Music: Sun Oct 15

Sunday morning’s special guest musicians are The Biryani Boys, Mustafa Bhagat and David Freeman. Their mission is to preserve and promote the Indian classical music tradition and to provide safe passage into the contemporary landscape. They will provide an introduction to this musical style during our Music for All Ages. You can follow their work and find their videos at https://thebiryaniboys.bandcamp.com/. Read on for programming details.

Music for All Ages: The Biryani Boys—Mustafa Bhagat, Sitar; David Freeman, Tabla

Indian Music Lecture/Demo: Hamsadhwani (Alap)

Opening music:

 Hamsadhwani (Vilambit Gat)

Offertory:

Hamsadhwani (Thumri Gat)

Interlude:

Hamsadhwani (Drut Gat)

Postlude:

Hamsadhwani (Original Composition)

From the Minister, Thu Oct 5

From the Minister

Hurricane Maria brought suffering to millions in Puerto Rico. Water is in short supply, the power is out on much of the island, communications are down, and temperatures are hitting 44 degrees C -- which is 112 F. It's a deadly dangerous situation for critically ill hospital patients. The San Juan airport is packed with people there to get a one-way ticket off the island.

In Las Vegas, Steven Paddock fired from a hotel into a concert crowd, killing 59 and injuring about 500 more.

Our distress at these two disasters is compounded by our country's tepid response. In the one case, thankfully, aid is arriving in Puerto Rico. Getting it distributed to the places it is most needed remains a huge challenge which we could do more to help address. In the other case, the most needed response is reasonable gun control legislation -- which our legislature is incapable of passing.

Other calamities of recent months include the Transgender Military Ban, the rescinding of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), violence and white supremacy in Charlottesville.

The world may seem to be getting crazier, harsher, crueler. Our task remains what it always is: to love, to connect in empathy and kindness, to seek understanding, to give help where we can, to keep doing the work of peace and justice. There are many so committed. We are not alone. As the poet Adrienne Rich put it:

My heart is moved by all I cannot save:
so much has been destroyed
I have to cast my lot with those
who age after age, perversely, with no extraordinary power
reconstitute the world.

Yours in the faith we share,
Meredith

Let's Chat

On Tuesdays, 3-5pm, I'm going to be at an area coffee shop for anyone who might find that a convenient way to get together with their minister.
In October, I'll be at the Starbucks in Rye: 51 Purchase St.
In November, I'll be at the Barnes & Noble Cafe, City Center, 230 Main St, White Plains.
Drop by if you can!

You can also make an appointment to see me at CUUC, or invite me to visit at your place. Call Pam at the church office (914-946-1660) to schedule either.

This Week On THE LIBERAL PULPIT

A reflection on gender identity:
What If I Don't Have a Gender Identity?

The "Yay! Death!" sermon (Oct 1) is now posted, in three parts:
1. Yearning for Immortality
2. Two Epiphanies
3. Quintessence of Glorious Dust

List of, and links to, past sermons: HERE.
List of, and links to, other thoughts and reflections: HERE.

Practice of the Week

Draft Your Obituary. Most of us will never get the opportunity to have a newspaper reporter come to our homes and solicit the story of our lives. But the story of our lives matters deeply too. It matters to us and to our conscience. It matters to those whose lives we touch. To our loved ones. We all can play a role in shaping the unfolding drama of creation, so the story of our lives READ MORE

Your Moment of Zen

The Purpose of the Practice. Doubts. We all have them. Perhaps we once regarded doubt and faith as opposites, each the antidote of the other. Yet doubt is essential to faith. How does that work?

Aitken's Case (Zen Master Raven)

Badger attended the circle irregularly because of family responsibilities. One evening he was able to come for zazen and questions. He asked, "What is the purpose of the practice after all?"
Raven asked, "Do you have an inkling?"
Badger hesitated, "I'm not sure," he said.
Raven said, "Doubts dig up the whole Blue Planet."

Hotetsu's Verse

The practice is the enlightenment, the doing is the purpose,
The doubting is the faith, the asking is the inkling.
What am I saying? Badgers dig.
On the whole Blue Planet, nothing is missing.

Previous Moment of Zen
Saturday Zen Practice at CUUC: HERE.

