uucsr

Thanksgiving features food, but it is not really just the food which nourishes us. On Thanksgiving, we gather for community, companionship, fellowship, friends, family, tradition, and love. And in this year of pandemic, we dearly wish that we could be physically together, but it would not be wise. Instead, we shared stories of meanings of bread.

In 1993, the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly passed a resolution on Justice for Indigenous Peoples, resolving to address the problems and issues faced by Native Peoples, to support local indigenous peoples' political actions and to learn about the richness of their culture and spirituality.  Long Island is the ancestral home of 13 Indigenous Peoples. The hamlet of Manhasset, where this congregation is located is named for the Manhassets. The Shinnecock Tribal Nation is a federally recognized tribe on the east end of Long Island. What do we know of the presence of Native Peoples on Long Island?  And how might we be in relationship with the community that first knew this land as their home? Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore addressed these questions on November 7, 2021.

On Sunday, September 19, 2021, when Shelter Rock traditionally celebrates "Homecoming" after the end of summer, we gathered both on-site and online to celebrate our beloved community. One of the things we've learned to appreciate over the last 16 months is the importance of flexibility and resilience. Our on-site worship service was outdoors under a large tent—livestreamed for those who gather online. Wherever each of us was, we were together again.

It has been a year like none other for our children, youth, and families. Through this time of isolation, separation, anxiety, and zooming everything – our young people have also built determination, empathy, resilience, and a strong commitment to justice in the world. In the Bridging Worship Service on May 16, 2021, we recognized and celebrated our graduating High School seniors. Included were stories, readings, and reflections from Lifespan Religious Education Coordinator Carson Jones, Student Minister Alia Shinbrough, Senior Seminar Advisor Bill Carmody, and graduating members of the Senior Seminar youth group. Featuring music from the UUCSR Vocal Quartet, Jazz Ensemble, and a new recording from the Young People’s Choir conducted by RE Music Specialist George Weisman.