Advance May 2016 UU Congregation of Central Nassau Newsletter Vol. 15, No. 9 HIGH HOPES A Note from the Reverend Dr. Hope Johnson, Minister Dear UUCCN, I extend an invitation to each of you to attend the 2016 Metro New York District Annual Meeting in Morristown, New Jersey, on May 6 and 7. This will be an exciting meeting, because we will vote on whether or not Metro NY District will choose to dissolve itself so that we can fully join the Central East Region (CER). Since the CER was formed in 2010, we have been working together with the region s three other districts: Joseph Priestley, OhioMeadville, and St. Lawrence, all of which recently voted to dissolve. The UUA explains: The idea of regions was an integral part of the merger plans when the Unitarians and Universalists came together in 1961. The regions with their central support staffs were not formed at that time because of the lack of financing. Regionalization has been evolving informally over the years, as various districts realized the benefits of working together and sharing resources, staff, and programming. The current effort to combine our four districts into a region began in our districts, and as the plans have taken shape, the UUA has been very supportive. The main driver is simply that we all are much better together. The primary goals are to improve services to our congregations and increase the interconnections between our congregations and our UUA. Come. Learn more about the UUA, the Region, the District, and UUCCN. Learn more about Unitarian Universalism. Learn more about ways to get involved. And when we return home Visit our website at UUCCN.org, and Like us on Facebook.
to UUCCN, let s think about how we can truly become better together within, and without our walls. How can we become more responsible siblings with other Unitarian Universalist congregations? With our interfaith neighbors? With Long Island? And beyond? Together, we are better. Together, we just might find a way to change the world. Together, we can practice what we preach. Let s get busy.! Yours, Hope Register online for the Metro New York District Annual meeting. Read more about the regional denominational plan on the CER webpage CERging Forward. CER includes parts of NY, NJ, MD, PA, DE, VA, WV, OH, and Washington, D.C. A Word from the President A Big Thank-You to All I would like to thank all of our members and friends for their support of this year s Stewardship Drive. Our congregation is self-supporting and your contribution is an essential part of how we stay alive. So, if you have not done so, please call in or email your pledge to the Stewardship Committee (anitagesky@aol.com or 516-581-2603) so we can make up our budget and present it at our Annual Meeting on June 12. Over the past few years, we have moved to a more responsible governance, and our budget reflects this and is now manageable. There have been changes, but as I have always stated, change is good. We still have a great staff and religious leadership. On May 1, we will celebrate by thanking everyone for their support of UUCCN at our Fellowship Brunch. This event gives us a chance to review and give thanks to one another for a good congregational year. Our keynote speaker, Mark Bernstein, is no stranger to the needs of a small congregation. His motivational words will be a special addition to the gathering. The food will be catered, so don t miss the celebration! We are a unique congregation with some very big goals. I am always truly amazed at how much we do when I look back over the year. It is great to be a part of UUCCN, and on behalf of the entire congregation, I thank you for making this year so worthwhile. With appreciation and thanks, Dave Dave Coddington, UUCCN President Do one good deed every day And show some kindness
Religious Education By David Silver, Director April was an active month in the Religious Education department, and we will carry on some of the themes we explored during the past month through the rest of the class calendar. Highlights of the past month: Bible and Bagels Guest Speaker on Hinduism Intergenerational Service Earth Day Celebration I would rather have questions that can t be answered than answers that can t be questioned. Richard Feynman Our Bible and Bagels discussion class wrapped up in April, but we will still be extolling our fourth Unitarian Universalist principle: The search for what we believe is true. We encourage our youth to examine their personal beliefs and remain open to other opinions and thoughts on topics such as the Bible, Heaven and Hell, and other life questions. How sharper than a serpent s tooth it is to have a thankless child. William Shakespeare The theme of gratitude, which was highlighted during our Intergenerational Service on April 17, will be revisited as our children and youth will be asked to expand their personal gratitude lists which many students read aloud at the service and live a life of thankfulness and empathy. Our blessings are always greater than our burdens. You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. Jane Goodall The theme of the Earth Day service will carry over as we continue to explore our seventh UU principle. Conservation, respect for the environment and working together to reduce our carbon footprint are central to our faith and will remain a part of our conversation in the RE classes. The best form is to worship God in every form. Neem Karoli Baba In April, the children and youth learned more about Hinduism and the wisdom behind Yoga and Meditation from special guest Shubhangi Thosar. Through stories and guest speakers, we will continue to discuss the ways that other religions can offer us wisdom and truth. In these ways, we will work toward our goals of growing lifelong UU s and living our values every day.
