SOUNDINGS The Unitarian Church in Westport summer banner
JUNE 25-JULY 8, 2022 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 - Phone: 203.227.7205
visit us at uuwestport.org
The next edition of SOUNDINGS will go out July 9 and cover
July 9-July 22, 2022.
CLICK HERE for 4 week calendar PDF. CLICK HERE for past issues of SOUNDINGS.
Every Saturday: Brown bag lunch donations to support John Street Outreach. Drop off Saturdays noon- 4:00 PM. Sign up HERE; contact David Vita to learn more.
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2022
UUA GENERAL ASSEMBLY SERVICE: 12:30 PM EDT BROADCAST LIVE
"THE DEAL ON THOSE DAYS"
This Sunday we will be joining UUs across the country in worshipping together as part of the UUA's General Assembly service at 12:30 PM EDT. Click HERE for complete information including the Order of Service, and for the broadcast link.

"The last few years have not been easy, including in our local congregations. ....[n]ow’s the time ... to double down on our commitment to the local church - this unique community that saves us and also breaks our hearts - often much more of the latter than we’d like to admit. ... Join us for a morning of celebration, witness, and future-visioning for the already and not yet power of the local Unitarian Universalist church."

Offering to our congregation in Westport can be made on VENMO ("The Unitarian Church in Westport"), on vop.tucw.org, or feel free to mail in cash or check.
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022 10 AM in person only
“Changing Lives With or Without a Uniform” – Charlie Grady
Charlie Grady
retired police detective who started Hang Time to help the formerly incarcerated stay out of prison
Charlie Grady is a highly decorated retired police detective, US Attorney Office Investigator, and now Public Affairs Specialist for the Connecticut FBI. In 2014 he founded 3 separate non-profit organizations that are designed to help formerly incarcerated individuals reset their lives and the lives of their families.

Please join us in person for this uplifting service. Offering can be made in person as we pass the plate, via vop.tucw.org., or feel free to mail in cash or check. The Order of Service will be available on Sunday, distributed by the ushers as part of the worship service, and also on the homepage of our website.
SUMMER 2022 SERVICES: JOIN US IN PERSON JULY AND AUGUST
The Worship Associates have done a fabulous job planning out a terrific summer for us. Click HERE for the upcoming Summer Services schedule. Note all of these services will be in person only; they can be watched later on our website. The Orders of Service will be distributed by the ushers as part of the worship service, and will also be on the homepage of our website when they become available.
CHILDREN'S FAITH FORMATION
UU chalice
Children ages K-4 this SUMMER in the West Wing! 10:00 AM-11:00 AM every Sunday except July 3 and September 4. Come have fun learning about our UU Principles, follow our adopted Sea Turtles and explore Mindfulness!

Bring your friends to church and if they have children, this is a great way to learn about Unitarian Universalism and the world.

Stay tuned for any changes via the church calendar posted on the website. Reach out to Dr. Heather Hamilton for info.

Children of all other ages - younger than K (with their caregivers) and older than 4th grades - are always welcome to join the adults in the sanctuary and be part of our worship service.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
The Adult Faith Formation (AFF) team was formed in the summer of 2021 to complete the lifespan of faith formation offerings to include programs for adults. Our AFF team offered a total of 13 programs this past year!! That far exceeded our expectations. Our aim was to provide a variety of learning experiences in terms of topics and format. Our intention was to engage the body, the mind, and the heart. We succeeded on both counts and are looking forward to continuing with a rich diversity of offerings next year, in service to our community. Team Lead: Linda Lubin
SOUL MATTERS
Starting Point compass logo
Our Soul Matters programming for adults includes Starting Point, monthly Sharing Circles, UUWriters, Creativity Matters, and Taste of Soul. All have been warmly received and we look forward to continuing next year. Each provides a format for listening to one’s deepest self, opening to life’s gifts and serving needs greater than our own. Watch SOUNDINGS for details later in the summer, or contact Linda Lubin, Soul Matters Coordinator
TOP TEN REASONS FOR OUR TAG SALE ON SAT AUGUST 6!
1. It’s a great community-builder with opportunities for
all ages and abilities to participate
2. A chance to simplify and declutter
3. We’re reducing, re-using, and recycling (the leftovers)
4. It requires no cooking (not that we don’t love a potluck!)
5. The money comes from outside the congregation – yay!
6. It’s a good PR event – hundreds of people attend
7. It meets the needs of families on more limited incomes
8. It’s a weight loss event for workers – August is HOT.
9. We unearth the coolest stuff!
10. We raise lots of $$$ for our congregation!

