IN-PERSON WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY & LIVESTREAM

CUUC Book Exchange, Sun Oct 4

In honor of Banned Book Week Oct 4-10, all are invited to select a book that changed you or challenged you and bring it to worship this Sunday. Include a note about what the book has meant to you. We will create a book altar, and invite folks to take a book home. Please bring books that you are comfortable giving away.

Fire Drill This Sunday

Congregation Fire Drill, Sun Oct 4, immediately after worship

As part of our CUUC safety protocols, we will hold a fire drill and building evacuation next Sunday after worship, guided by the CUUC Fire Wardens, who will be in the sanctuary as well as the RE wing. We ask everyone to participate so we will all know what to do in the event of an actual emergency. Our safety protocols are most effective when everyone knows what to expect! Contact: Dave Morkal.

Safety Updates

We will be updating our lockbox code - Contact the office (admin@cuucwp.org) for the new code before you stop by. The doorbell connects to our staff, so "ring" if you need help (e.g., forgot the lockbox code) and we'll respond.

From Our Minister ~ Rev. Danielle Lindstrom

As the days get cooler and darker, as the richly colored mums and pumpkins get placed on porch steps, stoops, and decks, we turn to our October theme, courage. 

For our ComUUnity table invitation this month, you are invited to share the name of someone who taught you what it means to be courageous. You can write down just their name, or a sentence or two about them, invite in their spirit to journey with us as we explore what courage means together. 

On Sunday, we will be honoring the books that challenged us, or changed us. 

Inspired by the quote from Leena Wilde Ryan-

“Courage, it turns out, isn't one dramatic leap. It's the daily, unglamorous decision to keep authoring your own life instead of accepting the draft everyone else already wrote for you. That's the world I want to leave behind— Not a blueprint to copy. We didn't come here to be the same as each other. We came here to become so unmistakably ourselves that the people who watch us can feel exactly how deeply we've met our own hearts.”

Stories are how we understand and tell the world who we are, who we have been, and who we are becoming. We each author our own story. What is the story you are telling this month? May we each feel empowered to author, edit, and rewrite the stories or our lives. 

We are building a community with love at the center that can hold all of us, as we are, as we are becoming. May it be so.

From Our Minister of Faith Formation ~ Rev. Tracy Breneman

From Our Music Director ~ Adam Kent

About This Sunday’s Music

BANNED MUSIC IN THIS MORNING’S SOLO PIANO SELECTIONS

Totalitarian governments have long recognized the power of the arts and attempted to control artistic expression. Whether they’re harnessing music’s potential to propagandize or repressing its emotional force, tyrannical regimes have kept a tight lid on composers’ creativity. Such was the case with the Nazis, who banned the music of Felix Mendelssohn because of his Jewish ancestry. The Spanish dictator Francisco Franco saw the threat of regional autonomy and prohibited the public performance of the Sardana, Catalonia’s iconic folk dance. And Joseph Stalin, too, capriciously imposed his artistic tastes on the Soviet public, undermining the career of Dmitry Shostakovich, whose work he saw as “more muddle than music.” This morning’s solo piano selections give voice to this once banished music, including several of Mendelssohn’s Songs without Words, a Canción y danza by Mompou which features a lively Sardana, and a few of Shostakovich’s Preludes for Piano, Op. 34.

Song without Words in Eb Major, Op. 53, No. 2 “Fleecy Clouds”

Song with Words in B Minor, Op. 67, No. 5 “Shepherd’s Lament”

Felix Mendelssohn

Canción y danza No. 3

Federico Mompou

Prelude in C# Minor, Op. 34, No. 10

Dmitry Shostakovich

Prelude in B Minor, Op. 34, No. 6

We do not include personal contact information in our newsletter. If you need help reaching someone, please contact the office at admin@cuucwp.org or 914-946-1660 x2.

Accessibility Ahead! We are well into the work for our Building Accessibility and Safety Project! During this time of transition, some CUUC events may need to move or be rescheduled. Please check ahead with your contact person.

