Spirits in Harmony performing at 11 a.m.

New Member Sunday: Introduction at the 9 a.m. service.

The Budget
The Board learned that Montessori School will not be renewing its contract for 2012-2013. This places the Fellowship in a very difficult position as it moves into an expensive period through year two of the interim process and the search for a called minister. We are working on finding a replacement tenant and would appreciate any suggestions. In the meantime, the Board is looking at our budgetary needs for the coming year and discussing approaches to meeting our financial goals. We will hold a meeting to discuss the budget once we have a plan. We promise to hold it well before the annual meeting in June.

Stewardship Campaign
Thank you all for your financial commitment to the Fellowship. Just a reminder to those who have not sent in their forms as yet to please do so as soon as possible. This will help greatly with the Board’s budget work.

The Ministerial Search Committee
The Search Committee is well on its way with the election of Kathy Williams as chair and Eddy Fried as treasurer. The next step is the creation and distribution of the Search Survey. I urge everyone to take the time to thoughtfully complete the survey. It is an important tool to making sure that all congregational voices are heard and counted in the search process. Please make sure to check the calendar and the order of service for upcoming dates for important meetings in the final months of the church year. Your participation is very important.

In joy, Nenette Kress

Certainly, threatening words and actions also conflict with the second UU Principle, justice, equity and compassion in human relations. It may seem confusing because we know that sometimes ideas themselves are experienced as a threat by others-ideas for a more equitable economy, for example, can be experienced as threatening by those for whom wealth is a source of pride in what they see as their own accomplishment. In the 1500’s, our religious forebear Francis David said that “we need not think alike to love alike.” That is the real touchstone of a vibrant, healthy, diverse community. Ideas are magic food for Unitarian Universalists-we love them and we get excited about them. But different ideas are not an excuse for being disrespectful. Different ideas may challenge authority or conventional mores but those are not problematic in themselves. The history of the best of religious history is replete with examples of such out-of-the-box thinking-the historical Buddha, the Hebrew prophets and Jesus, to give a few examples. There are, however, ideas that proffer
harmful outcomes-racial epithets, ideas pedophiles have about sexual activity with children, ideas that suggest women are not intelligent, ideas that target populations as generically undesirable additions to the community (transgender folk, Republicans,immigrants, Muslims, etc.) for example. This is not about “political correctness.” Ideas with harmful outcomes need direct conversation and, in instances where minors are involved, it needs to be clear that no behavior (either words or action) that crosses those boundaries will be tolerated.

Our third UU Principle, acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations can be one of the reasons we get confused about the meaning of “acceptance.” Acceptance has to be understood in the context of spiritual growth. Acceptance is not the enabling of or overlooking of destructive behavior. Acceptance means that we understand that we are different in a variety of ways, that we are in different places on our spiritual journeys. For there to be spiritual growth in a congregation, its members must themselves be growing spiritually and that does not happen easily in an environment of hostility, an environment of angers big and small, an environment of envy where individuals attempt to exert their own ideas of control over persons and systems. Acceptance must have a “no” built into it to be authentic. That “no” is a “no” to behavior that disrupts positive interactions between people who are seeking to deepen their spiritual engagement. Any member of a UU congregation expects to be engaged in what the fourth UU Principle calls a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Note that the word “free” and the word “responsible” are linked.

The fifth UU Principle affirms the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. Conscience is huge-it is the touchstone of religious freedom. And we know it in our lives especially when we say to someone, “in conscience, I cannot support your agenda.” The democratic process, as we use it in this country and our congregations, is always difficult because there are “winners and losers.” And in congregations, there is not much of a way around that because other methodologies of decision-making seem to lack transparency.

The sixth UU Principle speaks of the hope for world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. Even if the hope of that in our lifetimes is slim, the goal of peace, liberty and justice for all suggests that we want those things in our congregations also. If we don’t build it there, how can we build it anywhere else?

Of course our seventh UU Principle is respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. This beautiful concept calls us into right relationship with the whole, and hopefully with all of its parts. That, too, is the challenge for us in our congregations-to understand them as ecosystems so to speak and to learn their rhythms-and also of course to prevent behaviors that destroy the appropriate balances.

May this be helpful in your further explorations together. Blessings!

Rev. Orlanda

Fletcher Harper, an Episcopal priest, is Executive Director of GreenFaith, a national interfaith environmental coalition. An award-winning spiritual writer and nationally-recognized preacher on the environment, he has developed a range of innovative programs to make Green Faith a leader in the fast-growing religious-environmental movement.  A graduate of Princeton University and Union Theological Seminary, Harper served as a parish priest for ten years and in leadership positions in the Episcopal Church prior to joining Green Faith.  He was named 2006 Environmental Leader of the Year in New Jersey by Gov. Jon Corzine and NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson, accepted Green Faith’s Many Faith’s, one Earth Award from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in 2009, and was named an Ashoka Fellow in 2011.

In his  sermon, Green our Faith, Green our Lives, Rev. Harper will explore the three core reasons why members of spiritual and religious communities are called to engage environmental concerns. He’ll share stories and offer a passionate witness about protecting the earth as an emerging spiritual, moral priority for the 21st century.

Founded in 1992, GreenFaith is a leading interfaith coalition for the environment. Green Faith inspires, educates and mobilizes people of diverse religious backgrounds as environmental leaders.

Through religious-environmental education programs, by greening the operation of religious institutions and the homes of their members, and through legislative advocacy and values-based environmental activism, Green Faith helps religious institutions and people of all faiths put their belief into action for the earth.

Details as follows:

Original Artwork and Photographs are acceptable. We do have some room (not a lot) for sculpture.

* All art must be framed and equipped with a side-to-side wire for hanging.

The work is limited to works with a maximum outside dimension of 20 x 24.

* All work must be labeled on back with artist’s name, address, telephone number and the title.  If for sale, please include price.

* Art must be dropped off at the Church on either Sunday, May 6 between 12 noon and 1 p.m. or on Sunday, May 13 between 12 noon and  3 p.m.

The works must be picked up on Sunday, June 10 between 12 noon and 2 p.m.  We cannot store art so arrangements must be made to have it picked up.

Opening Reception  for family and friends: Saturday, May 19 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Lynda Karanikolas ladylbk@aol.com

Thank you all for participating in the election of the Ministerial Search Committee. And a tremendous thanks to all of the candidates; their willingness to serve in this important role truly is an asset to this congregation.

