South Nassau

Unitarian Universalist Congregation

SNUUC

News You Can Use

April 17, 2024

 75 Years of SNUUC

Relationships That Matter

In A Community That Cares

Give with Commitment, Give with Love,

Give for our Future

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PLEDGE TODAY

ERROR MESSAGE: There was a problem with our online pledge form. If you submitted your pledge between Sunday, March 24 and Wednesday, April 3, please fill out the online form again and resubmit it. We apologize for this slip-up.

Last Monday’s eclipse dominated the news, and reminded us how exciting it is when such big moments are shared. That’s one reason SNUUC is so important to us—it’s a community where we can come together to celebrate happy life events or support each other in hard times.

It's easy to send us your pledge. Click here to pledge online or to download a form to email or mail to SNUUC. Forms are also available in the foyer at Sunday services.

To continue the life of this community we need funding as well as fellowship. That’s why we’re asking you to formalize your commitment to SNUUC by making a financial pledge for 2024-2025.

As you contemplate giving this year, think of the adult children who display their values in the world because they grew up at SNUUC. Think of the times someone showed up for you when you were grieving a loss. Think of the people who need to know we are here to be a liberal voice, a helping hand and a good neighbor.

Thank you,

The Board of Trustees and

Your Stewardship Team: Mark Bennett, Amy Norris Wenzel and Barbara Behrens

WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

Click here to take a Congregational Website Survey

Please complete the website survey. We have so far only received 7 responses. We need your input to move forward with this project. Survey will close on May 1st.

It’s time for SNUUC.org to undergo a makeover. Our website is our face to the outside world and can attract visitors, community partners and potential new members.

Over the next few months, the Communications Team will be leading a redesign effort. To do this job properly we need your help. The website should reflect accurately who we are and who we want to attract. So we need your input.

Please take the time to complete a survey about SNUUC. The questions are open-ended, and we look forward to your insights about our beloved congregation.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask any members of our Team.

Thank you!

The Communications Team

Harriet Arnold, Barbara Behrens, Sharon Pataky and Rev. Karen Hutt

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Seeing all of you in person for four days made a big impact on me. Getting to hug you all, laugh and think through some tough issues, has given me a lot of energy. You are a wonderful community of people who have been together in deep relationships for many years. You have raised your children, and maintained a congregation through challenges, joys and sorrows. Walking about, and browsing through the objects in the building, I saw both who you all were and who you are now.

What you will be in the future is up to you. In the next six months of my contract with you, my goal is for us to have courageous and imaginative conversations about the future of this congregation of souls. I have a number of ideas, along with many of you, about what may be in store. But, we will have to agree to bring, love, honesty and hope to each word we articulate with one another. We also have to be willing to try new things and take some risks.

Are you in? If so, send me an email this week about how you are going to personally contribute positively to the future of this congregation. I want to hear your voices. Your ideas will become part of a sermon in the coming weeks.

With love, Rev. Karen

YOU CAN BE A PART OF SNUUC'S UPCOMING GALLERY ART EXHIBIT

JOIN US AT OUR SERVICE

THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024 AT 10:30 am

THE SERVICE WILL BE AT SNUUC

& ON ZOOM, USE THE LINK BELOW

+ Sunday, April 21 at 10:30 am +

This week's sermon with Rev. Karen Hutt

Ageing is an Opportunity 

The NEW AND IMPROVED label is used for many things in our culture. Dish soap, iPhones, and personal makeovers. This emphasis on the new can sometimes make what is old appear without merit or usefulness. Comparing ourselves to the young and new can be shortsighted. What would a deeper awareness of gratefulness, legacy and wisdom do to deepen our spiritual growth?

Rev. Karen Hutt is a longtime UU minister and chaplain who loves to preach and teach. She is partial to provoking UUs to do better and be better because we have too much to give the world to keep quiet. This year she is serving as our consulting minister. While she is based in Minnesota, she is an East Coaster and is raising her children to pronounce coffee and water properly.  

Barbara Singer is the Worship Associate this Sunday. Jojo Granoff is the Board Member on Duty. If you have an announcement you would like to be made at this service, please contact Jojo at JGranoff1853@yahoo.com by this Saturday morning, April 20.

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Greeters are needed for our services! If you can be a Greeter, please arrive on Sunday morning at 10:15 and say hello to people at one of the foyer doors. Thanks!

