The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassau (UUCCN) in Garden City is a caring community that emphasizes our common humanity as we face life’s changes. You are welcome whether you are gay or straight, black or white, rich or poor, young or old. You are welcome regardless of your religious or non-religious background. Unitarian Universalism is non-creedal, which means there are no required beliefs about God, the after-life, or other religious questions. Because of this, our activities and programs are designed to support an open search for truth and meaning in an environment that values doubt and passion. With the emphasis off of creed, we like to focus on deed. We uphold the wisdom we obtain from many religions to “do unto others as we would have them do unto ourselves” while at the same time rejecting superstition and bigotry.

Many of our members are interfaith couples that have found UUCCN to be an excellent environment for raising their children to understand right and wrong, learn about various religious traditions, and give them the tools to make their own decisions about what is important in life. The emphasis on deed also motivates our social action programs, which range from providing food and other necessities for the poor, to beach cleanups, to anti-racism activities, to participation in the MS-Walk and the Lupus Walk. We are committed to ideals of compassion, justice, and peace both here on Long Island and throughout the world. UUCCN’s doors are open. We invite you to come and visit with us.         

- John Roleke, Treasurer, UUCCN

Greetings Beloveds,

I hope this message finds you well and staying safe. We have found ourselves giving greetings for each other’s safety in this era of a global pandemic, the effects of racial and social unrest and most recently, in the wake of hurricanes, tornados and other devastating weather events. Many of my neighbors in Westchester County were affected as were my colleagues in New Jersey. I hope that if you experienced any issues from the storm that you would reach out and let us know. Your safety is important to us. 

We expect to be opening our doors and greeting you in person for our ingathering and Water Communion. We ask that you wear a mask and keep social distancing practices. I will be greeting you with an elbow touch or a bow or my hand over my heart; I have adapted my greetings from a hug to one of these, for safety’s sake. I want you to be well and safe and I want to remain well and safe so that I can do this precious work and be with you all. Be sure to let me and each other know what your comfort level is in all of this. Communication is key to understanding, even as we are in the process of figuring it out along the way. 

As September is beginning, there are the back to business jitters with more news about the variants, especially with schools re-opening. We hold all of these intentions for safety and care, especially for our little ones who cannot yet be vaccinated. A prayer of concern for those immune-compromised as well as those hesitating to be vaccinated, but live with fear. Prayers for health care providers and essential workers. Let us hold in our hearts all those who are hurting and do what we can to help. We are a community of seekers for truth and wholeness. We come together for healing and to grow our faith and spiritual understanding. We offer a hand to help while also reaching for depth and growth and balance. Dare I say joy! There is excitement as new things are happening; I am excited to be with you, to get to know you--to journey together.

In all things be blessed, Beloveds!

Rev. Petra