1. religion and spirituality

The Monmouth
Unitarian Universalist
Monmouth Unitarian Universalist — November 2014
WWW.UUCMC.ORG
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Page 1
 RE News
 Board News
 Committee News
 Social Action
 Adjunct Groups
 Upcoming Events
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County, Lincroft, New Jersey
November 2014 November’s Theme: HUMILITY
Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly,
now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it. ~ Rabbi Tarfon
Religion is to do right. It is to love, it is to serve, it is to think, it is to be humble. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her
beauties to know of wonder and humility.
~ Rachel Carson
You grow up the day you have your first real laugh at yourself.
~ Ethel Barrymore
Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter
of the gods.
~ Albert Einstein
If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.
~ Isaac Newton
Thinking of You U
Rev. Virginia Jarocha-Ernst
I love the smell of November. In our corner of NJ, it takes until November for all the leaves to fall from the
trees. And there they sit in great piles of crisp or wet mounds of vegetable rot. A breeze can send them
swirling in mini-tornadoes. A rain makes then slick and redolent of a sweet, old smell. By the end of the
month, a frost will add another welcome note to this scent of decay.
The words human, humility and humor all share the same common Indo-European root word, "ghôm," best
translated by the English word "humus". What is humus? The gardeners among us know. Professor Stephen
W. Gilbert says, "The very best humus is a careful combination of rotting vegetable matter. Kitchen garbage
is an excellent contribution, and autumn leaves always appear to play an important role. The kitchen garbage,
in a rather thin layer, sets up a composting process, hastened if it is covered with a (slightly thicker) layer of
leaves….”
So this being human is a funny, slightly rotting, layered and nourishing thing. While we are capable of greatness, boldness even, it takes some humility and understanding of our limitations to get there. A good sense of
humor helps us not take ourselves so seriously. With it, we stay more grounded and can smile at ourselves
more easily.
This is my goal for this November - to accept my limitations with a sense of humor, to
appreciate the nourishment of garbage and to act boldly anyway. This beautiful
congregation of earthy, humble and humorous souls deserves that!
With deep affection,
Rev. Virginia
Page 2
Monmouth Unitarian Universalist — November 2014
Sunday Services — 9am & 11am
November 2
“You say ‘eether’ and I say ‘either’” … but Don't We Mean the Same Thing?
Craig Rubano, Intern Minister
Funny things happen on the way to and from Princeton Theological Seminary. Our Intern Minister,
Craig Rubano (with a little help from the Gershwins), talks (and sings) about living, learning, and
translating: “potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto — let’s call the whole thing” on. Music by Craig
Rubano, Joel DeWitt, and Louise Chernosky.
On this All Souls Sunday we will be reading the names of members, friends and loved ones who
have died in the past year. Please send the names of your loved ones to Lisa@uucmc.org.
November 9
The Center of the Universe
Rev. Virginia Jarocha-Ernst
In keeping with our theme of humility, this service will look for the humor in our human tendency to
see the world revolving all around our own needs and wants. The truth is – it is all about me, and it
is all about you, too. Music by Earth Ensemble (Joel DeWitt, Elaine Held, and Jan Dash).
November 16
Living Principles Part 3: Acceptance and Encouragement
Rev. Virginia Jarocha-Ernst
This next step in our UU Principles series examines the process of spiritual growth. Can we accept
it and encourage it in each other? As part of this series, I am asking one of senior high youth to
share their Search for Meaning on the principle of the day. Music by Roots and Wings Drum Choir,
Chamber Singers, and Louise Chernosky.
November 23
Where We Are Planted: A Multigenerational Thanksgiving Celebration
Michelle McKenzie-Creech, Craig Rubano and Rev. Virginia Jarocha-Ernst
After the harvest, the earth that had been hidden by all that vegetation is revealed again. It’s time to
take a look at the roots and the ground we are planted in. A ritual of gratitude for all this will prepare
us for Thanksgiving in the days to come. Music by UU Singers, Chalice Singers, Louise Chernosky.
