Dec 23-27 & Dec 30-Jan 3 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 - Phone: 203.227.7205
CLICK HERE for past issues of SOUNDINGS . CLICK HERE for 3 week calendar PDF.
Note we will not be producing Soundings - Weekend and Weekday editions - next week. So this WeekDays edition includes Monday-Friday activities for this week and next: Dec. 23-27 and Dec. 30-Jan 3. Enjoy the holidays and we'll be back in your inboxes Friday and Sunday, January 3 and 5.
It's that time of year again when we turn to others in need. We all have competing demands on our generosity, but we hope you'll consider giving a donation to TUCW this December. Whether we call it #GivingTuesday, The Holiday Appeal or End of Year Donation, it's the same thing: helping others who need our help to help themselves.

Click HERE to make a donation. There is no gift too small. Thank you for your consideration at this busy time of year.
There's a lot happening in December given the holidays. Click HERE to get dates, times, and descriptions of our special events. We are a vibrant, compassionate and welcoming community: please join us this season.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Christmas Pageant , Sanctuary at 4:00 PM
Candle Light Service , Sanctuary at 9:00 PM
MUSICAL NOTES
Sight-singing classes with Rev. Ed for those interested in improving their skills in reading music. January 4, 18, 25 and February 8 and 15. - 9:30-11:00 AM.

Singing instruction with Marcella Calabi . - January 4, 11, 18, 25 and February 1, 8, 15 11:15-1:15. $35 per individual session; $150 for all 6. (Some special scholarships are available; please see Ed Thompson.) Come when you wish. All goals and levels are ok. You may choose to sing or not. No two classes are the same. You will learn not only by singing in class but also by watching others. 

For more info please contact Marcella at mc@marcellacalabi.com 

Start warming up! Our Cabaret evening is coming! February 15.

Contact Ed Ed@uuwestport.org , 203-227-7205 ext.18 for questions, sign-ups, and details.
The Music Committee invites you to purchase CDs or mp3 versions of Tune My Heart to Sing and Love is the Spirit: a great way to spread happiness at this time of year.

$10 each. All proceeds from these sales will go towards the production of a volume of 'sacred' jazz music. See you Sunday, or click HERE to purchase yours now!
NEW EVENING SESSIONS FOR 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 evening 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
HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

- You Donated!
- You Volunteered!
- You Shopped!

Once again this annual event was lots of fun and we made more than $8,000 for the Church Operating Fund.
THANK YOU to ALL!
OOPS ~
Did you buy two pairs of earrings and forget to take them home?
Did you buy the Richard Solo Atomic watch but forgot to take the instructions?
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 November and December. 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.

Wednesdays 7-8:15 PM. Meeting House The Power of Now jimfrancek25@gmail.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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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! 
CLICK HERE for 3 week calendar pdf
December 21-January 10
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.
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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.