OCTOBER 10-14, 2022 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 - Phone: 203.227.7205
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UPDATE FROM THE NAMING COMMITTEE |
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The Naming Committee would like to share the results of the survey, and the voting, that we all participated in, with voting due last Sunday October 2 at midnight.
Recall that the survey which preceded the ballot for our first name change vote was conceived to test how well the results of that voting would align with the components of a name presented in the survey. Mike Constantino worked with the Naming Committee by suggesting a methodology which would encompass the multiplicity of naming choices.
Notably, in the final list of top names, the selections confirmed what the survey indicated.
First, the names. The top ten name choices from Vote #1, ranked by order of top likeabiliy (no.1 being top) are the following:
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1. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport
2. Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport
3. The Unitarian Church in Westport
4. The Unitarian Congregation in Westport
5. The Unitarian Universalist Church in Westport
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6. The Unitarian Universalist Community in Westport
7. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Westport
8. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Westport
9. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Westport
10. UU Westport
A Unitarian Universalist Community
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And now, more about the survey. In five key areas the survey results did show a general consensus for constructing a name:
(1) the use of Westport as part of the name was preferred;
(2) in asking whether in or of was preferred, the votes showed in as being preferred;
(3) the use of Unitarian Universalist was the overwhelming selection, while
(4) using UU as a shortened version was tolerated though not preferred; and
(5) in the comparison of Congregation, Community,and Church, most people chose Congregation, with Community close behind. The use of Church while close to Community in “really like,” had far fewer in the “like” selection and many more who chose “really dislike.”
In tallying the results of the survey, the use of colors make it abundantly clear which selections were the preferred ones particularly in looking not only at the positive (“really like” or “like”) but also at the negative reaction conveyed by “dislike” and “really dislike.”
Click HERE to see the survey results. The password is "chalice," all lowercase.
Next up: Stay after the service next week, Sunday, October 16, as we hold a Town Hall to discuss these options, and spokespeople for each of the 10 will have an opportunity to share their thinking behind their name choices.
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INTERFAITH THEOLOGY RESUMES ON ZOOM TUES OCT 11, 11:00 AM |
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Interfaith Theology hosted by Temple Israel will be starting up again this Tuesday on ZOOM at 11AM-noon. Guest clergy from different faith traditions will teach for two dates during each month on a topic of their own choosing. Please go HERE for the schedule so far. This Sunday, it will be Rev. Alison Patton from Saugatuck Congregational Church kicking off the school year. RSVP to Lani DeBoer or simply show up on ZOOM.
The Zoom link will remain the same for each class. Please save this information: Join Zoom Meeting: HERE Meeting ID: 828 6719 0378 Passcode: 314594
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HAVE YOU NOTICED RECENTLY HOW CLEAN THE WINDOWS LOOK? |
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Many thanks to Jim Cooper and his stream of helpers to fill this mundane yet necessary task. We can see clearly now, thanks to the hard work of this crew. Thanks, Jim!
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YOU ARE INVITED! BECOME PART OF OUR SOCIAL EMAIL GROUP |
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Do you have a car to sell? An article you liked that was thought provoking? Need a service provider recommendation? If so, you may want to be part of our social email group. This group is designed as a way for us all to communicate with each other, congregant to congregant, without formal administrative or ministerial review: it's our place to share as we wish.
Answers to some frequently asked questions, and basic usage guidelines can be found on our website HERE.
Want to join up? Simply click on [email protected] and then hit "reply." Once approved, you can send emails to [email protected], get a daily list of emails, or simply go to the groups.io website to find email traffic. Questions? Contact Beth Cliff
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FUNDRAISING FOR OUR CHILDREN'S LEARNING JOURNEYS:
HOLIDAY WREATHS & BOTTLES & CANS
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The children and youth are interested in collecting your bottles and cans to raise money for their respective learning journeys in the spring! Bring us your redeemables; we’ll do the rest!
We are also taking orders for holiday wreaths and scented candles. You can place orders all month!