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This Sunday, the virtual room will open at 10:20 am, the service begins at 10:30 am.

 Join us in the SNUUC Sanctuary or

find a comfortable spot, light a candle and join us from home!

To join the virtual Sunday Service you'll need to install an application from a company called Zoom. If you haven't installed it already, please install this application before Sunday morning. If you need help downloading Zoom you can contact Laura D'Angelo, dangelo@optonline.net or Brian Larkin, bolarkin@optonline.net for help.

It's Easy & Free for you to join!

 Join directly from this email...

Use this link to join all the Sunday Service Zoom Meetings

https://zoom.us/j/503143243?pwd=SGdEZjRFQjRJNDhOenNDbytDWUNtdz09

The meeting ID for Sunday’s service is: 503 143 243

The password: 003006

Zoom provides a dial-in feature for those who want to listen in. Ask Laura D'Angelo or Brian Larkin if you need help with this.

The call in phone number for New York is: +16465588656,,503143243#

Some Reflections On Aging

• In Later Years, by Bruce T. Marshall (Skinner House, 2018). A Unitarian Universalist minister and chaplain explores questions of meaning and spirituality in aging through the stories and experiences of elders. The book includes personal reflection questions and guidance for group conversations.
• Faith, Spirituality, and Aging, is an essay by Rev. Jennifer L. Brower, Minister for Pastoral Care at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY. She offers insights into the spiritual challenges and gifts that come with advancing age.
• Landscapes of Aging and Spirituality, edited by Kathleen Montgomery (Skinner, 2015), includes reflections from Unitarian Universalist ministers on the spiritual journey of aging. Watch a reading and discussion (Video) with some of the contributors to the book: Kathleen Montgomery, Gary Smith, Patricia Tummino, and Carl Scovel (1:07:25)
• The Seasoned Soul: Reflections on Growing Older, by Eliza Blanchard (Skinner, 2012), uses quotations from many cultures and religious traditions as a springboard for thoughtful reflections on aging.

April's Sunday services introduce a series of sermons and discussions based on the Unitarian Universalist Association's common read for this year, On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World, by Danya Ruttenberg.

We all have things in our past that we are not happy to look back on -- things we've said or done that we wish we hadn't. How do we find our way through? In On Repentance and Repair, Rabbi Ruttenberg, scholar in residence at the National Council of Jewish Women, lays out a step-by-step path that holds the potential not only to make things right but to become different persons in the process.  Click here to learn more about the book and the UUA Common Read, or purchase a copy. 

PLEASE SIGN-UP FOR COFFEE HOUR

Coffee Hour is an essential part of the service for UUs. We need to make this a community affair. People have been very generous and consistent in contributing snacks for coffee hour. That will continue. Here's Ellen showing how easy it is for you to bring a Coffee Hour Snack! We are asking people to take a turn doing set up and clean-up.

There is a sign-up list for doing set-up and clean-up for coffee hour, posted in the foyer. If all those who are able take a turn do so, this will not be a burden on any one person. As usual you will not be doing it alone. Others will help. A checklist with explicit instructions for anyone who needs it is posted in the kitchen.

Thank you for signing up and for making SNUUC a true community.

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ALL UPCOMING SERVICES are

AT SNUUC and ON ZOOM, UNLESS NOTED

April 21 -  Rev. Karen Hutt

April 28 -  Jon Berry

May 5 -  Rev. Karen Hutt

May 12 -  Sharon Pataky

The SNUUC Board Members are...

Mark Bennett, President * Amy Norris Wenzel, Vice President * Jojo Granoff, Treasurer * Ilene Corina, Secretary * Barbara Behrens, Trustee *

Sharon Kennelty-Cohen, Trustee

Our young congregants enjoy Religious Education gatherings on most Sunday mornings. This past Sunday in RE we explored the theme of Transformation--in ourselves, in nature, in culture, and ultimately how we can create it in the world. We then represented different transformations through art. One of our youth created different depictions of how fashion and similar trends have transformed over time, while another created digital art to show the transformation a star undergoes during its lifetime.

Please be sure to join us for our next RE class on Sunday, May 5, after Spring Break. See you then for another fun RE session with Julie, Robin and Benjamin.

Please help us by bringing canned food for our Community Food Pantry and putting it in the SNUUC kitchen. We stock our Community Food Pantry with your donations on Sundays when we are are at SNUUC!