November 30
“Let them eat loaves and fishes!”
Craig Rubano, Intern Minister
Many know the biblical story told of Jesus of Nazareth instructing his disciples to feed the gathered
multitudes of followers with a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish. But is this really a story
about bread or fish? about feeding the hungry? about magic? about deciding who gets to eat and who
does not? Or is the story's message really quite simple? Well, the answer is … yes? Music by Brian
Gilmore, piano, and Joel DeWitt, violin.
Monmouth Unitarian Universalist — November 2014
Page 3
Sunday Dialogs — 9am (coffee 8:45am)
November 2 – No Dialog
Our Religious Education program, Principle Playhouse, will be using the Community Room at 9am.
November 9 - “Homer's Odyssey as Spiritual Quest”
David A. Beardsley
Homer's Odyssey is the wellspring of all Western literature. On one level, it is a rousing adventure
story of Odysseus returning home after fighting the Trojan War, but it can also be seen as an allegory
for the return of a human soul from strife to love, from division to unity.
David A. Beardsley is the author of “The Ideal in the West,” and writer/director of the video
“Emerson: The Ideal in America.” This talk is taken from his new book, “The Journey Back to
Where You Are: Homer’s Odyssey as Spiritual Quest.”
November 16 - “Thoreau and Transcendentalism”
John Hein
Henry David Thoreau was a central figure in transcendentalism in 19th century New England.
Though not a Unitarian himself, Thoreau and this progressive philosophical and social movement had
strong ties to Unitarianism, and their influence is still evident in our seven principles.
John Hein, a history teacher at Howell High School, is making his encore appearance as a Dialog
presenter. John and his wife Donna are members of UUCMC.
November 23 - “Discussing the NJ Death with Dignity Act”
Ethan Andersen, Field Organizer for Compassion & Choices
Being pushed forward by a non-profit called Compassion & Choices, the NJ Death with Dignity Act
would allow mentally competent, terminally ill patients with less than six months to live to selfadminister medication to end their lives.
Ethan Andersen is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, a Finance major at Rutgers University, and
Field Organizer for Compassion & Choices.
November 30 - “History in a Song: Music of the Holocaust”
Dorothea M. Brune
This will be a presentation of music created by the victims of the Holocaust while they were interned
in concentration camps and ghettos, fighting in partisan groups and in secret hiding places. Music
composed as a form of resistance, to sustain the spirit, and as memorial for the victims of Nazi
persecution.
Dorothea, an experienced music educator, is a member of the Master Teachers Institute for
Holocaust Studies at Rutgers, where she created the recognized Holocaust curriculum “History in a
Song”. She is the creator of music-is-our-witness.org, a website for the study of the Holocaust,
Genocide and other major world conflicts through the use of music.
Page 4
Religious
Exploration
Ministry
Michelle McKenzie-Creech,
Director of RE
Best start up ever! I could not be happier with the way
we have come together this fall. Our transition to two
Sunday morning RE programs has gone very well. We
began our year of youth groups with a camping trip.
Our weekend together with advisors and youth
exceeded our expectations. Lots of fun was had and
many new relationships formed. Our high school youth
group decided that they needed to meet more regularly
and now have weekly meetings. They also elected a
youth leadership council. Our youth leaders are:
 Ginger Wardell, President
 Rachel Nicaise, Vice President
 Moorea Abate Cioppa, Social Justice Coordinator
 Seth Britton & Sophia Vreeland, Fun Coords.
 Desiree Fredericks & Parlin Gressitt, Food Coords.
 Veronica Lanfranchi, Treasurer
 Brycen Greco, Worship Coord.
 Maeve Maguire & Jake Alburtus, Communications
Coords.
