Journey Groups



Let's go with "Journey Groups" as the name for the small groups I'm very interested in getting organized at CUC.

We're all on a profound journey -- and, as the saying goes, no one gets out of this alive. We're on a journey of transformation. (I don't believe people come to church to stay the same. We come to be transformed, to become more awake, more alive, to deepen, grow, learn, and develop.) We need friends along the path of our journey. And that's what the journey group is for.

There's a vision emerging for Unitarian Universalism across the continent. In this vision, UU congregation are places of transformation, places that equip members with resources for living each day with faith, integrity and wisdom. In this vision, increasing numbers of UUs have the language and religious understanding to skillfully engage with people of other backgrounds regarding issues of faith, values, ethics, and religion. Through such engagement, Unitarian Universalism plays a substantial role as a shaper of our country and its culture. That's the vision.

To realize that vision, we must do the transformational work. Moreover, doing this work makes our lives more joyous and whole, peaceful and happy -- even if we don't change the world. But our own healing and wholeness does change the world. Howard Thurman put it this way: "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

Through Journey Groups of 10-15 people, meeting once a month, our members can explore the theme of the month and develop and deepen our understanding of life's biggest questions. You might or might not find some actual more-or-less stable articulations of answers to those questions. Either way, you'll "live the question" in new ways.

Stay tuned for news of development of our Journey Group program in 2014!
   
Sun Dec 29 -- 10:00 Worship
"Nightwatch Service" 

Lead by Petra Thombs.

(I'm "out of the pulpit" for Dec 29.)

Prelude music signalling the beginning of the service starts at 10:00.
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COMMON READ: 
BEHIND THE KITCHEN DOOR

The book tells the stories of ten restaurant workers in cities across the United States as it explores the political, economic, and moral implications of eating out. READ MORE...

On Sun Jan 26, I'll be preaching on the important issues examined in this revealing book.

Then, on Sun Feb 23 at 11:35, I'm leading Adult RE to explore the book's insights. 
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GONE SITTING

In last week's "Friday Note," I spoke of being away at a Zen Rohatsu retreat. Another UU minister, Rev. James Ford, was also on Rohatsu retreat (at a different center) the first week of December. In the UUWorld, James provides a wonderful description of what Zen sesshin is like. Give it a look: CLICK HERE.
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THEME OF THE MONTH

For December: God
Upcoming for January: Creation

ADULT R.E.: 
OUR STORY, OUR FAITH

Sat Jan 25 and Sat Feb 1
Noon - 2:30pm
at The Parsonage

You could use a brush-up on Unitarian Universalism! We could all really benefit from a survey of UU history (how did we get to be the way we are?) and UU theology (yes, there is such a thing!). This five-hour workshop/class (two sessions of 2.5 hours each) explores the nature of Unitarian Universalism -- where we've been, where we are, and how to articulate your UU faith.

Contanct Liliana in the church office to sign up. We'll email (or postal-mail) you the readings to look at in advance of the class.

See you there!
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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING:
SUN JAN 12

Don't miss the congregational meeting on Sun Jan 12. We may be adopting a mission! Review the latest report from the Mission Committee: CLICK HERE.

COOL STUFF I RECOMMEND 
KNOWING ABOUT

Christian and UU? The UU Christian Fellowship has a local chapter that meets monthly. READ MORE...

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Voices in Unitarian Universalism. Three fascinating anthologies explore what it means to be Buddhist & UU, Christian & UU, and Jewish & UU. READ MORE...

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Unitarian Universalism must adapt or die. But what would adapting look like? READ MORE...

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Westchester United is an interfaith organization working for social justice in Westchester County. Should CUC join? READ MORE...

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Spiritual Practice. The primary starter practice is widely varying, and what works for some folks won't work for others. The five secondary, support practices are universal. READ MORE...

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List of Lists. Here are a dozen lists for understanding Unitarian Universalism and our shared congregational life together. READ MORE...
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Thank you for engaging in the transformational work along the Unitarian Universalist path!

Yours in the faith we share,

Rev. Meredith Garmon
Minister
"C.U.C. Matters"

Meredith's draft of a general vision and plan for C.U.C.: CLICK HERE

Other Reflections: CLICK HERE.
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"The Liberal Pulpit"

Meredith's sermons and other reflections. CLICK HERE.

"Basement Zendo"

You're welcome to sit with, and hear Zen talks by, Meredith at the Basement Zendo in the Parsonage. CLICK HERE.
FACEBOOK

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1. Click "Like."
2. Hover mouse over "Liked" button (without clicking). A menu will pop up.
3. Select "Get Notifications" and "Show in News Feed."
4. Select "Settings..." and select "All Updates."
TWITTER

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