So much of life is spent with people talking past each other. Being listened to deeply is a rare experience, but a profound gift. Let us, as a community, consider how we listen and what gets in the way of true connection.

To join online, go to zoom.us/j/89214621289

Halloween is coming! Here's what the three of us have cooked up:

WHAT - a Big Brother and the Holding Company look-alike contest. Janis Joplin was of course our original inspiration, but we wanted a variety for extra spice!

WHEN - Friday night, October 30th, 7-9

WHERE - zoom.us/j/81299021588

WHY - because any reason for a party is a good reason, and it is a good way to showcase the long hair you have grown during the pandemic.

WHAT ELSE - singing is encouraged but optional, and if you prefer to dress down rather than dress up, every singer loves an audience.

Come as you are! The image here is just for starters - there are tons more on Google. Come get your “hippie” on, and join in for some silly fun - we can all use a chuckle, a giggle, or an outright belly laugh!

- Kim, Pauline, and Lisa B

The RE Committee is very excited about the curriculum for our 6-8th graders this year, called Crossing Paths. We will be learning about different world religions that our youth are likely to encounter in Westborough and in the US in general. It is being specially written by the UUA for the particular difficulties of this year during the pandemic; they have created a totally online learning experience.

Each religion will be allotted 3 dates for different online encounter activities. You can sign up to teach/facilitate classes here at this link:

Please, when you sign up, commit to all the dates for a religion's activities for continuity of learning. For further questions, email the RE Committee at RE@uucsw.org.

Our Share the Plate organization for November is the Community Harvest Project (CHP) in Grafton, a non-profit farm that engages volunteers to grow fresh fruits and vegetables to provide to those experiencing hunger. Through volunteer farming programs and community partnerships, CHP brings thousands of community members together each year to improve access to healthy foods for individuals and families in need across Worcester County. So far this year, they have provided 89,600 pounds of produce - over 404,000 individual servings - to feed our food insecure neighbors.

Wednesday, November 18th at 7:00 pm: Join Kim Hall and Jerry Breecher as they facilitate a discussion of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. You and your friends are welcome to bring your reflections, questions, and ideas about the relationship between caste and racism as described by Wilkerson.

Next Committee Meeting: The committee will meet the second Wednesday of the month from 4:00 to 5:30 pm in November and December. The first portion will be devoted to business and the second portion will address a previously selected topic. It’s not too late to get involved! If interested, contact Jane Walsh at janenboro@aol.com. If the meeting time does not work for you, please let Jane know.

We are continuing this fundraiser throughout the year. For every card purchased, the church receives 5% of the face value back. If you are interested in purchasing some cards to support the fundraiser, contact Lisa Shumway at treasurer@uucsw.org.

No matter the results of the election, we know we will want to gather in community. Join the UUA, UU the Vote, and Side with Love on Thursday, November 5th at 8:00 pm on Zoom, Facebook Live, or YouTube.

Just go to calendly.com/revlaurelgray to view her availability and request a meeting time. You will have the option to choose a 30 minute or 60 minute meeting, and to talk with Rev. Laurel by Zoom or phone.

Here at UUCSW we have something important to offer and it's something a lot of people need acutely right now. Please consider sharing the joy and comfort that you derive from attending our Sunday Services by inviting a friend! Here's a link you can share by email or social media to help people get acquainted with UUCSW and learn how they can join us on Sunday morning: conta.cc/33AN4sv

The podcast that Amanda Hall and I make each month has been one of the most unexpected joys (we have a podcast?! who would've thought!) of my ministry. And we both agree that the latest episode is our best one yet. It's filled with joy and laughter, and a few striking anecdotes about how white supremacy covers its tracks.

Our sixth principle - the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all - is often overshadowed by earlier principles. So I think it's important to imagine what that world would be like and what might be a better measure of collective flourishing than GDP. Amanda and I delved into that question in this episode. Listen here: White Supremacy Covers Its Tracks: Q&A

What's your small act? - Rev. Laurel