Our Ministerial Search Committee will be comprised of Susan Peet, Kathy Williams, Sonya Lewis, Jessica Malionek, Eddy Fried, Michael Schwartz and Chuck Morrissey.

The Committee has much important work to do over the next fourteen months, and our strong showing in the election - 92 members submitted ballots, an extraordinary turnout - demonstrates how much trust we have placed in this group. As a congregation, in fact, we all have more important work to do as we prepare to call a new minister.

Congratulations and heartfelt gratitude to the Ministerial Search Committee and all of the candidates. If you would like to get a better sense of the tasks the Committee will be undertaking, please click here for the UUA’s calendar and checklist laying out the earliest preparations for our transition all the way through the congregation’s call of a new minister.

The fantastic participation of the whole congregation in the election of the Ministerial Search Committee says so much about the excitement we have and the momentum we are carrying forward through this process. This is a historic time for us.

Rob Malionek

Time and again our congregation comes together to learn, lean on one another, celebrate and connect in numbers that are the envy of many of our sister congregations. Three very recent examples are the election of the Ministerial Search Committee and the outstanding attendance and participation at the COFFEE HOUSE Fundraiser and at our Congregational Retreat.

SEARCH COMMITTEE ELECTION
91 of you-almost the entire congregation-voted in the election for the Ministerial Search Committee. We had an excellent slate of ten candidates-Lynda Karanikolas, Eddy Fried, Chuck Morrisey, Sonya Lewis, Jessica Malionek, Shannon Varekamp, Susan Peet, Leigh Kahn, Michael Schwartz and Kathy Williams of which seven committee members-Eddy Fried, Leigh Kahn, Sonya Lewis, Jessica Malionek, Susan Peet, Michael Schwartz and Kathy Williams-were chosen as the congregation’s representatives in the search for our new minister. Thank you to all for your commitment to the health of our spiritual home. The next step will be a meeting with Reverend Craig Hirshberg to map out the process the Search Committee will take on its journey to identify the right candidate for our Fellowship.

COFFEE HOUSE
The COFFEE HOUSE played to a capacity crowd with close to 80 tickets sold and over 75 people enjoying the entertainment, bidding on the live auction items and dipping into the delicious desserts. All this activity kept the FUN in Fundraiser and netted over $6,000 for the Fellowship. Congratulations and thank you to the planners, singers, poets, comedians, cooks and customers. It was an unforgettable evening.

CONGREGATIONAL VISIONING RETREAT
Over half the congregation came together to envision our future at the congregational retreat on March 24. Facilitator Suzi Novak, led us through a series of exercises designed to capture what enlivens us about our spiritual home, what resonates with us about being Unitarian Universalists and what we wish for our future. This information was captured on paper and then divided into five overall themes. We were invited to jot down actual activities we wanted to see accomplished within each theme. Then, we voted on each activity using the familiar “colored dots.” This visioning process will provide valuable information to the Ministerial Search Committee as they develop the survey to poll the congregation about the expertise, experience and characteristics we would like to have in the new minister we choose to lead us into the future. Thank you to all who participated with such enthusiasm and for the help from the Search Committee and the Board. For those of you who did not make the meeting, I will get the themes and the activities out to everyone shortly. And, everyone will have an opportunity to state their dreams and opinions when they complete the upcoming Search Committee survey.

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN
Sunday, March 25 marked the start of our annual giving process, our Stewardship Campaign. Sharon and Greg Kullberg, chairs of this year’s campaign, presented at both services along with Kathy Williams who shared what our Fellowship has meant to her and her family over the years. Greg and Sharon defined stewardship as the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care. It is my hope that the care with which we share our talents and our time translates into the same level of care in our financial gifts to the Fellowship during this year’s all-important Stewardship Campaign. The campaign will run for the next three weeks. As additional incentives there is a matching contribution program and those who get their contribution forms in by April 15 will be entered in a raffle for one of Sharon’s lovely paintings. For more information, turn to the next article in the newsletter on the Stewardship Campaign.

We’ve had an early spring this year. April means that we get to enjoy the Seder on Saturday, April 14 led by Michael Schwartz. It is a wonderful experience. Stay caring and connected. It is our gift to the world.

In joy, Nenette Kress

As you know, the annual Stewardship Campaign has begun. Greg’s thoughtful letter puts it in context.

Just to add a few words, the Fellowship is you! Its life depends on you and you alone.

One of the bargains we made in the free church tradition was to do things ourselves. And that means a whole lot to do! Of course there are moments when we could use some help and there are also moments when we can give help to another congregation. But mostly, it’s our baby.

That said, for millennia, folks around this amazing globe have understood they have to put resources into what is important to them. A lot of those resources have gone into the religious institutions that have given them spiritual homes, have given them a place where they can find their way when they are in distress, have helped them dream about building societies that are good, have offered them hope in their own lives and in the world around them. All these thousands of years later, we have a lot of the same needs.

UUFBCO is a spiritual home, a refuge for the spirit, a beacon of hope for those who have found society hostile to who they are in their inner being. And it is a place of prophecy and purpose, of education and service. Everybody here ministers in one way or another.

Raise up your hopes for the future. Give it your best and feel great doing it.

Always, with gratitude,

Rev. Orlanda

GNWP is a coalition of over 55 women’s groups and other civil society organizations from  Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Europe and Latin America that are directly involved in advocacy and action for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 on women and peace and security at the local, national, regional and international levels. The network consolidates and strengthens efforts in bridging the gap between policy discussions at the international level and action for policy implementation on the ground, particularly  in conflict-affected countries. It is a platform that enables members to share information,  experiences and strategies in peace building and reconstruction processes in ways that enhance both their individual and collective outreach and impact.

Helena will help us understand the importance of the various United Nations Security Council Resolutions that protect women’s rights and security (UNSCR 1325, 1820, 1888, 1889, and 1960).

She will talk about various GNWP Projects and hopes to bring a member from Burundi, Nepal, Sri Lanka or the Philippines to talk about a specific in-country project. These are their four main projects:

Civil Society In Country and Global Monitoring of UNSCR 1325. This project is designed to assess the progress of participating UN members around the pillars of this resolution: participation, prevention and protection, and promotion of a gender perspective.

Capacity building, local legislation and UNSCR 1325 workshops. Guided by the principle of local and national ownership and good governance, GNWP has implemented workshops in Burundi, Nepal and the Philippines. These workshops include critical local  actors such as district officials, peace committees, women’s groups, civil society organizations and representatives of the army and police.