 Kara Forest & Bailey Nester, Youth Adult Committee
You will see many new kinds of programs this year
from Adult RE. Our book discussions continue with
books you will want to add to your library. Our current
read, Behind the Kitchen Door, is a UUA Common
Read. We also hope to offer the film series, The Long
Strange Trip, which explore our Unitarian Universalist
history. Oh, and don’t forget to join us Saturday,
December 6th for our Multigenerational Holiday
Extravaganza!
Our lifespan RE program has something to offer all
ages. If you are interested in leading an adult RE class
or volunteering in RE, please contact me for more
information. Thanks to all the volunteers and staff who
help support this work and make these opportunities
available.
In community,
Michelle
Monmouth Unitarian Universalist — November 2014
Religious Education News
RE Review:
Our RE classes and youth groups are up and running.
Thank you teachers and advisors!!
Our very first Youth Group Immersion Camping
Trip was a huge success!
Visit http://youtu.be/lknGV5YLNVo to see for
yourself. (A big thank you goes out to Adam
Rothberg for this most wonderful video!)
Have you ever heard of
All Souls Church in
NYC? It’s the spiritual
home to almost 1,500
UUs and was established
in 1819. On Sunday,
October 5, students and
advisors from the Neighboring Faiths class ventured
to the Upper East Side of Manhattan to visit the
beautiful, circa 1932 church. By all reports, it was a
lovely experience for
all who participated!
“I am a living member
of the great family of
all souls.”
~ William Ellery Channing
RE Reminder:
If you haven’t done it yet, today’s the day - sign your
child(ren) up for RE Classes! Please contact Michelle
for the forms, or take advantage of our convenient
online registration available through our website - just
click on the Education link at the top, then scroll
down. If you have any questions or would like
information about volunteering in RE, contact Sari
Alburtus at 732-276-5081 or salburtus1@gmail.com.
Some RE dates to REmember and REcord:
November 1 - Multigenerational Harvest/ Halloween
Night Potluck, 5-8 pm
December 6 - Multigenerational Holiday Party
December 24 - Pageant
February - Mystery friends returns – details to
follow
Monmouth Unitarian Universalist — November 2014
Board of Governance 2014‐2015 President
Senior VP
Secretary
Rick Goldberg
Carolyn Weaver
Monica Bottone
Page 5
Board News
Treasurer
VP Staff Resources
VP at Large
A message from the President,
Rick Goldberg
Bob Kelley
Aida Murphy
Sandy Blakelock
VP at Large
VP at Large
Council Moderator
Liz deBeer
Stephen Alburtus
Susanne Kelly
Dollar$ and $en$e
Fiscal Year 2014-2015 (Total Budget $458,780)
Hello, dear reader. I usually think of this column
as a way to update you on what’s going on with
the Board – in other words, to give you my point
of view – but today I am thinking about you. I
see lots of you at the meetinghouse, which I
love. Now I want to take moment to address
those I never see—those for whom this
newsletter might be the only window into what’s
going on at UUCMC. Whether you are ill, have
moved away, are just a bit burned out and taking
a break, or whatever reason keeps you from
showing up in person, I want you to know that I
think of you, too, and value you as a member of
the UUCMC community.
Some things I see happening that I really like: a
good core RE groups at both 9:00 and 11:00,
new faces of visitors and friends you have
invited in, the Gaga court getting well-used,
people signing up to help at coffee hours, teens
giving their last-year’s RE teacher a spontaneous
hug, UUCMC participation in events like the
People’s Climate March and the CROP Walk,
musicians galore, lots of adults talking about
their great covenant groups. So…..what’s
working for you?
