IN-PERSON WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY & LIVESTREAM

Safety Updates

We will update our lockbox code AFTER we complete construction of the new outdoor accessibility ramp. After that, you may contact the office (admin@cuucwp.org) to be given the new code.

From Our Minister ~ Rev. Danielle Lindstrom

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” ~ Ambrose Redmoon

We shared this quote last Sunday and in this month’s Journey Group packet. For me, it turns the notion of courage on its head, just a little. It’s the power of the wobbly knees and the shaking hands that decide to go forth anyway. Sometimes, it’s the courage to say no. It’s the courage to let something drop because it’s no longer ours to carry, hold, or explore. Or it’s the courage to raise your voice when something matters deeply to you, while your heart thumps loudly and you wonder if the ease of staying quiet is worth the later inner monologue of “I should have done something.”

Who taught you about courage? Who was an example you can follow? The person who when your heart is thumping, hands shaking, knees wobbling, you call to your mind and remember did the hard thing, said the hard thing. We are inviting their names, their voices into our sanctuary this week at our CommUUnity table. Fill in the bank. For me, Rev. Colleen Squires, my minister, the person who said yes to my ministry, inspires courage still. 

The ancestors who made our congregation possible still sing to us from the rafters of our building. You can hear it on especially windy days. The creaking to the building reminds me of those whose hearts, efforts, and finances made this place possible for us today. Their courage, vision, wisdom, and strength in their time made our time possible. On October 18, our Committee on Ministry will be sharing a worship service with us that invites us, as keepers of CUUC today, to imagine what we might be like five years from now. What’s possible? From our dreaming, we will be invited into a process to create a new vision statement, one that invites us to make that dream possible. Our current vision statement: 

“CUUC will be a welcoming 'sanctuary without walls' that promotes diversity, fellowship, spiritual growth, and inspiration, while committing to people and the planet through social action and service.” 

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

The story of the Tower of Babel from the Book of Genesis brings several musical associations to mind. The “common language” spoken on earth before the mayhem of the tower recalls the absolute connection between words and deeds in the original cosmos. God says, “Let there be light” and there it was. Similarly, The Gospel of St. John begins with “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” How else do we experience this universal language of instantaneous communication but through music? Accordingly, the CUUC Choir treats us to “Come to the Music” at this Sunday's service.

Of all great composers, none seems to embody a God-like understanding of the complete potential of every musical idea – or “invention” – more than Johann Sebastian Bach. Whether he was writing music for the church or for private entertainment, his manuscripts bear the initials S.D.G. (Solo Deo Gloria) – for the glory of God alone. Especially in his Inventions (written as teaching pieces for his oldest son) and Fugues, he shows an uncanny ability to spin a cosmos of music out of the humblest of ideas presented at the outset. This Sunday’s solo piano selections feature his music.

About Our Guest Speaker

The Rev. Mark Cutolo, LCSW, serves the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockland as their Consulting Minister. A born-and-raised resident of the state of New York, and a Millennial, he has both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Social Work. Besides serving the congregation, he also works part-time as a psychotherapist in a college counseling and wellness center, where he helps students to achieve improved mental well-being. Mark is passionate about liberal religion, and appreciates how Unitarian Universalism is a faith tradition where we support one another in our search for truth and meaning.

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.

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 space for musicians and others in and around CUUC to 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

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 - Bring a stone with you

“The Way of the Labyrinth” Combined Talk & Walk, Sun Oct 11, 11:30am - 1:00pm, Fellowship Hall, bagels and light refreshments will be provided.

Labyrinths are both places and experiences. Come join Rev. Dr. Kelly Murphy Mason and Eileen Macholl for an orientation and discussion to learn more about the history of labyrinths worldwide and discover the labyrinth as a tool for contemplation and embodied experience. We will debut a new canvas labyrinth created especially for CUUC by our own in-house artist, April Castoldi; this will supplement the outdoor labyrinth that was installed on our grounds this summer by our own PlaceKeeper Tim King. Following the presentation, Rev. Kelly and Eileen will lead walks both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Wind your way in and back out again — explore the mysteries of this space and symbol and use it to seek some answers of your own. We invite people to bring apple-sized stones from their homes or gardens to help strengthen our community outdoor labyrinth as it gets more fully established. We will be sharing books and other resources related to labyrinths, including some finger labyrinths for tracing.

