e-Communitarian for Sun Oct 29, 2023

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2023 Oct 29 | Autumn #6

We livestream our in-person Sunday worship on Zoom.

Upcoming Worship

IN-PERSON WORSHIP & LIVESTREAM

Sun Oct 29, 10:00am “Once Upon a Time” ~ Rev. Kimberley Debus

Rev. Kimberley is a member of CUUC's 2023-2024 interim ministry team.

We all begin in the sanctuary for worship. Childcare is available starting at 9:45am.

Children and youth are invited to come in your Halloween costume for our annual parade during the service and party after classes.

Join our livestream at bit.ly/CUUC-Worship, or phone (audio only): 646-876-9923. Webinar: 761 321 991, Passcode: 468468

After worship, stay for coffee and conversation in the Fireside Area (parents/guardians please pick up children first). Those attending online may use our Virtual Coffee House Zoom space, bit.ly/CUUC-CoffeeHour, to connect with one another.

IN-PERSON WORSHIP IN SANCTUARY & LIVESTREAM

Sun Nov 5, 10:00am “The Breath of Our Ancestors” ~ Rev. Kimberley Debus

To join the Sunday Worship livestream: bit.ly/CUUC-Worship

or phone in (audio only): 646-876-9923. Webinar: 761 321 991, Passcode: 468468

After worship, Join us for social time in the Fireside Area. Parents/guardians please pick up children first.

Those live-streaming the service are welcome to log into a Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom. 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 https://youtube.com/@CUUCWP and subscribe!

Messages from Ministry

From Our Ministers

Some thoughts on last Sunday’s service and the responses to it

Rev. Patience Stoddard, member of the Interim Ministry Team

The service I led last Sunday, October 22, was about how myths and stories that we learn in American culture can both serve us and hinder us. The service included a prayer addressing the pain and violence of the war in the Mideast. Several people came up to talk with me afterward and share their thoughts with me about aspects of the service. The responses could not have been more varied in terms of what stood out for them and what feelings were provoked.

It became increasingly clear to me that parts of the prayer upset some of those present. I was attempting to offer compassion for the suffering of both Israeli and Palestinian people, and to acknowledge the history of violence on both sides and the need to continue to look for a path to peace. I thought I was being balanced and compassionate, but that was not necessarily what others experienced. I am deeply grateful that someone had the courage and kindness to talk with me about it and help me understand how my choice of words were experienced as biased and hurtful. I certainly did not intend in any way to diminish the suffering and ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people, but can now see how that was conveyed. I am sincerely sorry.

These conversations after the service once again reminded me that the lens through which we see the world and the wounds we carry are shaped by our individual and generational experiences. We all, at times, do or say something that is hurtful to others. I believe it is then our obligation to listen to the those who feel injured, work to more deeply understand why, and apologize or make amends. When our own feelings are hurt, or we feel unseen or disrespected, it is then our obligation to say something. But it is not easy or comfortable. That is one of the reasons why a Congregational Covenant and Reconciliation Team can be so important to sustaining and growing a safe and loving community. This winter and spring, Rev. Paul Langston-Daley will be helping you work on a CUUC Covenant that will help you clarify the commitments you make to one another and develop ways to grow in understanding and acceptance of one another when disagreements or differences inevitably challenge those commitments. As Francis David, one of the earliest advocates of Unitarianism, reportedly said "We do not have to think alike to love alike."

Thank you for inviting me to temporarily join in your journey of creating and sustaining beloved community,

P.S. Please let me know if you would like to share your perspective or express your feelings about the service. My email is [email protected] and we can set up a time to talk.

From the Religious Educator

Tracy is away October 27-29.

Enid Press is the RE point person this Sunday.

Sun Oct 29, 10:00am, We All Begin in the Sanctuary

Get your costumes ready! This Sunday, we have our annual Halloween parade and the youth are setting up and hosting the Halloween party for children to attend after their classes. 🎃 👻 👾

After the story in worship, those in RE will leave.

K-1st Grade Class - Irene and Laura S are leading a class on Hinduism.

2nd-3rd Grade Class - Christine W and Christine H are leading a class on Hinduism.

4th-6th Grade Class - Amy N and Laura G are leading a class about the mystery of reflections.

GrandPals Launch Party Nov 12, 11:20am

We have seven Pal matches and would love to make more! Please consider participating to build inter-generational connection. We will suggest monthly activities. You can also greet each other Sunday mornings, attend CUUC events together, and adults might attend their pal’s school and sports activities. Sign up at bit.ly/GrandPals23-24. Contact: Enid Press ([email protected])

The 2023-2024 RE Schedule of classes and activities is available online, as well as an overview of the year.

