Our in-person worship is live-streamed on Zoom. Proof of vaccination, masks, and distancing are required for those in the building.
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IN-PERSON & LIVE-STREAM WORSHIP
Sun May 1, 10:00am ~ “Beltane”
~ Joe Gonzalez
May 1 is Beltane, the Celtic Fire and Fertility Festival celebrating the peak of spring and honoring life and light. Roughly translated as "Bright Fire," Beltane is the time where Earth's energies are at their strongest and most active, its fertility is at its peak, and it is giving birth to new life! It is also the perfect time for us as individuals to harness the Earth's energies and put our own creations in motion. Is there a project you've been putting off? A life change you've been hesitating to make? Now is the time to plant the seeds of your desires and send them out to the universe to become manifest! Now is the time to ask: What will YOU create?
Religious Education classes for 1st-9th grades begin at 10:00am, in person. Children in 4th grade and younger must be picked up in their classroom. We ask parents to please do so before attending coffee "15-minute" so RE volunteers can attend other activities. Child care begins at 9:45am and will be extended for the new family information session and racial justice program. Quiet activity boxes are available for young people who attend worship.
After worship this week, instead of in-person coffee "hour" we offer coffee "15 minute" to give everyone time to return to the sanctuary or log back in for our hybrid webinar event beginning at 11:45am.
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IN-PERSON & LIVE-STREAM WORSHIP
Sun May 8, 10:00am ~ “RE Sunday: Gather to Grow”
~ Tracy Breneman & the Religious Education Council
We grow together as a faith community, and together we will explore the questions: What are we growing? On what do we set our intentions for the future of faith formation at CUUC? How do we support our intentions with sustainable participation? We will reflect on the past year in RE and look ahead, sharing thoughts from the RE Council's first of two visioning retreats. Voices spanning the generations will celebrate the richness of RE ministry.
Our special musical guest on Sun May 8 is Jazz legend Valerie Capers. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy all her musical offerings, from our gathering to our postlude!
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or phone in (audio only): 646-876-9923 · Webinar: 761 321 991 · Passcode: 468468
Everyone live-streaming the service is invited to stay after for time to socialize on Zoom. Log in to bit.ly/CUUC-CoffeeHour or phone (audio only): 929-436-2866. Meeting: 336 956 2210 · Passcode: 468468
For additional CUUC program & login information, scroll to the bottom.
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Catch up and review our UU history -- see the UU Minute "Table of Contents" with links to all the "UU Minute" segments -- both text and video.
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Nurturing Resilience & Communication
Session 2, Fri Apr 29, 7:00-7:30pm, Zoom 8428
Children through 5th grade and their parents/caregivers are invited to the second of five sessions exploring mental and emotional health, designed to encourage conversations at home. This Friday, we will talk about relaxation skills and share practices. In the first class last Friday, we learned about understanding feelings, watching and discussing this video, then learned practices to name and share feelings on a scale of 1-10 and through daily high/low, and a body scan. Dates & Topics: April 22, Understanding Feelings; April 29, Relaxation Skills; May 6, Understanding Thoughts; May 13, Managing Intense Emotions; May 20, Mindfulness.
Religious Education Classes, Sun May 1, 10:00-11:15am
1st-5th Grade Class: Norm H and Laura S are leading a session that lifts up Harriet Tubman, as they learn about the 2nd UU Source, "Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love."
6th-7th Grade Class: Laura G and Alex Z are leading class about the question of how much impact an individual can have. Does it really matter whether we do right or wrong? Faith in Action asks youth to think of and perform spontaneous acts of love.
8th-9th Grade Class: Betsy W is leading class about justice making and how UUs make a difference, recognizing differences between community service and social justice work and developing a sense of empowerment in the face of social problems. Tracy B will join the last half of class to continue worship planning with the youth.
Quiet activity boxes are available for young people who attend worship. Click here for the spring RE schedule and program information.
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Congregation & Community News |
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Common Read Discussion
Common Read Discussion Group, Sat Apr 30, 11:00am, Fellowship Hall and Zoom 6161
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PlaceKeeping Practice
“First Saturdays” PlaceKeeping Practice, Sat Apr 29, CUUC Grounds
Join the PlaceKeepers monthly gathering (a week early this month) to appreciate, improve, and maintain the building and grounds of CUUC, our spiritual home. Socialize by the Spirit Fire, help tend our springs and paths, or take a walk and watch for wildlife. You are welcome to join us throughout the day. Contact: Bice Wilson (bicewilson@gmail.com), Terri Kung (terrikung@yahoo.com).
