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South Nassau
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
SNUUC
News You Can Use
April 30, 2025
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Join us this Sunday, May 4 at 10:30 am for our service
led by Rev Carol Huston
then stay for our important Budget Hearing and then
enjoy lunch for a donation in the Coffee Hour Basket and
attend Storyteller Jim Hawkins Talent Auction event at 12:30!
Scroll Down for the Zoom Link & to Learn More
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PLEASE NOTE! Our Annual Budget Review is this Sunday, May 4 and our Biannual Meeting is Sunday, June 29, both right after the service. There will be important information about SNUUC and Voting.
All are asked to attend!
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SNUUC APRIL 2025 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN
THE POWER OF WE
TOGETHER WE CAN - TOGETHER WE WILL
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April 15, 2025
Dear Members and Friends,
The Stewardship Team, Board, and co-Ministers extend our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing generosity and commitment. Your support is truly the lifeblood of our congregation, empowering us to thrive and grow as a vibrant, inclusive community.
This year, our stewardship theme, "The Power of We," highlights the remarkable strength and potential we unlock when we come together. Already, we've experienced this power through recent improvements to our building, the implementation of our innovative shared leadership ministry, and our decision to open our space for rental to community members, groups, and businesses aligned with our UU values.
New adult programming is being coordinated, and we are actively creating even more ways for members to connect, feel supported, and deepen relationships within our community. Your pledges directly enable these efforts, enhancing our spiritual home and supporting our shared mission.
As we approach the close of our fiscal year on June 30th, we kindly invite you to fulfill your current pledge if you haven't yet done so. We also ask you to thoughtfully consider sustaining or increasing your pledge for the coming year, so we can continue building on the wonderful momentum of community and growth we've started together.
Together, through the Power of WE, we can strengthen and expand our beloved congregation, creating a brighter future for all.
With deep gratitude and hope,
The Stewardship Team, Board, and co-Ministers
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COME TO THE SPECIAL COFFEE HOUR SUNDAY, MAY 18!
HOSTED BY THE BOARD AND THE MINISTERS
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CHECK YOUR SNAIL MAIL FOR THE STEWARDSHIP LETTER AND PLEDGE FORM RECENTLY MAILED TO YOU!
Please bring your completed Pledge Form to SNUUC at Sunday Service OR mail it to SNUUC 228 S. Ocean Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520 OR Scan and Email your Pledge Form to Stewardship Committee member Mark Bennett, MarkBenn731@gmail.com
You can also Click here for a Pledge Form to print and fill in or pick one up at SNUUC or email snuuc@optonline.net to have a form mailed to you
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Together, through the Power of WE, we can strengthen and expand our beloved congregation, creating a brighter future for all.
| | JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR TRADITIONAL IRISH STORIES! | | |
JOIN US FOR TRADITIONAL IRISH STORIES a Talent Auction event with JIM HAWKINS
at SNUUC this SUNDAY, MAY 4, 12:30
Driving Across America with Billy Zuckerman
Come for lunch! or See Jim on Zoom!
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
Make a plan to join our own Irish Storyteller, Jim Hawkins, at his Talent Auction event, Driving Across America with Billy Zuckerman. The event will be in the SNUUC Sanctuary this Sunday, May 4 at 12:30 pm. Everyone of all ages is invited to enjoy this fun event! And for a $5 donation to SNUUC in the coffee hour basket you can enjoy a delicious lunch!
Jim, through story and song will take us on his trip across America with his friend Billy Zuckerman. Along the way, you’ll meet a person who does unusual things with letters, attend a memorable wedding, meet a hiker with a sign saying, "I’ll go anywhere”, spend a wild night in Vegas, meet a French student who loves to say “Brookleen” and a lovely young woman who was our guide in the Grand Canyon. In between stories will be bits of Rock n’ Roll songs we heard on the radio.
If you haven’t already paid at the Talent Auction, this Fundraiser for SNUUC is just, $25 for adults and $10 for kids. The performance will also be on Zoom so you can enjoy from home. Collection will be made at the event or if enjoying on Zoom, please send your check made to SNUUC to 228 So Ocean Ave. Freeport NY 11520.
Here's the Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87801005750?pwd=daEdFX9mOQ7EuQskBgPoSpKQfLWbXR.1
Question? Speak with Jim or email him, irishhawkins@verizon.net.