Public meetings on UNSCR 1325 and 1820. GNWP held public meetings in Nepal and Burundi using UNSCR 1325 and 1820 as instruments to promote women’s rights and political participation, to prevent sexual violence, and adequately address the needs of survivors and victims of sexual violence.

Advocacy for a CEDAW General Recommendation on Women and Armed Conflict. GNWP is working with NGOs and academic institutions in lobbying the independent    committee for the Convention on All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to adopt a General Recommendation on Women and Armed Conflict. 

 Please join us in welcoming Helena Gronberg to our Fellowship.

The Genius of Shamanism program will run from 7:30-9 p.m. on Monday, June 4.  Please Note Change in Date.

Please contact Peter Callaway (thecallaways@att.net) or Marge Grimm (914-827-8298) with any questions.

Congregational Retreat
On Saturday, March 24, we will hold our first congregational retreat in five years. The day is designed to give us a focused span of time so that we can reconnect with one another to dream and bring our ideas for our vision for our congregation. Suzi Novak, our facilitator, will lead us on what promises to be a very exciting and fulfilling journey. The day will be divided into several segments where we will break into small groups to discuss our connections to the congregation and UU and our wishes for the future. The groups will share their results for discussion and voting into a vision. This vision will be one of the guideposts for the selection and deployment of our new minister. It will also be the foundation for our mission which will be determined during a later process. The day starts with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and will end around 4:00 p.m. Babysitting will be available. Signup sheets and tickets will be available starting with the March 4 Sunday service. Please make sure to indicate if you need babysitting and the number and ages of the children.

COFFEE HOUSE Event
This year’s annual fundraiser is a Coffee House event on Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. This will be a fun-filled evening of music and poetry topped off by a Live Auction and Raffle. Event and raffle tickets are on sale after services. This is our primary fundraiser for the year and I urge you to come. Our fundraising events have become famous and are the talk of the congregation for weeks after the event occurs. Your presence will add to the fun.

Ministerial Search Committee Election
Sunday, March 4 is the last day you will be able to vote for the Ministerial Search Committee. Ten candidates are on the roster, seven of whom will become the congregation’s representatives in the all-important search for our new minister. Thank you to the candidates-Eddy Fried, Leigh Kahn, Lynda Karanikolas, Sonya Lewis, Jessica Malionek, Chuck Morrissey, Susan Peet, Michael Schwartz, Shannon Varekamp and Kathy Williams for their dedication to the congregation. Your vote is very important, so grab your coffee and complete a ballot.

Tax Time
As I started collecting all the information I needed to complete my taxes, I was delighted not to have to go over my bank statements to determine my contributions to the Fellowship. The pledge statement I received from the Fellowship took the pain out of the process. Thank you to our treasurer, Brian Kahn.

In Closing
The turnout at the Beyond Categorical Thinking (BCT) service and workshop was outstanding. We had 64 people at the service and 54 who were able to stay for the workshop. We need to have the same enthusiastic response for all of the events and initiatives we have coming up. Greater participation means broader representation of the views of everyone in the congregation. That’s important as we gather together to make major decisions such as the vote on our new minister next year.

In joy, Nenette Kress

* There is an exciting project in the works! One of the transitional tasks for congregations is to honor their past. Some congregations have written histories, some even have professional historians to put the congregation’s past into perspective. UUFBCO seems not to have either. So, the Transition Team and I thought that collecting an oral history of the Fellowship would be an important part of the legacy of the congregation and invaluable for your new minister as well. This project will have at least two aspects. Probably once a month, in the service, one of the longer-term members will speak about this congregation’s past. On other Sundays, after the service, we will try to make digital recordings of congregational memories either in interview style or as conversations between people who remember the same event or events. We hope that you will be eager to participate. Details to come!

* Thank you to those who have come to the Genius of Hinduism and the Genius of Buddhism. The Genius of Taoism is next at the end of March. Because some of you cannot come on Monday nights, we will do the first two again on two Tuesdays and thereafter have Tuesdays in addition to Mondays for this series. We will probably have the exact dates in this Sunday’s order of service.

* You have the most important role in deciding the future of UUFBCO-the upcoming congregation retreat is an opportunity to come up with a vision for that future. Please do make March 24 a priority in your schedule. Nenette’s letter has more details.

* Finally, my apologies to the Fellowship Choir for unintentional errors in the order of service. You are fabulous singers! We will try to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Rev. Orlanda Brugnola

 
February Sunday ‘Split the Plate’ will Benefit the Wheelchair Sports Federation.

Since I first walked in the door of our Fellowship almost seven years ago (I’ve been a member for five years), I have marveled at how we come together again and again when we are called upon to learn something new, act on an issue, provide care and outreach to one another, and embrace our future through education of our children. So, I was delighted but not surprised by our participation in the Beyond Categorical Thinking Workshop on January 22. I am delighted once again in the response for candidates for the Ministerial Search Committee. Currently, there are over ten applicants who are considering participation on the Search Committee for our future minister.

In addition to all this activity, there continues to be opportunities for personal ministry to our congregation through participation in and leadership of our various committees. In What is Your Ministry? Dr. Jan Carlsson-Bull discusses the idea of shared ministry…”the belief that ministry of the congregation does not belong exclusively to ordained clergy, but to everyone.” Perhaps the Ministerial Search Committee is a commitment you cannot make at this time. But, you want an opportunity to participate in activities that “speak to the faith and works of this congregation.” Take some time to think of your own interests and talents and how they might be shared with the congregation. Through this process of giving can come a wonderful sense of reward and accomplishment. Just ask those who share themselves with us through their imagination, creativity and, yes, physical labor.

There are many more opportunities for us to come together to plan for our future. This month we vote on the Ministerial Search Committee. Next month is our Coffee House Café Fundraiser and our Fellowship Retreat and the following month is our Stewardship Campaign. The March events need volunteers to guarantee their success. Watch for more information and pitch in.

To be successful, the work of transition needs to be a partnership with the interim minister, the board and the congregation. In her Minister’s letter, Reverend Orlanda talks about the wonderful progress being made on our transition journey. She also talks about the evaluation process that takes place this month as she and the Board exchange ideas and discuss how mutually effective the transition process has been and what we need to accomplish as we go forward.

