http://www.uucroton.org Just another WordPress weblog Sun, 11 May 2008 15:14:37 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en http://www.uucroton.org/2008/05/11/youth-sunday/ In my sermon two weeks ago, I talked about our moral responsibility to nurture and protect the Earth. Today I want to speak about our moral responsibility to nurture and protect our children. In fact, in the Earth Day sermon I asked: And how are the children? ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/05/04/what-do-our-children-need-from-us/ http://www.uucroton.org/2008/05/04/jim-covington-13/ http://www.uucroton.org/2008/05/01/parents-of-teen-support-group-meeting-sunday-518-after-the-second-service/ http://www.uucroton.org/2008/05/01/social-action-committee-meeting-sunday-518-from-930-am-to-1030-am/ The Social Action Committee is pleased to announce that Sunday, April 27th is Social Action Sunday. Our topic will be: How to be an ally for questioning, gay, lesbian or transgender youth. This is in support of SAC efforts to bring support activities to our area for GLBT ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/04/27/social-action-sunday-how-to-be-an-ally-to-glbt-youth/ While the official date for Earth Day is actually April 22, millions will begin the celebration today, including the presentation of our own Sustainability Fair organized by our Green Sanctuary study group. The first Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, 1970, was one of the most remarkable happenings in ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/04/20/earth%e2%80%99s-survival-or-ours/ http://www.uucroton.org/2008/04/20/jim-covington-the-call-of-the-earth-earth-day-celebration/ http://www.uucroton.org/2008/04/13/re-worship-service-%e2%80%98rappin-with-the-rev%e2%80%99-after-each-service-2/ Dear Members and Friends, I love being a member of this religious community, do you? Granted, this brief period of being president has required a sharper focus than I had previously. But I still remember the day Clare and I first visited a UU church. After 5 years we came ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/04/08/president%e2%80%99s-letter-april-2008/ Our Acts of Ministry: 1. On March 27, our Social Action Committee organized and led a community dialogue in response to the recent violent crime that originated at the A&P. This effort represents the kind of service and witness essential to the ministry of any UU congregation. 2. On March ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/04/08/minister%e2%80%99s-letter-%e2%80%94-april-2008/ http://www.uucroton.org/2008/03/31/buddhism-exploration-group-meeting-sunday-420-at-630-only-one-meeting-in-april/ http://www.uucroton.org/2008/03/30/jim-covington-16/ ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/03/30/the-power-of-commitment/ The Second Collection for March is for the Sienna Project, an organization suggested by Ginny Stillman. The Sienna Project envisions building schools in small indigenous mountain villages (cantons) in the Highlands of Guatemala, where there may not be enough classrooms or no classrooms at all. The national government pays teacher ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/03/30/2nd-collection/ http://www.uucroton.org/2008/03/23/easter-sunday-jim-covington-3/ Easter! What a fitting time it is for Easter’s arrival this year, practically on the first day Spring. Birds are laying eggs; tulips and daffodils are poking through the soil. While the temperature remains a bit crisp, I think I feel a softness in the air. ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/03/23/easter%e2%80%99s-hope/ http://www.uucroton.org/2008/03/18/parents-of-young-children-meeting-sunday-427-from-1pm-to-3pm/ Back by popular demand, Sunday, March 16th is Drama Sunday.  Any would-be thespians out there?  If you're interested in participating in this fun, annual and always thought-provoking event, please contact Anne Pearl (914-528-8704 or apearl315@optonline.net) as soon as possible.  You will be asked to attend 1 or 2 rehearsals; no ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/03/16/program-drama-sunday/ Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803- 1882) is known to most Americans as an essayist and philosopher. To Unitarians he is also known as one of the important figures of the 19th century American Unitarian church. Some of the details of his life as a Unitarian minister offer a window into the ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/03/09/program/ Why do we come to our Fellowship? There will likely be as many answers to this question as there are members. I hear people say they come to hear Reverend Jim’s sermons which help us to reflect and refocus our week and our lives. The music deepens our religious ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/03/04/president%e2%80%99s-letter-march-2008/ Click on "May 2008 Newsletter" to view the current Fellowship Newsletter. http://www.uucroton.org/2008/03/01/february-newsletter/ The youth group and adults had the opportunity to travel to Boston for a UU field trip. The highlights were staying at the Elliot Picket House, visiting the New England Aquarium, walking tour of Beacon Hill, and everyone's favorite, attending services at Arlington Street Church and then ringing the ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/02/28/youth-group-boston-trip/ http://www.uucroton.org/2008/02/24/jim-covington-15/ At a recent Community Circle facilitators meeting we explored together the meaning of love. The lesson was written by Linda Griffin and followed on the heels of our intergenerational service on love—Heart Communion and also served as a timely subject since we were approaching Valentine’s Day. ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/02/24/intentional-love-our-first-principle/ Have you ever wondered what is meant by sustainable agriculture?  Here is your chance to find out. Our speaker will be Frank Morris, Chairman of Long Island Sierra Club. Frank is a member of the Executive Committee of New York State Sierra Club, and a member of the Sierra Club's ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/02/17/program-sierra-club-speaker-on-sustainable-food-practices/ Bring a neighbor, friend, family member who might be interested in our religious community. A good time to learn about us. A Meeting with the Minister will be held after each service for those who are visiting and interested. http://www.uucroton.org/2008/02/10/jim-covington-14/ Let me say at the outset this morning that I am beating the drum loudly for UU, almost evangelical. I admit I am reluctant to do so. I don’t want to come across as a great crusader for yet another religious movement. But I believe in ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/02/10/a-new-religion-for-our-time/ The entire service will be attended and participated in by all our children and adults. Theme: HEART COMMUNION The service will be led by Jim Covington and Carol Zoernack. http://www.uucroton.org/2008/02/03/jim-covington-12/ On My Mind: Our Faith and Social Action In our September Newsletter I outlined the areas I believe we need to focus on to strengthen our ministry: Religious Education, music, family life, and social responsibility. I believe many of you have responded and are working to broaden our ministry ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/01/31/minister%e2%80%99s-letter-february-2008/ Spirituality, Community and Action On Sundays we gather together. On our best Sundays the words of our Minister or a guest speaker and the music in our services and in our hearts bring us closer to the divine. Our spiritual focus helps us to define and redefine our ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/01/31/presidents-letter-february-2008/ An annual favorite, the Music Sunday Program originated by our own Roberta Kosse, will be presented on January 27 at 9 and 11 am. This year Roberta will present "Diabolus in Musica" or "The Devil Made Me Do It!" In the program we’ll have a listen to at ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/01/27/music-sunday-presented-by-roberta-kosse/ Mark Your Calendars to Join the Upcoming Social Events. Sign up sheets are available after all services. Sunday, May 11--Kid's Art Show--What better day (Mother's Day) to view the work of our budding artists. Watch for more information about this exciting event. Sunday, May 25 Memorial Day--Sustainable Potluck Lunch--Only one ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/01/24/upcoming-social-events/ I believe we can say that more than any other, Martin Luther King Day is the quintessential American patriotic holiday. Through the pain of its true sponsors, it refers back directly to the aspirations of our founders and the passions of our prophets. It permits us no easy ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/01/20/the-religious-prophet-martin-luther-king-jr/ http://www.uucroton.org/2008/01/20/jim-covington-11/ Each week everyone is encouraged to bring a non-perishable item to donate to the basket in the rear of the church. The Social Concerns Committee theme for his month is a warming theme. Donations of stews, chili, hearty soups, mac and cheese would be appreciated. Of ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/01/20/cortlandtcroton-food-bank-support/ The Buddhism-Exploration group meets twice a month, on the first and third Sunday evenings at 6-7:30 pm. The 2007-2008 season will continue to investigate themes such as Ultimate Reality and spontaneous love and compassion. There will be presentations of teachings by Buddhist lineage masters as well as spiritual ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/01/19/exploring-buddhism-in-the-fall-of-2007/ Please join together on Sunday, January 13 as we remember the anniversary of Martin Luther King Junior’s birth and come to a better understanding of the history of oppression of people of color in the Hudson River Valley. Did you know… That the first non-indigenous settler on Manhattan was a man of ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/01/13/program-%e2%80%9chistory-of-hudson-valley-enslavement%e2%80%9d/ A HUGE thanks to ALL who donated, assisted in sorting goods, food preparation and traveled into New York City to deliver food and clothing to the homeless. We stopped and distributed goods to about eight Manhattan locations. I don't think it would be a stretch to say that it ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/01/07/senior-youth-new-years-eve-midnight-run/ Years ago I experienced the greatest adventure of my life. I was a member of the crew on a 32 foot sailboat that participated in a race from Marion, Massachusetts to Bermuda. It took us a week to reach our destination. At the end of the