Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains, NY
Spirituality   ·   Compassion   ·   Service

Act! By listening to both inner and outer messages, you can better steer yourself to align with your best self. As spiritual beings, we have a subtle balance to maintain. One part of our task is to take a lot of action, learning from the feedback we receive. The other part of our task is to be as sure as we can that the....READ MORE
From the Minister

Let's talk. About whatever you like. I'd like to see a lot more of you, just to check in with what's going on in your life. It might help you; it might help me; it might help our congregation or the country or the planet or, who knows, the galaxy. It might be fun. There's a new way that I'm making myself available....READ MORE
Lifespan Religious Education

The Jewish High Holiday prayer book explains that for transgressions against God (some UUs might think of this as against Nature, such as littering) you can repent in temple and you will be forgiven. However, for transgressions against another person, you must... READ MORE and see the four RE announcements.
From the Music Director  
 
Consider arriving by 10am this Sunday morning to hear musical guest violinist Elena Peres and CUUC Music Director Adam Kent perform "Nigun," from Ernst Bloch's Three Scenes from Hassidic Life. Our musical commemoration of Yom Kippur continues with a special Interlude, Max Bruch's arrangement of... READ MORE.
Upcoming Worship Services

Sun Sep 24
Yom Kippur
Rev. Meredith Garmon
In Jewish tradition, the day dedicated to atonement and forgiveness is the holiest day of the year. God forgives us, and our part of the deal is to seek forgiveness from those we have wronged, and, in turn, open our hearts to possibilities of forgiving others.

Sun Oct 1
Yay! Death!
Rev. Meredith Garmon

The good news is: you're going to die. What a relief! You don't bear responsibility for eternity, you don't have to get everything fixed. We tend to act like we're going to be around forever, but remembering that we won't be liberates us to enjoy each moment we are.
Day in Place    
       
Day in Place, Sat Sep 23
Join us this Saturday to appreciate, improve, and maintain the building and grounds at CUUC, our physical and spiritual home. Contact: Bice Wilson ( [email protected] ), Pamela Cucinell ([email protected]. 
Film Screening: "Gender Revolution"
 
Sun Sep 24, 11:40, Fellowship Hall
Join us for the National Geographic's documentary "Gender Revolution: a Journey with Katie Couric,"
(see trailer HERE) followed by a moderated discussion. Sponsored by the LGBTQIA Social Justice Team. Contact: Tony Arrien ([email protected]).
What parents need to know: Parents need to know that Gender Revolution is a documentary about gender identity. Katie Couric interviews a wide range of people who identify as transgender (or have loved ones that do), and treats their problems with compassion and empathy... Read more HERE.
Science & Spirituality   
       
Science & Spirituality, Thu Sep 28, 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 Evening Thoughts by Thomas Berry. Join us! Contact: Yvonne Lynn ([email protected]). 
Sit and Sing with Us!
 
Choir Open House, Sun Oct. 1, 11:35am, Sanctuary
Come sing with the CUUC choir immediately after coffee hour. Gather near the piano to sing a few rounds, beloved hymns, and accessible choral pieces and see what it is like to work with Choir Director Lisa Meyer, pianist Georgianna Pappas, and veteran members of the CUUC Choir... Read more HERE. Contact: Lisa Meyer at [email protected] or call 516-299-2475 (daytime).
Calling Young Adults    
       
Young Adult Gathering, Sun Oct 1, 11:45a, Room 43
A Young Adults group at CUUC is forming! All interested members, friends and visitors in young adulthood who are interested in meeting one another and engaging on issues of faith and other interests in a mutually supportive environment are invited to participate. Help shape a group that makes a difference in your life and the life of the congregation. Questions? Contact Cindy Davidson ( [email protected] , 781-710-1640) or Perry Montrose ([email protected]) . 
Getting to Know You - Getting to Know One Another
 
