Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains, NY
Spirituality   ·   Compassion   ·   Service
"From the Minister," Fri Nov 23: HERE
On the Journey, 2018 Nov: "Hospitality" HERE
Practice of the Week: Feel Safer /Are you more braced against life, more guarded, more cautious, more anxious, more frozen, more appeasing, more rigid, or more prickly than you truly need to be? If the answer is yes, there are some ways to help yourself feel safer, and gain calm and confidence. READ MORE.
Religious Education
I treasure the values of CUUC and treasure my tenure here as an unexpected, life-changing gift. These are my beatitudes for which I give thanks. Those thanks go out to all of you and so I sincerely wish everyone a loving, peaceful Thanksgiving. This Sunday all ages are in Fellowship Hall for Deck the Hall Crafts as we create the decorations for the sanctuary!... READ MORE.
From the Music Director
This Sunday's musical selections might well be subtitled "Music for Meditation". Through hypnotically steady rhythms, persistent intervals, and reliance on non-Western modal and pentatonic melodic formulae, all the works performed have the potential to free the mind of conventional constraints... READ MORE.
Upcoming Worship Services
Sun Nov 25, 10:00 AM   
"UU Path of Zen"
CUUC Zen Group
Some of the regulars at CUUC's Saturday Zen group share what draws them to Zen, and what it means in their lives.
 
 
 
Sun Dec 2, 10:00 AM
"Curiosity and Dead Cats"
Rev. Meredith Garmon
Curiosity killed the cat? Somehow, I don't think so.
Cooperative Coffee Hour This Sunday 
 
Cooperative Coffee Hour, Sun Nov 25, after Worship
We invite all attending this Sunday to bring along a treat to help fill the the next Cooperative Coffee Hour table. Then please plan to pitch in to set up, serve, and clean up together. Many hands make light work! 
Doctrine of Discovery Presentation
 
"Doctrine of Discovery: Next Steps," Sun Nov 25, 11:30am, Fellowship Hall
For those who missed the Oct 7 presentation, or would like to engage a second time, Petra Thombs will again screen the film "The Doctrine of Discovery" and lead a discussion afterward. (Learn more HERE.) Presented by Racial Justice/In the Spirit of Truth Team.
Newcomer Conversations  
 
Newcomer Conversations, Sun Nov 25, 11:20am, Room 13
Learn more about our congregation and Unitarian Universalism, and help us learn more about you! Help yourself to coffee and then meet Jane Dixon in the lobby. 
Hearthkeepers Sunday   
 
Hearthkeepers, Sun Nov 25, 11:45am, Fireplace
The Hearthkeepers prepare and tend the warming blazes in the fireplace. Help us prepare for the season with log splitting, kindling gathering, and wood stacking. Kids 8 and up welcome! Followed by hot cider and s'mores. John Schwam ([email protected]). 
Science & Spirituality 
 
Science & Spirituality, Thu Nov 29, 11:30am, Fireside
We moved our usual fourth Thursday meeting because of Thanksgiving. Join us next week as we discuss books and articles on the intersection of spirituality and science, including How to Walk on Water and Climb Up Walls: Animal Movements and the Robotics of the Future , by David Hu (article HERE). Contact: Barbara Mair ( [email protected]  ). 
Gun Safety Forum


Gun Safety Forum: What's Next?, Sun Dec 2, 11:30am, Fellowship Hall
 A representative from Moms Demand Action-Westchester will discuss pending gun legislation, strategies for change, and trends on gun safety issues. Q&A follows. Light lunch provided. Childcare available with registration by Wed Nov 28. RSVP Emily Economou ([email protected]).
Arts & Crafts Fair      
 
Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair Fundraiser, Sun Dec 2 & 9, Sanctuary, following Worship
Unique gifts from local craftspeople for your family, friends, teachers, and everyone on your list! Contact Barbara Youngman ( [email protected] ). Proceeds support the Minister's Discretionary Fund. 
Opportunities for Giving     
    
Gift Cards for Coachman Family Center, Sign Up Sun Dec 2 & Sun Dec 9, Bring in Wrapped & Tagged Gift Cards Sun Dec 16   Help a family at Coachman! Sign up to purchase a $25 gift card for their school-age children. On Sun Dec 2 and Sun Dec 9, we will have lists available with the age and gender of the children, and the type of card they prefer. Please box and wrap the gift cards, tag with child's name and room number, and bring to CUUC by Sun Dec 16.  Contact: Ray Messing ([email protected]).
 
Personal Items for Shelter Residents, Sun Dec 2 - Sun Dec 30  New socks, men's underwear (L & XL), women's underwear, and toiletries will be collected throughout December for residents of local shelters. Posters from our Religious Education students help spread the word! Contact: Ray Messing ( [email protected]).    
 
 
Gently Used Children's Books and Toys Drive for the Ecumenical Food Pantry, through Sun Dec 9    H elp us supply the Ecumenical Food Pantry with gently used books and toys for their clients to give as gifts. We also accept stuffed animals (new or like new) for senior clients to keep for themselves! Want to volunteer? Contact: Mary Cavallero ( [email protected]). 
 
