-1660 x4.
From the Music Director  British royal watchers might have salivated over the prospect of an invitation to the weddings of Charles and Diana or Harry and Meghan, but had we been around in the early 18th century, the ticket-to-be-had would have been to King George I's boat party down the River Thames on the evening of July 17, 1717 ...
Upcoming Summer Worship Services
   
Water Drop
Sun Sep 9, 10:00 AM, Sanctuary 
"Water Celebration: Ingathering"
Rev. Meredith Garmon
We return to the sanctuary for our annual ingathering and water celebration service. Bring a sample of water from your summer. Multi-generational.  
 
Sun Sep 16, 10:00 AM, Sanctuary 
"Living Our Faith"
Rev. Meredith Garmon
You don't have to be in a congregation to work for social justice, but in congregations, justice and spirituality are integrated. Working with fellow congregants on justice projects is an essential part of our spiritual path.
Sad News
 
Our much-loved member Barbara Lowney died peacefully on Friday morning, surrounded by family. We were blessed to have Barbara's dedication and compassion join us in the fight for justice, especially in the welcoming and resettlement of refugees. The work she accomplished in just the 2-1/2 years she was a member is inspirational. Information on memorial services will be shared soon.  
Reminder: Gather Water
 
Ingathering Worship & Water Ceremony, Sun Sep 9
Remember to bring a sample of water for our Ingathering Worship and Water Ceremony. Let the water you collect represent how your summer has been for you.
Community Meal: Ingathering 
 
Community Ingathering Meal, Sun Sep 9, after worship, Fellowship Hall   
Our annual "gathering in" meal is free! Please bring a side dish, salad, or sweet to share and contact: John Schwam ([email protected]). 
Blessing of the Bags
 
Blessing of the Bags, Sun Sep 9, during Ingathering Service
Bring your backpack, briefcase, handbag, fanny pack, or whatever you use for school, work, or hobby and we'll start the new year with a ceremonial blessing. RE Covenanting and Classes Begin Sun Sep 16.
Minister's Discretionary Fund
 
Our minister has a special fund to help people in financial distress, and this year the need has been greater than usual. We are asking Members and Friends to consider making a donation to replenish the fund. Through a generous offer, any contribution made by Mon Oct 15 will be matched up to $750. Make checks out to CUUC with the memo "Discretionary Fund." We look forward to again giving Rev. Meredith the ability to help those in need.
From the Treasurer 
 
Now that I am in my third year as Treasurer, I want to start providing periodic updates of CUUC's finances and offer some context for pledging and other ways to support CUUC. At this time, I want to summarize (1) last year's final numbers, (2) pledges in general, (3) 10% immediate matching for legacy giving, and (4) the Minister's Discretionary Funds... READ MORE.
Environmental Practice Of The Week : Avoid Buying Any New Plastic  

Plastic is made from fossil fuels so look for other options. For instance, carry a refillable water bottle instead of buying a disposable bottle. (And if you bring your water offering to the ingathering this Sunday in single-use plastic, we'll have recycling bins on hand!)
Under the Sea... CUUC's Night of Auctions, Food and Fun!    
Annual Auction Fundraiser, Sat Nov 3, Preview begins 5:30pm
 
Our enchanted evening Under the Sea is just eight weeks away! Join us as we transform our sanctuary into an underwater paradise. We'll share a delicious dinner, enjoy games of chance, participate in a lively auction, and share an evening of fun with new members and old friends. Look for our mailing and see our flyers HERE and HERE. We'd love to have you join our school of fish as we swim towards our underwater destination, so let us know if you'd like to get involved. Contact: Janet Bear ([email protected]) 
Refugee Welcoming Week Events, Sat Sep 15, CUUC Kitchen and Fellowship Hall
  
- Afghan Cooking Class - 9:30 AM (Limited to 10 adults and children 10+ years); 

- Afghan Lunch - 12:00 PM (Limited to 25); 

- Roundtable Discussion "Refugee Resettlement from Both Sides" - 1:00 PM (Open to all)

Join these special events to celebrate our resettled refugees and supporting volunteers. RSVP: Jane Dixon ([email protected]).
Get Active at the SJT Fair   

Social Justice Team Fair, Sun Sep 16, after worship, Fellowship Hall
Meet our social justice teams and find where you would like to share your talent and energy. Our goal is for all CUUCers to at least be "on call" to help one team if needed. Will you step up?
Come Sing With the CUUC Choir

All voice parts welcome and reading music is not required, just the ability to match pitch. Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 7:30 - 9:15pm and we sing in two services per month. We work hard but have a lot of fun! Attend any Tuesday rehearsal to sing or observe, or attend the Choir Open House on Sun Sep 30 following service. Contact Choir Director Lisa Meyer ([email protected], 347-278-3187).
 
Look Out for New Name Tags!