Join us for a fun and memorable Sunday afternoon!
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Registration is open for LIAC Day!
Saturday, May 10, 2025 at SNUUC!
REGISTER HERE
What if learning about how to stand up for our immigrant neighbors with legal experts and breaking bread with friends we've yet to meet is EXACTLY what we all need to give us strength to continue on?
Join The LIAC Council and fellow UUs from across Long Island for our annual meeting and gathering. We will hold our annual meeting in the morning, followed by an interactive program with Immigration Law & Justice NY, including a "Know Your Rights" workshop for congregations, then a shared meal and celebration. 10am to 4 pm at SNUUC! Learn more
If you were on the fence or putting off registering until later, now is the time! Early bird registration has been extended to today, April 30 and they have added a group rate to encourage groups to come together ($100 for a group of 4!) or $40 per adult, including lunch! If you would like to take advantage of the group discount, please contact Sharon K-C, skennelty@gmail.com, or Phil K, philkennelty@gmail.com, to coordinate groups.
REGISTER HERE
We would really like to have a strong showing from SNUUC congregants
for this event that we are hosting.
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GA is GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION'S
PREMIER ANNUAL GATHERING
JUNE 18 TO 22 IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
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General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), where participants gather to worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy decisions for the Association through a democratic process.
Attend GA this Year! from Rev. Carol
Every engaged UU should try to attend General Assembly (GA) in person at least once. There are dozens and dozens of workshops on congregational leadership, social justice, spiritual practices, new ideas – or you might learn about these things from someone sitting next to you in one of those workshops. There are lots of worship experiences, many different kinds. Imagine being in a space with 4000 UUs, singing “Spirit of Life.” You will know you are part of a powerful movement.
GA this year is Wednesday afternoon, June 18, to Sunday afternoon, June 22 in Baltimore, only a train-ride away! Like most small to mid-sized UU congregations, SNUUC cannot offer financial support for attendance. You will need to pay for the train ticket (or driving), and for food and 4 nights in a hotel. Registration is $475 right now, and this cost will go up after May 15. If you dig down on the registration page, you will find a $100 discount for first-time in-person participants.
I am not a first-time participant. I have attended more than 20 GAs, and it is always joyful and inspiring. Please consider going this year. I also encourage you to visit my favorite aquarium, there in Baltimore.
Go to www.uua.org/ga/registration. You will be able to click to the schedule and other information from that page.
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NOTES FROM THE MINISTER
REV. CAROL HUSTON
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I had one or two other topics to write about this week, but the Sunday service on teaching really inspired me, and I realized that my notes today should follow that topic.
First, it was fantastic to see that many members here have teaching backgrounds, and I will add my history to that account. I taught early childhood and primary special education for 13 years. I felt many connections to the stories I heard. My stomach turned as I was reminded of the need to count the kids (constantly) whenever we left the classroom. My own temporary love for the Free School Movement was also overcome by children climbing on tables. I remember those things and also remember how important it was to work with young children, at least for a part of my career.
Second, I’m thinking about the importance of Education. It has long been the central fixture of my hope for the future – that education for literacy and decision-making could bring the world to gender equality, racial and ethnic cooperation, to health and happiness and peace. UUs around me and other work and volunteer friends always agreed. Education was the light on the path forward. One of the most troubling things in our current national situation is the way education is being torn down, disvalued and seen as elitist.
But then I opened the next novel on my list of things to read “Watching Stars” by Tommy Orange, a Native American author I have enjoyed and learned from before. And I realized that this book would bring me through difficult chapters on the infamous Indian Schools whose professed purpose was to use education to “kill the Indian in order to save the child” — to teach them not to be Indians. We must consider what we are teaching and why, not just valuing the free-floating idea of education. There will be a sermon about this down the road.
This week I will preach on another free-floating value, which is also more complicated than we think. Join us, as Spring truly arrives, in looking at “Freedom.“ Yes, as with education, we must always inquire about the purpose and grounding of it. We can’t assume that it is a pure value.
