Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains, NY
Spirituality   ·   Compassion   ·   Service
On the Journey: Simplicity (2019 Jan) - HERE
Practice of the Week: Say Yes Our theme for January is Simplicity. Simplifying often means saying no to things that will make your life more harried and frazzled. As you consider what you might say no to, keep in mind also these thoughts on the importance of saying yes. READ MORE
Religious Education  We are midway through January forging our way toward the heart of winter, but the cold and snow will not deter us from many exciting events to come. We are preparing to celebrate MLK Day this Sunday, and getting our appetites and community spirit geared toward the annual Chili Meal fundraiser next week. RE This Sunday: All ages in Fellowship Hall for MLK Sunday. READ MORE.
From the Music Director  Music from a variety of African-American traditions will be featured on Sunday morning in honor of Dr. Martin Luther Day, including arrangements from Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's "Twenty-Four Negro Melodies" of orally-transmitted songs from the U. S. and the African continent. The CUUC Choir is also on hand with music from Native American and East-African traditions, all in keeping with Dr. King's vision for a more inclusive society...  READ MORE.
Upcoming Worship Services

Sun Jan 20, 10:00 AM
"MLK"
Rev. Meredith Garmon
We've learned a lot since 1968. And still have a lot to learn. 
    
 
 
Sun Jan 27, 10:00 AM
"God is Not One"  
Rev. Meredith Garmon
Do the world's religions represent different paths up the same mountain? Or are they climbing entirely different mountains?
From the Treasurer
 
Tax statements for 2018 are ready and may be picked up in the CUUC office this Sun Jan 20 and next Sun Jan 27. Any statements not picked up will be mailed out before the end of the month. Contact: Diane Pearson, bookkeeper ([email protected], 914-946-1660 x5) or Chris Kortlandt, treasurer ([email protected], 917-821-4289).
Congregational Survey
 
The Committee on Ministry evaluates one area of the congregation each year, and in 2019 we are focusing on our Social Justice Program. Please help us by taking our survey. It should take ten minutes or less and responses are confidential. Pick up a copy at CUUC this Sunday, or download it HERE to print at home. Return your completed survey to any COM member (Carol Selinske, Randy Marshall, Tom Wacht, Denice Tomlinson, or Claire Kuczinski), or drop off at the CUUC office. Or you may take the survey online by clicking HERE . Results will be shared in the spring. Contact: Randy Marshall ([email protected]).
Ways to Help Federal Workers
 
With the government shutdown nearing the one-month mark, up to 800,000 federal government employees are wondering what they will do when the next paycheck doesn't arrive. Click HERE for a list of non-profits and other organizations that accept donations and can provide more information on ways we can help. Many thanks for Carole Mehta for compiling! 
UUs in the News 
 
 
On Tue Jan 15 the Gender Expression Non Discrimination Act (GENDA) passed in the New York State Senate and Assembly, more than ten years after it was first introduced. In Albany to witness the historic vote were members of the CUUC LGBTQIA Social Justice Team, Janet Wafer, Tony Arrien, and Joann Prinzivalli, who authored the bill roughly 18 years ago. (Also pictured, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Yonkers activist Angelique Piwinski.) Said Joann, "The moral arc of the universe is now bending just slightly more toward justice on Martin Luther King's birthday, today." As Tony posted, "It's a great day!" To join the LGBTQIA team, contact Tony Arrien ([email protected]
UUs in the News 
 
 
CUUC's community minister Rev. LoraKim Joyner with her non-profit organization One Earth Conservation has worked for years in Honduras to protect their threatened population of scarlet macaws, the country's national bird. Her accomplishments were featured in a recent article in The Economist magazine. Read more HERE.
Wise Aging Group 
 
The Wise Aging Group, Tue Jan 22, 3:00pm, Parsonage
We invite you to join a new discussion group where we explore aging as a personal and spiritual practice, and support one another in our journeys. We will follow the book, Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, and Spirit. Contact: Rev. LoraKim Joyner ([email protected], 914-948-1696). 
Science & Spirituality 
 
Science & Spirituality, Thu Jan 24, 11:30am, Fireside
We meet the second and fourth Thursday and discuss books and articles on the intersection of spirituality and science. Join us! Contact: Barbara Mair ( [email protected]).
Chili Community Meal 
 
Chili Community Meal, Sun Jan 27, 11:30am, Fellowship Hall 
The heat of chili and the warmth of community. Hosted by the 4th-5th and 6th-7th grade classes to support their social justice projects. Please email [email protected] if you would like to bring a pot of chili to support the class. Cost: $5 per Adult, $3 per child, $15 max per family.  
Day in Place   
 
Day in Place, Sat Feb 2, Sunrise to Sunset
Join the PlaceKeepers to appreciate, improve, and maintain the building and grounds of CUUC, our physical and spiritual home. Come celebrate the ancient holy day of Imbolc. Come visit the Spirit Fire. Help tend our springs and our paths. Walk the Path Which Connects. Come any time between sunrise and sunset. Contact: Bice Wilson ([email protected]). 
Sustainable Energy Forum  
 
Energy Forum: Power of Choice, Sun Feb 3, 11:30am, Fellowship Hall
Energy expert Karl Rábago will talk about today's energy markets and the electric grid, at our second annual Environmental Practices Forum. An executive at government and academic energy and climate programs, Mr. Rábago will introduce a film set in a critically warmer world, and will give a presentation about the best sources of renewable electricity. Coffee and a light lunch will be served. 
Special Friends Sign Up 
 