Congregation & Community News

CUUC Cares

Dear Ones, please remember that support is available for you in our CUUC community. The Sharing and Caring Team can help with short-term needs (contact Julie Gans, [email protected]), Pastoral Care Associates offer spiritual and emotional support (contact Rev. Deb Morra, [email protected]), and the Reconciliation Support Team can help when there is discord between two or more people or groups (contact Al Rocchi, [email protected]). We also have a Minister's Discretionary Fund for short-term financial needs (contact Rev. Deb Morra, [email protected]). You don't have to go it alone...

Display Your Love

Support CUUC and show you "Side With Love" by ordering our special tee shirt customized for Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains. Perfect for displaying your commitment to love, UU identity, and congregation pride at events of public witness, community outreach, and congregation celebration. Four styles available, in a wide range of sizes - the crew necks run from YXS to 4XL. Have your shirts shipped directly to you, or pick up from CUUC for free. Delivery in mid December. Ordering closes Sun Nov 19! Go to customink.com/fundraising/cuuc-tees.

Orchestra Concert at CUUC

New Westchester Symphony Orchestra, "Love & Passion," Sat Oct 28, 3:00pm, CUUC Sanctuary

The NewWSO will be kicking off their new season in our sanctuary with not one but two wedding marches, as well as rarely-performed Romantic gems by the French master Camille Saint-Saëns, and the Black English phenomenon, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Music representing Germany, France, England, Scotland, Algeria, and beyond! All performances are free to the public; goodwill donations are tax-deductible and always welcome.

Halloween Game Night

All-Ages Spooky Halloween Game Night, Sat Oct 28, 5:00pm, Fellowship Hall

Come in costume if you dare! Bring a treat to share! Grab your favorite game, or join someone else's. Early games at 5pm; pizza at 6pm (or bring your own meal), then more games at 7pm. Suggested donation $5/pp or $10/family. Sign up at bit.ly/CUUC-Game-Night. Contact: Audra Russell ([email protected])

Halloween Parade and Party

This Sun Oct 29, we encourage kids to wear your Halloween costumes! Children and youth will have a Halloween parade during worship as they leave for classes. After classes, they are invited to a party hosted by our youth, with games and treats.

Meet our Nov 5 Guest Musicians

Meet & Greet the New Amsterdam Choir Academy at a special PIzza Lunch/Coffee Hour, Sun Nov 5, 11:15am, Fellowship Hall

We are excited to have the New Amsterdam Choir Academy (formerly the New Amsterdam Boys and Girls Choir), along with their founder and artistic director, James Backmon, as our musical guests at the Sun Nov 5 morning worship. After service, we will be hosting a pizza lunch for everyone during our coffee hour, so we can feed and greet the choir members and learn more about their historic organization, which has served public school children of East Harlem since 1986. Please come and give them a warm CUUC welcome! To be sure we have enough pizza for everyone who wants some, please RSVP to Eileen Macholl ([email protected]).

Choir Drivers Needed

Volunteer drivers needed Sun Nov 5, for our musical guests

We need your help on Sun Nov 5 to transport the children of the New Amsterdam Choir Academy and their adult chaperones from the Harrison Metro North Train Station to CUUC before service, and then back again after. We will need about 6 cars for each direction. We pick the group at 8:21am, and drive them back at 12:00 noon, after a meet and greet pizza lunch (to which everyone is invited). If you can help, please contact Janet Bear ([email protected], 914-393-3155). Thank You!

From Caring & Sharing

Caring and Sharing is looking for volunteers to assist people when they need rides to various appointments. This would be on an as needed basis. Additionally, there is a congregant that lives in The Bristal on North Street in White Plains who would like to attend services. Is there someone who can help her on a regular basis? Please contact Julie Gans ([email protected]) for additional information.

Newcomers Lunch

Lunch Gathering for Newcomers (& Those Who Feel New), Sun Nov 5, 11:15am, Fireside Area

Are you new to CUUC? Do you FEEL new to CUUC? Did we miss you when we had a social gathering for Newcomers? If yes, please join us for lunch in the Fireside Area JUST FOR YOU AND OTHERS WHO FEEL NEW (no matter how long it's been!). Please RSVP so we can plan for food, and let us know if you will need childcare. Contact: Jane Dixon ([email protected], 914-370-0760)

Adam Kent Concert

Music at CUUC presents Pianist Adam Kent in Recital - "The Music of Spain: Alicia de Larrocha at 100," Sun Nov 12, 12:30pm, In person in the CUUC Sanctuary and livestream

