In the News
Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock offers free citizenship course and builds community connections
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset has a long-standing commitment to community engagement and advocating for human rights. Beginning February 6, 2025, the congregation will offer a free 10-week course designed to help immigrants prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Examination.
The classes will be held every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and welcome new students.
During the two-hour sessions, trained bilingual volunteers will teach U.S. history, geography, and the Constitution. Recently, five immigrants completed instruction on how to study for the exam and have since filed their applications to take it.
In addition to the citizenship course, UUCSR is working to build meaningful relationships with immigrants in Nassau County through a friendship program. “This initiative reflects our mission to create a more just and joyful world,” said Rev. Buffardi. “Our goal is to create opportunities where strangers can become friends, enriching each other’s lives in the process.”
As part of the program, volunteers will meet with immigrants once a week at local libraries, restaurants, parks, UUCSR, or other places of worship.
Asking the Clergy: Where gospel music gets its power
From left, The Rev. Henrietta Scott Fullard, Shareese Harris, and The Rev. David Carl Olson Credit: African Methodist Episcopal Church; Shareese Harris; Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock
Published by Newsday, February 4, 2024. Jim Merritt, Journalist
Gospel music performance is not just a Grammy category, it’s also a spiritually inspiring part of many Long Island worship services. This week’s clergy discuss the value of a vocal tradition that draws on biblical themes and, according to the Library of Congress, is rooted in the call and response singing of the African American South.
The Rev. David Carl Olson
Associate Minister for Congregational Life, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock
The choir of the Shelter Rock Unitarian Universalist congregation recently had a concert on the history of Gospel music. It spanned from traditional spirituals through early Gospel and into more contemporary sounds. Under the direction of Nigel W. Gretton, and with the participation of local Gospel artists, we experienced more than a concert. It became a service of worship. Our religious tradition embraces pluralism. One power of Gospel music can be found in its capacity to bridge difference and provide emotional connections in the human experience of overcoming challenges. In congregation-based community organizing in Unitarian Universalist congregations across the country, the sharing of Gospel music by interreligious audiences expects that we will find commonalities in the human desires for freedom and for victory, even in the face of insurmountable odds. Not all Unitarian Universalists find the Christian message of the Gospel compelling, but we heed the advice of 16th century founder Frances David: “We need not think alike to love alike.” With humility, many of us find inspiration in the Gospel songs that tell of our connections to a world that is yet to be, to a power greater than ourselves.
Long Island religious leaders gather at Tilles Center to pray for peace
Attendees light candles at the start of a National Day of Prayer program at the Tilles Center at LIU Post in Brookville on Thursday. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Published by Newsday, May 2, 2024. Tiffany Cusaac-Smith, Journalist
As protests over the Israel-Hamas war grip the country, Long Island religious leaders of Jewish, Muslim and other faiths formed a prayer circle.
The official reason for the Thursday morning gathering at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post in Brookville was the National Day of Prayer, which is typically memorialized annually on the first Thursday of May, leaders said.
But what perhaps wafted in many of the minds and hearts of the more than 20 attendees was the Israel-Hamas war that has left tens of thousands of people dead and sparked demonstrations at places such as Columbia University and Stony Brook University.
“I’m hoping that this is a time for us to not only pray, but to build friendship and build bridges, especially during these difficult times,” said Sepi Djavaheri, senior community mobilizer with the UJA-Federation of New York, which joined a number of organizations to put on the event.
Rabbi Lina Zerbarini of Kehillath Shalom Synagogue, left, talks with Urmila Shivaram of Hindus of LI. Credit: Rick Kopstein
For roughly an hour, religious leaders shared thoughts and prayers, including some in Hindi and Hebrew. Many of the themes expressed emphasized togetherness and conflict resolution. Early in the event, some of the clergy members lit candles on a table in the center of the room.
“We pray for our nation, the United States of America, to remain loving [and] compassionate … to remove prejudice from our hears and enable us to love our brothers and sisters,” said Imam Amin Rahman of the Muslim Council of Suffolk County.
The Rev. Natalie Fenimore of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock talked about extending understanding and care for one another.
“None should be held captive or hostage,” she said. “None should go hungry. None should be denied the means to thrive.”
“Amen,” said some members after she spoke.
As the members of the circle prayed, some clergy members closed their eyes while calming music played. Others looked like they were in deep contemplation.
Some attendees broke out in song, with one in Hebrew that talked about hope coming from God.
Rabbi Michael Mishkin of Temple Beth Israel talked about releasing away grudges that have been nurtured over generations.
He thanked God for helping him to see that “we should all work together with our shared humanity to try to recognize and build a community in which we honor the dignity of all people.”
After the event, the Rev. Mark Bigelow of the Congregational Church of Huntington said the war has been a source of division, but the National Day of Prayer — the first such event he has attended — shows there is a different pathway where people of different faiths can come together.