Join our pen pal program that anonymously matches students in Religious Ed and adults in the congregation so we get to know one another better. Exchange six letters over nine weeks, then meet at the Canvass Community Meal on Sun Mar 31. Letter exchanges begin Sun Jan 27. To sign up, email [email protected].  
Backpack Drive
 
The Brighter Futures After-School Mentoring Program  needs large strong backpacks. "Sponsor" a backpack and we will shop for you! $45 = backpack + supplies; $30 = backpack; smaller amounts = supplies. Or purchase notebooks or pens/pencil packs to donate. We collect throughout January. Flyer HERE. Contact: Amy Swiss ( [email protected].
Our Faith Family 
 
January 25 marks the 10th anniversary of the ordination of Jef Gamblee by CUUC. Pastor Jef continues to be grateful to our congregation for their confidence in his future as a UU minister. As Jef always likes to remind us, life is good!

Outside Events at CUUC  
 
Film Screening: A Better Life, Fri Feb 1, 7:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
The Westchester Center for the Study of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (WCSPP), partnering with Neighbors Link, will host a screening of the film A Better Life , about an illegal immigrant gardener trying to make a better life for his teenage son. Join us for the viewing and conversation with Carola Ortero Bracco, executive director of Neighbors Link, whose mission is to strengthen communities through the integration of immigrants. RSVP to Irene Studwell ( [email protected] , 914-714-5880). 
MLK Events in the Community  
 
" The Dream Is Still Alive," Jim Scott in Concert, Fri Jan 18, 7:30pm, UU Fellowship of Northern Westchester, 236 S Bedford Rd, Mt Kisco 
Jim Scott, composer of "Gather the Spirit" and other UU hymns, leads a participatory songfest of new and historic music celebrating the ideals that Dr. Martin Luther King championed. Sliding Scale Admission $12-20. Purchase tickets HERE.  
 
Bookfair to Benefit the MLK Freedom Library, Mon Jan 21, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Barnes & Noble, 230 Main Street, City Center, White Plains
Come to Barnes & Noble for a day of activities - OR - order items online from Jan 19 to Jan 24 at barnesandnoble.com/bookfairs and enter ID #12464053 at checkout. Purchases benefit the MLK Freedom Library .    
2018-19 UUA Common Read 
 
Our "Common Read" this year is Justice on Earth: People of Faith Working at the Intersections of Race, Class, and Environment. This anthology presents a powerful and penetrating look at environmental justice by key UU thinkers and activists. Discount copies are available to purchase for $15 after worship.
Social Justice Opportunities
 
Westchester Rally for All, Sat Jan 19, 1:00pm, Martin Luther King Blvd, between Martine and Quarropas (Across from the Martin Luther King statue)
Join our Westchester Rally for All, co-sponsored by Westchester for Change. Invited speakers include Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Mayor Tom Roach, State Senator Shelley Mayer, and others.
 
Find more local social justice opportunities HERE.
Share the Plate for January: Interfaith Council for New Americans (ICNA)
 
For the past year, CUUC has been actively supporting an Afghan refugee family as part of the Interfaith Council for New Americans (ICNA), a coalition of several Westchester congregations that provides welcome and support to refugees being resettled in our area. The ICNA is preparing for new endeavors in 2019, including the possible arrival of another family. To learn more or to join the CUUC Refugee Resettlement team, contact Robin Rocchi ([email protected]) or Jane Dixon ([email protected]).
Caring & Sharing Circle

If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Anita Mann (914-819-7751, [email protected]) or her backup Barbara Mair (914-769-7186, [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 Jan 19 - 10:00am Zen; 2:30pm Rental: WCHJ
Sun Jan 20 - 8:45am Choir Rehearsal; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 10:00am  Religious Ed: MLK Justice Sunday; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:40am Sunday Journey Groups; 5:00pm Journey Group - Leahy
Mon Jan 21 - Office Closed; 8:00pm Finance Committee
Tue Jan 22 - 6:00pm Animal Advocacy; 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP
Wed Jan 23 - 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP Faculty Meeting; 7:30pm Worship Committee
Thu Jan 24 - 10:00am  Journey Group - Kung; 11:30am Science & Spirituality Group
Fri Jan 25 - 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
Sat Jan 26 - 8:00am Rental: Rug Hookers; 10:00am Food Prep for Community Meal; 10:00am Zen
Sun Jan 27 - 8:45am Choir Rehearsal; 9:00am Hunger & Homelessness; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:20am Newcomers' Conversation; 11:30am Chili Sunday Meal; 11:40am Music Committee; 2:30pm Journey Group - Rev. Joyner
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]
Vice Chair: Al Rocchi, [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
Your Moment of Zen: Hearing Raven took her perch and said, "Things just come in. Do you listen, or do you hear? When you listen, you are paying attention to something out there, but when you hear, the sounds just come in. You are sitting there with your ears open, and the dove calls out. That sound defines you....READ MORE
Zen at CUUC, Sat Jan 19: HERE
The e -Communitarian newsletter is e-mailed each week. 
Please send submissions to [email protected] by noon on Tuesday.
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