2023 Apr 30 | Spring #6
Our in-person worship is live-streamed on Zoom.
Masks are no longer required for those attending in person.
Upcoming Worship
IN-PERSON & LIVE-STREAM WORSHIP
Sun Apr 30, 10:00am ~ “The Transformative Power of Unitarian Universalism” ~ Meredith Garmon

We don't come to a congregation to stay the same. Though we cannot know all that the change will entail, we nevertheless come to be changed, somehow. And Unitarian Universalism delivers -- for those who let it.

Our special musical guest this Sunday is Jazz legend Valerie Capers, along with her collaborator, bassist John Robinson. Arrive early to service and enjoy all of Dr. Capers' musical offerings!

Childcare available beginning at 9:45am in room 32 (yellow hall). 10:00am Religious Exploration: 1st-12th grade PlaceKeeping activity.
IN-PERSON & LIVE-STREAM WORSHIP
Sun May 7, 10:00am ~ “Commensality” ~ Meredith Garmon

We eat to live -- and the way we eat, and with whom, reflects how we live. The "open table" represents inclusion, and the sustaining of all.
or phone in (audio only): 646-876-9923 · Webinar: 761 321 991 · Passcode: 468468

After worship, those in the sanctuary are invited to stay for refreshments and socializing in our fireside area.

Those live-streaming the service are invited to stay after for our Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom. Log in to bit.ly/CUUC-CoffeeHour or phone (audio only): 929-436-2866. Meeting ID: 336 956 2210, Passcode: 468468

For additional CUUC program & login information, scroll to the bottom.
Revisit past services anytime at youtube.com/TheLiberalPulpit and subscribe!
Messages from Ministry


Single Point of Entry
We are going back to a single point of entry using the main lobby doors. The RE lobby doors will remain locked. More below. 

Sun Apr 30, 10:00am, Start in Fellowship Hall
Cynthia R will lead our annual leaf pack experiment to determine which aquatic organisms live in our stream. They will make and place leaf packs in the stream, then collect them May 21st. This will give us information about the stream as a habitat. Dress for the weather as the activity will be outside, bring a mask with you, and do a thorough tick check after RE on Sunday. 

Tracy is Away May 1-7
I will be on study leave May 1-5 in California, then visiting my son at school May 6-7. During study leave, I will have classes about prophetic voice in ministry; religious wounding, moral injury, and social justice; grief; spiritual psychology; guided imagery and other topics. I look forward to sharing this learning with you. During this time, I will be slow to answer email. Please copy Karen Dreher (KMDreher55@gmail.com) and Christine Haran (christineharan@yahoo.com) on emails.  


Yay! This Sunday is an especially joyous occasion at CUUC, as we welcome back jazz legend pianist Valerie Capers and her incomparable collaborator, bassist John Robinson! And please come to Dr. Capers' Jazzfest! concert at CUUC on Saturday evening, May 13, at 8:00pm... Click here to read Adam Kent's blog post.
Congregation & Community News
Click here for the April issue of On the Journey: Spirituality of Money. Pick up a printed packet in the CUUC lobby or contact admin@cucwp.org to have it mailed to you.
Annual Giving Campaign

The month of April is coming to an end, and so is our Annual Giving Campaign. To those who returned their pledges, thank you! If you were able to increase your giving 6-7% to match inflation, we are especially grateful. When our congregation shows it is actively engaged and financially committed, we can attract the best candidates for our next minister. Take a moment to watch our Canvass Minute speakers so far: April 9-Chris Kortlandt (27:20 in), April 16-Eileen Macholl (32:20 in); and April 23-Kathleen Kiernan (29:00 in). This Sunday we'll hear from Stephen Bear, our last speaker. Help us pledge 100%! If you haven't pledged yet, forms are available in the lobby and on our website at www.cucwp.org/giving. Or contact our treasurer Chris Kortlandt (treasurercuucwp@gmail.com).
Tag Sale 2023

