Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains, NY
Spirituality   ·   Compassion   ·   Service
November issue of On the Journey: Compassion -- Click HERE
This week's post from the Sabbatical Minister HERE 
Practice of the Week: Slow Down
There's a place for revving up occasionally, but chronic speediness has many bad effects. When you speed up, you're quicker to find things to worry or get irritated about. Even though "the need for speed" may have become a way of life, it's always possible to make a change. Slowing down is one of those seemingly small actions that could really change your life. READ MORE
This week's RE newsletter has information about Faith Friday and Sunday worship and events, plus a resource from Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) for navigating challenging holiday conversations. And if you would like to receive one or more of the grade-specific RE newsletters, you can sign up HERE... READ MORE
Historical recollections are embodied in Sunday morning's Centering Music, as the Pilgrims' initial journey and the indigenous people they encountered are evoked in the work of Edward MacDowell, prefaced by the composer's own verse. Carlos Surinach, who emigrated to the U.S. from his native Spain in 1950, represents the welcoming embrace of the Thanksgiving spirit. The CUUC Choir is also on hand with celebratory as well as nostalgic salutations in song... READ MORE
Upcoming Worship Services  
 
Sun Nov 24, 10:00am
" Always Room for One More"
Rev. Kimberley Debus  
In this celebration of Thanksgiving, we will consider what it means to be open and welcoming - in our congregation, in our community, in the nation, and the world. We will celebrate with cornbread and cider. Whole Congregation Worship
 
Sun Dec 1, 10:00am
"Simply Pray"
Rev. Kimberley Debus 
Why do we pray? And how do we pray? And more, why does prayer seem to be so central to so many religions? We'll ask and answer these questions and more.  
Our CUUC YouTube Channel has videos of many past services. Check it out HERE!
Faith Development Friday
       
Faith Development Friday, Fri Nov 22, CUUC
Our evening of learning, spiritual growth, and community. 6:15pm Pizza & Salad Community Dinner; 7:00pm Programs. Programs include "Habits of the Heart" Adult RE, separate Adult and Children's Journey Groups, and Youth Group. All are welcome to stay after the programs to share coffee and a chat. RSVP to CUUCevents@gmail.com by 12 noon on Fri Nov 22 so we know how much pizza to order. 
Worship Associate Training - Corrected Start Time! 
 
Worship Associate Training, Saturday, Nov 23, 9:00am - 3:00pm, UU Fellowship of Northern Westchester, Mt. Kisco 
Join Rev. Kimberley Debus to explore how we create open-hearted and expansive worship, and work as part of our congregation's team. Program begins at 9:00am. Register HERE.  
Stone Soup Sunday     
 
Stone Soup Community Meal, Sun Nov 24, 11:30am, Fellowship Hall
Join us for a delicious meal created from the contributions of all, to raise funds for our RE social justice projects. $5 Adults / $3 Kids / $20 Family Max. Our 8th-9th grade Coming of Age RE class will be setting up, cooking, and serving. Can you contribute to the meal and help us with food prep and clean up? Click HERE to see our wish list and to sign up. Contact Amy Swiss ( amyswiss@aol.com).  
Conversations for Liberation       
 
Congregation Conversation, Sun Nov 24, During Stone Soup Meal
During lunch, everyone is invited into table discussions as part of the Unitarian Universalist Association's Conversations for Liberation and in support of our own CUUC Inclusivity Project . (Read Rev. Kimberley's post at the bottom of this newsletter for more information.) All ages are welcome to participate!
Newcomers' Conversations        
 
Newcomers' Conversations, 11:30am, Lobby
Learn more about Unitarian Universalism and let us learn more about you. Visitors are invited to pick up their bowl of soup and meet with Robin Rocchi in the lobby. Contact: Jane Dixon ( lilrhodie@gmail.com); Robin Rocchi ( robinandal@verizon.net).
Deck Our Halls!       
 
