February 3-7, 2020 - 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.
A Message from the Board of Trustees
As we reach the halfway point in our church year, it’s helpful to take stock of what our congregation accomplished so far, and to consider what’s ahead for the rest of the year and beyond.
 
Looking backward – wow! I’m awed and humbled by the success of our capital fundraising efforts. Thanks to the hard work of so many dedicated volunteers, the process was smooth and successful. As we move into the construction phase, the board is confident that the work is in capable hands, and that our congregation will continue to thrive for years to come.
 
Looking forward, our other goals for the year (in addition to helping with the campaign), are preparing for board officer succession, improving communication and revising our ends. What are ends, you say? Well, CLICK HERE for a deeper dive into your board’s work.
Please join the Leadership Development Team in congratulating JANET LUONGO, recipient of February’s Leading Light Award.

 Janet’s contributions are too numerous to name,  but among the many significant gifts of her time and talent are the weekly meditation sessions she offers to our community. In addition, Janet has served as a Worship Associate and chair of that committee. Janet frequently leads summer worship services and has been an integral part of the Gender Equity Team (#metoo). As importantly, Janet connects with our members in special ways through her caring and compassionate outreach.  For all of her involvement in and commitment to TUCW, Janet is truly a Leading Light.
THIS TUESDAY EVENING: CALLING ALL KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS!
The Shawl Ministry will be meeting this Tuesday, February 4, at 7:30 PM so everyone who loves to knit and crochet, regardless of work schedules, can join us. Only a basic skill level is required; all newcomers most welcome.

We knit in silence for the first half hour, and then after a reading we continue knitting with gentle conversation as we imbue our pieces with positive thoughts. Finished shawls are given to sustain or celebrate anyone experiencing transformative times. This is a contemplative time of community and warm friendship, culminating in gifts of compassion and care. We’d love to see you.  

RSVP not required but helpful: Jan Braunle at [email protected]
Saturday February 8: Darwin Day Dinner 
 6PM, The Italian Center in Stamford

TUCW is one of the sponsors of  this dinner  that honors Darwin's birthday. Come hear Yale asst prof. and neurologist  Dr. Steven Novella   speak about “Science Denial, Darwin, and Evolutionary Theory.” 

For reservations click  HERE  . Note early bird pricing by Feb 1.
CALLING For Story Slammers: "When I Took A A Leap of Faith"
Calling for participants now!

This year, Leap Day, February 29, will start our annual Stewardship Campaign .

We’ll kick off the season with a Story Slam . The rules: whatever 5-minute story you tell has to fit our theme, it must have happened to you, and you can’t use any props. Our theme this year: “ When I Took a Leap of Faith.” Contact  Judy Eckert to sign up and for more info.
The Small Group Ministry has 100 members in 11 groups that meet once a month to discuss a topic. Groups meet on different days and at different locations. Join a group near you! The topic for February is “ Resilience .” “When did we decide that resilience was a solo project?” 
For information see a representative in the foyer or contact Steven Rosenberg: [email protected].
ONGOING PROGRAMMING FOR ADULTS
These opportunities for learning and connection are ongoing and currently offered. Visit Adult Faith Formatio n 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.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays,  7:00-8:30 PM Meeting House.  Sacred Circle with Grandmother Nancy Andry   [email protected]  ( exception: Feb 4th is the only meeting this month)

Wednesdays 7-8:15 PM. Meeting House The Power of Now [email protected]
Saturdays thru Feb 15. Sanctuary. Sight-singing (not this week; usually 9:30 AM) Voice classes (11:15AM) [email protected] . Also Mar 7, Apr 4 9AM-1PM East Wing Creating Theology Together [email protected]

Sundays Feb 9, 23, March 15, 22, April 5. 12:30-2 PM. East Wing Long Strange Trip [email protected]

Monthly, various dates and times. Small group ministry meetings . [email protected] These must be signed-up for ahead of time as they depend on host availability, group size etc.
Soul Matters Theme for February:  Resilience 
Try this Spiritual Exercise: Play That Resilient Tune
We all know it works: That perfect song played at the perfect time gives us the strength to hold on, keep going and struggle back toward joy. This month spend some time revisiting those songs that have gotten you through hard times.
All women welcome at all events; see uuwestport.org/tucwomen-events for more info.
February Potluck – Fun food and conversation.
Date: Friday, February 21. Time: 6:30 PM
Location : the home of Jane Sherman in Westport.
Address will be emailed the week of the event to people who have RSVP’d.
Sacred Circle with Grandmother Nancy Andry
A storyteller leads a Native American talking circle. Learn more HERE.
Date: Tuesday, February 4 (only circle in February) Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Meeting House
Women’s Creativity and Imagination: Spring series starts with “Sacred Activism: Women Vote!” lead by Janet Luongo and Sari Bodi. Date: Wednesday, February 26. Time: 7:00-8:30 PM. Place: TUCW, East Wing. Register via email : [email protected] Learn more: HERE
TAKE NOTE OF UPCOMING EVENTS:

Our Annual Cabaret : Sat. Feb.15 at 8 PM
Choral Chameleon Concert at TUCW, Sat. Feb. 22 8 PM
Stewardship Kick-Off; Story Slam Sat. Feb. 29 6-9PM
Child care is provided for Sunday Services and on an as needed basis for other events. Organizers of events should contact  Nate Pawelek  to arrange child care.
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.
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.