South Nassau

Unitarian Universalist Congregation

SNUUC

News You Can Use

April 2, 2025

Visit our Website

Join us this Sunday, April 6 at 10:30 am for our service

led by Rev. Carol Huston

LIAC is offering Adult RE Classes, The Five Questions

also from LIAC, Summer Family Camp - Sophia Fahs,

SAF - the Student Activity Fund and LIAC Day!

Scroll Down for the Zoom Links & to Learn More

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED FOR THE

EGG HUNT WITH THE COMMUNITY ON EASTER SUNDAY

As part of our Community Outreach Initiatives

We are having an Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday

Join us on Sunday, April 20as SNUUC hosts the children of the National Day Laborers for a fun Easter Egg Hunt during coffee hour.

We expect to host as many as 40 children and need your help. Donations of small toys and candy (no nuts please) to fill the eggs or money to purchase those items is appreciated. You can put your donation in an envelope and write 'candy' on it. Put it in the collection basket on Sunday or on the office desk or give it to Jojo or Sharon.

We would love for this to be a SNUUC and neighborhood event so even if you don’t plan to hunt for eggs, please come! You are encouraged to bring your family and children in your life. Feel free to bring something to share for coffee hour.

For more information, please contact JoJo Granoff jgranoff1853@yahoo.com or Sharon Kennelty-Cohen skennelty@gmail.com

JOIN LONG ISLAND UUs FOR LIAC DAY

Click here to learn more about LIAC

Registration is open for LIAC Day!

Saturday, May 10, 2025 at SNUUC!

Join The Council and fellow UUs from across Long Island for our annual meeting and gathering. We will hold our annual meeting in the morning, followed by an interactive program with Immigration Law & Justice NY, including a "Know Your Rights" workshop for congregations, then a shared meal and celebration. Learn more

$30 early bird pricing through April 19. $40/adult begins April 20. REGISTER HERE

GA - GENERAL ASSEMBLY:

THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION'S

PREMIER ANNUAL GATHERING

JUNE 18 TO 22 IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), where participants gather to worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy decisions for the Association through a democratic process.

From June 18–22, 2025, the 64th UUA General Assembly will be a multi-platform event, with the main stage hosted at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland and hundreds more joining on the Whova app.

Anyone interested in attending GA in June, please speak with a Board Member. Go to UUA.org/GA for all the information about General Assembly.

NOTES FROM THE MINISTER

REV. CAROL HUSTON

My time in March around the United Nations and the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) went well. The organization I work with, the International Convocation of UU Women, brought a delegation of 25 this year, more than double the size of our group last year. We had women new to CSW from across the US and from Canada, India, Romania, Hungary, and Bolivia. We also had participants with more than 10 years of experience around the UN. We spent valuable time on the weekend between the two weeks of CSW, learning from each other about the UN, its structures and advocacy openings, and how we might set priorities in the future. UN advocacy offers a wide lens for viewing many things: climate change, poverty, women’s rights, indigenous rights. I will bring you more information about all this as the year goes on and offer opportunities to meet some of the experts who work with us.

One thing stays in my mind. During a women’s panel in a workshop, each panelist was asked about the state of women’s rights in their own countries. The rosiest picture was painted by one of our Unitarian women – from Hungary. Reproductive rights, women’s employment, two-year maternity leaves – all in place. This is Hungary, where Viktor Orban has written the book on authoritarian take-over. The current administration here is following this playbook, we are told. I talked with her afterwards. She assured me that in her liberal view, she does not like Orban and hopes that he will be pushed out of power. But, as a woman, she does not feel that rights have been taken away from her and even the LGBTQ people around her seem to feel safe in their lives and identities.

From this small example, it seems that Orban has changed Hungary through a slow boil in the lobster pot, while we are experiencing a process of chainsaw beheading. Can this be a source of hope? Orban’s playbook set the goals of centralizing power and getting rid of judicial oversight, but the fast and furious process has been different. And perhaps – perhaps– I hope– that difference may help us through this time.

Rev. Carol Huston

BOARD NOTES

The Board met on March 13 to discuss our future rental plans as a way of increasing our income. We have cleared the Brantley wing with this in mind. Building maintenance is ongoing.

We are planning Easter events which will again welcome the Day Laborer's families, especially the children’s Easter Egg Hunt. Your participation is encouraged and needed, thanks! Speak with Sharon Kennelty-Cohen for more info and to help, skennelty@gmail.com

Rev. Carol spoke about her interesting involvement with the United Nations Women’s Advocacy group. Barbara Behrens discussed improvements to SNUUC’s Facebook pages.