Inside & Out: A Day of Renewal, Community, and Service, Sat Oct 3, 9:45am-1:00pm

Join us to care for our spiritual home and create spaces that meet our needs. All ages are welcome! There is a task for everyone! Childcare is available if requested by Sept 27. RSVP to Terri Kung, use the QR code above, or visit bit.ly/CUUC_InsideAndOut_Sign-up.

• Arrival & Gathering (9:45-10:00AM) - Coffee, Juice and Donuts
• Kickoff (10:00-10:15AM) - Welcome and Projects Description
• Project Grouping (10:15-10:30AM) - Sorting into project teams, meeting project leaders and getting instructions
• Work Time (10:30AM-12:15PM)
• Lunch & Connection (12:15-12:45PM) - Gratitudes AND Sandwiches, Chips, and Fruit
• Wrap-Up (12:45-1:00PM) - Final clean up of projects and lunch area

Finding Your Path at CUUC! Sun Oct 4, 11:30am - 1:00pm, Fellowship Hall

Newer to CUUC? Join Rev. Danielle and members of our community for a deeper introduction to Unitarian Universalism, CUUC, and the many ways you can get connected. Childcare provided. Please RSVP to Rev. Danielle at minister@cuucwp.org

Conversations About Aging



Conversations About Aging, Monthly on the first Wednesday, Fireside Area, 2:00pm, Next Meeting Wed Oct 7

All are invited to come share your concerns, fears, joy, hopes, and wisdom regarding aging for yourself and your loved ones. Contacts: Astrid Rogers, Kathy Williams, Karen Leahy

Community Open Mic

Second Friday Open Mic, Monthly on the Second Friday, 6:30pm sign-up, 7:00pm performances, Fellowship Hall, Next Date: Fri Oct 9

Each month we provide a space where musicians and others in and around CUUC can showcase their talents, and support their fellow performers. Arrive at 6:30pm to sign up, then take the stage starting at 7:00pm. Not a performer? Join us as a member of the all-important audience. Bring a friend and introduce them to CUUC! Contact Joann Prinzivalli

Science & Spirituality

Science & Spirituality, 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 11:30am, Fireside Area & Online: bit.ly/CUUC-Zoom-7899, Next date: Thu Oct 8

We discuss books and articles that explore the relationship between science and spirituality. We are reading Peter Godfrey-Smith’s Living on Earth. Join us! Contact: Barbara Mair, Norm Handelman

Movie Night Party, Sat Oct 10, 5:00pm, Fellowship Hall

Get cozy in Fellowship Hall and watch Monsters, Inc. together, with pizza and popcorn. All ages welcome. Feel free to wear your PJs. Bring a friend! Contact: Terri Kung 

Labyrinth Presentation

PlaceKeeping Presentation: CUUC Labyrinth, Sun Oct 11, 11:30am, Fellowship Hall

We will learn about labyrinths - what they are, their history, and their role in spiritual practice and meditation. Then, we'll discuss creating a labyrinth at CUUC. Contacts: Tim King, Eileen Macholl

Environmental Practices

Environmental Practices Team Meeting, Sun Oct 11, 4:00pm, Online: bit.ly/CUUC-Zoom-3131

Come help us plan actions to promote sustainable habits, work for climate justice, and reduce our carbon footprint. All are welcome! Contacts: Janet Bear, Rhonda Miller

Help Shape Our Vision Statement!

