March 30 - April 3, 2020 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 - Phone: 203.227.7205
CLICK HERE for past issues of SOUNDINGS.
REMINDER: WORSHIP SERVICE THIS MORNING ONLINE
We will hold one service today, March 29, at 11:00 AM.

Private, members and friends only: virtual session via ZOOM . Brush up on how to access and use ZOOM HERE.

Meeting details: https://zoom.us/j/xxxxxxxxx
Meeting ID xxx xxx xxx
One tap mobile: +xxxxxxxxxxx,,xxxxxxxxxx# US (New York) Landline: x xxx xxx xxxx US (New York)

The service will also be airing to the public on our Facebook public page if you are more comfortable with that platform. Join us 11:00 AM.

Not a social media type? Don't worry, we'll also have it posted later on our website under " Sermons - Video . "

Click HERE for the Order of Service. And if you want to make your virtual offering now instead of while watching the service, click vop.tucw.org .
VIRTUAL MEETINGS ONLY:
BUILDINGS CLOSED
CONTINUE TO USE

For the safety of our community and per government requirements, all in-person gatherings at TUCW are canceled or postponed until further notice. The buildings (sanctuary and meeting house) are closed except for essential staff. Please do not try to enter! Virtual meetings can be held using the ZOOM platform or others such as FaceTime and iMessage.

Contact Diane at the church office to reserve a ZOOM room and to include on the church calendar. The calendar should reflect all our church gatherings, even if they are virtual.
Closing Time for Our Annual Operating Budget Campaign…Is Being Extended
Normally around this point in time, we would be talking about how we are winding down our annual campaign and asking those that have not pledged yet to make their commitment ASAP. This is so that we would have time to accurately estimate the budget for the upcoming fiscal year and start making decisions on salaries, programs, etc.

But the current global pandemic has changed all of that, as many of us sit at home re-prioritizing our lives and trying to make sense of our investments, our jobs, our health, our children’s distance learning, toilet paper, and our loved ones. We now have more time – perhaps a few weeks – to get our pledges in, as everything at our church has been affected too.

And while we wait for normalcy to return, our staff and leaders will help guide our virtual connections so we don’t lose sight of the many congregational relationships that we have built over many years, and don’t forget the value of what our faith community brings to us when we're together in person.

Pledge your intentions today and then make your payment before June 30, 2021. We need your pledge now so we can put together a budget for our next year. Click HERE to pledge. Questions? Contact stewardship@uuwestport.or g

And for a quick inspiring video from Kristine Oulman and Peter LaMastro , click HERE .
NEW: VIRTUAL EVENSONG SERVICES
Tuesday Evenings, 7-7:20 PM
On Tuesdays 7-7:20 during this difficult time, Rev. Ed Thompson and our Worship Associates will offer a contemplative Evensong service. A time of meditation, music, and togetherness.

Join the us ZOOM between 6:55-7PM. Service starts at 7PM.

Brush up on how to access ZOOM HERE. ZOOM meeting: https://zoom.us/x/xxxxxxxxx Meeting ID: xxx xxx xxx. One tap mobile: + xxxxxxxxxxx , ,xxxxxxxxxx# US (New York) Landline: +x xxx xxx xxxx US (New York)
Virtual Talking Circle on ZOOM Thursdays at 4:00 PM
On Thursdays Rev.Jim Francek is offering a  virtual  talking circle as a means of support during this time of uncertainty. Open to all.

There is no preparation. One only needs to show up ready to step into a sacred space that allows each person to be heard in a respectful manner.

Email Beth Cliff by Thursday noon and she will send you ZOOM details. If you participated last week, no need to get new numbers.
MESSAGE FROM THE SAFER CONGREGATIONS COMMITTEE
The SCC is working with Revs. John, Shelly and the TUCW staff to ensure we follow best practices as we move through the coronavirus crisis. As we weather this storm together, we will be taking lessons from our current experiences and developing them into new policies, protocols and procedures. We will monitor best practices as they evolve and address everything from the minutiae of disinfecting procedures to implementing more stringent food safety protocols. 
 
We recognize that emotional health is as important as the physical, and so remind you our Pastoral Care Chaplains are always available to you. To leave a confidential message in the PCA voice mailbox, call 203-227-7205 ext. 19 or email pca@uuwestport.org .

Sending our wishes for the continued health and safety of all of our congregation.
Wendy Levy, Luke Garvey, Jay Lubin and Deb Garskof
Soulful Home  

Now is the time to try Soulful Home. It's a packet of resources, questions, games, activities and ideas for talking with your kids as a family all about your faith. Our April theme is Liberation. Click below to see the full packet.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
These programs are postponed, or are being held on a virtual platform.
Please email the leaders for the most up-to-date information.

ONGOING PROGRAMMING FOR ADULTS
These opportunities for learning and connection are ongoing and currently offered.
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; they depend on host availability, group size.
Spiritual Practices: Rev. Shelly's Pick of the Week

Gratefulness
A Network for Grateful Living
[Led by BROTHER DAVID STEINDL-RAST] 
"Welcome to your online sanctuary. Experience, deepen, and share the power of living gratefully. Open to the great-fullness and opportunity of this moment. Bring gratitude to life…"

Light a Virtual Candle and Include "TUCW" in the dedication to add candles to our congregation's candle group. https://gratefulness.org/light-a-candle/

Send an E-Card, explore the many resources and learn about the Practice of Gratefulness as spiritual nourishment. https://gratefulness.org/practice/practice-space/  
Membership Meeting - Sunday, April 5, 2020 - CANCELED

As per the letter from our Board of Trustees, this meeting has been canceled. Visit our website and read it HERE if you missed last week's email blast.
All women welcome at all events; visit our website for complete info.

All TUCWomen events at the church are cancelled until further notice.
Our complete calendar is always on our website. Click HERE for quick access.
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.
TUCW CAREGIVING SUPPORT NETWORK
Our support network is always available to provide tangible help for friends in need: meal delivery, pharmacy runs, grocery shopping, a regular phone call of connection. Contact a minister or coordinators Kristen Leddy , Mary Jane Cross or Beth Cliff if you can benefit from some help, especially at this difficult time for us all.
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 .
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.