Mark your calendars:
· February 5-all Ministerial Search Committee applications in
· March 10-Coffee House Café
· March 23/24-Fellowship Retreat
· April-Stewardship Campaign

In joy,

Nenette Kress, President
Board of Trustees

Dear Members and Friends of UUUFBCO, you are really on your way! Yes, I know that makes three exclamation points in a row, but you deserve it. As I said on the last Sunday in January, I have been bragging about you. Everyone is amazed that 54 of you attended the Beyond Categorical Thinking Workshop. Three of you attended the Consultation on Congregational Growth in Hastings. You might not think this is big, but it really is. You are gearing up to choose your Ministerial Search Committee in a process beautifully put together by the Elections Task Force. Next month you will be working on your vision for the future at a congregational retreat. And you will begin the Stewardship Campaign to finance that vision. All excellent progress!

As I have said before, the work of transition in a congregation has a simultaneous character rather than a sequential one. Things speed up, slow down, speed up. Some things don’t seem to be budging until, all of a sudden, something else happens. It’s hard to predict and usually hard to measure (although, after the BCT turnout, well…) Some tasks that need to be accomplished will not even begin until the next church year when the proper groundwork will have been done. Usually congregations think they are moving more slowly than they actually are. As an interim, I can do a pretty good job of estimating the trajectory and success of the process and am usually (and correctly) more optimistic than congregants.

On February 15, the Board and I will each be submitting the first of three evaluations of the interim process at UUFBCO to the Transitions Office at the Unitarian Universalist Association. We will share our views before we submit the documents, although not in order to change them. That information will help our facilitator plan for the Congregational Retreat on March 24 so that it can maximize the effectiveness of that precious time together.

In the meantime, please avail yourselves of the adult religious education offerings that will be coming up. I was delighted but stunned to discover that 19 people were interested in the ‘Genius of Hinduism!’ Look for the ‘Genius of Buddhism’ later this month and other programs that will be scheduled soon by myself or by our wonderful RE Director, Jane Podell. And remember, if you want to talk with me about ANYTHING, call me, email me, nab me after the service. If you have children, please know that I am always happy to talk with them, either on Sunday or at a time convenient for you, them and me. Our younger companions are most precious and their minds and hearts always deserve our encouragement and support. By now, you know from Sunday mornings how important I think that is-and my hat is off to you for the care and protection and love you give them all the time.

Blessings in this Leap Month of 2012!

Rev. Orlanda Brugnola

Kathy Williams will be performing the Special Music.

Please join the Fellowship this Sunday, February 5, in welcoming Rev. Ned Wight.

Turner Ensemble performing at the 9 a.m. service.

Sienna Project presentation:
During the month of January,SAC will “split the plate” with the Sienna Project,an organization originally suggested by Ginny Stillman. The Sienna Project envisions building schools in the small indigenous mountain villages of the Highlands of Guatemala, where there may not be enough classrooms or no classrooms at all. The national government pays teacher salaries, but does not provide funds for school buildings. In many indigenous villages children may never go to school.

This project is intended as a living memorial to Sienna Lavanhar, the daughter of the Reverend Marlin and Anitra Lavanhar who died suddenly and unexpectedly three days after her third birthday. The project was initiated by her grandfather, Marlin Lavanhar and uncle,Derek Lavanhar, who have established non profit organizations (NGOs)in both the US and Guatemala to make it happen.

Marlin Lavanhar and his wife Caroline, are seeking volunteers to help build schools in Guatemala through the Sienna Project which UUFBCO has been supporting for several years now through 2nd collections. This year, the trip is scheduled for February 25 through March 3. Marlin will be speaking at the January 15 Sunday Service and will be presenting a slide show from past Sienna Project projects, providing informational brochures and telling you about this year’s trip. Ginny Stillman and Jane Hackenburg have both volunteered in years past and can talk more with anyone who is interested.

Read more about this project at http://www.siennaproject.com

Fellowship Choir at 9 a.m., with Keith Harris performing at 11 a.m.

Mid-Year Business Meeting at 12:30 p.m.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dear Members and Friends, 

Happy New Year!

I’ve been reading a lot about transitions lately. Much of the literature centers on our own Fellowship transition to calling a new minister. The other “transition” is personal and centers on my move from a happy and fulfilling 44-year professional career into a happy  and hopefully long retirement this coming year.  The issues are the same in both cases. There are endings, confusion, concern over what’s next and time in a “neutral zone,”  a termed coined by author William Bridges that represents the all-important space where we empty ourselves in order to learn how we want to fill ourselves once again.  The “neutral zone” is the place where we can safely explore new things and new ways of thinking and experiencing our lives and our spirituality. 2012 is full of the promise of new things. We have many opportunities and events to help us learn about who we are and how we want to see our Fellowship in the future. 

Midyear Business Meeting-Sunday, January 8 at 12:30 p.m.

Over the past few years, the Board has held a midyear business meeting to let you know about how things are going at the Fellowship. This year’s meeting is very important because we will be discussing, in detail, the ministerial search process which commences this winter. We will discuss the Ministerial Search Committee-the selection of its members, the significant responsibilities and the commitment of time and energy required of committee members and the steps and timing for the search process itself. We will also discuss our budget and the financial commitments we will need to make this year to meet all of our goals.  A meeting notice and agenda will be distributed prior to the meeting. 

Beyond Categorical Thinking (BCT)-Sunday, January 22-single service at 11:00 p.m. followed by lunch and workshop from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

You have probably heard me talking about BCT at the Sunday services. Jacqui Williams and Donna Dolham from the UUA Transitions office will facilitate this workshop to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent unfair discrimination in the search process for our new minister. Signup sheets are available at the coffee hour. Make sure to take a ticket and mark your calendar. 

Congregational Retreat-Community Unitarian Church of White Plains-Friday, March 23 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This is our opportunity to build community to determine what we, together, see as our vision for the Fellowship and our mission as UUs. The identification and articulation of our vision and mission will help us to call a Minister whose skills and characteristics are as representative of the congregation and our goals as possible. There will be lots to do and you can expect to work hard. But the rewards will be great because you will be creating the structure for the future of your spiritual home. More details will be available in upcoming emails and newsletters. 

Your presence is needed to make this process and these events meaningful and successful for all of us. I urge you to please attend all of these events.

Babysitting will be available for all events.

Stewardship Campaign-Month of April

In an earlier newsletter, I announced that our Stewardship Campaign would take place in February with Sharon and Greg Kullberg as chairs. The Board met with Sharon and Greg  at our last meeting and decided together that, in light of all that we want to accomplish this winter and early spring, it would be better to hold the Stewardship Campaign in April.   This way we will have a better idea of our goals and what we will need, financially, to attain them.

Lots to do and lots to learn. It is a very exciting time for all of us. The Board and I are delighted to be partnering with you on this journey and encourage your suggestions and questions.