Rev Carol
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DO YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEED TO RENT SPACE
FOR AN EVENT OR MEETING? THERE'S A GREAT SPACE AT SNUUC!
| | Thank you to the SNUUC Board and helpers for cleaning the Brantley Wing to get the space ready for rental and income for SNUUC. Recently, two colorful events were held in this great space. Do you or someone you know need to rent space for an event or meeting? Speak with a Board member for more information about space rental at SNUUC. | | |
CALL FOR SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS!
SNUUC is looking for individuals to join our team of Worship Associates. As a Worship Associate, you'll play an important role in supporting our Sunday speakers and ministers during the service, helping everything run smoothly and making a meaningful contribution to our community. Interested? Contact Harriet for more info and to get involved and trained, arnoldharriet00@gmail.com.
Let's make a difference together.
Thank you for your support!
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JOIN US AT OUR SERVICE
THIS SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025
at 10:30 am
THE SERVICE IS LIVE AT SNUUC
and ON ZOOM, USE THE LINK BELOW
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+ Sunday, May 4 at 10:30 am +
Rev. Carol Huston will lead the service this Sunday
Freedom
Freedom is one of the essential spiritual values that we cherish in life. But exactly what freedoms do we need?
Freedom from what? Freedom to do what?
And how do we know when freedom is slipping away?
After early work as a special education teacher and as an arts administrator, Carol Huston found Unitarian Universalist ministry as the culminating career for her life. Ordained in 1992, she served congregations in Rochester, Michigan and White Plains, New York. As a minister, she enjoyed doing pastoral care and preaching, but she also found much to do in social justice areas. Since retiring from parish ministry, she has been very active in women’s empowerment, civil rights, and poverty issues. She is currently putting energy into the development of a United Nations advocacy team for International Women’s Convocation (IWC), our UU women’s organization which focuses on relationships among UU women’s groups around the world.
Her husband Hollis, a UU chaplain and an actor, died in 2018. They had moved to Manhattan and really enjoyed life there. Their daughter Vanessa lives in Mississippi, and Linnea lives in Manhattan.
Bill Bryson-Brockmann is the Worship Associate. Mark Bennett is the Board Member on Duty. If you have an announcement you would like to be made at the service, please contact Mark at MarkBenn731@gmail.com by this Saturday morning, May 3.
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Greeters are needed for our services! If you can be a Greeter, please arrive on Sunday morning at 10:15 and say hello to people at one of the foyer doors. Thanks!
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On Sundays, the virtual room will open at 10:20 am, the service begins at 10:30 am.
Join us in the SNUUC Sanctuary or
find a comfortable spot, light a candle and join us from home!
To join the virtual Sunday Service, you'll need to install an application from a company called Zoom. If you haven't installed it already, please install this application before Sunday morning.
It's Easy & Free for you to join!
Join directly from this email...
Use this link to join all the Sunday Service Zoom Meetings
https://zoom.us/j/503143243?pwd=SGdEZjRFQjRJNDhOenNDbytDWUNtdz09
The meeting ID for Sunday’s service is: 503 143 243
The password: 003006
Zoom provides a dial-in feature for those who want to listen in.
The call in phone number for New York is: +16465588656,,503143243#
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Coffee Hour is an essential part of the service for UUs. We need to make this a community affair. We ask you to please continue to bring snacks for coffee hour. We are asking people to take a turn doing set up and clean-up, there is a sign-up sheet on the Welcome Table. If all those who are able take a turn do so, this will not be a burden on any one person. As usual you will not be doing it alone. Others will help.
Thank you for helping at our Coffee Hour!
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ALL UPCOMING SERVICES are
AT SNUUC and ON ZOOM, UNLESS NOTED
May 4 - Rev. Carol Huston, Budget Hearing & Jim Hawkins Stories Event
May 11 - Benjamin Van Dyne
May 18 - Rev. Sharon Pataky & Special Coffee Hour hosted by Board & Ministers
May 25 - Rev. Dr. Sushmita Mukherjee
June 1 - Rev. Carol Huston, Meet the Artists Reception
June 8 - Rev. Arden Fekett
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Thank You to our SNUUC Board Members!
Mark Bennett, President * Amy Norris Wenzel, Vice President *
Jojo Granoff, Treasurer * Ilene Corina, Secretary *
Barbara Behrens, Trustee * Sharon Kennelty-Cohen, Trustee
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The SNUUC Social Justice/Social Action Team
meets each week on Wednesday
at 12 noon in the foyer.
Please join them to learn and inspire.
