<![CDATA[Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York - The Lighthouse]]>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 20:32:32 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Green Swaps: Small Changes, Big Impact! | Green Action Team]]>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:26:21 GMThttps://www.uucy.org/lighthouse/green-swaps-small-changes-big-impact-green-action-team
  1. Avoid styrofoam cups and food containers.  They aren't "mainstream recyclable".  If unavoidable, rinse well, "green bag" it separately, and take to CRDC where it will be turned into an aggregate that can be mixed with asphalt or cement.
  2. Avoid "farm-raised salmon".  Several studies have found high levels of PCBs and other environmental toxins.  For safer seafood choices check out "Safe Seafood Tip Sheet", greenamerica.org/sustainable seafood.
  3. Avoid bleached coffee filters.  Dioxins and other chemicals are formed during the chlorine bleaching process.  Dioxins are linked to cancer.  As an alternative consider unbleached coffee filters, unbleached bamboo filters, or better yet, a reusable filter.  Note, too, that coffee grounds are a natural nitrogen amendment to your flower or vegetable garden.
]]><![CDATA[One Small Thing - July 2026 | Social Justice]]>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:54:03 GMThttps://www.uucy.org/lighthouse/one-small-thing-july-2026-social-justice“If everything around seems dark, look again, you may be the light.” - Rumi

The Social Justice Committee invites you to do One Small Thing (one small act) for Democracy, each month. We recognize all that is going on in this world – and especially what is happening in our country right now. It can feel overwhelming, especially to those of us who hold our UU values and specific Social Justice activities close to our hearts. One small thing, one small act, can bring relief, calm, and a sense of community when engaging with others.

Of course, if you go to UUCY, you are likely already doing one small thing. Maybe you’d like to sample another. We will share a variety of things to do, a new idea going forward each month, in the Beacon.

For June, we invite you to check out the 5calls app.
The 5Calls app is an excellent civic engagement tool that simplifies contacting elected officials. It identifies your specific representative based on your ZIP code and provides active issue topics, background context, direct phone numbers, and customized scripts to read during your call.
If offers brief, issue-specific talking points and keeps you updated on current legislation. Your location remains private and they don't store or sell data to 3rd parties. Research has shown that calling is by far the most effective way to reach your representative. Calls are tallied so legislators are aware of how constituents feel about an issue. Also, a blast of phone calls can seriously disrupt a congressional office.
Democracy is not a spectator sport.. we all need to consider becoming informed and engaged citizens during these extraordinary times of transition in our state, country, and the world.
Check it out: 5calls.org/getting started]]><![CDATA[Book Club Update]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:26:11 GMThttps://www.uucy.org/lighthouse/book-club-updateWe are continuing our gatherings on the first Monday of the month throughout the summer;
but why not? As we generally read and discuss literary fiction, we are reading a classic from
years back, THE FORGOTTEN BEASTS OF ELD by Patricia McKillip. The book covers forever
concepts of love, societal structures and conflict, the possible roles of animals in our lives etc.
We will meet on July 6 at 7 pm. For August, we are reading the non-fiction and best-selling
mystery also from years ago, MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL by John Berendt.
It is a tale based in the iconic southern city of Savannah, Georgia. Read these and come join us.
Questions to me, Mike Robinson, at mbrobinson48@comcast.net.]]><![CDATA[One Small Thing - May 2026 | Social Justice]]>Wed, 20 May 2026 16:35:31 GMThttps://www.uucy.org/lighthouse/one-small-thing-social-justice“If everything around seems dark, look again, you may be the light.” - Rumi

The Social Justice Committee invites you to do One Small Thing (one small act) for Democracy, each month. We recognize all that is going on in this world – and especially what is happening in our country right now. It can feel overwhelming, especially to those of us who hold our UU values and specific Social Justice activities close to our hearts. One small thing, one small act, can bring relief, calm, and a sense of community when engaging with others.

Of course, if you go to UUCY, you are likely already doing one small thing. Maybe you’d like to sample another. We will share a variety of things to do, a new idea going forward each month, in the Beacon.

For May, we invite you to join the ICE Vigil at Clugston Road. Pick a day – any Tuesday or Thursday morning to join. You may see others from UUCY there or meet some new folks of similar sensibilities. It is a time to lean into community and experience the strength of solidarity around human rights and justice.
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]]><![CDATA[Green Tips to Improve Your Fuel Economy & Costs | Green Action Team]]>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:54:17 GMThttps://www.uucy.org/lighthouse/green-tips-to-improve-your-fuel-economy-costs-green-action-team
  • Watch your Speed: Reducing speed from 65 to 55 in a 55 speed zone can save as much as 6 MPG.
  • Avoid “Jack Rabbit” starts: They’ll cost you 2-3 MPG. Consider having an egg under your gas and brake pedals.
  • Pass on premium gas unless ”required”: Tests show no significant improvement in performance or fuel economy.
  • Don’t carry unneeded things on your roof: You could lose 7-13 MPG. Empty bike racks on the back of your vehicle will reduce aerodynamics and fuel economy.
  • Using your AC costs you 1-4 MPG: Cool your hot car down, then lower the windows with no measurable impact on MPG even at 65 MPH.
  • Plan your trips, even local ones: Going to church and need a few groceries and maybe need some cash from your bank’s ATM? Combine three trips into one.
  • Consider purchasing “Top Tier” gasoline: The additive detergents cleans engine deposits. Chevron, Costco, Exxon, Mobil, and Shell…even Rutters offers “Top Tier” gasoline.
  • Monitor Tire Pressure: Tires lose 1 PSI per month. Decreased tire pressure will affect performance, tire longevity and fuel economy.

