Religious Education News: Jan 6

Happy New Year… happy new year... and so it goes. We keep hearing this wish from family and friends, but do we really reflect on its meaning? The operative word appears to be new with the ever-looming presence of the new year Grinch: resolution. We’re all going to go that extra mile and lose weight; we will adopt better eating habits; exercise will become our new friend; we’ll learn new skills; and the list goes on and on. It’s no wonder we charge from the gate with the best of intentions, yet more often than not stumble and even fail, and what we are left with is disappointment. Think about it: don’t we want to be better people and better models for our children? So your pants are a little tight, get elastic. So you can’t run the 5K, take a brisk walk. Eating healthy is boring, so go to McDonald’s only once per month. My point: shine on the inside as a Unitarian Universalist and ultimately you shine on the outside, too. Be kinder, more compassionate, and have respect for other people – and animals as well. Teach your children by example if you truly wish them to behave like you. Make this year and the years that follow a gift, not one year older, not another year of failure, but instead a miraculous second chance to hug your children, be kind to your spouse, to sit down and break bread as a family. Most of all resolve to love with all your being so that love spills over to the community of humankind. Toss away your regrets, the should have/could haves that haunt you, and focus on what’s right in front of you… community, congregation, family, friends, faith, and love.

Michele Rinaldi
Religious Education Coordinator

Looking ahead...

This Sunday in RE, Jan 6
Grades K-5 start in the Fellowship Hall for Children's Worship. Grades 6-12 start in classrooms.

Religious Education Special Friends Sign Up
We invite you to join us for this pen pal program that anonymously matches children and adults in the congregation so they get to know each other better. After exchanging six letters over nine weeks, the pen pals get to meet at the Canvass Community Meal on Sun Mar 31. The letter exchanges begin on Sun Jan 27. Please email RE@cucwp.org to sign up.

Faith Development Friday, Fri Jan 11
Our evening of learning, spiritual growth, and community. 6:15pm Pizza & Salad Community Dinner; 7:00pm Programs; 8:30pm Coffee. Programs include Adult RE and Family Journey Group. 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 to CUUCevents@gmail.com by 12:00 noon on Fri Jan 11.

In the Community:

Indigenous Peoples of the Northeast Storytelling & Drumming, Sun Jan 6, 12:45pm, First Unitarian Society, 25 Old Jackson Ave, Hastings
We welcome Irene "Strong Oak" Lefebvre as guest storyteller, drummer, and teacher. Strong Oak and her wife, Mary, will lead adults and youth in our Indigenous Solidarity Service Learning Group, which is open to everyone - visitors welcome! You may also bring your own drum and participate. Childcare provided. Learn more at visioningbear.org.

Interfaith Community Concert in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Sun Jan 13, 4:00pm, Congregation Kol Ami, 252 Soundview Avenue, White Plains
Sponsored by The Interfaith Connection and Westchester Martin Luther King, Jr. Institute for Nonviolence. Free event. Refreshments. Info: connect@mlkwestchester.org, 914-949-6555.

“The Dream Is Still Alive: Remembering Dr. King with Songs for Peace, Justice, and Equality,” Jim Scott in Concert, Fri Jan 18, 7:30pm, UU Fellowship of Northern Westchester, 236 S Bedford Rd, Mt Kisco, Sliding Scale Admission $12-20
Jim Scott, composer of “Gather the Spirit” and other UU hymns, will lead a participatory songfest of music celebrating the ideals that Dr. Martin Luther King championed. More about Jim at jimscottmusic.com. Purchase tickets at jimscottatuufnw.brownpapertickets.com.

Bookfair to Benefit the MLK Freedom Library, Mon Jan 21, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Barnes & Noble, 230 Main Street, City Center, White Plains OR online
Come to Barnes & Noble for a day of activities - OR - order items online from Jan 19 to Jan 24 at barnesandnoble.com/bookfairs and enter ID #12464053 at checkout. Purchases benefit the MLK Freedom Library. Flyer at mlkwestchester.org/events-1