Speak to Sharon Kennelty-Cohen
or Harriet Arnold for more information.
| | SNUUC PEOPLE, SNUUC HAPPENINGS | | |
Just for fun, let’s read a book together!
The Brown Bag Lunch and Book Club meets monthly in the foyer to discuss a good book. For the next read the group selected Jodi Picoult's book By Any Other Name. "A NY Bestseller from the co-author of Mad Honey comes an “inspiring” (Elle) novel about two women, centuries apart—one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays—who are both forced to hide behind another name."
The group will meet Thursday, May 29, at 12 noon in the Foyer. Bring your lunch and join the discussion! Any questions contact Martha Chamberlain, martha.chamberlain22@gmail.com
| | WHAT IS HAPPENING with SNUUC THIS WEEK? | | |
Wednesdays + SOCIAL JUSTICE/SOCIAL ACTION TEAM meets on Wednesdays at 12 noon in the foyer. Join them to learn and to inspire.
Wednesdays + GATHERING Join the next Gathering at SNUUC on Wednesday from 1 to 2 pm.
Saturdays + MEDITATION The Mindfulness Meditation group 9 am, Foyer & Zoom
Sunday, May 4 - Budget Hearing right after the Service - IMPORTANT!
Sunday, May 4 - Talent Auction Event Jim Hawkins 12:30 - JOIN US!
Wednesday, May 7- Women's Journaling 1:00 pm Zoom
Thursday, May 8 - Board Meeting 7 pm on Zoom
Saturday, May 10 - LIAC Day at SNUUC 10-4
Scroll for more information about these and other meetings
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CHECK OUR ONLINE CALENDAR
You can view SNUUC's monthly calendar online.
Go to www.SNUUC.org.
Click on ABOUT at the top of the page.
Click on EVENTS CALENDAR.
OR click on this link... SNUUC Calendar
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UPCOMING BI-MONTHLY, MONTHLY and SPECIAL EVENTS
Monday, May 12 - Lectio Divina 7:15 pm on Zoom
Sunday, May 18 - Special Coffee Hour hosted by the Board and Ministers
Thursday, May 29 - Brown Bag Lunch and Book Discussion 12 pm
Friday, May 30 - Connectors 6:30 pm on Zoom
Sunday, June 1 - Foyer Art Gallery Meet the Artists Reception
Scroll thru this email for more information about these and other happenings
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THANK YOU TO OUR FOYER ART COMMMITTEE FOR ONCE AGAIN GRACING OUR FOYER WITH WONDERFUL ART BY LOCAL ARTISTS
CHECK OUT THE NEWEST EXHIBIT IN OUR GALLERY AND COME TO THE
MEET THE ARTISTS RECEPTION ON SUNDAY, JUNE 1
| | TAKE A LOOK AT ALL THAT IS HAPPENING WITH SNUUC! | | |
ONGOING SNUUC WEEKLY EVENTS and MEETINGS
Contact information for events and meetings is below.
WEEKLY:
Tuesdays + WORSHIP The team works with the preacher, worship associate, board member on duty and the production team to plan and provide meaningful worship experiences to the congregation. For questions about the Worship Team please contact Harriet Arnold, ArnoldHarriet00@gmail.com.
Wednesdays + SOCIAL JUSTICE/SOCIAL ACTION TEAM meets on Wednesdays at 12 noon in the foyer. Join them to learn and inspire. Contact Sharon Kennelty-Cohen skennelty@gmail.com or Harriet Arnold arnoldharriet00@gmail.com
Wednesdays + GATHERING Gathering at SNUUC, 1 to 2 pm. Join SNUUC friends in the foyer, or on the front lawn when the weather is nice and enjoy each other’s company. Questions? Meet with them at SNUUC on a Wednesday afternoon or contact Joel Gershen, jojomatt@aol.com
Thursdays + FOOD DISTRIBUTION The National Day Laborers Association gives out donated food each Thursday, from 9:00 to 10:00 am. The pickup spot is in the parking lot behind the building, at the Brantley Wing door.
Saturdays + MEDITATION The Mindfulness Meditation group (aka South Ocean Sangha) - Join a regular, weekly meditation practice at SNUUC and on Zoom on Saturdays at 9 am. The practice is open to meditators at all levels. All you need to do is show up and take your seat. If you would like more information or to receive the Zoom link to join the class. Please contact Brian Larkin, bolarkin@optonline.net.
