Nurture spirituality. Foster compassion. Engage in service.
February Theme: Love



Word for the day: friggatriskaidekaphobia. It means fear of Friday the 13th. (from "Frigg," the Norse goddess after whom Friday is named in English, plus, from Greek, "tris"="3"; "kai"="and"; "deka"="10"; and "phobos"="fear"). Whew!

Friday came to be thought unlucky because Jesus was crucified on that day of the week. The tradition of 13 being an unlucky number comes from the idea that Judas was the 13th to sit at Last Supper table. 

On the other hand, the Christian tradition also celebrates the number 13. Exodus 34:6-7 enumerates 13 attributes of God (a.k.a. the 13 Attributes of Mercy).

For Unitarian Universalists, 13 is a good number. We have 13 principles and sources (7 principles plus 6 sources). And those of us seeking to be in touch with the Earth's rhythms, the 7-day weekly cycle (which comes from being one-quarter of a lunar cycle) occurs 13 times per season.

And, of course, many of us love Fridays because it means the weekend is here!

So, for us, the word for the day might actually be friggatriskaidekaphilia.

Practice of the Week: Start a Journal

"Studies have shown that writing about oneself and personal experiences can improve mood disorders, help reduce symptoms among cancer patients, improve a person's health after a heart attack, reduce doctor visits and even boost memory." READ MORE...

Common Read: Joint Adult RE Class: Tue Feb 24 or Wed Feb 25

Rev. Peggy Clarke (minister at our Hastings congregation) and I are teaming up to facilitate a class on this year's UUA Common Read: Paul Rasor's Reclaiming Prophetic Witness. Choose the time most convenient for you: Tue Feb 24, 7:30p, at CUC, or Wed Feb 25, 11:00a, at Hastings. READ MORE...

Journey Groups

Get the Feb packet for your Journey Group: CLICK HERE.

CUC and Social Justice

The first of three Congregational Conversations happened last Sunday, Feb 8. Our SJPC (Social Justice Planning Committee -- Emily Economou, Barry Litcofsky, Ginny Strand, Jeff Tomlinson, Perry Montrose and myself) has scheduled two additional Congregational Conversations: Mar 15 and Apr 12. The question we asked on Feb 8 was: What social justice issue are you passionate about and how do you see yourself participating? If you missed the Feb 8 service, email your thoughts about that question to me or any other member of the SJPC.

CUC's social action plan should involve a balance of the five types of social justice work (service, education, organization, advocacy, and witness), and the issues will need to be selected based on grounding, accountability, fit, and opportunity. READ MORE. . .

Saturday Zen: Sat Feb 14

The little Zen group that I lead and that meets in the basement of the Parsonage is now "Boundless Way Zen of Westchester," a sangha of the Boundless Way school of Zen. See the Boundless Way website HERE. You're welcome to join us on Saturdays for two 25-min sits, tea, and a dharma talk & discussion. New to Zen or thinking about trying it? Let me know -- we can meet at 9:50 for brief orientation and how-to. READ MORE...

Doesn't Social Justice Require Organizing?

Joining an IAF (Industrial Areas Foundation) organization is an important part of a congregation's social justice organizing. For a general overview of Metro IAF, CLICK HERE.

What's in a Name?

Update: CLICK HERE

Yours in the faith we share,
-Meredith
Rev. Meredith Garmon
Minister
Worship Feb 15, 10:00: Instead of Guilt

Rev. Meredith Garmon

We are, all of us, committing various harms: using up resources, contributing to various injustices. With every breath, our bodies add a tiny bit more CO2 to the atmosphere. Let's not feel guilty about this. But let's reflect on how we might be called to minimize harm.



Sunday's Music. Piano music by Adam Kent. READ MORE...

10:00 Prelude
10:10 - Inviting Bell and Gathering Song


I hope the beginning of the school vacation for many of you offers quality family time, winter adventures, and moments for relaxation. If you are in town on this frigid weekend, please join us at CUC on Sunday for the warmth of community. Please see the following five (5) announcements:

1) This Sunday, February 15 is RE Fun Day. Pam Cucinell will be teaching yoga and leading games for all ages in Fellowship Hall. This is a great opportunity for your children to be introduced to a spiritual practice that helps achieve focus and relaxation.

Nursery care will also be available. If you have any questions or needs on Sunday, please find Pam, as I will be away.

On February 22, a member of the Alvin Ailey dance group will be presenting a special movement program for children. This is a can't miss event!

2) How are we doing??

Please join the Committee on Ministry for a

Community Chat

On Sunday Feb 22nd after service in Fellowship Hall.

Childcare will be available in the nursery. 

Help us reflect on church activities and living our Mission.


Bring your coffee - we'll have some cookies!

 

3) Light the chalice on March 1!

Your family could do this together. Other dates are also available. If interested, please contact Amy Swiss at amyswiss@aol.com.

 

4) Child Dedication on April 5. Sign up with Perry - dlre@cucwp.org  

This is a Unitarian Universalist ritual honoring a 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) Parents of Teenagers Group

An opportunity to share with other parents and learn from one another.

Meetings take place on the first Tuesday of the month at a home in Rye Brook.

For more information, contact Julie Gans at julieagans@aol.com.

 

Please let me know if there is any way we can further your family's connection in the CUC community.

Sincerely,
-Perry
Perry Montrose
Director of Lifespan Religious Education and Faith Development

Links & Reminders


On "The Liberal Pulpit"
Jan 18: "The Spirit of Truth" -- with Youtube audio & slideshow. CLICK HERE.
Jan 25: "Welcome to Liberal Religion" -- with light bulb joke. CLICK HERE.
Feb 1: "What's Love Got to Do with It?" -- reflection on the Feb theme. CLICK HERE.

Nominate someone -- yourself, perhaps -- for a position on the CUC Board of Trustees. READ MORE...

Our Child/Youth R.E. Classes Descriptions of each of our eight R.E. classes meeting on Sunday mornings: CLICK HERE.

The UUA Common Read for 2014-15 is: Paul Rasor, Reclaiming Prophetic Witness: Liberal Religion in the Public Square.  Order your copy! READ MORE...

General Assembly 2015 is in Portland, OR -- Jun 24-28. GA is amazing fun, enriching, deepening, and transformative! We encourage all CUC members to begin planning now to attend.

Feb issue of the Communitarian: CLICK HERE.
Feb Journey Group Packet: "Love": CLICK HERE.
The web site for Community Unitarian Church: CLICK HERE.


The Five Foundational Spiritual Practices
 - Journal daily
 - Study daily
 - Silence daily
 - Group monthly
 - Mindfulness as much as you can
READ MORE...