CUUC Tag Sale 2023, Sat Apr 29, 9:30am-3:00pm, Sanctuary
What better way to spend a rainy Saturday than supporting and spending time with friends, picking up some bargains, enjoying delicious Afghan fare from our own Meals by Mahnaz, and bringing SMALL furniture and appliances to donate to Furniture Sharehouse. Come show support for our community! Contact: Scott Damashek (scottdamashek@gmail.com)
Single Point of Entry

Before the pandemic began, we had implemented a single point of entry policy for safety and to encourage more interaction with our young people. When we started meeting in the building during the pandemic, we went back to using the RE lobby doors for social distancing. This Sunday, April 30, we are going back to having a single point of entry, through the main doors by the sanctuary. The RE lobby doors will remain locked. Name tags for children and youth will be on the table in the main lobby. 
Cookies Are Here!

Our Girl Scout Cookie order has come in! Muqadas Ghafoor will be at CUUC to hand them out after worship service this Sun Apr 30. Come get your boxes! Questions? Contact Jane Dixon (lilrhodie@gmail.com
Odyssey this Sunday

Odyssey Program, with Claire Kuczinski, Sun Apr 30, 11:15am, Sanctuary and Worship Webinar Zoom
Odyssey Programs are where longtime CUUC members share the stories of their lives and faith with the congregation, to pass along wisdom and deepen our understanding of one another. Please join us for our fourth Odyssey on Sun April 30, after worship, when our guest will be Claire Kuczinski.
Donors, Take Home a Plant

We are grateful to all the donors for our Spring Flower Chancel Display, which enhanced our chancel with lovely flowering plants this month, in honor and celebration of special events and people close to our hearts. Now that April is coming to a close, we invite our donors to take a plant home after worship this Sun Apr 30 and add beauty to your own home or garden. Any plants remaining will be composted.
Members: Vote by Sun Apr 30

Member Vote for Ministerial Search Committee Candidates, through Sun Apr 30
The Search Formation Team has offered a slate of 10 candidates for our Ministerial Search Committee. CUUC Members have been sent ballots and have until Sun Apr 30, 10pm, to vote for 5 candidates. The 5 candidates who receive the most votes, along with 2 additional candidates from the slate suggested by the Team, will be finalized by the Board of Trustees at their Wed May 10 meeting.
Invitation to Membership

To be eligible to vote on the CUUC annual budget, our bylaws require you must have become a member at least 30 days before the annual meeting. If you are already considering membership, and you would like to be able to vote at this year’s annual meeting, consider becoming a member by Wed May 10 to be eligible. Schedule an appointment to meet with Rev. Meredith Garmon to sign the membership book by contacting the office (admin@cucwp.org) or by speaking with Rev. Meredith after Sunday services.
Share Your Meredith Memories by Apr 30

On Sat Jun 3 at 6:00pm we are hosting a celebration dinner for Rev. Meredith honoring his 10-year ministry with CUUC. Help us create a more personal tribute by sharing your images and memories of our time together. Email photographs of Rev. Garmon to Kim Force (kimforce@gmail.com). Share a favorite memory by entering it here at BIT.LY/REVGARMONMEMORIES. Or contact Catherine Kortlandt (catherinekortlandt@gmail.com) or Emily Economou (emily.economou@gmail.com). Deadline Sun Apr 30.
Submit Nominations for the Board by Sunday