Other News for Sun Oct 8

RE News:
Music News
CUUC Weekly News
This Week's e-Communitarian

RE News: Sun Oct 8

Lifespan Religious Education


Last Sunday, K-5th grade children put together the donated ingredients for the Birthday Bag Project. They really empathized with the children who might not have a cake for their birthday and took the task very seriously. Halfway through filling the bags, one child yelled out, "We have 15 minutes left. If we don't hurry, some kids won't be able to celebrate their birthdays!" Thanks to Amy Swiss's leadership and many people's generosity, 113 children will have a birthday bag so their families can make them a cake for their celebration. (Photos below)

Please see the following four (4) announcements:


1) Resources for Talking to Children About Tragedies
We have all been horrified and saddened by recent tragedies, from hurricanes to shootings. Our children are often exposed to information and images that we do not always have control over. Unexpected conversations arise and it can be difficult to know how to respond and what to tell children or not. Here are some resources for parents:


UUA article on supporting children in the face of tragedy - http://www.uua.org/families/disaster/281608.shtml

Advice and resources from Fuller Youth Institute, via Andre Lerner (our UUA congregational contact) - http://mailchi.mp/fuller/a-note-resources-about-the-tragedy-in-las-vegas?e=17c4ad9469 

Today Show age-by-age guide - https://www.today.com/parents/how-talk-children-about-shootings-age-age-guide-t59626

From the National Child Traumatic  Stress Network -  http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/terrorism

PBS Talking with Kids About News - http://www.pbs.org/parents/talkingwithkids/news/

Helping children cope with tragedy related anxiety - http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/children-cope-with-tragedy

If you would like to talk about this topic or need any further support, please contact me (dlre@cucwp.org; 914-946-1660 x4) or Rev. Meredith.

2) This Sun Oct 8
K-9th grade start in Fellowship Hall to participate in the Nurture Nature RE Program, led by Rev. LoraKim. 

• After a nature walk, exercises, and videos that focus on the feelings and needs of various animals, the children and youth will create a skit that they will perform at the service on Oct 15 during the Our Congregation moment. The skit will highlight the Oct. Plate Share that supports animals affected by the hurricanes.

Youth Group will be cleaning up and decorating their inner courtyard and begin to plan the Halloween event.

To view the Religious Education Google calendar, CLICK HERE.
To view a spreadsheet version of the RE Calendar, CLICK HERE.


3) Child Dedication Oct 15
This Unitarian Universalist ritual honors your family's commitment to the congregation and a promise by the congregation to support and nurture your child's spiritual life.

The ritual is open to any young children in the congregation. Please contact me if you would like your family to take part in the ceremony.

For a further description of our ceremony and UU Child Dedications, CLICK HERE.

4) Birthday Bag Project Photos

 
Sincerely,

Perry

Director of Lifespan Religious Education and Faith Development

CUUC Weekly News: Sun Oct 8

Community Unitarian Universalist
Congregation at White Plains
Weekly News | Sun Oct 8, 2017

POSTPONED TO SAT MAR 24 - 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)

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).

Minister Coffee Chat, Tuesdays, 3:00-5:00pm, Various Coffee Shops
Rev. Garmon will be at an area coffee shop each week for anyone who might find this a convenient way to get together with their minister. For October, he’ll be at Starbucks in Rye, 51 Purchase Street. Drop by if you like!

Science & Spirituality, Thu Oct 12, 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 How the Mind Works by Steven Pinker. Join us! Contact: Yvonne Lynn (ylynn20@gmail.com).

Opportunities for Giving: Collection of New Toys for Hour Children’s Center at the Bedford Correctional Facility, Sun Oct 15 & Sun Oct 22
Please bring new, unwrapped gifts only (each item is checked by security). See below for a list of items in highest demand. Feel free to donate a present not listed, but note the items that are not permitted. Contact: Ray Messing, (raymessing@gmail.com).

Young Children:

• Rattles
• Fisher Price toys
• Frozen® items
• Brain Quest and memory games

Older Children

• Makeup: eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, bronzer, make-up brushes, Burt's Bees, lip gloss, shower gel
• Headphones, ear buds
• Watches (no bling, analog only)
• Board games: Apples to Apples, Life, Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, backgammon, chess

All Ages

• Arts and crafts kits
• Dolls
• Cars, trucks, and trains

Please do not donate these gifts (the center is already stocked):

• No Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Cooties

The following items are NOT permitted:

• No electronics (Gameboys, etc.)
• No Play-Doh, clay
• No pencil sharpeners, scissors, mirrors, items made of glass or in glass containers, rhinestones, nail polish
• No gift certificates
• No stuffed animals
• No clothing that is blue, black, gray or orange
• No clothing for youth/adults; only clothing for infants/toddlers
• No items that promote violence

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.