​(Excerpts from “Consumer Reports”)]]><![CDATA[UUCY Spotlighted in the Chalice Lighters Newsletter | Board of Directors]]>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:30:08 GMThttps://www.uucy.org/lighthouse/uucy-spotlighted-in-the-chalice-lighters-newsletter-board-of-directorsThank you Charley and Donna Alcorn for providing a copy for us to share!
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]]><![CDATA[February 2026 Board Minutes | Board of Directors]]>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:08:14 GMThttps://www.uucy.org/lighthouse/february-2026-board-minutes-board-of-directors ]]><![CDATA[Plastic Green Tips | Green Action Team]]>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:54:56 GMThttps://www.uucy.org/lighthouse/plastic-green-tips-green-action-teamReducing single-use plastic involves switching to reusables, refusing unnecessary plastic, and choosing sustainable packaging. Key actions include carrying a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bags, skipping plastic straws and cutlery, and buying in bulk to avoid excessive packaging. 

Essential Reusable Replacements
  • Bottles & Cups: Carry a durable, reusable water bottle and coffee thermos to avoid plastic bottles and disposable cups.
  • Shopping Bags: Use cloth or durable reusable bags for all shopping trips.
  • Food Storage: Replace plastic cling wrap with beeswax wraps and plastic bags with silicone pouches or glass containers.
  • Produce Bags: Opt for reusable mesh bags for produce or go bag-less. 
​
Daily Habits and Refusal
  • Refuse Straws/Cutlery: Ask for no plastic straws or utensils when ordering take-out.
  • Choose Alternatives: Opt for bar soap, shampoo bars, and laundry tablets instead of liquid products in plastic bottles.
  • Avoid Individually Wrapped Items: Purchase items in bulk to reduce excess packaging

...And remember that plastic that cannot be recycled in your trash can be taken to CRDC for a small fee of $2.00 per large bag.  CRDC is located at 390 Eberts Lane in York.

]]><![CDATA[YOU-YOU-CY Needs YOU!! | Nominating Committee]]>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:41:21 GMThttps://www.uucy.org/lighthouse/you-you-cy-needs-you-nominating-committeeThe best way to feel part of an organization is to get involved and help it grow.

The Nominating Committee is currently seeking new leaders to fill some important positions at UUCY for the 2026-2027 church year. We are looking for some fresh new leaders and it might be you!

Open Positions:
Vice Chair: 3-year position – moves into Board Chair position 2 nd year and past chair 3 rd year.
Supports the Board chair’s efforts – agenda planning, communications, projects. Serves as Board Chair in the chair’s absence. Attends monthly Board meetings (Zoom). Serves as liaison to Nominating Committee. A WONDERFUL WAY TO GROW YOUR SKILLS AND PUT YOUR MARK ON THE DIRECTION OF OUR CONGREGATION.

Building & Grounds Committee Chair: We already have a strong and experienced
committee. Former chair will provide ample training. The chair calls and leads the monthly
meetings and maintains minutes. Follows a well-established list of duties concerning
inspections. Responds to alarms when necessary. Plans and communicates for the Fall and
Spring congregational clean up events. PERHAPS TWO OF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SERVE AS CO-
CHAIRS!
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Finance Committee Chair: No financial or math experience needed - this committee
meets quarterly and has some well-seasoned members already – many of them are past
treasurers of UUCY. The chair primarily calls the meetings and takes the minutes. The committee reviews and endorses the treasurer’s budget reports and discusses any line-item
deviations.

Worship Committee Chair: There is currently a very strong group of committee members.
Working with the minister, the committee maintains a schedule for worship associates and
ushers. Arranges for guest speakers for when our minister is not in the pulpit and
communicates info to office administrator for Beacon. Oversees communications between guest speakers with music director, tech team and RE. Prepares the meeting agendas, attends
monthly meetings and coordinates the tasks of the committee. PERHAPS TWO OF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SERVE AS CO-CHAIRS!

IF YOU want to help lead YOU-YOU-CY contact anyone on the Nominating Committee:
Peggy Baker – byronpeggy@comcast.net
Sherry Lookofsky – sherrylookofsky@comcast.net
Sandy Rushton – sandracrushton@gmail.com
Diane Kearney – dkearney51@gmail.com]]><![CDATA[Chalice Lighter Grant Reward | Board of Directors]]>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:11:03 GMThttps://www.uucy.org/lighthouse/chalice-lighter-grant-reward-board-of-directorsPicture
We are delighted to announce that UUCY has been awarded a $40,000 Chalice Lighters grant that will partially fund the planned campus upgrade beginning this spring and summer. Many thanks to all of you who signed up to be Chalice Lighters last year, which gave us a better chance in the application process. We also express our deep gratitude to all those involved in writing the application, including Board members, the B&G and Finance Committees, and the Green Team. The success of the application demonstrates the value of working together in community to achieve shared goals. May we continue to show our faith in action by sustaining this mutual effort. You can find the application (and an excellent mini history of UUCY and description of the entire project) by clicking the button below. 
Click here to View the Chalice Lighter Application
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