As always, I’d welcome hearing from you at
Rick Goldberg ~ rick2358@gmail.com
UUCMC Solar System’s Lifetime
Performance (since 9/22/06)
Reading taken 10/1/14
Total:
94,206 pounds of CO2 pollution avoided
85,643 145,596 pounds coal consumption avoided
Kwhrs
produced 257 barrels of oil consumption avoided
PLEDGE
TARGET
$320,000
YTD
SUPPORT
$143,338
PLEDGED
$299,339
PLEDGES
PAID
$90,305
PLEDGE
GAP
$20,661
YTD
EXPENSES
$110,630
NET
FUNDS
$32,708
As I write this, we are almost 1/3 through the fiscal year,
and we’re tracking well on pledge payments. However,
we still have a gap in pledges versus our budgeted target.
If you haven’t yet made your pledge, please do so, using
http://tinyurl.com/Give2UUCMC. And thanks!
- Bob Kelley, Treasurer
Commit2Respond
Climate change is the gravest danger facing humanity
today. In September an estimated 400,000 -- including
1,500 Unitarian Universalists -- took to the streets of NYC
to demand that the world’s leaders address the crisis of
climate change. Our UU 7th principle of respect for the
interdependent web of all existence calls us to act.
Accordingly, the UUA and UU Service Committee are
joining with other UU organizations in Commit2Respond,
an initiative for climate justice awareness and action. UUs
and all people of faith and conscience are invited to
commit to respond in these three action areas:
 Grow the climate justice movement
 Advance the human rights of marginalized communities
 Shift to clean and renewable energy
Commit2Respond starts now. Specific actions are being
planned for spring 2015 and will continue through the UN
Climate Change Conference in December 2015 and on
through the 2017 UUA General Assembly. You can learn
more about this initiative and sign up at http://
www.commit2respond.org/ . We cannot remain silent in
the face of this threat – we are compelled to respond!
Page 6
Monmouth Unitarian Universalist — November 2014
Commi ee Chairs
Building
Caring
Community Life
Denominational Affairs
Committee News
Bob Guenther
Donald Chong/Paul Newland
Audrey Brainard/Heidi Bruhin
Sarah Fischell
Finance & Administration Ted Wardell
Grounds
YOU??
Membership
Betsy Sunada
Music
Liz Tortorella
SOCIAL ACTION
Program
Public Information
Religious Education
Social Action
Sunday Morning Dialog
Skip Leib
Gil Hutchinson
Sari Alburtus
Bill Nordahl/David Reskof
CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION TEAM
The next meeting of the Social Action
Committee (SAC) will be Wednesday,
November 5, 7:00 pm in the East Room.
Join us to help heal the world we live in.
Climate change, aka "climate disruption" or "global
weirding," affects all the justice issues UUs care about.
We're addressing this challenge! Come join our CCAT.
Next meeting Monday, Nov. 10, at 7 pm in the East Room.
Share the Plate - Monmouth Center for World
Religions and Ethical Thought, our September
Share the Plate recipient, received a check for
$782.05. Covenant House in Asbury Park was
the recipient for October. For November, the
recipient is Habitat for Humanity of Northeast
Monmouth County. Thank you for your
continued support of the Share the Plate program!
Saturday, Nov. 1 at 12:15 pm Citizens' Climate Lobby
(CCL) will meet in the Community Room. With our global
climate getting increasingly out of balance, CCL volunteers
work toward "creating political will for a livable world" by
urging policy that moves away from fossil fuels and toward
a renewable energy future. All are welcome!
UUCMC is a supporter congregation to the
Family Promise program. About 12 other
churches are involved, some as host churches
(they house homeless families a week at a time).
We support by preparing meals, as overnight
hosts and other ways. The week of October 5, our
volunteers helped at the Middletown United
Methodist Church.
It’s a very worthwhile endeavor: three out of four
families graduate into permanent or transitional
housing, and it is the only emergency shelter for
families in Monmouth County. However, we
need more volunteers. Another church close to
us has opened its doors to weekly guests, and our
support is needed there also (the Lincroft
Presbyterian Church down the street from us).
Please sign up at the Social Action table or
contact Anne Shramko (671-9457) if you would
like to help. Thank you to those volunteers who
have given of their time.
