Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains, NY
Spirituality   ·   Compassion   ·   Service
On the Journey: Humility (2019 Mar) - HERE
Journaling is one of the three core daily practices. "Journal writing is a voyage to the interior." (Christina Baldwin) "These handwritten words in the pages of my journal confirm that from an early age I have experienced each encounter in my life twice: once in the world, and once again on the page." (Terry Tempest Williams). There are many methods for journaling. Here's a good one. READ MORE
Religious Education   Last Sunday the Environmental Practices Group (EPG) led our students through fun and educational activities about caring for the Earth, including a carbon footprint game, a sorting for recycling exercise, and a compost townhouse created for itty-bitty crawly worms. A round of applause for our dedicated and imaginative volunteers! This Sunday grades K-7 start in the sanctuary, while 8-12 start in class... READ MORE
From the Music Director   Clarinetist Pascal Archer joins us for a music-filled Canvass Kickoff at CUUC! Pascal offers several movements from Brahms's Sonata for Clarinet and Piano in F Minor, one of the last major works the composer undertook. Consider attending the Sun April 28 "Music at CUUC" concert to hear more of Pascal Archer as well as the CUUC Choir... READ MORE
Upcoming Worship Services

Sun Mar 31, 10:00 AM
"Our Dreams Are Inspired..."
Rev. Meredith Garmon & Friends
...by the sounds of money -- which signifies all that we can do together! We kick off our annual giving campaign with a special, lighthearted musical. 
 
 
 
Sun Apr 7, 10:00 AM
"Renewal"
Rev. Meredith Garmon
  
Our Faith Family 

Our longtime member Lucile Ross passed away on Sun Mar 10. She is remembered for her dedication to social justice, family, and her friends. Lucile and her late husband, Warren, became CUUC members in 1966. Lucile served as our representative on the coalition of congregations that formed the Ecumenical Emergency Food Pantry in 1979. Her familiar presence is still fondly remembered by volunteers and clients at the pantry. Lucile, along with Warren, was actively involved in the UUA locally as well as nationally for decades. She was also a skilled, nurturing, and devoted gardener. Lucile is survived by her daughters Catherine and Johanna, her son-in-law, Robert Casar, and two grandchildren, Allison and Jason, the children of Robert and her late daughter Ellen. We are grateful to have had her as part of our faith family, and will miss her greatly.
 
We have learned that Eileen Kellner, another longtime member, died on February 4, in Oberlin, OH. Eileen signed the CUUC book in 1965, and was an active member, serving as a board president and engaging in social action programs, before retiring and moving away in 2010. Her daughter, Patricia Kellner, tells us Eileen was known at her community for her smile, and that she remained her upbeat, positive self throughout her life. There will be a memorial service Sat May 11 at Kendal in Oberlin, OH. 
Our Dreams Are Inspired       
 
2019 Annual Giving Campaign, Kickoff Sun Mar 31
This year's giving campaign kicks off Sunday with our Canvass Community Meal. 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 ( [email protected]). 
Newcomer Conversation      
 
Newcomer Conversation, Sun Mar 31, 11:20am, Fellowship Hall
Learn more about Unitarian Universalism, and help us learn more about you. Visitors are invited to come sit with Jane Dixon and Robin Rocchi and chat during our Canvass community meal after worship today.  
Economic Justice     
 
Economic Social Justice Team, Sun Mar 31, 11:30, Room 43
Join us to explore how CUUC and its members can address the vital issue of economic inequality. All are welcome! Contact: Jim Walkup ([email protected]) or Janice Silverberg ([email protected]). 
Junior Youth Con

6th-8th Grade Junior Youth Con, Sat Apr 6 - Sun Apr 7, CUUC
The 24-hour spring Junior Youth Con (6th-8th grade) will be hosted right here at CUUC! There is still space available for junior youth and adult sponsors. See flyer HERE. Register HERE.  
From the Hunger & Homelessness Team 

Appliance & Sports Equipment/Games Collection, Sun Apr 7 - Sun Apr 21
We will be collecting small home appliances for the clients of Furniture Sharehouse and sports equipment and games for the children of Coachman Family Center. Bring items in on Sundays, or bring to room 44 during the week. For furniture questions, contact: Scott Damashek ([email protected]). For sports equipment/games, contact: Ray Messing ( [email protected] ). 
Did you know... 
 
The New York legislature is considering 3 proposals to ban single-use plastic bags. Some proposals are arguably more effective than others, and incorporate what other municipalities have learned working with the same issue. Learn more at Riverkeeper.org. Deadline is April 1 to contact your representative. Find a sample letter and information at Riverkeeper Take Action.   
From the Hunger & Homelessness Team   

Cooking for HOPE Kitchen, Sun Apr 7, after Worship, Kitchen
Join us to help prepare a meal for HOPE Community Services soup kitchen, our last for this congregation year. Help us feed our neighbors facing food insecurity. Contact: Nicole Turygin ( [email protected]).  
Calling All Bakers  

Variety Show Bake Sale, Sat May 4, 5:00pm, Sanctuary
The 2019 Variety Show needs your baking talent. Please sign up! See our flyer HERE. Contact Benetta Barnett ([email protected]).  
 