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Celebrate Ramadan at CUUC
Ramadan Iftar at CUUC, Sat Apr 30, Fellowship Hall, 7:30pm
All are welcome - and we will celebrate with all three Ghafoori families! We gather at 7:30. Iftar (breaking the fast) happens at 7:51, sunset, followed by Magrib (the sunset prayer). The Iftar meal will be 8:15 with Afghan entrees and desserts prepared the Ghafoori families, plus additional potluck dishes. If you are moved to join in prayer:
- please dress modestly; we will have head coverings available for those who do not have their own; and
- please bring a prayer rug or yoga mat if you have one; we will have extras for those who need it
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RE Info Session for Newcomers
Religious Education Program Info Session for New Families, Sun May 1, 11:30am, Room 43 (green hallway), with Tracy
We invite our new visiting families to join Director of Religious Education Tracy Breneman for a short information session about our Religious Education/Exploration programs, with Q&A. Childcare will be provided. Not able to make it this Sunday? Join us on May 22 or June 12!
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Webinar: Supporting Interracial Worship
Hybrid Webinar: "What's Race Got to Do With It? Creating Safe Spaces for Interracial Worship," Sun May 1, 11:45am-1:45pm, In Person in sanctuary and online on Zoom 7899
Facilitators Rev. Lane Cobb and Rev. Eugene Holden will lead a two-hour in-person and online conversation designed to support traditionally white faith-based organizations that are committed to creating interracial worship communities. Attendance is free; donations to Race Talk Revolution gratefully accepted. Every dollar donated will be matched up to $500. Event sponsored by the Racial Justice/In the Spirit of Truth Team. Childcare provided. Contact: Jeff Tomlinson (jefftomlinson8@gmail.com)
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Coffee "15 Minute" this Sunday
This Sunday, our in-person and virtual Coffee "Hour" will instead be a Coffee "15 Minute" so everyone can finish in time to join the Racial Justice Team webinar event starting at 11:45am.
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Welcome Nicole!
Please join us in welcoming Nicole Carter to our childcare staff! Nicole shares this introduction: I was born and raised in the Parkchester section of the Bronx. I love working with kids and I’m currently an undergraduate at Lehman College studying to be a social worker. I have three children of my own and I work for Children's Village. I enjoy making people happy and traveling in my spare time. I believe that our children are the future and that it takes a village to raise them. I like to keep a clear mind and listen and learn from others. In life there’s always room for growth.
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Words of Encouragement for Our Graduating Seniors
Help us get ready to celebrate our youth who are graduating from high school and moving from youth into young adulthood: Miren Johnston (Gail Johnston); Jenna Thurman (Niamh & Jeff Thurman); and Nadia Ryan (Diana Echevarria & Thomas Ryan)! Let our seniors know they have a faith community that loves and supports them. Write a note in the hymnals that will be included in their gifts from the congregation. Hymnals will be available Sunday before and after worship, or visit bit.ly/CUUCBridging2022 to submit a note. The hymnals will be an enduring reminder of beloved music, words, and community. Thank you! Contact: Tracy Breneman.
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Collection for Ukraine - Through Sun May 1
St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church in Manhattan's Little Ukraine is collecting supplies for the neediest and most war-torn areas of Ukraine. If you would like to help, please place these NEW AND UNOPENED items in the bins by CUUC's front door now through Sun May 1: Flashlights, Batteries, Diapers, Infant Formula, Tylenol, Advil, Infant Tylenol, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Blankets, and Sleeping Bags. Contact: Norm Handelman (yakman42@gmail.com), Robin Rocchi (robinandal@verizon.net).
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Out of Office
Office Administrator Out of Office, Mon May 2-Thu May 5
Our administrator, Pam Parker, will be away from Mon through Thu next week. She will be checking messages when possible, and may be responding later than usual. Thank you for your patience!
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Extra Hands for Meals for HOPE
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Brunch RSVPs Needed
CUUC Brunch, Sun May 15 after worship, Fellowship Hall, RSVPs Needed by Mon May 9, 12:00 noon
We're excited to be planning a CUUC brunch again! It's a big undertaking, and we know some of you may not yet be ready or able to gather in person for a meal. Please let us know by RSVP-ing to Creighton Cray (Creighton.Cray@gmail.com) by noon on Mon May 9, letting us know whether you will attend and how many are in your party. Your responses will help us decide whether or not to proceed.
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Save the Date
JazzFest with the Valerie Capers Ensemble, Sat May 14, 8:00pm, Sanctuary
We're delighted to welcome back Jazz legend Valerie Capers with her wonderful trio for an evening of original works and standards transformed by Ms. Capers’ inimitable touch and style. Contact: Janet Bear (jsbear1@gmail.com). Ms. Capers will also be joining our Sun May 8 worship to offer piano music during the service, where we will be recognizing CUUC's Religious Education program. Arrive early to support the worship and enjoy all Ms. Capers' musical offerings!
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Quest Room: Fun for Families, Committees, Journey Groups, and Friends
Quest Room, Starting Sun May 1, Youth Group Room 14, Red Hallway
Everyone at CUUC is invited to enjoy the Youth Group's Quest Room, which reflects their Superhero theme. (A quest room is like an escape room but the door isn't locked.) It's open to all! Groups of 4-6 individuals are recommended. Sign up here. Contact Raquel Belkin, youth@cucpw.org.