Our next Special Projects will be improvements to the atmosphere of the foyer to make it more welcoming. The next UUA General Assembly is this June in Baltimore, MD. Anyone interested in attending GA in June, please speak with a Board Member. Go to UUA.org/GA for information about General Assembly.

Thank you, Sharon Kennelty-Cohen, Trustee

and Board of Trustees, Mark Bennett, Amy Norris Wenzel, Ilene Corina, Jojo Granoff, Barbara Behrens, Rev. Carol Huston

Thank you to the SNUUC Board and helpers who cleaned the Brantley Wing and to get the space ready for rental and income for SNUUC. Recently, two colorful events were held in this great space. Do you or someone you know need to rent space for an event or meeting? Speak with a Board member for more information about space rental at SNUUC.

SOUTH NASSAU FOYER ART GALLERYS

RECENT MEET THE ARTIST RECEPTION

The Art Committee hosted a lively artist reception on Sunday. Long Beach photographer Emma Rickert talked to members and friends about her exhibit, featuring more than a dozen colorful, large-format prints. The show runs through April 18, and all of the works are for sale, with a portion of the proceeds supporting SNUUC. Please contact Art Committee member Diane Hawkins or Rosemary Olander-Beach for more information.

Photographer Emma Rickert with Art Committee members Diane Hawkins and Rosemary Olander-Beach and the coffee hour goodies offered at the reception.

We are revitalizing our communications and you can help. Be sure you’re following our Facebook page— search for SNUUC on Facebook - and share news about our events and programs with your friends. This is an easy way you can help reach out to our SNUUC neighbors and networks.

And we’re excited to report that you will see a new, updated SNUUC website within the next three to four months that will offer easier access to information about Sunday services, an updated member directory and a more inviting interface for members and the public.

CALLING ALL TEACHERS!

PAST, PRESENT or FUTURE

Join us in a lay-led service on Sunday, April 27,

Celebrating Career Educators!

We will explore all the many facets of a life

dedicated to education in a time

when public education faces many obstacles.

Contact Harriet Arnold for more information and to participate.

arnoldharriet00@gmail.com, (516) 589-1188

CALL FOR SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS!

SNUUC is looking for individuals to join our team of Worship Associates. As a Worship Associate, you'll play an important role in supporting our Sunday speakers and ministers during the service, helping everything run smoothly and making a meaningful contribution to our community. Interested? Contact Harriet for more info and to get involved and trained, arnoldharriet00@gmail.com.

Let's make a difference together.

Thank you for your support!

JOIN US AT OUR SERVICE

THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2025

at 10:30 am

THE SERVICE IS LIVE AT SNUUC

and ON ZOOM, USE THE LINK BELOW

+ Sunday, April 6 at 10:30 am +

Rev. Carol Huston

The Spirituality of Money

Yes, I am going to talk about that. How did humanity come to put value into

pieces of paper and numbers in a bank app?

What does that valuing reveal about the growth of our souls?

See you on Sunday when you will also have the chance to

meet our new Keyboard musician, John Paul West.

After early work as a special education teacher and as an arts administrator, Carol Huston found Unitarian Universalist ministry as the culminating career for her life. Ordained in 1992, she served congregations in Rochester, MI and White Plains, NY. As a minister, she enjoyed doing pastoral care and preaching, but she also found much to do in social justice areas. Since retiring from parish ministry, she has been very active in women’s empowerment, civil rights, and poverty issues. She is currently putting energy into the development of a United Nations advocacy team for International Women’s Convocation (IWC), our UU women’s organization which focuses on relationships among UU women’s groups around the world.

Her husband Hollis, a UU chaplain and an actor, died in 2018. They had moved to Manhattan and really enjoyed life there. Their daughter Vanessa lives in Mississippi, and Linnea lives in Manhattan.

Harriet Arnold is the Worship Associate. Mark Bennett is the Board Member on Duty. If you have an announcement you would like to be made at the service, please contact Mark at MarkBenn731@gmail.com by this Saturday morning, April 5.

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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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On Sundays, 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.

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.

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

SIGN-UP FOR COFFEE HOUR

Coffee Hour is an essential part of the service for UUs. We need to make this a community affair. We ask you to please continue to bring snacks for coffee hour. We are asking people to take a turn doing set up and clean-up, there is a sign-up sheet on the Welcome Table. 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.

Thank you for helping at our Coffee Hour!

