Over the past few months, as I have needed to stay even closer to home, I have had the wonderful opportunity to sit back and notice that our congregation is evolving. We’ve taken the challenge of living our values and the 8th Principle in everything we do. Social Action is not just one committee but is sprinkled throughout everything we do. As Thanksgiving approaches, I am most grateful to be a part of this loving congregation of people and look forward in the New Year to continuing our journey toward
building a larger beloved community.
**Embracing Community Spirit: Preparing for Winter and Supporting Neighbors**
Juggling health concerns of friends, family and oneself and now dealing with the economic insecurity of the current political climate, reminds us that we need to proactively prepare ourselves and our neighbors for “Winter is Coming.” As we complete our fall cleanups and transition our homes for the upcoming colder months, let us extend that thoughtful preparation to those around us who may face increased hardship. SAC, in collaboration with several valued local organizations, is spearheading a collection drive throughout the upcoming season and end-of-year holidays. We are currently seeking donations of:
**Non-perishable staple foods:** Essential items to help stock local food pantries and ensure families have access to nutritious meals.
**Personal care supplies:** Everyday necessities like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and hygiene products that are often overlooked but critically important for dignity and well-being.
**New or gently used clothing and shoes. Particularly needed are warm outerwear, sweaters, and sturdy footwear to protect against the winter elements. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference in strengthening our collective embrace of compassion and mutual aid during a time when it is most needed. You are welcome to drop off any donations at the church whenever it is convenient for you. If you need a pickup of items please contact a member of SAC or the Board.
**Reconnect With Our Amazing Home: Earth**
Mark Haubner, president of North Fork Environmental Council (NFEC), climate science communicator and speaker at several of our Sunday worship services, has put his passion to educate the public about how all the Earth’s natural systems are intertwined into the development of a free workshop series on “Nature-based Solutions” to the ecological challenges facing the North Fork. The
course will be held on the following Thursdays: October 30, November 13 and 20, and December 4 and 11 from 6:00- 7:30 pm. You can attend one or all sessions and everyone is welcome to join UUS in the large meeting space.
**Deepening Understanding: Our Community Book Discussion**
By the time this message reaches you, our congregation will have initiated a thought-provoking book discussion group. This initiative, born from Rev. Valerie’s insightful suggestion and guided by her wisdom, focuses on Social Change Now!: A Guide for Reflection and Connection, a powerful and timely work/workbook written by Deepa Iyer (pronounced eye-yer), that was selected as the 2025-2026 Common Read by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). The Common Read program is designed to foster shared learning, spark meaningful dialogue, and encourage action on pressing social justice issues, aligning perfectly with our committee’s mission. We encourage everyone to join in this enriching exploration of ideas that promises to inspire reflection and connection. The book is available through UU Book and Gift Shop “inSpirit” for $ 22.00 plus S&H. SAC will be covering half the cost of the book ($11.00) for church members who can show proof of purchase (regardless of whether they have signed up for the discussion group).
**A Moment of Spiritual Reflection for Our Journey**
My mother and I regularly shared what we would call “our meditative moments.” They varied from a walk through / weeding of her beautiful garden or “houseplant hospital” to a quiet cup of tea together over the phone at particular times that we knew the other would be “sitting down for tea.” The following prayer resonates deeply with the heart of our social action work (movingly penned by Rev. Dr. Rina Shere in the UUA’s October issue of “Braver/Wiser”) serves as a spiritual anchor for our collective efforts: “Mysterious Source of All Being, Spirit of Life and Spirit of Love, allow us to be truth tellers to ourselves and the world around us. Fortify our courage to lament; to call out in despair and rage against senseless inhumanity. May our community offer hope and healing and loosen the bonds of shame and isolation which burden so many.”
Rev. Dr. Rina Shere currently serves as a Mental Health Chaplain at the Cleveland VA Medical Center, where she provides invaluable spiritual care to veterans, particularly those navigating serious mental illness, PTSD, and moral injury. Her holistic approach extends to offering VA Whole Health services, including meditation, yoga, reiki, and labyrinth walking, all designed to support veterans on their healing journeys. Her words encourage courageous truth-telling and compassionate action, urging our
community to be a source of hope and healing in a world yearning for both.
Your unique perspective and dedicated presence are invaluable to our ongoing work. We warmly invite you to our next SAC / 8th Principle Task Force meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 4-5 PM. We are pleased to offer a hybrid attendance option, allowing you to participate either in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link will be circulated via email on Tuesday, November 11th. We look forward to collaborating with you as we continue to champion “Social Change Now!” within our
community and beyond.
Patte McManus (she, her, we) (631) 997-9405 <pattemcgoo@yahoo.com>