Donate to Our Holiday Display
Rev. Kimberley is allergic to poinsettias (really!), so this December our sanctuary will be adorned other living plants to usher in the holidays. You may contribute to our display as a way to honor, give thanks, or remember a person, event, or group. Please send donations of $15 per plant to the church office (make checks out to CUUC with the memo "display") with the message you would like included in the Christmas Eve order of service. Contact: Pam Parker (admin@cucwp.org, 914-946-1660, x 2). 
Cooperative Coffee Hour     
 
Cooperative Coffee Hour, Sun Dec 1, 11:15am
We invite everyone to bring along a treat to help fill our table at next Sunday's Cooperative Coffee Hour. Then pitch in to help us set up, serve, and clean up together. Many hands make light work! 
 
Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair      
 
Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair Fundraiser, Sun Dec 8, Sanctuary, following Worship 
Unique gifts from local craftspeople for your family, friends, teachers, and everyone on your list! Contact Barbara Youngman ( bvy1948@yahoo.com). Proceeds help support the Minister's Discretionary Fund.
Environmental News 
 
Stretch your mind! Free your pocketbook. The keynote speech at Pace Climate Action Center at Pace Law School's FREE hydrogen energy conference is "The various pathways to sustainable hydrocarbons from atmospheric capture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen generated from renewable primary energy." The event is Wed Dec 4, 8:00am - 12:00pm. Register HERE.  
Opportunities for Giving
 
Ecumenical Emergency Food Pantry: Cash donations are especially needed this time of year. Bring aa check on Sunday or mail to Ecumenical Food Pantry, PO Box 2037, White Plains, NY 10602. Contact: Vicky Van Wert ( victoriavanwert@gmail.com) or John Cavallero (jcwpny@gmail.com). 
 
Gently Used Toy Collection for clients of the Ecumenical Food Pantry: Bring gently used toys, and new or like-new stuffed animals, for collection until Sun Dec 1. Contact: Mary Cavallero ( marycava4@gmail.com)   
 
Personal Items for Shelter Residents: New men's and women's socks, underwear, and toiletries will be collected throughout December for residents of local shelters. Posters by our RE kids will help spread the word. Contact: Ray Messing (raymessing@gmail.com).
 
Gift Cards for Coachman Family Center: Help a family at the Coachman by signing up to purchase a $25 gift card for their school-age children. Beginning Sun Dec 8, we will have the age and gender of the children plus the type of card they prefer. Please box and wrap the gift cards, tag with the child's name and room number, and bring in by Sun Dec 22. Contact: Ray Messing (raymessing@gmail.com).
 
The Mitten Tree is Coming! Help us decorate it by donating mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves for all ages and sizes. Share the gift of warmth! We will be collecting until Sun Dec 31. 
Having technical difficulties with our newsletter or links? Please contact Pam Parker in the CUUC office (914-946-1660, admin@cucwp.org ).
Share the Plate for November: Ecumenical Food Pantry 
 
This month half our non-pledge collection goes to the Ecumenical Emergency Food Pantry of White Plains. The pantry operates 51 weeks a year supplying nutritious food to over 250 families a month with support from several congregations across faith traditions. CUUC has continuously contributed with both funds and volunteers, including Vicky Van Wert and the late Lucille Ross who both worked at the pantry for many years .  
Caring & Sharing Circle
 
If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Catherine Kortlandt (914-834-7112, catherinekortlandt@gmail.com) or Julie Gans (914-937-7899 or julieagans@gmail.com). Or you may 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).
 
Friday, November 22 - 6:15pm Faith Development Friday Community Meal (Fellowship Hall); 7:00pm Adult Journey Group (43); 7:00pm Children Journey Group (32); 7:00pm Habits of the Heart (Fireside); 7:00pm Youth Group (14)

Saturday, November 23 - 9:00am Rental: Exercise (Fireside); 10:00am Zen (43); 2:30pm Rental: WCHJ (Fellowship Hall)

Sunday, November 24
- 8:45am Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary); 9:30am Nursery Care (32); 10:00am Worship (Sanctuary); 11:30am Newcomers' Conversations (Lobby); 11:30am Community Meal: Stone Soup 

Monday, November 25 - 5:00pm Rental: Exercise (Fireside); 6:30pm T'ai-ch'i (Fireside)

Tuesday, November 26 - 10:00am Rental: Exercise (Fireside); 1:00pm  Rental: Watercolor Class (Fireside); 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP (Classes); 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