Sundays + IMPROV Long Island Improv offers fun improvisation classes many Sunday afternoons in the SNUUC foyer. Many SNUUC members have enjoyed them and found them useful for developing creativity and communication skills. Go to longislandimprov.com for all the details.
BI-MONTHLY and MONTHLY:
2nd and 4th Mondays + LECTIO DIVINA Lectio Divina meets at 7:15 pm on Zoom. Join SNUUC friends for a Lectio Divina practice. This is a contemplative practice in which we listen to a short reading and get in touch with where it resonates in our bodies, our feelings, the images that speak to us and any message or meaning it has for our lives. Contact Barbara Singer for more information, barbara.singer@gmail.com
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87865036675?pwd=anNqdzRxZ2FHWDY2dUVwWlVSWDFQZz09
Meeting ID: 878 6503 6675
Passcode: 189400
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,87865036675# US
+16465588656,,87865036675# US (New York)
1st Wednesdays + WOMEN’S JOURNALING - Women's Journaling meets from 1 to 2:30 pm on the 1st Wednesday of the month on Zoom. The women choose a book of a spiritual nature to read and during the group they speak and write on parts of the readings that hold meaning for them. For more info and Zoom link contact Anne Olsen, afleming528@gmail.com.
2nd Wednesday + LA LECHE The La Leche League of Baldwin Freeport meets in the SNUUC RE wing on the 2nd Wednesday at 10 am. For more information go to their Facebook page, La Leche League of Baldwin Freeport.
Monthly + CARING TEAM - The purpose of the Caring Team is to keep us connected and offer support and help as appropriate. For more info contact Sharon Pataky, Rev.Sharon.P@gmail.com
2nd Thursdays + BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING – The Board meets at 7 pm on the 2nd Thursday on Zoom. All are welcome. Please contact Mark Bennett for the Zoom link, MarkBenn731@gmail.com
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CHECK-IN WITH FELLOW SNUUCers AT THE NEXT CONNECTORS CALL,
FRIDAY, MAY 30, 6:30 pm on ZOOM!
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Hosted by the Caring Team, the monthly Connectors Zoom meeting is an opportunity for us to check-in with each other, talk about what’s new in our lives, how are things going, etc., within a what’s-said-here-stays-here hour. After check-in, time permitting, the Caring Team will offer a topic of discussion. You can either stay with the topic or choose one of your own.
We look forward to seeing you this Friday, April 25 at 6:30 pm!
Click the new link below to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4080001516?pwd=T2l5VXhub2t6TytUbzZ2eWVUYkhDQT09&omn=89185896492
Meeting ID: 408 000 1516
Passcode: 228SOcean
The Connectors gathering is hosted by SNUUC's Caring Team - Doris Brass, Ilene Corina, Sharon Kennelty-Cohen and Rev. Sharon Pataky. It is a confidential call, which means that what is said and heard in the call stays in the call unless you say otherwise. The Connectors gathering is the last Friday of the month from 6:30-7:30 pm. Please email Sharon Pataky, Rev.Sharon.P@gmail.com, if you have questions or would like additional information.
| | OUR EGG HUNT FOR THE COMMUNITY WAS A FUN EVENT FOR ALL! | | |
The Freeport Workers Justice Center of the National Day Laborers Organizational Network held a series of 4 workshops for day laborers. They met at SNUUC to take OSHA courses to earn a certificate about the policies for safety and health in the workplace. The organization also held a series of Nutrition Classes on Monday evenings. The FWJC/NDLON distributes food packages every Thursday morning from 9 to 10 am at the door in the back of the building in the parking lot by the Brantley Wing.
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NEWS FROM LIAC
the LONG ISLAND AREA COUNCIL
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LIAC serves as a beacon for liberal religion with a focus on education, advocacy, service, and spirituality for Long Island Unitarian Universalists.
Click here to learn more about LIAC
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The Long Island Area Council of Unitarian Universalist Congregations, LIAC,
offers opportunities for fellowship
and connection.
LIAC aims to “serve as a catalyst to promote denominational awareness and effectiveness through communication, leadership and educational programs.”
Go to LIACUU.org for more information.