Please reach out to our RE Coordinator Julie Buckley at snuucre@gmail.com if you are interested in being a guest teacher at RE on a Sunday morning.

JOIN US FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 6:30 to 7:30 pm on ZOOM

FOR THE NEXT MONTHLY CONNECTORS CALL

Are you finding yourself daydreaming about the warmer days to come and days at the beach, in the garden, or on trips or adventures? Or just hoping something would change? We're here for you. Come share what you're looking forward to, as well as concerns in your life that you'd like support on, and joys you'd like celebrated, in the warmth and connection of community Friday evening, April 26, from 6:30 - 7:30 pm via Zoom in the monthly SNUUC Connectors call.

All are welcome! Please join us! 

Click the link below to join:

SNUUC Caring Committee Connectors

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5165794711

The Connectors gathering is hosted by SNUUC's Caring Team -- Doris Brass, Ilene Corina, Sharon Pataky, Ellen Zaehringer-Gach, and SNUUC consulting minister for pastoral care Jon Berry. It is a confidential call, which means that what is said and heard in the call stays in the call unless you say otherwise. 

The Connectors gathering is the last Friday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Our next one will be April 26. Please email Jon (jonbsnuuc@gmail.com) or Ilene (icorina@aol.com) if you have questions or would like additional information. 

SOUTH OCEAN GALLERY MANDALA ART EXHIBIT

MANDALAS - 'THE JOURNEY FROM SACRED TO FEELING'

Come to the Meet the Artist Reception, next Sunday, April 28, 11:30 to 1:00

The Art Committee is pleased to announce the newest South Ocean Gallery exhibit - Mandalas – ‘The journey from sacred to feeling’ featuring the paintings of Lil Reznicek.

All are encouraged to enjoy the exhibit on Sundays from 10 am to 12:30. Plan to attend and invite lots of friends to the Meet the Artist Reception next Sunday, April 28, 11:30 to 1:00.

Remember – 20% of all sales go to SNUUC.

Diane Hawkins, Barbara Singer and Rosemary Olander-Beach

SNUUC MEMBERS & FRIENDS - EVENTS AT SNUUC!

STORY TELLING EVENT with JIM HAWKINS!

On Sunday, May 5 at 12:30 in the sanctuary, SNUUC’s talented story teller, Jim Hawkins, will do a performance of his “Stories and Songs From the Stoop - Growing Up in America.” Everyone of all ages is invited to enjoy this fun event!  

Jim, through story and song, will take us from his returning to Astoria, Queens when he was 10, his rescue by the Dominican nuns, a handball hero from Rockaway Beach, a student with a snake and a life changing St Patrick’s night. He will also sing several of the most humorous songs heard on the radio. 

This is a Talent Auction item, $25 for adults and $10 for kids, all proceeds go to SNUUC. The performance will also be on Zoom so you can enjoy from home. A link will be provided. Question? Speak with Jim or email him, irishhawkins@verizon.net.

Just for fun, let’s read a book together!

The Brown Bag Lunch and Book Club meets monthly in the foyer to discuss a good book. The next meetup is Thursday, May 9 at noon. The book is The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, a "poignant look at relationships, redemption, racism and the American dream". Bring your lunch and join the discussion! Any questions contact Martha Chamberlain, martha.chamberlain22@gmail.com

FREE LI COMPOSERS ALLIANCE CONCERT AT SNUUC

SNUUC member Jay Gach, who is a composer and member of The Long Island Composers Alliance, is pleased to present a concert on Saturday, May 11 at 3 pm in the Sanctuary at SNUUC.

The concert showcases the EVER TRIO (flute, cello & piano) from the graduate department of the State University of New York at Stony Brook. They will be performing original compositions by composer members of the Long Island Composers Alliance and featuring two compositions by Jay Anthony Gach. The concert is offered free of admission charge. Jay and Ellen will be delighted to have you join them.

THE RECENT SONG WRITERS IN THE ROUND,

ORGANIZED BY PHIL KENNELTY-COHEN,

WAS AN ENJOYABLE MUSICAL EVENT!

JOIN PHIL FOR ANOTHER SHOW IN JUNE

Is there something on your heart?

Do you need a listening ear? 

Are you having trouble with a transition

or change in your life? 