In joy,

Nenette Kress

First and foremost, all blessings for you in this New Year! May your joys be great and your burdens light. May you find its challenges exciting and renewing. May you experience ever more love in your heart and compassion in your work. 

Back in October, I mentioned the five tasks that are part of transition for congregations. Here they are again:

First, the congregation must claim and honor its past.

Second, the congregation must illuminate its unique identity.

Third, the congregation must clarify the multiple dimensions of leadership.

Fourth, the congregation must renew its connections with available resources.

And fifth, the congregation must renew its vision. 

The tasks are not necessarily in order, nor are they a punch list of sorts. These tasks are completed at different paces. Now one task seems to pick up momentum, then slows and another races forward, etc. They are simultaneous not sequential but each has its own rhythm and that is not necessarily predictable. Sometimes a task may seem stalled, but only until one of the others moves forward. 

This explains why I can not give you a map of the process with discrete moments. What we can do and will do, is evaluate where we are several times during the interim ministry. The first such evaluation is due on February 15, 2012, the second September 30 and the final one on June 15, 2013. The Board and I will do separate evaluations which we will share before they are submitted to the Transitions Office at the Unitarian Universalist Association. The mid-year  evaluations give us a chance to make needed course corrections during the interim process. This will be immensely useful when we have our congregational retreat in March 2012 and engage in a visioning process for UUFBCO’s future. 

From my observations so far, I can say that I think that while change is virtually always unsettling, things are going more smoothly than I expected. I am learning your strengths, testing boundaries in terms of what you really think you must hold on to of the past, and offering some challenges to spiritual growth.  Know that my heart is absolutely with you and your future. I admire your talents, your commitment and the passion you bring to what you do. 

Look for an announcement soon about adult religious education offerings. I will be doing a series ‘The Genius of the World’s Religions,” and also offer multiple one-hour spiritual journey workshops for 5-10 people. 

In the meantime, please be sure to sign up for the January 22 “Beyond Categorical Thinking.” 

Rev. Orlanda Brugnola

Spirits in Harmony/Fellowship Choir: Breath of Heaven

No need for a crystal ball to know that the holidays are here already. Our Fellowship is poised for a wonderful holiday season of celebration, and we have some good news to start us off.

TRIANGLE PARCEL
After many years of thinking, talking, negotiating, (and re-thinking and being distracted by other issues and then talking and then waiting . . . and waiting while more urgent issues were addressed), your Board has concluded the process of purchasing the fabled “triangle parcel” which adjoins our property. The parcel is approximately ½ acre and is located directly behind our property; it borders the rear parking lot for Gaetano’s Grill at 2025 Albany Post Road and the ±12 acre undeveloped “Santucci” parcel at the intersection of Albany Post Road and Watch Hill Road. (You may recall that the Santucci parcel was the focus of a potential development proposal for an ice hockey facility/ recreation facility in 2006/ 07.) The purchase price for this ½ acre parcel was $15,000, or less than $0.70 a square foot. Needless to say, the Board’s discussions with real estate experts confirmed that this was an extremely favorable price.

Over the years various Boards have looked, inquired and considered the merits of acquiring this parcel. Some long time members may recall that the triangle parcel was the focus of serious attention immediately after we purchased our parking lot (former County Road 657) from Westchester County in 2003. Since acquiring our parking lot, the prospect of adding the triangle parcel was discussed in the 2004 Strategic Planning Task Force Report and has generally been part of the long range planning discussion/ process for several years.

Why add acreage when we’re unsure of our future? Yes, there is some uncertainty about where, how and when we’ll grow- but there is no doubt that UUFBCO doesn’t exist in a vacuum. To grow, evolve or merely survive the future, we have to think strategically. Your Board was motivated in part by the opportunity of taking advantage of a “down” real estate market; we believe this additional acreage will enhance the value of our property.

Among the many reasons motivating this purchase are the following:

Investment. Our cash reserves are presently earning 1% APR. We have no mortgage and healthy reserves. The purchase price is less than a dollar a square foot (!) and is a one time expense; i.e., our property is tax exempt and aside from a negligible increase in our property insurance, there will be no continuing operational cost. The purchase was funded entirely from reserves. From a purely financial perspective, the opportunity to invest a small portion of our reserves that don’t otherwise earn that much sitting in the bank is sound.

Future Potential. This acquisition increases our total acreage and therefore, increases the potential resale value of our property. Development potential is calculated largely (but not exclusively) on “floor area ratio” (FAR), meaning the larger the property, the larger the structure that can be built. If we build or rebuild here, we can build a larger structure. Alternatively, a developer could also build a larger structure; remember: our property sits on a 4-way intersection and if (if) we ever decide to sell our property, its potential for commercial development is very real. We believe that this additional acreage will increase our options for growth if we stay here, and also improve the ultimate sale price if we do choose to sell and relocate.

Strategic Planning. The near development of the 12 acre Santucci parcel at 9A and Watch Hill Road is a sobering reminder that things around us change and will continue to change. The Hilltop Nursery across the street was a private residence a few years ago. With the acquisition of the triangle, we both protect our border and position ourselves as a potential player in the future development of this neighborhood.

Thank you to Rick Turner for negotiating this important deal and to Jeff Hass for helping with the business end of the process.

BEYOND CATEGORICAL THINKING
Our Beyond Categorical Thinking Workshop (BCT), a prerequisite for our Ministerial Search and our Congregational Retreat, will take place on Sunday, January 22. Workshop leaders Donna Dolham and Jacqui Williams, along with Reverend Orlanda, will conduct a single 11:00 a.m. service. We will then break for a congregational lunch, which will be followed at 1:00 p.m. by the BCT workshop. As noted in last month’s president’s letter, this workshop is to help us work through our feelings and reactions to ministerial candidates who may be bisexual, gay, lesbian or transgender, a person of color, or a person who may be physically challenged in some way.

ENJOYING THE HOLIDAYS TOGETHER
In a world that is quite fractured, we are very fortunate to have each other to share this warm, wonderful season. Reverend Orlanda will celebrate Hanukkah at the Fellowship on Sunday, December 4; bring your favorite holiday goodies to share during the coffee hour on Sunday, December 18 at the single 11:00 a.m. service; come caroling at the Christmas Eve service at 4:00 p.m. on December 24; and join Reverend Orlanda for the last day of Kwanzaa on January 1 at the single 11:00 a.m. service. There will be no service on Sunday, December 25.

