Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains, NY
Spirituality   ·   Compassion   ·   Service
Apr issue of On the Journey: Faith -- CLICK HERE
Practice of the Week: Guided Meditation for Relaxing into Awe. The first thing I noticed as I tried to completely relax my jaw was that it was very difficult to do. People hold a lot of tension in their face without even realizing it. By attempting to completely let go of the tightness in your jaw, you'll become aware of subtle tensions throughout your face.... READ MORE
From the Minister. We have an extra-special Earth Day service on Apr 22. It's a joint service bringing together at CUUC all five of the Westchester UU congregations (Hastings, Croton, Mt. Kisco, Mohegan Lake, and us!) All five ministers will have roles, and a combined choir will sing. I'm very excited! READ MORE
Lifespan Religious Education  It is powerful to have an experience that reminds you that you are not alone, especially in the context of your hopes for the world. This Sunday is Earth Day and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to celebrate with our fellow Westchester UUs. In addressing climate reality this Sunday, we can feel the power of our combined voices. Children always find it eye-opening to realize that Unitarian Universalism is not just within our walls and... READ MORE & RE NEWS
From the Ministerial Intern  Diving into Earth Day - Sunday marks the 48th observance of "Earth Day," an international day of events focused on protecting our environment. Many of those events will celebrate aspects of our natural world, many will encourage us to get outdoors or to get or become even more involved in various aspects of environmentalism, conservation, or environmental justice. Some, like our upcoming joint service... READ MORE
  • Minister's Tuesday Coffee Chat - On Tue Apr 24 find me at Barnes and Noble Cafe, Eastchester, Vernon Hills Shopping Center, 684 White Plains Road, Scarsdale
  • See the current version of the Statement of Conscience, "Escalating Economic Inequity" with the amendments supported so far HERE. See the original SOC HERE. (This version does not reflect the supported amendments.)
  • Check out the two Common Reads for 2017-18 HERE. See especially recommended passages HERE.
Upcoming Worship Services
 
Sun Apr 22, 10:30am 
Combined Westchester UU Worship at CUUC
"Shared Earth, Shared Faith" 
All five Westchester UU congregations will gather here to share a worship service on Earth Day.
Note the 10:30 am start time. More details below.  

 
Sun Apr 29, 10:00am 
"Truth?"
Rev. Meredith Garmon
The parable of the blind folk and the elephant teaches us to recognize the limitations and particularities of our perspective. But the problem may be deeper. Maybe there is no elephant. 
In Case You Missed It . . .

Click the pic for last Sunday's "Faith in Hashtags" by Cindy Davidson (mostly) and Meredith Garmon (short reflection).

For video of a number of past sermons on our Youtube channel, CLICK HERE.
All-County UU Worship at CUUC 

"Shared Earth, Shared Faith," Westchester County UU Worship, Sun Apr 22, 10:30am, CUUC
The UU congregations in Westchester are coming  together here on Earth Day for a combined worship service that includes ministers, musicians, and religious educators from our different congregations. 
  • Note the 10:30am start time - come early!
  • Carpool if possible, or park in the neighborhood (but not on Sycamore Lane or Rosedale Ave)
  • Bring a treat for our coffee hour table
  • Wear your name tag
  • Help our coffee hosts to set up, serve, and clean up
  • Welcome our neighbors - meet someone new!
  • Volunteer to help as you can 
    Contact Adine Usher (adinevictoriaray@gmail.com), Paula Meighan (paula.meighan74@gmail.com), Janet Bear (jsbear1@gmail.com), or Chris Kortlandt (kortlandtbunch@gmail.com)
    .
UUA Common Read Book Discussion          

Wisdom Reading Group, Sun Apr 22, after worship, 41
After the all-county worship, we will gather for an important discussion of Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity and Power in Ministry, experiences of religious professionals of color in Unitarian Universalism. We encourage you to purchase and read the book in advance, and especially the passages you will find HERE. Facilitated by Chandeerah Davis, our Youth Program Coordinator and Jeff Tomlinson of the Racial Justice Team.  
From the Hunger & Homelessness Team         

Meal Prep for HOPE, Sun Apr 22, after worship, Kitchen
We invite you to help us prepare a hot meal for 120 people at the  HOPE Community Services soup kitchen. An easy way to make a difference! Contact: John Schwam ( jgschwam@gmail.com).
Special 37th District Election Tue Apr 24

A special election will be held Tue Apr 24 for the NYS 37th Senatorial District. The candidates are Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer (D) and former Rye Councilwoman Julia P. Killian (R). Not sure if you live in the 37th District? Enter your address HERE to find out. 
Bingo Party!         

Bingo Night, Fri Apr 27, 6:30pm, Fellowship Hall
A night of pizza and community fun! Help us out by donating a gift to our collection of prizes. All ages welcome! $5/adult; $3/child; $15/family max. RSVP: cuucevents@gmail.com.
 
Memorial Service for Elizabeth Landauer

Sat Apr 28, 11:00am, Sanctuary  
We will honor and celebrate the life of our much loved longtime member Betty Landauer, who died on February 15 at 100 years of age. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to donate to your favorite charity or to CUUC.
Notice of Congregational Meeting          

Special Congregational Meeting, Sun Apr 29, after Worship, Sanctuary 
Next Sunday there will be a special congregational meeting after the service and a vote on three motions coming from our social justice teams:
  1. From the Economic Social Justice team, a motion to adopt our Statement of Conscience regarding Escalating Economic Inequity in the United States. You may see the latest version of that Statement HERE. Printouts (on green paper) are available now outside the Sanctuary. A summary is HERE.
  2. From the Women's Social Justice Team, a motion to affirm support for a woman's right to contraception. See the motion HERE
  3. From our LGBTQIA Social Justice Team, a motion to approve our congregation's renewal of our Welcoming Congregation certification. Learn more HERE.
We encourage everyone to attend this important meeting and to participate actively.