Wednesday, November 27 - 8:30am Dance Movement (Fireside); 9:00am  Rev. Kimberley Open Office Hours (Study)

Thursday, November 28 - Office Closed

Friday, November 29 - Office Closed

Saturday, November 30 - 9:00am Rental: Exercise (Fireside); 10:00am Zen (43); Overeaters Anonymous (21)

Sunday, December 1 - 9:30am Nursery Care (32); 10:00am Worship (Sanctuary); 11:15am Community Coffee Hour (Fireside); 11:40am Committee on Ministry (41); 11:40am Coming of Age Mentors (11)    
Contacts

Minister: Rev. Meredith Garmon, minister@cucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x3
Sabbatical Minister: Rev. Kimberley Debus, sabbaticalmin@cucwp.org
Dir of Lifespan Religious Education and Faith Development: Tracy Breneman, cuucwptracy@gmail.com, 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
Choir Pianist: Georgianna Pappas, georgianna.pappas@gmail.com
Children's Music Director: Lyra Harada, musicalyra13@gmail.com
Congregation & Communications Administrator: Pamela Parker, admin@cucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x2
Bookkeeper: Diane Pearson, cuucwpbookkeeper@gmail.com, 946-1660 x5
Board of Trustees
Board Chair: Al Rocchi, alrocchi@verizon.net
Vice Chair: Joann Prinzivalli, joannmp@outlook.com
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

Sunday will be a day full of sharing - from our traditional cornbread and cider communion, to our stone soup community meal.

I for one love the stone soup story - not just because it means a tasty meal, but because of all it portends for connection and conversation. Relative strangers come together, each bringing what they have, creating something larger and more nourishing for their bodies. In the sharing of food, they create something more nourishing for their souls, too: they create community. And once they're in community, they can talk about - and do something about - what really matters. They harness the Power of We.

At our stone soup community meal on Sunday, we will have an opportunity to talk about the Power of We in this congregation, in our denomination, and our world. We are at a crucial moment - a moment where we both recognize and are ready to harness the power of our principles, the grounding of our spirits, our call to challenge systems of oppression, and our commitment to inclusion.

But how can we do it? It's a big task, drawing the circle wider in a time when others would have us tighten the circle and thus cause harm to others. Where do we start? What are our assumptions? What does Unitarian Universalism have to offer us in this work?

Thankfully, we don't have to answer any of these questions alone - congregations around the country are engaging in similar conversations right now (although I suspect ours is among the most delicious). As a community of communities, we will be charting a new path forward with a common framework for doing this work of building beloved community, all the while asking ourselves "whose voices are heard, who is asked to take risks, how we negotiate our relationships, and what our priorities are as a community?"

The conversations are starting - what the Unitarian Universalist Association is calling "Conversations for Liberation."  (The full invitation from the UUA can be found here: uua.org/conversations/invitation.)

We'll start on Sunday with some grounding questions - which, by the way, also support the CUUC studies our own Committee on Ministry and our Board of Trustees are taking up on spiritually and inclusion. Over our delicious bowls of soup, we'll discuss the following:
  • When is a time that you felt "the power of we" in Unitarian Universalism?
  • What is so important in Unitarian Universalism that you would be willing to sacrifice for it?
  • What will it take for Unitarian Universalism to fully embody "the power of we"?
  • Who is the "we" at CUUC that we need to be thinking about?
There will be a discussion outline on each table - as you fill up tables and get settled with your meal, begin the conversation. Tracy Breneman and I will be in the room and available to answer questions as you engage in this conversation.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

~ Rev. Kimberley Debus
Your Moment of Zen: Turning Points
Raven sat with Brown Bear at zazen early one morning, and afterward she asked, "Why don't we study turning points that are relevant for the forest today?" Brown Bear said, "Ask me a relevant question." Raven asked, "Does the bear hunter have Buddha-nature?" Brown Bear growled, "Mu." "There you go," Raven said. "Mu is an old Asian word." Brown Bear said, "That's the... READ MORE
The e -Communitarian newsletter is e-mailed each week. 
Please send submissions to admin@cucwp.org by noon on Tuesday.
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