I wish you a season of warm hands and full hearts, filled with children’s smiles and the love of good friends and family.

In joy,

Nenette Kress

We are going to be moving the special music around a little and the Words for All Ages will now follow the chalice lighting. The offering will follow Joys and the hymn that previously followed Joys, will now precede the sermon.

The final hymn in the service will be one that affirms or amplifies the theme of the sermon, as is the case in virtually every other Unitarian Universalist congregation.

And now, just a word about that beloved #123, “Spirit of Life.” As I have said in person, it was written by Carolyn McDade when she came home after a meeting for Central American solidarity and sat in her darkened living room and composed it as a prayer. When the last hymnbook commission wanted to include it, she was reluctant because, she said, “I thought of it as a living prayer, not a hymn.” In the last months I have been honoring her wish for a meditative version. Apparently, some prefer a more vigorous version and so for now, we’ll keep it as the closing hymn and stand for it, but I will still ask that we sit for the postlude in silence unless we have to leave early. We have certainly been enjoying Erika’s postludes!

And lastly, in December, the flaming chalice will become a real flaming chalice, not a candle whose light is barely visible. (Dave Morkal is on board!) And we will not extinguish it during the service. Virtually, no religious tradition extinguishes such symbols during the service unless they are excommunicating someone! That flame is symbolically always lit. Thus is being introduced in the month of December because we will have the winter solstice on December 22 and welcome the growing light of the new year.

Look for a worship workshop in January for all interested-date to be announced.

May the season bring you blessings and promise!

Rev. Orlanda Brugnola

You can feel the air crackling at the Fellowship. All committees are in full swing and the activity is focused and energized. Reverend Orlanda joined us at the first Leadership Council meeting on October 1 and has attended most, if not all, of this year’s committee meetings as well. We shared plans for the year, (make sure to read the committee news in each monthly newsletter), and finalized the calendar. The next day the Board held its retreat which was facilitated by Andrea Lerner, our district leader. It was, for me, the best retreat we have had since I joined the Board. We brought the discipline we used in the interim process last year, and with Andrea’s facilitation and Reverend Orlanda’s guidance, kept ourselves on track. What resulted is an understanding of the developmental tasks that need to be accomplished during the interim period and a timeline for the search process.

From Transition to the Search for Our New Called Minister

There are five developmental tasks that Reverend Orlanda will help the Fellowship accomplish this year as we move through the interim and discovery process. Each will help us understand who we are and what we value, and eventually determine the type of congregation we want to be in the future and the kind of spiritual guide we seek to lead us there. Through this process, including during our congregational retreat, we will: claim and honor our past; illuminate our unique identity; clarify multiple dimensions of leadership; renew connections with available resources; and renew our vision. In preparation for the March Congregational Retreat, a team from the UUA Transitions Office with Reverend Orlanda, will conduct a January Sunday service and seminar entitled Beyond Categorical Thinking. The goal of this service is to help us acknowledge and understand our feelings in calling a minister who may be bisexual, gay, lesbian or transgender, a person of color, or a person who may be physically challenged in some way.

Search Timeline

Over the next two years, a search committee will be identified and its members will move the congregation through the important and intense process of finding our new called minister. Many of you have asked about the timing for this process. The timeline is:

March/April 2012-Identify search committee; conduct congregational survey; conduct congregational retreat.

Fall 2012-Search Committee reviews candidates; exchange candidate packets; conducts phone interviews.

Winter 2013-Search Committee conducts pulpit visits with three to five pre-candidates of which one will likely be selected.

March 2013-Search Committee meets with selected candidate.

Late April/Early May 2013-Candidate Week, where the selected candidate will preach for two Sundays and meet over the week with the congregation in various venues.

Late April/Early May 2013-Immediately following the second Sunday service of Candidate Week, a congregational meeting will be held to vote on the candidate.

August 2013-Minister arrival/move in

In the coming weeks and months, you will hear more about the fulfillment of the developmental tasks and the search events from Reverend Orlanda, members of the UUA Transitions Office and the Board.

Stewardship Campaign

This year’s Stewardship Campaign, (formerly known as the pledge campaign), will be held during the month of February. Greg and Sharon Kullberg have graciously agreed to chair this important event to support the financial needs of the Fellowship. More information will be available in the coming months.

Important Dates

Arts and Crafts Fundraiser-Friday and Saturday, November 4and 5 with art displayed throughout the month of November. Volunteers needed.

Fall Cleanup-Saturday, November 12. Volunteers needed.
Beyond Categorical Thinking-January 2012. Watch for date.
Stewardship Campaign-February 2012.

So Much To Be Thankful For…
This has been an eventful year for our Fellowship. It has been filled with many joys as well as the heartache of illness and loss. Yet, each Sunday we come together to share with each other, learn from each other, and support each other, all in a spirit of warmth and love. It is these connections that help to make our Fellowship the spiritual home that it is for all of us. My thanks to all of you for your many contributions to our Fellowship, and for simply being you.

Happy Thanksgiving!
In joy,
Nenette Kress, President of the Board of Trustees

Welcoming Congregation
During coffee hour several weeks ago, Ken Counselman and I were standing next to the framed letter to the left side of the sanctuary door that cites our Fellowship as being a Welcoming Congregation. Ken said that it’s probable that many of us might not know what being part of a Welcoming Congregation means. It prompted me to learn more and share it with all of you.

The Welcoming Congregation Program is a completely volunteer program for Unitarian Universalist congregations that want to take intentional steps to become more welcoming and inclusive of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (LGBT). First launched in 1990, the Welcoming Congregation Program grew out of an understanding that widespread negative attitudes, deep prejudices, and profound ignorance about lesbian, gay, and bisexual people existed within Unitarian Universalism, which resulted in the exclusion of lesbian, gay and bisexual people from our congregations. Within the next decade, it became clear that transgender individuals also faced particular problems. This reality troubled many people who are committed to making UU congregations welcoming and inclusive places for all people, especially minority groups who have traditionally experienced exclusion, discrimination and misrepresentation within our society. Citing the principles of our UU faith-especially the affirmation of the inherentworth and dignity of every person, the 1989 General Assembly voted to initiate the Welcoming Congregation Program.
Today, 65% of U.S. Unitarian Universalist congregations and 92% of Canadian UU congregations are recognized as Welcoming Congregations, and UUFBCO is proud to be one of them. This Sunday, take a moment to look at the letter proclaiming our Welcoming Congregation participation. It is an important example of why we have chosen to be Uus.

