February 27, 2018
unitarian universalist congregation at shelter rock “Celebrating Worth and Dignity for All” 2017-2018 Congregational Theme See the Program and Event List Here
UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES TOUCHSTONES March Theme: Self-Respect Nancy Reid-McKee, Ministerial Intern
Sunday, March 4, 2018, 11:00 AM “That’s just the way it is…” “Congregation of Our Hopes” The Ministry Team I just finished reading Lynne Twist’s book, The Soul of Money. In it she describes some of the myths of our culture that influence our behaviors and attitudes. One of these, the myth of “that’s just the way it is,” has continued as a refrain in my mind, because this is a message I believe each of us assumes to be true at times.
It may be that we don’t actually believe we can act in accord with our First Principle regarding the inherent worth and dignity of all. It is difficult to hold on to that Principle while being confronted with those who are homeless or incarcerated or oppressed. Sometimes Friday, March 9, 2018, 7:30 PM it is easier to think, when we see these people, “Well, that’s just the “Where music resides at the heart of religious experience” way it is, I can’t fix this.” The Rev. Jennifer L. Brower When we are part of a large community or organization, such as Friday, March 9, 2018 this Shelter Rock congregation, we may find it easier to accept the way things are done rather than challenge ourselves with creative Soulful Sundown or innovative change. Congregations develop traditions, along with Dinner ($4) 6:30 PM, Worship 7:30 PM habits and assumptions, that provide some comfort related to their Live band: The Cosmic Orchestra familiarity. The same traditions and habits may also generate some Free Coffee House unease as they can cause resistance to necessary or compelling with Phoebe Hunt follows Service alternatives. Right now, as we face a reduction in the congregation’s traditional source of financing it may be harder to think of different ways of doing things than to continue the way we have become used to. Sunday, March 11, 2018, 11:00 AM “Annual Women’s Group Service” Women’s Group Members and The Rev. Jennnifer L. Brower The phrase, “that’s just the way it is,” is about resignation. It is a message that assumes things can’t change. It may leave us feeling helpless or hopeless, feeling we don’t have the intelligence or the Sunday, March 18, 2018, 11:00 AM resourcefulness, or the time, or the conviction (etc.) to generate “No Time for a Casual Faith” solutions. The Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, UUA President James Luther Adams, a Unitarian minister and theologian, argued Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) that one of the essential elements in liberal religion is that we should president, Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, will always question and challenge things that are commonly accepted. reflect on the challenges of this moment He stated that nothing in this world is final or complete, but we are for our country and the planet, and how our in a place of continued, new insight and revelation. UU communities can be places of bold faith that nurture both connection and courage, resiliency, and resistance. Continued on page 2 The Quest 1 TOUCHSTONES DENOMINATIONAL AFFAIRS Continued from page 1 Karen Krieg, Denominational Affairs Committee Chair
This also means that we are often in a position that feels uncomfortable. As religious liberals, we are the ones to challenge the way things are. We are the ones to ask the questions: “How else could this be?” or “Is this good enough?”
Lynne Twist challenges us to move out of the resignation we may feel, and instead empower ourselves to act according to what we may value and believe. She says: “…let go of that’s just the way it The UUA’s General Assembly will be held this year from June is… to consider the possibility that there isn’t a way it is or a way it 20 through 24, 2018. Entitled “All Are Called,” this year’s GA is isn’t. There is the way we choose to act and that we choose to make envisioned as a call for all to witness and act for justice. of circumstances.” Registration is open to all via the UUA website beginning March 1, 2018. A RETURN FROM SABBATICAL GEORGE KESNER MEMORIAL BOOK EXCHANGE We are now accepting donations of gently used books of general interest for our Book Exchange. Donations may be placed in the Dear Members of UUCSR, marked laundry cart located in the coat room. No text books, encyclopedias, or study guides, please. All proceeds will benefit After a six-month sabbatical, I have our Partner Church in Transylvania. Thank you. returned to my ministry with you. It is good to be back. While the sabbatical was restorative, I did COMMITTEE SUNDAY miss ministry. But the sabbatical time and my activities did what On March 4, 2018, the Congregation will hold Committee Sunday. one would hope: I do feel spiritually This event has been dedicated to committees that are on the grounded and strengthened. Program Council, for the purpose of sharing with the congregation You’ll hear about my sabbatical information about committees. This year, the Program Council has activities in the weeks and months welcomesd subdivision boards, committees, and subcommittees to come. Thank you for making not on the Program Council, so that the congregation can be better a commitment to the spiritual and professional development informed about their activities. Please plan to visit Committee of your ministers by offering a sabbatical plan that has become Sunday presentations on March 4, in the Social Hall, after Service. standard across Unitarian Universalist congregations with full- time settled ministry. During the time that I was out, I marked the start of my 17th year BUDGET MEETING NOTICES of ministry with UUCSR. I cannot help but marvel at how quickly 16 years have passed! The sabbatical allowed me the time and distance to reflect upon those many years, all that has changed —I • Small Group Ministry (SGM) Monday, March 5, 2018, 11:00 AM, know I have! — and what has remained the same. I look forward to Brides Room. catching up with you and hearing what has happened in your lives • Religious Education Committee (RE) Tuesday, March 6, 2018, and in the life of our congregation these past six months. 7:30 PM, Art Gallery. • Membership Committee Wednesday, March 7, 7:30 PM, Art As a reminder, I am available on weekdays and two evenings Gallery per week for meetings with you. It is always best to make an • Adult Program Committee Monday, March 12, 2018, 5:30 PM, appointment rather than drop in, though, as my hours vary. I am Veatch Conference Room. also available by telephone. Wednesday is, generally, my Sabbath. • Program Council Monday, March 12, 2018, 7:30 PM, Veatch I can be reached at 516.472.2917, or via email at [email protected] Ballroom. • Art Committee Tuesday, March 13, 2018, 4:00 PM, Office Appointments may also be made through the Assistant to the Conference Room. Ministers, Kimberly Rossiter, who will soon rejoin us after a time • Bookstore Committee Wednesday March 14, 2018, 4:00 PM, away on parental leave. Kimberly can be contacted at krossiter@ Brides’s Room uucsr.org, or at 516.472.2941. • Social Justice Committee Wednesday, March 14, 2018, 7:30 PM, Yours in Faith, Art Gallery. Rev. Jennifer L. Brower • Green Sanctuary Committee Thursday, March 15, 2018, 7:00 PM, Staff Lunchroom. Transportation Assistance • Denominational Affairs Committee (DAC) Monday, March 19, UUCSR offers transportation assistance to Worship Services for 2018, 7:30 PM, Office Conference Room. members who are unable to travel due to physical or financial • Music Committee Sunday, March 25, 2018, 12:45 PM, Bride’s limitations. Contact Cindy Wilson, Assistant to the Ministers, at Room. ministerasst@uucsr. org, or at 516.472.2941 for an application. Note: Budget Meetings are open to all. 2 The Quest VEATCH NEWS Marjona Jones, Program Officer LIFESPAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock The Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore
Students Leading the Way, Win History Victory
"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children." Have you noticed the UU-related films — Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa out there?