Know someone who would be a great addition to our Board of Trustees? The Nominating & Leadership Development Committee invites you to complete and submit a nomination application form. The form is available either to print out and write in, or to type in directly, save, and attach to an email. Paper forms also in the lobby. Self-nominations are encouraged! Email form to Paula Meighan (paula.meighan74@gmail.com) or mail to CUUC by Sun Apr 30. See the letter from the NALD here.
Last Sunday, the Interfaith Council for New Americans-Westchester (ICNAW) hosted an open house at CUUC for Fardin Ghafoor (center, red plaid shirt) to celebrate his becoming a US citizen. It takes a village - or a committed gathering of faith communities - to resettle a refugee family. As Fardin so warmly said, "This would not have been possible without the support and love we received from each and every one of you here." CUUC is proud to have been a part of the Ghafoor's journey. We offer deep thanks to the CUUC Refugee Resettlement Social Justice Team for putting into action our congregation's mission to engage in service to transform ourselves and our world.
Call for Musicians (of All Ages)

CUUC is lucky to have so many gifted musicians in our congregation, several of whom have graced recent Sundays services with their talents. We are again looking for musical members (young folk, too!) to be part of our upcoming worship service on Sun May 21. If you are interested in participating, let us know by May 7. Contact Adam Kent (adamkentpianist@gmail.com).
JazzFest with the Valerie Capers Ensemble, Sat May 13, 8:00pm, Sanctuary
We're delighted to welcome back Jazz legend Valerie Capers with her wonderful group for an evening of original works and standards transformed by Dr. Capers’ inimitable touch and style. Contact: Janet Bear (jsbear1@gmail.com). Dr.Capers will also be our musical guest at the Sun Apr 30 worship service, with her frequent collaborator John Robinson on bass. Arrive early to service and enjoy all their musical offerings!
Common Read Signup

This year's UUA Common Read is Mistakes and Miracles: Congregations on the Road to Multiculturalism. Co-authors Nancy Palmer Jones and Karin Lin — a white minister and a lay person of color — explore five UU congregations’ journeys toward Beloved Community. Pick up your copy (available to purchase after worship), then join one of our four discussion groups that will be meeting online in Zoom 2210:

  • Sat May 20, 10:30am - facilitated by Lane Cobb & Amy Nathan
  • Sun May 21, 4:00pm - facilitated by Jeff Tomlinson & Eileen Macholl
  • Mon May 22, 7:00pm - facilitated by Kevin McGaren-Clemens & Andrew Adachi
  • Thu May 25, 7:00pm - facilitated by Joe Majsak & Rev. Meredith Garmon
 
To sign up, contact Pam Parker (admin@cucwp.org) with your group choice.
Gratitudes to Audra Russell for organizing our CUUC Game Night on Fri Apr 21. Favorite games - ancient and new - were brought and enjoyed. In fact it was such fun we are planning another game night for May. We're considering a Friday night, with 6pm pizza and 7-9pm games. Or a Saturday night, 5pm for early games, 6pm pizza, and 7-9pm more games. What would you or your family prefer? Let Audra know! (audrar631@gmail.com).
Summer Activities for Families and Individuals of All Ages

There are several UU summer camps and conferences for all ages, individuals, and whole families. Unirondack, Murray Grove, Star Island, Ferry Beach, CERSI, SUUSI, Sohpia Fahs, Rowe, College of Social Justice and more! These are great opportunities to meet UUs from all over the continent! Registration is open for most and they will fill up quickly so register as soon as possible. Some are also hiring! Click here for the list.
Be a Tech Team Trainee

CUUC has an awesome new audio/video system, and we're looking to augment our wonderful tech team by bringing some new trainees on board. The tech team is vital to our Sunday worship, keeping folks in the sanctuary informed, and keeping our online congregants connected on Zoom. The team also supports our neighbors who use our sanctuary for charity events and family memorial services. If you are interested in learning tech and supporting your congregation and community, contact Terri Kung (madterri@gmail.com).
Beyond the Binary

UU Event: Building Beloved Community Beyond the Binary, Sat May 6, First Unitarian Universalist Society of Syracuse, Onsite and Online
First UU Syracuse is partnering with the Q Center @ ACR Health to offer this one-day conference, with an overnight for youth. Learn more and find links to register at the Beyond the Binary event page.
District Happenings - May 2023

