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"From the Minister," Thu Oct 4 HERE
On the Journey, 2018 Oct: "The American Experiment" HERE |
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Practice of the Week: Rethinking Genesis / At Genesis 3:17 God curses the Earth. Adam must then struggle to extract a living from it. Instead of experiencing Earth as holy, which was (and is) the norm for indigenous cultures around the world, the cultural heirs of Genesis viewed the Earth as a vehicle for punishment, an enemy, a cursed thing, filthy and corrupt....READ MORE. |
Religious Education At the Parent-Teacher Meeting last Sunday, Perry Montrose, our Director of Faith Development, led a thought-provoking exercise: remember a time or event when you were a child or youth that was a joyful and transcending moment... This Sun Oct 7 all ages start in Fellowship Hall for Spirituality Sunday, which will include music, a nature walk, and meditation... READ MORE
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From the Music Director
This week's Sunday morning music features the talents of the CUUC Choir and their director Lisa N. Meyer, choir pianist Georgianna Pappas, and our own Kim Force. Selections include the piano preludes of George Gershwin, choral arrangements of "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child" and "Simple Gifts," and a special Offertory selection from Georgianna and Kim for the holiday weekend... READ MORE
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Upcoming Worship Services
Sun Oct 7, 10:00 AM
"Promise and Peril of Discovery"
Rev. Meredith Garmon
When a New World comes into view, advance carefully -- and be "ready to be changed by what you've started."
"How to Love Diversity"
Rev. Meredith Garmon
It's not always easy because diverse people are, well, different.
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Cooperative Coffee Hour, Sun Oct 7, after Worship
We invite all attending this Sunday to bring along a treat to help fill the Cooperative Coffee Hour table. Then please plan to pitch in to set up, serve, and clean up together. Many hands make light work!
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Presentation: Doctrine of Discovery
"Doctrine of Discovery: Next Steps," with Petra Thombs, Sun Oct 7, 11:30am, Fellowship Hall
The Doctrine of Discovery has roots in the 15th century decree that Christian nations had the right -- and obligation -- to conquer and exploit non-Christian lands. (Learn more HERE.)
The impact of the Doctrine lives on today. How do we recognize it and work to create a society of greater respect? Film screening and discussion presented by Petra Thombs and hosted by the CUUC In the Spirit of Truth/Racial Justice Team.
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Faith Development Friday, Fri Oct 12, CUUC
An evening of learning, spiritual growth, and community. 6:15pm Pizza & Salad Community Dinner; 7:00pm Programs; 8:30pm Coffee. Programs include Adult RE, Family Journey Group, and Youth Group Gathering. Adults may also just come for a slice and unstructured social time together. All are welcome to stay after the programs to share coffee and a chat. RSVP by Thu Oct 11 [email protected].
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Science & Spirituality Group, Thu Oct 11, 11:30am, Fireside
We meet the second and fourth Thursday to share and discuss recent articles on the intersection of spirituality and science. Join us! Contact: Barbara Mair ([email protected]).
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Workshops include "Where Did All the Children Go?," "Congregational Safety," and "Graphic Design for Amateurs." Learn more HERE. Presented by the UUA Central East Region/Metro District. Sliding scale registration. Register HERE by Mon Oct 8.
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Collection of New Toys for Hour Children's Center at the Bedford Correctional Facility, Sun Oct 14 & Sun Oct 21
Please bring new, unwrapped gifts only (each item is checked by security). Click HERE for a list of items in highest demand. Feel free to donate a present not listed, but note the items that are not permitted. Contact: Ray Messing ([email protected]).
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Gun Safety Meeting, Sun Oct 14, 9:00am, Room 43
Join us to be active in our current activities or learn about initiatives. We'll be discussing procedures for congregational safety specific to disruptive persons.
Consider attending the UUA Leadership Day workshop on Congregational Safety offered at CUUC on Sat Oct 13. Details HERE.
Look up Gun Sense Candidates for the midterm elections HERE. Contact: Emily Economou ([email protected]).
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Zoom Meeting, Sun Oct 14, (Time TBD)
We will be meeting remotely this month, using Zoom teleconferencing. Contact chair Tony Arrien ([email protected]) if you would like to be on the call.
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CUUC Congregation Workshop
"Becoming Interculturally Competent: An Introduction," Sat Oct 20, 9:00am - 12:30pm, Fellowship Hall
The congregation is encouraged to attend this special workshop, lead by Rev. Erica Baron of UUCC Kingston, which introduces the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS). The DMIS approaches diversity and inclusion work through the lens of intercultural competence, the skills that lead to effective and appropriate communication with people of other cultures. We will talk about the stages of development for both individuals and groups, and discuss steps to improve our intercultural competence. Presented by the Board of Trustees.