Not since the Civil Rights Movement Unfortunately, they don’t mention have we seen such a surge of young Unitarian Universalism explicitly but you people getting active and speaking can be in the theater with this truth to power. From the Ferguson “inside” information: Uprising to the recent walkouts led by young people in the aftermath of the • Lady Bird was made by UU Greta Gerwig – her previous shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas film Frances Ha featured her childhood UU congregation in High School in Florida, young people Sacramento, CA. are leading the way. Through the generosity of the congregation, the • The Greatest Showman is a story about circus founder and Veatch Program has supported young devout Universalist, P. T. Barnum. people taking action for decades. United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) has been a grantee for five years. USAS began • The Post tells the story of the Washington Post’s publication 20 years ago as a grassroots organization of college students and of the Pentagon Papers – the UUA’s Beacon Press published youth who embodied thinking globally and acting locally. USAS the complete text of the Pentagon Papers in book form and enabled young people to use their roles as students and consumers was also threatened with government legal action against the to draw attention to how and where collegiate apparel was made. publication. Publication by Beacon Press was funded by the Did workers overseas who made the apparel have access to the Veatch Program. same worker standards that existed in the US? The answer was no. Through a model of solidarity and student power, USAS fought to • The Man Who Invented Christmas tells the story of the writing change that. of A Christmas Carol by the then Unitarian Charles Dickens. • In 2000, I was a member of United Students Against Sweatshops. Check out www.uuworld.org/articles/film-footnotes USAS launched the Behind the Label campaign that asked consumers on a larger scale the same questions we were asking Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore as students. Our target company was Nike and the person that could meet our demands was Phil Knight, Nike’s executive director. In efforts to draw more attention to the campaign, eight USAS SHELTER ROCK SEDER members, including myself, traveled across the country in an RV for two weeks protesting at Nike Town stores. We had bullhorns; we did banner drops, some of us got arrested, we got escorted Save the Date: Saturday, April 7, 2018 by police out of the Denver City limits, and more. All to fight for 5:30 PM, Social Hall workers who didn’t have a voice in the US. For years, Phil Knight disregarded us as a group of rag-tag students.
Today, as a proud former member of this organization, I am happy to report that, in Spring 2017, United Students Against Sweatshops made Nike and Phil Knight pay attention and pay up. USAS and its partner organization, the Workers’ Rights Consortium, won $750,000 in owed wages to workers, won necessary installation of factory repairs, and got dozens of women reinstated who had been fired for being pregnant. The two-year campaign included youth activism at five major university systems and two worker tours with Southeast Asian labor leaders. USAS estimates costing Nike 34 million dollars. How’s that for rag-tag students? Shelter Rock, through the Veatch Program, demonstrates its belief in the power of young people and is honored to support their leadership. SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
The Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock Join a group and give yourself the gift of time… provides support for efforts within the religious and spiritual There are openings in some groups. Contact Lea Titza at mission of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter [email protected] or 516.472.2975. If you want to talk to someone Rock where their purposes are best served by outside agencies about SGM before you decide, call Betty Gold at 718.805.6929 or acting under the Veatch Program and the Congregation. email [email protected].
February27, 2018 3 SOCIAL JUSTICE COORDINATOR Claire Deroche SOCIAL JUSTICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
What can we do about gun violence? SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, May 31, 2018 The Social Justice Committee presents North Shore Soup Kitchen Tasting As we grapple with the grief, Fundraiser, UUCSR Social Hall, 7:00 – 10:00 PM. Food, Wine, Beer, heartache, and anger in the Tasting, Music by: Alibi. aftermath of the massacre that claimed the lives of 14 students Tuesday, February 27, 2018 and 3 staff members at Marjory Orientation for HALT Advocacy Day, 7:00 – 8:30 PM, Classroom 4 Stoneman Douglas High School in We will review changes to the Humane Alternatives to Long Term Parkland, Florida, on February 14, (HALT) Solitary Confinement Act and role play visits with members 2018, many of us are also asking, of the Assembly and Senate in preparation for HALT Advocacy Day “What can I do to address the crisis on Tuesday, March 13. Please contact Social Justice Coordinator of gun violence in our country?” Claire Deroche to register: [email protected] or 516.472-2977. Here are some possibilities that I’ve come up with. Wednesday, February 28, 2018 13th, a film by award winning producer/director, Ava DuVernay The students who survived the in the Art Gallery, 7:00 – 9:30 PM (Please note the changed start massacre in Parkland have wasted no time in getting organized. time.) 13th was one of the most critically-acclaimed films of 2016. They are planning a March for Our Lives on Saturday, March 24, in In this searing documentary, Ms. DuVernay, explores the historical Washington, DC, with marches across the country. You can donate progression from slavery to Jim Crow to mass incarceration. We’ll to the March for Our Lives at https://tinyurl.com/y84o2g7q, and follow the movie with discussion. you can sign up for on-going news about marches at https://tinyurl. com/y9wp6f6q. As of this writing, 51 national and international Thursday, March 1, 2018 marches have been organized. Put the March for Our Lives on your Cooking for the Guests of the Interfaith Nutrition Network calendar and watch UUCSR media for details of UU participation in (INN), 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Main Kitchen. Meals cooked will be a local march. delivered to three shelters run by the INN. For further information, contact Verna Livingston, 516.883.7999. Look at the websites of the organizations listed below, which work to address gun violence, choose one that speaks to you, Sunday, March 4, 2018 and support what the organization is doing. It could be making a Get Your Shopping Bag for the Grocery Collection for monetary donation, responding to their action alerts, or attending Residents of United Veterans Beacon House (UVBH), Freeport. events that they organize. On Sundays, March 4, 11, and 18, members of the Social Justice Committee will be in the main lobby after worship to provide • New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, http://nyagv.org/ grocery bags with shopping lists for our annual collection for • The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, http://www. veterans living in the UVBH Freeport residence. We invite you to bradycampaign.org/ take a list and bag, shop for some of the items on the list, and return • Sandy Hook Promise, https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/ your bag of groceries on Sunday, March 25. Co-sponsored by the • Everytown for Gun Safety, https://everytown.org/ Social Justice Committee and the Religious Education Program. • The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, https://www.csgv.org/ • New Town Action Alliance, http://alliance.newtownaction.org/ Tuesday, March 13, 2018 • Violence Policy Center, http://www.vpc.org/ Advocacy Day 2018 to Pass the HALT Solitary Confinement • Americans for Responsible Solutions, https://giffords.org/ ActAdvocates will gather in Albany to continue to urge lawmakers • States United to Prevent Gun Violence, https://ceasefireusa.org to pass the HALT Bill. The Congregational van will leave UUCSR at • Stop Handgun Violence, http://www.stophandgunviolence.org/ 6:00 AM and return by 8:00 PM. To participate, complete these two • Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, https://momsdemandaction.org steps: go to https://goo.gl/z22oVf to register with event organizers and then email [email protected] to reserve your seat in the van. In addition, whenever you are invited to sign a petition, do so, and Training (see Feb. 27 above) and transportation are free of charge. then make a phone call to the office of the elected official named Deadline for registering is Thursday, March 8. in the petition. Phone calls to the offices of our representatives and senators are probably the most effective advocacy tool we have. To OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING find contact information for your US representative and senators, go to https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members, and to find The Social Justice Committee of UUCSR sponsors several ways your state assembly member and senator, go to http://openstates. for members of the congregation to meet the needs of others org/find_your_legislator/. When you call, give your name, say that for food and clothing. Members can participate in monthly you are a constituent, and that you want Senator/Representative/ cooking for guests of the shelters run by the Interfaith Nutrition Assembly Member (insert name) to take a specific action. Give Network. Members can donate non-perishable food for our own your address so that you can receive an answer. It’s that simple! congregational pantry located in the hall by the side entrance to the main kitchen and for local food pantries. Donations of gently Whatever you do, do something! Taking action is the best antidote used clothing benefit our own members through a clothing rack to the hopelessness and despair that such tragedies leave in their next to the congregational pantry, and men, women, and children wake. served by United Veterans Beacon House. Please see the flyer on the table in the main lobby for complete details.
4 The Quest MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC Stephen Michael Smith, Music Director SHELTER ROCK BOOKSTORE
Music Sunday 2018 This year, Music Sunday is Sunday, April 22, and the choir will sing two very different pieces.
Music has been intertwined with sacred practice and observance through the ages. At the core of drumming, tolling of bells and Dear Booklovers, chant (to cite just a few examples) is a simple, repetitive rhythm. We will experience the transcendence of repetitive rhythm in two Some of you come to the Bookstore on Sundays and ask for the very different works, the Congolese Missa Luba, and the music various books that are in circulation at UUCSR and through the UUA of contemporary minimalistic mystic, Arvo Part, in his acclaimed but unfortunately, they have not been available at ourbookstore. masterwork, In Principio. Fortified by some of your ideas, we renewed our effort to change that.
21st ALL-CONGREGATION RETREAT We have a few new books at the store, and we managed to get the agreement of committees to have their books available in the store! So you can now get them on Sundays (as well as during the “Catch the Wind” week at the various committee liaisons’ desks, of course). May 25 – 28, 2018 We have copies of: Last year, 216 people attended the All-Congregation Retreat at Silver Bay. For various reasons, including the termination of our 99 The present Common Read: Centering, Navigating Race, multi-year contract with Silver Bay YMCA, the planning committee Authenticity, and Power in Ministry, a joint project of is happy to introduce this year’s retreat at the beautiful Stony UU Ministers, Centering explores how racial identity is Point Center located in Stony Point, New York, at the base of Bear made both visible and invisible in Unitarian Universalist Mountain, less than 90 minutes from Long Island. The Stony Point ministries. $18/copy Center grows all its own vegetables on site, shares our Unitarian 99 Last Fall’s Common Read: Daring Democrac: Igniting Power, Universalist ideals, offers an amazing arts and crafts facility, and Meaning, and Connection for the America We Want. If you much more. missed it, it is now available at a discount for $11/copy 99 The book by Chuck Collins: Born on Third Base: A One- We hope that you will join us in our member-led workshops; ball Percenter Makes the Case for Tackling Inequality, Bringing games; porch chats; two special worship services; our own Stony Wealth Home, and Committing to the Common Good. Point Choir led by Stephen Michael Smith; wine/beer, cheese, Chuck Collins has thought seriously about what it means jokes and more at the Adult Club night (UUCSR Family Feud-style to be a citizen, and a patriot. He has written a declaration games); ice cream social and dance; delicious and plentiful fresh of interdependence. $18/copy fruit and vegetables at every meal; karaoke and bingo nights; 99 Also we also have the book presently read by our Great bridge, mah-jongg, chess, coloring; and so much more, including Books discussion group Even Deadlier, a sequel to The 7 the amazing Starry Night Talent Show. You don’t want to miss it! deadly Sins Sampler. Find out and discuss what some of There will also be new programs coordinated by the great Stony our greatest literary lights have thought about good and Point Center staff. You can find out more about the Stony Point evil. $20/copy Center at stonypointcenter.org 99 And do not forget Barry Andrews’ book: Transcendentalism and the Cultivation of the Soul. To practice what you read Please be on the lookout for the mailed Registration Form, or there, we have coupled it with our UUCSR Journal for a you can get one in the office from Sharyn ([email protected], 516.472.2960). discounted price of $38/copy
All Congregation Retreat Planning Group Come and See. Enjoy! Martha and Vince Chimienti, May Choi-Steele, Barbara Dilsner, The Bookstore Committee Maria and Frank Doyle, Carla Drezner, Robin Finnan-Jones, Leyla Hoell, Taylor Kerr, Gary Mitchell, Rebecca Muellers, Audrey and Tom Murphy, Claire and Richard Paccione, Laura Torff SOULFUL SMALL GROUP
Friday, March 16, 2018, 7:00 PM, Room 14
This discussion group is modeled after Soulful Sundown. A song played each month suggests a theme and provides a springboard for sharing our thoughts and stories as we explore the song’s spiritual and personal relevance in a relaxed and safe space. The song for March is “The Gambler,” by Kenny Rogers. (www.j.mp/ ssgrisk) Inquire or register with Lea Titza at [email protected] or 516.472.2975. Further details available on UUCSR.org calendar. February 27, 2018 5 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Ben Bortin, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator
First I want, on behalf of all of you, to welcome heartily the newest REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN members of the congregation, Matthew and Vicki D’Aguanno, FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TRAINING and John Haney. I hope that their spiritual journeys and their experiences with this congregation are rewarding, stimulating, and sustaining. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, State Senator Elaine Phillips, Assemblyman Tony D’urso, and the Second, I want to devote this column to Membership Committee UUCSR Membership Committee present: member Vicky Safferson’sarticle about an Emergency Preparedness strategy and program at this congregation… Citizen Preparedness Corps Disaster Preparedness Training Progam We never know when a disaster is going to strike—a hurricane; an active shooter in our church, our schools, or our workplace; acyber- Saturday, March 10, 2018 attack crippling our utilities or our communication networks.
When that disaster strikes, it is up to each of us to ensure the survival of ourselves and our families. 2:00 – 3:30 PM
The key to that survival is PREPAREDNESS. Social Hall
The UUCSR Membership Committee has partnered with the New York State Citizen Preparedness Corp to present a training session at UUCSR on Saturday March 10. The course will provide an introduction to responding to a natural or human disaster. Participants will be advised on how to properly prepare for All participants MUST register in advance at any disaster, including developing a family emergency plan www.prepare.ny.gov and stocking up on emergency supplies. Free NYS Disaster Preparedness Kits will be distributed to all participants (one per • Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program family) containing key items to assist individuals in the immediate offers residents the tools and resources to prepare aftermath of a disaster. for any type of disaster, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster The Membership Committee strongly recommends that one conditions. adult member from each family in our congregation attends this important training course. We must be mindful of the dangers we • A key component to the training is the distribution face and be prepared to respond. of free NYS Disaster Preparedness Kits. Pre-Registration is required at www.prepare.ny.gov. Save the Date We hope you will be able to attend the NYS Citizen Preparedness Thursday, March 29, 2018, 12:30 PM Corp training session on March 10. Please pre-register as soon as possible, so you are not shut out of the session.”
Free Disaster Preparedness Kits:
Collapsible water container Shelter-in-place plastic sheeting Roll of duct tape Pair of work gloves Flashlight and batteries Emergency ready AM/FM radio (pocket size) and batteries Plastic goggles Face mask Ayhan’s Shish Kebab Mediterranean Grill Emergency blanket 283 Main St First Aid kit Port Washington, NY 11050 Whistle Light stick $20/person, drinks, dessert, and tip included 3-day emergency ration food 6 emergency ration water pouches Sign up at the UUCSR Welcome Desk or contact Ben Bortin, [email protected] or 516.472.2934
6 The Quest HADLEY HOUSE HAPPENINGS MILESTONES Hadley House Residents’ Council
We offer our deepest sympathies to... UUCSR member, Janet “The Road Less Travelled” — Marvin Brown Bendowitz, and her family as they mourn the death of Janet’s husband, Mel. Mel died recently after a protracted period of declining health and a series of health crises. A funeral service will be held upstate later this week.
Condolences may be sent to Janet’s home address:
21216 A 69th Ave Oakland Gardens, NY 11364-2530
THANK YOU Our neighbor, Marvin Brown, is a prominent artist who has taught art in the University College of Brown University, the University Heartfelt thanks for all who attended Jonathan’s service, and for of California, Berkeley, and Rice University before his career those of you who were unable to, but offered kind words of regret. teaching in the Pre-Architecture Program at the City College and We will always be grateful to you. Hunter College of CUNY. In 1973, he was awarded a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship for his recognized Ben Bortin and Andrea Starr promise. Four years later, he received a Senior Scholar Grant in the Fine Arts (Fulbright Fellowship) which took him to Australia to both Thank you to our Shelter Rock family. We truly appreciate the lecture and exhibit his paintings as an Artist in Residence at the Shelter Rock members’ sympathies, and the Caring Committee’s Victorian College of Arts in Melbourne. His focus on abstraction deep kindness as we remember our beautiful daughter, Judi. and interest in architecture inform his creations. His work can be found in the collections of the Yale Art Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon With heartfelt thanks, Hank and Ronnie Arond R. Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art A big thank you to the 4th graders and their teachers for hosting and, in the UK, the British Museum. Pleased with his laurels and a Valentine luncheon for the First Sunday Small Group Ministry. recognition in his field, he remains passionate about the work. He We loved the music you played on the xylophones. We loved bemusedly recalls that his Dad, not understanding Marvin’s life’s the conversation and the questions you posed to get to know us work, was disappointed that his son had not achieved material better — and we loved getting to know you. Thanks again. success. He is an unpretentious man with a natural grace and dignity that is Carla Drezner and Jean Judd for the First Sunday Small Group evidenced in all he does. Marvin’s attention to detail and aesthetic point of view create an atmosphere of elegance which touches us all. Quietly alert to the needs of his neighbors, he is generous NEW PHOTO DIRECTORY with his time, support and help. He attributes these qualities to the practice of our UU shared values. SAVE THE DATES FOR PHOTO SESSIONS NEW “LOOK BOOK” DIRECTORY IS PLANNED Born in Queens, Marvin questioned his Baptist roots for lacking in “reason.” He was drawn as a teen to the preaching of Algernon The following dates have been set for member photo sessions in Black of the Ethical Cultural Society in Manhattan. This was the the Veatch Ballroom: foundation of his application as a conscientious objector in 1967- 68, for which he was not acknowledged. He became interested in • Monday 4/09/18 Unitarian Universalism and liberal religion through his academic • Tuesday 4/10/18 and spiritual contacts in Rhode Island, in particular through the • Wednesday 4/11/18 late architect and planner, John Grifalconi and Henry Sharpe, then • Saturday 4/14/18 a lay minister in the Westminster Congregation of East Greenwich, • Friday 4/20/18 Rhode Island. In 2002 he was introduced to and became a member • Saturday 4/21/18 of the then Hollis Unitarian Universalist Church, where he served • Friday 5/18/18 on the Board of Trustees. He now resides at Hadley House and is a member of UUCSR. In addition to professional photos, we need photos you have taken for the Look Book activity pages. Any person or committee Marvin regards Hadley House as a unique social experiment in with event photos, please submit to [email protected]. senior living. He feels energized by its particular quality of social Kindly include the name of the event, and date picture was taken. dynamism. He believes the vision of the planners of Hadley House Any questions, please contact Barbara Dilsner by text or phone at has been more fully realized than they could have imagined! 516.732.5711. Look for more details in the next Quest. Thank you. Barbara Dilsner, Look Book Coordinator Nancy Jacobson, Roz Levinson, Lilyan Strassman, Jerry Jalazo
February 27, 2018 7 GREEN SANCTUARY COMMITTEE
Extinction at the Border Wall Tuesday, March 6, 2018
The proposed "big, beautiful" border wall that would prevent 7:00 PM • Social Hall immigrants escaping their countries from entering the United TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH States from Mexico is going to harm more than humans: animals reside there. Along the Texas border on the Santa Ana National This film shows concerned citizens living at the frontiers of extreme oil Wildlife Refuge live a huge variety of birds and four-footed animals. and gas extraction, bearing witness to a global crossroads. They cross back and forth for food, mates, water, etc. Living in relationship with the land and the magnificent Rio Grande River To the Ends of the Earth has helped them to survive. If a border wall though the Refuge is built, this would bisect the largest "remaining remnant of a globally denounces the rise of rare ecosystem and isolate much of the 2,000-acre preserve on the extreme energy, but also Mexican side of the border." envisions the new world that is taking shape in its stead. The Refuge is a precious gem, an unrivaled ecosystem that will be divided by President Trump’s proposed 2,000-mile border wall. Currently, the border-protection people travel with trucks and cars, free to all•refreshments provided as well as use helicopters and electronic surveillance to try to find migrants. In the process, the landscape is decimated with wildlife WOMEN’S GROUP being at the mercy of continual disturbances. Judith Wylie-Rosett, President
There were 650 miles of border barrier built a decade ago before Women’s Group Book Series they were stopped. Many ecological connections were severed. In this southern border comes topographical variety: steep climbs in Friday, March 16, 2018, 7:30 – 9:30 PM, in the Art Gallery. elevation. This means there are mixed mountain "ecosystems" know The Bridal Chair, by Gloria Goldreich. Led by Claire Paccione. as "sky islands." They are surrounded by huge desert communities and borderlands. These borderlands are located within the gentle transition zone between tropical and temperate climates. The borderlands are home to more than 180 federally threatened UUCSR Women’s Group T.G.I.F. presents and endangered species, including the jaguar, Mexican grey wolf, peninsular bighorn sheep, and Sonoran pronghorn. These wild creatures depend upon open migration to survive. The proposed border wall will destroy the former home to jaguars, ocelots, #metoo jaguarundis, cougars, and bobcats, which need larger populations to survive. Over 500 bird species will also suffer. Speak Out Defenders of Wildlife, an environmental organization, gained the support of residents in the area. Many agreed and said, "I don't want to lose this habitat for animals." Nearby, the National Butterfly Center—a 100-acre sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and Friday, March 2, 2018 study of monarchs, and 200 other butterfly species east of the refuge—felt a sense of shock. U.S. Customs and Border Protection 7:30 PM • Chapel were allowed to remove trees. (They can enter any property within 25 miles of an international border.) They are being sued for violation Fireside Readings of private property rights and the Endangered Species Act. Candlelighting Member-Led Support Laws have been enacted to waive prohibition by the Clean Air No reservations required. Act, Wilderness Act, Endangered Species Act and the National No admission fee. Environmental Policy Act. They say environmental damage must UUCSR members are welcome. be assessed prior to any action. However, our government ignores that. Our wildlife, their migration paths and reproduction will be Moderated by impeded by building this border wall. Lilyan Strassman, LCSW-R The Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore (Adapted from, "Walled Off," Krista Schlyer, Defenders of Wildlife 2018, pp.10-15. Elaine Peters for the Green Sanctuary Committee
8 The Quest WOMEN’S GROUP WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH Maria Ceraulo, Chair, Women’s Issues RECOGNITION
The Shrinking Y Chromosome and UUCSR Women’s Group Cordially Invites You Emerging Powerful Women to
According to Australian biologist, Jennifer Marshall Graves, the male chromosome, Y, may disappear in about 4.6 million The Annual years! Even in the animal kingdom, there are some disturbing signs of decreasing males. With higher temperatures, eggs of Women’s History Month the bearded dragon lizard develop into females, not males. This news may provide an impetus for climate change deniers to take another look at the scientific evidence. With Breakfast & Service fewer men, and more women, where does that leave women?
There are some signs about the future of the sexes. The #MeToo movement is definitely a reckoning. Finally, women are being believed. With social media providing a forum and support, perpetrators are experiencing consequences. The balance of power has shifted. The movement has become global. In South Korea, a prominent theater director apologized for abusing actresses. This happened in a patriarchal country where sons get most inheritances and women are often treated like temporary employees expected to quit when they marry. There is progress. Appreciate Your Own Greatness Other indications of the emerging power of women can be seen in Iran. Women have been arrested for protesting the compulsory Breakfast at 9:00 am hijab. In defiance, a woman stood on a box waving her head scarf on a stick in one of the busiest areas in Tehran. These protests have Sunday, March 11, 2018 coincided with the release of a report that found that about half Veatch Ballroom think the Government should have nothing to say about it. People's minds are changing and courageous women are making it happen. Worship Service at 11:00 am
There are unprecedented opportunities in Sri Lanka for women No breakfast charge for Women’s Group Members to be elected. After more than a generation of struggle, Sri Lanka Guests $10.00 requires that 25% of candidates in local elections be women. Despite abuse, sexual assault, intimidation and character assassination, they Kindly RSVP on the Calendar of Events at UUCSR.org persist. Religious leaders have urged their followers not to vote for the women candidates. The candidates and their supporters persist. or to Sharyn ([email protected] or 516.472.2960) Although it won't be in our lifetimes that the Y chromosome by 5:00 PM, Friday, March 9, 2018 will disappear, the rising power of women is something for us to celebrate. We don't have to wait for the Y chromosome to shrivel and disintegrate. We can see progress right now and celebrate it together with men today. There are many men supporting women, ART COMMITTEE Shirley Arlt, Chair and many male feminists. We welcome them, and appreciate them, while we witness abuse and harassment shrink, accountability rise, and all of us soar. If you haven’t yet had a chance to see our latest art exhibit, do stop in to view Cynthia Pascal’s bright and colorful paintings of women and flowers. This exhibit will run through March 20, 2018, and Our Women’s Group is hosting a “#MeToo Speakout” at the regular given the theme of Ms. Pascal’s work, it is a perfect complement TGIF meeting on Friday, March 2, 2018, at 7:30 PM in the Chapel. UN for Women’s History Month. WOMEN are hosting "Beyond #MeToo: An Open Dialogue Between Men and Women." Several from our congregation will attend the The Art Committee will be reviewing the upcoming budget at UN WOMEN meeting. We invite you to join us for both events. For the next meeting, on March 13, 2018, at 4:00 PM in the Office the UN WOMEN event, you can get information at membership@ Conference Room. Anyone interested in learning more about the unwomen-metrony.org and tickets at unwomen-metrony.org work of the committee is welcome to attend. We also hope to see you at Committee Sunday, March 4, 2018.
February 27, 2018 9 PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS Please see UUCSR.org for additional details on all programs. See LIACUU.org for other area congregations. Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Love and Stitches, 12:30 PM, RE Room 15 SGM Fourth Tuesday Meeting, 7:00 PM, Veatch Terrace Room SGM First Sunday Meeting, 1:00 PM, Bride’s Room Storytelling Workshop, 7:00 PM, Community Room Monday, March 05, 2018 NAMI Family Support Group, 7:00 PM, RE Room 15 SGM Budget Meeting, 11:00 AM, Bride’s Room Committee on Ministry Meeting, 7:30 PM, Office Conf Room Kundalini Yoga, 7:00 PM, Veatch Ballroom Large Grants Task Force Meeting, 7:30 PM, Veatch Library Learning About Black UU History, 7:00 PM, Art Gallery Wednesday, February 28, 2018 Bridge Group, 1:00 PM, Veatch Ballroom LEARNING ABOUT BLACK Screening of Film 13th, 7:00 PM, Social Hall UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST HISTORY
TH FROM SLAVE TO CRIMINAL WITH 13 ONE AMENDMENT A fi lm by award-winning producer/director, Ava DuVernay
DISCUSSION FOLLOWING MOVIE Nominating Committee Meeting, 7:00 PM, Veatch Library Inisfada Zen Sitting Meditation, 7:30 PM, Ballroom, Terrace Tuesday, March 06, 2018 Emerson and Thoreau: Transcendentalism, 7:30 PM, Library Overeaters Anonymous, 10:30 AM, Veatch Ballroom Thursday, March 01, 2018 Expeditions Meeting, 3:00 PM, Bride’s Room Yoga, 9:30 AM, Art Gallery Nar-ANON Meeting, 6:30 PM, RE Room 19 Thursday INN Cooking, 9:30 AM, Main Kitchen Agenda Planning Meeting, 7:00 PM, Veatch Library AA Meeting, 10:30 AM, Room 206, 207 Film - To The Ends Of The Earth, 7:00 PM, Social Hall Finance Committee Meeting, 5:30 PM, Veatch Library RE Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM, Art Gallery Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 PM, Choir Rehearsal Room Wednesday, March 07, 2018 Personnel Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM, Bride’s Room WG - Women Talk Daytime, 12:00 PM, Art Gallery Shelter Rock Forum Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM, RE Room 4 Bridge Group, 1:00 PM, Veatch Ballroom Friday, March 02, 2018 SRI Committee Meeting, 7:00 PM, Veatch Conference Room Bridge Lessons & Game Play, 1:00 PM, Veatch Ballroom, Terrace Inisfada-Zen Sitting Meditation, 7:30 PM, Ballroom, Terrace RE Teacher In-Service Supper Club, 7:00 PM, RE Room 2 Membership Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM, Art Gallery TGIF #metoo, 7:30 PM, Chapel Stewardship Committee Mtg, 7:30 PM, Office Conference Room Saturday, March 03, 2018 Thursday, March 08, 2018 Caring Hearts - Quilters, 10:00 AM, Room 204, 205 Yoga, 9:30 AM, Art Gallery Yoga, 11:00 AM, Art Gallery AA Meeting, 10:30 AM, Room 206, 207 Congregational Dance, 8:00 PM, Social Hall NAMI Spirituality, 6:30 PM, RE Room 15 Sunday, March 04, 2018 Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 PM, Choir Rehearsal Room Women’s Group Board Meeting, 8:45 AM, Veatch Conf Room Friday, March 09, 2018 Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal, 9:00 AM, Ensemble Rehearsal Room Bridge Lessons & Game Play, 1:00 PM, Veatch Ballroom, Terrace Great Books-Even Deadlier, 9:00 AM, RE Room 4 Soulful Sundown, 6:30 PM, Social Hall, 7:30 Worship Choir Rehearsal, 10:00 AM, Worship Room Coming of Age Retreat, 7:00 PM, RE Wing Young People’s Choir Rehearsal, 10:00 AM, Choir Rehearsal Rm Saturday, March 10, 2018 Bagel Breakfast, 10:00 AM, Social Hall Cooking for Veterans, 9:00 AM, Main Kitchen Worship Service, 11:00 AM, Worship Room Caring Hearts - Quilters, 10:00 AM, Room 204, 205 RE Classes, 11:00 AM, RE Wing Yoga, 11:00 AM, Art Gallery UU Café, 12:00 PM, Social Hall NYSCitizens Preparedness Training, 2:00 PM, Social Hall Committee Sunday - During UU Cafe, 12:00 PM, Social Hall
10 The Quest PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS Please see UUCSR.org for additional details on all programs. See LIACUU.org for other area congregations.
Sunday, March 11, 2018 Food & Water Watch Meeting, 7:30 PM, Veatch Conference Rm Women’s History Month Breakfast, 9:00 AM, Veatch House Thursday, March 15, 2018 Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal, 9:00 AM, Ensemble Rehearsal Room Yoga, 9:30 AM, Art Gallery Great Books-Even Deadlier, 9:00 AM, RE Room 4 AA Meeting, 10:30 AM, Room 206, 207 Town Hall Meeting, 9:00 AM, Art Gallery NS Soup Kitchen Fundraiser Planning, 2:30 PM, Bride’s Rm Worship Committee Meeting, 9:15 AM, Bride’s Room Green Sanctuary Meeting, 7:00 PM, Staff Lunchroom Choir Rehearsal, 10:00 AM, Worship Room Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 PM, Choir Rehearsal Room Young People’s Choir Rehearsal, 10:00 AM, Choir Rehearsal Rm Town Hall Meeting, 7:30 PM, Art Gallery Bagel Breakfast, 10:00 AM, Social Hall Friday, March 16, 2018 Worship Service, 11:00 AM, Worship Room Bridge Lessons & Game Play, 1:00 PM, Veatch Ballroom, Terrace RE Classes, 11:00 AM, RE Wing SGM Third Friday Hadley House meeting, 1:00 PM, Hadley Hse UU Café, 12:00 PM, Social Hall Soulful Small Group, 7:00 PM, RE Wing Congregational Meeting, 12:45 PM, Worship Room Women’s Group Book Series, 7:30 PM, Art Gallery Monday, March 12, 2018 Saturday, March 17, 2018 Adult Programs Meeting, 5:00 PM, Veatch Conference Room Saturday INN Cooking, 9:00 AM, Main Kitchen Kundalini Yoga, 7:00 PM, Art Gallery Caring Hearts - Quilters, 10:00 AM, Room 204, 205 Yoga, 11:00 AM, Art Gallery Dramatic Readings, 5:00 PM, Veatch Ballroom Articulating Your Men’s Group St. Patrick’s Day Party, 6:00 PM, Social Hall Sunday, March 18, 2018 SGM Second Sunday- Early AM Grp, 8:30 AM, Office Conf Rm UU FAITH Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal, 9:00 AM, Ensemble Rehearsal Room Great Books-Even Deadlier, 9:00 AM, RE Room 4 March 12, March 19, April 9, April 16 Town Hall Meeting - Ministry Task Force, 9:00 AM, Art Gallery Choir Rehearsal, 10:00 AM, Worship Room Articulating Your Faith, 7:00 PM, RE Room 4 Young People’s Choir Rehearsal, 10:00 AM, Rehearsal Room Bagel Breakfast, 10:00 AM, Social Hall Program Council Meeting, 7:30 PM, Veatch Ballroom Worship Service, 11:00 AM, Worship Room Tuesday, March 13, 2018 RE Classes, 11:00 AM, RE Wing Advocacy Day HALT Solitary Confinement Act, 8:00 AM, Off Site UU Café, 12:00 PM, Social Hall Overeaters Anonymous, 10:30 AM, Veatch Ballroom Men’s Group Meeting, 12:15 PM, Veatch Conference Room Art Committee Meeting, 4:00 PM, Office Conference Room Love and Stitches, 12:30 PM, RE Room 15 Nar-ANON Meeting, 6:30 PM, RE Room 19 3rd Sunday SGM Meeting, 1:00 PM, Bride’s Room NAMI Substance Abuse Dual Diagnosis, 7:00 PM, RE Rm 17 Caring Speaker-Retirement Plan w/John Ryan, 1:15 PM, Gallery Caring Committee Meeting, 7:00 PM, Office Conference Room Monday, March 19, 2018 Housing Board Meeting, 7:30 PM, Veatch Library NAMI Family to Family Classes, 6:30 PM, RE Room 15 Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Kundalini Yoga, 7:00 PM, Veatch Ballroom Reach Out America, 12:30 PM, Social Hall Articulating Your Faith, 7:00 PM, RE Room 4 Bridge Group, 1:00 PM, Veatch Ballroom DAC Meeting, 7:30 PM, Office Conference Room Bookstore Committee Meeting, 4:00 PM, Bride’s Room Building and Grounds Meeting, 7:30 PM, Veatch Oval Room NAMI Family Support Group, 7:00 PM, RE Room 15 Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Inisfada-Zen Sitting Meditation, 7:30 PM, Ballroom, Terrace Manhasset School Retirees, 10:30 AM, Bride’s Room SGM Second Wednesday meeting, 7:30 PM, RE Room 19 Overeaters Anonymous, 10:30 AM, Veatch Ballroom Publicity and Promotions Meeting, 7:30 PM, RE Room 16 Social Justice Monthly Meeting, 7:30 PM, Art Gallery Visit UUCSR.org for additional calendar programs and events. February 27, 2018 11 unitarian universalist congregation at shelter rock February 27, 2018 48 Shelter Rock Rd. Manhasset, NY 11030 | 516.627.6560 | uucsr.org / [email protected] Minister for Pastoral Care Rev. Jennifer L. Brower ([email protected]) INN Cooking Update Minister of Lifespan Religious Education Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore ([email protected]) Interim Senior Minister Rev. Ned Wight ([email protected]) Congregation Operations Administrator Adam Barshak ([email protected]) Veatch Executive Director Joan Minieri ([email protected]) Music Director Stephen Michael Smith ([email protected]) Membership & Volunteer Coordinator Ben Bortin ([email protected]) Religious Education Coordinator Jeanne Nametz ([email protected]) Youth & Young Adult Program Coordinator India Harris ([email protected]) Social Justice Coordinator Last Saturday, we were joined by five extra people who read about cooking for the INN in the Claire Deroche ([email protected]) Quest. I received a call from a woman who had attended something in the past and wound Ministerial Intern up receiving the Quest. She asked if she and a friend, both non-members, could join us. “Of Nancy Reid-McKee ([email protected]) course,” I said yes and she was delighted! Officers of the Congregation President: Klaus Masuch She ultimately brought four friends - one from Long Island, two from Queens and one from Vice President: Mark Hartman Secretary: John Ryan Brooklyn. Everyone had a wonderful time with Nash, Brenda, Carlos, Shack and Syed. They are Treasurer: Paul Drezner all in their mid twenties and all college graduates who want to give back when they have the Members of the Board of Trustees time. The interaction with the older INN cooks was something to witness; these kids were so Marilyn Fischell Robert Nuxoll helpful, full of spirit and interacted with everyone. It was one of the best days in the kitchen Shanti Carole Flot Tara Miner and a real example of community! Thank you to all of you who work so on organizing these Edwin Frank Rebecca Smith Barry Nobel Vic Weit programs and getting the word out!!!! Great, great job! John Ryan Next Quest: Tuesday, March 13, 2018 | Deadline for Content: Thursday, March 8, 2018
Music at Shelter Rock presents ROCK ON SHELTER ROCK! St. Patrick’s Day Celebration! Saturday, March 3, 2018 • 8-10 PM • Social Hall Saturday, March 17, 2018 6 PM, Social Hall Dance away those winter blues, With One Man Travelin’ Band, with Shelter Rock’s very own ensemble Dexter Wells and The Contraptions, playing old The Any Given Sunday Band time favorites and Irish sing- a-longs. Song books will be available for all.
Dancing, refreshments, dancing, snacks, dancing, a raffle, Price In Advance Price at the Door dancing, munchies, and MORE DANCING!! $25 Members $30 Members $30 Non-Members $35 Non-Members
$10 at the door (members); $12 non-members RSVP online in the events calendar $20 maximum for families or contact Sharyn Esposito at [email protected] OVER 21 ONLY, PLEASE Children under 18 must be under supervision of an adult. or 516.472.2960