Long noted for his expertise in the music of the Spanish speaking world, CUUC Music Director Adam Kent offers a centennial tribute to the great Spanish pianist Alicia de Larrocha. Program includes works by composers including Manuel de Falla, Isaac Albéniz, and Enrique Granados, as well as music dedicated to or composed by de Larrocha. Donations gratefully accepted at the door, or donate online (use the QR code or visit cuucwp.org and click Donation. Select "Music at CUUC" from the dropdown). To view the simultaneous livestream, log in at bit.ly/Music-at-CUUC, or phone (audio only): 646-876-9923. Webinar: 761 321 991, Passcode: 468468

Be a Grand-Pal

GrandPals Launch Party, Sun Nov 12, 11:20am, Fellowship Hall

Hearing Assistance

Did you know... our sanctuary sound system includes eight personal hearing-assistance receivers. If you find you'd like a boost to hear the service better - whether or not you already wear a personal hearing aid - please ask an usher for an audio receiver when you come into the sanctuary on Sunday morning.

From Environmental Practices

A proposal for a summer gas leaf blower ban in New York State is currently in the Health Committees of both the State Senate and the State Assembly. You can find links to where to indicate your support for the proposal, and also learn about how to keep the leaves in the yard and why it's so beneficial, at Leave Leaves Alone, www.leaveleavesalone.org.

The Ministerial Search Committee invites you to sign up for a "Cottage Meeting," a small-group discussion lasting about one hour, where we will ask about your needs and preferences for our next minister. Cottage Meetings will be taking place over the next few weeks, in person after Sunday service, or on a weeknight over Zoom. To sign up, visit https://bit.ly/CottageMeetingSignup, select a date, and follow the prompts. For help, or to sign up in person, contact Alex Sehdeva ([email protected]), or anyone from the Committee.

CPR Certification Class

Heartsaver CPR/AED Certification Class, Sat Nov 11, 9:30am-12:30pm, CUUC

The Safety Committee is sponsoring a "Heartsaver CPR/AED" certification class designed for lay responders, which will cover Adult CPR, Choking, and Adult AED, as well as the child and infant CPR/AED modules. The training will be led by Michael Wellington, EMS Training Coordinator & Post 77 Advisor, Port Chester - Rye - Rye Brook EMS. CUUC will cover the cost for each participant. If you would like to attend, please contact Creighton Cray ([email protected]; 914-830-0987).

Auction 2023

Auction 2023 "Among the Stars," Sat Nov 18, 5:30pm, Sanctuary

The Countdown is On

Buy your tickets now! Add your name to the ticket list at the auction table, mail in your ticket stub, or buy your ticket online at the DONATE page at cuucwp.org (select "Auction 2023 Tickets" from the dropdown). Tickets are $55 each.
Let us know if you need childcare by contacting Janet Bear ([email protected])
Let us know if you still have a donation to make by contacting Patricia Goettel ([email protected])
PLEASE consider volunteering. We still have jobs available including decorating assistance before the auction and small job the night of the auction. Check our Auction Sign-up Sheet
Auction Planning Meeting is this Sun Oct 29, 11:15am, Room 41 & Zoom 6161. Please join us!

THANK YOU!

Helping Out HOPE

Meals for HOPE, Mondays, 10:00am-2:00pm, CUUC Kitchen

Would you like to help the Meals for HOPE cooking team feed our neighbors in need? Add your name to our HOPE Sign-Up spreadsheet. You can also check the paper copy posted to the kitchen whiteboard.

Letter Writing Campaign

Letter Writing Campaign, now through Mon Oct 31

The CUUC Reproductive Justice and Democracy Matters Teams are together sponsoring a letter writing campaign to support Vote Forward. We have letters available for the important Ohio Ballot Initiative in November and the General Election. You write letters in your own home, on your own time. Just address the envelopes, write 2-3 sentences in the letter, and mail the letters no later than Halloween. Contact Audra Russell ([email protected]).

New Exterior Door Keys

As part of our Safety Committee's goal to protect the building and congregation, all exterior entrance doors have been re-keyed. A limited number of copies will be held by leadership and staff. Everyone else is asked to use the key stored in the wall-mounted lockbox to the right of the main entrance. Click here for video instructions on how to use the lockbox. Please contact the office if you need the code.

Coffee Hour Hosts

Our congregational connections thrive when we all do our part to care for them. One simple act of service to enhance our community is to volunteer as a coffee hour host. We need at least 2 volunteers on a Sunday (3 is even better), so the hosts share the tasks. Can you help? To see available dates and sign up, visit our Online Coffee Hour Sign-up: bit.ly/CUUC_CoffeeHour. Contact Terri Kung ([email protected]), Chris Kortlandt ([email protected])

Caring & Sharing

If we can help you or someone you know in our congregation, reach out to this month's primary caregiver, Liz Laite (914-922-1300, [email protected]), or her backup Catherine Kortlandt (914-834-7112, [email protected]). You may also contact the CUUC office ([email protected], 914-946-1660 x2).