Harvest Brunch, Sun Oct 15, 11:30a, Fellowship Hall

The CUUC Brunch Gang invites you to an Indian vegan and vegetarian feast. Suggested donation: adults $5, Kids and Seniors $3, maximum per family $15. Contact: John Schwam (jgschwam@gmail.com).

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).

Social Justice Team Event: “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

NOW is the time… THIS is the week we begin to really need your help. Please think about what you might be able to donate to the auction. Your auction team promises you a wonderful night - but YOUR DONATIONS are the key to its success! If every family donates just one item, service, or specialty, we will have over 200 items to share. PRO TIP: some of our most popular items are "People Helping People." For example you might offer to plant Daffodils in someone's yard, teach someone your favorite hobby, or take someone to your favorite hiking trail for a picnic lunch. Please take a look at our list for ideas - NEW ideas are even better. Fill out your auction donation form now. Paper forms are in the lobby or you can print out the form HERE. Items don't need to be dropped off until the week before the Auction. Click HERE to see list of suggestions!

As we plan our celebration of Cuban culture, we are keenly aware of the Caribbean islands suffering in the wake of 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.

Did you know...
CUUC has already converted to using LED light bulbs in the Sanctuary fireplace area to reduce our energy use and seeks to put LED bulbs in other parts of the building.

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 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.

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.

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 created over 100 Birthday Bags that were delivered to a grateful Food Bank office. Thanks to everyone who contributed!

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 help us deepen our understanding of life and strengthen our connections to one another as we explore 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

Fine Arts & Crafts Fair, Sat Oct 7, 10:00am - 4:00pm, 4th UU Congregation, 1698 Strawberry Rd, Mohegan Lake

The fourth annual fine arts and crafts fair features a wonderful array of local artists and artisans presenting their work. Pottery, jewelry, quilted items, bee goods, natural cleaning products, knit & crocheted items, nature photography, and more. Bake sale and raffle. Links to artists websites HERE.
Midnight Run, Fri Oct 20, FUSW Hastings
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).
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 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 Multi-Gen 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; 9:30am Nursery Care; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:30am Environmental Practices Group; 11:40am Animal Advocacy;
Mon Oct 9 - OFFICE CLOSED. 6:30pm T’ai-ch’i
Tue Oct 10 - 5:45pm Rental: WCSPP class; 7:00pm Rental: WCSPP; 7:30pm Choir rehearsal; 7:30pm Rental: Westchester Refugee Task Force
Wed Oct 11 - 7:30pm Board of Trustees
Thu Oct 12 - 11:30am Science & Spirituality Group; 7:30pm  Journey Group Montrose
Fri Oct 13 - 11:00am Journey Group Davidson
Sat Oct 14 - 10:00am Zen
Sun Oct 15 - 9:00am Economic Social Justice; 9:00am LGBTQIA; 9:30am  Nursery; 10:00am Worship; 11:15am Coffee Hour; 11:30am Harvest Brunch; 11:40am Sunday Journey Groups (Arrien, Morra,  Freiberger, Bear)
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

Music: Sun Oct 8

In our ever-evolving sense of ethics and historical justice, CUUC joins other UU congregations in deconstructing Columbus Day and embracing the spirit of "Indigenous Peoples Day" to recognize the first Americans, whose legacy was irrevocably altered by European imperialism. The piano works by New Englander Edward MacDowell (1860-1908) evoke an American landscape saved from industrialism and exploitation, even as they sentimentalize the lost culture of its original inhabitants. The morning's Offertory provides a rare treat, when CUUC Senior Minister Meredith Garmon picks up his guitar and teams up with Spencer Mann in an arrangement of Dave Carter's "Gentle Arms of Eden". Read on for programming details and the poetic headings for MacDowell's "Indian Idyl".  