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ALL UPCOMING SERVICES are

AT SNUUC and ON ZOOM, UNLESS NOTED

April 6 - Rev. Carol Huston

April 13 - Rev. Dr. Sushmita Mukherjee

April 20 - Rev. Sharon Pataky

April 27 - Celebrating Career Educators

May 4 - Rev. Carol Huston

Thank You to our SNUUC Board Members!

Mark Bennett, President * Amy Norris Wenzel, Vice President *

Jojo Granoff, Treasurer * Ilene Corina, Secretary *

Barbara Behrens, Trustee * Sharon Kennelty-Cohen, Trustee

The SNUUC Social Justice/Social Action Team

meets each week on Wednesday

at 12 noon in the foyer.

Please join them to learn and inspire.

Speak to Sharon Kennelty-Cohen

or Harriet Arnold for more information.

SNUUC PEOPLE, SNUUC HAPPENINGS

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. For the next read the group selected Jodi Picoult's book By Any Other Name. "A NY Bestseller from the co-author of Mad Honey comes an “inspiring” (Elle) novel about two women, centuries apart—one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays—who are both forced to hide behind another name."

The group will meet Thursday, May 29, at 12 noon in the Foyer. Bring your lunch and join the discussion! Any questions contact Martha Chamberlain, martha.chamberlain22@gmail.com

WHAT IS HAPPENING with SNUUC THIS WEEK?

Wednesdays + SOCIAL JUSTICE/SOCIAL ACTION TEAM meets on Wednesdays at 12 noon in the foyer. Join them to learn and to inspire.

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

Saturdays + MEDITATION The Mindfulness Meditation group 9 am, Foyer & Zoom

Wednesday, April 2 - Women's Journaling 1:00 pm Zoom

Thursday, April 10 - Board Meeting 7 pm on Zoom

Monday, April 14 - Lectio Divina 7:15 pm on Zoom

Scroll 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

Friday, April 25 - Connectors 6:30 pm on Zoom

Monday, April 28 - Lectio Divina 7:15 pm on Zoom

Wednesday, May 7- Women's Journaling 1:00 pm Zoom

Thursday, May 29 - Brown Bag Lunch and Book Discussion 12 pm

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

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 Harriet Arnold, ArnoldHarriet00@gmail.com.

Wednesdays + SOCIAL JUSTICE/SOCIAL ACTION TEAM meets on Wednesdays at 12 noon in the foyer. Join them to learn and inspire. Contact Sharon Kennelty-Cohen skennelty@gmail.com or Harriet Arnold arnoldharriet00@gmail.com

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

Thursdays + FOOD DISTRIBUTION The National Day Laborers Association gives out donated food each Thursday, from 9:00 to 10:00 am. The pickup spot is in the parking lot behind the building, at the Brantley Wing door.

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 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 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.

Monthly + CARING TEAM - The purpose of the Caring Team is to keep us connected and offer support and help as appropriate. For more info contact Sharon Pataky, Rev.Sharon.P@gmail.com

2nd Thursdays + BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING – 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

CHECK-IN WITH FELLOW SNUUCers AT THE NEXT CONNECTORS CALL,

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 6:30 pm on ZOOM!

Hosted by the Caring Team, the monthly Connectors Zoom meeting is an opportunity for us to check-in with each other, talk about what’s new in our lives, how are things going, etc., within a what’s-said-here-stays-here hour. After check-in, time permitting, the Caring Team will offer a topic of discussion. You can either stay with the topic or choose one of your own.

We look forward to seeing you Friday, April 25 at 6:30 pm!

Click the new link below to join:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4080001516?pwd=T2l5VXhub2t6TytUbzZ2eWVUYkhDQT09&omn=89185896492

Meeting ID: 408 000 1516

Passcode: 228SOcean

The Connectors gathering is hosted by SNUUC's Caring Team - Doris Brass, Ilene Corina, Sharon Kennelty-Cohen and Rev. Sharon Pataky. 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 6:30-7:30 pm. Please email Sharon Pataky, Rev.Sharon.P@gmail.com, if you have questions or would like additional information.

HAPPENINGS AT SNUUC

The Freeport Workers Justice Center of the National Day Laborers Organizational Network held a series of 4 workshops for day laborers. They met at SNUUC to take OSHA courses to earn a certificate about the policies for safety and health in the workplace. The organization also held a series of Nutrition Classes on Monday evenings. The FWJC/NDLON distributes food packages every Thursday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 am at the back of the building in the parking lot by the Brantley Wing door.

NEWS FROM LIAC

the LONG ISLAND AREA COUNCIL

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LIAC serves as a beacon for liberal religion with a focus on education, advocacy, service, and spirituality for Long Island Unitarian Universalists.