Phil Kennelty is the SNUUC LIAC Representative.
Contact Phil for more LIAC information, philkennelty@gmail.com
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50 YEARS OF FAITH IN ACTION
MAY 4 IS THE FINAL DAY TO APPLY FOR SAF STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
Through its internship awards, the Student Activity Fund makes it possible for young adults to put their UU values into action at nonprofits across Long Island.
The program is open to members (or children of members) in good standing at a LIAC UU congregation who are rising high school seniors, gap-year students, college or trade-school students, or 24/25 graduates.
Many interns already have a nonprofit in mind. If you or your young adult need some help identifying a partner nonprofit, Ginger O'Neill, our SAF Program Director, is here to help you. If you'd like to talk about your options, please email Ginger for a conversation.
Find out more
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Sophia Fahs Camp - A Multi-Generational UU Camp Experience
August 10 - 16, 2025
The week-long Fahs Camp offers programs, worship, and activities created with the intention of building Beloved community based on caring, respect,
and Unitarian Universalist values.
Click here to learn even more.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Early bird rates available through February. Register early and save!
If you are a member of a LIAC member congregation click here LIAC member registration. All other friends click here Regional Registration
Our Mission is to create an intergenerational Unitarian Universalist community that provides enjoyable, practical, and spiritual experiences in a safe, beautiful, and natural environment that will inspire children, youth, and adults to explore their identities: personal, communal, and Unitarian Universalist.
Who should attend? We offer programs for a multigenerational camp experience. We welcome families of all ages and sizes, young adults, and seniors who hold fond memories of attending with their children. Each community member signs a Covenant by which to live during our week together.
How We Grow Together We create programs and experiences that focus on four major areas: Spiritual Growth, Building Community and Interpersonal Relationships,
Nature and Creativity, Recreational and Social Activities.
| | UUFSB, UU Fellowship Stony Brook, is hosting a spiritual development workshop on Saturday, May 3, 10:30 to 1:30. They are inviting all Long Island UUs to attend the workshop. They’re really excited and know it will be a wonderful event! UUFSB.org | | |
Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt is the Program Manager for New York Unitarian Universalist Justice. NYUUJ serves as the New York State Action Network (SAN) and connects UUs in NYS to justice issues on a legislative level. More information can be found at our website.
NYUUJ wants to connect with constituents. Click on this graphic which leads people to their mailing list sign up. Their primary method of connection and information is email.
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UU Housing
Have you thought about moving? Why not think about living in the vibrant community of Port Washington on Long Island! How about considering living at Hadley House, a 40-unit apartment building for UU member Independent Seniors, 62+ and their families? Hadley House is a Senior Residence operated by UUCSR, Hadley House, LLC. If you have any questions about the availability of units or how to apply, they can be answered by the Social Worker in the building, Susan Bagnini, 516-944-8457, 464 Main St., Port Washington. Or go to this UUCSR/Hadley House link for more information.
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The Central East Region (CER) of the UUA helps congregations of all shapes and sizes connect with each other and with resources that help them best express their Unitarian Universalist faith in a changing and hurting world. "We believe that we’re at our best when we work together–and we Central East Region staff work together to help your congregation be its best". SNUUC’s primary contact person for CER is Rev. Alia Shinbrough (they/them), ashinbrough@uua.org
"Our job as UUA Congregational Life staff is to support your congregation through what we call ‘the Four Cs’: Coaching, Companioning, Connecting and Challenging. We have resources at hand and a wealth of experience to coach you through whatever your current situation. We walk with you in times of joy and sorrow, so you know that you aren’t alone, and so we can help you celebrate and learn from you. We connect you to other congregations, to the wider UUA and to the work of our faith so we can be better together. And we challenge you, just like you challenge us, to be the most faithful partners we can be in this joint adventure of Unitarian Universalism." Click here to read the monthly blog from the UUA Central East Region
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Trip Camp 2025:
An exciting New Year in Adventure!
Unirondack’s 2024’s trip season was groundbreaking! We had 3 times as many trips and 4 times as many campers as any previous spring + summer. Here’s what you can look forward to in our 2025 season:
- Mini-trips (3 days) for youth camp were a huge success, and we’re excited to continue offering this format for summer 2025.
