MAY 16-20, 2022 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 - Phone: 203.227.7205
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The TUCWomen's Spring Gathering brought together 46 of us for a joyous day of fun, flowers, friendship, and food! Join us next year for our new spring tradition!!!
And why wait till then to meet new friends and connect with old ones? Come to the TUCWomen Summer Potluck, Friday, July 15th at 6:30. Eileen Belmont will be hosting in Westport, CT. RSVP to Eileen for directions.
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photo credits: Rob Zuckerman |
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PLEDGING: Let's get closer to our "super-stretch" goal!
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Next Sunday, as part of our worship service, the Board and Finance Committee will review the state of our finances and preliminary plans for FY2022-23. Part of this discussion hinges on our pledging this spring so we know what we can spend next year, which starts July 1.
We have heard from about 200 families and many of us have increased our pledges from last year. It is gratifying and humbling to witness the support of the congregation in this tangible way. Thank you.
Currently, we are at about $450,000, and there are still almost 75 pledging units that we have NOT heard from. We had had a "super stretch" goal of $500,000 - so any gift you can give us will help us move towards that high hurdle. Let's see how close we can get!
Truly: no pledges are "too small" and all are instrumental in enabling our spiritual home to continue to thrive and grow. Thank you, in advance, for your attention.
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REV. JOHN LEADS INTERFAITH THEOLOGY
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 11:00 AM ON ZOOM
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Last week Rev. John "hit it out of the park" with his discussion on Religious Naturalism at the the Interfaith Theology program held on ZOOM on Tuesdays at 11 AM. This is a program, hosted by our neighbors Temple Israel, where different faith leaders in town share wisdom and perspective. This week, Rev. John will discuss UU's perspective on Religious Humanism. Join us! More details HERE. Contact Nancy McKeever if you have questions. |
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UUWriters. Explore monthly Soul Matters themes through Creative Writing. New members are always welcome. The topic this month is " Nurturing Beauty." The packet includes some wonderful songs and poems for inspiration. Join us Thursday, May 26 on ZOOM. Afternoon (1:00 PM) or evening (7:00 PM). Contact Sari Bodi for a zoom link and writing exercises to choose from. |
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END-OF-YEAR BARBECUE - SUNDAY JUNE 19, 11:15 AM |
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SAVE THE DATE! Barbecue and potluck on the patio, Sunday, June 19, directly after the service. Let's finish our year together, in community.
The Board is going to take a leading role in organizing, and as always, many hands make light work. Please contact the church office to let them know if you're able and willing to help out in some way - potluck food? grilling? shopping? set up? tear down? .... We'll also have sign ups available in the foyer after worship services. Thank you, in advance for your consideration - and see you there!
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REMEMBERING LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS
MADISON & DOLLY SAYLES
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Madison & Dolly Sayles were early members of the Unitarian Church in Westport until Dolly passed away in 1995, and Madison in 1996.
"Maddy" and Dolly were generous and early donors for our original church land and building. They purchased the Steinway piano as a gift to the church in the late 1980s.
As one of our members recalls: "The Sayles had a large farm and raised fancy and not so fancy chickens, and sold their eggs on their front lawn. Maddy was instrumental in developing Norwalk Hospital - not to mention our church! ... He was the dearest, sweetest guy."
Madison had a career in advertising and served on the Board of Norwalk Hospital and was a founder of the Norwalk United Way. Philanthropy was in their blood and they were enthusiastic contributors to many funds and foundations in Fairfield County. The Unitarian Church in Westport Music Committee is grateful for the gift from the Sayles & Maddocks Family Foundation.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETS TUESDAY, MAY 17 AT 7:00 PM |
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The Board of Trustees meets regularly on the third Tuesdays of each month.
Minutes and information about Board activity can be found on our website under the green tab "About Us." Click HERE. Materials are also posted on our Trustee bulletin board directly outside the library.
Board meetings are open to the public should you wish to attend. And all congregants and members are always invited to reach out to any of the board members should you have questions, comments, observations or opinions to share. We welcome your thoughts! board@uuwestport.org. Board members: Luke Garvey, Stapley Emberling, Steve Grathwohl, Catherine Onyemelukwe, Beth Cliff, Andy Gundell, Wendy Levy, Ravi Sankar, Deb Garskof
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BEARDSLEY READ-A-LOUD & TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY |
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Thank you to these wonderful UU’s (and the librarian’s husband) who enthusiastically read to classes at Beardsley on Read-A-Loud Day.
And in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Day, they gave each of the dedicated teachers a Dunkin Donuts gift card to thank them for their hard work this past school year. (Missing from photo: Kathy Roberts, Anita Pfluger and Beth Cliff.)
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The Beardsley Committee also gave gift cards to aides, support staff, cafeteria workers, and maintenance crew with thanks for their many contributions to Beardsley.
This day would not have been possible without the hard work of Anita Pfluger, Sari Bodi and Diane Moller who researched and chose those delightful books, and Kathy Roberts who arranged for all of the gift cards. What an uplifting celebration of reading and teaching!
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16th ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, Jr. EVENT
WITH AUTHOR HEATHER McGHEE
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The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) celebration postponed from January will take place online and in person at the Westport Library on Wednesday, May 18 from 7:00-8:30.
The featured speaker is author Heather McGhee. Her book, THE SUM OF US: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, spent 10 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and was longlisted for the National Book Award. The program will also include elements by two local youth organizations; a recital by the Bridgeport Boys Choir and a dance performed by the Regional Center for the Arts.
Please register to attend in person HERE or on ZOOM HERE.
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"I CAN'T BREATHE: ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM IN CONNECTICUT" SUNDAY, JUNE 5 - AFTER THE SERVICE |
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While you can’t miss the towering red and white stack in Bridgeport, have you wondered about the residents living in its shadows, or, more broadly, where industrial pollution is concentrated and who is most at risk from its dangers? Join us for a video featuring Robert Bullard, “father of environmental justice,” as well as a local speaker and discussion to bring attention to how pollution is segregated in our state and disproportionately impacts communities of color. |
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BLACK LIVES MATTER BOOK DISCUSSION: FRIDAY JUNE 3 7-8:30 PM |
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"The 1619 Project" by Nikole Hannah-Jones and the New York Times magazine. We will be focusing on the "Music" and "Church" chapters. Co-sponsored by the Racial Justice Council and TUCWomen BLM committee. All are welcome, whether you've read the book or not.
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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.
Tuesdays: 11AM-12 noon Interfaith Theology RSVP HERE Nancy McKeever
Fridays: Every other Fri (next, May 19), 12:30-2PM 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: May 17 (1st and 3rd Tuesdays). 7:00-8:30 PM. Learn about Indigenous knowledge and rituals. Grandmother Nancy will teach us about identifying our spirit animals. ZOOM HERE Contact Pat Francek
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TUCWomen Summer Potluck, Friday, July 15th at 6:30. Eileen Belmont will be hosting in Westport, CT. RSVP to Eileen for directions.
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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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