Community Socials
            

CUUC Community Socials, Sun Apr 29, 4:00pm
Some CUUC folks are graciously opening their doors to community gatherings, where we can get to know one another better. Choose a location, RSVP to the host, bring a snack to share, and have fun! Contact: Jane Dixon (lilrhodie@gmail.com).  
  • Julie Gans & Creighton Cray, 5 Talcott Rd, Rye Brook, julieagans@gmail.com, 914-937-7899
  • Laura & Alex Sehdeva, 57 Old Country Rd, New Rochelle, laurasehdeva@gmail.com, 914-365-2867
  • Cindy Davidson, 137 Beverly Rd, White Plains, intern@cucwp.org, 781-710-1640

CUUC Choral Concert

"CUUC in Song!", Sun May 6, 12:30pm, Sanctuary
Following the Pancake Brunch, join us for a concert of joyful vocal music. Mezzo-soprano Anna Tonna sings sultry Spanish and Latin-American favorites accompanied by Adam Kent. The CUUC Choir, directed by Lisa N. Meyer and accompanied by Georgianna Pappas, performs music of Harold Arlen, featuring favorites like Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Stormy Weather, and Get Happy. Suggested Donation $20; Students/Seniors $10; Children 13 & Under $5; Max Family $45. Tickets available online at cucwp.org/concert-series and discount tickets available at CUUC during coffee hour. Free childcare available with advance reservation.
Variety Show FUN-draiser! 
 
CUUC's Variety Show, Sat May 12, 5:00pm, Sanctuary
Come one, come all to our 6th annual evening of fun! Members, friends, family, and relatives - all are welcome. Enjoy performances (kids AND adults), bake sale, and much more! Sign up in the RE lobby. Raffle tickets go on sale this Sunday! Contact: Liz Suvanto (elizabethsuvanto@hotmail.com).  
Nominating Committee Members Wanted

The Board of Trustees is seeking two members of the Congregation to serve on the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee for a three-year term beginning this June. The role of the Committee is to select candidates, from among the members of the Congregation, for vacancies on the Board of Trustees, including the offices of Secretary and Treasurer. Nominees should be familiar with our members, to facilitate the nomination process. The Committee can also sponsor leadership development activities for the Congregation. If you are interested or wish to recommend someone, please contact Board Chair Dean Silverberg (DSilverberg@ebglaw.com, 212-351-4642).
The deadline for nominations is Sun May 6 . 
In the Community

Local Social Action Opportunities 
Click 
HERE  for a listing of upcoming social action events in our area.  

"Performing Families" Concert, Sat Apr 21, 7:00pm, ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains
  ArtsWestchester presents four family bands -- including the LOFT's Pride Chorus -- presenting Klezmer, Mariachi, and Indian Carnatic music. $10. Info at artsw.org/PerformingFamilies, 914-428-4220  
Share the Plate for April: Murray Grove
 
This month we share half our non-pledge collection with Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center, the only Unitarian Universalist conference center in the Metro area and the site traditionally considered to be where Universalism in America began. Among the many camps, trainings, retreats, and workshops offered is the program our Coming of Age classes attend as part of their journey to creating a statement of faith.      
Caring & Sharing Circle

If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Gail McLeod (914 235-8212) or her backup Liz Laite (914-366-4211, em.laite@verizon.net). 
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, admin@cucwp.org).

Thu Apr 19 - 7:00pm Caring & Sharing; 7:00pm Journey Group - T. Litkofsky
Fri Apr 20 - 6:00pm Metro Dist Youth Con
Sat Apr 21 - 7:00am Metro Youth Con; 10:00am Zen
Sun Apr 22 - 8:00am Metro Youth Con ends; 8:30am Choir Rehearsal; 9:30am
Nursery Care; 10:30am All-County Worship; 12:00pm Meal Prep for HOPE;
12:00pm Common Read Book Discussion 
Mon Apr 23 - 6:30pm T'ai-ch'i
Tue Apr 24 - 3:00pm Minister's Tuesday Coffee Chat; 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP; 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal; 7:30pm Journey Group - J. Majsak
Wed Apr 25 - 7:30pm Worship Committee
Thu Apr 26 - 10:00am Journey Group - Kung; 11:30am Science & Spirituality
Fri Apr 27 - 6:30pm CUUC Bingo Night
Sat Apr 28 - 10:00am Zen; 11:00am Memorial for Elizabeth Landauer 
Sun Apr 29 - 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:20am Newcomers' Conversation; 11:30am Community Chat; 11:30am Music Committee; 11:40am Congregation Forum/Vote on Statement of Conscience; 2:00pm Rental: UNA-USA Westchester Chapter Annual Meeting; 4:00pm Community Socials
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, getreal714@verizon.net, 914-830-1509
Community Minister: Rev. LoraKim Joyner, amoloros@gmail.com
Ministerial Intern: Cindy Davidson, intern@cucwp.org, 781-710-1640
Youth Program Coordinator: Chandeerah Davis, cuucypc@gmail.com
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
Social Justice Coordinators
Jeff Tomlinson, jefftomlinson8@gmail.com
Mary Cavallero, marycava4@gmail.com
Pamela Cucinell, pamelajcny@gmail.com
Rev. Meredith Garmon, minister@cucwp.org
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
Our Black Lives Matter Resolution
The e -Communitarian newsletter is e-mailed each Friday. 
Please send submissions to admin@cucwp.org by noon on Tuesday.
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