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United Nations Day 2018 "Human Rights Close to Home," Sun Oct 21, 3:00pm, CUUC Sanctuary
The United Nations Association-USA, Westchester Chapter will celebrate UN Day by kicking off the "UDHR Now" program to engage students and teachers to focus on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on its 70th anniversary. UDHR Now combines creative fun, academic expression, and civic engagement, using the Rock Your World curriculum. Learn more and register HERE.
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Bring Your Little Minnows!
CUUC Annual Auction, Sat Nov 3, Doors Open
5:30pm, T
ickets $45
Wondering what your little minnows will do while you attend our
Under the Sea
auction? Sign up for childcare and they'll be having just as much fun as you! Your kids will enjoy a light dinner, snacks, and fun with friends at their OWN super-fun auction in their RE classrooms. It's all included in the price of your auction ticket. Email
[email protected]
to reserve childcare spots for your small fry. Remember we are still seeking donations, selling tickets, and collecting loose change in the lobby (which we turn into gift certificate prizes).
Click HERE for our donation flyer.
Click HERE for a donation form
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From the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Strategic Planning Committee, its chair, Creighton Cray, and its members. The Board was very receptive to the four recommendations developed by the Strategic Planning Committee last spring.
- Creighton Cray is leading a subcommittee to explore options to make the building more environmentally sustainable and more accessible to persons with disabilities.
- Joe Majsak is developing communications capabilities to promote the aspirations, activities, and achievements of CUUC to amplify and strengthen the visibility of CUUC.
- Charlie McNally is leading an effort to expand the Social Justice Coordination Committee to foster coordination of social justice activities and engagement with the external community.
- The Board will be working with the Strategic Planning Committee to create a Membership "Council" that will develop and implement programs to attract new members and improve overall membership satisfaction.
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Minister's Discretionary Fund
Please 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 allowing Rev. Meredith to help those in need.
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According to an EPA report, recycling clothing and textile reduces greenhouse gases more than the recycling of yard waste, glass, and plastic. Instead of tossing old clothes, bring them to Goodwill or Salvation Army, or drop them in textile recycling bins such as those from County Recycling, which accepts clothing, linens, paired footwear, handbags, etc., for re-use or re-purposing. Find the nearest County Recycling bin HERE. Read more HERE.
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Holiday Arts & Crafts Fundraiser, Sun Dec 3 & 10, following Worship
If you are interested in selling your crafts at our annual fair, contact Barbara Youngman (
[email protected]
). Proceeds support the Minister's Discretionary Fund.
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"Giving Thanks for All Life" Thanksgiving Day Plant-Based Potluck, Thu Nov 22, 1:00 - 4:00pm, Fellowship Hall/Fireside Area
We share gratitude for all earth's beings by sharing a plant-based potluck meal followed by time for discussion and fireside storytelling. Please share this invitation with the community - spread the word! To learn more and RSVP, click HERE. Or contact [email protected].
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Undoing Racism Workshop, Tue Oct 23 - Thu Oct 25, Shaarei Tikvah Synagogue, 46 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale
This unique 2-1/2-day workshop is offered by The People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, a national, multiracial, anti-racist network dedicated to ending racism and other forms of institutional oppression. Rev. Peggy Clarke of FUSW calls this "hands down, the best training I've ever attended." Register HERE.
The NAACP's Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) is an achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. CUUC has long hosted their annual fundraiser. This year's event includes a buffet dinner with soft drinks; entertainment by ACT-SO accomplished medalists; and raffle and silent auction. Tickets $60/Students age 13-18 $20.00.
Deadline Sat Oct 20
. Mail checks to Westchester Region, ACT-SO Coalition Inc, PO Box 321, Tarrytown, NY 10591 or call Cecilia Davis, 917-386-3643.
Westchester Region ACT-SO Coalition, Inc is a non profit organization with a 501c (3) status and your donation is tax deductible
.
Find more local social justice events
HERE.
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Share the Plate for October: WCC Student Aid Programs
Continuing a commitment CUUC began last May, we will donate half our non-pledge collection this month to programs that support low-income students at Westchester Community College (WCC). To help these students overcome emergency hardships that could compromise their enrollment, WCC has established an Emergency Transportation Fund to provide free metro or bus passes when needed, and an Emergency Food Pantry to support students facing food insecurity. In 2017-18, these funds distributed $4,500 worth of transportation passes, and supplied over 1,000 students and their families with healthy foods.