Rev. Karen is here for 1:1 conversations in a private zoom room. Conversations will be limited if others are waiting. Stop by and let's have a cup of tea together and talk things over. 

Rev. Karen's Zoom Office Hours 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3061721466

Talk with Rev. Karen on Wednesdays, 10 am to noon and 7 pm to 9 pm 

REMEMBER OUR COMMUNITY FREE FOOD PANTRY

LOCATED AT THE NORTH END OF THE PARKING LOT

DONATIONS OF CANNED FOOD ARE NEEDED!

Many thanks to RE who stock our Community Food Pantry with your donations on Sundays when they are at SNUUC!

WHAT IS HAPPENING with SNUUC THIS WEEK?

Wednesdays + GATHERING Join the next Gathering at SNUUC on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 pm.

Saturdays + MEDITATION The Mindfulness Meditation group meets at 9 am at SNUUC and on Zoom.

Thursday, April 25 -Board Meeting

Friday, April 26 - Join Connectors on Zoom

Sunday, April 28 - Foyer Artist Reception 11:30



Scroll down for more information about these and other meetings

CHECK OUR ONLINE CALENDAR

You can view SNUUC's monthly calendar online.

Go to www.SNUUC.org.

Click on ABOUT at the top of the page.

Click on EVENTS CALENDAR.

OR click on this link... SNUUC Calendar

UPCOMING BI-MONTHLY, MONTHLY and SPECIAL EVENTS

Wednesday, May 1 - Women's Journaling

Sunday, May 5 - Storytelling Talent Auction Event with Jim Hawkins

Thursday, May 9 - Brown Bag Lunch and Book Club

Thursday, May 9 - Board Meeting

Saturday, May 11 - Free LICA concert at SNUUC with composer Jay Gach

Monday, May 13 - Next Lectio Divina on Zoom

Scroll thru this email for more information about these and other meetings

TAKE A LOOK AT ALL THAT IS HAPPENING WITH SNUUC!

ONGOING SNUUC WEEKLY EVENTS and MEETINGS

   Contact information for events and meetings is below.

WEEKLY:

Tuesdays + WORSHIP The team works with the preacher, worship associate, board member on duty and the production team to plan and provide meaningful worship experiences to the congregation. For questions about the Worship Team please contact Jean Smyth-Crocetto, jmsmyth@verizon.net. 

Wednesdays + GATHERING Gathering at SNUUC, 1 to 2 pm. Join SNUUC friends in the foyer, or on the front lawn when the weather is nice, and enjoy each other’s company. Questions? Meet with them at SNUUC on a Wednesday afternoon or contact Joel Gershen, jojomatt@aol.com

Saturdays + MEDITATION The Mindfulness Meditation group (aka South Ocean Sangha) - Join a regular, weekly meditation practice at SNUUC and on Zoom on Saturdays at 9 am. The practice is open to meditators at all levels. All you need to do is show up and take your seat. If you would like more information or to receive the Zoom link to join the class please, contact Brian Larkin, bolarkin@optonline.net.



Sundays + IMPROV Long Island Improv offers fun improvisation classes many Sunday afternoons in the SNUUC foyer. Many SNUUC members have enjoyed them and found them useful for developing creativity and communication skills. Go to longislandimprov.com for all the details.

BI-MONTHLY and MONTHLY:

2nd and 4th Mondays + LECTIO DIVINA will be taking a Solar Eclipse/Easter /Passover Break for the month of April returning in May with the 2nd & 4th Monday schedule. Next Meeting. - Monday, May 13 at 7:15pm Lectio Divina meets at 7:15 pm on Zoom. Join SNUUC friends for a Lectio Divina practice. This is a contemplative practice in which we listen to a short reading and get in touch with where it resonates in our bodies, our feelings, the images that speak to us and any message or meaning it has for our lives. Contact Barbara Singer for more information, barbara.singer@gmail.com

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87865036675?pwd=anNqdzRxZ2FHWDY2dUVwWlVSWDFQZz09

Meeting ID: 878 6503 6675

Passcode: 189400

One tap mobile

+16469313860,,87865036675# US

+16465588656,,87865036675# US (New York)

1st Tuesdays + SMALL GROUP MINISTRY Small Group Ministry is a group of 7-8 people who meet monthly to share personal experiences on a specific topic, which changes monthly. Once the group is formed, it closes. The purpose of the Small Group Ministry program is for people to get to know one another and to learn about themselves in the process. Contact Harriet Arnold for more information, ArnoldHarriet00@gmail.com.