More information at www.citizensclimatelobby.org
Lynn Dash - climatelynn@gmail.com
YUUR Voice in Trenton
UULMNJ’s 2014 Fall Issues Conference was a huge success,
with over 100 attendees representing 16 of NJ’s UU congregations. ACLU-NJ executive director, Udi Ofer was the keynote
speaker. Task forces convened and set this year’s priority agenda:
§ Environmental Protection: Environmental Sustainability
with a goal of 80% renewable energy by 2050;
§ Economic Justice: Affordable Housing (container housing &
strengthening the partnership with the Anti-Poverty Network);
§ Immigration: Partnering with First Friends; a collaborative
congregational film series; and drivers’ licenses;
§ Mass Incarceration: Advocacy and Education, passing Ballot
Question One, parole reform and marijuana decriminalization;
§ Healthcare and Reproductive Justice: Safe Access to
Reproductive Health Services, buffer zone safety, and
Medicaid expansion. Researching intimate partner violence.
Get Out and Vote on Nov. 4: Ballot Question One:
The Bayshore Lunch Program serves meals at
Community Church in Keyport. Sign up with
Barbara Vallin (671-4465) at the Social Action
table on Sundays.
To get involved, contact Social Action Co-Chairs
Bill Nordahl ~ 409-7319 or bill.nordahl@gmail.com
Dave Reskof ~ 747-8742 or giareskof@aol.com
Eliminating the requirement for bail can be a good thing. A
constitutional amendment must pass to enact the NJ bail reform
legislation passed and signed this past summer. Your vote will
determine its fate. Please get out and vote! For more details on
this important question, please read the Star Ledger column by
Rev. Craig Hirshberg at http://bit.ly/ZqqZIC.
Receiving UULMNJ Action Alerts? If not, send your email
address to admin@uulmnj.org and we will get you on our list.
Monmouth Unitarian Universalist — November 2014
Page 7
MUSIC! MUSIC! MUSIC!
Potential New Members!
Our Final PtM Class and Potluck is Coming Up
With gratitude and regret, I announce that Penny
Gnesin's Giving Voice ensemble has ceased. Giving
Voice has enriched our services greatly over the last
several years. Penny chose a lovely variety of songs,
offered creative arrangements, and brought a special
musical spirituality to each service. Penny is brainstorming new musical options; stay tuned! In the
meantime, please join me in thanking Penny and the
women of Giving Voice for their musical offerings!
Join us on November 15th at 3pm in the Community Room
to find out about 'UUCMC and Me'. In addition to those
attending the series, this class is perfect for people coming
from other UU congregations. You will have an opportunity
to sign the membership book at the meeting. Bring a favorite
dish to share. RSVP to Lisa Arcoleo (lisa@uucmc.org).
Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 16, 6:00 pm in the Earth Room
And as usual, you are also invited to join one of
UUCMC's musical groups to share your talents with
the congregation. Roots & Wings Drum Choir is
directed by Skip Leib, and meets on Monday
nights. The UU Singers are a traditional SATB
choir, directed by Louise Chernosky. Singers of all
levels are welcome. The group meets Thursday
nights from 7–8:30 pm at UUCMC. Various ad hoc
ensembles form throughout the year at UUCMC,
including Chalice Singers (a choral group for
children), the Pick up Band (instrumentalists
welcome), and our Intergenerational Choir (arrive a
few minutes early, learn a song, and share it in the
service). Watch the newsletter, e-blast, and Sunday
announcements for the next opportunity.
Children grades K-6 are invited to sing with Chalice
Singers on November 23. Practice recordings and
lyrics will be available beginning November 2nd.
We will rehearse only on November 23rd. Please
come at 8:40 am for the 9:00 am service, and at
10:40 am for the 11:00 am service. Children are not
expected to sing at both services, only at the service
you and your family usually attend. Please contact
Louise with any questions.