Animal Blessing  

Animal Blessing Multigenerational Worship, Sun Apr 14, 10:00am, Sanctuary
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. Children Welcome!  
From the Racial Social Justice Team

White Fragility Book Discussion, Sun Apr 14, 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." But the book presents interesting ways of thinking about racism, as described in the New Yorker review HERE. You can find a Cliff Notes-type summary of the book on Amazon HERE. Copies are available for sale after service on Sundays. 
Recycling Tour 

Tour of Household Materials Recovery Facility (H-MRF), Mon Apr 22, 11:00am, Yonkers
Come see firsthand how the items you recycle are processed and reused. Children welcome. A great educational family outing to plan during school vacation. Organized by the Environmental Practices Group. Please RSVP by Thu Apr 18 to Joe Majsak [email protected].    
Save the Date

CUUC Spring Concert, Sun Apr 28, 12:30pm, Sanctuary
There will be something for everyone at our Spring Concert, with clarinetist Pascal Archer and pianist Adam Ken performing the music of Brahms, Poulenc, and Leo Werner, plus the CUUC Choir singing pieces by Schubert, Brahms, and Bernstein, including favorites from West Side Story , On the Town , and Candide . Discount tickets on sale Sunday. See flyer HERE. 
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. The Committee also has the authority to sponsor leadership development activities for the Congregation. If you are interested or would like to recommend someone (with their approval), please contact Board Chair Dean Silverberg ([email protected], 212-351-4642). The deadline for nominations is Sun May 5. 
Do You Have a Sermon in You?

The Summer Services Task Force Wants to Know!
Would you like to lead a summer service? Do you know a speaker you want to lead a worship? We have several Sunday dates available. Please email your interest, your proposed topic, or the name of the speaker you recommend, to Pam Parker in the office ([email protected]) by April 15.  
In the District - April 2019  
 
To see this month's Opportunities for Connection newsletter for our region, with articles and the calendar of Central East Region events and webinars, click HERE


Social Justice Opportunities
 
NY Poor People's Campaign Westchester Meeting, Sunday, Mar 31, 2:00pm, Fireside Area, CUUC
Continue Martin Luther King's work confronting  systemic racism, poverty, militarism, and ecological devastation. If this is your first meeting, come at 2:00pm for an intro. Regular meeting starts at 2:30pm. Contact: [email protected].  
 
See more local social justice opportunities HERE
Share the Plate for March : Lifting Up Westchester
 
For almost four decades Lifting Up Westchester has worked to permanently change the lives of our neighbors in crisis. Our collection will support services at the Open Arms shelter, which offers temporary housing for up to 38 homeless adult men. Open Arms provides more than a bed, shower, and meal; their guests receive support and encouragement to engage in recovery programs or employment services, as each man follows his own path to a better life.  
Caring & Sharing Circle

If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Johanna Bauer (914-636-1047, [email protected]) or Carole Mehta (914-234-6294, [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 Mar 30 - 9:00am Rental: Exercise; 10:00am Zen; 10:30am Food Prep for Community Meal

Sun Mar 31 - 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:20am Newcomers' Conversation; 11:30am Economic Social Justice; 11:30am  Journey Group - Freiberger; 11:30am Canvass Community Meal; 2:00pm Rental: Poor People's Campaign NYS

Mon Apr 1 - 5:00pm Rental: Exercise; 6:30pm T'ai-ch'i; 7:00pm Rental: Straight Spouse Network; 8:00pm Rental: Amnesty International

Tue Apr 2 - 10:00am Rental: Exercise; 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP; 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

Wed Apr 3 - 7:00pm Rental: Exercise; 7:30pm Program Council

Thu Apr 4 - 9:30am Rental: League of Women Voters; 7:30pm Journey Group Facilitators

Fri Apr 5 - 9:00am Rental: Exercise; 6:00pm Animal Advocacy

Sat Apr 6 - 9:00am Metro NY Junior Youth Con; 10:00am Zen; 12:30pm Journey Group Facilitators

Sun Apr 7 - 6:30am Metro NY Junior Youth Con; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 12:00pm Meal Preparation for HOPE; 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]
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: Confined Badger spoke up after a long silence one evening and asked, "Is there a power outside myself?" Raven said, "Confined." "How can I be free?" asked Badger. " Don't take the ground for granted," said Raven. READ MORE
The e -Communitarian newsletter is e-mailed each week. 
Please send submissions to [email protected] by noon on Tuesday.
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