Sun Mar 8
2014-15 Winter, #12
Our CUC Mission: Nurture spirituality; Foster compassion; Engage in service
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME IS COMING SATURDAY NIGHT!
From the Minister

The next round of Congregational Conversation about Social Justice is coming up, Sun Mar 15. As we deliberate and discern, I hope we'll keep CBCO in mind. It's a powerful tool for Social Justice work.

Quick quiz: What does "CBCO" stand for? Answer: It's "Congregation-Based Community Organizing." This is, an unfamiliar thing in Westchester County. I first got involved with a CBCO group back during the 2002-06 period, when LoraKim and I were in El Paso, TX. Then we moved to Gainesville, FL for 2006-2013, and there was a CBCO group there. So it all feels "second nature" to me by now, but for Westchester County, it's a new and novel concept. When Westchester United got started in late 2011, it was the first CBCO our county had ever seen.

CBCOs tend to focus on local issues (though sometimes with national implications), and they organize people for power -- which, unlike, say, assisting at a soup kitchen, might actually ruffle some feathers of powerful people who prefer the status quo.

This year, Westchester United's focus, which emerged from the concerns of its current 16 member organizations is on gun safety, housing rights, and youth recreation.

I see three reasons for CUC to be a part of CBCO:

1. We have greater power and thus can make a greater impact by teaming up with other congregations on the concerns we share.

2. CBCO gets us out of our "bubble." We build relationships with people we would otherwise make little connection with -- predominantly Hispanic or African American congregations, for instance. Two of the member institutions of Westchester United are Muslim. Even if we did nothing to transform the world, these relationships would transform us.

3. Westchester United provides us with training in community organizing. Through the national network, IAF (Industrial Areas Foundations), day-long and week-long trainings are offered at various times through the year. We can utilize this training for becoming more effective on any issue -- including issues Westchester United does not, as a group, take up.

Read the UUA's 28-page booklet, "CBCO: A Social Justice Approach to Revitalizing Congregational Life": CLICK HERE.

Yours in the faith we share,
Meredith
Rev. Meredith Garmon, Minister
March Theme: Brokenness
Practice of the Week:
Have Compassion for Yourself
Studies have shown that self-compassion has many benefits: reducing self-criticism; lowering stress hormones like cortisol; increasing self-soothing, self-encouragement, and other aspects of resilience; helping to heal any shortages of caring from others in your childhood. That's a pretty good list! See: cucmatters.blogspot.com/2015/03/have-compassion-for-yourself.html
Worship: Sun Mar 8
Broken Open
Rev. Meredith Garmon
How Difficult times can help us grow.

Sunday's Music: Adam Kent! The CUC Choir! Special songs by Kim Force and the Blatt sisters!

Worship: Sun Mar 15
The Gift of the Shadow
Rev. Meredith Garmon
Your "shadow side" could make big problems for you and those around you. Appropriately embraced and worked with, though, the shadow is revealed as a gift.
Concert Series
Chamber Music Gems, Sun Mar 8, 3:00 pm
Music Director Adam Kent teams up with violinist Elena Peres, bassoonist Leonard Hindell, oboist Ian Shafer, and cellist Michael Nicolas for perennial chamber music gems by Brahms, Schubert, and Poulenc.
Sunday with Rodgers and Hammerstein, Sun Mar 22, 1:00 pm
Join the CUC Choir and the Fellowship Choir of the Hudson Valley UU Congregation in a program of solos, duets, and choral arrangements from some of the most iconic and beloved Broadway musical ever written. 

Suggested donation: $20 adult ($10 seniors and students)
Community Chat
Sun Mar 15
Join the Committee on Ministry for a COMMUNITY CHAT after service in Fellowship Hall. Help us reflect on church activities and living our Mission. Bring your coffee - we'll have some cookies!
Pancake Brunch
Sun Mar 22, After Service

The youth are making a big flap about this brunch, but they won't jack up the price. So be there for flapjacks and fun, while supporting our youth program. $3 children, $5 adult, $15 per family.

Caring & Sharing
If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver from our Caring & Sharing Circle, contact Gail McLeod 235-8212, gail.w.mcleod@gmail.com or Maxi Feldman 835-0541, feldmanmaxi9@gmail.com.
Sharing Sunday Offerings
Each month we share our plate offerings with outside organizations in need. This month, 25% of our collections will go to The LOFT - the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center and Services for the lower Hudson Valley. The LOFT provides regularly scheduled Peer Support Services that are vital to our community. In addition to educational programs, The LOFT does advocacy at the local, state and federal levels. It celebrates! Winterfest, the annual Gala, and Membership luncheons to bring our community together for important social events. See: www.loftgaycenter.org.