Click here to see this month’s Opportunities for Connection newsletter for our region, with articles and the calendar of Central East Region events and webinars.
Experience General Assembly

UU General Assembly 2023, Jun 21-25, Pittsburgh, PA or Virtual
General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. (Check out the UUA GA video here.) Anyone may attend! The General Assembly Registration is open, and financial support and volunteering opportunities to cover registration are available.
Caring & Sharing 

If we can help you or someone you know in our congregation, reach out to this month's primary caregiver, Robin Rocchi (917-656-6830, robinandal@verizon.net) or her backup Rev. Deb Morra (914-830-1509, getreal714@gmail.com). You may also contact the CUUC office (admin@cucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x2).
Share the Plate for April: Murray Grove

This month we share half our non-pledge collection with Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center, the only Unitarian Universalist conference center in the Metro area, and the site traditionally considered to be where Universalism in America began. Among the many camps, trainings, retreats, and workshops offered has been the program our Coming of Age classes have attended as part of their journey to create a statement of faith. Make checks to CUUC with the memo “Share the Plate - Murray Grove” and add to the plate or mail to the office. Or click here to pay online, and select “Share the Plate.” You may also select “Other” and type “Murray Grove” in the note if you'd like your full donation to benefit the Center.
Online Offering
To make your offering or donate to our Share the Plate online, use our PayPal button here. Or go to our website, cucwp.org, and click "Donate." Or click on the chalice picture at right.
For links to our Zoom online meetings, see below.
Links are also in our online Event Calendar (click on event) at cucwp.org.
Weekly Calendar and Logins

Visit cucwp.org/calendar on our website and click on an event for login information. To reserve a Zoom online meeting room, contact admin@cucwp.org.

Fri Apr 28 - Member Voting for Ministerial Search Candidates; 9:00am Past Prime Time Dance Party (Zoom 6161); 10:30am Rental: OA (Room 11); 12:00pm Tag Sale Indoor setup (Sanctuary); 3:00pm "A Tempo with Adam" (facebook.com/adamkentmusic, A-Tempo-With-Adam Zoom)

Sat Apr 29 - Member Voting for Ministerial Search Candidates; 9:00am Rental: Evrika Learning Center (Room 23); 9:30am Tag Sale/Furniture Drive (Sanctuary); 10:00am Zen Practice (Room 43 & Zoom 7899)

Sun Apr 30 - Member Voting for Ministerial Search Candidates; 9:45am Childcare (Room 32); 10:00am RE: 1st-12th Grade PlaceKeeping Activity K-7th Grade Chapel (Fellowship Hall); 10:00am Sunday Worship (Sanctuary & Worship Zoom); 11:15am Refreshments (Fireside Area); 11:15am Virtual Coffee Hour (Zoom 2210); 11:30am Odyssey Program: Claire Kuczinski (Sanctuary and Worship Zoom)

Mon May 1 - Religious Educator Tracy Breneman on study leave; Music Director Adam Kent out of town; 10:00am Meals for HOPE (Kitchen)

Tue May 2 - Religious Educator Tracy Breneman on study leave; Music Director Adam Kent out of town; 10:00am Sandwiches for HOPE (Kitchen); 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary); 7:30 Committee on Ministry (Zoom 2210)

Wed May 3 - Religious Educator Tracy Breneman on study leave; Music Director Adam Kent out of town; 7:30pm Program Council (Zoom 7899)

Thu May 4 - Religious Educator Tracy Breneman on study leave; Music Director Adam Kent out of town; 7:30pm Journey Group Facilitators (Parsonage & Zoom 6161); 7:30pm Story Time with Barbara (Zoom 3131)

Fri May 5 - Religious Educator Tracy Breneman on study leave; Music Director Adam Kent out of town; 9:00am Past Prime Time Dance Party (Zoom 6161); 10:30am Rental: OA (Room 11); 6:00pm Nominating Committee (Zoom 2210)