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UU WRITERS: THURSDAY OCTOBER 20 1 or 7 PM. VIRTUAL SESSIONS |
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Explore monthly Soul Matters themes through Creative Writing. New members are always welcome. The topic this month is "Courage." Find inspiration through songs and poems in the packet I'll send you. Join us Thursday, October 20 on Zoom. Afternoon (1:00 PM) or evening (7:00 PM). Contact Sari Bodi at [email protected] for a ZOOM link and writing exercises to choose from. Using whatever writing practice you like – journaling, poetry, prose, participants share and support others.
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BOARD CHOOSES ONE END AS PRIORITY FOR FY '22-23 |
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After discussion at its retreat and September 28 Board meeting, our Board voted to select a single end for our focus this year, given the needs of our congregation. The PRIORITY END for 2022-2023 is No. 1.2.4:
“We become a financially sustainable, engaged, growing Congregation comprised of all generations.”
All the ends for this year can be found on our website, HERE.
The Board also reworded End No. 1.2.1: It now reads “We embrace a culture of diversity, inclusivity, and tolerance, where we treat each other with loving kindness and mutual respect, working together to resolve any conflicts with love and compassion." It used to read: “We embrace diversity, see differences as opportunities for growth, and build relationships of friendship, mutual support, and understanding”.
Questions or comments? Please contact our Secretary, Stapley Emberling, by clicking HERE. The Board meets again on Tuesday October 18 at 7 PM in the West Wing.
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BEARDSLEY READ ALOUD DAY: THURSDAY OCTOBER 27 9-10 AM |
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Twice each year The Beardsley Committee, in conjunction with volunteers from our congregation, provide readers for Read Aloud Day, a meaningful way to expose children to the joys of storytelling. Please sign up to read a story!
We have chosen beautiful picture books for you to read and leave in the classroom for students to enjoy. Simply come to the Beardsley School at 9am on October 27. We will have coffee for you and time to pre-read your book. A student will escort you to your classroom and you will have the fun of reading to eagerly awaiting children!
First time coming to Beardsley? We will send easy driving directions. Please sign up to help in one of the many services we provide to our adopted school by emailing Anita Pfulger or Kathy Roberts.
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BECOMING ANTI-RACIST FALL SERIES:
THURSDAYS OCT 6, NOV 3, DEC 1, 7:30-9 PM
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The Raising the Bar (B.A.R.) Team of the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport is offering a Fall Series "White Ally Coaching" featuring Kirk and Erika Wesley.
TUCW is a member of the Council and Carrie McEvoy and David Vita are on the B.A.R. team.
This program will present practical information and tangible skills for using whiteness to be an effective support for members of the BIPOC community in personal and professional spaces. Sessions will be held on Thursdays October 6, November 3 and December 1, from 7:30-9:00 PM. Please CLICK HERE to register.
You don't want to miss this program! We hope to see you there.
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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.
Fridays: Last Friday of each month: 7:30 PM UU Movie Group. Hybrid. Dorothy Rich
Saturdays and Sundays: Sat 12:00 noon- 4 PM; Sun 9:30- 9:50 AM John Street Bag Lunch Drop Off David Vita
Sundays: 9 AM UU Meditation & Mindfulness (virtual and in person) Janet Luongo
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Our complete calendar is always on our website. Click HERE for quick access
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The Women’s Circle with Grandmother Nancy: Tuesday, October 18, 7-8:30 PM. Talking circle - thought provoking and inspirational conversations. ZOOM HERE Contact Pat Francek
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Friday, October 21, 2022 - 6:30 PM: Chris Place hosts POTLUCK in New Canaan Halloween theme: Costumes are Welcome. RSVP to Eileen Belmont, 215-350-3015,. She will email you the address. Bring a yummy dish to share, any type. NO red wine.
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Registration is closed for Retreat to Renew, Saturday, October 15. 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM at the TUCW Meeting House. Lunch will be served. We look forward to seeing those who signed up. Please bring your $20 registration fee if you haven't already paid. Any questions, contact us at [email protected]
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Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.
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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 Dorothy Rich,or Diane Cano,
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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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