Fourth Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Westchester

Welcome to the Fourth Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Westchester in Mohegan Lake, New York. We are a liberal religious community where members and friends gather to support each other in our spiritual journeys and to give service to the wider world, of which we are a part.

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Enter, Rejoice, and Come In!

Our Mission:
We are a caring and inclusive spiritual community that honors differences and supports open-minded spiritual exploration and ethical development.

We celebrate life, nurture each other, and provide support in loving and open-hearted acceptance.

We commit ourselves to social justice through action in our local community and the larger world.

New to 4th UU? Click Here!

Online and In-Person Worship

We hold hybrid services (in person and livestreamed on Zoom to join from home) generally every two weeks, and once a month in the summer. Our services are led by our minister, or a guest speaker, or our members. On our weeks off, we invite you to virtually worship at another UU congregation. Learn more in our weekly Fourth Word newsletter. To subscribe, contact Fourth Word newsletter.

“How to Win Over Allies and Get Others Involved to Support Your Cause”
Sunday, November 16 - 10:30am
Hybrid Worship Service with Lauren Noormae, 4th UU Social Justice Team
Join us in person at 4th UU or online. All are welcome! Stay after service for coffee and connection at 11:45am.

Sunday, November 23
We do not have a service scheduled this week. We invite you to virtually visit a neighboring congregation then return to join us next Sunday.

Sunday, November 30 - 10:30am
Hybrid Worship Service with Rev. Lane Cobb
Join us in person at 4th UU or online. All are welcome! Stay after service for coffee and connection at 11:45am.

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You may join our 4th UU worship services online from your device (computer, iPad, smart phone), or landline phone. Click here to join by device: bit.ly/4thUU-Online. Phone (audio only): 646-558-8656. Meeting ID 922 824 2044, Passcode 529167.

Events

Fourth UU Online Journey Group,
Thursday, November 13, 7:00-8:30pm
Our Journey Group is a weekly themed online meeting designed to deepen our understanding of life and strengthen our connections with one another. The next Journey Group discussion will be facilitated by Ralph Wood on the subject of THE PRESENCE/MINDFULNESS. To join via Zoom, log in to: bit.ly/4thUUJourneyGroup. Dial-in by telephone: 646-558-8656, Meeting ID 933 0515 9526, Password 371728
The Fourth UU Journey Group will go on hiatus during December, with our last meeting on December 4, 2025, and resuming on January 8, 2026.

Fourth UU Friday Online Meditation Group
Friday, November 21, 7:00-8:30pm, on Zoom
The Meditation Group meets online each month. We begin with a check-in, a 20-minute silent meditation, then a short presentation, followed by discussion. RSVP to Janet Alona or David Thwaite. Log in: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/98737158672, or phone (audio only) 646-558-8656. Meeting ID 987 3715 8672, Passcode 529167

Fourth UU Women’s Wisdom Group - A Gathering of Goddesses, Next Meeting: Sun Nov 23, 1:00-2:30pm, In Person at Fourth UU Fellowship
Each month, we celebrate women's wisdom, supporting one another while learning and growing together. For our next meeting, Marge Grimm and Janet Alona Catalina will facilitate a discussion on Gratitude. Feel free to bring a snack to share and invite your sister-friends and family. Please plan to arrive early to grab your snack and settle in, so we can start on time. RSVPs appreciated but not required, [email protected].

Fourth UU Book Club: The Paris Daughter
Sunday, November 16, 7:00-8:30pm
Our next title is The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel. Pick up a copy at your library, or purchase from bookshop.org and support local bookstores. Then join our next discussion. All are welcome to join the discussion - even if you haven’t finished the book!
Log in: https://zoom.us/j/91957458331 or phone (audio only): 646-558-8656, Meeting ID 919 5745 8331, Password 282599

Support Us & Our Mission

The Fourth UU Board and Treasurer remind everyone that even when you are not with us in person at a Sunday worship, you can still contribute to the collection basket, or to Fred's Food Pantry (which we support each month), or to fulfill all or part of your annual pledge by mailing a check to:

Fourth UU Congregation,
c/o Treasurer
P.O. Box 17
Mohegan Lake, NY 10547

Please indicate on the check where you wish us to allocate your money. Thank you for your generosity!

Click Here to Donate with PayPal

Fourth UU is a UUA Honor Congregation

Love at the Center

Congregation News

Our Faith Family
Beloved longtime member Dorothy Bouman passed away on Saturday, October 4, at age 97. For many, Dorothy was the face of Fourth UU, the person who warmly greeted them when they first visited on a Sunday morning. In addition to serving as a past president, religious education director, and active volunteer, Dorothy was responsible for creating our annual "Love Service" themed worship for Valentine's Day. Our hearts go out to Sharon, Gordon, and the Bouman family. A memorial service is being planned for Sun Dec 7 at 11:00am.

With deep sadness we share news that Leslie Heffernan passed away on October 20 after a long illness. Leslie and husband Mike have been longtime members of Fourth UU. Leslie had been active in the past as a youth advisor for our congregation and the greater Metropolitan district, and as a volunteer organizer for local community service projects such as Habitat for Humanity. Our thoughts are with Mike, Matt, and Annie at this difficult time. A memorial service is being planned for Sat Nov 29 at 4:00pm.

