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Sun Dec 15 2019 Autumn #13
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December issue of
On the Journey: Grace -- Click
HERE
This week's post from the Sabbatical Minister
HERE
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Practice of the Week: Forgive Yourself There are an inner critic and an inner protector inside each of us. For most people, that inner critic is continually yammering away, looking for something, anything, to find fault with. It magnifies small failings into big ones, punishes you over and over for things long past, ignores the larger context, and doesn't credit you for your efforts to make amends. READ MORE |
This Sunday, following the Time for All Ages story, children leave for RE classes, which meet until 11:30am. Children 3rd grade and younger must be picked up in their classroom at 11:30am; children 4th grade and older will be allowed to leave for coffee hour. Youth Group is attending worship. Our holiday community meal and winter concert follow...
READ MORE
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This Sunday's music reflects a meditative outlook on the holiday season. Expressions of thankfulness come from Unitarian Edvard Grieg as well as contemporary American songwriter John Bucchino. Franz Liszt's
The Christmas Tree offers a delicate setting of traditional tunes, and a wistful waltz from Russian composer Vladimir Rebikoff's ballet
The Christmas Tree is our Offertory...
READ MORE
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Upcoming Worship Services
How do we find joy amidst hardship and grief, especially in a season that cajoles us to be happy? How and when might grace show up?
"Winter Pageant"
Rev. Kimberley Debus, Tracy Breneman & Friends
Join in the celebration as we look back in time to explore the connections between the Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, and Christmas in our no-rehearse pageant. All are welcome to participate!
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Our CUUC YouTube Channel has videos of many past services. Check it out HERE!
Opening in Gmail? Be sure to click "View entire message" at the bottom.
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Faith Development Friday, Fri Dec 13, Fireside, Rms 14, 32, 43
Our evening of learning, growth, and community. 6:15pm pizza & salad dinner by the Fireside; 7:00pm Programs, including "Habits of the Heart" Adult RE, separate Adult and Children's Journey Groups, and Youth Group. RSVP to
[email protected] by Fri noon so we know how much food to order.
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Winter Choral Concert: Schubert's Mass in G Major & Songs of the Season, Sun Dec 15, 12:30pm, Sanctuary
Our afternoon of music features the CUUC Choir, under the direction of Lisa N. Meyer, with pianist Georgianna Pappas accompanying. Free childcare available with advance reservation to [email protected]. Discount tickets available during coffee hour, or buy online at cuucholiday2019.bpt.me.
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Personal Items for Shelter Residents:
We collect new men's and women's socks, underwear, and toiletries throughout December for residents of local shelters. Posters by our RE kids help spread the word. Contact: Ray Messing ([email protected]).
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 a list of the children and the 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 ([email protected]).
The Mitten Tree is Here!
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 29.
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Sponsor a Child - Last Sunday
Deadline Sun Dec 15
Lisa Cavallero, daughter of CUUC members John and Mary Cavallero, is a volunteer teacher in Zambia this year. Support Lisa and give more Zambian children access to education by making a donation to CUUC with the memo "Sponsor a Child." Any amount welcome! Read Lisa's letter HERE.
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Recycling Reminder for Sunday's Community Meal 1 - Used paper napkins should be placed in the COMPOST bin and NOT in the Paper Recycling bin. 2 - Paper cups are NOT recyclable and should be placed in TRASH. 3 - Soiled plastic wrapping belongs in the TRASH. 4 - Clean plastic bags and wrap belongs in the blue plastic bag bin on the windowsill in the kitchen, or in the trash. 5 - All recyclable Plastic/Glass/Cartons/Metal containers should be RINSED FIRST.
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Donate to Our Holiday Display
Contribute to our floral chancel display, in honor of a person, event, or group. Send donations of $15 per plant to the office (checks to "CUUC" with memo "display") and include the message to be written in our Xmas Eve order of service. Contact: Pam Parker (
[email protected], 914-946-1660 x2).
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Kwanzaa Celebration, Fri Dec 27, 2:00pm, Thomas H. Slater Center, 2 Fisher Court, White Plains
The annual celebration, sponsored by CUUC and others. Come enjoy music, dance, and food while supporting our community outreach. See flyer HERE. Contact: Barbara Mair ([email protected]).
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We are pleased to share that Emily Economou is joining Jeff Tomlinson and Mary Cavallero as a Social Justice Coordinator. A member of CUUC since 2003, Emily brings a wealth of experience, having served as both a member and as chair of our Board of Trustees. Welcome Emily!
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From Economic Social Justice
Want to be a more conscious consumer as you shop for the holidays? The CUUC Economic Social Justice Team suggests you consider purchases that preserve the planet, support companies that are fair to employees, and help make a difference in the world. Check out the following sites for ideas on how to buy wisely:
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We need every Friend and Member to contribute so our day-to-day operations and vibrant programming can be funded. If you haven't yet, please complete, mail in, or drop off your pledge form. Forms are available outside the office. Or pledge online at
cucwp.org/annual-pledge.
Read the Treasurer's letter
HERE.
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Share the Plate for December: Coachman Family Center
The recipient of half our non-pledge collection this month is the Coachman Family Center. Located in downtown White Plains, the Coachman is a 100-room shelter that provides housing, healthcare, and services to local families in need. The center is affiliated with Westhab, a nonprofit organization serving Westchester County. The Coachman offers support and activities for children, including childcare, a youth center, after-school homework help, arts and crafts, music, and recreation.
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Caring & Sharing Circle
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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]).