Centering Music: Adam Kent, piano
Woodland Sketches, Op. 51

            5. From an Indian Lodge

            6. To a Water-Lily

            10. Told at Sunset

            9. By a Meadow Brook

            4. In Autumn

                                                Edward MacDowell

Opening Music:
To a Wild Rose, Op. 51, No. 1

                                    MacDowell

Offertory: Meredith Garmon, guitar; Spencer , percussion

Gentle Arms of Eden

                                  Dave Carter

Interlude:

Indian Idyl, Op. 62, No. 6*

                        MacDowell

Alone by the wayward flame

She weaves broad wampum skeins

While afar through the summer night

Sigh the wooing flutes’ soft strains.

From the Minister, Thu Sep 28

From the Minister

I admit I've been slower on the uptake than many of my colleague Unitarian Universalist ministers in grasping the damage of cultural appropriation. It's a difficult area for many. For one thing, cultural appropriation is often ambiguous. Diffusion of cultural aspects (dress, cooking, music, technology, ideas, language, et al) into other cultures has been going on throughout human history, and cultural borrowing and cross-fertilization can be positive. Imitating some aspect of another culture may be encouraged by some members of the imitated culture, discouraged by other members, and meaningless to still other members. So it can be difficult to tell what is problematic and what isn’t.

The boundaries of respectful regard for cultural differences are not fully defined, and they are evolving. In negotiating this terrain, it’s helpful to keep our eye on two key factors: power and safety. Who is exercising the power here? And how is the safety of people as they seek to live their lives by their own lights affected? For instance, there is near-universal agreement that white performers in blackface is not OK, though the practice was common for about 100 years (1830-1930) and continued into the 1960s. It was a time in which whites dominated, oppressed, and (in the early decades of that century) enslaved blacks. Whites had all the power. And blackface performances served to maintain and extend their power by perpetuating powerfully denigrating stereotypes of black people. The prejudice reinforced by such performances included that blacks were not even competent to theatrically act out the very characteristics that supposedly defined them. Thus the safety issue was clear: people so denigrated could be freely exploited, oppressed, stolen from, beaten, or murdered.

When cultural elements are copied from a minority culture by members of a dominant culture, there’s an important power dynamic to look at. This copying can be felt as mocking, trivializing, or distorting a meaning that may be of central importance to members of the minority culture. When the dominant culture copies and distorts in this way, less dominant cultures cannot protect their meanings. They may feel stripped of identity and, without the protective functions of identity, unsafe. The power of the dominant culture is reinforced by taking from minority cultures whatever it might think is “cool” – saying, in effect, “whatever is yours, we can take.”

Cultural elements in their context fit together into an expression of the culture’s experience. Appropriating certain elements necessarily removes them from their full context, and, when done by a dominant culture, with its broad influence, that appropriation dismembers the imitated culture. When current or historical oppression is a part of a culture’s self-understanding, imitators who have no experience of that oppression, but who temporarily ‘play’ at that culture are redefining the imitated culture against its will. Imitations that remove indications of a culture’s struggle for justice (by, say, representing only the cheerfully exotic) thereby discount and make more difficult that struggle. This has negative implications for the safety of, among others, justice workers whose claims have been discredited (consciously or unconsciously) before they could be made.

It’s not always clear what celebrates, honors, and empowers a culture and what trivializes and disempowers it. Indeed, it’s not always clear just what a culture is. But by looking at who has and is using power, and whose safety may be in jeopardy, we can be more effectively compassionate.

There's something else, even more important, to look at: the eyes and the heart of someone who tells you that something you're doing or wearing or saying is hurting them. We may not understand why they should be hurt, but it's highly unlikely that they're lying about their feelings. Understanding how something is hurtful may be helpful to us, but it isn't necessary. What's necessary is simply that we care enough about them to stop doing it.

Yours in the faith we share,
Meredith

Let's Chat

On Tuesdays, 3-5pm, I'm going to be at an area coffee shop for anyone who might find that a convenient way to get together with their minister.
In October, I'll be at the Starbucks in Rye: 51 Purchase St.
In November, I'll be at the Barnes & Noble Cafe, City Center, 230 Main St, White Plains.
Drop by if you can!

You can also make an appointment to see me at CUUC, or invite me to visit at your place. Call Pam at the church office (914-946-1660) to schedule either.

This Week On THE LIBERAL PULPIT

The "Yom Kippur" sermon (Sep 24) is now posted, in three parts:
What's Wrong with You?
Upsides of Failings
Called to Repair Relationship

List of, and links to, Meredith's past sermons: HERE.
List of, and links to, Meredith's other thoughts and reflections: HERE.