Click here to learn more about LIAC

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 is the SNUUC LIAC Representative.

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

UU Youth, in grades 6 to 8 are invited to

CONspiracy - A Middle School CON on

Saturday, April 5, 9:00 am to 8:30 pm

at the UU Congregation of Montclair, NJ

UU Congregation at Montclair, NJ

This Middle School CONspiracy = A one-day, single all-day event that invites Middle School kids from UU congregations in the Metro New York area. Activities at the CONspiracy will include games, discussion-based programming, art, general fun and silliness. CONspiracy = the theme - Come with a curious spirit, questions, and an open mind ready for fun! CONs are run by the youth for the youth, with adult supervision. Middle School CONs are introductions to what it is like at a Senior Youth CON in terms of structure and activities. MIDDLE SCHOOL CONs are run by the host Youth Group, for UU Montclair that is the U-YG. The focus of the day will be about creating bonds and having fun!

UU Montclair would love to see more UU Middle School kids from neighboring UU congregations. Cost: $20 per youth. Partial or full scholarships are possible if the cost is burdensome. If you need a scholarship please contact Judith Hogan, DRE at jhogan@uumontclair.org.’

LIAC invites you to an

Adult RE Offering - The Five Questions

with Rev. Charles Blustein Ortman

Dates are Wednesdays, April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, and 14 online at 7 pm

Freeport, would you like to delve into the most important questions human beings ask themselves with an expert facilitator in an intimate small group setting? Then this is the opportunity for you! Participants will be guided by the program's developer, Rev. Charles Blustein Ortman, over a six week period. Explore a new theme each week, like "What does it mean to be human?" and "What is the meaning of life or death?"

Space is strictly limited so register early! Please plan to attend all sessions before registering. This is program is restricted to members of LIAC congregations. The Course begins online on Wednesday, April 9 at 7 pm. Click on these links to...

"This is a can't miss program... And if you have a chance to be guided through this experience with Rev. Charlie, who is both witty and wise, you don't want to pass it up." Rev. Kimberly Quinn Johnson, Minister, UU Congragarion of the South Fork

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50 YEARS OF FAITH IN ACTION

LIAC's Student Activity Fund, SAF, Internship Applications are Open!

Through its internship awards, the Student Activity Fund makes it possible for young adults to put their UU values into action at nonprofits across Long Island.

The program is open to members (or children of members) in good standing at a LIAC UU congregation who are rising high school seniors, gap-year students, college or trade-school students, or 24/25 graduates.

Many interns already have a nonprofit in mind. If you or your young adult need some help identifying a partner nonprofit, Ginger O'Neill, our SAF Program Director, is here to help you. If you'd like to talk about your options, please email Ginger for a conversation.

Find out more

Sophia Fahs Camp - A Multi-Generational UU Camp Experience

August 10 - 16, 2025

The week-long Fahs Camp offers programs, worship, and activities created with the intention of building Beloved community based on caring, respect,

and Unitarian Universalist values.

Click here to learn even more.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Early bird rates available through February. Register early and save!

If you are a member of a LIAC member congregation click here LIAC member registration. All other friends click here Regional Registration

Our Mission is to create an intergenerational Unitarian Universalist community that provides enjoyable, practical, and spiritual experiences in a safe, beautiful, and natural environment that will inspire children, youth, and adults to explore their identities: personal, communal, and Unitarian Universalist.

Who should attend? We offer programs for a multigenerational camp experience. We welcome families of all ages and sizes, young adults, and seniors who hold fond memories of attending with their children. Each community member signs a Covenant by which to live during our week together.

How We Grow Together We create programs and experiences that focus on four major areas:

Spiritual Growth

Campers and staff participate in morning worship, Program and Circle Groups, campfire worship, and reflections before meals.
Campers and staff learn songs and hymns at evening campfires, at all-camp morning worship, and music activities.
Camp offers quiet time, meditative spaces, and time for deep conversations about life experiences.

Building Community and Interpersonal Relationships

Campers and staff plan activities together, agree upon guidelines for their group life, and share daily chores and dining hall duties for the benefit of the entire camp community.
Campers covenant with each other to define how they wish to be together at camp.
The Spirit Committee strives to assure that all campers feel comfortable at camp. Senior campers (grades 11-12) lead daily Circle Groups from a provided curriculum.
Worship, Program and Circle Groups, activities and campfires fuel the “creative celebration” that builds community through sharing of talents and ideas.
At the close of the week, campers share experiences that allow them to express appreciation and love to all with whom they have camped.