A Reminder from Rev. Hope, Minister, and Fran Heiz, Membership Chair TEN GOOD REASONS for Joining a Unitarian Universalist Congregation By Bill and Barbara Hamilton-Holway and Mark Harris Design: Denise Menelly; Photo: Rev. Hope Because here we join with open hearts and minds to worship together, seeking what is sacred among us. This month s UUCCN wayside pulpit Because here we are a part of a long, liberal tradition of reason and tolerance, of hope and liberation. Because here we honor our Jewish and Christian roots, and also reach out to know the great truths found in other religious expressions. Because here we acknowledge that revelation is never sealed and empower ourselves to search for new truths. Because here we nurture our children s enthusiasms and encourage their questions. Because here we welcome diverse people and views. Because here we join our strengths with others to create a more just society. Because here we respect the whole self mind, body, and spirit working together. lf you ve been thinking about it and you are ready to join this community, and if you feel that today is the day, now is the time Come on up, or raise your hand, and sign the book. Now is a great time to consider membership here at UUCCN. Please speak with Fran Heiz, Membership Chair, Dave Coddington, President, or Rev. Hope.
Service AUUction Serves Up Fun By the Ways and Means Committee A small but enthusiastic group of UUCCN supporters enjoyed the Service Auction on April 16. Thanks to all who helped to set up, provided food and beverages, worked at the financial table, and donated items, services, or events. Special thanks go to those who made bids that, all totaled, raised over $6,000. We are grateful to David Coddington, auctioneer, for doing a great job, even getting out of a sick bed to come! There are items and events that are still available, if you were unable to attend the Service Auction and would like to submit a bid. Contact Kathy Lang or Patsy Kaplan to reserve your choice. Payments can be paid by check or credit card. ANNOUNCEMENT PROPOSED CHANGE IN BYLAWS The following changes to our bylaws will be voted on at the UUCCN Annual Meeting on June 12: Article IV, Section 3 The privileges and obligations of continued membership in good standing require the making of a $100 $250 (or greater) monetary contribution of record and payment of Associational dues for each fiscal year (or portion thereof) for which membership is in effect. This Month s Sermons May 1 Annual Worship Celebration and Fellowship Brunch Rev. Hope Johnson and Mark Bernstein May 8 Keeping in Touch Rev. Nancy O. Arnold May 15 Oldies but Goodies May 22 Just Mercy Rev. Hope Johnson and Elizabeth Gonzalez, Trustee May 29 We Remember Them
Fellowship Luncheon Sunday, May 1 FOOD, FUN & FINANCES Thank you for all your support of UUCCN all year long. Whether it was your financial support or your hard work at our special events or your warm participation, we could not have had the successes we've had without you. This special catered lunch is one way we can say THANK YOU. Enjoy this wonderful menu. The Stewardship Committee Menu Assorted Wrap and Baguette Sandwiches Vine-Ripe Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella with Basil-Walnut Pesto and Balsamic Vinaigrette Grilled Vegetables with Baby Greens, Vine-Ripe Tomato, Balsamic Vinaigrette and Feta Cheese Honey Maple Turkey with Creamy Brie and Cranberry Mayo Grilled Chicken with Roasted Peppers, Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Aioli Soy Marinated Steak with an Asian Vegetable Slaw and Wasabi Dressing Herb Crusted Roast Beef with Aged Vermont Cheddar, Baby Arugula, Tomato and Horseradish Crème Fraîche Classic American