Community Unitarian Universalist
Congregation at White Plains
Weekly News | Sun Oct 1, 2017
Congregation at White Plains
Weekly News | Sun Oct 1, 2017
Science & Spirituality, Thu Sep 28, 11:30am, Fireside Area
A bi-monthly meeting to explore the relationship between science and spirituality. We meet the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. We are discussing Evening Thoughts
by Thomas Berry and preparing for How the
Mind Works by Steven Pinker. Join us! Contact: Yvonne Lynn (ylynn20@gmail.com).
Sit and sing with the CUUC choir immediately after coffee hour. Gather near the piano to sing a few rounds, beloved hymns, and accessible choral pieces and see what it is like to work with Choir Director Lisa Meyer, pianist Georgianna Pappas, and veteran members of the CUUC Choir. Enjoy an hour of singing, laughter, and joy. All are welcome; you do not need to be able to read music. Whether you are thinking of joining the choir or just wish to enjoy participating for an hour, come sing and enjoy some light snacks and camaraderie to finish off our time together. For more information, contact Lisa Meyer at choir@cucwp.org or call 516-299-2475 (daytime).
Young Adult Gathering, Sun Oct 1, 11:45a, Room 43
A Young Adults group at CUUC is forming! All interested members, friends and visitors in young adulthood who are interested in meeting one another and engaging on issues of faith and other interests in a mutually supportive environment are invited to participate. Help shape a group that makes a difference in your life and the life of the congregation. Questions? Contact Cindy Davidson (intern@cucwp.org, 781-710-1640) or Perry Montrose (dlre@cucwp.org).
Getting to Know You – Getting to Know One Another
Neighborhood Social Gatherings, Sun Oct 1, 4:00-6:00pm, Various locations
Join your neighbors and CUUC friends for a Neighborhood Social Gathering (no hidden agenda!). Some of your CUUC friends have graciously agreed to host an open house so we can all get to know one another a little better. Choose the home you (and any partners/children) would like to go to, RSVP to the host, then bring something sweet or savory for the table. That’s it! An easy way to enjoy one another’s company. For questions, contact: jane dixon (lilrhodie@gmail.com, 914-949-5919).
Gail Johnston, 134 Walworth Ave, White Plains (gjohnston@cahill.com)
Nurturing Our Children, Ourselves, and Nature, Sat Oct 7, 10:00am-3:00pm, CUUC
A workshop for educators and facilitators who lead multigenerational nature and animal experiences, and learning of all kinds. This workshop leads and demonstrates a new way of learning and community in a multispecies, multigenerational, and multicultural context. It addresses the disconnection between humans and nature, and provides tools for adults to help children who thrive when they are able to connect to nature and animals. This is a special opportunity for those facilitating Unitarian Universalist children and youth programs. https://www.meetup.com/Nature-as-Spiritual-Practice/events/242030271/. Co-facilitated by Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner (amoloros@gmail.com)
The Fall Communitarian is Here! Read all about it! Our magazine-length newsletter is now posted on the website. Find articles on your ministry, religious education, board of trustees, social justice teams, committees, choir, concerts, and the annual auction. Click HERE.
LGBTQIA Social Justice Team Event: "Trans* 102" with Rhyrus Falcone, Sun Oct 22, 11:40am, Fellowship Hall
Join us for a recap and follow up to last year’s presentation Trans* 101 Talking Gender, followed by an LGBTQIA Social Justice Visioning session. Childcare available with advance request to marycava4@gmail.com by Sun Oct 15. Contact: Tony Arrien (arrien@optonline.net).
Save the Date: “Reframing Westchester’s Housing Crisis,” Sun Oct 29, 11:45am, Fellowship Hall
Our guest speaker is Alexander H. Roberts, Exec Dir of Community Housing Innovations (http://chigrants.org/). CHI is the largest provider of housing for the homeless outside of New York City, with 1,000 people in its facilities each night. Co-sponsored by the Racial Justice and the Hunger and Homelessness social justice teams. Childcare available with advance reservation to admin@cucwp.org.
This week: Everything you ever wanted to know about the auction but were afraid to ask! Each Sunday between now and November 18, the auction committee will be at coffee hour waiting to talk to you about anything-and-everything
related to the auction. Maybe you are thinking about attending but not sure what to expect? Are you are wondering if a particular donation might work for us? Are you curious what this Bid-and-Bump thing is all about? Please stop by
and talk to us. We'd love to chat! To see FAQs, click HERE.
For a list of donation ideas, click HERE.
Music Committee Meeting,
Sun Oct 8, 9:00am, room 22
Attention
music lovers! CUUC's Music Committee needs your support. Our committee meets
several times a year and remains in touch by e-mail in the interim. Our work
supports all matters musical at CUUC, including the running of CUUC's Concert
Series, assisting the Music Staff in planning music as part of Sunday morning
worship, strengthening the role of music in our RE program, making annual
budget requests to the BOT, and planning music for summer worship services. We
invite all to attend our first meeting. We hope to see many of you there
but—even if you can't make it—please let us know if you'd like to help out.