race, ... http://www.uucroton.org/2008/01/06/where-else-would-you-rather-be/ On Sunday, December 30, Al Raymond will again continue the annual program of "Memories" started by Dirk Barrett, whose memory we all cherish. This will be a chance for you to come forward and share any memory---whether of Dirk ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/12/30/programmemories-led-by-al-raymond/ What is spiritual? More and more of us are looking for a spiritual experience on Sunday mornings. I know that I look to our worship services as an opportunity to reflect on the joys and sorrows of the past and to consider my role in making this a better place…and on ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/12/26/presidents-letter-january-2008/ Cartoonists like to represent the New Year as a new baby, to connote new beginnings or starting over, a fresh start. Sounds innocent enough. But I was reminded recently in something I read that babies do have to grow up and that the first two words most babies ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/12/26/ministers-letter-january-2008/ Spirits in Harmony will sing at both services. http://www.uucroton.org/2007/12/23/december-16-2007-jim-covington/ Someone asked: So what is it with Unitarians and Christmas? We say we don’t believe that Christ was born as Savior, of the virgin Mary. Then why are we here singing these old familiar carols and lighting candles? We do it every year. There ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/12/23/christmas-homily/ Children will attend first part of the 11 a.m. service with their parents. Susan Wright will lead us with children’s songs and carols. Jim will tell a story…… http://www.uucroton.org/2007/12/16/december-23-2007-jim-covington/ The Senior Youth Bowling Event was a fun time for everyone. Click on the following senior youth's to view the video: Ariel Strike ; Brianna Strike ; Elijah ; Strike ; Shahan Strike ; http://www.uucroton.org/2007/12/12/senior-youth-bowling-event/ Sunday, December 9 at the 9 am and 11 am services Courtney Roberts will present her answer to the question, “Who were the Magi?” In her talk Courtney Roberts, author of the book The Star of the Magi: The Mystery That Heralded the Birth of Christ will take us back ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/12/09/program-courtney-roberts-%e2%80%9cstar-of-the-magi%e2%80%9d/ Introduction of new members to the Fellowship http://www.uucroton.org/2007/12/02/jim-covington-10/ Rappin’ with the Rev! I guess you’re wondering Why we call it that. ‘Cause for a UU preacher, anything to give it zap! We’ll talk about mission, ministry and vision, And anything else, presented with good intention. So come rap with the revy but don’t be a heavy Drivin’ you chevy to the levy! Just give him ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/12/02/rappin%e2%80%99-with-the-rev/ Dear Members and Friends Who Are We? As a liberal religion, we focus on appreciating the value of all people, seek justice and fairness in our relationships and organizations from local to global. And we encourage the continual search for truth and meaning in our lives in our work and ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/11/30/presidents-letter-december-2007/ Rappin’ with the Rev! By now you must know that beginning on Dec. 2nd our Committee on Ministry will sponsor the first of a series of congregational meetings with me. Subsequent meetings are planned for ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/11/30/minister%e2%80%99s-letter-december-2007/ http://www.uucroton.org/2007/11/28/men%e2%80%99s-community-circle-group-meeting-tuesday-1211-645-pm-at-the-fellowship-for-additional-information-contact-bob-nuytkens/ Visiting minister, the Reverent Phil Passantino will present. Rev. Phil says, “We will celebrate the Festival of the Chestnuts (‘Sagra della Castagne’) from Calabria, the toe of the boot of Southern Italy. I'll talk about the customs there and interweave Italian folk tales and traditional folk songs, using my acoustic ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/11/25/program-intergenerational-thanksgiving/ Andrew Lattimore will give a slide-illustrated discussion. http://www.uucroton.org/2007/11/18/art-sunday-program-the-healing-power-of-art/ A few months ago, I read an interesting article in the UU World by Galen Guengerich, senior minister at All Souls Church in Manhattan. The article was entitled: The Heart of Our Faith: A Theology of Gratitude. I liked the article. It was an evocative, meaningful piece. ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/11/11/gratitude-for-being/ http://www.uucroton.org/2007/11/11/jim-covington-9/ On Sunday Dec. 2, our Committee on Ministry will sponsor the first of a series of congregational meetings with me over the coming months. Subsequent meetings are planned for February and April. The meetings will be held after each Sunday service. I am announcing our first meeting a month ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/11/06/ministers-letter-november-2007/ Dear Members and Friends The Board, staff and committees of this fellowship have responsibilities that are sometimes mundane and not without challenge to sustain the facilities and programs you expect. This maintenance role is important, but cannot dominate our focus. I like to read and reread our UU Principles ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/11/06/presidents-letter-november-2007/ Last week I attended a meeting with our Religious Education Committee and our Board of Trustees. Together we talked about the values of our Religious Education program, our vision, and how we can improve our RE program. We have over 65 children enrolled in RE and ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/11/04/our-children/ (Daylight Saving Time Ends) http://www.uucroton.org/2007/11/04/jim-covington-8/ The Midnight Run is a group of more than one hundred churches, synagogues, societies, and civic organizations across the metropolitan area. In 1,000 trips per year, volunteers travel into Manhattan; there they seek out the homeless poor. They deliver clothing, food, blankets, and personal care items. People –homeless and homed- ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/10/28/program-dale-williams-%e2%80%9cmidnight-run%e2%80%9d/ http://www.uucroton.org/2007/10/21/jim-covington-7/ Dear Members and Friends Sometimes it is the small actions that mean the most. We welcome visitors, friends and members to our religious home because we are proud of who and what we are. And we want to share this with others. We are not a club, but a ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/10/17/presidents-letter-october-2007/ Sunday, October 14 has been designated by the UUA as Association Sunday. The purpose of this day is to affirm and celebrate the common bonds and purposes of Unitarian Universalists everywhere. We will also host a special collection to help support the outreach efforts of the UUA. Hundreds ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/10/17/october-2007-ministers-letter/ http://www.uucroton.org/2007/10/14/jim-covington-6/ Carol Smolenski, Executive Director, ECPAT-USA More than one million children are trafficked, sold, or forced into prostitution or pornography each year. In Canada, Mexico, and the United States, hundreds of thousands of children annually are sexually abused for profit. Sunday October 7 our speaker will be Carol Smolenski, the Executive Director ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/10/07/program-%e2%80%9cchild-trafficking-in-the-global-village/ http://www.uucroton.org/2007/09/30/jim-covington-5/ One of the deepest human desires and needs is to live in peace, to be in peace—but hatred, fear and violence seem so prevalent, and sometimes our world seems to have lost its bearings and become mad with suicide bombings, hostage takings, and war mongering. We all yearn for ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/09/30/finding-peace/ http://www.uucroton.org/2007/09/23/jim-covingtonyom-kippur/ Fall has arrived. I love this time of year. I love the cool mornings and evenings. I love the warm afternoons we have been having. And I love looking about and seeing so much around me turn into a new season. The short walks I allow myself in ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/09/23/sin/ Thank you for being here this morning, especially if you are visiting us for the first time. I don’t know what you know about Unitarian Universalism. Perhaps you know that we are a non-dogmatic, liberal religious affiliation. Our slogan is “Many Beliefs, One Faith.” You probably ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/09/16/god/ http://www.uucroton.org/2007/09/16/jim-covington-4/ A Vision of Our Ministry: 2007-08 At this time of the year as we prepare to resume regular services after the summer break, I usually convey what I consider to be our program priorities for the coming year. You might call it the “minister’s vision of our ministry.” ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/09/10/minister%e2%80%99s-letter-%e2%80%94-september-2007/ Dear Members and Friends Welcome Back! I hope that each of you found some respite over the summer. I know I needed downtime. Got some, need more. Isn’t that always the case? Nonetheless, I look forward to seeing those of you whom I missed in ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/09/10/president%e2%80%99s-letter-september-2007/ Water Communion Homily Water seems to call to all of us in some profound and primal way. We seek it out, we live by water, we eat by it, we stroll along it, we swim in it, sail on it, dive into it… and of the many things water does for ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/09/09/from-kashi-on-the-ganga-to-croton-on-the-hudson-2/ Presented by Phyllis Tortora. Only one service at 9am. http://www.uucroton.org/2007/09/02/program-if-you-were-appointed-dictator-of-the-world-what-would-you-decree-an-exploration-of-values/ On Sunday, August 26, we are going to take a musical journey as part of the 9:00 a.m. service (only one service). Nenette Kress will present some favorite standards from the '30s, 40s and 50s for everyone to enjoy. The service will begin in the traditional manner and then ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/08/26/music-program/ Presented by Carl Grimm. Only one service at 9am. Please click on Hurricane Katrina to view program detail. http://www.uucroton.org/2007/08/19/program-hurricane-katrina-recovery/ The Green Sanctuary committee wants your input. We are a democracy after all. The hottest issue right now is what should we eat and drink off of at Fellowship events. Please click on Paper vs Plastic to read the following information and come with your own information to