February 7-11, 2022 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 - Phone: 203.227.7205
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RISING UP! SEND US A PHOTO AND
SAVE THE DATE, FRIDAY, MARCH 4 FOR POTLUCK AND MORE!
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It's that time again! To kick off our annual pledge drive, we are planning a fabulous celebration for Friday night, March 4, 6:00-9:00 PM. YES, we will be in person (live-streamed too), with FOOD (POTLUCK!!) and DRINK (SOMETHING BUBBLY!) and FUN and INSPIRATION.
Our theme this year: RISING UP! ...out of the situation we've been mired in ... to the opportunities we have before us ...coming together, getting to the top and making a difference as we go!
To get us in the mood, we are asking us all to send us a picture of you and your loved ones rising up - whatever that means to you! Please email photo with "RISING UP" in the subject line, to events@uuwestport.org by Wednesday, February 23 so you can be showcased in our festivities.
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ROGUES' GALLERY - FEBRUARY 11 and 12 - 7:30 PM
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The UU Players are back! Join them in the sanctuary, in person, and online, too for the Saturday performance which will be both an in-person AND online experience. Get ready to hear from your friends: Bob Perry, Tom Croarkin, Joanne Orenstein, Luke Garvey, Meg Jones, David Smith, Jim Cooper, Sarah Bell and Candace Clinger.
"Ten magnetic characters. Ten bizarre, explosive and darkly humorous stories. This collection of monologues from the imagination of Pulitzer Prize - winning John Patrick Shanley probes the allure of bad behavior and the absurdity of being human."
Tickets at the door $20/person, or for online tickets, click HERE. Sorry, no refreshments; no intermission. Questions? Contact Jim Luongo
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NEW! CREATING THEOLOGY TOGETHER WITH REV JOHN
LAUNCHES SUNDAY FEBRUARY 27, 11:15 AM
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Rev. John is pleased to be launching his Creating Theology Together program after worship services on designated Sundays through-out the year. With 14 sessions in all, this is an ongoing series that will focus on helping us develop a more common theology than our own individual beliefs. This course is in its final stage of development to be published by the Fahs Collaborative in Chicago, and is based on Rev. John's doctoral thesis. All are welcome; you are encouraged to come to as many sessions as possible. February 27 is the first. In person in East Wing or Rev. John's office. RSVP to Rev. John directly.
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PODCAST DISCUSSION MONDAY FEB 7, 7:00-8:00 PM - ZOOM |
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The topic of our first-Monday-of-the-month podcast discussion with Rev. John will be the On Being podcast episode Navigating Loss Without Closure. “Pauline Boss coined the term “ambiguous loss” and invented a new field within psychology to name the reality that every loss does not hold a promise of anything like resolution. Amid this pandemic, there are so many losses — from deaths that could not be mourned, to the very structure of our days, to a sudden crash of what felt like solid careers and plans and dreams.”
Listen to this podcast HERE and come ready to share your thoughts. ZOOM HERE. Questions? Contact Linda Lubin. |
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NEW! CREATIVITY MATTERS! BEGINS FEBRUARY 15, 7:00 PM
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All are invited to explore spiritual growth and express themselves through a range of creative exercises. No artistic skill is required. This reflective and interactive experience of self-expression is led by Janet Luongo - author, artist, and art teacher. The group will meet for 5 sessions, once a month at 7 PM on the third Tuesday, beginning February 15 through June 21. Each participant will receive a packet of prompts that includes inspiration (poems, songs, videos), journaling prompts, and several ways participants may respond to the month’s theme. Each chooses one or more project(s) ranging from writing, poetry, painting, collage, photography, video, music, song, and dance – or create whatever you dream up! Contact Janet for questions or to sign up: janetluongo.wellness@gmail.com
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SACRED TEXTS: SUNDAYS 9-9:45 AM BEFORE OUR SERVICE |
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Next week: February 13 Kim Warman will lead us in our Sacred Text discussion. Details including ZOOM link HERE. Refer to relevant WeekEND Soundings for text choices. |
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FEBRUARY IS TEEN DATING AWARENESS MONTH |
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Did you know...
- One in three teens in the US will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults.
