Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains, NY
Spirituality   ·   Compassion   ·   Service
On the Journey: Renewal (2019 Apr) - HERE
Practice of the Week: Let Go Letting go can mean: releasing pain; dropping thoughts or deeds that cause suffering; yielding rather than breaking; surrendering to the way it is, like it or not; allowing each moment to pass away without trying to hold on to it; accepting the impermanent nature of existence; and relaxing the sense of self and opening out into the wider world. READ MORE
List of Spiritual Practices: HERE
Religious Education   Anticipating this Sunday's multigenerational Animal Blessing service, our children's worship on Apr 7 explored animal-related issues. Rev. LoraKim Joyner came and spoke about her work protecting parrots in Central America, and Michele Rinaldi brought in a special guest, her rescue cat Brook, to demonstrate both the cruel and caring ways humans can treat animals... READ MORE
From the Music Director   Besides animal-themed solos by Unitarian composer Edvard Grieg and the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns, our Sunday morning  musical selections will include one of Beethoven's greatest chamber works performed by guest cellist Caleb van der Swaagh. To learn more about Caleb, visit his website calebvanderswaagh.com... READ MORE
Upcoming Worship Services

 
Sun Apr 14, 10:00 AM
" Animal Blessing"
Rev. Meredith Garmon
Join us as we celebrate animals and Earth Day! We invite you to bring your companion animals (if you and they would be comfortable) or bring a photograph, for this annual tradition. Multigenerational worship.  

  Sun Apr 21, 10:00 AM
"Easter" 
Rev. Meredith Garmon  
Animals Welcome  
 
Animal Blessing Worship, Sun Apr 14, 10:00am
This Sunday bring your companion animals (if comfortable), or their photo, for our Animal Blessing service. At coffee hour afterward, enjoy Vegan treats brought in by our Animal Advocacy social justice team. While you're at the table, take a moment to thank chair Doreen Rossi for the remarkable work she and the team have accomplished in less than two years, and wish her well on her upcoming move to a new home in Woodstock, NY. She will be greatly missed! 
From the Hunger & Homelessness Team
 
Appliance & Sports Equipment/Games Collection, Through Sun Apr 21
Donate small home appliances for the clients of Furniture Sharehouse, and sports equipment and games for Coachman Family Center. Questions? Games: Ray Messing ( raymessing@gmail.com),
Appliances: Scott Damashek ( scottdamashek@gmail.com).
Book Discussion Rescheduled
 
White Fragility Book Discussion, Sun May 5, 11:40am, Fellowship Hall
According to the New Yorker, "The value in White Fragility lies in its methodical, irrefutable exposure of racism in thought and action, and its call for humility and vigilance." Reading the book isn't necessary for participating in our discussion; just by living in the U.S. you'll have plenty to share from your own "lived experience." A few copies are still available for sale after service on Sunday. 
Wise Aging
 
Wise Aging Group, Tue Apr 16, 3:00pm, Fireside
We explore aging as a personal and spiritual practice, and support one another in our journeys. We follow the book, Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, and Spirit. Contact: Rev. LoraKim Joyner ( 914-948-1696, amoloros@gmail.com). 
 
Cooperative Coffee Hour
 
Cooperative Coffee Hour, Sun Apr 21, 11:15am 
Easter and Passover are times for sharing special foods. We invite you to bring along a treat to help fill our table for next Sunday's Cooperative Coffee Hour. Then pitch in to help us set up, serve, and clean up together. Many hands make light work! 
Sunday Journey Group Date 
 
Sunday Journey Group Meetings, Sun Apr 21 (Easter), 11:40, rooms 13, 31, & 43
Our Sunday journey groups generally meet on the third week of each month, and in April that date will fall on Easter Sunday. Facilitators and participants please let your group know if this is an issue for you.     
Recycling Tour 
 
Tour of Materials Recovery Facility, Mon Apr 22, 11:00am, Yonkers
Come see how the items you recycle are processed and reused. Children welcome - a great educational family outing to plan during school vacation. Carpool from CUUC leaves at 10:30am. Join us afterward at Grassy Sprain Diner in Yonkers for lunch and discussion. Organized by the CUUC Environmental Practices Group. Learn more HERE. RSVP by Thu Apr 18 to Joe Majsak (jmajsak@verizon.net ).   
From Environmental Practices
 
Disposable paper cups are not recyclable at CUUC or in most other municipal recycling programs. They are lined with a fine film of polyethylene, which makes them difficult and expensive to reprocess. Because it's difficult to know if a cup was lined it's best to throw it away to prevent contamination of the rest of the recycled materials. Some local recyclers, such as the New York City Department of Sanitation, have special equipment to handle these lined coffee cups, but Westchester County does not. Most plastic lids, however are recyclable in Westchester. Here's the full NYT article: 6 Things You're Recycling Wrong
"Our Dreams Are Inspired"
 
2019 Annual Giving Campaign
CUUC is an important part of our lives, and our religious faith is a necessary force for good in the world. Both require our support to remain healthy and vital. Help make "Our Dreams" come true. Return your pledge form promptly, or pledge online at cucwp.org/annual-pledge. Contact: Chris Kortlandt ( kortlandtbunch@gmail.com).
Our Faith Family
 
Rev. Dr. Kelly Murphy Mason, who was a community minister for CUUC from 2014-2016, was recently installed as the 13th minister of UU Wellesley Hills in Wellesley, MA. In the UU tradition, an Installation is an event held to celebrate the congregational call of a settled minister. Over 100 guests attended, including CUUC members Rhonda and Steve Miller, Bryan Masback, and Claire Flower. Congratulations Rev. Kelly! 
Music at CUUC 
 