share. Let’s ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/08/12/program-topic-to-be-announced/ Presented by Carol Zoernack and Marge Grimm - only one service at 9 am. http://www.uucroton.org/2007/08/05/whats-hot-whats-not-find-out-where-the-organized/ Presented by Al Raymond - only one service at 9:00 am. http://www.uucroton.org/2007/07/29/heated-passion-sunday/ Presented by Peter Callaway - only one service at 9 am. http://www.uucroton.org/2007/07/15/green-sanctuary-what-changes-are-a-priority-for-you%e2%80%9d/ Presented by Michael Schwartz and Marge Grimm - only one service at 9:00 am. http://www.uucroton.org/2007/07/08/%e2%80%9ctreating-mental-illness-in-the-prison%e2%80%9d/ Presented by Phyllis Tortora - Only one service at 9:00 am. http://www.uucroton.org/2007/07/01/the-fellowship%e2%80%99s-mission-what-does-it-have-to-do-with-what-we-do/ A Big Thank you to Shahan and Sonya for the outstanding leadership and service you offered to our junior youth this year. Please enjoy the video. http://www.uucroton.org/2007/06/25/coming-of-age/ http://www.uucroton.org/2007/06/24/no-service-due-to-fellowship-picnic/ We will have two different services on Sunday. We will have our usual service of worship at the 9 a.m. time. The sermon topic: Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? These are the questions Gauguin asked at the bottom of ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/06/03/423/ Dear Friends, Henry David Thoreau wrote: “I wish to begin this summer well, to do something in it worthy of it and of me; to transcend my daily routine; to have my immortality now in the quality of my daily life!” Hmmmn. Not bad! Wanting to “transcend ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/06/01/minister%e2%80%99s-letter-%e2%80%94-june-2007/ Dear Members and Friends (1) What is the price of democracy? (2) Do UU’s hibernate when it is warm? On the local scale, the price of democracy is your attendance at our annual membership meeting at 11 am on Sunday, June 3rd. No inspirational sermon by our Reverend ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/06/01/president%e2%80%99s-letter-june-2007/ I believe global warming poses the greatest moral issue of our time. I say that advisedly, as there are so many other moral issues requiring urgent attention: poverty, AIDS and genocide to quickly name three others. But I consider the global warming issue to be at least as urgent because ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/05/20/deep-ecology/ Please join our children this Sunday, 5/06, at the 11:00 am service as they participate in our service honoring our religious education program and its teachers. Each class will present something related to what they've been doing this year. At the 9am service, join us for an Evensong worship. http://www.uucroton.org/2007/05/06/due-to-the-cancellation-of-last-sundays-services/ Dear Members and Friends, Giving, Green and Leadership. From the pulpit Gary Simon, who with Sally is leading our pledge process, admitted that he does not like asking people for money. Most of us feel that way. Then he went on to say that his membership ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/05/02/president%e2%80%99s-letter-may-2007/ Dear Friends, “What shall I write?” I ask myself as I start to prepare for this column. I look up above my desk and see the rows of book shelves. My eye catches the name Studs Terkel, one of my favorite writers—such a great writer/conversationalist he is. ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/05/02/minister%e2%80%99s-letter-%e2%80%94-may-2007/ A few weeks ago, after preaching a sermon on Unitarian Universalism a couple of people expressed their appreciation for the sermon, saying they now had a better understanding of Unitarian Universalism. But two others told me they still didn’t know what Unitarian Universalism is. Both comments ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/04/29/believe-anything/ This is my annual Sermon on the Amount - one of the great challenges of preaching. How to say, year after year, what this Fellowship means to me and to us? How to say we ought to support it as generously as we are able? How to tell of experiences ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/04/22/the-love-we-owe/ Opening Words Good morning! Welcome to this human community of seekers. This is Easter, the day of promise that the dead shall rise again. Have you seen the trees? Have you seen the buds on the Maples? Have you noticed the forsythia and the daffodils? ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/04/08/life-goes-on/ http://www.uucroton.org/2007/04/08/easter-sunday-jim-covington-2/ More than 14 million children under 15 in Africa have lost one or both parents to AIDS. According to the United Nations, that number will rise to at least 35 million children by the year 2010. The scope of this human tragedy is overwhelming. What can one person, or one ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/04/01/april-1-2007-sunday-morning-program-every-child-is-our-child/ Dear Member and Friends, What do we believe? Some say that as a UU, one can believe in anything. Wrong Answer! We provide a religious home and community center for people who ascribe to the seven principles of the UUA and the mission statement of the UUFBCO. While we don’t have ... http://www.uucroton.org/2007/03/30/presidents-letter-april-2007/