1st Wednesdays + WOMEN’S JOURNALING - Women's Journaling meets from 1 to 2:30 pm on the 1st Wednesday of the month on Zoom. The women choose a book of a spiritual nature to read and during the group they speak and write on parts of the readings that hold meaning for them. For more info and Zoom link contact Anne Olsen, afleming528@gmail.com. 

2nd Wednesday + LA LECHE The La Leche League of Baldwin Freeport meets in the SNUUC RE wing on the 2nd Wednesday at 10 am. For more information go to their Facebook page, La Leche League of Baldwin Freeport.

1st Thursdays + CARING TEAM - The purpose of the Caring Team is to keep us connected and offer support and help as appropriate. For more info contact Ilene Corina ICorina@aol.com

2nd Thursdays + BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING – To accommodate schedules, the April Board Meeting will be held on April 25.The Board meets at 7 pm on the 2nd Thursday on Zoom. All are welcome. Please contact Mark Bennett for the Zoom link, MarkBenn731@gmail.com

NVC PRACTICE GROUP + The Non-Violent Communications Practice Group (Compassionate Communications) is on hiatus. After many fruitful years at SNUUC and then on Zoom, it is time to step back and explore what may be the best way to continue this effort. For more information, email Barbara Behrens at behrens.ba@gmail.com.

PLEASE NOTE: Our Biannual Meeting is on Sunday, June 9.  There will be Important Information about SNUUC and Voting. All members are asked to attend, directly after the service or on Zoom. Biannual Reports will be emailed the week before the meeting. Our Budget Hearing will be scheduled in May.

AMONG OURSELVES

There are reports that SNUUC members are receiving scam emails and texts that use our names to make requests. Some have requested PDF files of our directory, some allude to an errand needed and some are asking for cash. Please disregard anything that looks like this. Do not click to open or reply to anything like this. This happened to us in the recent past and it is happening to other churches as well. Mark Bennett and the Board 

REMEMBER THE

SNUUC FREE FOOD PANTRY...



PLEASE HELP!

DONATIONS OF

CANNED FOOD ARE NEEDED!

With food donations to our neighbors right on our property, we have a terrific food pantry located at the northwest corner of the building in the parking lot at the end of the driveway. Many thanks go to the RE group who are maintaining our community Food Pantry. They need your help! The next time you are grocery shopping please pick up a few cans of beans or tuna or hearty soup and bring them to SNUUC for the Freeport community. You can put the items in the kitchen, thanks!

Please bring canned food donations, no fresh food please

or you can donate money to purchase food!

Our Little Free Library on the front lawn needs books to share with the neighborhood. Novels, gardening and cook books, children's books are all good choices.

Do you have some good books you want to share? Please put them in our Little Free Library. You will probably find a book for yourself to enjoy!

UU Housing

Have you thought about moving? Why not think about living in the vibrant community of Port Washington on Long Island! How about considering living at Hadley House, a 40-unit apartment building for Independent Seniors for UU members, 62+, and their families?

If you have any questions about the availability of units or how to apply, they can be answered by the Social Worker in the building, Susan Bagnini, 516-944-8457. A descriptive brochure is available on request. Talk with Barbara Singer, she's a resident at Hadley House.

DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS OR SERVICE YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE?

or DO YOU KNOW OF A BUSINESS THAT WANTS TO ADVERTISE?

YOUR AD CAN BE HERE EACH WEEK!

For a small fee you can advertise each week in this SNUUC News You Can Use. Cost is just $100 per month or $250 for 6 months.

Music lessons? Legal services? Electrician?

For an additional $100 per year, you can be listed on the SNUUC website.

Details: Send your business card size artwork to SNUUC@optonline.net Please include your name and contact information with your artwork. Once approved, it will go in to the News You Can Use and/or on the SNUUC website. Please send or bring your payment to SNUUC.  Questions? Contact Ilene Corina, icorina@aol.com

A few more details... The South Nassau Unitarian Universalist Congregation (SNUUC) assumes no responsibility and shall in no event be liable for errors or omissions in the contents of the information provided by the businesses advertised or for any claims that may arise directly or indirectly from any such services. This information does not constitute any affiliation, endorsement, or promotion by SNUUC.