Sat May 6 - Religious Educator Tracy Breneman on study leave; Music Director Adam Kent out of town; 9:00am Rental: Evrika Learning Center (Room 23); 10:00am "First Saturdays" PlaceKeeping Practice (CUUC Grounds); 10:00am Zen Practice (Room 43 & Zoom 7899); 10:00am Food Prep for Brunch (Kitchen); 12:00pm Private Memorial Service (Sanctuary); 12:30pm Journey Group Facilitators (Parsonage, Zoom 6161)

Sun May 7 - Religious Educator Tracy Breneman on study leave; Music Director Adam Kent out of town; 8:45am Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary); 9:45am Childcare (Room 32); 10:00am RE: 1st-7th Grade Classes & 8th-12th Grade Activity (Room 41); 10:00am Sunday Worship (Sanctuary & Worship Zoom); 11:15am Virtual Coffee Hour (Zoom 2210); 11:30am Canvass Wrap-up Brunch (Fellowship Hall)

ONLINE ZOOM MEETING LOGINS
 
Zoom Webinar 1991 / Worship Zoom - Login: https://bit.ly/CUUC-Webinar-1991
or phone (audio only): 646-876-9923
Webinar: 761 321 991 · Passcode: 468468

Zoom 2210 / Coffee Hour Zoom - Login: https://bit.ly/CUUC-Zoom-2210
or phone (audio only): 929-436-2866
Meeting: 336 956 2210 · Passcode: 468468 
 
Zoom 7899 - Login: https://bit.ly/CUUC-Zoom-7899
or phone (audio only): 646-876-9923
Meeting: 289 850 7899 · Passcode: 468468

Zoom 3131 - Login: https://bit.ly/CUUC-Zoom-3131
or phone (audio only): 646-876-9923
Meeting ID: 313 195 3131 · Passcode: 468468
 
Zoom 6161 - Login: https://bit.ly/CUUC-Zoom-6161
or phone (audio only): 929-436-2866
Meeting: 616 163 6161 · Passcode: 468468

or phone (audio only): 646-558-8656
Meeting: 602 164 635 · Passcode: 468468
 
Zoom 8428 - Login: https://bit.ly/CUUC-RE
or phone (audio only): 646-558-8656
Meeting: 817 388 428 · Passcode: 468468 
   
Zoom 5149 / "A Tempo with Adam" Live Concerts (also on Adam Kent's Facebook)
or phone (audio only): 929-436-2866
Meeting: 939 6077 5149 · Passcode: 468468
Contacts
Minister: Rev. Meredith Garmon, minister@cucwp.org, 914-946-1660 x3
Dir of Lifespan Religious Education and Faith Development: Tracy Breneman, cuucwptracy@gmail.com, 914-434-7539
Community Minister: Rev. LoraKim Joyner, amoloros@gmail.com
Community Minister: Rev. Deb Morra, getreal714@gmail.com, 914-830-1509
Community Minister: Rev. Stevie Carmody, steve.kerins.carmody@gmail.com
Music Director: Adam Kent, music@cucwp.org
Choir Director: Lisa Meyer, choir@cucwp.org
Choir Pianist: Georgianna Pappas, georgianna.pappas@gmail.com
Administrator: Pamela Parker, admin@cucwp.org
Bookkeeper: Jessica Garcia, bookkeeper@cucwp.org
Board of Trustees
Board Chair: Creighton Cray, creighton.cray@gmail.com
Vice Chair: Nicole Turygin, nturygin@gmail.com
Treasurer: Chris Kortlandt, treasurercuucwp@gmail.com
Secretary: Nicky Klemens, nsklemens@gmail.com
Social Justice Coordinators
Mary Cavallero, marycava4@gmail.com
Emily Economou, emily.economou@gmail.com
Jeff Tomlinson, jefftomlinson8@gmail.com
Rev. Meredith Garmon, minister@cucwp.org