Click HERE for details on jobs, timeline. Questions? Contact Linda Hudson
Social Justice Banner
YOGA EVENT FOR OUR WOVEN COMMUNITY - SUNDAY, JUNE 26 at 5:00
YOGA FOR OUR WOVEN COMMUNITY
All proceeds from the event support local refugee women through The Burroughs Community Center Program, Our Woven Community. Sign up at www.yoga4everybody.net

The artists of Our Woven Community, local resettled refugee women, learn to use sewing machines to create beautiful handbags, scarves and other items using local donated materials combined with fabrics from African countries to symbolize the weaving of cultures.

The program provides the opportunity for these women to become self-sufficient leaders empowered with entrepreneurial skills and economic opportunity.
MERCY LEARNING CENTER
Mercy Learning Center
The 2021-2022 academic year was challenging, but Mercy Learning Center students were resilient and continued to reach their goals. The Unitarian Church has been a long-time supporter of MLC helping it to fulfill its mission of education and empowerment. This year our Share the Plate has provided food for its food bank, diapers and, just two weeks ago, infant formula. Whenever MLC has had a need, TUCW has been ready to help.

  • 504 women participated in programs at MLC
  • 23 women earned high school diplomas
  • 28 women became U.S. citizens
  • 59 MLC graduates attended college
  • 13 MLC graduates earned college degrees or certificates
  • 11 kindergarten ready preschoolers graduated
  • 76 children were served in the Early Childhood Education Program
RACIAL JUSTICE COUNCIL MEETING - SATURDAY, JULY 9 - 11:00 AM
NO RACISM
Please join us on ZOOM for our final meeting until September as we look back at was has been accomplished this church year and begin to look forward and plan for the upcoming year.

Contact David Vita - david@uuwestport.org for ZOOM link.
silhouette of meditation at orange sunset
UU Meditation & Mindfulness, 9:00 AM Sundays.
For place & details contact Janet Luongo.
Flowers: Should you wish to donate flowers for a Sunday service, please reach out to Ruth Fontilla, our administrator, or fill out the form in the notebook on the table in the foyer.
ONGOING PROGRAMMING
Mondays: 6-7:30 PM via ZOOM Buddhist Practice Group Nina Nagy Let Nina know you are attending.Teachings offered on a donation basis. 

Wednesdays: 7-8:15 PM The Power of Now Bob Bevacqua

Thursdays: 4 PM Talking Circles. ZOOM HEREJim Francek. 7:30 PM Color of Compromise Book Discussion David Vita

Fridays: First Fridays 12-1PM Awakenings ZOOM Kathy Roberts. Last Fridays 7:30 PM 
UU Movie Group. ZOOM Dorothy Rich

Saturdays: 12:00 noon- 4 PM John Street Bag Lunch Drop Off David Vita

Sundays: 9 AM UU Meditation & Mindfulness for place & details Janet Luongo

The Hiking Group Sundays in July and August at Sherwood Island 8am Jamie Forbes Gian Morresi
Our complete calendar is always on our website. Click HERE for quick access
TUCWomen A place for sisterhood intimacy and deeper connections
All women welcome at all events; visit our website for complete info. 
Questions? Contact TUCWomen@gmail.com
  • Yay! We're kick-starting our in-person Potlucks. Meet new friends and connect with old ones. Come to the TUCWomen Summer Potluck, Friday, July 15th at 6:30. Eileen Belmont will be hosting in Westport, CT. RSVP to Eileen for directions.

  • To follow: Potluck Beach Party at Sherwood Island, Friday, August 19.

  • And then, Friday, September 16th at Sudha Sankar's house. For further information, contact tucwomen@gmail.com

  • The Women’s Circle with Grandmother Nancy: Tuesday, July 19, 7-8:30 PM. Learn about Indigenous knowledge and rituals. ZOOM HERE Contact Pat Francek
PAST SERMONS/SERVICES
Our sermons are archived on the website HERE.


Nature and Hope – Annual Summer Solstice Service/Concert
Rev. Dr. Ed Thompson & Friends

June, 19, 2022

SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES
Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC)- 24Hr 888–774–2900
Alcoholics Anonymous: 866-783-7712 https://ct-aa.org/meetings
Al-Anon (family members of alcoholics) https://www.ctalanon.org/meetings
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
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.
CARING NETWORK
Our support network is 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 Dorothy Rich,or Diane Cano,
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
Find us on digital and social media: website: uuwestport.org, Facebook public page (Unitarian Church in Westport) private 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.