He will bring back to his congregants the continued hope “that we can all work together to bring peace and justice,” he said.
Asking the Clergy: The role of the arts in your faith
From left, The Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore, Ashleigh Harrison and The Rev. Omotayo Cole Cineus Credit: Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock; Christina Grant; Linda Rosier
Published by Newsday, February 4, 2024. Jim Merritt, Journalist
African Americans and the Arts” is the theme of this February’s celebration of Black History Month. This week’s clergy discuss the role played by music, dance, the spoken word and other art forms in their services and faith communities.
The Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore
Lead minister and minister of Lifespan Religious Education, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset
Our congregation is blessed with a beautiful physical location: a large, wooded campus. We enhance this beauty by bringing art into the worship space. Each Sunday there are spectacular flower arrangements provided by one of our members. The flowers bring the outside in and connect our worship to the larger creation of which we are a part. There is an art gallery filled with the works of artists from the community. The walls of the building are filled with art created by our members, which they share with others to uplift us all. Art is a way to communicate and focus spiritual insights. Art can reinforce human connections and commonality. It also challenges us to see a variety of perspectives. This openness to diverse views is important to our faith tradition. Music is central to our worship. We know that music can provide emotional expression and release — and stir the soul. As with the songs of the civil rights movement, the hymns we sing empower us to envision freedom, peace and justice. The gifts of the arts bring beauty and joy into our faith.
Asking the Clergy: LGBT inclusiveness in your faith
From left, Rabbi Jaimee Shalhevet, The Rev. David Carl Olson and The Rev. Kate Salisbury Credit: Tamar Fix; Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock; Kate Salisbury
Published by Newsday, January 21, 2024. Jim Merritt, Journalist
In December, Pope Francis took a small but significant step toward making the Roman Catholic church more welcoming to LGBT people when he formally approved letting Catholic priests bless same sex couples. This week’s clergy discuss traditional and evolving LGBT inclusiveness in rituals and other aspects of religious community life.
The Rev. David Carl Olson
Associate minister for Congregational Life, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset
In a way, Unitarian Universalism supports LGBT people by “taking care of our own.” All kinds of people — lesbian, bisexual, gay, straight — find a home in our congregations. People across the gender spectrum are our people. Together we are learning a new way. Unitarian Universalists have supported LGBT folk since the 1970s, when we created formal structures to welcome and minister to lesbian and gay members and friends. We authorized marriage services, ordained gay and lesbian ministers, cared for families during the AIDS crisis and created religious education curriculums that shared what we were learning about queer life. Today, we continue these efforts of education, support and ritual inclusion. And we acknowledge that we have much yet to learn. At the Congregation at Shelter Rock, we recently invited a panel of transgender New Yorkers to help us more fully understand their lives and their community. Our hope was not to study LGBT folk as an “other” to be examined objectively, but to be in relationships that acknowledge LGBT folk as people of inherent worth and dignity. On their terms, we hope to build the human family of ethical, spiritual and communal relationship.
Asking the Clergy: Shifting from consumerism
From left, The Rev. Israel Buffardi, Rabbi Jack Dermer and The Rev. Joseph Garofalo Credit: Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock; Phil Schoenfeld; Jennifer S. Altman
Published by Newsday, December 10, 2023
Contributed by Jim Merritt, Journalist
THE REV. ISRAEL BUFFARDI
Associate Minister for Member and Community Engagement, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock
From a Humanist and Earth-centered perspective, the contemplative darkness of the season reminds us to reflect on the passage of another year of our precious lives and on appreciation for the quality and impact of our relationships with both our given and chosen families. Consumerism, by contrast, is like those incessantly twinkling lights, telling us we can never be enough or possess enough. As a parent, there is one thing I never have enough of — time. So now, when daylight is brief, I remember that life is also brief. I try to focus less on presents, but on presence with my family. We gravitate more to shared experiences rather than consumable goods, though we do not shy away from preparing and consuming good consumables (food, that is). We also treasure our rituals to mark our time together as meaningful. Never underestimate the value of lighting a candle, hanging up twinkling lights, or kindling a campfire on a dark night. These sparks of light emerging from darkness fill us all with awe for the brief flash of light that is our own lives. May they remind us to bask in the warmth of our connections so they might endure.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset Welcomes New Minister
Rev. Israel Buffardi (photo and rights provided by UUCSR)
Published by The Island 360, September 1, 2023.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock Ministerial Search Committee has announced that a new minister, Rev. Israel Buffardi, has joined the congregation as Associate Minister for Member and Community Engagement.
Buffardi joined Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore and Rev. David Carl Olson in ministering to the Manhasset religious community on Shelter Rock Road.