Friday, December 13 - 11:00am Journey Group - Rev. Debus (Parsonage); Faith Development Friday: 6:15pm Dinner (Fireside); 7:00pm Adult Religious Education (Fireside); Adult Journey Group (43); Children's Journey Group (32); 7:00pm Youth Group (14); 8:00pm Rental: WCSPP Scientific Meeting (Fellowship Hall)
Saturday, December 14 - 9:00am Rental: Exercise (Fireside); 10:00am Choir Dress Rehearsal (Sanctuary); 10:00am Food Prep for Community Meal (Kitchen); 10:00am Zen (43); 10:15am Overeaters Anonymous (31); 1:00pm Rental: WCBNY (Fellowship Hall); 3:00pm Rental: Hoff Barthelson - Setup/Rehearsal (Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, 11, 14); 8:00pm Rental: Hoff Barthelson Recital (Sanctuary)
Sunday, December 15 - 9:30am Nursery Care (32); 10:00am Worship (Sanctuary); 11:30am Community Meal (Fellowship Hall); 12:30pm Winter Choral Concert (Sanctuary); 5:00pm Journey Group - K. Leahy (Off-Site)
Monday, December 16 - 5:00pm Rental: Exercise (Fireside); 6:30pm T'ai-ch'i (Fireside); 8:00pm Finance Committee (Remote)
Tuesday, December 17 - 10:00am Rental: Exercise (Fireside); 12:00pm Rental: Montessori Garden (Fellowship Hall); 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP (Classes); 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Wednesday, December 18 - 8:30am CUUC Dance Movement Group (Fireside); 10:30am Rental: Montessori Garden (Fellowship Hall); 7:30pm Journey Group - J. Majsak (Off-Site)
Thursday, December 19 - 10:00am Journey Group - Kung (Off-Site)
Saturday, December 21 - 9:00am Rental: Exercise (Fireside); 10:00am Zen (43); 10:15am Overeaters Anonymous (21)
Sunday, December 22 - 9:30am Nursery Care (32); 10:00am Worship (Sanctuary); 11:15am Coffee Hour (Fireside); 11:20am Newcomers' Conversations (13); 11:40am Sunday Journey Groups (13, 31, 43)
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Sabbatical Minister:
Rev. Kimberley Debus, [email protected]
Dir of Lifespan Religious Education and Faith Development: Tracy Breneman,
[email protected], 914-946-1660 x4
Congregation & Communications Administrator: Pamela Parker,
[email protected], 914-946-1660 x2
Board of Trustees
Social Justice Coordinators
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In the Christian tradition, December 1-24 is the season of Advent - understood as a time for considering the coming - and the second coming - of the Christ; it ends on Christmas Day, with the words from the Book of Revelation, "joy to the world, the Lord is come."
But in the meantime - the month is filled with waiting: waiting for joy, waiting for hope, waiting for peace, waiting for love, waiting for the child, waiting for grace.
It is in this time of Advent that we take time - and fortunately, we have music libraries filled with holiday songs to make the waiting less difficult (sometimes filling us with nostalgia, sometimes bringing us cheer, and sometimes annoying us - I'm looking at you, "Little Drummer Boy"). Over the next four weeks, I'll be exploring the themes of Advent through the lens of some of my most beloved and cherished holiday songs.
"
Peace Carol"
In 1979, in the midst of the energy crisis, the Iran hostage crisis, and the coldest winter we'd ever seen, a gentle, funny, and perfect little Christmas special showed up on television -
John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together.
In this one-hour special that later become a beloved Christmas album (and remains my favorite), we were treated to a very funny "Twelve Days of Christmas," a reggae version of "Christmas Is Coming," Dr. Teeth and Electric Mayhem rocking out on "Little Saint Nick," and a tender duet of Rowlf and John singing last week's song, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
But the song that stands out for me - and speaks to me of the peace we seek in Advent - is "The Peace Carol," written by 60s folk musician Bob Beers:
The garment of life, be it tattered and torn
the cloak of the soldier is withered and worn
But what child is this that was poverty-born
The peace of Christmas Day
The branch that bears the bright holly
The dove that rests in yonder tree
The light that shines for all to see
The peace of Christmas Day
The hope that has slumbered for two thousand years
the promise that silenced a thousand fears
A faith that can hobble an ocean of tears
The peace of Christmas Day
The branch that bears the bright holly
The dove that rests in yonder tree
The light that shines for all to see
The peace of Christmas Day
Add all the grief that people may bear
Total the strife, the troubles and care
Put them in columns and leave them right there
The peace of Christmas Day
The branch that bears the bright holly
The dove that rests in yonder tree
The light that shines for all to see
The peace of Christmas Day
This song reminds us that we bear all kinds of pains, sorrows, and troubles - and that this season invites us to make space for beauty, for love, for light, for peace. I imagine that in 1979, with the energy crisis raging on, with the memory of Watergate still lingering, with turmoil in the Middle East resulting in Americans being held hostage in Iran, with inflation rising and an election on the way, this song mattered.
And it still matters. Maybe even more now than ever, as we find ourselves in a time of crisis and unrest. For me, this song reminds me that in the midst of the busy-ness, and in the midst of the anxieties this season can bring, there is peace to be found when take a moment to stop, be still, and give thanks.
Advent points us toward peace - peace of mind, peace of the present moment, peace for our world.
Watch this performance from the original TV special
HERE.
~ Rev. Kimberley Debus
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Your Moment of Zen: Thoroughgoing Raven came to Brown Bear's den and walked right into her lair. "Time for me to be moving on," she announced. Brown Bear asked, "What will you say about your study here?" Raven said, "Brown Bear is quite thoroughgoing." Brown Bear said, "Try camping out for a while." READ MORE |
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