Dec 25, 2021-Jan. 2, 2022 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 -
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This holiday issue covers this weekend, next week, and next weekend. Our next issue will be in your inboxes Sunday, January 2, 2022 to cover activities January 3-7, 2022. |
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LAST CALL FOR MAKING FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
IN THIS TAX YEAR!
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A respectful reminder that the end of the US tax year is Friday December 31. Should you wish to take advantage of charitable deductions for this US FY 2021 (for Capital Campaign, Annual '21-22 Stewardship Campaign, Minister's Discretionary Fund, Holiday Appeal, or any other financial gift you would like to make!) we would need your gifts dated by December 31. Checks, VENMO, and our virtual offering plate vop.tucw.org will all work.
Please check with your accountants and tax professionals for advice and guidance. We are only pointing out that the federal and state tax year ends on Friday! And as always, we thank you for all you do for our beloved community.
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UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES:
SUNDAYS, DECEMBER 26, 2021 AND JANUARY 2, 2022
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Our two worship services will be "as normal" at 10 AM on Sunday, December 26 and January 2. ZOOM and offering are as always and included for your reference below. Masks and safe distancing are required for in-person attendance.
December 26: Click HERE for the Order of Service for Sunday December 26, "A Child's Christmas in Wales," featuring a dramatic reading of Dylan Thomas' great work.
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January 2: Click HERE for the Order of Service for Sunday January 2, when Intern Minister Kim Warman will be leading us with the service " Living With Intention: Realignment." This time of the year, marking self-reflection opens up space to examine and realign our lives. How do we live an integrated life? How do we walk upon the Earth?
For virtual participation: our ZOOM link is always on our website's homepage and does not change from week to week. You can also click HERE. Meeting ID 207 517 697 PASSWORD: 8893787678 Landline: 1 646 876 9923.
Offering can be made on VENMO ("The Unitarian Church in Westport"), on vop.tucw.org, or as we pass the plate Sunday morning. |
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MEDITATION: ZOOM and in person in the Oak Room - Sundays at 9:00 AM. For info contact Janet Luongo. Zoom Meeting - click HERE ID: 604 513 6137 Password: 068510
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Flowers: Should you wish to donate flowers for a Sunday service, please reach out to Diane Donahue or fill in a spot in the Reservation Book which is out in the foyer. |
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Pay it forward: please consider being a greeter on Sundays; help our new folks navigate our community. Sign up for virtual or in person greeting, HERE. Thank you, in advance! |
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There are no formal Children or Youth Faith Formation programs these next two weeks. We resume regular programming on Sunday January 9. Children are welcome to be with their parents in the sanctuary for any of our worship services. Happy Holidays!
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A holiday message from our Lead for Children and Family Faith Formation, Dr. Heather Hamilton: "The past four months have flown by and it has been wonderful meeting all of you! Your children are amazing, caring, and loving. The adults that have volunteered their time and expertise have been open to new ideas and also have helped keep long-treasured traditions alive too! We are so fortunate to have you all here. I am thankful for all of you during these difficult times. You all are gifts. I am wishing you all a safe and healthy holiday break. See you again on January 9th as we start the year off with our Soul Matters monthly focus, 'Living with Intention'." |
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ADULT VOLUNTEERS for 2022! If you have wanted to know what happens downstairs on a Sunday morning, then NOW is the time to volunteer. We are looking for two adults to support the 4th and 5th grade class. If you could commit to three or four consecutive weeks that would be wonderful. The curriculum is prepared for you. Our children are eager to learn from you! Please email Dr. Hamilton ASAP! Classes start January 9th and we can tailor the times to meet your schedule. Click HERE to sign up for the weeks that work for you:
AND ... We are also looking for a permanent replacement for Ms. Kareen. Please let Dr. Heather know if you know of great candidates for this teacher position (Sundays, 9:15-11:15 AM) and spread the word amongst your friends and contacts!
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Join us as Dr. Heather Hamilton hosts this month’s podcast discussion. The topic will be the On Being podcast episode, “Yo-Yo Ma, Music Happens Between the Notes.” “Ma resists fixed boundaries and would like to rename classical music just “music” — born in improvisation, and traversing territory as vast and fluid as the world we inhabit. In this generous and intimate conversation, he shares his philosophy of curiosity about life, and of performance as hospitality.”
Listen to the podcast HERE and come ready to share your thoughts. ZOOM HERE.