Buffardi has served UU congregations in Nova Scotia, Pennsylvania, and Oregon. He earned his M.Div. from Harvard Divinity School and has experience in community organizing, theatre, nutrition, gardening, and cooking education.
With his eclectic mix of experience, Buffardi has long been a community-builder, helping people to reflect, connect, and cultivate intentional lives of love and justice.
Buffardi’s ministry is often expressed through food and fellowship, and he looks forward to setting both the proverbial, as well as literal, tables of welcome at the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock.
For more information about UUCSR, please visit www.uucsr.org.
Read article HERE.
Asking the Clergy: What is it like to lead a new congregation?
From left, Rabbi Rishe Groner, The Rev. Wendy C. Modeste, The Rev. Israel Buffardi Credit: Tzipora Lifchitz; Lasting Impressions Photography/Jennifer Mercurio; Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock
Published by Newsday, August 10, 2023
Contributed by Jim Merritt, Journalist
Taking on a new pastoral assignment offers opportunities for innovation, building new relationships and experiencing personal growth, say Long Island clergy moving this summer to new congregations. This week’s clergy discuss their journeys as well as the excitement, wistfulness and need for trust-building that may be involved in that change.
The Rev. Israel Buffardi
Associate Minister for Member and Community Engagement, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset
I see myself as more of a spiritual guide rather than a spiritual leader, not only because I minister with two amazing colleagues, but also because I seek to minister through facilitation and connection. The challenge then, when new, is how to build the trust needed to be invited to travel with people on the journey of community. Humility and curiosity are my approach. If I am to journey with people, they need to be able to trust that I will neither judge nor coerce. I take time to get to know them, and if I do lead, it’s from the desire to draw out the unique strengths, passions and perspectives of the people in the community. I ask guiding questions and I offer sacred space and time for people to connect with each other, to seek a sense of something greater than themselves, and to reflect on their orienting values. In short, I seek to be a mirror and a compass, not the navigator. Ultimately, the challenge is knowing when to listen and affirm and when to draw attention to ways of being that prevent us from living our values of love and justice.
Asking the Clergy: What does your congregation offer millennial worshippers?
From left, The Rev. David Carl Olson, Rabbi Ilana Schachter and the Rev. Jenn Pilat. Credit: Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock; Kris Rogers Photography; Newsday/Steve Pfost
Published by Newsday, June 11, 2023
Contributed by Jim Merritt, Journalist
Millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) are currently the largest generational group, and they are also among the least religious Americans, with almost a third reporting they are religiously unaffiliated, according to a recent survey. This week’s clergy discuss how they seek to engage the generation currently aged 27 through 42.
The Rev. David Carl Olson
Associate minister for Congregational Life, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset
Millennials value community, cooperation and service. Our Lifespan Religious Education program welcomes young families who pursue the spiritual but not religious path to find community. We recently held a series of workshops in walking the labyrinth and reflecting on the personal and shared meanings each found in the task. One Sunday morning workshop was centered on young families; a second staffed by young adults was held around a simple evening meal; and a final workshop took place at an all-congregation retreat where individuals, over the course of a day, were invited to engage the same walk. Pastoral care was offered in all these settings. We offer care in ways that are sensitive to LGBT people and to the people of color who find their ways to our multicultural services of worship. A strong music and arts program offers a place for creative people to connect. Direct service is offered in our relationship with the Roosevelt Community Garden where volunteers of all ages assist in whatever is needed. This hands-on engagement helps young adults and young families connect to their own sense of our inter-relatedness with the earth and all her creatures.
Asking the Clergy: Most significant historical Black figures
From left, the Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, the Rev. Lisa Williams, of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Sister Zainab Bey of the Interfaith Institute of Long Island and the Islamic Center of Long Island. Credit: UU Congregation at Shelter Rock; Hy-Sync Media/James McCray; JamaaI T. Morris
Published by Newsday, February 5, 2023.
Contributed by Jim Merritt, Journalist
“Black Resistance in the Past, Present and Future,” is the theme of this February’s celebration of Black History Month, according to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. This week’s clergy discuss notable African Americans from their faith backgrounds who were paragons of resistance in centuries past.
The Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore
Lead minister and minister of Lifespan Religious Education, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset
There are many significant Black Unitarian Universalists, among them poet and abolitionist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper(1825-1911) and the Rev. Hope Johnson, the minister emerita at the UU Congregation of Central Nassau, in Garden City, and a national conflict resolution and social justice advocate until her death in 2020.
Another important figure is Lewis Howard Latimer (1848-1928), the son of enslaved people and an inventor who worked with Thomas Alva Edison on the invention of the light bulb and Alexander Graham Bell on the development of the telephone. Latimer was a creative and intellectually curious person who never received the same recognition or pay as non-Black inventors. Latimer insisted on pushing past imposed boundaries. He bought a large house in Flushing, Queens, when few Black people were allowed to live there and in 1908 was a founder of the Unitarian Church in Flushing.