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Program for Parents of Teens
Parents of Teens: The Mystery of the Teenage Brain (6th - 12th grade parents/caregivers), Wed May 18, 7:30 - 8:30pm, Zoom 8428. We will watch a short video by Dr. Sanjay Gupta together, discuss it, and share suggestions and support for continuing the conversation at home. Contact: Tracy Breneman (cuucwptracy@gmail.com).
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Annual Giving Campaign
Our April Giving Campaign month is coming to an end. We are on our way toward our $420,000 goal, and most of you have increased your annual giving amount to account for the 6-7% inflation rate, so a BIG THANK YOU! We have only two days left in April and, as of now, we are still short; currently we have $110,000 to go to reach our goal. Please send your pledge today, by mail, or online, or by emailing the treasurer at TreasurerCUUCWP@gmail.com. Click here to read today's update.
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District Happenings
Central East Region May Newsletter
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Caring & Sharing
If we can help you or someone you know in our congregation, reach out to this month's primary caregivers: Robin Rocchi (917-656-6830, robinandal@verizon.net), or her backup, Ingrid Hartmann (914-946-2026, ih63053@gmail.com). You may also contact the CUUC office (admin@cucwp.org).
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Share the Plate for May: Murray Grove
This month we share half our non-pledge collection with Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center, the only Unitarian Universalist conference center in the Metro area, and the site traditionally considered to be where Universalism in America began. Among the many camps, trainings, retreats, and workshops offered has been the program our Coming of Age classes have attended as part of their journey to create a statement of faith. Mail checks to CUUC with the memo “Share the Plate - Murray Grove ” or click here to pay online, and select “Share the Plate.” You may also select “Other” and type in “Murray Grove” in the note if you'd like your full donation to go to the group.
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For links to our Zoom online meetings, see below.
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Weekly Calendar and Logins
Fri Apr 29 - 9:00am Past Prime Time Dance Party (Zoom 6161); 3:00pm “A Tempo with Adam ” ( A Tempo Zoom and Facebook Live ); 6:30pm Youth Group Escape Room (CUUC Red Hallway Classrooms); 7:00pm Program for PreK-5th Grade Families: Nurturing Resilience and Communication (Zoom 8428)
Sat Apr 30 - 10:00am First Saturday PlaceKeeping Practice (CUUC Grounds); 10:00am Zen Practice (Room 43 & Zoom 7899); 11:00am Common Read Discussion: Tomlinson (Fellowship Hall & Zoom 6161); 7:30pm Ramadan Gathering (Fellowship Hall)
Sun May 1 - 9:45am Childcare (Room 32 & Playground); 10:00am 1st-9th Grade RE Classes (CUUC); 10:00am Sunday Worship (Sanctuary & live-stream on Worship Zoom); 11:30am RE Information Session for New Families (Room 43, green hallway); 11:45am Hybrid Webinar: What's Race Got to Do With It (Sanctuary & Zoom 7899)
Mon May 2 - 10:00am Meals for HOPE (kitchen); 7:15pm Story Time (Zoom 6161)
Tue May 3 - 7:30pm Committee on Ministry (Zoom 2210); 7:30pm In-Person Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary & Zoom 3131)
Wed May 4 - 9:00am Past Prime Time Dance Party (Zoom 6161); 7:30pm Program Council (Zoom 7899)
Thu May 5 - 7:30pm Journey Group Facilitators (Zoom 6161)
Fri May 6 - 9:00am Past Prime Time Dance Party (Zoom 6161); 3:00pm “A Tempo with Adam ” ( A Tempo Zoom and Facebook Live ); 7:00pm Program for PreK-5th Grade Families: Nurturing Resilience and Communication (Zoom 8428); 7:30pm Coming of (A Little More) Age (Zoom 7899)
Sat May 7 - 10:00am Zen Practice (Room 43 & Zoom 7899); 12:30am Journey Group Facilitators (Zoom 6161); 1:30pm Rental: WCHJ (Fellowship Hall)
Sun May 8 - 9:45am Childcare (Room 32 & Playground); 10:00am 1st-9th Grade RE Classes (CUUC); 10:00am Sunday Worship (Sanctuary & live-stream on Worship Zoom)
ONLINE ZOOM MEETING LOGINS
or phone (audio only): 646-876-9923
Webinar: 761 321 991 · Passcode: 468468
or phone (audio only): 929-436-2866
Meeting: 336 956 2210 · Passcode: 468468
or phone (audio only): 646-876-9923
Meeting: 289 850 7899 · Passcode: 468468
or phone (audio only): 646-876-9923
Meeting ID: 313 195 3131 · Passcode: 468468
or phone (audio only): 929-436-2866
Meeting: 616 163 6161 · Passcode: 468468
or phone (audio only): 646-558-8656
Meeting: 602 164 635 · Passcode: 468468
or phone (audio only): 646-558-8656
Meeting: 817 388 428 · Passcode: 468468
or phone (audio only): 929-436-2866
Meeting: 939 6077 5149 · Passcode: 468468
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Contacts
Dir of Lifespan Religious Education and Faith Development: Tracy Breneman, cuucwptracy@gmail.com, 914-434-7539
Board of Trustees
Social Justice Coordinators
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