Contact: Janet Bear (jsbear1@gmail.com) and Lois Holt (mediamomforlife@gmail.com).
The Fall Communitarian is Here! Read all about it! Our magazine-length newsletter is now posted on the website. Find articles on your ministry, religious education, board of trustees, social justice teams, committees, choir, concerts, and the annual auction. Click HERE.
LGBTQIA Social Justice Team Event: "Trans* 102" with Rhyrus Falcone, Sun Oct 22, 11:40am, Fellowship Hall
Join us for a recap and follow up to last year’s presentation Trans* 101 Talking Gender, followed by an LGBTQIA Social Justice Visioning session. Childcare available with advance request to marycava4@gmail.com by Sun Oct 15. Contact: Tony Arrien (arrien@optonline.net).
Save the Date: “Reframing Westchester’s Housing Crisis,” Sun Oct 29, 11:45am, Fellowship Hall
Our guest speaker is Alexander H. Roberts, Exec Dir of Community Housing Innovations (http://chigrants.org/). CHI is the largest provider of housing for the homeless outside of New York City, with 1,000 people in its facilities each night. Co-sponsored by the Racial Justice and the Hunger and Homelessness social justice teams. Childcare available with advance reservation to admin@cucwp.org.
2017 Auction: A Night in Havana, Sat Nov 18, 5:30p, Tickets $40
Hurricane Relief Donations
As we plan our celebration of Cuban culture, we are keenly aware of how islands in the Caribbean are currently suffering from the devastation wrought by recent hurricanes. The UUA has established the UUA Disaster Relief Fund
to assist congregations impacted by natural disasters in repairing damage, and to respond to the
needs of members and communities in their efforts to recover. UUA staff is working closely with leaders in the Association's
Southern Region, to ascertain where the need is greatest and distribute
funds efficiently.
Did you know... CUUC relies on rain for our lawn, tree, and shrub irrigation rather than a sprinkler system. This prevents landscaping water waste.
The third part of our mission statement is to “engage in service to transform ourselves and our world.” Our goal is for each CUUC Member and Friend to participate on one team. This is an invitation, not an obligation, to be involved as you are able and as your time allows. Sign up in the lobby or online at cucwp.org/our-social-action-and-community-service. Which Social Justice Team would you like to be a part of? They all address important issues, so look for one that resonates most powerfully with you: Animal Advocacy, Economic Social Justice, Environmental Practices, Hunger & Homelessness, LGBTQIA Justice, Racial Justice, Refugee Resettlement, or Women's Issues. For information about individual teams, look for core members on Sundays wearing team buttons to identify them. For general questions, contact one of the Social Justice Coordinators: Jeff Tomlinson (jefftomlinson8@gmail.com), Mary Cavallero (marycava4@gmail.com), Pamela Cucinell (pamelajcny@gmail.com), Rev. Meredith Garmon (minister@cucwp.org).
Share the Plate for October: Animal Welfare
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, the Animal Advocacy Social Justice Team has been researching organizations that are helping unfortunate animals that have been injured, displaced, and adversely affected by disaster. This month half of our non-pledge donations will go to a nonprofit organization that recognizes how animals are often the most vulnerable and forgotten victims. The organization selected will be one that rapidly assesses an event, transports rescuers and equipment to the scene, and works hand-in-hand with local groups to address the crisis. We are pleased to announce that the amount collected will be matched up to $1,000 by a generous couple in our congregation who have chosen to remain anonymous. The Animal Advocacy Social Justice Team's purpose is to foster understanding and respect for the community and experiences of all species, and to open themselves and others to greater compassion and kinship with all animals.
At a recent meeting of the Social Justice Coordinating Committee we decided that a more formal process was needed for Share-the-Plate requests. There is no shortage of worthy causes and, while we’d like to honor all requests, there are only twelve months in the year.
Share the Plate requests should be made to the Social Justice Coordinating Committee (current members are listed below). Priority is given to requests of Social Justice Teams who have a long-term relationship with the organization they are recommending. For example, the Ecumenical Emergency Food Pantry and the Coachman Family Center in White Plains regularly receive the November and December Share-the-Plate because several members of the Hunger & Homelessness team have been working with these organizations for decades. Similarly, the LGBTQIA team has requested a month for PrideWorks, an organization that this congregation has been supporting for over ten years. The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) has also been regularly approved due to its connection with Unitarian Universalism and the ongoing support of a number of CUUC members. Ideally, if congregants wish to suggest an organization, they should find a Social Justice Team or another committee that has a connection to their mission. Other requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis, if there is an available slot and a connection to CUUC. Social Justice Coordinating Committee: Jeff Tomlinson (jefftomlinson8@gmail.com), Mary Cavallero (marycava4@gmail.com), Pamela Cucinell (pamelajcny@gmail.com), Rev. Meredith Garmon minister@cucwp.org.Birthday Bag Update: In September the Hunger & Homelessness Social Justice Team collected birthday party supplies to be distributed to children in the Food Bank for Westchester's BackPack Program. We're pleased to announce that thanks to your donations we will be able to create over 100 Birthday Bags, all of which are needed by the Food Bank right now. Thanks to everyone who contributed! Contact: Amy Swiss (amyswiss@aol.com).