TDoR raises public awareness of hate crimes against
transgender people, something the current media often
ignores, and honors those who have died by their own
hand, often because of the hate and rejection they face on a
daily basis. TDoR publicly mourns and honors the lives of
individuals who might otherwise be forgotten. It reminds
non-transgender people that the folks in the trans
community are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and
partners. This day gives trans-allies a chance to step up and
stand with the community memorializing those who have
died by anti-trans violence. All are invited to attend this
candlelight reading of the names of those lost during the
past year, jointly sponsored by Asbury Park Community
Church and UUCMC.
For more information, contact Welcoming Congregation
committee members Rosemarie Newberry or Judy Stevens.
Leaf Clean-Up
November 22nd
Let’s get ready for winter.
Louise Chernosky, Music Director
music@uucmc.org
Look for more info
in the eblasts
in the coming weeks.
Join us for Coffee Hour!
By popular demand, Tom’s hummus will be served at both coffee hours!
Peanut butter is also now available along with some gluten free items.
10:00-11:00 and 12:00-1:00
Don’t forget to buy your Gift Cards!
Would you like to get involved?
Come and help serve or cleanup!
Please call or email:
Heidi Bruhin 732-895-5432/hbruhin@mail.brookdalecc.edu
Audrey Brainard 732-657-4607/ahbutterfly34@verizon.net
Or see the sign-up sheet on kitchen door.
Multigenerational
Harvest/
Halloween Night
Potluck
Saturday, Nov. 1st
at 5:00.
All ages, come out
and raise your spirits!
We will dress in
costume, have a
ghoulish food
potluck, a spooky
dance and hear stories
for the season.
Page 8
Monmouth Unitarian Universalist — November 2014
Buddhist Meditation
A Note from the Intern Minister, Craig Rubano
SLOW DOWN SIT QUIETLY
I was blessed this past month to give a talk to the We Are
Getting Older (WAGO) gathering. In it, I quoted UU minister
Stephanie Nichols who, in a book called Spiritual Manifestos,
the combined efforts of young leaders from many faiths to
move beyond the reasons many keep “religion” at arm’s length
— to embrace a possible future where religious thoughts could
be held with a common respect —writes of our denomination:
“A demon we fight is that of being defined more by what we are not than
what we are. Some people find us after having been wounded in some way
by their earlier religious experiences, so when on occasion we draw from the
metaphors of that tradition in a worship service, these people struggle.
Religious maturity means an acceptance of the idea that all religious
language is the language of poetry and metaphor.”
FIND YOUR SPACE WITHIN
Every Thursday
evening, 5:30-6:30
in the Earth Room
The gift of time to be with yourself
and others in a supportive, gentle,
encouraging space. There will be two
periods of sitting, a period of walking
with a time for discussion/questions.
**No meditation experience
is necessary…instructions will be
provided.**
For more info, contact Elaine Held
(732-774-3492 / evdplate@gmail.com).
Give the Gift of Life
A special holiday blood drive is
scheduled for December 26.
Traditionally, the days around
the winter holidays are when
blood is most needed due
increases in accidents and
surgeries. Questions? Contact
Ginger Wardell & Moorea Cioppa.
Having done my ministerial training at a Presbyterian seminary where I was
often the only UU presence, navigating the waters of religious language is an
ongoing endeavor of mine that has shaped the way I see my vocational
identity. It strikes me that this month’s congregational theme of “Humility”
provided me with a graceful invitation to speak to the “us-them” dynamics
that often lurk around the edges (or right smack in the middle!) of religious
diversity.
November begins and ends with my taking the pulpit with you for the first
time, so I will honor your spiritual hospitality to me by speaking to the
places of discomfort that emerge as a direct result of the openness of our
welcome as a congregation; because my go-to source of healing is music, I’ll
do some singing along the way. Will you join me November 2nd and 30th?
80s PROM!
Tickets on sale November 2nd in the
Community Room after 9 & 11 am services!