Neighborhood Socials, Sun Oct 1, 4:00pm-6:00pm  
Join your neighbors and CUUC friends for a social gathering with no hidden agenda! Some CUUC friends have graciously agreed to host an open house so we can get to know one another better. Guests should choose the home, RSVP to the host, then bring a snack to share. That's it! An easy way to enjoy one another's company. Contact: Jane Dixon ([email protected], 914-949-5919). For host homes, read more HERE
Reminder from the Welcome Committee     
  • Remember to turn in your yellow Opportunities to Serve sheet this Sun Sep 24, if you have not already done so!
  • 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. Contact: Jane Dixon ([email protected]).
Nature Nurture Community      
 
Workshop: Nurturing Our Children, Ourselves, and Nature, Sat Oct 7, 10:00am-3:00pm, CUUC
A workshop for educators and facilitators where we address the disconnect between humans and nature, and provide tools for adults to help children... Read more and register HERE. Co-facilitated by Rev. LoraKim Joyner ([email protected]). 
A Night in Havana... Get Involved!    
       
2017 Auction, Sat Nov 18, 5:30p, Tickets $40
Auction Committee Meeting, Sun Sep 24, 11:30, Room 22. Come join us on our journey to Havana! We would love for you to get involved in the auction! Our team is having a short planning meeting this week after service. Please stop by and hear about what we're doing to gear up for this big event. If you'd like to be part of the fun and join our team, we have... Read more HERE.  
Hurricane Relief Donations    
       
Islands like Cuba as well as U.S. coastal states have suffered devastation in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and most recently Maria. The UUA offers information and links for aiding victims of natural disasters. https://www.uua.org/giving/areas-support/funds/hurricane-harvey-relief-fund-and-resources.
 
A Prayer for the Region from UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray  
Source of all, we hold all of those in harm's way in our care today... Read more HERE.
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. Sign up in the lobby or on our website at cucwp.org/our-social-action-and-community-service... Read more HERE.  
Look for core members wearing team buttons on Sundays. Or contact one of the Social Justice Coordinators (see Contacts below).  
Journey Group Signups   
       
Journey Groups help us deepen our understanding of life and strengthen our relationships to one another while we explore monthly themes together. Use the signup sheets posted in the CUUC entryway or go online here to sign up. Please join even if you can only attend a few monthly meetings -- Journey Groups are how we help each other become the people we most want to be!
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 [email protected]
Process for a Share-the-Plate Request    
       
There is no shortage of worthy causes, and as much as we wish we could honor all requests, there are only twelve months in the year. Please make your Share the Plate requests to the Social Justice Coordinating Committee (see Contacts below). We give priority to Social Justice Teams who have a long-term relationship with the organization they are recommending... Read more HERE.  
Share the Plate for September: Food Bank for Westchester
 
The recipient of half our non-pledge collection this month is Food Bank for Westchester and their BackPack Program, designed to help alleviate child hunger by providing hungry and at-risk children with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food during weekends and school vacations.
 
September Project: Birthday Bags 
 
Children in the BackPack Program (see above) take home a special bag on their birthday, filled with supplies for a celebration. The Hunger & Homelessness Social Justice Team is collecting: * cake mix * frosting * birthday candles * small party plates * party napkins * individually wrapped toothbrushes * juice boxes. Or "sponsor" a bag for $15.Contact: Amy Swiss ([email protected]).
In the Community
 
UUFNW Family Earth Fest, Sat Sep 23, 1:00-4:00pm, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Westchester, Mt. Kisco
Activities include * Sit Spot Meditation * Yoga for Kids and Adults * Storytelling * Donuts on a String * Friction Fire Making * Invasive Species Talk (1:30pm) * Presentation on Climate Change (2pm). More info HERE.
 
Breakfast Run, Sun Sep 24, 7:00am, First Unitarian Hastings 
Help us make a difference for those in need. We need volunteers to prepare food, pack clothes, and distribute and interact with the homeless in NYC. Contact: Annie Patton (914-588-4782), Art Lowenstein ([email protected], 914-844-4189, or 845-424-3638).
 
Rivertowns Rally Against Hate, Sun Sep 24, 4:00pm, Woodlands Community Temple, Greenburgh, NY
Join friends and neighbors throughout the Rivertowns in standing firmly against bigotry in any form. There will be music, words, and community-wide resolve to ensure our towns are open and welcoming to all. More info HERE. Contact: [email protected] or Woodlands Community Temple (914-592-7070).
    
