JANUARY 9-13, 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.
Faith Formation
NEIGHBORING FAITHS IS BACK. FIRST UP: QUAKERISM
After almost three years, we are venturing out again to visit other places of worship, engage in dialogue with faith leaders, and expand our experience of other religious traditions and rituals. All are welcome to join us as we get to know our neighboring faiths. 

We will start out the season with a look at Quakerism, led by Gordon Cliff. The study will include a visit to the Friends Meeting House in Wilton. Details below:

  • Friday, January 27 - 7:00 PM Intro to Quakerism, Library or East Wing
  • Sunday, January 29 - 9:55 AM visit to Friends Meeting House, Wilton
  • Sunday, February 5 - 11:15 AM Debrief on Quakerism, Library or East Wing.

Questions? Contact Ravi Sankar or Jamie Forbes.
BEING MORTAL: MEETING HOUSE, SATURDAY JANUARY 28 9-NOON
Please start reading and join us at the end of the month! We have reserved the Meeting House on Saturday morning, January 28 to discuss Atul Gawande's powerful best seller, Being Mortal: Medicine, and What Matters in the End. This book examines end of life decisions we make for ourselves and our loved ones, and how they play out for all of us. We'll share our own personal stories and lessons learned. Questions? Contact Beth Cliff or Sudha Sankar.
COME TO THE CABARET!
After a 2 year break, Cabaret is returning! Here's a chance to share our talents in singing, dancing, reciting and acting in front of a great live audience: other members of our wonderful community!

This year it will happen on Saturday, February 11th, at 8:00 PM. We'll set up round tables in the sanctuary; it's a BYO gathering, so 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 usually 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 ). 
CALLING OUT TO ALL OUR TALENTED FINE ARTISTS
artistic eye
We are in the early stages of putting together a Fine Art Show featuring the talents of our gifted artists that are part of our UU congregation. Those of you painters, sculptors, photographers, crafters of skill and beauty - be thinking what you might like to showcase for us all to enjoy as we celebrate your gifts. Want to help? Please contact Janet Luongo or Beth Cliff. We're hoping for a spring show and it'll be lovely!
WED JAN 11 IN HARTFORD: EXPAND HEALTH CARE FOR IMMIGRANTS
TUCW is part of the Husky 4 Immigrants Coalition working to pass legislation in Connecticut to achieve health care for all CT residents independent of their immigration status. Due to legislation passed in 2021 and 2022, undocumented children up to age 12 have coverage. That’s not enough.
 
The 2023 campaign to expand coverage begins on Wednesday, January 11 with a 10:00 press conference and lobbying at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Hear from healthcare advocates, immigrant rights groups, community members, and legislators renewing the call to expand HUSKY Health Coverage to all immigrants regardless of immigration status.
 
Will you join me in Hartford? We can carpool. Interested in getting involved with the campaign? Please contact David Vita, david@uuwestport.org or call me at 203.227.7205. 
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP MONDAYS - STARTING FEB. 13 - 5-6:15 PM
Grief Support Group
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.
HELP US UPDATE OUR MEMBERSHIP ROSTER: 
CHECK YOUR NAME FOR ACCURACY
phone directory
The Communications team is updating a simple membership directory so everyone will have ready access to names, addresses, and emails. This will be a straight-forward alphabetical listing, in paper and pdf forms.

Please stop by the foyer and check your name, address and email in the listing we currently have for you. Kindly change any info there, or put an OK in the space provided, to let us know that you have reviewed the information and it is accurate. Questions? Contact Beth Cliff. Want to help? Contact her with that good news, too!
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 HEREJim 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
  • The next Circle with Grandmother Nancy will NOT take place on January 17th. It is rescheduled for January 24th at 7:00 PM. For information, contact Pat at patfrancek@gmail.com

  • Join us at the next Potluck Dinner for delicious food and fun conversation. Friday, January 20th at 6:30 PM. Hosted by Linda Hudson in Westport. Bring a yummy dish to share. For the address and directions, please RSVP by Tuesday, January 17 to Eileen at eileenbelmont@gmail.com or 215-350-3015.
SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES
Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.
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
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.