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Roots and Wings

January / February 2014

Unitarian Universalist

Congregation of Queens

147-54 Ash Avenue

Flushing, NY 11355

Phone: 718-353-3860

www.uucq.org

e-mail: office@uucq.org

Board of Trustees

President:

Marty Rowland

Vice President:

John Reeves

Treasurer:

Lisa Attias

Secretary:

Julio Torres

Past President:

Runita Sutton Toomer

Trustee:

Jules Stein

Newsletter editor and

designer:

Laura Joh Rowland

Musical Happenings

by Laura Joh Rowland

UUCQ has recently been treated to special

performances by guest artists during Sunday

services. Cory Rosenberg, son of RE

Director Paula Rosenberg, played Hanukkah

songs on his accordion. He is a student at

New York University, majoring in history.

Robert Risko gave an exuberant vocal

rendition of “I Go To The Rock,”

accompanied by the UUCQ choir. Robert is

an actor, director, singer, and illustrator, and

a friend of Music Director Jed Levine.

Cory Rosenberg

Thank you, Cory and Robert, for gracing us with your talents!

Robert Risko and Jed Levine Robert singing with the choir

http://www.uucq.org/mailto:office@uucq.org

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From the President by Marty Rowland

When it’s a cozy Sunday morning after a winter storm, and there are good things to

report, it’s pleasant to reflect on where the congregation has been and where it

seems to be headed. Today I speak about our buildings, the smart leadership of our

consulting minister Reverend Brugnola, improving our financial status, and our

community outreach activities. I begin with the buildings because too often we trust

that old things (like our aging bodies) will do like they have, day after day and year

after year. Our steam compressor—part of our heating system—recently began

leaking steam, causing a big wet mess and making the smoke detectors go off. With

the expert help of Giuliano Bosi, we arranged to have the repairs made this coming

week, keeping our members and tenants warm and happy.

Our building systems and our bodies need regular checkups. But spiritual

maintenance is essential too. On that score, we are lucky to have the guidance provided by Reverend Brugnola.

Without stealing any of her thunder, let me say that I see her smartly accommodating new events, programs,

and congregational direction around the UUCQ brand that addresses the needs of the LGBT community.

Growing our membership is an important part of moving us toward financial strength, and this renewed

emphasis is setting a good foundation there.

Bringing in additional rental income helps us, too. Please welcome our new tenant, Christian Holy City

Church, which rents Classroom #2 Monday through Saturday. Their 25-member local congregation meets for

regular study and for special events. We need about three more renters to get us into the black.

Finally, I can announce that Father Benitez at St. George’s Church on Main Street, Flushing, is excited

about collaborating with UUCQ on our social justice film series. St. George’s would be an excellent venue for

showing films such as Dirty Wars, which we recently screened at the office of One Flushing. We will have

access to other recently released documentary films in the near future. Perhaps counter-intuitive to some,

having UUCQ events at “easy to get to by public transportation” locations will increase the visibility of our

church, its members, and its mission. 2014 should be a very exciting year.

Board Watch by Julio Torres

On November17, 2013, UUCQ held a Congregational Meeting and changed the By-

laws so that quorum for Congregational Meetings shall be 40% of the membership.

President Marty Rowland has been working on renting out one of the classrooms to

the Christian Holy City Church for six days a week, morning and early afternoon.

Vice President John Reeves conducted a Chairs Council meeting and they went over

various issues and reports from each committee. There has been much discussion

back and forth regarding the merits of renting out UUCQ space versus using it for

events such as film screenings, book readings, musical performances, weddings, and

other enriching activities.

Reverend Brugnola plans on working more in depth with the LGBT communities

and advertising UUCQ as a religious sanctuary and an area for ceremonies such as

weddings or stage-of-life events. Additionally she has been active on maintaining the building and has worked

closely with Buildings & Facility Chair Giuliano Bosi and our handyman Caesar to improve the building.

There was much planning for the Candlelight Service with our Minister, Music Director, Choir, and members of

the Congregation. Finally, Reverend Brugnola suggests that the congregation, with the help of a regional UUA

Staff member, spend half a day discussing what social justice means to us, at some point in the spring of 2014.

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Sunday Services

Schedule by Runita Sutton Toomer Chair, Sunday Services Committee

January

January

5 Reverend Orlanda Brugnola

12 Damon Governa

19 Reverend Brugnola

26 Reverend Brugnola

Services begin at 11:00 a.m. Please join us for coffee hour afterward.