Reminder
This month we will have two lay-led services, one on October 2 and one on October 30. This means that there is only a single 11:00 a.m. service. Also, this year’s fundraiser, a musical cabaret, will be held on Saturday, March 10. Mark your 2012 calendars so you don’t miss it.

October is a symphony of permanence and change.
Bonaro W. Overstreet

Take a moment to appreciate its beauty.
In joy,
Nenette Kress, President of the Board of Trustees

Welcome Reverend Orlanda
As you know, we are welcoming our interim minister, Reverend Orlanda Brugnola this month. To help Orlanda get to know us and to help her make her ministry as effective as possible, we have formed a Transition Team. The role of this team is to provide Orlanda with history and insight about our congregation and to act as organizational and facilitative willing hands as her ministry proceeds. The team, consisting of Bearnie Croft, Geoff Golson, Ken Swanson, Amalia Connolly, Sandy Lewis and Gary Simon, will be Orlanda’s “brain trust” as she guides us through our visioning and towards our search process next year.

Exciting Changes
If you stopped by the Fellowship over these past months, you have seen many changes. We have a beautiful new minister’s office, a bright, clean kitchen and a newly painted sanctuary thanks to Brian and Leigh Kahn and Sondra Treadwell and her grandson, Ben, who have done the lion’s share of the work. Thank you also for the helping hands of Greg Kullberg and sons–JJ and Mike, Daria Gregg, Lynda and Steven Karanikolas, Ken Swanson, Sandy Lewis, Bob Hudson, Sheri Brown, Don Parrish, Lourdes Valls-Weissman, Jim Terry, Dave Morkal, Peter Fromme and Ginny Stillman. The commitment of this team in the midst of heat, hail, thunder and lightning has been amazing. Special thanks to the Lynda Karanikolas and the Arts Committee for their help with selecting paint colors. And, thanks to the Trinity-Boscobel Methodist Church for lending us their scaffolding which was a big savings for us. We appreciate everyone’s energy and commitment. Thank you also to the presenters of our summer services. I attended a number of them and always came away intellectually stimulated and spiritually rejuvenated.

Sunday Services
Our regular services start on Sunday, September 11 when we will commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11 at both the 9:00 a.m. and the 11:00 a.m. services. We will hold our Water Communion on the next Sunday, September 18. We welcome everyone to bring special water from your summer vacation. Please remember to microwave your water before adding it to the communal vessel so that we may use this water for our new baby dedication ceremonies throughout the year. In addition, we will have our Welcome Back Potluck immediately following the service on September 18 and we look forward to all of your delicious contributions. Finally, all Worship Program Sundays will have only one service at 11:00 a.m. Please watch the bulletin for the dates. We will also make sure to indicate this time change on our web site, our phone message and our outdoor signage.

Mark Your Calendars
• Sunday, September 11-Ten Year Anniversary of 9/11
• Sunday, September 18-Water Communion Service/Welcome Back Potluck
• Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24-Congregational Retreat

Lot’s more to come. Welcome back.

In joy,

Nenette Kress, President of the Board of Trustees

One of the first things to change was the format and general appearance of the printed order of service and insert. First was the change to a vertical format which is easier to hold in the hand and allows the insert to fit in a pocket easily. A small color image related to the sermon appears at the top. When you have a new website, the same image will appear slightly larger with the announcement of the sermon. This means that a person finding UUFBCO on the web will experience continuity when they come for the service. The color of the insert is selected to pick up or harmonize with some color in the image.

Next came the paring down of words. Much that was in the old format is material that should go into a simple brochure usually titled “What to expect on Sunday morning” or the like. That’s where you will find explanations for each element of the service. I will be preparing that soon.

The words for the day moved to the inside of the order of service where they appear with something related to the environment. This gives the opportunity to give explanation or some other educational material that is richer than just a saying.

Next month, I will explain some things about elements within the service. And watch for an announcement of a workshop on worship (yet to be scheduled) for anyone who wishes to attend.

With every blessing in this season for you all,

Rev. Orlanda Brugnola

The Alban Institute offers many excellent resources for congregations. One of them notes that there are 5 developmental tasks that must be accomplished during the interim period if the minister you finally decide to call is to be effective. First, the congregation must claim and honor its past. Second, the congregation must illuminate its unique identity. Third, the congregation must clarify the multiple dimensions of leadership. Fourth, the congregation must renew its connections with available resources. And fifth, the congregation must renew its vision.

So what does that claiming and honoring the past entail? Several things. Part of the task is acknowledging not only the proud moments but also the disappointments at all levels. You already began this work before I got here. The second task has to do with identifying the congregation’s strengths, needs and challenges. You have enormous strength in your caring for each other. There is much talent and energy here. Your mission statement needs to articulate in a sentence or two what it is that makes UUFBCO’s presence in these communities important and necessary. Your visioning needs to be reviewed as often as every three years so that it is always a fresh engagement with life in these communities and the world. That review will help you tackle stewardship issues now and for the future.

The third task is about clarifying the flowing patterns of leadership that are a natural part of transition times. You will experience new and other ways of leadership-and those new and other ways will sometimes come from me but even more important and more hopefully, they will come from you. Leadership can be developed. Many of you have taken on leadership roles or tasks without much skills-building assistance and that is going to change.

The fourth task is using the many resources available to you from the UU Metro District and from the UUA as well. You have already started. Some of these opportunities will be eye-opening and deeply affirming. One of them is coming up at the beginning of November-November 5 to be exact. It’s a program entitled “Defying Gravity.” I’m going to go and I’d like as many of you to go as possible. When the District Annual Meeting comes around in the Spring, I’ll be encouraging you to join me there. And our Association’s General Assembly in June will be a special Assembly devoted to social action in Phoenix.

The fifth task is about new directions in ministry-not only professional ministry. Every one of you is engaged in some sort of ministry whether you realize it or not.. You are the life of this congregation and what you do matters enormously. Part of this year’s work together will be helping you to realize that ever more clearly. These are the areas for our time together this year.

And I want to say something about Lifespan Faith Development-that is our religious education program. Unitarian Universalism literally saves lives by offering a fresh perspective and a deeply inclusional philosophy. We owe it to our children to make ours the program they beg us to bring them to. And we owe our adults opportunities to encounter the world’s religions and to have deep conversations about important things in life. Some of you are already offering some of these adult programs and I will be offering some this year as well.

Let us, together, make this a great year!
With every blessings and hope,
Rev. Orlanda Brugnola
Interim Minister

It is an honor to be with you during this interim period in your congregation’s life. It has been a delight to meet and work with some of you already!