Nature and Creativity

Campers explore creativity through arts, crafts, and music using natural materials and promote expression of feelings and ideas about life experiences.
The sacred spaces of camp encourage informal conversations about nature, life and spirituality.
Campers and staff may sign up to learn water and boat safety, led by certified water instructors.
Learn about the ecology of the campsite in activities, Program and Circle Groups.

Recreational and Social Activities

Campers engage in games and sports that use the physical skills of each person. They are encouraged to try new ways of physical exercise.
Sports are a part of camp, teaching cooperation and assisting younger campers in gaining competence. Many group games teach cooperation rather than competition.
Laughter creates a joyful camp environment. Mime, clowning, comedy, and talent sharing are for everyone. Individuals with special skills in these areas are encouraged to share in the Variety Show.

OUR UU COMMUNITY

NEWS FROM THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION - UUA.ORG

UUA Joins Multifaith Lawsuit

Asserting the ICE Policy Violates the First Amendment

The UUA is proud to announce we are a plaintiff in the sensitive locations policy lawsuit. We join a multifaith coalition to challenge the ending of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) policy and opposes any interpretation of law which would allow immigration raids in houses of worship and religious ceremonies.

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 UU member Independent Seniors, 62+ and their families? Hadley House is a Senior Residence operated by UUCSR, Hadley House, LLC. 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, 464 Main St., Port Washington. Or go to this UUCSR/Hadley House link for more information.

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 the UUA Central East Region.

Trip Camp 2025:

An exciting New Year in Adventure!

Unirondack’s 2024’s trip season was groundbreaking! We had 3 times as many trips and 4 times as many campers as any previous spring + summer. Here’s what you can look forward to in our 2025 season:

Mini-trips (3 days) for youth camp were a huge success, and we’re excited to continue offering this format for summer 2025.
Summer Youth Camp trip dates are changing! In 2025 campers can now choose to go on a week-long trip without missing their regular Parker or Ballou Session.
Spring and fall seasons of 2025 will feature 4 exciting trip camps for adults, including: Artists and Creatives trip camp (canoe), Oswegatchie Expedition (canoe), 90-Miler Blueway (canoe), Peak Queerness (backpack)
New in 2025: Family Trips- - a customized Adirondacks trip for whatever ‘family’ means to you, fully outfitted, guided, and fed by Unirondack.

Go to Unirondack.org for information

"The Rowe UU Camp and Conference Center is more than a camp or conference center, it is a place where souls come to connect, where families come to celebrate and thought leaders come to increase awareness and heighten senses." Their retreat center is located in the East Berkshires in the town of Rowe, Massachusetts, a community founded in 1785. Rowecenter.org

As we plan our fall activities, the Rowe Center encourage us to support their organization by attending their enriching programs. Your participation is essential to continuing their mission of fostering community and growth at Rowe. They have returned to a sliding scale pricing structure for most programs to align more closely with their values of equity and inclusion. They hope to see you there in person or online soon!

REMINDER TO HELP KEEP OUR LIVES GREEN

SNUUC Environmentalist Sharon Kennelty-Cohen reminds us to use washable plates instead of single-use paper ones for Coffee Hour and other fun food events at SNUUC and at home. We have a dishwasher, soap, a double sink in the kitchen and a single one in the pantry. Five minutes washing a few dishes makes it more likely that our great-grandchildren will have trees to climb.

Please consider this before you grab a plastic or paper plate or cup. Thank You!

SNUUC STUFF

There have been reports that SNUUC members received 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 past and it is happening to other churches as well. Mark Bennett and the Board

REMEMBER OUR

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 busy food pantry located at the northwest corner of the building in the parking lot at the end of the driveway. 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 any good books you can share? Please put them in our Little Free Library. You will probably find a book there for you to enjoy!

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.

PASTORAL CARE and KEEPING CONNECTED with ONE ANOTHER

NOTES FROM THE CARING TEAM

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.

The Caring Team is Doris Brass, Ilene Corina, Sharon Kennelty-Cohen and Rev. Sharon Pataky. For more information contact Sharon Pataky, Rev.Sharon.P@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!

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 you 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 FUNDRAISING NEWS

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,

with the advertisement for PULSE services.

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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

IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! READ THIS!

Good News! Our building 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.

UU YOUNG ADULT REVIVAL NETWORK - YARN

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.

In Faith and Service,

Roddy Biggs & Kamila Jacob, YARN Worship Chairs

rbiggs@uuma.org

kamilajacob15@gmail.com