February

2 Reverend Brugnola

Lunar New Year Celebration

9 Reverend Brugnola, “Love”

Multi-generation service. Children and youth will

stay in service. No RE classes

16 To be announced

23 To be announced

International Council of Unitarians and Universalists Conference, January 28 – 31, 2014

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock (UUCSR) is delighted to host

this historic global event and invites area Unitarian Universalists to come meet with

more than 100 Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists from 25 countries. ICUU is the

international network of Unitarian, Universalist and Unitarian Universalist

organizations. For more information about ICUU, visit www.icuu.net and

www.facebook.com/InternationalUUs. All are invited to the ICUU Opening

Celebration and Community Global Worship and the Welcoming Party

on Tuesday evening January 28 at 7:30 p.m. at UUCSR (no charge)

and the Closing Ceremony and Peter Mayer Concert at Community

Church (Unitarian Universalist) in New York City on Friday evening

January 31 at 7:30 pm (suggested contribution $15).

http://www.icuu.net/http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YO1vPxMezMLgwCJNS5RjgMZc0klDYsTTihiIV6METagFuwWC1aNROsX_UvY41yLklReclyBAdY-cTfORwF4Q4TlVDMSbEgu6oDZXJTH2x3eubTjZ-U5NKtatH8eIh8DITDrUM1KwFtonQ8yCAlck5ZtaD9COJwpDKSl6o9lED8B743QHiUEGUMBz79pn49Pr&c=&ch=

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A Message From Our Minister

January is the threshold of the calendar year. That old word literally meant

something to hold the thresh, the straw, in—people covered their cold dirt or

stone floors with straw. But straw has to be replaced from time to time, and the

turning of this year gives us a wonderful metaphorical way of thinking about

this community we love and where it is going.

Whenever we are in these sorts of transition moments, it calls upon us to

get limber, to work on our flexibility—as you know, dancers warm up as do

any others engaged in activities that require our bodies to do the unusual. In

this case we need mental flexibility as well as spiritual flexibility.

We literally do not know how we are going to figure out what to do to

ensure the viability of this historic congregation in the future. That is actually a

good thing. There is nothing like a preconceived idea to keep new ideas out.

To give you a practical example—especially all you football fans—I was

speaking with a guy I only know by sight. We were watching a college

football game, as both of us prefer college to pro ball because the players are still in it for heart. He noted that

some of the best players leave college early to play pro. We talked about how the rules might be changed to

prevent that. I made a pledge to talk to coaches I know and see if we could set up a week in the summer that

would be a mandatory program for college players, that would be designed to help them understand the merits

of finishing school—after that was in place for some years it might be possible to change the rules. At the end

of this conversation, this guy told me something special. He had an idea that would likely make a substantial

difference in the injury rate for the college and pro players. It was sheer genius. He didn't realize just how

brilliant it was. I told him to write it out and send it to himself by certified mail and then I would help him find

a patent lawyer. I think he will actually make millions. We agreed I would check on him in 5 days' time to

make sure he did this.

There is genius at UUCQ. We need to unlock it. This Spring, I'm not sure exactly when, we're going

to tap into that genius. You may come up with something you never expected—at least I hope so. This is a

precious community, and we have much justice-making to do. Let's not be afraid to walk into the future!

Beloved companions, every blessing!!!

Reverend Orlanda Brugnola

Day of the Dead Altar Celebrating Diwali Miracles Sermon

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Religious Education

Resolutions and Revolutions

by Paula Rosenberg, RE Director

Happy New Year! It’s that time of the year when we start fresh, make resolutions, and have a revolution in our own

minds. Children & Youth can take part in this time of new beginnings. Here is a list of ideas for you to go over with your

children and youth and see what they can agree to try:

Preschoolers I will clean up my toys and put them where they belong. I will brush my teeth twice a day and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.

Kids, 5- to 12-years-old I will drink reduced-fat milk and water every day, and drink soda and fruit drinks only on special occasions. I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing, or riding my

bike) that I like and do it at least three times a week.

I will always wear a helmet when bicycling. I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to

use a lap/shoulder seat belt.

I’ll be nice to other kids. I’ll be friendly to kids who need friends – like someone who is shy, or is new to my school.

I’ll never give out personal information such as my name, home address, school name, or telephone number on the Internet. I’ll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without my parent’s permission.

Kids, 13-years-old and up I will take care of my body through physical activity and nutrition. I will choose non-violent television shows and video games. I will spend only 1-2 hours each day on these activities.

I will help out in my community—through volunteering, working with community groups, or by joining a group that

helps people in need. When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find constructive

ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a

journal, or discussing my problem with a parent or friend.

When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with an adult I can trust.

When I notice my friends struggling or engaging in risky behaviors, I will

talk with a trusted adult and attempt to find a way that I can help them. I will be careful about whom I choose to date, and always treat the other

person with respect and without coercion or violence. I will expect the

same good behavior in return.

I will resist peer pressure to try tobacco, drugs or alcohol. I agree not to use a cellphone or text message while driving and to always

use a seat belt.

Looking forward to sharing this time with

ALL of you! Yours, In Faith & Fun!

