JANUARY 16-20, 2023 - 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.

THANK YOU! to all who contributed to the Holiday Appeal. We raised a fantastic $15,000 to support our beloved community’s many activities in the coming year! The Holiday Appeal is in addition to our regular pledge income, and this 'extra' generosity is much appreciated.

We had some very interesting writing in our UU Writers meetings in December. Our next topic is FINDING OUR CENTER. We will be meeting this Thursday, January 19 at 1:00 PM or 7:00 PM.

If you haven't attended before (and we welcome newbies), what we do is pick an option and then write about it. You can take as little time as 15 minutes to write or as much as you want. We don't critique the work. We will discuss how we connected to it. Contact Sari for the writing packet and a ZOOM link.

"Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part:" it is our 7th Unitarian Universalist principle on which our committee bases its work. No doubt you are aware of the disruption climate change and other human practices are having on biodiversity everywhere, including our sanctuary landscape. Our assessment of our plant life has informed our immediate and long-term priorities. For now, we have targeted several hazardous trees and invasive species for removal. Invasives are non-native plants that cause environmental and economic harm, or harm to human health. Invasives alter the interaction of native plants, animals, soil and water within their ecosystems. They spread rapidly and their reproductive rate makes them hard to control. Read more HERE for info about Connecticut's invasive thugs and recommendations.

Buffalo Rose, the wildly charismatic six-piece band from Pittsburgh will bring an unforgettable evening to Voices Cafe! Folk music legend Tom Paxton says "How can a band be loose and tight at the same time? Listen to Buffalo Rose for the answer. I flat love them.”

Join us in-person or livestream. Tickets & Info: Voices Cafe

The rockin’ Folk/Indie/Americana music of Buffalo Rose will warm up your January evening, and your hearts!! Groups of 4 or more can reserve a table, & it's BYO, with snacks for purchase from our sweet-treats table! Proceeds dedicated to The Center for Food Equity and Economic Development (FEED), fighting hunger in our community. Enjoy Buffalo Rose’s version of Borderline!

Questions? Contact Ravi Sankar or Jamie Forbes.

After a 2 year break, Cabaret is back! Here's a chance to share our talents in singing, dancing, reciting and acting in front of a great live audience: the rest of us!

This year it will happen on Saturday, February 11 at 8:00 PM. We'll set up round tables in the sanctuary; it's BYO - bring snacks and beverages. Beth Palmer is available as our accompanist. These are not performances that are likely to be Broadway-bound, (!) rather, they are often acts that give us an outlet to express ourselves, stretch our wings, and have some fun. It’s always been a wonderful time for everyone. To participate or if you have questions, please email or call Rev. Ed Thompson (203-227-7205 X18 ). 

The Grief Support Group offered within our TUCW community is a support that helps us better understand our own grief and navigate the tumultuous waves of emotion and challenge that follow the death of a loved one. Trained facilitators Pat Francek, LCSW and Chuck Harrington, PhD will be offering the next Grief Support Group beginning Monday, February 13 and running for 5 consecutive Monday evenings from 5:30-6:45 in Rev. John Morehouse’ office at TUCW.

If you have experienced the death of a loved one, be it recent or in the past, and would like to register or get more information about The Grief Support Group, please contact Pat Francek, LCSW, or Chuck Harrington, PhD.,. Registration is needed and will close by February 8.

Questions? Contact Beth Cliff. Want to help? Contact her with that good news, too!

BOARD MEETS THIS TUES JAN 17 AT 7:00 PM IN THE MEETING HOUSE

The Board will be meeting this Tuesday at 7:00 PM in the Meeting House. The Agenda for January is HERE.

All the ends for this year can be found on our website, HERE, including our priority end: “We become a financially sustainable, engaged, growing Congregation comprised of all generations.”

Board meetings are open except for executive session; please contact our Secretary, Stapley Emberling, if you would like to attend.

•ONGOING PROGRAMMING•

Tuesdays. 11AM-noon. Interfaith Theology. Twice monthly. Check schedule HERE. Nancy McKeever

Wednesdays: 6-7:30 PM via ZOOM Buddhist Practice Group Nina Nagy Let Nina know you are attending.Teachings offered on a donation basis.  7-8:15 PM A New Earth Bob Bevacqua

Thursdays: 4 PM Talking Circles. ZOOM HERE. Jim Francek.

Fridays: Last Friday of each month: 7:30 PM UU Movie Group. Zoom. Dorothy Rich

Saturdays and Sundays: Sat 12:00 noon- 4 PM; Sun 9:30- 9:50 AM John Street Bag Lunch Drop Off David Vita.

Sundays: 9 AM UU Meditation & Mindfulness (virtual and in person) Janet Luongo

The Hiking Group First Saturdays and third Mondays. Jamie Forbes Gian Morresi

Our complete calendar is always on our website. Click HERE for quick access

Find us on digital and social media: website: uuwestport.org, Facebook public page (Unitarian Church in Westport), private group (uuwestport), Instagram (uuwestportct), Twitter (uuwestportct) and Linked In (uuwestportct)

All women welcome at all events; visit our website for complete info.

Questions? Contact TUCWomen@gmail.com

 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.