Fourth Universalist Society in the City of New York

We’ve given 4thu.org a facelift!

The webmaster, Lois Coleman, working with Shai Sachs of Welcoming Websites, has changed the theme and the colors to conform to the Fourth U brand as designed by Micki Pagano.

We’ve also added a Members Only section which includes a link to the Google group where members can access documents related to Fourth U, like the Space Request Form and the Branding Guide, logos and the forthcoming Members Directory (when it’s completed).

We hope you enjoy it.

LIGHT &  LOOT!

 Live Auction with Professional Auctioneer!

Bid and Bump!

Coupon Draw!

Fund-a-wish!

Sumptuous Dinner!   Lots of Drink!     Friends!    Fun!

Fourth U will hold a special collection for this year’s Chalice Lighters recipient during our December 7 service. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern can trace its history back to the middle of the 19th century. But on September 12, 2006, their meetinghouse was destroyed by fire. Most of the historical records, artwork displayed in the sanctuary, countless photographs, an antique baptismal font, and a century-old Steinway piano were lost in the fire. Plan for the Future: Following the fire, the congregation unanimously decided to rebuild on the Vance Lane Property, which is located in Orange County, the fastest-growing county in the state. As the congregation explains it:

Two priorities became clear: We must allow for continued growth, and particularly for an expanding Religious Education program. And we must build in a way that respects the Earth, while providing space for spiritual renewal, liberal ideas, social activism,and the arts. We have developed a building plan that provides for a much larger sanctuary with seating for 175 people, as well as a fellowship hall, office suite, and expanded religious education space. In addition, our design includes a highly energy-efficient building envelope, and sustainable siding and interior materials. 

Cost and Funding: The estimated cost of our new building is about $1,226,000.00. Approximately $800,000 is currently available from insurance, savings, donations, and fundraising efforts. A Capital Campaign has raised an additional $150,000 to date. The remaining amount that we are seeking to raise is estimated at $275,000. We have applied for grants and NYSERDA reimbursements, and are also exploring mortgage options to obtain this amount. We are hopeful that Chalice Lighters might provide as much as $50,000 that would partially offset the mortgage we may need to take out. We thank you wholeheartedly for your continued support through this Chalice Lighter Call, as we rise from the ashes and move into the future.

Disaster Chaplaincy Services, a multi-faith organization devoted to helping victims of crises deal with the emotional and spiritual shocks during emergencies, recently lost their home. Julie Taylor, the Executive Director of DCS and member at Fourth U, put out a call for help and the Church answered. The organization’s nerve center has temporarily been relocated to our choir loft. Our Senior Minister, Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt, and two of our Affiliate Ministers, Rev. Ed Bolella and Rev. Jill Bowden, are volunteers with DCS, and it’s a big boost to our ministry to aid in this important spiritual and healing endeavor. You can learn more about the organization at www.disasterchaplaincy.org .

Let’s all congratulate Cora on her artistic success! The America Cancer Society solicited artwork concerning women’s issues with breast cancer, and about 3000 submissions came in. Cora’s piece was among 600 that were accepted, and her painting will be on tour in hospitals and cancer treatment centers across the country for the next two years.

Fourth U has created an online form to allow its members and friends to update their information and state their preferences in church activities. Please click here <http://fd8.formdesk.com/fourthuniversalistsocietyofny/Address> and let us know what’s on your mind!