Nurture spirituality. Foster compassion. Engage in service.
THEME OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY: RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY
Happy Valentine's Day!


The red and white "Valentine's Day" graphic at right, in case you can't read it, offers three checklist-style suggestions for your Valentine's Day this year: pick up dry cleaning; buy flowers; campaign for fair wages for millions of restaurant workers.  

Many of us -- if we can make it out in this year's snows -- like to celebrate the love and relationship in our lives by dining out. Before you make your reservation, check out the Restaurant Opporunty Center's "Diner's Guide to Ethical Eating" -- CLICK HERE.

And, if you haven't done so yet, get and read Saru Jayaraman's Behind the Kitchen Door. READ MORE...

Practice of the Week
Week #7 
Forgive Yourself

"It's important to acknowledge mistakes, learn from them so they don't happen again, and feel appropriate remorse. But most people keep beating themselves up way past the point of usefulness: they're unfairly self-critical."

READ MORE...

 
UUA: From Regions to Districts

The Unitarian Universalist Association is reorganizing. We are in the midst of a transition from 19 Districts to 5 Regions.

READ MORE...

 
Worship Service: "Many Paths, But Not All Paths"
Sun Feb 16 -- 10:00a

CUC member Joann Prinzivalli will be preaching on Sunday.

Meanwhile, I'll be guest preaching up the road at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie. Sending your minister out to other congregations a few times a year is a small but important part of your congregation's ministry to liberal religion in our area. For instance, I accept no honorarium for these guest preaching trips because they are a part of the ministry that CUC has called me to serve.

 
Adult R.E.: "Behind the Kitchen Door"
Sun Feb 23 -- 11:35 - 1:00p
Fellowship Hall

Saru Jayarman, Behind the Kitchen Door is the UUA Common Read for 2013-14.

1. Order the book (from Amazon: CLICK HERE).

2. Read the ROC (Restuarant Opportunity Center) Diner's Guide to Ethical Eating: HERE.

3. Check out the UUA 2011 Statement of Conscience on Ethical Eating: CLICK HERE.


Program: Bird Walk
Sun Mar 2 -- 8:30a

Read LoraKim's report on the Feb 9 Bird Walk: CLICK HERE.

You can also see her report on the Jan 5 Bird Walk: CLICK HERE.

Cluster Program: Beyond the Golden Rule?
Sat May 17
CUC

We live in a multicultural world -- and we aren't always the most skillful in doing our part to make this reality a good one for ourselves and for those who are different from us. This is a vital issue (a) for our ministry to help the world become more accepting and affirming, and (b) for the long-term viability of Unitarian Universalism itself.

The path from a monocultural mindset to an intercultural mindset involves developing through five stages: 
(1) Denial
(2) Polarization
(3) Minimization
(4) Acceptance
(5) Adaptation

A number of UUA leaders, ministers, and consultants have now been trained in this "Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity." We'll have a couple of those trained facilitators with us to lead the workshop on May 17.

What UU work in this area has found is that most UUs are at stage 3: Minimization. Our third principle must be our guide as we go forward: "Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth." We must accept ourselves, accept without blame or guilt where we, in fact, are. At the same time, let us be open to possibilities for a path toward greater intercultural sensitivity.

 
Denominational: General Assembly
Wed Jun 25 - Sun Jun 29
Providence, RI

What are you doing this upcoming Jun 25-29? I'll be in Providence, RI, and it sure would be great to have you there with me! 
READ MORE...


* * *
Flying the friendly skies of Unitarian Universalism,
Yours in the faith we share,
Rev. Meredith Garmon
Minister
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.
Index: 
CUC Matters

Index page for all the articles on "CUC Matters."
TWITTER

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FACEBOOK

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1. Click "Like."
2. Hover mouse over "Liked" button (without clicking). A menu will pop up.
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The Five Foundational Spiritual Practices

Journal daily.
Study daily.
Silence daily.
Group monthly.
Mindfulness always.
Nurture spirituality. Foster compassion. Engage in service.