The Mitten Tree is Coming!  We will decorate the tree with your donations of mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves for all ages and sizes. Share the gift of warmth! We will be collecting throughout December. Contact: Ray Messing ([email protected]).
 
Ecumenical Emergency Food Pantry  The volunteer staff of the pantry in White Plains serve over 1,000 people each month. Money donations are especially needed. Mail checks to Ecumenical Food Pantry, POB 2037, White Plains, NY 10602. Contact: Vicky Van Wert ( [email protected]).  
Faith Development Friday   
 
Faith Development Friday, Fri Dec 7, Fireside Area & Classrooms
Our evening of learning, spiritual growth, and community. 6:15pm Pizza & Salad Dinner; 7:00pm Programs; 8:30pm Coffee. Programs include Adult RE and Family Journey Group. Adults may also just come for a slice and unstructured social time together. All may stay after to share coffee and a chat. RSVP to [email protected].
Save the Date: Winter Choral Concert   
 
Winter Choral Concert: Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols" & Songs of the Season, Sun Dec 16, 12:30pm
Our concert follows the Holiday community meal, and features the CUUC Choir, with director Lisa N. Meyer, harpist Kristi Shade, and pianist Georgianna Pappas. 
Deck Our Halls!     
 
Donate to Our Poinsettia Display
In December, the sanctuary will again be decorated with festive red, white, and pink poinsettias. 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 "poinsettia") with wording for the message you would like included in the Christmas Eve order of service. Contact: Pam Parker ([email protected], 914-946-1660, x 2). 
Social Justice Opportunities  
 
Fair Trade Festival & Crafts Sale, Sat Dec 1, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Memorial United Methodist Church, 250 Bryant Ave, White Plains
Fair trade contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions and secures the rights of marginalized producers and workers both locally and globally. Suggested admission $5. Info: www.memorial4all.org, 914-949-2146.  
 
Find more local social justice opportunities HERE.
Share the Plate for November: Ecumenical Food Pantry  
 
The recipient of half our non-pledge collection is the Ecumenical Emergency Food Pantry of White Plains. The pantry was founded in 1979 by CUUC and four other local congregations as a temporary response to individuals with food insecurity, but found that the need never vanished - it just increased. Today the pantry operates 51 weeks a year supplying nutritious food to about 400 families a month with support from several congregations across faith traditions.
Caring & Sharing Ci rcle

If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Barbara Mair (914-769-7186, [email protected]) or Joan Traber (914-617-4929, [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]).
 
Thu Nov 22 - Office Closed; 1:00pm "Giving Thanks" Plant-Based Community Potluck
Fri Nov 23 - Office Closed
Sat Nov 24 - 10:00am Zen
Sun Nov 25 - 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:20am Newcomers Conversations; 11:30am Presentation: Doctrine of Discovery: Next Steps; 12:00pm Hearthkeepers; 2:30pm Journey Group - Rev. Joyner
Tue Nov 27 - 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP, 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
Thu Nov 29 - 11:30am Science & Spirituality Group
Fri Nov 30 - 6:00pm OWL 5th/6th Grade - Meal; 7:30pm OWL 5th/6th Grade - Class
Sat Dec 1 - 10:00am Zen; 12:30pm Journey Group Facilitators; 2:00pm  Crafts Fair Setup
Sun Dec 2 - 8:45am Choir Rehearsal; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:30am Craft Fair; 11:30am Gun Safety Forum; 11:30am Environmental Practices; 3:00pm Refugee Resettlement Leaders Mtng 
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
As the Honduran migrant caravan, now identified as "The Exodus" (El Éxodo), makes its way toward the US, I wanted to let your know what our Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is doing. UUSC:
  • is part of an interfaith coalition in regular communication with people accompanying migration
  • encourages your support for asylum-seekers on their journey through Mexico and arrival at the U.S. border, and for local welcoming organizations in El Paso, TX.
  • is helping arrange for volunteers at the Annunciation House in El Paso, for UUs able to volunteer for at least one week on site.
  • is helping arrange for UU clergy (those with some Spanish) to meet a need for clergy accompaniment of El Exodo through parts of Mexico.
Learn more!

Tell Congress to Protect TPS Holders: HERE
Love Resists: HERE
Consider taking the online course, "Changing Systems, Changing OUrselves": HERE
Read the UUSC report, "The Struggle for Human Rights and Transformation in Honduras: A Faith Delegation's Observations": HERE

Yours thankfully,
Meredith
The Liberal Pulpit /New: Index of past sermons: HERE. Index of other reflections: HERE. Videos of sermons are on the Liberal Pulpit Youtube Channel: HERE
Your Moment of Zen: The Middle Way /One evening Woodpecker asked, "What is the Middle Way?" Raven said, "Good question." Woodpecker said, "You're dodging my question." Raven said, "You're dodging my answer."
The e -Communitarian newsletter is e-mailed each week. 
Please send submissions to [email protected] by noon on Tuesday.
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