2017-09-20

CUUC Weekly News: Sun Sep 24

Community Unitarian Universalist
Congregation at White Plains
Weekly News | Sun Sep 24, 2017




Film Screening: “Gender Revolution,” Sun Sep 24, 11:40, Fellowship Hall
Join us for the National Geographic’s documentary “Gender Revolution: a Journey with Katie Couric,” followed by a moderated discussion. For the trailer, go to https://vimeo.com/208852114. Sponsored by the CUUC LGBTQIA Social Justice Team as part of our recertification at an LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation. Free program! Contact: Tony Arrien (arrien@optonline.net). Childcare will be available.
What parents need to know: Parents need to know that Gender Revolution is a documentary about gender identity. Katie Couric interviews a wide range of people who identify as transgender (or have loved ones that do), and treats their problems with compassion and empathy. Biology and sex are frankly discussed: how babies are conceived and developed, how genitalia develop in the womb, what the genitals of intersex people look like. Body parts are described but we don't see any naked people. No strong language, but interviewees use anatomical words for body parts frequently. Rape, murder, and suicide are referred to, but not described or dwelt on at length.

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. Join us! Contact: Yvonne Lynn (ylynn20@gmail.com).

Choir Open House, Sun Oct. 1, 11:35am, Sanctuary
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).
Host Homes for Neighborhood Social Gathering, Sun Oct 1
Janet and Steve Bear, 32 Lincoln St, Larchmont (jsbear1@gmail.com)
Lori Saccardi, 36 Wyndham Close, White Plains (lorisaccardi87@gmail.com)
Karen and Ray Schmitt, 790 Forest Ave, Rye (karenschmitt@alum.mit.edu)
Terri and Darwei Kung, 8 Rocky Ridge, Harrison (terrikung@yahoo.com)
Karen Leahy, 445 Gramatan Ave Apt HB2, Mt. Vernon (karenleahy101@gmail.com)
Gail Johnston, 134 Walworth Ave, White Plains (gjohnston@cahill.com)
Kim and Christian Force, 521 Sherman Ave, Hawthorne (kimforce@gmail.com)
Ingrid Hartmann, 30 Lake St Apt 7-I, White Plains (wwwingrid@webtv.net, IH63053@gmail.com)

Reminders from the Welcome Committee:
  • Remember to turn in your yellow Opportunities to Serve sheet this Sun Sep 24, if you have not already done so! ☺
  • 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).
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).

2017 Auction: A Night in Havana, Sat Nov 18, 5:30p, Tickets $40
Auction Committee Meeting, Sun Sep 24, 11:30, Room 22. Come join us on our journey to Havana! We would love for you to get involved in the auction! Our team is having a short planning meeting this week after service. Please stop by and hear about what we're doing to gear up for this big event. If you'd like to be part of the fun and join our team, we have many ways you can get involved, from small jobs the night of the event, to important advance planning steps that can be done at your convenience in the next few weeks. Come see if there is something that interests you. We are a fun group and would love to have you join us!

Hurricane Relief Donations
Islands like Cuba as well as U.S. coastal states have suffered devastation in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and most recently Maria. The UUA offers information and links for aiding victims of natural disasters. https://www.uua.org/giving/areas-support/funds/hurricane-harvey-relief-fund-and-resources

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) have created the Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund to support recovery in Texas... https://giving.uua.org/harvey-floods

The UUA has established the Hurricane Irma Recovery Fund to assist congregations, including in the U.S. Virgin Islands, in repairing any damage, and to respond to the needs of their members' and their community's efforts to get back on its feet... https://giving.uua.org/Irma-aid

A Prayer for the Region from UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray

Source of all, we hold all of those in harm’s way in our care today.

May the people of greater Houston, those along the Gulf Coast who were in the path of the hurricane, and those who are safe but still watching the waters rise, find their way to safety.

We pray for the strength and courage of the first responders, we pray for neighbors who are reaching out a helping hand, for the steadiness of medical personnel in the face of challenging circumstances, and for the wisdom of local officials.

We pray for all those around the world facing the effects of weather disasters, and for those suffering because of violence and human injustice.

May we all join our hearts and hands in the service of the healing of our world. Amen.

https://www.uua.org/giving/areas-support/funds/hurricane-harvey-relief-fund-and-resources

Did you know... CUUC relies on rain for our lawn, tree, and shrub irrigation rather than a sprinkler system. This prevents landscaping water waste.

Our Social Justice Teams - Opportunities for You to Engage in Service
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 of teams, who will be wearing buttons to identify them on Sundays. 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 September: Food Bank for Westchester
The recipient of half our non-pledge collection this month is Food Bank for Westchester and their BackPack Program, designed to help alleviate child hunger by providing hungry and at-risk children with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food during weekends and school vacations.

September Project: Birthday Bags
When children in the BackPack Program (see above) have a birthday, they take home a special Birthday Bag filled with supplies for a special celebration. The Hunger & Homelessness Social Justice Team is collecting: * cake mix * frosting * birthday candles * small party plates * party napkins * individually wrapped toothbrushes * juice boxes * 7x9" gift bags. Bring items in on Sunday, or "sponsor" a bag for $15.Contact: Amy Swiss (amyswiss@aol.com).

Process for a Share-the-Plate Request 
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.
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 Nicky Klemens (914-967-4419, nsklemens@optonline.net) or her backup Janet Giewat (914-617-2137, bean1a2@aol.com).

In the Community
  • UUFNW Family Earth Fest, Sat Sep 23, 1:00-4:00pm, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Westchester, Mt. Kisco. Activities include • Sit Spot Meditation • Yoga for Kids and Adults • Storytelling • Donuts on a String • Friction Fire Making • Invasive Species Talk (1:30pm) • Presentation on Climate Change (2pm) and more. http://www.uufellowship.org/family-earth-fest.html
  • Breakfast Run, Sun Sep 24, 7am, First Unitarian Society of Westchester, Hastings-on-Hudson. Help us make a difference for those in need. We need volunteers to help prepare food, pack clothes, and distribute and interact with the homeless in NYC. If you haven't gone on a Run before, there is no time like the present to get involved! Contact: Annie Patton (914-588-4782), Art Lowenstein (arthur.lowenstein@gmail.com, 914-844-4189, or 845-424-3638).
  • Rivertowns Rally Against Hate, Sun Sep 24, 4:00pm, Woodlands Community Temple, Greenburgh, NY. Join friends and neighbors throughout the Rivertowns in standing firmly against bigotry in any form. There will be music, words, and community-wide resolve to ensure our towns are open and welcoming to all. Local houses of worship, village leaders, community organizers, as well as state and national representatives, have all been invited. Please bring your families and bring your neighbors. We'll gather in a large, open tent in celebration of democracy and a repudiation of white nationalism. https://www.facebook.com/events/498168987182675/. Contact: socialaction@wct.org or Woodlands Community Temple (914-592-7070).
  • Important Voter Registration Deadlines. The last day to register to vote for the November 2017 election is October 13th. If you want to change party affiliation to vote in the 2018 primary, the deadline is October 13th. If registering by mail, the form must be received by October 18th. 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 27th. 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
Fri Sep 22
  7:30pm  Choir rehearsal
Sat Sep 23
 Day in Place
  9:00am  Rental: WCSPP
 10:00am  Zen
  2:00pm  Rental: Rosedale Residential Assoc
Sun Sep 24
  8:30am  Hunger & Homelessness
  9:30am  Nursery Care
 10:00am  Worship
 11:15am  Coffee Hour
 11:20am  UU Roots: Conversation for Visitors & Newcomers
 11:30am  Adult RE Team
 11:30am  Auction Committee
 11:40am  Film Screening: Gender Revolution
Mon Sep 25
  8:00am  Rental: Film/TV Crew - WW (tentative)
  6:30pm  T’ai-ch’i
  7:30pm  Internship Committee
Tue Sep 26
  7:00pm  Rental: WCSPP
  7:30pm  Choir rehearsal
  7:30pm  Journey Group - J. Majsak
Wed Sep 27
  7:30pm  Rental: WCSPP Faculty Meeting
Thu Sep 28
 11:30am  Science & Spirituality Group
Fri Sep 29
  6:30pm  Journey Group - Families
Sat Sep 30
 10:00am  Zen
  4:30pm  Rental: WCHJ
Sun Oct 1
  8:45am  Parent Teacher Meeting
  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
  2:30pm  Rental: Westchester Citizen Therapists
  4:00pm  Neighborhood Sunday

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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