December 6-10, 2021 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 - Phone: 203.227.7205
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HOLIDAY CONCERT/SERVICE - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021 |
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The Women's/Men's Choir have been busy preparing pieces for our annual holiday service/concert. This year, in addition to the choir, there will be three soloists: Jenna McPartland, Mike Costantino, and Chris Beaurline.
Consisting of both new pieces and some old favorites, this year's event is themed "We All Came Down." We celebrate Chanukah, the Solstice, Christmas, Advent, Season of Light and more with music of Mayo, Thompson, Gray, Miaroma, Betinis, Niles, Mathes and Bareilles. Since there is no way to encapsulate the feeling of the event in words, I invite you to come and hear it first-hand. If you find yourself in a place that is less than Christmas-like, here is an opportunity to change that. Joy is knocking at your door; will you come to open?
- from Rev. Ed Thompson, our Minister of Music
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SEASON OF HOPE: LIGHTS IN THE DARKNESS
Directly after Sunday Services Dec. 5, 12, and 19. Click HERE for more information. |
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PODCAST DISCUSSION WITH REV. JOHN -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 7:00-8:00 PM ON ZOOM
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Our December TUCW podcast discussion is on Monday, December 6, 7:00-8:00 PM. Rev. John leads the discussion of “This Tiny Slice of Eternity” from On Being with Krista Tippett.
Listen to her interview with physicist/mathematician Brian Greene beforehand, and come ready to participate in a lively, in-depth discussion!
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UU WRITERS: THURSDAY DEC 16, 1:00 PM or 7:00 PM ON ZOOM |
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UUWriters, an online small group that explores monthly themes through creative writing, will meet Thursday, December 16 on ZOOM. ALL ARE WELCOME. You can come to the afternoon zoom (1:00 PM) or evening (7:00 PM). Each participant will receive a packet ahead of time containing a choice of writing exercises to choose from as well as poems, songs, and prose for inspiration. We respond to each other's writing using Soul Matters deep listening techniques to create an environment of self-discovery. Contact Sari Bodi at saribodi@gmail.com for further information and a ZOOM link.
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VOLUNTEERS SETTING UP APARTMENTS FOR ARRIVING AFGHAN REFUGEES |
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TUCW Immigration and Refugee Outreach Committee is supporting the efforts of the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants ( CIRI) to resettle Afghan refugees in Bridgeport and New Haven. TUCW along with four other Fairfield County churches work together to provide household items and volunteers to set-up the apartments for the arriving refugees.
In the week before Thanksgiving, we set-up 3 apartments and one house for a total of 13 refugees (Click HERE to see photos).
The resettlement efforts will increase during the next few months. If you are interested in volunteering to help, and are not already an “ A” Team volunteer, please contact Stephen Polmar or Julyen Norman. |
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RACIAL JUSTICE RESOURCES GUIDE #4 |
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- join a group of advocates and educators exploring issues around race and inequity, educational funding, and opportunity gaps facing kids and families in our communities;
- join a panel of experts discussing the ways that “Connecticut’s urban poor are circumscribed by city lines dawn hundreds of years ago, that confer extraordinary privilege on the state’s more affluent residents” and what it will take to create meaningful change;
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listen to director Rebecca Hall and cast members of the film “Passing” discuss how and why the influential novel was adapted for the screen;
- and just in time for holiday shopping, support a black owned business in Bridgeport that offers an array of lovingly hand-crafted luxury soaps, lotions, and other bath treats.
Click HERE for Racial Justice Resources #4
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SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE:
RESIDENTIAL SEGREGATION & OUR 8th PRINCIPLE
Sunday, Jan. 16 - directly after the service: in person & ZOOM
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Shock. Shame. Guilt. Anger. These were some of the feelings expressed by our congregation after viewing the video Segregated by Design during our November 7 program. Many asked how we as Unitarian Universalists, who believe in the inherent worth and dignity of all people, can take action to both initiate and support policies for equitable housing in our communities.
Continuing our series on January 16, you will hear from two speakers active in broad-based zoning reform across Connecticut. Save this date for an opportunity to dialogue with these two activists, and learn how to join the momentum for meaningful change. You can revisit segregatedbydesign.com for history on how housing for people of color became so deliberately restrictive.
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•ONGOING PROGRAMMING EACH WEEK•
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Mondays: 6-7:30 PM via ZOOM Buddhist Practice Group Nina Nagy Let Nina know you are attending.Teachings offered on a donation basis.
Tuesdays: 7:30-8:15 AM. MOVING! (Virtual) low impact aerobics. Beth Cliff
11AM-12 noon Interfaith Theology RSVP HERE
Fridays: Every other Fri (next, Dec 17), 12:30-2PM. Shawl Ministry Jan Braunle
Saturdays: 12:00 noon- 4 PM John Street Bag Lunch Drop Off David Vita
Sundays: 9 AM Meditation (Virtual and Oak Room) Janet Luongo. 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM Season of Hope for Dec. 5, 12, 19 Tom Hearne
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Our complete calendar is always on our website. Click HERE for quick access
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Sacred Circles with Grandmother Nancy: Tuesday, December 7, 7:00-8:30 PM. (1st and 3rd Tuesdays) Talking circle, thought-provoking conversations. ZOOM HERE. Contact Pat Francek
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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.
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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
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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.
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