Online Offering

To make your offering or donate to our Share the Plate online, use our PayPal button here. Or go to our website, cuucwp.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 cuucwp.org.

Weekly Calendar and Logins

Visit cuucwp.org/events-programs/calendar on our website and click on an event for login information. To reserve a Zoom online meeting room, contact [email protected].

Fri Oct 27 - Religious Educator, Tracy B, away - 9:00am Past Prime Time Dance Party (CUUC & Zoom 6161); 10:30am Rental: OA (Fireside or Room 11); 3:00pm NO "A TEMPO" TODAY “A Tempo with Adam” (facebook.com/adamkentmusic, A-Tempo-With-Adam Zoom)

Sat Oct 28 - Religious Educator, Tracy B, away - 9:00am Rental: Evrika Learning Center (Room 23); 10:00am Rental: Zen Practice (Room 43 & Zoom 7899); 12:00pm Rental: New Westchester Symphony Orchestra - Set-up (Sanctuary); 3:00pm Rental: NewWSO - Concert (Sanctuary); 4:30pm Rental: NewWSO - Reception (Sanctuary); 5:00pm Halloween Game Night (Fellowship Hall)

Sun Oct 29 - Religious Educator, Tracy B, away - 8:45am Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary); 9:00am Pastoral Associates (Room 13 & Zoom 2210); 9:45am Childcare (Room 32); 10:00am Sunday Worship (Sanctuary & bit.ly/CUUC-Worship); 10:15am K-6 Grades RE Classes (Rooms 41, 43, 33); 7-12 Grades Set Up Halloween Party (Red Hallway); 11:15am Social Hour (Fireside Area); 11:15am Virtual Coffee Hour (bit.ly/CUUC-CoffeeHour); 11:15 RE Halloween Party (Red Hallway); 11:15am Auction Committee (Room 41, Zoom 6161); 11:30am Search Committee-Cottage Meeting (Room 21); 11:45am Journey Group: Leahy/Good (Room 43); 1:00pm Rental: Greater NY Mensa Testing (Room 41)

Mon Oct 30 - Religious Educator, Tracy B, away - 9:00am Past Prime Time Dance Party (Fellowship Hall & Zoom 6161); 10:00am Meals for HOPE (Kitchen); 7:00pm Rental: Poperatic Entertainment (Fellowship Hall or Sanctuary)

Tue Oct 31 - 10:00am Sandwiches for HOPE (Kitchen); 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

Wed Nov 1 - 3:00pm Virtual Tea for Retirees (Zoom 2210); 6:30pm Worship Associate Team Planning (Zoom 3131); 7:00pm Ministerial Search Committee (Zoom 7899); 7:30pm Worship Committee Meeting (Zoom 3131)

Thu Nov 2 - 3:30pm Program Council (Fellowship Hall & Zoom 7899); 7:00pm Search Committee-Worship Committee (Zoom 7899); 7:30pm Worship Associate Team Planning (Zoom 3131)

Fri Nov 3 - 9:00am Past Prime Time Dance Party (CUUC & Zoom 6161); 10:30am Rental: OA (Fireside or Room 11); 3:00pm “A Tempo with Adam” (facebook.com/adamkentmusic, A-Tempo-With-Adam Zoom); 7:00pm Story Time with Barbara (Zoom 3131)

Sat Nov 4 - 9:00am Rental: Evrika Learning Center (Room 23); 10:00am Rental: Zen Practice (Room 43 & Zoom 7899); 10:00am Day in Place (CUUC Grounds); 11:00am Search Committee-Cottage Meeting (Room 11); 2:00pm Rental: WCHJ Concert (Fellowship Hall)

Sun Nov 5 - 9:00am In the Spirit of Truth (Room 13 & Zoom 2210); 9:45am Childcare (Room 32); 10:00am Sunday Worship (Sanctuary & bit.ly/CUUC-Worship); 10:15am RE: K-6th Chapel, 7th-9th Class, 10th-12th Attending Worship (Rooms 11, 33, 41, 43); 11:15am Pizza Lunch/Coffee Hour/Meet & Greet New Amsterdam Choral Academy (Fellowship Hall); 11:15am Newcomers Welcome Lunch (Fireside Area); 11:15am Virtual Coffee Hour (Zoom 2210)

ONLINE ZOOM MEETING LOGIN INFO

Zoom Webinar 1991 / Worship Zoom - Login: https://bit.ly/CUUC-Webinar-1991

or https://bit.ly/CUUC-Worship

or https://bit.ly/Music-at-CUUC

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 https://bit.ly/CUUC-CoffeeHour

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