Important Voter Registration Deadlines for 2017
The last day to register to vote for the November 2017 election is October 13th. If you want to change party affiliation to vote in the 2018 primary, the deadline is October 13th. If registering by mail, the form must be received by October 18th. Find the form HERE.  
Did you know...?   
       
CUUC relies on rain for our lawn, tree, and shrub irrigation rather than a sprinkler system. This prevents landscaping water waste.
Caring & Sharing Circle

If anyone knows of another among us who is in need of a caregiver, please contact Nicky Klemens ( 914-967-4419, [email protected]) or her backup Janet Giewat (914-617-2137, [email protected]).
This Week at CUUC

The full calendar can be found here. Room numbers subject to change; please check the board on Sunday morning. To reserve a room, please contact Pam at the CUUC office (914-946-1660 x2, [email protected]).

Fri Sep 22
7:30pm Choir rehearsal
 
Sat Sep 23
Day in Place
9:00am Rental: WCSPP
10:00am Zen
2:00pm Rental: Rosedale Residential Assoc
 
Sun Sep 24
8:30am Hunger & Homelessness
9:30am Nursery Care
10:00am Worship
11:15am Coffee Hour
11:20am UU Roots: Conversation for Visitors & Newcomers
11:30am Adult RE Team
11:30am Auction Committee
11:40am Film Screening: Gender Revolution
 
Mon Sep 25
8:00am Rental: Film/TV Crew: WW (tentative)
6:30pm T'ai-ch'i
7:30pm Internship Committee
 
Tue Sep 26
7:00pm Rental: WCSPP
7:30pm Choir rehearsal
7:30pm Journey Group - J. Majsak
 
Wed Sep 27
7:30pm Rental: WCSPP Faculty Meeting
 
Thu Sep 28
11:30am Science & Spirituality Group
 
Fri Sep 29
6:30pm Journey Group - Families
 
Sat Sep 30
10:00am Zen
4:30pm Rental: WCHJ
 
Sun Oct 1
8:45am Parent Teacher Meeting
9:30am Nursery Care
10:00am Worship
11:15am Coffee Hour
11:30am Choir Open House
11:30am Auction Committee
11:30am Welcome Committee
11:45am Young Adult Gathering
2:30pm Rental: Westchester Citizen Therapists
4:00pm Neighborhood Sunday 
Contacts
 
Minister: Rev. Meredith Garmon, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x3 
Director of Lifespan Religious Ed. & Faith Development: Perry Montrose, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x4 
Community Minister: Rev. Deb Morra, [email protected], 914-830-1509
Community Minister: Rev. LoraKim Joyner, [email protected]
Ministerial Intern: Cindy Davidson, [email protected], 781-710-1640
Youth Program Coordinator: Chandeerah Davis, [email protected]
Music Director: Adam Kent, [email protected], 212-595-7280
Choir Director: Lisa Meyer, [email protected]
Congregational & Communications Administrator: Pamela Parker, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x2
Bookkeeper: Diane Pearson, [email protected], 914-946-1660 x5
Board of Trustees
Board Chair: Dean Silverberg, [email protected], 212-351-4642   
Vice Chair: Karen Dreher, [email protected], 914-235-7845
Treasurer: Chris Kortlandt, [email protected], 914-834-7112
Secretary: Steve Miller, [email protected], 914-723-0982
Social Justice Coordinators
Jeff Tomlinson, [email protected]
Mary Cavallero, [email protected]
Pamela Cucinell, [email protected]
Rev. Meredith Garmon, [email protected]
Quick Links


Karma. One evening Gray Wolf appeared in the Tallspruce circle for the first time. After she had introduced herself (and acknowledged the covenant to abstain from predating in the circle), she said, "Is it all right to ask a question?" Raven said,... READ MORE
Information on CUUC's Saturday Zen group: HERE.
The e -Communitarian newsletter is e-mailed each Thursday. 
Please send submissions to [email protected] by noon on Tuesday.
STAY CONNECTED:
Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter