1. family and parenting
2. children

Vol. 54 No. 3
November 2014
1
Dear Ones,
From the
Minister’s Mailbox
It feels as though the world is spiraling out of control again: another school
shooting, continuing massacres in the middle east, the media doing their best to
create and sustain Ebola hysteria, a Canadian Parliament shooter and politicians being….well, politicians! Where in the world is compassion? Sympathy,
empathy, care, concern, solicitude, sensitivity, warmth, love, tenderness, mercy,
kindness, humanity: compassion is the antithesis of indifference and cruelty.
And the reality is that while religious leaders have been espousing compassion
for centuries, compassion isn’t a particularly popular virtue. Scholar Karen Armstrong believes that religion is part of the problem. In our efforts to prove we are
“right” our efforts to engage in compassion are thwarted. In a world of imbalanced power and wealth, desperation, and dangerous polarization, the compassionate voice of Unitarian Universalism is sorely needed.
How fortunate are we at The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood to be part of a community that seeks to offer
compassion to each other and those beyond ourselves. We know the value, strength and power of compassion as it is manifest through our Caring Committee, Pastoral Associates, Connections groups, and the good
works of our Social Responsibilities Council. Our continued practice of compassion as a religious community
is essential to living our mission. The question is, “are we willing to engage in the practice of compassion individually, in our daily lives?”.
As we live in the beauty of November, being reminded by congregational dinners, impending sights and
smells of upcoming holidays, and the seasonal shift of the landscape, there is much to be grateful for in our
lives, let each of us also commit to a practice of compassion. If you do nothing more than live the simple
teaching of the Golden Rule, "Do not treat others as you would not like them to treat you," or in its positive
form, "Always treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself”, it will be enough. As Karen Armstrong
asserts, all faith have a version of the Golden Rule and they all insist that you cannot confine your benevolence to your own group; you must have concern for everybody — even your enemies. This is our challenge.
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. It you want to be happy, practice compassion
~ Dalai Lama
In separateness lies the world’s misery, in compassion lies the world’s true strength ~ Buddha
Yours for the good cause,
Rev. Kathleen
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We are off to a good start in our Religious Education (RE) Program! Many of you
are Sunday morning teachers, and I thank you so much. We could not have a program without you! I also want to thank the Children and Youth Religious Education
(CYRE) Committee for their support and guidance.
REflections
I want to begin the year with a few reminders regarding RE Safety Policies and Procedures. First, please remember that parents are responsible for their children before the service begins and after RE has ended. Nursery through Third Grade parents must pick up their child(ren) from the RE classrooms at the end of the service.
During services and classes, children must have a parent or other responsible adult
on the premises unless prior arrangements have been made with me.
We have many new families this fall, so allow me to take this opportunity to remind everyone to go to our
website for parental resources: http://usrre.weebly.com/parents.html. You will find ways to bring the monthly
theme home—“Compassion” for November—and books such as the first-of-its-kind guide to Unitarian Universalist parenting, Tending the Flame. The author is Michelle Richards, mother and experienced religious educator. The book includes information about developmental stages, suggestions for incorporating spiritual
practices into family life, teaching the Principles in age-appropriate ways, answering difficult questions on religious matters and dealing with religious disagreements.
Sharing our personal religious and spiritual beliefs with our children is not indoctrination. It is offering the wisdom and insight that they eagerly seek from us — just as they look to us for guidance when choosing between right and wrong courses of action. If we are vague and ambiguous when our children ask us theological questions, we lose our opportunity to have a positive influence on them in this area. Eventually, they'll stop
asking us religious questions and look for answers elsewhere.— from Tending the Flame.
I have copies available for purchase for $15.00. Please remember that you are your child’s primary religious
educator—your child participates in religious education classes for less than 30 hours a year. Therefore, I
hope you will use this valuable tool to help share this vibrant and relevant faith with your child. If you are interested in purchasing a copy please let me know.
Michelle also has a UU Parenting blog at http://blogs.uuworld.org/parenting/. This link can also be found on
our site.
I hope you will take advantage of these exciting resources!
In the journey, Laura Beth
Children/Youth Religious Education News
The end of October was a busy period for the Youth Group. A big THANK YOU to all the parents, congregants, and volunteers who helped the Youth Group with the CONstume Party and the Haunted Hallway.
Your time, energy, and skills are very much appreciated.
This November, the Youth Group will be meeting at USR for the month. There will be no regular meeting on
Sunday, November 2nd due to the CONstume party, and no regular meeting on Sunday, November 30th,
which is Thanksgiving weekend. On the evening of Friday, November 14th we will be screening a movie in
the USR fellowship room. (More info. to come). This is part of new monthly series of Friday fellowship evenings which will be alternating between CUC and Ridgewood. The December event will be at CUC on December 12th.
Recently the youth group decided to explore having a secretary, treasurer, and other similar roles and
jobs, which should be in place by November 9th. We are also looking forward to the Youth-Led Service
on January 25th at USR and a service project to happen not long after that.
Family Holiday Crafts, Sunday, November 30th
On Sunday, November 30th craft opportunities for families will be available in lieu of our regular religious education programming. These crafts will be holiday-related and meaningful for you to create together as a family. As always, nursery will also be available.
3
FROM THE BOARD
The Board met on Monday, September 29, 2014 and Monday, October 6, 2014 and here are some highlights
from the productive meetings.
September 29, 2014 meeting highlights:
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The Board welcomed Interim Vice President Charlie Walter.
The Board met with Pat Infante from UUMDNJ regarding Threshold Congregation to discuss next
steps.
Upcoming Vigil and USR involvement was discussed with SRC.
The Board moved to reappoint the Safe Congregation Response Team.
Discussion was held regarding the audio visual needs and the options for Anderson.
The Board moved to co-sponsor Carlos Martinez’s Ordination.
October 6, 2014 meeting highlights:
•
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The Board welcomed Interim Trustee Kris Henrickson.
The Vigil and Senior Con were discussed regarding insurance and other possible requirements.
The Board discussed Trustees serving on other committees.
The Board moved to empower a task team for the SCRT to develop a final safety plan.
The Board moved to empower a task team for the Ordination of Carlos Martinez.
Several facility requests were discussed including roof repair, which will be done.
A Task Team creation request was approved for the new Green Sanctuary (GS 2.0).
The ACS software implementation was discussed.
The Budget Drive Committee requested Board involvement in contacting lead donors, which was
agreed to.
Leadership Development Program was discussed and will hold a training session in October.
Any thoughts, questions, comments or suggestions for the Board? We are Regina Andrews, Kris Henrickson,
Robert Markowitz, Helen Matusow-Ayres, Suzanne Samuels, Kevin Smith, Jeff Summerville, and Charlie
Walter. Our contact information is on the front page of the USR Directory. We look forward to hearing from
you!
CPR/AED TRAINING OPPORTUNITY - SAVE THE DATE
The Safe Congregation Response Team is again offering an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)/Cardio
Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. This AED/CPR training will be on Saturday, January 10, 2015
in the Fellowship Room, (snow date: January 17). It will include basic CPR for infants, children and
adults as well as the AED training. All are welcome to attend, whether you need re-certification (every 2
years) or are being trained and certified for the first time. The training will again be done by staff from Life
Force USA. Their trainers have received rave reviews from USR participants! If you are one of the first 15
to register, USR will partially fund the cost of the training. Questions or to register early, email Carol Loscalzo.
MEMBERSHIP COUNCIL
First Wednesday Brown Bag Luncheon
The next luncheon will be on November 5th at 12:30 p.m. and will be hosted by Brietta Savoie. The hostess
will provide dessert and beverages. Please call to let her know you are coming and if you need directions.
Hope to see you there. All are welcome!
4
STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
Did You Know?...
USR Operating Budget
Financial Commitments from Congregants
Other Sources of Revenue
$560,000
$420,000
$140,000
AND…Did You Know?...
You can make your financial commitment in part or completely by Gifting Stock!
There are potential tax advantages and you may want to consider this before the year’s end, but do be sure
to consult with your tax advisor. For more information, contact Jeri Brandes at 201-444-6225.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Budget Drive Committee Members: Rob Willis, Eileen Jarrett, Jeff
Summerville, Ira Mendelsberg, Mike Patterson
The
Intern’s
Corner
The Emerson Circle has started again. I imagine the notices in the bulletin and email blasts have missed your attention. In the last meetings
only one has shown up for the gatherings. No worries really. I understand that there is much competing for your time and attention. The
Emerson Circle will continue on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays (if holidays
and travel schedules don't intrude). In fact there are activities planned
for the coming year: a four speaker Spring-Winter lecture series and a
trip to Concord, MA. Why bother you ask?
It was only ten years ago when I found myself at the crossroads of my
commitment to Unitarian Universalism that I came to the Transcendentalists, specifically Ralph Waldo Emerson. Mind you as an English major I had many chance encounters which I deftly side stepped. I considered
myself too much of a modernist to bother with antique voices and thoughts. All arrows were pointing to Emerson, Thoreau, Alcott, Hawthorne and others but I ignored the whole lot of them.
It happened that one Sunday afternoon I overheard two parents chatting in the courtyard of my home congregation of All Souls in Manhattan. One said to the other "As a Unitarian Universalist you can believe whatever
you want." I was alarmed. What have I committed my children to? A lifelong wandering in the desert? It
was then that I committed myself to read Emerson as his name had so often been spoken from the pulpit and
according to Bartlett's, he is the most quoted American.
It was through Emerson and the Transcendentalists that I learned that the proof of creation abounds all
around once. One need only to open their eyes and be awake to what is present. Also I came to appreciate
that Divinity is immanent in each of us. We need only to trust ourselves; allow the little light within us to shine.
The Emerson Circle will continue while I am here and perhaps after I have left. Often the treasures of our
forebearers get consigned to the antique bin of history. But I believe that there is something durable, lasting
and valuable in the writings and thoughts of these "like minded" people who seemingly agreed on little that I
want to do my small part to keep the Transcendentalist embers warm and bright.
It took 19th century Romantics to reawaken the Romantic within me.
5
MINISTRY COUNCIL
UPCOMING SERVICES
November 2nd
A Day of the Dead Celebration of Compassion - Rev. Kathleen, Carlos Martinez
We begin our monthly ministry theme with a celebration as we honor those we love
who have died. A day of the dead altar will be created and all are invited to bring
photos and mementos of their beloved to display. Musicians: Society Singers,
Marjorie Vandervoort, Director, featuring Lauridsen’s “Soneto de la noche.”
November 9th
Compassion Vs. Fear - Rev. Kathleen
It can be difficult to feel compassion when we feel fear, when we feel alone, or when
we feel ashamed. One in five Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder.
Few families are not impacted and that includes families in our beloved community.
It’s time to shun the shame, forgo the fear and offer compassion. Musician: Ron Levy,
piano.
November 16th
Personal Reflections on Compassion - Rev. Kathleen, Michael Bein, Ramsey Jordan, Helen Matusow-Ayres.
Our lives are made of stories, and we learn from listening to those stories. On this
day we will open our minds and hearts to personal stories of compassion. Musician:
Lauren Hooker, singer/songwriter.
November 23rd
A Community of Compassion - Rev. Kathleen, Carlos Martinez, Laura Beth Brown.
Join us for our annual Multigenerational Thanksgiving service! Stories, music and ritual will abound as we acknowledge and give thanks for our community of compassion.
Musician: Palisades Virtuosi (Margaret Swinchoski, flute; Don Mokrynski, clarinet; Ron
Levy, piano).
November 30th
Compassion and Forgiveness - Carlos Martinez
Compassion may be at the core of forgiveness. So often it is hard for many to hold
themselves gently with compassion and thus unable to hold others with compassion.
Compassion and forgiveness are powerfully and deeply connected and worthy of
reflection. Compassion is easy for some but often inaccessible to those who have
been hurt and damaged. Musician: Ron Levy, piano.
Check out some great resources for engaging with this month’s theme of compassion by visiting our
website and clicking on “Themes.” You will find a variety of resources for all ages. New themes will
be available on the first day of the month.
Upcoming themes:
December - Balance
January - Death
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MINISTRY COUNCIL
Religious Exploration for Adults!
Spiritual growth isn’t just for our children and youth. It’s for all of us no matter our age or stage of life. When
is the last time you took an adult RE Class?
“What We Choose: Ethics for Unitarian Universalists” led by Rev. Kathleen
We will meet Sunday mornings from 8:45 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. from November 9th until December 7th. Participants are asked to commit to attending all four sessions and engage with brief readings and, when asked,
write an assignment prior to each meeting. We will meet in the Reeb Conference Room.
All classes require registration and have a minimum and maximum number of participant in order for facilitators to plan appropriately. Please call the office at 201-444-6225 or email usr.secretary@verizon.net at least
one week in advance of the class start date. If you are interested in a class but can’t make the day/time
please let the office know and we may be able to schedule an additional opportunity. Thank you.
We stood in silence for Ferguson
On a beautiful Sunday morning in October, thirty-some USR folks (and a couple of visitors) took to the sidewalks of Ridgewood with somber faces and signs declaring “Standing on the Side of Love”, “Justice For All”,
and “Standing with Ferguson”. We marched from the front doors of our beloved community, up Ridgewood
Avenue amidst the shoppers and brunchers, and stood for a few minutes in Van Neste Square Park before
walking back to 113 Cottage Place. One of the most amazing facts about this event is that we did it all in silence! Perhaps that was the most powerful fact about the event. There was no talking, no chanting, no banter, just silence, signs, and our presence.
Those of us who chose to participate did so for the simple reason that we felt it was important to stand, symbolically or otherwise, with those who are marginalized, oppressed, and victimized by authoritative violence in Ferguson, Paterson, Chicago, and so on, and so on, and so on it goes. We stood as well with our sisters
and brothers from UU congregations in the St. Louis area who were on that very day marching in the streets
of Ferguson, and working with the communities there to stand on the side of love for justice.
There were quite a few whisperings from bystanders as we made our way up Ridgewood Ave. On more than
one occasion some of us heard “What’s love got to do with Ferguson?”. But most shocking was what was
overheard as we passed by a diner enjoying their morning coffee: “What’s Ferguson?”
We stood in silence for Ferguson not to feel good about ourselves, not naive enough to think that the world
would change because of our morning stroll down the sidewalk of beautiful Ridgewood, but because we refuse to ignore the harsh reality of the world we live in and we heed the words of our Unitarian forebear, Edward Everett Hale: I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; And
because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
The work awaits.
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MINISTRY COUNCIL
CIRCLE OF LIFE
We send our most sincere sympathies to Michael Bein who lost his mother in October.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL
SAVE THE DATE
UU Outreach Auction
Join us on Saturday, November 22nd, 6:30 p.m. for a gala evening featuring a
live auction and tricky tray. Presentations by six charities will be highlighted.
100% of the proceeds will go to charity. Please check the calendar on our
website for details; http://uuridgewood.org/. Contact Inge Spungen for more
information.
Movie Night
Love movies but don’t like seeing them alone all the time? Join Anita Young for a movie night once a
month. Email Anita if interested. We can either go to the movies or watch them at home.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL
Plate Collection for November 16th
Since 2009, the Social Responsibilities Council (SRC) has been approving applications for social justice
causes to receive plate collections. The plate collection on Sunday, November 16th will be donated to the
Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative, BVMI, which will celebrate its 5th anniversary in November. It continues
to meet a critical need for low-income working residents in Bergen County who make too much for Medicaid
and cannot afford expensive health care despite the best intentions of the Affordable Care Act. Located in
Hackensack, BVMI serves as the "medical home" for 1000 individuals and provides free primary care and referrals to specialists and hospitals in the county. A team of 65 volunteer physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and other health professionals provide the care and are supported by over 300 specialists in private practice who accept referrals for free. BVMI has saved lives, stabilized serious chronic illnesses like diabetes, eliminated expensive emergency room visits, and provided valuable preventive services to an overlooked population on whom we all rely--restaurant workers, landscapers, house cleaners, self-employed trade
workers, and part-time workers raising a family. BVMI relies entirely on contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations and is a dramatic example of volunteers making a difference right in our back yard.
As always, we thank you for your generosity.
16th Annual Rally at Elizabeth Detention Center
The photo shows Claude Cesard and Anita Young at the 16th
Annual Rally sponsored by First Friends at the Elizabeth Detention Center, Elizabeth, NJ on Sunday, October 12, 2014.
Claude is visiting a detainee in Elizabeth while Anita is visiting a
detainee in the Hudson County Correctional Center. Claude
and Anita are joined by the Seton Ensemble (from Mother
Seton Regional High School), Don Bosco High School and The
SPEAK OUT CLUB.
The number of unaccompanied migrant children fleeing home
countries seeking refuge in the U.S, has surged this year. Many
of these children have fled organized crime, gang violence, insecurity and poverty in their home countries. Desperate parents are sending their children to make the dangerous journey
to the border alone. These children need protection, not detention.
First Friends
This year we are asking for money donations to First Friends rather than stationary, stamps, etc. With the
influx of all the children they are in need of money donations. You can make a cash donation at the Action
Table or you can send a check to First Friends of NJ & NY, 53 South Hackensack Ave. Kearny NJ 070324619. Your contribution is tax deductible. Please put USR in the memo so that they know it is coming from
us. Your donations provide emotional support to those of us who visit detainees weekly. All we can do is
provide moral support to the detainees. Sometimes we walk away feeling hopeless about some of their
situations; however, knowing you are supporting us gives us the strength to continue with our visits.
Anita Young, Co-Chair of Peace and Justice and Jodi Burrows, are visitors at Hudson County Detention
Center for 4 years. Claude Cesard is a regular visitor at Elizabeth Detention Center and Bergen County Detention Center as well as Margaret White, and formerly, Eileen Mohan, Jim Hayes, and Tommie Lou HuttoBlake, Helen Lindsay and others.
9
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL
Dedication of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument
Margaret White, Anti-racism Committee chair, Clif Arrington, B.C. People's
Organization For Progress (POP) chair and Carol Loscalzo, SRC Chair and
Reproductive Justice co-chair attended the dedication of the Dr. Martin Luther King JR. monument on Sunday, October 12th. Clif is also an active
member of the monument committee. Many of you may remember that
the SRC dedicated a plate collection to the monument a few years ago. It
was truly an inspirational event!
The bronze monument is larger than life in size. It is on the Fairleigh Dickinson campus, Hackensack side, by the river pathway. It is worth a trip
to view it in person.
USR Craft Fair Supports
C.A.M.P. YDP
A portion of the proceeds from the November CRAFT FAIR* goes to C.A.M.P. YDP in Paterson.
C.A.M.P. Youth Development Program is a non-profit organization offering affordable childcare for
children whose parents are working, going to school, or for children receiving social services.
C.A.M.P. YDP is located only 10 miles from Ridgewood in Paterson’s Northside, an area with a history
of poverty, disinvestment, flooding and high crime rates.
Currently, C.A.M.P. has a full-day program for children ages two to five and an after-school program
for students from kindergarten through seventh grade.
Members of The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood have supported the efforts of this community based
non-profit for over forty years.
*Craft Fair shopping takes place Friday night, November 21st from 7-9:30 and Saturday
November 22nd from 10:00 to 5:00 at USR.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES COUNCIL
Thank you !
New Jersey Abortion Access Fund wishes to thank congregants of USR for their generous donations totaling $960 during the October 5th plate collection. This will allow NJAAF to continue to give grants to women
to help them fund safe and legal abortions in the state of NJ. When NJAAF began, it benefited from 2 grants
from the USR Endowment Fund. We continue to appreciate the support provided by the members and
friends of USR. For information about NJAAF or to join the Reproductive Justice Committee of USR please
contact Susanne Fuhrman or Carol Loscalzo.
Get Out and Vote on November 4th
Ballot Question One: Eliminating the requirement for bail can be a good thing. A constitutional amendment
must be passed to enact the NJ bail reform legislation passed and signed this past summer. Your vote will
determine the fate of bail reform.
At any given time, up to 15,000 individuals in New Jersey jails are awaiting hearings on their cases.
More than half of them are being held on charges for nonviolent offenses. Many could be released on bail
pending trial, but lack the financial resources to pay the arbitrary bail amounts set by the current New Jersey
bail schedule. More than 40 percent of those held in county jails are there solely because of their inability to
pay bail, and their average stay in jail is almost a year. Suspects who pose no danger to the community are
incarcerated for months and even years if they can’t afford often small bail amounts. At the same time, the
most dangerous suspects can be quickly released because they may have access to financial resources.
One crucial step remains: amending the New Jersey Constitution to make this possible. The state
Constitution requires that judges set bail for all crimes, including murder.
Ballot Question No. 1 asks to change the language in the state Constitution to allow judges discretion in
whether to assign bail. Without passage, the newly enacted Bail Reform Act will not be implemented. Currently, individuals charged with violent crimes are assured pre-trial freedom as long as they have the money
or connections to meet bail. Poor individuals, often unable to raise even 10 percent of their bail amount, sit
for up to a year in jail pending trial on nonviolent charges.
A Yes vote, allowing discretionary use of bail will:
Taxpayers are paying more than $30,000 per year, per individual, to incarcerate people who have been
charged but not convicted of any crime.
Protect communities by allowing judges to deny bail to suspects believed to be dangerous and who pose
a threat to public safety.
• Ensure a fairer and more effective criminal justice process for everyone regardless of wealth.
• Save millions in tax dollars by reducing the overcrowded jail population.
• Implement critically needed comprehensive bail reform that will prioritize public safety, encourage fiscal
responsibility and protect the rights of suspects, including guaranteed timelines for a speedy trial.
•
A No vote maintaining the current bail system will:
•
•
Prevent the bail reform legislation passed by legislators and signed by the governor this summer from taking effect.
Continue the devastating effects of mass incarceration on individuals and their families in New Jersey.
Please get out and vote YES on Question 1.
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12
13
NOVEMBER 2014
14
Sun
2
10:00 Service
11:00 Green Santuary/
Conf. Rm
11:30 Music Ministry/
Upstairs Mtg. Rm
11:45 Connections/Youth
Rm.
Mon
Tue
3
4
12:30 “Other Side
of History” class/
Fellowship Rm
9:45 Pastoral
Care Meeting/
Upstairs Mtg.
Rm
7:00 USR Board
Mtg/Conf. Rm
7:45 Zen Meditation/Fellowship
Wed
5
Thu
Sat
6
7
8
7:30 Writing
Group/Conf. Rm
7:00 SRC
Mtg./
Fellowship
Rm
6:00 Congregational
Dinners/Off-site
13
14
15
6:00 Youth
Movie Night/
Fellowship
Rm
9:00 Zen/RE Space
7:30 Connection
Group/Youth Rm
7:30 Connections
Group/Youth Rm
9
10
11
8:45 Adult RE; What We
Choose/Conf. Rm
10:00 Service
12:30 “Other Side
of History” class/
Fellowship Rm
7:00 CYRE Mtg/
Youth Rm
1:00 LIFFT/
Fellowship Rm
11:30 Safety Mtg./
Anderson
7:45 Zen Meditation/Fellowship
Rm
7:30 Connections
Group/Conf. Rm
7:15 Emerson
Circle/Upstairs
Mtg. Rm
11:45 Connections Facilitators Mtg./Youth Rm
Fri
12
7:30 Writing
Group/Conf Rm
7:00 Ed. Justice Panel Dis/
Anderson
7:30 Zen/RE
Space
16
17
8:45 Adult RE; What We
Choose/Conf. Rm
10:00 Service
11:30 P&J Mtg/Conf. Rm
18
19
20
21
22
12:30 “Other Side 7:30 Connections
of History” class/ Group/Youth Rm
Fellowship Rm
7:30 Writing
Group/Conference
Rm
10:00 Craft Fair/
Anderson/
Fellowship
7:45 Zen Meditation/Fellowship
Rm
7:30 Connections
Group/Youth Rm
7:00 Craft
Fair/
Anderson/
Fellowship
28
29
7:00 Society Café
Concert
11:45 Connections
Group/Youth Rm
2:00 Art Reception/
Anderson
23
24
25
8:45 Adult RE; What We
Choose/Conf. Rm
7:30 Connections
Group/Conf Rm
10:00 Service
12:30 “Other Side
of History” class/
Fellowship Rm
11:15 SRC Meeting/
Youth Rm.
