“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.

• 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”)

Thank you Charley and Donna Alcorn for providing a copy for us to share!

Reducing 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. 

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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.

The 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 – [email protected]
Sherry Lookofsky – [email protected]
Sandy Rushton – [email protected]
Diane Kearney – [email protected]

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. 

There is so much that goes into providing what UUCY offers everyone of us – worship and spiritual growth and religious education, our beautifully maintained campus, important social justice work and a supportive community. Who gets all this work done? Besides our amazing paid staff (Rev Christin and Sarah) it is all done by VOLUNTEERS in the name of shared ministry. So, a huge THANK YOU to every volunteer who contributes their time and talent to UUCY in so many ways.

The Nominating Committee is beginning its annual charge to fill open Board and Standing Committee chair positions. The Committee will present a slate of candidates for election at the May Congregational Meeting. See below the open positions the Committee is seeking to fill.

If you can contribute your time, talent and passion to UUCY to fill any of these positions, or if you know a member who you think possesses such, please contact a member of the Nominating Committee.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to feel deeply rooted into the UUCY community. Volunteering is a way of expressing your belief in UUCY. If everyone contributes something, all the work is lighter. Please seriously consider saying yes when asked to serve – and be part of the fabulous many who make UUCY the vibrant church community it is.

OPEN POSITIONS:
Board Vice Chair (serves on Board 3 yrs as vice chair, chair and past chair)
Board Director (serves on Board for 3 yrs as an advisor and contributes to accomplishing Board
goals)
Building & Grounds Chair (2 yr term, oversees the team who maintains church buildings and
grounds)
Finance Chair (2 yr term, guides long term financial strategy)
Nominating Committee Member (2 yr term, annually prepares slate for open Board and Standing Committee Chair positions)
Stewardship Chair (2 yr term, runs annual pledge campaign & maintains pledge records)
Worship Chair (2 yr term, works with minister on Sunday services- worship associates, ushers,
tech, finds guest speakers when minister is out of pulpit)

NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
[email protected]
Peggy Baker, Diane Kearney, Sherry Lookofsky, Sandy Rushton