May 31-June 4, 2021 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 - Phone: 203.227.7205
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A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS! |
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It's been a crazy time since mid-March last year, when we were forced to close our doors and move to everything virtual. But happily, our growth as a congregation continues! You've already met some of our newest friends in our ZOOM services, and we have featured a few in SOUNDINGS, and we will continue to tell more of their stories in the coming weeks. But right now, we wanted to celebrate all of them as a group -.
So: we say hello to our newest members here! Click on their names and you can reach out directly to extend your own personal WELCOME. We are truly blessed to have all these folks with us.
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A few new members preferred not to be listed here; we'll celebrate them in a more private setting, later. |
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OUR NUMBERS AND THE STORY THEY TELL:
SUNDAY JUNE 6, 9-10 AM and THURSDAY JUNE 10, 7-8 PM
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Find out more about how the church actually runs! You probably are aware that there are a lot of people behind the scenes that make our spiritual home come alive, but you may not know or understand all the details, especially our financial picture. The Finance Committee, headed up by Steve Grathwohl, has set aside time to share our numbers with you in a user-friendly, approachable way. Join him and other Trustees and committee members on ZOOM Sunday June 6 9 AM, directly before the service, or Thursday evening, June 10, 7 PM.These are important times in the life of our congregation and many of us will be voting to approve a budget at the Annual Meeting. We're counting on you to be educated beforehand!
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Click HERE for Sunday, June 6, 9 AM ZOOM
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Click HERE for Thursday, June 10, 7 PM ZOOM
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REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Just in case you haven't heard, registration is now open for the hottest event this summer, the Swing into A(UU)ction! Signing up is easy and you won't want to miss out on the fun.
The bidding will remain open until Saturday, June 12 when we'll gather virtually for the closing ceremony and festivities. So don't delay-- register today!: http://www.uuwestport.org/auction.
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OLDER ADULTS AND MENTAL HEALTH: DID YOU KNOW? |
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"Depression and anxiety are not a normal part of ageing, but almost 20% of Americans in their “golden years” are clouded by mental health struggles. Major life changes, such as retirement or loss of a spouse, can trigger issues for some. Rates of depression and anxiety do increase as people get older, but symptoms shouldn’t be ignored....
"About 80% of all cases of depression in older adults are treatable, yet less than half of those suffering seek out treatment. For many, the social stigmatization of a mental health disorder is more damaging than the mental health disorder itself." Read more HERE, including symptoms and resources.
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ANTI-RACISM AND THE 8th PRINCIPLE |
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Participants in last Sunday’s discussion requested clarity around the connection between TUCW’s proposed Anti-Racism Resolution and the 8th Principle under consideration by the UUA.
The 8th Principle is embedded in the Resolution and states: “We (the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association) covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
As of this week some 60 congregations have adopted the 8th Principle and a final vote by the UUA is expected at the 2023 General Assembly. The Resolution itself will guide us in our work towards becoming a Beloved Community.
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PHASE OUT STYROFOAM FOOD WARE...NOW! |
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Styrofoam food ware is a carcinogen and endocrine disruptor in animals and a probable carcinogen in humans according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It also adds to our solid waste since it is generally a single-use product that does not breakdown or decompose...ever.
Styrofoam food ware used in school cafeterias pose a particular risk to children. The “Waste Reduction Bill” HB6502 will phase out styrofoam food ware in CT public schools and certain food establishments and limit the distribution of non-recyclable, polluting plastic straws.
Please email CT Speaker of the House Representative Ritter ( [email protected]) and urge him to call the bill immediately and email your state representative expressing your support of HB6502. Read the bill HERE. |
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FOREST BATHING: THURSDAY JUNE 3, 10AM - 12 NOON |
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Forest Bathing, or Shinrin yoku, is the experience of taking in nature with all the senses. Doctors prescribe this in Japan as an antidote to stressful living. It has been shown to reduce stress, boost immunity and improve cognitive functioning. In this encounter we will be with nature instead of passing through it. Expect walking meditation followed by sitting and being with our natural surroundings.
Open to all; sign up limited to 12 adults. Hosted by the Sankars in Ridgefield. Contact Carol Hamilton or text 1.203.767.4018 |
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ENGAGEMENT: COMING TOGETHER IN COMMUNITY |
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Thanks to so many of you who expressed support for our newly-framed Engagement initiative. The world continues to be our oyster!
Here's what we need right now:
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Greeters for our in-person and online Sunday services. This is easy - you're already at the service! Sign up HERE.
- Ambassadors/buddies for our newcomers: we'll pair you up with a new friend to answer their questions and make introductions
- Caregivers to provide physical needs to congregants: no obligation, just join our list
None of this requires you to commit to being on a standing committee; we just ask that you be available at some points to help out for an hour or two. Let's chip in and work it! Contact Beth Cliff 203.227.7205 x 16.
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•ONGOING PROGRAMMING EACH WEEK•
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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. 7:00 PM (Every other Mon) Addiction Recovery Talking Circle Jim Francek
Wednesdays: 7-8:15 PM The Power of Now Jim Francek; 7-9 PM Is Mysticism Where Science, Art and Religion Meet? Bart Stuck
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Our complete calendar is always on our website. Click HERE for quick access.
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Mark you calendars for Live from Voices Cafe Saturday night, June 19, and for our annual Summer Solstice service, Sunday, June 20. More information to follow, soon.
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Sacred Circles with Grandmother Nancy: Tuesday, June 1, 7:00-8:30 PM. Talking circle, thought-provoking conversations. ZOOM HERE.
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Black Lives Matter Book Group, Friday, June 4, 7:00-8:30 PM. We will be discussing The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcom X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation by Anna Malaika Tubbs. ZOOM: HERE
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The Listening Path, a series on Mondays based on Julia Cameron's latest book. Monday June 7, 21, 7:00-8:30 PM . We will explore the practice of listening deeply to the environment. Contact Carol Hamilton. ZOOM: HERE
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Virtual Potluck on Zoom, Friday, June 18. 7:00-8:30 PM. Get to know your fellow TUCWomen with interesting conversation around a theme. Bring a friend! Meet a friend! Hosted by Eileen Belmont and Pat Francek.
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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 Mary Jane Cross or Beth Cliff.
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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 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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