See Rev. Garmon if you have an idea for a future monthly plate share.
Pledge Time!
by Jeff Blatt, 2015 Giving Campaign Chair

 

I think you'll agree that this is an invigorating and inspiring time to be part of the CUC family. Rev. Garmon continues to bring fresh ideas, energy, and spiritual stimulation to CUC.  This year, we welcomed our new Director of Religious Education, Perry Montrose, who in a short amount of time has proved to be a wonderful addition to our home of liberal religion.

 

We are all well aware of our mission: "Nurture Spirituality. Foster Compassion. Engage in Service."

 

As we endeavor to translate that mission into action, I am reminded of the 4 P's that Rev. Garmon has asked us to consider as members of CUC:

  • Our Presence - Being present in mind, body, and spirit for Sunday services and other events.
  • Our Participation - Taking part in the programs of the church.
  • Our Pledge - Making a pledge to fund our programs and ministries and maintain the building in which they are fostered.
  • Our Practice - Practicing Unitarian Universalist values in daily life and an intentional discipline of cultivating spiritual growth.

It is now that time of year when we need to focus on our pledges!

 

Our goal for this year is $425,000 - a 13% increase over last year's pledge total.  To reach our goal, we will need 100% participation and whenever possible, we need members and friends to increase the amount of their pledge this year.  Through our collective effort, we will be assured of a successful campaign that will support the ongoing programs and operations of CUC and allow us to fund new initiatives and projects that will set us on the path to fully realizing our mission.

 

As you decide on the amount of your pledge, please take a moment to reflect on the importance that CUC occupies in your life and the impact that your gift will have.  The enclosed fact sheet has information on the tangible benefits that your pledge brings to the church as well as a breakdown of pledge levels and sources of funding that may be helpful as you determine what to give.

 

Please fill out and return the enclosed pledge form to CUC by Sun Apr 26. You can also pledge online by to the CUC website at cucwp.org and clicking on the Annual Giving Campaign link on the left hand side of the home page.  If you have any questions or would like a call or visit from a member of the Giving Campaign Committee, please contact me at Jeff_Blatt@Timeinc.com or 914-715-3277. 

Thank you for your commitment to ensuring that CUC will remain strong and vibrant in the coming year.

Yours in community,
Jeff Blatt, 2015 Giving Campaign Chair

P.S. Save the date: Giving Campaign Brunch on Sun Apr 26 to thank and celebrate everyone who has pledged!
Weekly News
Community Unitarian Church at White Plains
468 Rosedale Ave
White Plains, NY 10605
914-946-1660, www. cucwp.org
Lifespan Religious Education

RE this Sunday provides opportunities to heal what ails us and share our joy. I look forward to special spiritual experiences that are brought to life when we engage in them together. Please see the following seven (7) announcements:

1. This Sunday: Mar 8
K-4th: Labyrinth Spiritual Practice Sunday (Fellowship Hall). We will have an indoor 7-circuit "Heart of the Chartres" labyrinth on loan for this Sunday. I will be leading the children through a unique experience that often has a long-lasting effect. Labyrinths have been used as a meditative tool for centuries. They help children and adults focus, process emotions, and answer inner questions in amazing ways. Labyrinths have also demonstrated health benefits that have led hundreds of health care facilities, spas, schools, and spiritual centers to install labyrinths in recent years.
5th-6th: Kiva Microfinance Part II - The children had an eye-opening lesson on microfinance last week and began their loans around the world. This week will provide a review for those who were not present and a continuation of this social justice project.
7th-9th: Meditation Workshop - This will be an engaging spiritual practice experience related to Coming of Age and Neighboring Faiths, led by meditation practitioners.
Youth Group: Worship and Pancake Brunch Planning
5th-12th grade children and youth will be invited to walk the labyrinth toward the end of their sessions.

Adults are invited to walk the labyrinth at 11:30am after RE. Perry will be present to provide context for the spiritual practice. Please join us in Fellowship Hall.

2. Connect with Our Youth
We need responsible adults who like to have fun to help out as chaperones at Youth Cons. A Con is a district-wide youth social event that includes workshops, worship, lots of food, and a welcoming social atmosphere. Our high school youth have one coming up in April and the Junior High youth need an adult to join them Sat-Sun Mar 21-22. Please contact Perry at dlre@cucwp.org or 914-946-1660 x4 for more information.

3. Coming of Age Mentors
We are looking for people interested in being mentors for this year and the future. This is a great opportunity to connect with one of our youth and offer a guiding hand in the credo writing process. Your presence can be an anchor for a youth on this journey. Please contact Perry if you are interested.

4. Child Dedication
Sun Apr 5. Sign up with Perry by email at dlre@cucwp.org. This is a Unitarian Universalist ritual honoring your family's commitment to the congregation and a promise by the congregation to support and nurture your child's spiritual life. For a further description of UU Child Dedications, CLICK HERE.