And click here for a little more important info about your advertisement.

NEWS FROM LIAC

the LONG ISLAND AREA COUNCIL

The Long Island Area Council of Unitarian Universalist Congregations, LIAC,

offers opportunities for fellowship

and connection.

LIAC aims to “serve as a catalyst to promote denominational awareness and effectiveness through communication, leadership and educational programs.”

Go to LIACUU.org for more information.

Phil Kennelty-Cohen is the SNUUC LIAC Representative.

Contact Phil for more LIAC information, philkennelty@gmail.com

LIAC UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Have You Heard about the Proposed Article II Revisions? 

For those of you who are not familiar with Article II of the UUA Bylaws, this is where our Principles and Purposes are located. The last time they were substantially revised was in 1985 with some additional revisions added in 1987. There is a proposal to revise Article II that will be voted on by congregational delegates at General Assembly in late June.

Nikki Willard invites you to become more familiar with these revisions that have been proposed. She will be facilitating a Wellspring group (a 4 week "deep dive" into these changes). You are welcome to attend any or all of them.  The Wellspring offering will begin on Wednesday, May 8 and continue each Wednesday through May 29 from 7:30 to 9 pm. Please register register to attend here.

You may have seen the graphic of this new proposal that was in the form of a flower: LOVE at the center with the following values as petals around, including Justice, Generosity, Interdependence, Pluralism, Transformation, Equity, and recently added in February: Peace and Reason.

STUDENTS! APPLY FOR SAF, THE STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND

Applications are now being accepted for LIAC's student-internship program! The Student Activity Fund (SAF) makes it possible for Long Island UU youth/young adults to live their faith and learn valuable skills by interning at nonprofits that focus on social action, advocacy, or social services, while earning money to help finance their education. Rising high school seniors and gap-year, continuing-education, and college students from LIAC UU congregations are welcome to apply for the grants. SAF Program Director Crystal Berger is offering 1:1 guidance sessions to students who are eligible for the SAF grant. Apply for the Summer 2024 SAF internship program by clicking below. The application deadline is Sunday, May 12. There will be a mandatory SAF Intern Orientation on Sunday, May 19, which includes an inspiring Leadership Workshop.



CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE & APPLY

If you have a student in your life who could benefit from this program, please forward this message or direct them to LIACUU.org. Contact Phil Kennelty-Cohen, SNUUC's LIAC Representative, with questions, philkennelty@gmail.com.

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Tickets are now on sale for the annual celebration of the Long Island Area Council of Unitarian Universalist Congregations. This year we will celebrate and honor 50 years of connecting UUs across Long Island. The celebration is Saturday, May 18 at the UU Fellowship at Stony Brook. The event will include a program and dinner. Click here for tickets

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Save the Date for Fahs Camp!

August 10-16 in Lake George, NY

Sophia Fahs Camp is back! We’re offering programs for a multigenerational camp experience. We welcome families of all ages and sizes, young adults, and seniors. Located on the shores of Lake George, Silver Bay YMCA offers a wide-range of activities and programs on its 700-acre waterfront campus. Thanks to a generous grant from the NY State Convention of Universalists, we will be able to extend additional financial assistance this year! Registration opens soon! Click here for more information

You may have heard of the Caring Committee at SNUUC but wonder what we do. The Caring Team has two functions: to keep members and friends connected to SNUUC and to offer you help and support when your life is disrupted out of its usual routines. Having a place to “land” concerns that can get acknowledged and acted upon is helpful. 

What kind of help? We can offer a listening ear and maybe help you find resources in the community. We can offer practical help. Someone needed snow shoveling and we found someone at SNUUC to shovel. Someone needed meals, we put together a team of support to make and deliver meals. Someone needed a ride to the doctor; we found the ride. What else? Visits, errand running, help with tasks like shopping, and more. 

But, just as important, if we don’t see you or hear from you, we may check in with you to be sure you are OK. This may be a card, an email, a text or a phone call. Don’t feel obligated to reply, though if we don’t hear back, we will try again in a month or so. We want you to know we are thinking of you.

In his role as consulting minister for pastoral care, Jon Berry is working with the Caring Team. He comes to SNUUC from working as a hospital chaplain and is experienced in working with people when they need a supportive, listening presence.  