- Summer Youth Camp trip dates are changing! In 2025 campers can now choose to go on a week-long trip without missing their regular Parker or Ballou Session.
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Spring and fall seasons of 2025 will feature 4 exciting trip camps for adults, including: Artists and Creatives trip camp (canoe), Oswegatchie Expedition (canoe), 90-Miler Blueway (canoe), Peak Queerness (backpack)
- New in 2025: Family Trips- - a customized Adirondacks trip for whatever ‘family’ means to you, fully outfitted, guided, and fed by Unirondack.
Go to Unirondack.org for information
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"The Rowe UU Camp and Conference Center is more than a camp or conference center, it is a place where souls come to connect, where families come to celebrate and thought leaders come to increase awareness and heighten senses." Their retreat center is located in the East Berkshires in the town of Rowe, Massachusetts, a community founded in 1785. Rowecenter.org
As we plan our fall activities, the Rowe Center encourage us to support their organization by attending their enriching programs. Your participation is essential to continuing their mission of fostering community and growth at Rowe. They have returned to a sliding scale pricing structure for most programs to align more closely with their values of equity and inclusion. They hope to see you there in person or online soon!
| | REMINDER TO HELP KEEP OUR LIVES GREEN | | | | |
SNUUC Environmentalist Sharon Kennelty-Cohen reminds us to use washable plates instead of single-use paper ones for Coffee Hour and other fun food events at SNUUC and at home. We have a dishwasher, soap, a double sink in the kitchen and a single one in the pantry. Five minutes washing a few dishes makes it more likely that our great-grandchildren will have trees to climb.
Please consider this before you grab a plastic or paper plate or cup. Thank You!
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There have been reports that SNUUC members received scam emails and texts that use our names to make requests. Some have requested PDF files of our directory, some allude to an errand needed and some are asking for cash. Please disregard anything that looks like this. Do not click to open or reply to anything like this. This happened to us in the past and it is happening to other churches as well. Mark Bennett and the Board
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REMEMBER OUR
SNUUC FREE FOOD PANTRY...
PLEASE HELP! DONATIONS OF
CANNED FOOD ARE NEEDED!
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Thank you Regina and Eagle Scouts who refurbished our Food Pantry doors!
With food donations to our neighbors right on our property, we have a busy food pantry located at the northwest corner of the building in the parking lot at the end of the driveway. The next time you are grocery shopping please pick up a few cans of beans or tuna or hearty soup and bring them to SNUUC for the Freeport community. You can put the items in the kitchen, thanks!
Please bring canned food donations, no fresh food please,
or you can donate money to purchase food!
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Our Little Free Library on the front lawn needs books to share with the neighborhood. Novels, gardening and cook books, children's books are all good choices.
Do you have any good books you can share? Please put them in our Little Free Library. You will probably find a book there for you to enjoy!
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DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS OR SERVICE YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE?
or DO YOU KNOW OF A BUSINESS THAT WANTS TO ADVERTISE?
YOUR AD CAN BE HERE EACH WEEK!
| | Details: Send your business card size artwork to SNUUC@optonline.net Please include your name and contact information with your artwork. Once approved, it will go in to the News You Can Use. Please send or bring your payment to SNUUC. Questions? Contact Ilene Corina, icorina@aol.com | | |
PASTORAL CARE and KEEPING CONNECTED with ONE ANOTHER
NOTES FROM THE CARING TEAM
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You may have heard of the Caring Committee at SNUUC but wonder what we do. The Caring Team has two functions: to keep members and friends connected to SNUUC and to offer you help and support when your life is disrupted out of its usual routines. Having a place to “land” concerns that can get acknowledged and acted upon is helpful.
What kind of help? We can offer a listening ear and maybe help you find resources in the community. We can offer practical help. Someone needed snow shoveling and we found someone at SNUUC to shovel. Someone needed meals, we put together a team of support to make and deliver meals. Someone needed a ride to the doctor; we found the ride. What else? Visits, errand running, help with tasks like shopping, and more.
But, just as important, if we don’t see you or hear from you, we may check in with you to be sure you are OK. This may be a card, an email, a text or a phone call. Don’t feel obligated to reply, though if we don’t hear back, we will try again in a month or so. We want you to know we are thinking of you.
The Caring Team is Doris Brass, Ilene Corina, Sharon Kennelty-Cohen and Rev. Sharon Pataky. For more information contact Sharon Pataky, Rev.Sharon.P@gmail.com.