Please know that I look forward to you, your children, and your youth.

And I look forward to your stories, created from challenges and loves, heartbreaks and triumphs and much more. Glimpsing those is inspiring, to say the least!

Congregations also have their stories. Interim work is a special kind of ministry in a very short part of a congregation’s life. My job, in part, is to listen to the heartbeat of this congregation in the next year or two.

It is to strategize with you. It also might be to hold up a mirror from time to time, when things aren’t working as well as you might wish them to.

I already know that there is tremendous energy in this congregation, as well as deep commitment. Those are most precious keys to your future. Hopefully, I will help you begin to dream that future into being. And then you will call your next Minister who will travel there with you.

Let us, together, make this a great year!
With every blessings and hope,
Rev. Orlanda Brugnola
Interim Minister

Fall 2011 Chalice Lighters Call

A representative from the UU Congregation of Somerset Hills in Somerville, NJ will visit our fellowship this Sunday. We will be having a 2nd collection at both services that day to benefit this congregation in their pursuit toward being fully inclusive and accessible to all. In an effort to fully welcome members, friends, staff and visitors, the UU Congregation of Somerset Hills has begun a project to bring the building they purchased in 2010 into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Handicap accessibility by 2014 is crucial to their commitment to inclusivity. In fact, they have vowed not to dedicate their building until it is renovated to become accessible to all who seek to enter their doors.

Please be as generous as possible with your donations to this very deserving fellow congregation. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you, Anne Pearl, Chalice Lighters Coordinator

November Second Collection to Benefit FINCA.

SAC will sponsor a Second Collection during the month of November to benefit FINCA. FINCA provides financial services to the world’s lowest-income entrepreneurs so they can create jobs, build assets and improve their standard of living. They are an anti-poverty organization whose work is aimed at creating employment, raising family incomes, and reducing poverty worldwide.

They offer small loans and other products to those often turned down by traditional banks, believing that even the poor have a right to financial services. With these loans, families can invest in, and build, their own small businesses and their income-earning capacity. Worldwide, their clients postrepayment rates over 97 percent.

FINCA pioneered the “Village Banking method” of credit delivery, now used by hundreds of organizations worldwide. Their programs reach the poor in more diverse countries than any other microcredit provider. FINCA operates Village Banking programs in 21 countries of Africa, Eurasia, the Greater Middle East and Latin America, serving more than 800,000 people- 70% women.

They’re not a typical charity. They offer loans, not gifts, and promote financial independence, both among clients and in programs. Not a nonprofit, they operate using sound business principles and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Their work enables poor families to create their own solutions to poverty. Village Banking methodology promotes community and individual development, helping lift entire communities out of poverty. FINCA brochures and newsletters will be available during the month of November.

For more information, please go to the website <www.finca.org>.

There is only one service at 11:00 a.m.

Keith Harris, our Music Director, will be performing at the 9 a.m. service.

Our Fellowship Choir will be performing at the 11 a.m. service.

There will be a second collection to benefit the Food Bank of Westchester.

On October 23, SAC will sponsor a Second Collection to benefit the Food Bank for
Westchester. The mission of the Food Bank for Westchester is to lead, engage and educate
Westchester County in creating a hunger-free environment.  The Food Bank for Westchester was
incorporated in 1988 as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization under the name
“Food-People Allied To Combat Hunger, Inc.” — Food PATCH — to respond to the
growing needs of hungry people locally. Their name changed in April 2007 to the
Food Bank for Westchester.  The Food Bank for Westchester is the backbone of the county’s emergency food distribution network.  They solicit, acquire, warehouse and distribute food to 227 frontline hunger-relief programs throughout the county that include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and residential programs. They provide over 95% of all food distributed by these programs, helping to feed some or all of the estimated 200,000 Westchester children, seniors and their families who are hungry or at risk of hunger. They deliver 10 to 12 tons of food a day and more than seven million pounds of food each year.   To date they have distributed over 75 million pounds of food to hungry Westchester residents.  

For more information, please check out their website 
<www.foodbankforwestchester.org/>  
                         

The Truth about Hunger in Westchester

200,000 people in Westchester are hungry or at risk of hunger.  The hungry in Westchester include children, families, seniors, the working poor, the underemployed, the unemployed, the infirm, the disabled and the homeless.  Half need regular food assistance while the rest need food sporadically.  Many at-risk households have at least one adult working full time but earning barely enough to reliably keep food on the table.  Then an unexpected setback- a job loss, medical problem, car repair- forces them to seek food assistance. This could happen to anyone!

The Food Bank for Westchester fights hunger by collecting, warehousing and distributing food to member agencies who in turn give it to clients in their area as cooked meals or groceries to take home. 

On SAC Sunday, October 2, Katy Flint Coppinger, Senior Director of Development for Food Bank for Westchester, will speak to the fellowship about “leading the charge to end hunger” -hunger that effects our friends, neighbors and local community members.

Please bring non-perishable food items to the fellowship on Sunday-our youth will be collecting your donations!

Catherine Marsh, Bearni Croft and Bob Hudson will be coordinating Sunday’s service.

Welcome Back POTLUCK.

at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services.

How do you define loyalty?  In your mind, does the word have a positive or negative connotation? 

Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice.

Woodrow T. Wilson, 1856-1924, Twenty-eighth President of the USA 

Is loyalty meaningless without self-sacrifice?

Unless you can find some sort of loyalty, you cannot find unity and peace in your active living.

Josiah Royce , 1855-1916, American Philosopher 

Do you agree?

Loyalty is something you give regardless of what you get back, and in giving loyalty, you’re getting more loyalty; and out of loyalty flow other great qualities.

Charles ”Tremendous” Jones, American Motivational Speaker, Author 

Can you be loyal without getting something back?

Always laugh heartily at the jokes your boss tells, it maybe a loyalty test.

Source Unknown 

Have you ever ‘pretended’ to be loyal? 

An intelligent and conscientious opposition is a part of loyalty to country.

Bainbridge Colby 

Have you ever, out of loyalty, been part of the opposition? (to your family, country, friends, UU Fellowship) 

Was loyalty valued in your family of origin?

 *Community Circles are small groups designed to provide an opportunity for friends and members of the Fellowship to develop deeper connections and wider service within the fellowship community.  Groups typically meet once a month to discuss a selected topic and in doing so share their life stories.  For additional information about Community Circles contact Linda Griffin at forestatn@aol.com.