The Caring Team is Doris Brass, Ilene Corina, Sharon Pataky and Ellen Zaehringer-Gach. For more information contact Ilene Corina, ICorina@aol.com or Jon Berry, jonbsnuuc@gmail.com.

DO YOU HAVE A KEY TO OUR BUILDING THAT YOU DO NOT USE?

PLEASE RETURN IT TO THE OFFICE, THEY ARE EXPENSIVE.

YOU CAN LEAVE IT ON THE DESK or SLIP IT IN THE MAIL SLOT

UNDER THE FRONT WINDOWS IF THAT'S EASIEST.

THANK YOU!

OUR UU COMMUNITY

A Plea from the UUSC

Trans family with 2 kids needed to flee Texas quickly. They are looking for pet-friendly housing as they start a new life in the NY metro area. If you have leads on possible housing or want to help this family rebuild their lives, please contact Laura Randall at the UU Service Committee, lrandall@uusc.org or pinkhaven@proton.me

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The Central East Region (CER) of the UUA helps congregations of all shapes and sizes connect with each other and with resources that help them best express their Unitarian Universalist faith in a changing and hurting world. "We believe that we’re at our best when we work together–and we Central East Region staff work together to help your congregation be its best". SNUUC’s primary contact person for CER is Rev. Alia Shinbrough (they/them), ashinbrough@uua.org

"Our job as UUA Congregational Life staff is to support your congregation through what we call ‘the Four Cs’: Coaching, Companioning, Connecting and Challenging. We have resources at hand and a wealth of experience to coach you through whatever your current situation. We walk with you in times of joy and sorrow, so you know that you aren’t alone, and so we can help you celebrate and learn from you. We connect you to other congregations, to the wider UUA and to the work of our faith so we can be better together. And we challenge you, just like you challenge us, to be the most faithful partners we can be in this joint adventure of Unitarian Universalism." Click here to find out more about all the the programs CER has to offer.

Come to UUMAC -

the Unitarian Universalist Mid-Atlantic Community together with

Central East Region Summer Institute - CERSI

July 7 to 13 in Pennsylvania

Have you thought about attending CERSI, Central East Region Summer Institute together with UUMAC, Unitarian Universalist Mid-Atlantic Community, July 7-13? Registration is open! The 2024 theme speaker is Rev. Julian Soto, a UU minister and activist, presenting “Unlikely Superheroes: Skills for Practicing Faith and Ethics in Tough Times.” 

UUMAC, the UU Mid-Atlantic Community will once again be joining CERSI at PennWest for the annual gathering. Join us for a time of community, fellowship, networking, fun, music and so much more. There is programming for children, youth, young adults and adults - you will need to choose what you want to do (or not) each day! Learn more about this year's adult morning seminars and afternoon workshops at the CERSI website. You can still apply for a job at CERSI to underwrite part of the cost of attending and be part of the team that makes the magic happen. Scholarship applications are open with a deadline of May 31. Do note that registration rates go up June 1, so you want to register soon!

A once a year gathering of like-minded individuals can be life changing. CERSI has been described as an all-inclusive vacation for the family where children can grow, and everyone can be nurtured. Please join us. Learn more at the CERSI website - www.cersiuu.org

Thank you! Beth Casebolt, CRE

UUA Central East Region Communications Consultant and Operations Manager

Founded in 1951 by the Universalists, Unirondack is a radically inclusive Camp and Conference Center located on Niiohehsà:ne (Beaver Lake) in the forever wild forests of the Western Adirondack Mountains on Haudenosaunee Land. www.Unirondack.org

We have all new adult adventures!

We are so excited to offer a whole new season of offside adventure trips in the gorgeous Adirondacks- especially for ADULTS! Why should the youth camps get all the excitement? Ranging from introductory to advanced trips, we have exactly what you’re looking for in your next Adirondack Adventure! Trips are a great way to learn or grow your skills, sleep under the stars, challenge yourself, and bond with new lifelong friends. For info about our trips program and trip leaders, click here!

All trips are $350 - $450 with a sliding scale. That cost includes meals, transportation from Unirondack to trip site, and any needed gear. For registration and additional trip specifics, use the links below!