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Caring & Sharing Ci
rcle
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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 or Zoom online meeting, contact the CUUC office (914-946-1660 x2, [email protected]).
Thu Oct 4 - 9:30am Rental: League of Women Voters; 7:30pm Journey Group Facilitators
Sat Oct 6 - 7:00am Rental: Centennial Worship Service; 10:00am
Zen; 12:30pm Journey Group Facilitators
Sun Oct 7 - 9:00am Hunger & Homelessness; 9:30am Nursery Care;
10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:30am Presentation: Doctrine of Discovery: Next Steps; 11:40am Auction Committee
Mon Oct 8 - OFFICE CLOSED
Tue Oct 9 - 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP; 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
Wed Oct 10 - 7:30pm Rental: WCSPP
Thu Oct 11 - 11:30am Science & Spirituality; 7:30pm Journey Group - P. Montrose, D. Manetta, K. McGahren-Clemens
Fri Oct 12 - 10:00am Professional Day UUMA/LREDA; 6:15pm Faith Development Friday; 8:00pm Rental: WCSPP Scientific Meeting
Sat Oct 13 - 8:30am CER/Metro District Leadership Day; 10:00am
Food Prep for Community Meal; 10:00am Zen
Sun Oct 14 - 8:15am RE Council; 8:15am Zoom Mtng: RE Council
9:00am Gun Safety Meeting; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship;
11:30am Community Meal: Harvest; 11:45am Environmental Practices
6:00pm Zoom Mtng: LGBTQIA Team
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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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From the Minister / In January 2007, LoraKim and I were living in Gainesville, Florida, so of course we watched the NCAA football championship game that month, and of course we rooted for the home team Florida Gators against the Ohio State Buckeyes. When Florida, slight underdogs going into the game, won 41-14, I was glad. All around me the town was celebrating. Post-game shows seem to like to include fan reaction segments -- don't ask me why. They cut to a scene in Columbus, Ohio and showed a woman bedecked in OSU red and white. She was dejected, of course. In fact, she was crying. The broadcast cut back to a Gainesville bar, and two young men who had just seen on the bar TV the shot of the Ohio woman crying. The young men gleefully jeered and mocked her.
That was the moment I lost interest in college football. I'd been a football fan all my life, and I understood that jeering and mocking the opposition before the game -- and a certain amount of gloating afterward from partisans of the victor -- were to be expected. Yet I was unprepared for the delight I saw being taken in another's pain: the evident pleasure in cruelty for its own sake. The brief shot of those celebrating Gator fans haunted me. As I processed my horror, a more extreme example of the same phenomenon rose to mind: the photos I'd seen from the 1920s of smiling, celebratory white faces at the lynching of a black person.
All of this came back to me this week as I read Adam Serwer's article, "The Cruelty is the Point," and Lili Loofbourow's "Brett Kavanaugh and the Cruelty of Male Bonding." Cruelty, directed toward women, apparently functions as a bonding mechanism for some men, a means "for intimacy through contempt." Oh, dear God.
Political theorist Judith Shklar is credited with saying "liberals are the people who think cruelty is the worst thing we do." I am quick to distinguish a religious liberal and a political liberal, recognizing that many people are religiously liberal and politically conservative. I don't know if viewing cruelty as "the worst thing we do" is actually any less prominent among political conservatives than political liberals, but Shklar's point resonates with me as a characterization of religious liberals. Moreover, I have always appreciated that Shklar's way of putting it avoids claiming that liberals actually are less cruel -- just that, when we are, or discover that we have been, we think of it as "being at our worst."
My life as a Unitarian Universalist has kept me in the company of people with an intuitive revulsion to cruelty -- people who see cruelty as, indeed, worse than, say, betrayal, dishonor, subversion, or desecration -- which, of course, are also unfortunate. I'm so grateful to all of you who keep this place going, who give your lives to sustaining a liberal religious community, who see cruelty as the worst thing we do and therefore see care and kindness as the best and who keep lit the flame of care and kindness as the supreme value. During these times when cruelty -- and, perhaps more distressing, the celebration of cruelty -- seems to be ascendant, the only hope I see is . . . you -- the people who side with love. Thank you. You're lifesavers!
Gratefully, so gratefully yours,
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 |
Your Moment of Zen: Follow Your Bliss / Grandma was chatting with Turkey at Vinecot, when Granddaughter made a surprise visit. That evening after supper, when they had caught up with each other's news, Granddaughter said, "Now that I've finished school, I don't know what I will do next." Grandma said, "Follow your bliss." Granddaughter said, "That... READ MORE
Zen at CUUC: Oct 5-11 |
The
e
-Communitarian
newsletter is e-mailed each Thursday.
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