Sing, Sing, Sing -- with the CUUC Choir! Rehearsals Tuesdays, 7:30-9:15pm, Sanctuary
All voice parts welcome - you don't have to read music! We sing two Sundays a month and perform two concerts a year. Join full-time or part-time. Contact: Lisa Meyer at 516-299-2475 (daytime) or lisa.meyer@liu.edu.
Greeters Needed
Make our Sunday visitors feel welcome - come a
little early to share your smile and a warm greeting. You can sign up for one
or more Sundays HERE https://beta.doodle.com/poll/6ikqnmsu9p9rx8xu. Contact: Jane Dixon(lilrhodie@gmail.com).
Journey Group Signups
Life is a journey, and the CUUC Journey Groups are a vital way to deepen our understanding of life and strengthen our connections to one another by exploring monthly themes together. This year’s themes are Forgiveness, Death, Mindfulness, Embodiment, Resilience, Love, Wandering, Faith, Truth, and Justice. Sign up using the sheets posted in the entryway, or online at http://www.cucwp.org/journey-groups. Even if you can only attend a few of the monthly meetings, please do sign up – Journey Groups are how we help each other become the people we most want to be!
Caring & Sharing Circle
If anyone knows of another among us who is in
need of a caregiver, please contact Janet Giewat (914 617-2137 or bean1a2@aol.com) or her backup Adine Usher (914 328-2307 or adinevictoriaray@gmail.com).
In the Community
Important Voter Registration Deadlines. The last day to register to vote for the November 2017 election is October 13. If you want to change party affiliation to vote in the 2018 primary, the deadline is October 13. If registering by mail, the form must be received by October 18. If you are honorably discharged from the military or have become a naturalized citizen after October 13th, you may register in person at the Board of Elections in White Plains through October 27. You must register as a Democrat to vote in the Democratic primary in 2018. Form: http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/download/voting/voteform.pdf.
This Week at CUUC
Thu Sep 28 - 11:30am Science & Spirituality
Fri Sep 29 - 6:30pm Journey Group-FamiliesThis Week at CUUC
Thu Sep 28 - 11:30am Science & Spirituality
Sat Sep 30 - 9:00am Metro NY YAC; 10:00am Zen; 10:00am Strategic Planning; 4:30pm Rental: WCHJ
Sun Oct 1 - 8:45am Parent Teacher Meeting; 9:00am Economic SJT; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:30am Choir Open House; 11:30am Auction Committee; 11:30am Welcome Committee; 11:45am Young Adult Gathering; 4:00pm Neighborhood Sunday
Mon Oct 2 - 6:30pm T’ai-ch’i; 7:00pm Rental: We Persist; 7:00pm Rental: Straight Spouse Network; 8:00pm Rental: Amnesty International
Tue Oct 3 - 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP; 7:30pm Choir rehearsal
Wed Oct 4 - 7:30pm Program Council
Thu Oct 5 - 9:30am Rental: League of Women Voters; 7:30pm Journey Group Facilitators
Fri Oct 6 - 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP
Sat Oct 7 - 9:30am Nurture Nature MultiGen Workshop; 10:00am Zen; 12:30pm Journey Group Facilitators; 1:30pm Rental: WCHJ
Sun Oct 8 - 9:00am Music Committee; 9:00am Refugee Resettlement; 9:00am LGBTQIA meeting (tentative); 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:30am Environmental Practices; 11:40am Animal Advocacy
CUUC Contacts
Minister: Rev. Meredith Garmon, minister@cucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x3
Director of Lifespan Religious Ed. & Faith Development: Perry Montrose, dlre@cucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x4
Community Minister: Rev. Deb Morra, community-minister@cucwp.org, 914-830-1509
Community Minister: Rev. LoraKim Joyner, amoloros@gmail.com, 914-948-1696
Ministerial Intern: Cindy Davidson, intern@cucwp.org, 781-710-1640
Congregational Administrator: Pamela Parker, admin@cucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x2
Bookkeeper: Diane Pearson, cuucwpbookkeeper@gmail.com, 914-946-1660 x5
Board of Trustees
Board Chair: Dean Silverberg, dsilverberg@ebglaw.com, 212-351-4642
Vice Chair: Karen Dreher, kmdreher55@gmail.com, 914-235-7845
Treasurer: Chris Kortlandt, kortlandtbunch@gmail.com, 914-834-7112
Social Justice Coordinators
Jeff Tomlinson, jefftomlinson8@gmail.com
Mary Cavallero, marycava4@gmail.com
Pamela Cucinell, pamelajcny@gmail.com
Other News This Week
From the Minister
RE News
Music News
This Week's e-Communitarian
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