5. Alternate Scouting Troup
A new chapter of Navigators USA scouting, which is co-ed, non-theist, and welcoming to all, is starting up in our area. The initial informational/organizational meeting will be Sun Mar 8, at 12:30 p.m. at the Ethical Culture Society of Westchester (7 Saxon Woods Road).An RSVP is not required, but would be helpful. Contact Colleen at navigatorsusatroop92@gmail.com or 914 674 4015. Navigators USA began at a UU congregation and now has chapters all over the country open to all ages. ( CLICK HERE)

6. RE Community Chat
Sun Mar 15 after the service. This is an opportunity to give feedback about our Religious Education Ministry. (See article below)

7. Pancake Brunch
Sun Mar 22 after the service. (See article below.)

Please let me know how we can be sure to create a positive experience for your family.

Sincerely,
-Perry
Perry Montrose
Director of Lifespan Religious Education and Faith Development 
Honor or Remember Someone

Please think about gifting CUC one or several of our new hymnals. For $18 per hymnal, we'll put a bookplate inside the cover acknowledging your gift or dedicating the hymnal in honor of, or in memory of, someone. Contact the church office, or complete an envelope at Sunday Service.

The Cooperative Seder Is Back!
Sat Mar 28, from 5-7pm
Come join us for a full Seder! We welcome everyone: those who would like to remember and honor their heritage, those who are curious as to what a Seder is all about, and of course, those who just want to be in community with some great food!

We ask everyone who attends to bring a dish to share. Please go to PerfectPotluck.com where you can look up our Seder by last name--Haran and password CUC. Alternatively, there will also be a written sign-up sheet outside of the Sanctuary. Please note that there will also be a small fee to cover expenses.

Because this cannot be a walk-in event, we ask that everyone sign up by Sat Mar 21.

If you have any questions or would like to come on board to help out with this fun event, please contact Christine Haran at Christineharan@yahoo.com, (917-216-5359) or Aimee Katz Zipkin at KatzAimee@aol.com or 914-874-4497.
From Selma to Now
Tue Mar 10
All Souls Unitarian Church (1157 Lexington Ave @ 80th Street, Manhattan) extends an invitation to all UUs in the area to attend a program, From Selma to Now, on Tue Mar 10, from 7:00p-10:00p. READ MORE...
Environmental Film Series at UUCHV
Here's a great chance to learn and network with other Westchester UUs about planning climate activism.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Hudson Valley (Croton) is hosting a showing of seven episodes of the Showtime documentary series, "Years of Living Dangerously." The series starts on Fri Feb 27, with another episode every 2-4 weeks. See the full schedule: CLICK HERE.

Each episode is one-hour, followed by discussion and coffee.
This Week at CUC
Sat Mar 7
10:00a/Parsonage - Zen Service
Sun Mar 8: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME STARTS
8:45a/Sanctuary - Choir Rehearsal
9:30a/R32 - Nursery Care
10:00a/Sanctuary - Worship and Coffee
10:00a/Fellowship Hall - RE Extraordinary Sunday
11:40a/R41 - Welcome Committee
11:40a/R12 - Journey Group A
11:40a/R22 - Journey Group N
12:00noon/Sanctuary- Adam Kent Rehearsal
3:00p/Sanctuary - Friends of CUC Concert
Mon Mar 9
6:30p/Fellowship Hall - Tai Chi
Tue Mar 10
7:30p/Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall - Choir Rehearsal
Wed Mar 11
7:30P/R41 - Board of Trustees
Thu Mar 12
11:30a/R24 - Science & Spirituality
Sat Mar 13
10:00a/Parsonage - Zen Service
Sun Mar 15
9:30a/R32 - Nursery Care
10:00a/Sanctuary - Worship and Coffee
10:00a/Fellowship Hall & Classrooms - RE
11:30a/Fellowship Hall - Community Chat-Community Ministry 11:40a/R12 - Journey Group H
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
Church Administrator, Liliana Keith admin@cucwp.org 914-946-1660 x2
Music Director, Adam Kent music@cucwp.org 212-595-7280
Choir Director, Lisa Meyer choir@cucwp.org
Community Minister, Rev. Deb Morra community-minister@cucwp.org 914-830-1509
Community Minister, Rev. LoraKim Joyner amoloros@juno.com 914-948-1696
Community Minister, Rev. Kelly M. Mason rev.kmmason@gmail.com 347-497-3741
Bookkeeper, Lisa Sommer bookkeeper@cucwp.org 914-946-1660 x7
Board of Trustees
Board Chair, Randy Marshall rsm2@cumc.columbia.edu 914-633-3115
Vice-Chair, Karen Schmitt schmitt8@verizon.net 914-921-3647
Treasurer, Nicky Klemens nsklemens@optonline.net 914-967-4419
Secretary, Johanna Bauer johbauer@msn.com 914-636-1047