May 6 - 12: Wilderness Art Trip // Creatives Retreat

May 16 - 22: Adirondack 90-Miler

May 16 - 21: Intro to Backpacking

May 24 - 29: Introduction to Canoeing

May 16 - 21: Leadership Paddling

BOARD PRESIDENT DISCRETIONARY FUND

What is the SNUUC Board President Discretionary Fund?

This is a separate fund to be disbursed by the Board President to SNUUC members and friends to help with unanticipated expenses for which they have no other funding source.



How is it funded? It is funded through contributions made by SNUUC members and friends. It is a separate fund and not part of the operating fund.

How do I gain access to the funds. To receive help from the discretionary fund simply speak with Board President Mark Bennett. While a record is kept of all monies disbursed, the names of the recipients will remain confidential. This is a small fund, but Mark will try to help as much as possible.

How can I contribute to the fund?

Yes, please contribute if you can! You will be helping other SNUUC members and friends. Write a check, made payable to SNUUC, write in the memo line Board President Discretionary Fund, and mail to 228 So. Ocean Av, Freeport 11520. You can also donate by clicking the Donate Button on our website, SNUUC.org. You will see the Discretionary Fund option in addition to the Donate and Pledge options. When you send a donation you will be sent a donation letter for your taxes.

Thank you!

Questions? Contact Mark Bennett, MarkBenn731@gmail.com

SNUUC is offering an opportunity to advertise in the weekly

News You Can Use and on the SNUUC website.

Look for more information in this email, above,

with the advertisement for PULSE services.

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Thank you to Linda and David Halpern, SNUUC members and realtors, who have generously donated money to SNUUC from working with SNUUC members or their referrals to sell their homes. Why not do business with people you know and trust? You can contact the Halperns at forestlake76@gmail.com. Thanks Linda & David!

Did you know that members of the SNUUC community who offer their business services can donate a portion of their profits from doing business with other SNUUC members?

It's a win-win situation. You gain business and SNUUC gains a contribution.

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Do You have a

Fundraising Idea

for SNUUC?

Talk with a Board Member

Good News! Our beautiful sound system is protected by a security system!

An alarm will go off when you enter the building!

You need a code to disarm the alarm.

If you have a key to SNUUC & do not have your code,

contact Jean Smyth-Crocetto by text to set up your own personal code. 

Text Jean at 516-359-6954

You will not need to disarm the system if someone else is already in the building

when you arrive, or if the system is not armed.

An Opportunity for Young Adults

YARN is a project to rebuild the continental UU young adult network! This includes growing identity groups, worship services, leadership calls, online conferences and more. There are several ways your congregations and organizations can help UU young adults, friends and future folx find our community.

We made a short video that explains what YARN is. Watch and see what we are all about!

• An Introduction to the Young Adult Revival Network – YouTube

Sign Up For Our Newsletter: We send out a bi-monthly newsletter, The Sweet Potato, containing all the young adult ministry opportunities that YARN and other UU organizations offer.

• Register Here: https://forms.gle/XBQjuSK3k1bNjfCT8

In Faith and Service, 

Roddy Biggs & Kamila Jacob, YARN Worship Chairs

rbiggs@uuma.org 

kamilajacob15@gmail.com 

The Unitarian Universalist Association website, UUA.org,

offers this for people who want to learn more about Unitarian Universalism:

We are Unitarian Universalists, people of many backgrounds

who have different beliefs, but shared values.

Together, we offer a guided path towards a better you and a better world.

Get to know us in this short animated video.

https://www.uua.org/beliefs/who-we-are/video  

The historical organizing principle of Unitarianism was the unity of God, not the trinity. The historical organizing principle of Universalism was the goodness of God, not the judgment of God. Unitarian: God is one. Universalist: God is love. We have evolved into a religion that has no creed, each person is free to believe what they find to be true. This means that, on a Sunday morning, you might be sitting next to people who give different names to what they believe (theist, atheist, agnostic, Christian, Jewish, undecided, humanist, Muslim). We become Unitarian Universalists because we believe that humans need the freedom to grow toward their own beliefs. We gather in community to encourage one another in our spiritual growth, to learn how to live together in loving diversity, and to work together for good purpose in the world. —Rev. Kathleen Hepler 

Small groups of SNUUC Committees and Spiritual Arts

that would like to connect can meet at SNUUC or via Zoom.

Please contact Office Manager Lisa at least 3 days before your Zoom or space request to get set up, SNUUC@optonline.net