Latimer’s poetic soul shows through in his description of incandescent lighting: “Like the light of the sun, it beautifies all things on which it shines, and is no less welcome in the palace than in the humblest home.” In his heart, his work and his faith, Latimer sought light, beauty and equality. He was true to Unitarian Universalism’s inclusive message of worth and dignity for all.
Asking the Clergy: Finding wisdom in other faith traditions
From left, the Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, the Rev. Vicky L. Eastland of Brookville Reformed Church, and Marie McNair of the Baha’is of Long Island. Credit: UU Congregation at Shelter Rock; Raju A. Eastland; Rebecca McNair
Published by Newsday, January 15, 2023. Jim Merritt, Journalist
World Religion Day, observed on Jan. 15 by members of the Baha’i Faith, is an occasion for interfaith gatherings and celebrating both commonalities and differences among the world’s faiths. This week’s clergy discuss how teachings from other faiths have informed their experiences as spiritual leaders.
The Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore
Lead minister and minister of Lifespan Religious Education, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset
As a Unitarian Universalist minister, my seminary education included the study of other faith traditions. I came to know and appreciate wisdom and beauty inherent in traditions outside my own. Through study and interfaith relationships, I have experienced the many ways that faith communities seek to make meaning, give comfort, share joy.
In my congregation, we seek to join with other faiths to build a better world. I have learned the wisdom of widening the circle of love and care. I have learned that there are so many ways in which other faith traditions offer insights into our common humanity. I regularly use readings and stories from many faith traditions in worship services and for spiritual reflection.
In the words of the noted theologian, philosopher and civil rights activist Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, “No religion is an island. We are all involved with one another. Spiritual betrayal on the part of one of us affects the faith of all of us. Views adopted in one community have an impact on other communities.” All faith traditions can embrace tolerance and diversity. Each human can reflect the glory of the Creator and beauty of creation.
Asking the Clergy: What do houses of worship owe their community?
From left, Rabbi Joel M. Levenson of Midway Jewish Center, the Rev. David Carl Olson of Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, and the Rev. Dwight Lee Wolter of Congregational Church of Patchogue. Credit: Alex M. Wolff; David Carl Olson; Jeffrey Basinger
Published by Newsday, November 6, 2022. Jim Merritt, Journalist
Houses of worship don’t exist in a vacuum, but are often in or near communities with challenges such as food insecurity, health disparities and a lack of equal rights and opportunity. This week’s clergy discuss how they fulfill their faith’s call to public service in their neighborhoods and beyond.
The Rev. David Carl Olson
Associate minister for Congregational Life, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset
Religion includes a call to the development of character. This happens individually through study and devotion, of course, but it is best refined congregationally through public service. Starting in the congregation, we provide a helping hand where it is needed. Then together, in ways that seek to transform, we serve by shortening the distance between our congregation and the communities where we live our public lives.
We learn to identify with the community, to know its heart — joys and woes, assets and deficits. We apply that collective character that we’ve developed. We show leadership by making stronger connections within the community and even make a civic demand. The late U.S. Rep. John Lewis, speaking atop the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 1, 2020, urged us, “Get in good trouble! Necessary trouble! And help redeem the soul of America.” It is the faith that we practice — of seeing our interconnectedness and the inherent worth of each person — that allows us to engage the community not as outside agitators, but as community members and community leaders. Community members not afraid to make a little good trouble, community members willing to do our part in implementing what we demand.
Asking the Clergy: Explaining Sept. 11 to today's youth
From left: Rabbi Ira Ebbin of Congregation Ohav Sholom, Arthur Dobrin of Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island, and the Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore of Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock. Credit: Ira Ebbin; Linda Rosier; Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock
Published by Newsday, September 11, 2023. Jim Merritt, Journalist
Sunday, Sept. 11, marks the 21st anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks in which nearly 3,000 Americans died, including about 500 Long Islanders. This week’s clergy discuss how they would talk about that day and its aftermath with the generation that has since come of age.
The Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore
Lead minister and minister of Lifespan Religious Education, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset
Children born after Sept. 11, 2001, have lived in a world shadowed by the death and destruction of that day — we all have. This tragedy was a trauma that seemed to normalize terrorism, war, hate. The deaths of thousands, including individual loved ones, are still mourned.
All our lives we will struggle to make sense of the tragedies happening around us. No one can say why these horrors happen. We struggle to keep our faith in goodness, hope, compassion and love.
Still, with all we know of pain, we must embrace our commitment to one another, to community, to accountability. We must not step away from the struggle of humanity but lean in to care and problem-solve. The 9/11 terrorists embraced beliefs of death and destruction; they were wrong. There is a faithfulness that honors life and is life-giving. It is a loving faith, which we must show to our children because this is the greater strength and the only way to a better future.