MAY 22-26, 2023 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 - Phone: 203.227.7205
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APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY - STILL TIME FOR YOU TO ENGAGE! |
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After two very successful Appreciative Inquiry summits our congregation has many exciting ideas on moving forward together. Now it is time for next steps: help us take our dreams and aspirations and make them come alive!
- Help us to continuously improve our communications so folks receive the right information at the right time and in the right ways.
- Let’s work together to create a decision-making process that is inclusive, transparent, and consensus building.
- Join us as we enhance our connections and heal past issues.
- Share your ideas and energy as we work on the goals and processes of our worship, spiritual development and social justice.
On Sunday, please visit the posters in the west wing and talk with the AI committee members to see what we dream our congregation can be and how you can engage!
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INTERFAITH MINISTRY: REV JOHN TUES, MAY 23 & 30, 11 AM on ZOOM |
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The last two classes of the Interfaith Theology Class for this year will be on Tuesdays, May 23 and 30 at 11 AM on ZOOM. Rev John Morehouse will be leading both classes:
May 23 “Metaphorical Theology“ We use met all the time. How might we describe that which some might call God?
May 30 “Intersectional Theology” We are at the crossroads of so many troubles in our world. Can there be a way to describe a way through this time?
Join the meeting on ZOOM HERE. Meeting ID 828 6719 0378 Passcode: 314594. Questions? ask Nancy McKeever.
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"PERSPECTIVES:" PILOTING A PROCESS TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS |
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The Board wants to make sure folks can share their views on important Board issues with fellow congregants if they wish. Currently there is no public forum to do this besides attending meetings - when they are called - and speaking out.
Accordingly, the Board is going to pilot a process to receive letters that can then be shared periodically with the congregation at large (should the writer so desire). To get started, the Board is asking folks to take the time to write or print out their thoughts; later the process could move online.
So: if there is something on your mind about a matter before the Board or about our priority ends, the Board invites you to write it a letter, sign it, seal it, and put it in the “Perspectives” bag on the Board's bulletin board just outside the library. If it's germane to the issues at hand, within covenant, and you want it to be shared publicly, the Board will do its best to share it with the congregation in a reasonable timeframe: a "Letters to the Editor" kind of thing.*
This is a trial run - let's see how it all goes!
*note: The Board has the right to review a congregant's wish to publish, and if it considers it out of covenant or inappropriate for some special reason, it may withhold publication. In the unlikely event this occurs, the Board will explain this with the writer in advance, and work towards a harmonious communication that suits all needs.
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LARGE DONOR GIFT PROGRAM UNDER CONSIDERATION |
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UU Westport has always had generous donors but has seldom recognized individual givers in a public way. After our successful recent capital campaign, several individuals have expressed interest in giving further substantive monies to support UU Westport’s mission, vision, and strategic goals, but they might like to have their gifts shared as a memorial or similar recognition. The Financial Sustainability Task Force is exploring how to formalize a process for individuals and foundations to donate funds to us that meets potential donors' wishes. Please reach out to Brian Lasher or Rev. John to hear more about how to give, and how the program is shaping up. |
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BRIOCHE KNITTING WORKSHOP: FRIDAY, MAY 26 12:30 - 2:00 PM |
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Please join members of the Shawl Ministry as Cathy Paine teaches us how to do Brioche Knitting - a way to overlay one color or pattern on top of another. Join us at the Meeting House, Friday, May 26 from 12:30 PM to 2 PM. For details and a materials list please email [email protected].
See Cathy's beautiful green and cream scarf in Brioche to the left here. Just exquisite!
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SAVE THE DATES: END OF YEAR HONORS |
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We have two big events to put on our calendars for early June. Please save the dates, and see you at the parties! More details on our website. |
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- DAVID VITA APPRECIATION - SATURDAY, JUNE 3 AT 6:00 PM
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ALL THAT JAZZ CELEBRATION FOR REV JOHN AND FRANCIS
FRIDAY, JUNE 9 AT 6:00 PM
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HOUSING LEGISLATIVE NEWS: GO/READ/ZOOM |
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+++ GO to Building Connecticut’s Housing Future through the Practice of Democracy at Norwalk Community College. Monday, May 22nd, 5:30 pm–7:30 PM. Overview of the history of redlining in CT, and panel discussion about how to get involved. RSVP HERE. +++READ “Get On Board For Equitable Transit-Oriented Communities”. Learn how enabling housing near transit stations will accelerate economic and population growth, mitigate the effects of climate change, and increase the supply of affordable homes! Find the link HERE. +++ ZOOM We're in the final stretch of the legislative session and Work Live Ride / HB6890 has a great chance of passing! Get latest news, reflect on how much we need the pro-homes vision, and learn how you can help get this legislation passed. RSVP HERE.
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LAST DAY TO LOBBY FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION: MAY 24 |
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Come to Hartford on Wednesday, May 24 with other members of our congregation to lobby for legislation to keep Connecticut safer from gun violence. We’ll be there for Connecticut Against Gun Violence’s (CAGV) Lobby Day. We’re working with CAGV to strengthen ghost gun regulations, the firearm storage law, and to ensure funding for evidenced based community violence intervention programs. The reason Connecticut has strong gun laws and one of the lowest rates of gun deaths in America is because you show up, and keep showing up! Please CLICK HERE to sign up for the May 24 Lobby Day and contact David Vita about carpooling.
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Tuesdays. 11AM-noon. Interfaith Theology. Twice monthly. Check schedule HERE. Nancy McKeever. First and third Tuesdays 7-8:30 PM Women's Circle with Grandmother Nancy. ZOOM HERE Pat Francek.
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
Fridays: First Fridays 9:30-10:30 AM Addiction Recovery Ministry. Jim Francek. Third Fridays 6:30 PM Women's Potluck. Location moves monthly. Eileen Belmont. Last Fridays: 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
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Our complete calendar is always on our website. Click HERE for quick access
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Potluck Dinner gathering. Friday, June 16, 6:30 PM. Hope you're all ready to potluck again in June! Bring a dish to share and chat with old friends and new. Beth Cliff will host at her home at 35 Wedgewood Dr, Easton. RSVP to Eileen Belmont. [email protected]. There will be two summer potlucks, but this is the last before the summer season comes!
The Women’s Circle with Grandmother Nancy: Tuesday, June 6: 7:00-8:30 PM (Meetings 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.) Talking circle - thought provoking and inspirational conversations lead by Grandmother Nancy. ZOOM HERE Contact Pat Francek
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Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.
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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 [email protected].
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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,
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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 [email protected]
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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation 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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