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Sun Sep 16 2018 Summer #13
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| 2018 Sep On the Journey, "Letting Go." CLICK HERE |
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Practice of the Week: Create Sacred Moments / I can't be fully focused on the present moment every waking moment, so I can create sacred moments. At these moments the preciousness of immediate experience and living-in-the-now unite. To remember each phase I use six words that begins with S: Sight, Sky, Stance, Smell, Sense, Sound. READ MORE. |
Religious Education This Sunday is our first day of RE classes! Children start in the sanctuary for our Music for All Ages program. Families please feel free to come sit near the piano when you first enter. Children will leave for classrooms after our RE Covenanting ceremony.
Teacher Orientation - Sun Sep 16, Fellowship Hall, 8:45 - 9:45am. Please attend even if you have taught before. RSVP: [email protected], 914-946-1660 x4.
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From the Music Director
Oy vey, it's that time of year again! The Jewish High Holidays culminate with the Yom Kippur Eve prayer Kol Nidre, an annual petition for absolution from vows taken in the past year and in the year to come. Max Bruch's moving setting of the traditional melody for cello and orchestra or piano has become synonymous with the occasion for many parishioners, as are Ernst Bloch's moving depictions of Jewish culture, also performed at Sunday's service... READ MORE
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Upcoming Worship Services
Sun Sep 16, 10:00 AM, Sanctuary
"
Living Our Faith"
Sun Sep 9, 10:00 AM, Sanctuary
You don't have to be in a congregation to work for social justice, but in congregations, justice and spirituality are integrated. Working with fellow congregants on justice projects is an essential part of our spiritual path.
Sun Sep 16, 10:00 AM, Sanctuary
"Let Go! Or Not"
Rev. Meredith Garmon
Knowing when, and of what, to let go, and when, and to what, to hold on -- is this not the fundamental question of our lives?
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Memorial Service, Sun Sep 16, 3:00pm, Sanctuary
We will honor and celebrate the life of Barbara Lowney, who died from on Fri Sep 7. Barbara was a committed and vibrant member of our congregation. She will be especially remembered for her work on behalf of our Refugee Resettlement effort, which set the model for us. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made to Hearts & Homes for Refugees or CUUC/Refugee Resettlement Team.
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Refugee Welcoming Week Events, Sat Sep 15, CUUC Kitchen and Fellowship Hall
- Afghan Cooking Class - 9:30 AM (Limited to 10 adults and children 10+ years);
- Afghan Lunch - 12:00 PM (Limited to 25);
- Roundtable Discussion "Refugee Resettlement from Both Sides" - 1:00 PM (Open to all)
Join these special events to celebrate our resettled refugees and supporting volunteers. RSVP: Jane Dixon ([email protected]).
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Sunday Journey Groups Meet on September 23
Sunday Journey Groups, SUN SEP 23, After Worship
Please note that this month our Sunday Journey Groups, which usually meet the third Sunday of the month, will be meeting on Sun Sep 23, the fourth Sunday.
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Gun Safety Social Justice Team, Sun Sep 16, 9:00am, Room 43
Join us for information about gun safety relevant to the Nov 6 elections, and learn about our December forum. Can't make 9 am? Stop by our table at the SJT fair at 11:30 am. Contact: Emily Economou ( [email protected]).
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Get Active at the SJT Fair
Social Justice Team Fair, Sun Sep 16, after worship, Fellowship Hall
Meet our social justice teams and find where you would like to share your talent and energy. Our goal is for all CUUCers to at least be "on call" to help one team if needed. Will you step up?
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The correct email for our Director of Faith Development, Perry Montrose, and Coordinator of Religious Education,
Michele Rinaldi,
is [email protected]. Apologies for the earlier error!
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Faith Development Friday, Fri Sep 28, CUUC
An evening of learning, spiritual growth, and community. 6:15pm Pizza & Salad Community Dinner; 7:00pm Programs; 8:30pm Coffee. Programs include Adult Religious Exporation, Family Journey Group, and Youth Group Gathering. Adults may also come for a slice and unstructured social time together. All may stay after programs to share coffee and a chat. RSVP to [email protected].
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Day in Place, Sat Sep 29
Join the PlaceKeepers for the day of activities to appreciate, improve, and maintain the building and grounds at CUUC, our physical and spiritual home. Contact: Bice Wilson ([email protected]), Pamela Cucinell ([email protected]).
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Choir Open House, Sun Sep 30, 11:40am, Sanctuary
Come see what it is like to work with choir director Lisa Meyer and pianist Georgianna Pappas. Sit with CUUC Choir members and sing a few rounds, anthems, and folk songs. Whether or not you are considering joining, come enjoy an hour of camaraderie! All are welcome - you do not need to be able to read music. Contact Lisa Meyer ( [email protected], 347-278-3187).