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DO YOU HAVE A KEY TO OUR BUILDING THAT YOU DO NOT USE?
PLEASE RETURN IT TO THE OFFICE, THEY ARE EXPENSIVE.
YOU CAN LEAVE IT ON THE DESK or SLIP IT IN THE MAIL SLOT
UNDER THE FRONT WINDOWS IF THAT'S EASIEST. THANK YOU!
| | BOARD PRESIDENT DISCRETIONARY FUND | | |
What is the SNUUC Board President Discretionary Fund?
This is a separate fund to be disbursed by the Board President to SNUUC members and friends to help with unanticipated expenses for which they have no other funding source.
How is it funded? It is funded through contributions made by SNUUC members and friends. It is a separate fund and not part of the operating fund.
How do I gain access to the funds. To receive help from the discretionary fund simply speak with Board President Mark Bennett. While a record is kept of all monies disbursed, the names of the recipients will remain confidential. This is a small fund, but Mark will try to help you as much as possible.
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How can I contribute to the fund?
Yes, please contribute if you can! You will be helping other SNUUC members and friends. Write a check, made payable to SNUUC, write in the memo line Board President Discretionary Fund, and mail to 228 So. Ocean Av, Freeport 11520. You can also donate by clicking the Donate Button on our website, SNUUC.org. You will see the Discretionary Fund option in addition to the Donate and Pledge options. When you send a donation you will be sent a donation letter for your taxes.
Thank you!
Questions? Contact Mark Bennett, MarkBenn731@gmail.com
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SNUUC is offering an opportunity to advertise in the weekly
News You Can Use and on the SNUUC website.
Look for more information in this email,
with the advertisement for PULSE services.
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Did you know that members of the SNUUC community who offer their business services can donate a portion of their profits from doing business with other SNUUC members?
It's a win-win situation. You gain business and SNUUC gains a contribution.
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Do You have a
Fundraising Idea
for SNUUC?
Talk with a Board Member
| | | IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! READ THIS! | | |
Good News! Our building is protected by a security system!
An alarm will go off when you enter the building!
You need a code to disarm the alarm.
If you have a key to SNUUC & do not have your code,
contact Sharon Kennelty-Cohen by text to set up your own personal code.
Text Sharon at 516-312-0403
You will not need to disarm the system if someone else is already in the building
when you arrive, or if the system is not armed.
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UU YOUNG ADULT REVIVAL NETWORK - YARN
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An Opportunity for Young Adults
YARN is a project to rebuild the continental UU young adult network! This includes growing identity groups, worship services, leadership calls, online conferences and more. There are several ways your congregations and organizations can help UU young adults, friends and future folx find our community.
We made a short video that explains what YARN is. Watch and see what we are all about!
Sign Up For Our Newsletter: We send out a bi-monthly newsletter, The Sweet Potato, containing all the young adult ministry opportunities that YARN and other UU organizations offer.
In Faith and Service,
Roddy Biggs & Kamila Jacob, YARN Worship Chairs
rbiggs@uuma.org
kamilajacob15@gmail.com
| | WE ARE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS | | |
The Unitarian Universalist Association website, UUA.org,
offers this for people who want to learn more about Unitarian Universalism:
We are Unitarian Universalists, people of many backgrounds
who have different beliefs, but shared values.
Together, we offer a guided path towards a better you and a better world.
Get to know us in this short animated video.
https://www.uua.org/beliefs/who-we-are/video
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Our denomination is unique because every Unitarian Universalist has the right to develop a personal philosophy of life, without being told what to believe. We can learn from all philosophies and religions, and also from science and the arts. We explore important life issues in a caring community, united by shared values rather than by shared theological opinions. And no matter what we do believe about theology or philosophy, we try to live a good life and leave the world better than we found it.
The Rev. Chris Schriner
Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Fremont, California
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Small groups of SNUUC Committees and Spiritual Arts
that would like to connect can meet at SNUUC or via Zoom.
Please contact Office Manager Lisa at least 3 days before your Zoom or space request to get set up, SNUUC@optonline.net
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Make a phone call, send an email, text,
join in the service and activities.
Let's keep connected.
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South Nassau Unitarian Universalist Congregation
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