Our new disposable visitor name tags and recently-requested permanent name tags will be brighter and more colorful. So look out for people wearing these special name tags and make a point of extending a warm CUUC welcome this Sunday and every Sunday!   
Limited-Time Opportunity to Benefit CUUC 

Wake Now Our Vision Legacy Challenge
10% Matching Opportunity for Planned Giving
If you name CUUC as a beneficiary in your will, your IRA, or other legacy gift, we will receive a 10% matching donation now from the UUA, up to $10,000. NOTE: FUNDS FOR THIS PROGRAM ARE EXPECTED TO LAST THROUGH SEPTEMBER ONLY, SO INTERESTED PARTIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO ACT NOW. Contact Chris Kortlandt ([email protected]). 
In the Community 
 
 
Spotlight on Food Waste & Food Insecurity in Westchester, Sat Sep 8, 10:00 AM, White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Avenue, White Plains
Screening of documentary Wasted! followed by discussion of proposed legislation addressing food optimization, and steps to expand food-waste-recycling-to-compost programs. Free. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters. RSVP: [email protected].    
 
Text Bank Volunteers Needed to Increase Millennial Voter Turn-Out, Sat Sep 8 or Sun Sep 9
Help reach young NY voters who don't always vote in local elections to remind them that our primary election date this year is Thu Sep 13. To join a text bank team all you need is a cell phone. Sign up HERE   
    
Find more local social justice events HERE.  
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 as much as we wish we could honor all requests, we have only twelve months in the year. Please make your Share the Plate request to the Social Justice Coordinating Committee (see Contacts at the bottom of newsletter). We give priority to organizations that have a longtime relationship with CUUC and our Social Justice Teams... Read more HERE. 
The Fall Communitarian Magazine is Here!
 

Read all about it! 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 14.
Virtual Meeting Room

CUUC has a Zoom video-conferencing site that is available to all committees and teams when members need to attend meetings remotely. The site accommodates one meeting at a time, so reserve your "room" by contacting Pam in the office ([email protected]) to avoid being bumped. The virtual meeting will be listed on the CUUC calendar like a regular meeting.
Our Faith Family  

Memorial for Hollis Huston, Sun Sep 30, 3:00pm, Unitarian Church of All Souls, 1157 Lexington Avenue, New York NY.  212-535-5530  Memorial Service for the husband of Rev. Carol Huston, our former minister. 
Neighboring Congregations   

From UUFNW/Mt. Kisco: A UU parent is looking for two responsible and reliable persons to help drive each of two children to their after-school activity on weekdays, Monday to Fridays. Family lives in Pleasantville. Contact: Julie (206-234-6404). 
Caring & Sharing Circle

If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Carole Mehta (914-234-6294, [email protected]) or her backup Catherine Kortlandt (914-834-7112, [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, contact Pam at the CUUC office (914-946-1660 x2, [email protected]).

Fri Sep 7 - 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
Sat Sep 8 - 8:45am Social Justice Team Leaders; 10:00am Food Prep for Community Meal; 10:00am Zen; 12:30pm Journey Group Facilitators
Sun Sep 9 - 9:00am LGBTQIA meeting; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:30am Community Meal; 11:40am Economic Social Justice; 12:00pm Children's Music Meeting; 12:30pm Auction Committee; 5:00pm Rental: WCHJ
Mon Sep 10 - 8:00pm Rental: Amnesty International
Tue Sep 11 - 10:00am Rental: Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous; 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
Wed Sep 12 - 7:30pm Board of Trustees
Thu Sep 13 - 11:30am Science & Spirituality Group; 5:30pm Rental: Montessori Parent/Teacher Night
Sat Sep 15 - 9:30am Afghan Cooking Lesson; 10:00am Zen; 12:00pm Afghan Lunch; 1:00pm Roundtable Discussion; 1:00pm Rental: WCBNY
Sun Sep 16 - 8:45am Teacher Orientation; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:30am Social Justice Fair; 12:30pm Rental: St Gregory Church; 4:00pm Rental: WCSPP Welcome Party
The Liberal Pulpit / New this week:
  • Good Women, Bad Women. Coverage of Meghan McCain's eulogy for her father -- and of Meghan McCain's political positions generally -- led to this reflection on how choice of conjunction ("but" instead of "and") reveals how abortion ideology works.
  • Dear SBNR. An open letter to "Spiritual But Not Religious" people, on the nature of congregational life.
Index of past sermons: HERE. Index of other reflections: HERE. Videos of sermons are on the Liberal Pulpit Youtube Channel: HERE
Contacts

Minister: Rev. Meredith Garmon, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x3
Director of Faith Development: Perry Montrose, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x4
Coordinator of Religious Education: Michele Rinaldi, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x4
Community Minister: Rev. Deb Morra, [email protected], 914-830-1509
Community Minister: Rev. LoraKim Joyner, [email protected]
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: Dean Silverberg, [email protected], 212-351-4642
Vice Chair: Al Rocchi, [email protected], 914-777-3216
Treasurer: Chris Kortlandt, [email protected], 914-834-7112
Social Justice Coordinators
Jeff Tomlinson, [email protected]
Mary Cavallero, [email protected]
Pamela Cucinell, [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
Your Moment of Zen: Zazen Alone / Mallard spoke up first at an evening meeting and said, "When I'm traveling, I find it difficult to do zazen without support from the community. As often as not, I end up not doing it." Raven said, "Sit with the stones." READ MORE
Zen at CUUC: Sat Sep 8
The e -Communitarian newsletter is e-mailed each Thursday. 
Please send submissions to [email protected] by noon on Tuesday.
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