Special Sunday Service: “Cloudy with a Chance of Compassion,” with the Committee on Ministry, Sun Oct 18, 10:00am

The CUUC Worship and Committee on Ministry teams are collaborating on a special service exploring our congregation's vision for the future. We will invite the whole congregation to reflect, imagine, and share what matters most to us as we look ahead together. Contact: Alex Sehdeva

Donate Ye Goods

2026 Goods & Services Auction, "A Renaissance Revelry," Sat Nov 14, 5:30pm

Verily, dost thou ponder what gift to bestow upon our noble cause? May we suggest: 

1. "Food Futures" make your favorite soup, baked good, or other specialty item to be delivered at a later date OR
2. Help us build a basket - donate an item from our wish list toward a themed gift basket

Stop by the auction table in the lobby on Sunday to discuss these ideas or others. Here is our Auction Donation Form and a 2026 Auction Solicitation letter you can download and print to give to your favorite local business. Contacts: Patricia Goettel, Dave Morkal

Can you be a Journey Group facilitator? Please reach out to Rev. Danielle at minister@cuucwp.org if you are interested!

CUUC Journey Groups are monthly gatherings of 4–10 participants that meet from Sep through Jun to explore a monthly theme through deep listening, meaningful sharing, and reflection. Participants receive a Journey Group packet with quotes, poems, and articles related to that month’s theme.

Our Journey Groups are full! 

Thank you to our facilitators and everyone who has signed up. 

We have 80 people participating in our Small Group Ministry. 

We will be opening a third Sunday after the service group starting in November. 

If you have ever wondered about facilitating, or helping hold space for spall, theme based conversations, please let me know. 

We have more folks who are interested in joining. We would love to open up a few more meetings!

If you are interested in joining a Journey Group, please still fill out the form at https://cuucwp.org/events-programs/journey-groups. It helps us to plan and I will reach out when spots become available. 

Thank you all for supporting this thriving ministry at CUUC.

Paper copies of the packet are available upon request in the CUUC lobby. If you would like a copy mailed to you, contact Pam Parker at our office (admin@cuucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x2).

Ways to Make a Difference

Be Part of Our Ministry of Welcome

Volunteer to host Coffee Hour after worship, and help spread our ministry of welcome. Sign up now to get your preferred date! Contact Chris Jacobs or Chris Kortlandt

or go to bit.ly/CUUC_CoffeeHour.

Feeding Our Neighbors

Meals for HOPE food prep: Mondays, 9:00am-1:00pm, CUUC Kitchen, Next Date Mon Oct 5

The Meals for HOPE cooking team (part of CUUC's Hunger & Homelessness Social Justice Team) puts our congregation's love into action by preparing meal trays, which we deliver to feed our neighbors at HOPE Community Services, Open Arms men's shelter, Hope's Door, and more. Helping hands are always appreciated: bit.ly/HOPE-Cooking-Signup

H&H Sandwich-Making Team: Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30am, CUUC Kitchen, Next Date Tue Oct 6

Help us feed our community! The Hunger & Homelessness Sandwich-Making Team is seeking a fourth person to join our friendly crew. We assist with the weekly preparation of peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for the clients of HOPE Community Services. Make a direct difference in just 90 minutes a week - a small commitment that makes a big impact! Contact: Ellen Simon

Caring & Sharing 


If we can help you or someone you know in our congregation, please reach out to this month's primary caregiver, Liz Laite, or her backup, Catherine Kortlandt. You may also contact the congregation office at admin@cuucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x2.

October Share the Plate: PrideWorks

This month we share half our non-pledge collection with the PrideWorks® Conference for LGBTQ Youth and Their Allies, a day-long conference offering much needed space for ally education and most importantly, joyful celebration, affirmation, and welcome for LGBTPQIA++ youth. Over 600 youth and adults attend each March. It's important that we show up where our youth need us to be. The support and affirmation that PrideWorks offers is vital, even life saving. UUs are a steady and visible presence of love, affirmation, and support. 

The cost of producing the conference continues to increase. While our commitment to PrideWorks remains stronger than ever, the financial challenges facing us are real. Without additional support from our community, we may face difficult decisions about the future of the conference. Together, we can make sure this important tradition continues. Thank you for your support.

Mail checks to CUUC with the memo “Share the Plate - PrideWorks” or click here to pay online, and select “Share the Plate.” You may also select “Other” and type in “PrideWorks” in the note if you'd like your full donation to go to the group.