Style Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef, Swiss Cheese and Mayonnaise Old Fashioned Tuna Salad with Baby Greens and Vine-Ripe Tomato Grilled Seasonal Vegetables Fresh Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a Sweet Balsamic Glaze Quinoa Salad Roasted Exotic Mushrooms, Fresh Lemon, Rosemary and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Sweet Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, Thin French Beans, and Corn Garlic, Olive Oil and Sherry Vinegar Black Bean and Roasted Corn Salad Lime and Cilantro Old Fashioned Beet Salad Red Wine Vinegar, Onions and Fresh Dill
UUCCN SEDER Service and Dinner Saturday, April 30 Please join us for UUCCN s Annual Seder Service and Dinner. Community will gather at 5 p.m. Service and Dinner begin at 5:30. All voices are welcome at this intergenerational service. Family and friends are invited. Co-officiants: Dr. Ron Rubin and Rev. Dr. Hope Johnson 2016 Seder Hosts: Meo Rubin and David Silver RSVP today to Rev. Hope at Minister@uuccn.org, and let her know what you will bring to share. Thank You. The Seder Team
UUCCN Annual All-Congregational Celebration Service & Fellowship Brunch Sunday, May 1, 2016 Worship: Rev. Dr. Hope Johnson, Michael Sansonia & David Silver Guest presenter: Mark Bernstein COMINGS AND GOINGS Attracting visitors to the doors of our congregations has been less of a challenge than keeping them as invested members of our communities. This presentation and conversation will focus on the path to membership and ways to effectively integrate people into the life of your congregation so as to avoid the revolving door syndrome. Mark Bernstein is a former member of the Congregational Life Staff of the Central East Region of the UUA and now works as Adjunct Staff for the Region. He is a lay leader in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County in Media, Pennsylvania, and works full-time in the field of disabilities.
Save the Date! UUCCN s 13 th Annual Celebration Saturday, June 18 5:30 to 8 p.m. UUCCN s multi-generational Juneteenth Program includes presentation, dinner and entertainment, with music, crafts, drumming, history, and more Please join us! Juneteenth is a time for reflecting and rejoicing. From its Galveston, Texas, origin in 1865, the observance of June 19 as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Emancipation triggered a series of far-reaching events that continue to reverberate over the decades to the present. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassau (UUCCN) 223 Stewart Avenue (at the corner of Nassau Boulevard) Garden City, Long Island, NY 11530 516-248-8855
Upcoming Events 4/30 5 p.m. Passover Seder and Dinner 5/1 11 a.m. Annual Celebration Service and Fellowship Brunch 5/3 7 p.m. Beyond Coal Meeting 5/6 7:30 p.m. Garden Stage: Gathering Time & Mara Levine 5/6-5/7 Metro NY District Annual Meeting 5/15 9:30 a.m. RE Committee Meeting 5/15 12:30 p.m. Multigenerational Luncheon 5/19 7:30 p.m. Board Meeting 5/20 Submissions deadline for June ADVANCE 5/22 11 a.m. Common Read Service & Discussion: Just Mercy 5/22 3 p.m. Chamber Music Concert: Pianist Adrianne Kim and Friends 6/3 7:30 p.m. Garden Stage: Pesky J Nixon & Jesse Terry 6/5 3 p.m. Chamber Music Concert 6/12 12 p.m. UUCCN Annual Meeting 6/18 5 p.m. Juneteenth Celebration Advance The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassau 223 Stewart Avenue Garden City, New York 11530 Tel: 516-248-8855 Fax: 516-248-8891 www.uuccn.org Dave Coddington, President Patsy Kaplan, Vice President Les Forrai, Treasurer Rick Menelly, Secretary Rev. Dr. Hope Johnson, Minister; ADVANCE Content Editor David Silver, Director of Religious Education Mary Costello, Administrator; ADVANCE Layout Krissy Roleke, ADVANCE Editor