Bring friends! Buy 8 tickets to reserve your table!
Saturday, Nov. 22, 8-11 pm
in the Community Room.
Never been to the prom? Love 80s music? Want
to dance the night away with good company?
This is the right night for all to enjoy.
80s music, finger food and beverages provided.
Contest for the best 80s look!
21 and older, please
$25 per person (sliding scale) advance sales please!
Email or call for information and tickets
Carolyn Weaver - cjweaver55@hotmail /
732.832.1645
Joan Farkas - jbfarkas@verizon.net /
732.685.9627
Gift Card Program
Beginning to think about the Holidays?
THINK ABOUT GIFT CARDS FROM UUCMC
At this time of year, many give gifts to those we care about and
to those who make our life easier: family, friends, teachers, mail
carriers, hairdressers, and many others. Gift cards are the perfect
solution. They are sure to please, easy to wrap and transport, and
they allow the recipient to get what they truly want.
UUCMC can get cards for dozens of retailers that make perfect
gifts! Some we stock (e.g., The Gap, Banana Republic, Old
Navy, Outback, Bonefish Grill, Starbucks, Target, Panera Bread,
Macy's, JCPenney) Others we can order for you (e.g.,
Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Bath & Body Works, Best Buy,
Boscov's, Cabela's, iTunes, Kohl's, Lands End, LLBean, Pottery
Barn, and hundreds more). Stop by the gift card table Sunday
morning to take a look at the list of retailers we can order or
learn how to order on line for delivery through UUCMC. The
cards cost you nothing extra, but provide great returns to
UUCMC. Buy and Order early to assure you needs are met.
Monmouth Unitarian Universalist — November 2014
Monmouth Unitarian Universalist
A monthly newsletter published by the
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of
Monmouth County
1475 West Front St, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Phone: 747-0707
Fax: 741-9399
www.uucmc.org
Minister: Rev. Virginia Jarocha-Ernst
Office: 741-6111
Email: minister@uucmc.org
President: Rick Goldberg
Home: 462-8139
Email: rick2358@gmail.com
Director of Religious Education:
Michelle McKenzie-Creech
Office: 741-8016
Email: dre@uucmc.org
Administrator: Maggi Riordan
Office: 747-0707
Email: uucmc@uucmc.org
Membership Coordinator: Lisa Arcoleo
Office: 747-0707 ext. 7
Email: membership@uucmc.org
Caretaker: Tracy Smith
Cell: 670-0754
Email: caretaker@uucmc.org
Music Director: Louise Chernosky
Cell: 585-905-8183
Email: music@uucmc.org
RE/Youth Coordinator: Dee Fernandez
Cell: 801-7252
Email: dee@uucmc.org
Intern Minister: Craig Rubano
Cell: 646-522-1725
Email: craig@uucmc.org
Affiliated Community Minister:
Rev. Rosemarie Newberry
Cell: 331-9463
Email: rnewberry0320@comcast.net
Page 9
LINCROFT ZEN SANGHA
Wednesday Evenings (Beginners’ instruction starts at 6:30)
The Lincroft Zen Sanga will not be meeting
the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (November 26).
A Zen Buddhist Service 7-9pm is followed by two 35-minute periods
of sitting meditation interspersed with walking meditation. Come for
one or both sittings. Become awake to one’s life in the universe and
awake to the universe’s response. The practice of zazen, in stillness or
action, is a wild adventure. Sensei Merle Kodo Boyd, guiding teacher.
Contact: info@lincroftzen.org ~ http://lincroftzen.org
Peter Nyodo Ott 732-708-0103 or Kathi Novak 732-364-7148
Adjunct Groups
Monmouth Center for World Religions and
Ethical Thought
On Nov. 2nd at 7pm, with the UU Social Action committee, we are cosponsoring the film "A Place at the Table." It is a 2012 documentary film
directed by Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush concerning hunger in the
United States. Featuring actor Jeff Bridges, this film shows how hunger
poses serious economic, social and cultural implications for this country. It
also suggests that the problem can be solved if the American public decides
that making healthy food available and affordable is in everyone's best
interest.