Resolution: Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism
The Fourth UU Board of Trustees has passed the resolution “Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism: A Call to Action by The Fourth Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Westchester.” Through legal, ethical, and peaceful means, Fourth UU “commits itself to nonviolent action in defense of democratic values, and to active resistance against authoritarian encroachment.” Click here to read the full resolution.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Fourth UU has a new YouTube channel! Visit us and subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@4thUUCongregationofWestchester

Social Action Opportunities

We Support My Sister’s Place
The Fourth UU Women's Group collects donations for My Sister's Place, which provides shelter, legal aid, education, childcare and other supports to women escaping domestic violence. Place your donations in the basket at the front of the sanctuary and we will deliver it to the MSP offices in White Plains. Suggested items: gift cards, disposable diapers and baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, new regular-size toiletries, new duffle bags and backpacks, twin bedsheets/bed-in a-bag.

Indivisible Westchester: Rally for Democracy
Every Saturday, 1:00-2:00pm, Town Hall, Mt. Kisco, NY
Each week Indivisible Westchester hosts a peaceful protest on the sidewalks in front of the Mt Kisco Town Hall. Bring a sign (NO metal or wood poles longer than 36 inches), bring a folding chair if you like, bring the kids, bring friends. Sign up at mobilize.us/indivisible/event/824757/. A core principle of all Indivisible events is our commitment to nonviolent action. All participants will seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values. Important: Please park in the large municipal lot or on the street. Do not park in the Firehouse lot, the VFW lot, or the church lot.

Indivisible Rally: In Defense of Democracy, Sat Nov 22, West Point and Highland Falls, 9:30am-11:30am
Indivisible is launching a series of protests at the home games at USMA at West Point. The protests take place outside the gates, in Highland Falls, so you won't need an ID card or visitor's pass. We will show respect for the military while protesting actions by the administration. Theme ideas for signs: "GO ARMY, DEFEND DEMOCRACY" "GO ARMY, SINK PROJECT 2025" "GO ARMY, BEAT TYRANNY." Learn more at mobilize.us/mountainindivisible/event/832425

We Support the Food Pantry at First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown
The FPCY food panty item for the month is Corn Muffin Mix. Of course you may donate any non-perishable, unexpired food (of the quality you'd serve to your own family). Place items in the labeled donation bins at the back of the church building. Learn more at https://fpcyorktown.org/food-pantry

In the Community

Side With Love: The Gathering, Monday, November 10, 8:00-9:15pm. Register at secure.everyaction.com/qy9Gp0eZbUajFqdGNdAGmQ2
Join us for The Gathering, a monthly virtual event from the UUA's Side With Love designed to strengthen your spirit, make sense of the threats to democracy, and take meaningful action alongside others. At the November gathering, our UU the Vote staff will share where we are at this moment, what it means for us as UUs, and what we are called to do to advance a pro-democracy agenda. Join us live or watch the recording later.

Filling Empty Bowls Fundraiser, Saturday, November 15, 11:00am-12:30pm or 1:00-2:30pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, One Chestnut Street, Cold Spring
Join St. Mary's third annual community fundraiser to support Fareground and theirs vital food justice work in our community: https://www.fareground.org. Enjoy a simple communal lunch cooked by local chefs and take home a bowl made by area potters as a reminder of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Buy tickets at www.fareground.org/filling-empty-bowls

The Forum at UUCHV, Thursday, November 15, 1:00pm, 2021 Albany Post Rd, Croton-on-Hudson, NY
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Hudson Valley invites all to The Forum, their alternative worship series held monthly at midday. Service includes music, meditation, and a guest interview conducted by Rev. Daniel Lawler. Childcare available. Potluck follows - bring a dish to share! Next Forum: Thu Dec 18, 12:00 Noon.

Yorktown Zen Meditation
Saturdays, 9:00–11:30am, Fourth UU Congregation and Online via Zoom
Join us in creating a community of Zen practitioners in Northern Westchester and Putnam County, NY. We meet every Saturday at 9am for authentic Zen training including two meditation sessions, Dharma talk, and tea ceremony. All meetings are free and open to everyone. We also offer a 30-minute Zoom-only practice session every Wednesday at 8pm. More information can be found on the Yorktown Zen website.

Pastoral Care Reminder

The 4th UU Pastoral Care Team is here to help and support members of the congregation during times of need. We can arrange food deliveries, transportation, make a phone call, send a card, offer a candle lighting, and more. If you need assistance or know of another member who does, please let us know. Details can be kept confidential. The Pastoral Care Team invites you to grow our Caring and Sharing Initiative. Please contact us if you are willing and able to offer an occasional ride or other means of support. Even making a phone call makes a difference!

Pastoral Team: Judy Schavrien, Carole Ellis

Rev. Paul Tesshin Silverman is a resource for the 4th UU Pastoral Care Team and our congregation. Members can reach out to him directly at [email protected].