7:45 Zen Meditation/Fellowship
Rm
26
27
1:00 LIFFT/
Fellowship Rm
Cam
7:15 Emerson
Circle/Upstairs
Mtg Rm
7:30 Writing
Group/Conf. Rm
30
8:45 Adult RE; What We
Choose/Conf. Rm
10:00 Service
*Monday Night Zen: First-Timers,
please call Bernard or Marcia Spitz
15
Editor/Membership Administrator: Ann Pareti
201-444-6225
usr.membership1@verizon.net
IN THIS ISSUE
Page 1
THE MINISTER’S MAILBOX
201-444-6225
usr.minister@verizon.net
Page 2
201-444-6225
usr.intern@verizon.net
Reflections
CYRE News
Page 3
FROM THE BOARD
CPR/AED Training
MEMBERSHIP COUNCIL
Page 4
STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
INTERN’S CORNER
Page 5-7
MINISTRY COUNCIL
Upcoming Services
Adult RE Classes
Recap of Vigil
Art Reception
Circle of Life
Pages 7-11
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
UU Outreach Auction
Movie Night
Rally at Elizabeth Detention
First Friends
MLK Monument Dedication
C.A.M.P. YDP News
Vote Yes to Question 1
Education Panel Discussion
Regina Andrews, Trustee
Page 12
CRAFTS IN RIDGEWOOD
Kris Henrickson, Interim Trustee
Page 13
SOCIETY CAFÉ CONCERT
Adam Jarrett, Trustee
Page 14
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Robert Markowitz, Trustee
Page 15
STAFF/BOARD LISTING INDEX
The Rev. Kathleen Green, Minister
Carlos R. Martinez, Ministerial Intern
Laura Beth Brown, Director of Religious Education
201-444-6225
usr.dre@verizon.net
Valerie Freseman, Youth Program Coordinator
201-444-6225
cucusryouthgroup@gmail.com
Ron Levy, Music Director
201-444-6225
levynotes@aol.com
Jeri Brandes, Finance & Facilities Manager
201-444-6225
usr.finance-facilities@verizon.net
Laura Summers, RE Administrative Assistant
201-444-6225
lauracarolinesummers@gmail.com
Society Office Hours: 9:00—3:00, Monday-Friday
Chandrika Chowdhry, Secretary
201-444-6225
usr.secretary@verizon.net
Fax
201-444-9818
Website
www.uuridgewood.org
Board of Trustees:
Suzanne Samuels, President
Charles Walter, Interim Vice President
Jeff Summerville, Treasurer
Helen Matusow-Ayres, Secretary
Kevin Smith, Trustee
Unitarian Society of Ridgewood
Mission Statement
Growing in mind and spirit,
We act together as a beacon for justice and love,
Transforming self and world.
Adopted May 17, 2009
Invitation to Participate
Welcome! For over a hundred years this Society has been a
place where free-thinking, broad-minded persons have come to
participate in a vibrant, liberal religious community. In fulfillment of
our current congregational mission we create a safe and loving environment that supports personal growth and provides ways for
each individual to make a difference in the larger community.
We offer a stimulating Sunday service, an excellent religious
education program for children and youth, and many educational,
spiritual and social activities for adults. Every Sunday our Social
Responsibilities Council has a table set up during Social Hour with
information about social justice and charitable opportunities.
113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Anti-Racist Congregation
This Society is an anti-racist congregation committed to reflecting
this commitment in the life and culture of the entire organization. Adopted May, 2002.
Living the Welcoming
We have been a Welcoming Congregation since 1998, supporting
the rights of bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender people.
Safe Congregation
This Society is a Safe Congregation where practices and procedures serve to ensure all members, friends, adults, children and
youth are treated with respect and protected from harassment and
abuse.
NOW accepting articles for November 21st deadline
@ usr.membership1@verizon.net