Practice of the Week

Don't Be Alarmed. Don't underestimate the amount of background alarm in your body and mind. It's hard-wired and relentless, inherent in the collision between the needs of life and the realities of existence. While this alarmism has been a great strategy for keeping creatures alive to pass on their genes, it's not good for your health, well-being, relationships, or ambitions. Threat signals are usually way out of proportion to what READ MORE...

Your Moment of Zen

Propinquity. P.G. Wodehouse's series of Jeeves novels revolved around genteel country estates and comedic romances engendered by the propinquity (nearness, proximity) of those staying under one roof for a significant time. Right Ho, Jeeves (1934), includes this conversation between Bertie and Jeeves, his butler:

“What do you call it when two people of opposite sexes are bunged together in close association in a secluded spot meeting each other every day and seeing a lot of each other?”
“Is ‘propinquity’ the word you wish, sir?”
“It is. I stake everything on propinquity, Jeeves.”

Twenty-two years later, Ian Fleming's Diamonds Are Forever (1956) included a character telling James Bond, "Nothing Propinks Like Propinquity." This expression became an oft-used aphorism of diplomat George Ball (US Ambassador to the UN during the Johnson administration), and was later dubbed the Ball Rule of Power.
We become what/who we are near. We become our habits and those we hang around. The little irritants are our great chance. Is not everything staked on propinquity?

Aitken's Case (Zen Master Raven)

The same evening that Gray Wolf appeared was also Cougar's first time at Tallspruce circle. Mole stayed underground throughout the zazen period that day, but poked his nose out for the discussion of karma.
After Raven's final response to Gray Wolf, Cougar asked, "Then is karma just cause and effect?"
Raven said, "Propinquity propinks."
Couger shook his head vigorously and said, "Sometimes it makes me irritated."
Raven said, "Your great chance."

Hotetsu's Verse

It's a murmuration of boomerangs
Doing what they are
Going around coming around
Less coordinated than starlings
They frequently bump
Leave marks and nicks
Work themselves pure

Previous Moment of Zen: HERE
Saturday Zen Practice at CUUC: HERE.

Other News This Week

RE News
Music News
CUUC Weekly News
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RE News: Sun Oct 1

Lifespan Religious Education

This is the year in our two-year curriculum rotation that the 2nd-3rd graders learn about world religions. Historically at CUUC, this has meant a jaunt through the various cultures and religions presented in the curriculum Holidays and Holy Days. Over time in UU religious education, we have come to realize that... READ MORE  

Please see the following four (4) announcements:

1) This Sun Oct 1
K-5th grade start in Fellowship Hall to package the birthday bags for at-risk children served by the Food Food Bank for Westchester.
6th-12th grades start in their classrooms.

Classes
Pre-K - Chalice Children: Welcome
K-1 - Creating Home: Symbols of Faith
2nd-3rd - Sukkot
4th-5th - Bibleodeon: Introducing the Bible Part 2
6th-7th - Neighboring Faiths
8th-9th - Coming of Age Boston Trip Prep, UU history & heritage

10th-12th - Youth Group: Social Media

To view the Religious Education Google calendar, CLICK HERE.
To view a spreadsheet version of the RE Calendar, CLICK HERE.

2) Parent-Teacher Meeting This Sun 8:45 a.m.

• Discover our vision of RE and the specifics of each class
• Meet your children's teachers
• Bagel breakfast served and child care available

3) Child Dedication Oct 15
This Unitarian Universalist ritual honors your family's commitment to the congregation and a promise by the congregation to support and nurture your child's spiritual life.

The ritual is open to any young children in the congregation. Please contact me if you would like your family to take part in the ceremony.

For a further description of our ceremony and UU Child Dedications, CLICK HERE.

4) Want to Experience RE, But Not Ready to Teach?
We are looking for 2-3 volunteers to assist leaders on Special Sundays:
Sep 24 - Spiritual Practice; Oct 8 - Environmental Practice; Nov 12 - RE Veterans Day; Nov 26 - Fun Sunday; Jan 14 MLK; Feb 18 - Fun Sunday; Feb 25 - Alvin Ailey Dance; Apr 1 - Easter Egg Hunt; May 27 - Fun Sunday

Contact me at dlre@cucwp.org to find out more or sign up to assist.

Sincerely,

Perry

Director of Lifespan Religious Education and Faith Development