April 6-10, 2020 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 - Phone: 203.227.7205
CLICK HERE for past issues of SOUNDINGS.
Important ZOOM update for this morning's service:

As of this morning, ZOOM has tightened its security. All meetings now need passwords, and hosts will need to allow you into their meetings once you get online.

This means:
  1. For a one-click entry, you need to be sure you use the long (practically indecipherable) link - it has the password embedded in it. Otherwise, go to https://zoom.us and type in the meeting ID and password numbers when prompted.
  2. As participants, you may not see or hear people until the host comes on and the meeting starts.

Thank you for your patience, and enjoy being together - albeit virtually - this morning.
REMINDER: WORSHIP SERVICE THIS MORNING ONLINE
We will hold one service today, April 5, at 11:00 AM.

Private, members and friends only : virtual session via ZOOM . Brush up on how to access and use ZOOM HERE.

Meeting details: https://zoom.us/x/xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Meeting ID XXX XXX XXX
O ne tap mobile: +xxxxxxxxxxx,,xxxxxxxxx#
Landline: 1 xxx xxx xxx
PASSWORD: xxxxxxxxxx

The service will also be airing to the public on our Facebook public page if you are more comfortable with that platform. Join us 11:00 AM.

Not a social media type? Don't worry, we'll also have it posted later on our website under " Sermons - Video . "

Click HERE for the Order of Service. And if you want to make your virtual offering now instead of while watching the service, click vop.tucw.org .
VIRTUAL MEETINGS ONLY:
BUILDINGS CLOSED
CONTINUE TO USE THE CHURCH CALENDAR

All in-person gatherings at TUCW are canceled or postponed until further notice. The buildings are closed except for essential staff.

Contact Diane at the church office to reserve a ZOOM room and to include the meeting on the church calendar. The calendar should reflect all our church gatherings, even if they are virtual.
PLEDGE BY APRIL 30 PLEASE

Pledge your intentions today and then make your payment before June 30, 2021. We need your pledge now so we can put together a budget for our next year.

Click HERE to pledge. Questions? Contact [email protected] g
VIRTUAL EVENSONG SERVICES
Tuesday Evenings, 7-7:20 PM
On Tuesdays 7-7:20 during this difficult time, Rev. Ed Thompson and our Worship Associates will offer a contemplative Evensong service. A time of meditation, music, and togetherness.

Join the us ZOOM between 6:55-7PM. Service starts at 7PM.

Brush up on how to access and participate with ZOOM HERE.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/x/xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Meeting ID: xxx xxx xxx. Password: xxx xxx xxx.
One tap mobile +xxxxxxxxxxx,,xxxxxxxxx# Dial by your landline: +1 xxx xxx xxxx
Virtual Talking Circle Continues on ZOOM Thursdays at 4:00 PM
On Thursdays Rev.Jim Francek is offering a  virtual  talking circle as a means of support during this time of uncertainty. Open to all.

Email Beth Cliff by Thursday noon and she will send you ZOOM details. Beth will send everyone refreshed info with new password by Wed at 6PM.
We may burn to do something for the common good but, in a pandemic, is it possible? Yes, there are many actions we can take from the safety of our homes to promote democracy. Come join us and learn how!

We are excited to be launching our non-partisan " UUtheVote " initiative, as structured by the UUA and sponsored by our Social Justice group. Janet Luongo will host ZOOM calls to inform, organize, inspire, plan and act. Wednesdays April 15 and 29, 7-9 PM. NO RSVP required. Contact [email protected] for ZOOM info.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Creating Theology Together
Thursdays, 7:00-8:00 PM - April 2-June 4
Creating Theology Together  with Revs. John and Shelly has begun. Join us Thursdays into June for a weekly online class. Our ministers will be sharing John's soon to be published curriculum  Creating Theology Together  from 7:00-8:00 PM. 

No RSVP necessary. Please join us, even if you missed last week.