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Environmental Practice Of The Week: Use Fewer Plastic Bags
In New York, an estimated 23 billion plastic bags are handed out at stores each year. Plastic is made from fossil fuels, so try to develop new strategies. For instance, bring your own bags when you go out. Keep plenty of bags in your car. Also, compostable bags are terrific for produce!
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Doctrine of Discovery
Presentation
"Doctrine of Discovery: Next Steps," Sun Oct 7, 11:30am, Fellowship Hall
Film screening followed by discussion. Hosted by Petra Thombs and presented by the CUUC In the Spirit of Truth/Racial Justice Team. The Doctrine of Discovery has its roots the 15th century decree that Christian nations had the right to conquer and exploit non-Christian lands (learn more
HERE) The Doctrine lives on in many US laws, particularly in our claim to indigenous lands. How is the Doctrine internalized and experienced in our daily lives today? And how do we work to change the power dynamic and create a society of greater respect and equality?
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Presented by the UUA Central East Region/Metro District. Our keynote speaker is Rev. Robin Tanner discussing "Social Change Through Spiritual Transformation: Engaging Our Faith." Workshops include: * Where Did All the Children Go? Embracing Family Ministry with Rev. Emilie Boggis and Laura Beth Brown; * Re-energizing and Sustaining Annual Stewardship Drives and the People Who Run Them with Liz Coit from Stewardship for Us; * Messaging in Pictures: Graphic Design for Amateurs in Your Congregation with Rev. Karen Johnston; * What's Going On? Congregational Conversations with Rev. Dr. Hope Johnson; * Crowdfunding UU Dreams with Chalice Lighters and Faithify with Andrea Lerner; * Congregational Safety and Disruptive Persons Policies with Patricia Infante; * Approaching Difference Creatively with Rev. Evin Carvill-Ziemer. Register by Mon Oct 8 HERE.
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Under the Sea... CUUC's Night of Auctions, Food and Fun!
Annual Auction Fundraiser, Sat Nov 3, Preview
5:30pm, T
ickets $45
Please note correct date, time, and ticket price - some mailers had typos
What sunken treasure will we find... Under the Sea? Every year on auction night, the sanctuary is filled with a new set of wonderful opportunities. Trinkets and treasures, jewelry and gems, Bid & Bump dinners, sporting adventures - you never know what you'll find. And every item up for bid was either solicited or donated by you. Your donations are the key to our success!
Host a Bid & Bump event - new hosts welcome! Pick a theme, date, and # of guests - we'll fill the seats! Contact Nicky Klemens ([email protected]); Donate - if every family donates just one item/service, we will have over 200! Popular services are "People Helping People," such as tending someone's garden, or teaching a hobby; Ask One Question - ask a local shop to donate a gift or certificate; they're often happy for the advertising! Click HERE to see our flyer for details.
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Look Out for New Name Tags
Our new disposable visitor name tags and recently-requested permanent name tags will be brighter and more colorful. So look out for people wearing these special name tags and make a point of extending a warm CUUC welcome this Sunday and every Sunday!
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Minister's Discretionary Fund
We are asking Members and Friends to consider making a donation to replenish the minister's fund, which has been needed more than usual lately. Any contribution made by Mon Oct 15 will be matched up to $750. Make checks out to CUUC with the memo "Discretionary Fund." We look forward to again giving Rev. Meredith the ability to help those in need.
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Limited-Time Opportunity to Benefit CUUC
Wake Now Our Vision Legacy Challenge
10% Matching Opportunity for Planned Giving
If you name CUUC as a beneficiary in your will, your IRA, or other legacy gift, we will receive a 10% matching donation now from the UUA, up to $10,000. NOTE: FUNDS FOR THIS PROGRAM ARE EXPECTED TO LAST THROUGH SEPTEMBER ONLY, SO INTERESTED PARTIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO ACT NOW. Contact Chris Kortlandt ([email protected]).
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A list of local social justice events is compiled, printed, and posted each week on the front bulletin board? The list is also linked at the bottom of "In the Community," below. Check it out!
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Primaries are Thu Sep 13 and general elections are Tue Nov 6 -
are you ready? The League of Women Voters
Vote411
website provides you with the information you need to make an educated choice: The races, the candidates and where they stand on issues, polling locations, and more. And check the
Gun Sense Candidate Lookup Tool
for candidates that support common-sense gun violence prevention.
"Breakfast" Run, Sun Sep 23, 7:00am, First Unitarian Society, Hastings
Make a difference in the lives of those in need. Volunteers needed to help prepare food, pack clothes, and distribute and interact with the homeless in NYC. You can also support us with donations of clothing and food. Breakfast Runs are the perfect time to introduce kids and youth to the practice of service to others! Contact: Art Lowenstein ([email protected], 914-844-4189), Annie Patton ([email protected], 914-588-4782).
Find more local social justice events HERE.
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
The Gun Safety Social Justice Team reminds us that every day in America, 93 people die from gun violence. Nearly two-thirds are suicides with guns. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows suicide with a gun is the most common and by far the most deadly suicide method. Just the availability and presence of a gun in the home is a strong predictor of gun suicide. Learn more HERE.
