SHARE:  
January 6-10, 2020 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 - Phone: 203.227.7205
CLICK HERE for past issues of SOUNDINGS . CLICK HERE for 2 week calendar PDF.
We are thrilled to be hosting the former UUA president  Rev. John Buehrens , for a special talk on his recently released book  Conflagration:  How the Transcendentalists Sparked the American Struggle for Racial, Gender, and Social Justice . January 14, 7:00 PM in the sanctuary. This was discussed in a full article in Fall UU World magazine  and promises to be a fascinating talk. We are honored he will join us. Save the date, and spread the word! 
Please join the Leadership Development Team in congratulating SHARON POOLE BITTENBENDER, recipient of January’s Leading Light Award. Sharon’s contributions are too numerous to list, but among the many are her service over the years as a member of the Board of Trustees and the Endowment Committee. Sharon is also a dedicated member of the choir and was instrumental in organizing and supporting Ed Thompson’s 40th anniversary celebration. Sharon organized TUCW’s participation in the Women’s March in 2017, is a devoted member of TUCW Women and is a committed volunteer with the Mercy Learning Center. In addition, Sharon has tirelessly organized, coordinated and run the much loved jewelry sale for years. For all of her involvement in and commitment to TUCW, Sharon is truly a Leading Light.
THIS TUESDAY EVENING: CALLING ALL KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS!
The Shawl Ministry will be offering evening gatherings so everyone who loves to knit and crochet, regardless of work schedules, can join us. Only a basic skill level is required; all newcomers most welcome.

These will be offered the first Tuesday of every month starting January 7 at 7:30 PM.

We knit in silence for the first half hour, and then after a reading we continue knitting with gentle conversation as we imbue our pieces with positive thoughts. Finished shawls are given to sustain or celebrate anyone experiencing transformative times. This is a contemplative time of community and warm friendship, culminating in gifts of compassion and care. We’d love to see you.  

RSVP not required but helpful: Jan Braunle at jcbraunle@gmail.com
All women are welcome at all events.
Brown Bag Lunch next Sunday, January 12, in the Meeting House after the 11:00 AM service. Bring your lunch and share good conversation with women of our church community.

Sacred Circle with Grandmother Nancy Andry
2nd and 4th Tuesdays, beginning January 14, in the Meeting House at 6:30 (except in February when the Circle will meet on February 4)

Grandmother Nancy is an elder and storyteller and will lead a talking circle.Learn more about Grandmother Nancy and our Sacred Circle HERE.
Potluck at the Westport home of Linda Hudson. Friday, January 24th. Chase the winter away with the warmth of gathering with old friends and new.

Learn about more upcoming events at uuwestport.org/tucwomen-events. Join our mailing list HERE.
UPCOMING PROGRAMMING FOR ADULTS
Neighboring Faiths Program - Islam – January 2020
Shanonda Nelson and Shahan Islam w ill be leading these sessions. Space is limited; register by emailing Ravi Sankar. Click HERE for more information.

  • Session 1 Learn – Friday, January 10 – 7:00 PM – East Wing
  • Session 2 Experience – Friday, January 17 – 1:00 PM - Bridgeport Islamic Community Center (703 State Street, Bridgeport, CT) The parking lot fills QUICKLY on Friday afternoons, so try to arrive no later than 12:45 to provide ample time for parking. In addition, women are asked to wear a headscarf and that the headscarf is in place BEFORE entering the building.
  • Session 3 Reflection – Friday, January 24 – 7:00 PM - East Wing
Stay tuned for more information about our new program "Creating Theology Together"
offered by Revs. John and Shelly.
Now a shorter three-part workshop series:
First Saturdays of February, March, April, 9AM-1PM.
to register, please contact Rev Shelly
ONGOING PROGRAMMING FOR ADULTS
These opportunities for learning and connection are ongoing and offered in January and February. Visit Adult Faith Formation on our website or email leaders as listed below.
Mondays 6:30-8:00 PM Meeting House Buddhist Practice Group ninazcara@gmail.com Let Nina know you are attending.Teachings offered on a donation basis.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM Meeting House. Sacred Circle with Grandmother Nancy Andry saribodi@gmail.com ( exception: first Tuesday in February, the 4th )

Wednesdays 7-8:15 PM. Meeting House The Power of Now jimfrancek25@gmail.com
Fridays Jan. 10, 24 7 PM East Wing and Jan. 17 1 PM Bridgeport Islamic Community Center Neighboring Faiths: ISLAM ravisankar100@yahoo.com

Monthly, various dates and times. Small group ministry meetings . Rosen323@aol.com These must be signed-up for ahead of time as they depend on host availability, group size etc.
DAILY SPIRITUAL PRACTICE AND FAITH EXPLORATION
January 2020: What Does it Mean to be a People of Integrity?
"On some questions, Cowardice asks the question, “Is it safe?” Expediency asks the question, “Is it polite?” And Vanity comes along and asks the question, “Is it popular?” But Conscience asks the question, “Is it right?” And there comes a time when we must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but we must do it because Conscience tells us it is right." ~ Martin Luther King Jr
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, January 18th: 6-8 PM - Chili Cook-Off and Family Game Night!
CLICK HERE for 2 week calendar pdf
January 4-17, 2020
Child care is provided for Sunday Services and on an as needed basis for other events. Organizers of events should contact  Nate Pawelek  to arrange child care.
PASTORAL CARE

If you are going through a challenging time or know somebody in the congregation who needs support from our Pastoral Care Chaplains, call to leave a confidential message in the PCA voice mailbox 203.227.7205 ext. 19 or email  pca@uuwestport.org .

CLICK HERE  to learn more about our Pastoral Care Associates.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! - ADDICTION RECOVERY
For individuals or families of our congregation seeking confidential support or information about addiction issues...  please contact our Addiction Recovery Ministry by calling 203-227-7205 ext. 19 or emailing  pca@uuwestport.org .
OUR CHURCH
CALENDAR

For a complete listing of all upcoming activities, see our church calendar. Click here.
QUESTIONS?
VISIT OUR WEBSITE


JOIN THE
CONVERSATION
The Unitarian Church in Westport is a diverse and welcoming religious community, free of creed and dogma, and open to people of all backgrounds and beliefs. 
  WE INSPIRE  and support individual spiritual growth. 
 WE CONNECT  through worship, music, learning, and caring ministries. 
  WE ACT  in the service of peace and justice.