JOIN US ON SUNDAY JANUARY 5

for our Fire Communion

This is an opportunity to celebrate the

beginning of a new year. Thoughts can

include reflection upon the year that has

just passed; hope for the promise of the

year to come; resolutions to change; the

passage of time; hope; expectation;

dreaming of a creating a better

tomorrow. We will celebrate the fire

communion ceremony in RE Worship.

Children & Youth will burn pieces of

paper containing brief descriptions of

something they most wish to leave

behind and light a candle for a new

hope for the coming year.

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Dr. Catherine (Katy) Papell, 1916 – 2013

Katy Papell was a longtime member of UUCQ. She earned her B.A. from

the University of Michigan, her M.A. in teaching from Columbia University,

her M.S.W. from the University of Pennsylvania, and her D.S.W. from

Yeshiva University. Her career in social work spanned over 65 years, with

almost half of them spent at Adelphi University. She leaves behind a

profound legacy, which includes this excerpt from her writing:

“A group represents human togetherness. It is not that the group creates

togetherness for its members. Rather it is the other way around—its

members must create the group, and if they are unable to do this there is

nothing but a collection of individuals striving helplessly for the unknown.

Humane human relationship is a group membership successfully created. When people—even just two—try to

create a group and fail, the search for relationship—for togetherness—becomes tension, frustration,

unfulfillment, anger, conflict, failure, and even violence. Fulfillment in relationship does not come

automatically to us humans. We each bring our very selves to the process, each of us with the complexity of

our ever emerging needs. The human process of “grouping” constantly calls upon us to participate in meeting

the needs of others in their yearning for connectedness. Of course grouping is difficult, and always will be, as it

will always be a fundamental human process that can be misused or fail . . . ”

Katy Papell is greatly missed and affectionately remembered.

Life Transitions

Amy and Anthony Bustamante Wedding Cynthia Gillham

Amy Marino and Anthony Bustamante were married at UUCQ on November 9, 2013. They

graciously invited the members to watch them exchange their vows. Congratulations, Mr. and

Mrs. Bustamante!

In December we enjoyed a going-away potluck luncheon for Cynthia Gillham, who is

relocating to Singapore. Cynthia, we’ll miss you! Good luck in your adventures!

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Treasury Notes by Lisa Attias

“I have found that among its benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver”—Maya Angelou

In past columns, I have often written about generosity in terms of what it means to the larger community or how

it affects our ‘interdependent web’. However, giving can also be good for the giver as well as the receiver.

I am speaking about that altruistic feeling we often get when we give to others. Consider the feeling that

overtakes you when you participate in the Community Kitchen or when you put that extra dollar bill in the cup

of a homeless person. It’s a feeling that your actions are having some positive effect and that you can do

something, even in a small way, which can change the world. You can be said to be experiencing your own

‘worth and dignity’.

So your generosity to UUCQ does not always have to be based on bettering this community. Yes, this

community can have a positive impact on the outside world. Consider that good sensation that you will have by

contributing to this. Namaste.

January

1 New Year’s Day

8 Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

11 Community Kitchen, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

19 Martin Luther King Day

26 Congregational Meeting, 12:30 p.m.

February

2 Lunar New Year Multigenerational Service

8 Community Kitchen, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

12 Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

14 Valentine’s Day

A Special Notice From the Newsletter Editor: I will be stepping down as editor at the end of the 2013-2014 congregational year. The May/June 2014 issue will be my last. I need to devote my time and

energy to my writing career. If you are interested in being editor of this newsletter, please let me know, and I

will teach you how to do it and help you get started. Laura Joh Rowland

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Unitarian Universalist

Congregation of Queens

147-54 Ash Avenue

Flushing, NY 11355

Current resident or:

Social Justice Movie

Night Partnership

In November 2013, UUCQ

partnered with One Flushing, a

local community organization,

to screen Dirty Wars, a

documentary film about the U.S.

Joint Special Operations

Command and its worldwide

secret military operations.

The screening, held at the offices of One Flushing, was attended by members of UUCQ and other faith and

community activist groups. Afterward, refreshments accompanied a spirited discussion about the movie and

what ordinary citizens can do to oppose “dirty wars.” Other movie screenings are in the works for 2014. Stay

tuned for more information.

UU Metro New York District Retreat for Young Adults

UU Metro New York District is having a Young Adults Winter Retreat at the

Frost Valley YMCA, February 14 – 17, 2014. $260 per person for the first 15

people to sign up and $285 for everyone after that. Registration begins

December 1st. Space is limited. First come, first served. For more

information, and to register, go to http://www.uumetrony.org/ya/fv14/

Non-Profit

Organization

US POSTAGE

PAID

Flushing, NY

PERMIT NO. 198

http://www.uumetrony.org/ya/fv14/