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There are several new programs coming up in mid-January that will be enriching including ones, led by Rev. John and Rev. Jim. Stay tuned! Please go to our website to get the latest information on our Adult Faith Formation and Soul Matters programs.Questions? Linda Lubin. |
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SEEKING NAME CHANGE TASK FORCE MEMBERS |
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This is an exciting time in the life of our beloved congregation. Help us capitalize on all our goodwill and energy!
The Board is sponsoring a task force of congregants to shape a name change process, with the UUA’s help. Beth Cliff will lead this group and serve as liaison between the Board and the task force.
Should you wish to be a part of this small group (5-7 people), please let Beth know. Time commitment: weekly/bi-weekly group discussions with individual work between meetings. The final team will be approved by the Board. Selection criteria will include a commitment to the task at hand; a diversity of opinions and demographics represented; and a collaborative spirit focused on landing on a workable solution for us all.
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ZUUM TRUUPE SHARES "A CHRISTMAS CAROL" |
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The Zuum Truupe reminds you that our radioplay version of "A Christmas Carol" is available on YouTube for your seasonal listening pleasure. Our gift to one and all!
Featuring: Sarah Bell, Candace Clinger, Tom Croarkin, Joann Coviello, Lindy Hennessey, Meg Jones, Tim Jones, Jim Luongo, Gian Moressi, and Bob Perry."
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CLIMATE CAFE - SUNDAY, JANUARY 2, 2022 - 2:00 PM ON ZOOM |
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At the Climate Cafe, we will gather to have conversations and explore our feelings and responses to the state of our Earth. The Climate Cafe is a group-directed discussion with an open agenda, with no objectives or specific themes.
Please have ready a natural object, real or in memory, or an experience you'd like to share in the natural world that in some way speaks to you about your relationship with the planetary health crisis.
ZOOM HERE. Meeting ID: 864 7634 1710 Passcode: T_IhGaqv9r
Click HERE to register through Eventbrite for reminders or further information
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PROTECT OUR RIGHTS
ONLINE VIGIL THURSDAY JANUARY 6, 7:00 PM
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Please gather with us on ZOOM at 7:00 PM on January 6, the anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol. We will hear from local leaders of faith and advocates for voting rights about how our voices matter. We are all invited to speak from our hearts recalling our emotions during the insurrection, and together we will find a way forward. This meeting is in conjunction with similar meetings and vigils taking place across the country. Details and links to follow. For info contact Janet Luongo. |
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BEARDSLEY BOARD GOES VIRTUAL |
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It's here! Now you can simply click HERE and you will be able to access our virtual Beardsley Board - an Amazon Gift Registry in our name. Check it regularly to see what the teachers need. Make purchases, and items will get delivered to the school on your behalf.
The board is also accessible by going to amazon.com and searching for the Registry. Our registrant name is "uuwestport" and it's a "custom registry." The Beardsley Board should pop right up! Questions? Contact Beth Cliff
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM VOICES CAFE! |
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The Voices Cafe team wishes you the happiest of holidays and express our gratitude for your support throughout the 2021 Voices Cafe season! It's your support over the years and, especially during these challenging times, that has made it possible to support our artists, our social justice programs, AND bring the joy of live (and now livestream) music to our community of music lovers! |
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We are thrilled to introduce our 2022 line-up, live in our sanctuary and streamed:
January 22: Plywood Cowboy
March 12: Suzanne Sheridan
April 9: South for Winter
May 7: Caravan of Thieves
And for a sneak peek at one of our 2022 artists, check out this holiday tune, a collaboration with South for Winter.
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We look forward to bringing more music into all our lives in 2022!! |
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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 meet first Mondays of the month, 7-8 PM on ZOOM HERE. Linda Lubin
Tuesdays: 7:30-8:15 AM. MOVING! (Virtual) low impact aerobics (resumes Jan 4). Beth Cliff 11AM-12 noon (on hiatus until Jan 18) Interfaith Theology RSVP HERE
Fridays: Every other Fri (next, Dec 31), 12:30-2PM. Shawl Ministry Jan Braunle. First Fridays of the month 12-1PM Awakenings lunch ZOOM Kathy Roberts
Saturdays: 12:00 noon- 4 PM (resumes Jan 8) John Street Bag Lunch Drop Off David Vita
Sundays: 9 AM Meditation (Virtual and Oak Room) Janet Luongo. 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
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Our complete calendar is always on our website. Click HERE for quick access
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"Joy In The Streets"
Rev. Dr. John Morehouse
December 19, 2021
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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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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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Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC)- 24Hr 888–774–2900
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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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