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Share the Plate for September: PrideWorks
PrideWorks was first organized to produce an annual conference for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth, their allies, and the adults in their lives. PrideWorks' mission is to inform communities about the realities of growing up gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, and to inspire them to respect and support LGBTQ people and to advocate for positive change. prideworks.com.
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Process for a Share-the-Plate Request
There is no shortage of worthy causes, and as much as we wish we could honor all requests, we have only twelve months in the year. Please make your Share the Plate request to the Social Justice Coordinating Committee (see Contacts at the bottom of newsletter). We give priority to organizations that have a longtime relationship with CUUC and our Social Justice Teams... Read more HERE.
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The Fall Communitarian Magazine is Here!
Read all about it! The Fall Communitarian is full of articles from your ministry, teams, and committees. Learn what's going on in your congregation. Find it online HERE. Printed copies will also be available in the CUUC lobby. Articles for the Winter Communitarian are due Wed Nov 14.
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CUUC has a Zoom video-conferencing site that is available to all committees and teams when members need to attend meetings remotely. The site accommodates one meeting at a time, so reserve your "room" by contacting Pam in the office ([email protected]) to avoid being bumped. The virtual meeting will be listed on the CUUC calendar like a regular meeting.
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Our Faith Family
Memorial for Hollis Huston, Sun Sep 30, 3:00pm, Unitarian Church of All Souls, 1157 Lexington Avenue, New York NY. 212-535-5530 Memorial Service for the husband of Rev. Carol Huston, our former minister.
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Caring & Sharing Circle
If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Carole Mehta (914-234-6294, [email protected]) or her backup Catherine Kortlandt (914-834-7112, [email protected]).
Or contact the CUUC office (914-946-1660 x2, [email protected]).
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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, contact Pam at the CUUC office (914-946-1660 x2, [email protected]).
Fri Sep 14 - 10:00am Rev. Garmon Journey Group
Sat Sep 15 - 9:30am Afghan Cooking Lesson; 10:00am Zen; 12:00pm Afghan Lunch; 1:00 Roundtable Discussion; 1:00pm Rental: WCBNY
Sun Sep 16 - 8:45am Teacher Orientation; 9:00am Gun Safety Meeting; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:30am Coffee Hour/Social Justice Fair; 12:30pm Rental: St Gregory Church (Parking); 3:00pm Lowney Memorial Service; 4:00pm Rental: WCSPP Welcome Party
Mon Sep 17 - 8:00pm Finance Committee
Tue Sep 18 - 10:00am Rental: Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous; 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP; 7:30pm Choir rehearsal
Wed Sep 19 - 5:00pm Rental: WCHJ
Thu Sep 20 - 7:30pm Worship Committee
Sat Sep 22 - 10:00am Zen; 2:30pm Rental: WCHJ
Sun Sep 23 - 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:40am Sunday Journey Groups; 11:40am Auction Committee
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From the Minister / I voted on Thursday, which I always find a moving and spiritual experience. We don't vote to "make a difference," but to be a part of something larger than ourselves. (See my post HERE.)
As not uncommonly happens, I voted for some candidates who lost. In fact, it was my eighth Presidential election before, for the first time, I voted for the candidate who won.
A friend of mine sent a text: "I love siding with losers."
I get this. For most of my young adulthood I took a certain perverse comfort in the thought that whatever craziness our elected officials might do, it couldn't be blamed on me.
But somewhere in there, I grew up. I texted back, "I'd rather the candidates I voted for won. I'm ready to take that responsiblity."
My friend then asked, "How will you take it?"
"I'm ready to be in a relationship of accountability with my fellow citizens," I answered, "and accept the flaws of the candidates for whom I voted as my very own flaws -- offer stalwart defense fo what is defensible and humble apology for what is not -- hold it as my solemn duty to join, and not retreat from, the conversation of democracy. Openness to new learning and to revision of my judgment is essential -- there will always be much I don't know and a duty to keep learning more -- but I believe the world also calls us to act with the best judgment we have at any given time, to manifest a firm, albeit respectful, righteousness."
May it be so. Yours in faith,
Meredith |
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The Liberal Pulpit / New this week:
Index of past sermons: HERE. Index of other reflections: HERE. Videos of sermons are on the Liberal Pulpit Youtube Channel: HERE |
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Contacts
Coordinator of Religious Education: Michele Rinaldi, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x4
Congregational & Communications Administrator: Pamela Parker, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x2
Board of Trustees
Social Justice Coordinators
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Your Moment of Zen: Perspective / Woodpecker said, "You've told us how Jackrabbit Roshi said that when the Buddha Macaw looked up and saw the morning star, she realized the truth of mutually dependent arising. I hear that the Roshi is now saying that the Buddha realized, 'Just this!'" Raven said,...READ MORE
Zen at CUUC: Sat Sep 15 |
The
e
-Communitarian
newsletter is e-mailed each Thursday.
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