A question and answer session will follow a viewing of the film. The
panel discussion, moderated by ClaraGee Stamaty Ziment, will include
Barbara Scholz of the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties;
Debbie Keszler of the Food Pantry of the Lutheran Church of the
Reformation of West Long Branch; and Gayle Topper of the Social Action
Committee of Temple Beth Miriam. There is no admission fee. In lieu of
refreshments, attendees are asked to please bring a personal care item or
non-perishable food item for distribution to those in need.
Copy Editor/Layout: Maggi Riordan
AND Once again, we will offer the annual United We Sing. It will be on
Sunday, November 23 at 4pm at UUCMC. This event brings together a
diverse group of cultures and faiths sharing Thanksgiving. Bring friends
and family for the special gathering of music, poetry, dance and food.
Unless otherwise noted, phone numbers
in this newsletter have area code 732.
Contact Joe Ritacco (MCWRET) jritacco@comcast.net or
Kristine Binaco (UUCMC & MCWRET) uubooklover@verizon.net.
Deadline for newsletter submissions is
the 15th of each month at 11am. Please
submit articles to uucmc@uucmc.org.
This newsletter is for news and articles
about the activities of this congregation.
All submissions should be <150 words.
The newsletter can be accessed via our
website at www.uucmc.org. Click on
Newsletters. Copies are available without charge in the foyer.
The Lincroft Center for Children
Infant/Toddler, Preschool & Kindergarten
Half-Day and Full-Day Programs Available
Call Kim King, Director, at 430-0643, kking109@aol.com.
Please see website: www.thelincroftcenterforchildren.org
Page 10
Monmouth Unitarian Universalist — November 2014
Upcoming Events!
Fall/Winter Read
Social Action Film Series
You may have read a review of “Behind the Kitchen Door” by Saru
Jayaraman in the Spring UU World. This book on restaurant justice
“shares stories from a large and growing sector of our economy told from
the point of view of the workers, who make up ‘7 of the 11 lowest-paying
occupations in America’…. The UUA has picked ‘Behind the Kitchen
Door’ as its Common Read for 2013-14”. And so have we at UUCMC.
Please see the announcement on page 9
for “A Place at the Table” starring Jeff
Bridges, sponsored by MCWRET and our
Social Action Committee on Sunday,
November 2, 2014 at 7 pm in the
Community Room. Panel Discussion to
follow film. Please bring a personal care
item or nonperishable food item for
distribution to those in need.
We’ll meet to discuss this book in the East Room on Tuesday evening,
December 2 at 7 pm, and in the afternoon on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 1 pm.
Donna Koloski for the Adult RE Committee
UUCMC Performing Arts Series
The 2014-2015 series is in full swing! Our next performance is
a completely staged production.
Saturday, December 13, 7pm & Sunday, December 14, 6pm
“Amahl and The Night Visitors”: A modern opera written by
Gian Carlo Menotti.
A reception will follow.
The flyer with more details is available at http://dft.ba/-2014PAS
See The Nutcracker ballet at the Count
Basie Theatre in Red Bank for only $6!
We’ll see the Thurs., Dec. 11th performance
at 10am as a UUCMC group. These tickets
(regularly $20) may be purchased by emailing Fran at fmillersmith@gmail.com or at
Coffee Hour on Nov. 2, 9 & 16. Please do
NOT call Count Basie to purchase tickets for
this group rate performance. For more info
on the show, visit www.codanj.com Let's
enjoy this holiday season favorite together!
The Monmouth Unitarian Universalist
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
of Monmouth County
1475 West Front Street
Lincroft, New Jersey 07738
Address CorrecƟon Requested
DATED MATERIAL — PLEASE EXPEDITE