March 2-6, 2020 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 - Phone: 203.227.7205
CLICK HERE for 2 week calendar PDF. CLICK HERE for past issues of SOUNDINGS.
Annual Operating Budget Campaign Kick-Off

It is time again for the Annual Operating Budget Campaign! This year’s theme is “Building an Abundant Community,” to highlight how we as a congregation need to foster conversations and change attitudes from Scarcity to Abundance by thinking and behaving with optimism and generosity. 

This campaign is separate from the Capital Campaign, and focuses on funding salaries, programs such as OWL, infrastructure such as heating and lighting, and so on. Our community is strong in heart, mind, and soul, and together if we stretch a little for our pledge, we can keep our Church thriving. As you sing in the choir, participate in a social justice committee, or simply listen to Rev. John at a Sunday service, be sure to share your story – in SOUNDINGS, on the bulletin board, and in Church. That is what Building an Abundant Community is about – filling it with your stories of love for our Church.
SIGN UP FOR A HOUSE PARTY!

We are grateful to our friends who have agreed to host dinners at their houses and hope you will take advantage of their hospitality and Rev. John's time. Please click below for locations, dates, and times, and let us know what works for you. To do so, simply email  Elena Rockman-Blake to tell us your choice. You will then get an email from your host with directions.

Please sign up by  Tuesday March 3 ; we want to be sure everyone has a seat at the table this March. Questions? Contact Elena Rockman-Blake .
The Leadership Development Team is excited to announce that MARY-JANE CROSS is the March Leading Light Award recipient!

Please join us in congratulating her. Mary-Jane’s contributions to the TUCW community are too numerous to list, but among the most significant gifts of her time and talent is her membership on the Board of Trustees, most recently serving as its secretary. Mary-Jane has also served on the Capital Campaign Team and the Year Round Stewardship Committee where her commitment and attention to detail made her a true asset to both groups. Mary-Jane is also an integral part of the Finance Committee, TUCW Women, and the Legacy Society and also serves as an Usher.

For all of her involvement in and contributions to TUCW, Mary-Jane is truly a Leading Light.
The Shawl Ministry Tuesday March 3, 7:30-9 PM
Lower Level Foyer
Everyone who loves to knit and crochet is welcome at this contemplative time of community, handiwork and friendship. Only a basic skill level of knitting or crocheting is required. RSVP Jan Braunle at jcbraunle@gmail.com
VOICES CAFE: The Black Feathers return
Saturday March 7 at 8:00 PM
Ray Hughes and Sian Chandler are The Black Feathers, a husband and wife roots music duo based in Gloucestershire, UK who play a blend of Americana, folk, and indie rock all comfortably co-existing on a foundation of English folk influences and some Irish heritage.

Purchase $25 tickets HERE or $30 at the door. Doors open at 7:30.
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Fairfield County
Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00 PM in the East Wing
Join us for a discussion of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s book, “How to Be an Antiracist” chapters 1-9. Dr. Kendi argues that there are not “not racist” ideas, policies or people, only racist and antiracist ones. Please click here to let us know that you’re coming

Please CLICK HERE to let us know that you will coming.
CLICK HERE for flyer.
Save the Dates! March 13-15
Join the UU Players for an Evening of FOUR ONE-ACT COMEDIES
Crazy Eights , written by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire. Directed by Tom Croarkin and starring Meg Jones, Jim Cooper, Bob Welsh, and Luke Garvey
Baby Food , also written by Lindsay-Abaire. Directed by Sarah Bell and starring David Smith, Maria Mendoza-Smith, Bob Perry, and Candace Clinger.
Sure Thing  written by David Ives. Directed by Jim Luongo and starring Sarah Bell and Tom Croarkin.
Miss You , written by David Auburn. Directed by Jim Luongo and starring Julyen Norman, Stapley Emberling, Carrie McEvoy, and Charles Klein.
 
Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14 at 8:00 PM, Sunday, March 15 at 3:00 PM

Suggested Donation: $20.
Tickets available at the door or online at  https://uuwestport.org/uuplayers/.
The Small Group Ministry has 100 members in 11 groups that meet once a month to discuss a topic. Groups meet on different days and at different locations. Join a group near you! The topic for March is “ Wisdom.” “The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.” For information, see a representative in the foyer or contact Steven Rosenberg: Rosen323@aol.com.
UU Orientation, Sunday, March 15 from 12:30-2:00 PM
in the Chapel (downstairs).
Join Rev. John and Director of Membership David Vita in a small group setting for an opportunity to share, learn, discuss, question, and connect. Here we will share our stories, learn about Unitarian Universalist (UU) history and current practice, and the principles that bind us together. There will be ample time to ask questions.

Meet other folks new to this congregation. Please let me know that you’re coming so that we can plan accordingly. David Vita:  david@uuwestport.org  
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE - FEBRUARY 2020
Since January we have been planning the first stages of construction. Our construction manager Turner Construction and our architect Goody Clancy are reviewing the ideas presented below, and planning how they will work together to start construction in late June or July of this summer.

Based on the information provided last year by Goody Clancy, our plan starts with replacing the skylight... READ MORE .
Last month our board agreed to co-sponsor the Ordination of Margalie Belizaire in partnership with her home congregation, the Unitarian Society of Hartford. This will be a great celebration of her years of hard work, and you, the congregation of TUCW are all invited to this event on May 30th at 3:00 PM in West Hartford.

TUCW’s third Ministerial Intern, Margalie Belizaire has greatly enriched our congregation through her sermons and her introduction of innovative forms of worship... READ MORE
CREATING THEOLOGY TOGETHER
Saturday, March 7 - West Wing at 9:00AM-1:00PM. conta ct Rev Shelly
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.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays,  7:00-8:30 PM Meeting House.  Sacred Circle with Grandmother Nancy Andry   tucwomen@gmail.com  (next meeting will be in March )

Wednesdays 7-8:15 PM. Meeting House The Power of Now jimfrancek25@gmail.com
Saturdays March 7, April 4 9AM-1PM East Wing Creating Theology Together revshelly@uuwestport.org

Sundays March 15, 22, April 5. 12:30-2 PM. East Wing Long Strange Trip revshelly@uuwestport.org

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. See short discussion, above.
March: Wisdom A funny and insightful Ted Talk 12 Truths I Learned from Life | Anne Lamott WATCH ON YOU TUBE
All women welcome at all events; visit our website for complete info.
Sacred Circle with Grandmother Nancy Andry
Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 PM Meeting House
A storyteller leads a Native American talking circle. Learn more HERE.
Awakening Mentorship: Giving and Receiving
Wednesday, March 18, 7-8:30 PM, East Wing
Cheryl Dixon will lead a workshop on how a teacher, mentor or friend has made a difference in our lives, and how we can mentor others in return. 

UPCOMING EVENTS TO NOTE
Neighboring Faiths Program: Christianity, Buddhism, Quakerism.
Christianity starts Friday March 20 7PM. Details next week.
Aging and Saging organizing session, Saturday March 21, noon-2PM in Meeting House
Youth Sunday March 22; Choral Concert Sunday March 29
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.
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 .
STAY CONNECTED! Find us on digital and social media : website: uuwestport.org , Facebook public page ( Unitarian Church in Westpor t ) and private, members-only group ( uuwestport ), and Instagram ( uuwestportct )
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.