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

Game Night

Community Game Night, Sat Oct 17, 5:30 pm, Fellowship Hall

We invite newcomers, families, and friends to join us for an evening of old-fashioned, in-person fun together! Remember, we no longer need donations for pizza, BUT if you’d like a slice, be sure to register at bit.ly/2026-27_CommunityGameNight_SignUp and let us know what type of pizza you like and how many of you are coming (so we'll know what to order). Note: If you are bringing young children, please also bring a game or activity they enjoy (in case we don’t have something on hand right for their age). Contact: Audra Russell.

Wear Your Values

The CUUC Apparel Shop is open! A big shout out to Kim Force for designing the shirts and setting up the store!! Visit cuucwp.myshopify.com to check out the available apparel, sizes, colors, and prices. We will be doing a big group order in October shipped to CUUC so that we can offer free shipping, so place your order before Nov 1. If you can't wait (or if you miss the deadline) you can order directly from the online shop.

Winners!

Congratulations! The winners of our "Life of the Congregation" raffle are:

• Justin Stewart (prize: auction tickets)
• Enid Press (prize: CUUC t-shirt)
• Ticket # 28570-646 (CUUC t-shirt)
• Ticket # 28570-561 (CUUC t-shirt)
• Ticket # 28570-361 (CUUC t-shirt)
• Ticket # 28570-802 (CUUC t-shirt)

If you have one of those winning numbers, please contact Terri Kung or find her on Sunday to get your prize.

Help Shape Our Vision Statement!

Special Sunday Service: “A Vision for Our Future,” Rev. Danielle 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 CUUC'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

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

Travelers, villagers, and noble gentlefolk alike, we await your arrival! Please stop by the auction table in the lobby to:

• buy your ticket
• drop off a donation form
• get ideas for an auction donation
• let us know if you need childcare
• ask any questions at all to learn more about our auction!

Contacts: Patricia Goettel, Dave Morkal

Want to become a Journey Group facilitator?

Please reach out to Rev. Danielle at minister@cuucwp.org

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.

This year's Journey Groups are full! Thank you to our facilitators and everyone who has signed up. We have 80 people participating in this small group ministry! 

We will be opening a third Sunday group, meeting after worship, starting in November.

If you have ever wondered about facilitating, or helping hold space for small, theme-based conversations, please contact Rev. Danielle. We have more CUUC folks who are interested in joining. We would love to open up a few more meetings!

You can join our wait list by filling out the information at https://cuucwp.org/events-programs/journey-groups. This will help us plan. Rev. Danielle 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

H&H Sandwich-Making Team: Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30am (or earlier), CUUC Kitchen, Next Date Tue Oct 13

Make a direct difference in just 90 minutes a week! The Hunger & Homelessness social justice team is seeking a 4th person to join our friendly crew. We assist with weekly preparation of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the clients of HOPE Community Services in New Rochelle (www.hopecommunityservices.org). Contact: Ellen Simon

Feeding Our Neighbors

Meals for HOPE food prep: Mondays, 9:00am-1:00pm, CUUC Kitchen, Next Date Mon Oct 12

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

Caring for Our Environment

The CUUC Environmental Practices Group reminds everyone that if you have fall leaves to dispose of, consider mulch-mowing and leaving the shreds on the lawn. Over the winter the mulch disappears, returning much-needed nutrients to the earth in slow-release organic form. In addition to the nutrient benefit, it saves your municipality pickup and disposal expenses, and helps keep decomposing leaves out of storm sewers, protecting water quality in streams, lakes, and rivers. Many lawn care services will do it if asked. See these short demonstration videos to help get you started: Mulching leaves (lawn) youtu.be/klxU2353InI and Mulching leaves (driveway) youtu.be/9MXtJzBGKvA

Shopping Bag Collection

Got a stash of reusable bags? Share them with our neighbors in need! Throughout October the Hunger & Homelessness social justice team will be collecting reusable bags for the food pantry at HOPE Community Services. A marked collection bin will be in the lobby. We are asking for standard size (think Stop & Shop, Trader Joe's, etc.). Please no small or paper bags, and be sure donations are clean and without tears. This is an easy way to support our neighbors who rely on the pantry – and a good use for that pile of extra bags at home! Contact: Ann Marie Damashek

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.

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!

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.