FYI, Calendar, & Zoom Links

From Our Interim Administrator ~ Pam Parker

Please use admin@cuucwp.org (with two "u"s) to email the office, instead of the old admin@cucwp.org (one "u"). You may need to check your email Contacts info and make an update. I am with you part time, and will be in the office on Mon, Wed, and Fri. My responsibilities will focus on • the newsletter • the order of service • the website • the calendar • and answering voicemail and email messages. Thanks!

CUUC Food Enthusiasts Group, Second Sunday of the Month, Local Restaurants, After Worship, First Outing Sun Oct 11

We invite you to join us as together we explore a vibrant array of restaurants that celebrate the richness and diversity of world cuisines, including Yemeni, Balkan, Filipino, Chinese, Cuban, Dominican, Ukrainian, Polish, Ethiopian, Sri Lankan, Georgian, and more.

Our first outing will be to a Filipino restaurant on Sun Oct 11, followed by a visit to an authentic Yemeni restaurant on Sun Nov 8, and we conclude the year with a festive gathering at a Ukrainian restaurant on Sun Dec 13.

Space may be limited each month depending on the restaurant selected, so let us know early if you're interested. Approx. cost is $35-40 per person, depending on the restaurant and number of participants

We would be delighted to have you join us for this community building and flavor-filled experience! Contact: Scott Damashak or Mohammed Loutfy.

Missing Items

If you have any information, please contact the CUUC office, admin@cuucwp.org.

Archaeology of the Spirit: Arts-Based Spiritual Direction Group with Rev. ReBecca, 8-week program at CUUC, Time to be decided by group, Space is limited to 5

Join Rev. Sala for an 8-week program to explore your inner life through art, using whatever medium calls you into connection with the sacred — paint, clay, the written word, textile arts, or otherwise. This is not an art class or art therapy. There is no critique, no instruction, and no requirement that anything be finished. It is a practice of deep listening: to the sacred, to one another, and to what is stirring beneath the surface of your life. Sessions are 90 minutes, at a time that works for the group. Space is limited to 5. If you're interested, please reach out to Rev. Danielle, minister@cuucwp.org. Rev. Sala is part of the Meadville Lombard Spiritual Direction Certification Program and is beginning her practicum year. 

Zoom Security Reminders

Because we publish Zoom links in the public CUUC calendar, it's always possible a bad actor can get the information online and try to join your meeting uninvited. Here's how to protect your meeting:

Claim Host:

1. Join the meeting (i.e., log in to your Zoom room), preferably early.
2. Click on Participants icon at bottom.
3. Click Claim Host at the bottom of the participants list.
4. Enter the host key: [contact the office for the key code]
5. Click Claim Host.

Select Security Options:

Once the host key is verified, you can click on the shield icon at the bottom of your screen to select security options like:

• removing or muting participants;
• "locking" the meeting after everyone has logged in;
• enabling a waiting room; and
• making the host the only person who can share images from your screen.

Here are step-by-step instructions along with screen images: Zoom Security Instructions

You can find more information here: https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0061231

Invitation to Membership

If you've been attending for a while, value what our community stands for, and want to commit to supporting it and having a say in its future, you may be ready to become a Member of CUUC! To learn more, contact our office at 914-946-1660 x2, admin@cuucwp.org.

Safety First: We Keep Our Entrance Doors Locked

How to enter the building during the week:
(The front doors MUST remain locked during school hours.)

1. Use the code to OPEN THE LOCKBOX and retrieve the key.
2. Use the key to unlock the entrance door. Kick down the doorstop and prop the door open.
3. RETURN THE KEY to the lockbox and close - do not keep the key with you!
4. SPIN THE DIALS so the code is not displayed.
5. Enter the building and kick up the doorstop to let the door close behind you. THE DOOR WILL LOCK AUTOMATICALLY.
6. If you are part of a group meeting, ask one member to remain in the lobby to open the door for others as they arrive.