CUUC Spring Concert, Sun Apr 28, 12:30pm, Sanctuary
Come hear clarinetist Pascal Archer and pianist Adam Kent performing the music of Brahms, Poulenc, and Honegger, plus the CUUC Choir singing pieces by Schubert, Brahms, and Bernstein, including favorites from West Side Story and On the Town . Discount tickets on sale Sunday during coffee hour. See flyer HERE. 
Variety Show
 
CUUC Variety Show 2019, Sat May 4, Sanctuary
Raffle tickets on sale this Sunday for the annual event that puts the FUN in fundraiser! All ages take the stage to strut their stuff as we raise money for PrideWorks. Sign up your act on the board in the RE hallway, contribute treats to the bake sale, and solicit donations from your favorite shops for our prizes. Contact: Kate Breault (ksnowbro@gmail.com). Bake sale: Benetta Barnett (benettabarnett@hotmail.com).
Spare the Insects
 
The youngest member of New York Entomological Society is 8-year-old Westchester resident Anusha Vaishreminds. She reminds gardeners not to dig up their garden beds or blow overwintered leaves until the overnight temperature is a steady 50 degrees, so as not to disturb insects. Insects are a vital part of agriculture and earth's ecology. See Campaign for Living Greenways that benefit insects.
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 have a familiarity with members of this Congregation to aid in the nomination process. If you are interested or would like to recommend someone (with their approval), contact Board Chair Dean Silverberg (dsilverberg@ebglaw.com, 212-351-4642). The deadline for nominations is Sun May 5. 
Last Call for Summer Service Leaders 

Would you like to lead a summer service? Do you know a worship speaker you would recommend? We have several summer dates available. Please email your topic, or the name of a speaker, to Pam Parker (admin@cucwp.org) by Mon Apr 15. The summer worship team will be in touch next month.  
Social Justice Opportunities
 
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Meeting, Mon Apr 15, 7:00pm, South Presbyterian Church, 343 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry
Our topic is whiteness, and we'll discuss Dr. Robin DiAngelo's video "Deconstructing White Privilege."  All are welcome. Meetings are child friendly, with snacks. Contact: surjwestchester@gmail.com.
    
See more environmental and social justice opportunities HERE
In the Community  
 
Upcoming LGBTQ Events at ArtsWestchester, 31 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains 
"One Stride: Chosen Family," Film Screening, Discussion, and Performance, Fri May 3, 7:00 PM   
A program exploring the history and significance of chosen family to LGBTQ communities, including a talk about queer kinship, a documentary screening, and performance by the LOFT's Pride Chorus. $10 admission. Tickets and info at artsw.org/onestride. Flyer HERE.
 
"Performing Families: The Art of Runway and Step," Sat May 4, 7:30 PM 
An evening of dance and conversation with two award-winning families of choice. The Legendary House of Comme des Garçons will demonstrate the art of runway walking, and Prestige, a competitive step team from New Rochelle, will perform. $10 admission. Tickets and info at artsw.org/perffamilies2. Flyer HERE
Share the Plate for April: Furniture Sharehouse
 
We share half our non-pledge collection this month with Furniture Sharehouse, an organization that provides free furniture to economically disadvantaged individuals and families living in Westchester, giving them basic household furnishings to enable them to rebuild their lives and live with dignity. Founded in April 2007, the charity has helped over 4,000 households / 12,500 people in need, and distributed over 67,000 pieces of furniture. Learn more at furnituresharehouse.org.  
Caring & Sharing Circle

If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Carole Mehta (914-234-6294, carole.mehta@gmail.com) or Julie Gans (914-937-7899, julieagans@gmail.com). Or contact the CUUC office (914-946-1660 x2, admin@cucwp.org).
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, admin@cucwp.org).
 
Fri Apr 5 - 9:00am Rental: Exercise; 6:00pm Animal Advocacy

Sat Apr 13 - 9:00am Rental: Exercise; 10:00am Zen; 1:00pm Rental: WCBNY; 3:00pm Rental: Private Party

Sun Apr 14 - 8:15am RE Council; 9:00am Environmental Practices; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship: Animal Blessing; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:40am Racial Justice/ITSOT Meeting

Mon Apr 15 - 5:00pm Rental: Exercise; 6:30pm T'ai-ch'i; 8:00pm Finance Committee

Tue Apr 16 - 6:00am Rental: TV Crew; 10:00am Rental: Exercise; 3:00pm Wise Aging Group; 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP; 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

Thu Apr 18 - 7:00pm Journey Group - Van Hoomissen; 7:30 Building Committee; 7:30pm Committee On Ministry

Sat Apr 20 - 9:00am Rental: Exercise; 10:00am Zen

Sun Apr 21 - 8:45am Choir Rehearsal; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:40am Sunday Journey Groups; 5:00pm Journey Group - Leahy
Contacts

Minister: Rev. Meredith Garmon, minister@cucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x3
Director of Faith Development: Perry Montrose, RE@cucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x4
Coordinator of Religious Education: Michele Rinaldi, RE@cucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x4
Community Minister: Rev. Deb Morra, getreal714@gmail.com, 914-830-1509
Community Minister: Rev. LoraKim Joyner, amoloros@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
Vice Chair: Al Rocchi, alrocchi@verizon.net
Treasurer: Chris Kortlandt, kortlandtbunch@gmail.com
Social Justice Coordinators
Jeff Tomlinson, jefftomlinson8@gmail.com
Mary Cavallero, marycava4@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
The e -Communitarian newsletter is e-mailed each week. 
Please send submissions to admin@cucwp.org by noon on Tuesday.
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