ZOOM Room:  https://uuma.zoom.us/x/xxxxxxxxx . Meeting ID: xxx xxx xxx PASSWORD: xxxxxxxxxx
One tap mobile. +xxxxxxxxxxx,,xxxxxxxxx# US (New York)
Dial by your location +x xxx xxx xxxx US (New York)
    
Brush up on how to access and participate on ZOOM by clicking  HERE .
Many of these programs are being held on a virtual platform.
Please email the leaders for the most up-to-date information.

ONGOING PROGRAMMING FOR ADULTS
These opportunities for learning and connection are ongoing and currently offered.
Visit Adult Faith Formation on our website or email leaders as listed below.
Mondays 6:30-8:00 PM Meeting House Buddhist Practice Group [email protected] Let Nina know you are attending.Teachings offered on a donation basis.

Wednesdays 7-8:15 PM. Meeting House The Power of Now [email protected]

Thursdays , 7-8 PM ZOOM Room:  https://uuma.zoom.us/j/941444635.
Meeting ID:  941 444 635 PASSWORD : 8893787678 Creating Theology Together [email protected]

Monthly, various dates and times. Small group ministry meetings . [email protected] These must be signed-up for ahead of time; they depend on host availability, group size.
ONLINE RESOURCES FOR ALL AGES
Please contact Rev. Shelly if you have questions or thoughts on any of these resources.
Creating Sabbath Space **New from Soul Matters**

During the COVID-19 crisis, over the next 4-6 weeks, there will be a weekly packet to support families in the creation of sacred space and time together. This resource will include three components:

  • Guidance for building a family home altar, growing it each week by adding a new component one by one.
  • A family worship to honor those weekly additions to your altar
  • A couple of “after-worship” activities to continue your family Sabbath time by connecting and relaxing together.

Soulful Home  
Now is the time to try Soulful Home. It's a packet of resources, questions, games, activities and ideas for talking with your kids as a family all about your faith. Our April theme is Liberation. Click below to see the full packet.
The Tree of Contemplative Practices
Daily Spiritual or Contemplative Practice is a wonderful tool for centering, coping with stress, and staying grounded in uncertain times.

If you would like to try a contemplative practice, but are not sure how to begin, check out the Tree of Contemplative Practices; you may feel drawn to a couple. Each practice listed on the Tree links to a page full of links and resources for learning more. http://www.contemplativemind.org/practices/tree
All women welcome at all events; visit our website for complete info.
TUCWomen is pleased to be offering many interesting opportunities to connect online using ZOOM. RSVP to [email protected] and we will send you the Zoom connection. Click HERE for further guidance on ZOOM.

At A Glance: mark your calendars for these events ( not every week, times may vary, see full details below):
  • Mondays: Tapping Circles
  • Tuesdays: Sacred Circles w Grandmother Nancy
  • Wednesdays: UU the Vote (see above)
  • Thursdays: Food for Thought
Bimonthly " Tapping Circles " to help us relax in these stressful times, Carol Hamilton will teach us EFT (emotional freedom techniques) to help with navigating the turbulence of Covid19. Also, she’ll show us a finger-tapping technique, which is easy and powerful, and good to use before bedtime.

Monday , April 6th 4:00 - 5:30 PM; Monday April 20th 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Back by popular demand, this time online --  "Sacred Circles with Grandmother Nancy" with drumming, rituals, story-telling and a talking circle.
Tuesdays , April 14th and 28th 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Monthly  "Food for Thought"  meetings in lieu of our potlucks and Brown-bag-lunches. Each meeting will be led by a different member, who will kick-start conversation with quotes from noteworthy women whose contributions have shaped our destiny. We will make new connections and deepen existing ones informally. Eileen Belmont will lead the first one on Thursday , April 9, 12:30-2:00 PM
Our complete calendar is always on our website. Click HERE for quick access.
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] .

CLICK HERE  to learn more about our Pastoral Care Associates.
TUCW CAREGIVING SUPPORT NETWORK
Our support network is always 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 Kristen Leddy , Mary Jane Cross or Beth Cliff.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! - 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] .
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.