- In Connecticut, 26% of students surveyed, reported that someone they were dating or going out with, purposely tried to control them or emotionally hurt them.
- Nearly half of college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.
- Studies show, a young person's first relationship experience sets the tone for their future relationships.
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The Domestic Violent Crisis Center of Connecticut is pleased to offer programs and activities for teens and the adults who support them. Register for a workshop, download our free Parent Resource Guide and share this information with a teen in your life.
Let's start the conversation! Click HERE for more info. |
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VOICES CAFE & WPKN RADIO PRESENT DEEPER THAN THE SKIN
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 20 7:30 PM in person and virtual
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Telling The Story of Race in America through Song. On Sunday, February 20, 7:30 PM, the acclaimed duo of Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway bring their signature performance, Deeper Than The Skin, back to Voices Café, in person and livestreamed.
Deeper Than The Skin is a deeply personal presentation in song and story of the issue of race in America. With beautifully performed songs and words, Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway share a compelling story of racial injustice faced down with creative resistance, friendship, music, and joy. This musical experience has been described as “a profoundly moving evening of deep sharing… riveting, poignant, joyful… with exquisite timing, careful phrasing, and the stellar musicianship and storytelling; as craft, the evening was remarkable.”
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WRITE POSTCARDS SO EVERY VOTE AND VOICE IS COUNTED |
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UUtheVote values democracy. We urge voting by writing postcards focused on voters of color in states that suppress or subvert the vote. True, each postcard is a "small drop in the bucket," as Rev. John preaches. Yet he urged us to jump in the bucket with other drops of water, and together we will let "justice roll down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream!" (Amos 5:24) Our team has sent 4000 postcards leading to 1,000 new voters according to ROV data.
It feels good to be part of the solution. You're invited to join us and our non-partisan partner, Reclaim Our Vote, of Center for Common Ground. Every single card counts! Join our team of dedicated defenders of democracy - contact Janet Luongo. Or call 203-722-3634.
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RACIAL JUSTICE RESOURCES GUIDE #5 |
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Watch a retrospective of photographer Zora J. Murff’s influential and award-winning body of work.
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Attend an educational workshop to learn about social justice theories, including Critical Race Theory, what it is and what it is not.
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Go on a virtual tour of the NYC Tenement Museum, highlighting the many ways African Americans shaped the development of the Lower East Side.
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See a virtual celebration of Black History Month, including a craft honoring influential African Americans, for kids and families.
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Support Project Flashlight, a new initiative of the ACLU CT, which shines a light on police agencies and strives to push local governments to redirect resources to public health and safety.
Please CLICK HERE for details. |
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GENTLY USED SEUSS BOOKS, GLOVES & MITTENS WELCOME |
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Calling for gently used Dr. Seuss books for the March 2 celebration of Dr. Seuss Day at Beardsley School. Please drop off any donations in the "Dr. Seuss" bin underneath the Beardsley Board in the foyer.
We are also requesting gloves and/or mittens for our Beardsley students, especially the little ones in K-3 classes. Any contributions are most welcome. And remember that our virtual Beardsley Board is always looking for donations, too! |
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RESIDENTIAL SEGREGATION RESOURCES |
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Our UU community’s interest in racial justice, climate change and advocacy is inspiring! Our January 16 speaker, Peter Harrison, tells us that one of Desegregate Connecticut’s primary goals for the upcoming legislative session is to advocate for “transit-oriented communities.” TOCs are more dense, mixed-use development projects near train stations that will provide more diverse, affordable housing options and reduce dependence on cars.
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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. Podcast Discussions with Rev. John first Mondays, 7-8 PM on ZOOM HERE. Linda Lubin
Tuesdays: 11AM-12 noon Interfaith Theology RSVP HERE
Fridays: Every other Fri (next, Feb 11), 12:30-2PM ZOOM Shawl Ministry Jan Braunle.
First Fridays 12-1PM Awakenings ZOOM Kathy Roberts. Last Fridays 7:30 PM
Saturdays: 12:00 noon- 4 PM John Street Bag Lunch Drop Off David Vita
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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 Feb 15, 7-8:30 PM. 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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