October 11-15,, 2021 - 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.
OCTOBER CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE
scaffolding outside view from Memorial Garden
scaffolding outside side view from Memorial Garden
scaffolding inside the sanctuary
In our August update, we expected repairs to the sanctuary skylight would begin in September. The start date, sadly, has been moved to the first week of November. Nevertheless, definite progress has been made: the scaffolding is in place. While there are still some supply chain delays, all permits have been approved. 

We need to remain patient a little longer as we move closer to our goal of a restored skylight and a roof with no leaks.

Some say the phrase "Patience is a virtue" was coined back in the third or fourth century, and those who achieved patience--the ability to wait calmly and accept delay without getting angry--exhibited a state of moral excellence. Isn't that a wonderful description of our congregation!!

Questions? Email the Capital Campaign (photo credit: Rob Zuckerman)
JUST ONE WEEK AWAY!
SATURDAY OCTOBER 16, 2:00-5:00 PM
BRING FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS: FALL FUN FEST FOR ALL
COVID may still be here but that's no reason why we can't enjoy the gorgeous fall weather and be together as a multi-generational, multi-cultural community.

Originally scheduled for the evening, we have moved up Eric, lead singer from DIZZYFISH, to the daytime so we can be outside, safely, and can sing along to some wonderful ‘70s oldies we all love. Dizzyfish just sold out in Ridgefield - this is guaranteed to be a great time! (Click on the pic to get a flavor….)

There’ll be things to do for all ages, including a Musical Mural (find out what that is!), a cake carousel, rock painting ... maybe some outdoor games ... light refreshments … 

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND LET'S HAVE SOME FUN! We've been cooped up too long!
SCARVES FOR BEARDSLEY: WE NEED YOU!
A fun (and a bit urgent) request from the Shawl Ministry! We invite all knitters and crocheters to make a small (6” x 36”) scarf for a kindergarten student at Beardsley School in Bridgeport. We have hats available to go with the handmade scarves. We have done this project for the last ten years, but this year we want to deliver them in November before winter sets in. We need 40 Scarves by the end of October. Don’t knit? Do you have a friend or relative that does? Ongoing participation is not necessary (but is welcome) for the opportunity to provide a scarf.

BTW, we meet every other Friday 12:30-2 PM at the church, and always welcome new friends to join us. Next meeting, Oct 15. Contact Jan Braunle for more info. 
JOIN REV JOHN FOR QIGONG ON ZOOM
TUESDAYS, STARTING OCTOBER 12 - 6:00-7:00 PM
"Qigong is a easy moving meditation helping you coordinate breath and movement. Julie Moffat will be leading us. Julie is an experienced teacher and very relaxed. We will join her on ZOOM. You are welcome to join us with your camera off." - Rev. John

Suggested donation is $5 per session, payable via VENMO ("The Unitarian Church in Westport'), vop.tucw.org, or send in cash or check. Put QIGONG in the memo line. Register directly with Julie Moffat at juliemoffat3@hotmail.com so she can send you her ZOOM link.
UU MOVIE GROUP: OCTOBER 29, 7:30 PM
The UU Movie Group has made its selections for their Friday, October 29, 7:30 PM gathering: The French Dispatch, The Guilty, and third-place tie for Blue Bayou and Respect. No need to watch them all; all are welcome. For ZOOM and further details contact Dorothy Rich.
Social Justice Banner
VOICES CAFE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF LIVE PERFORMANCES. JOIN US FOR THE NEXT DECADE!
On October 15th, Voices Café celebrates 10 years of live music, building community, and supporting artists and social justice causes, right here in our sanctuary. And having a great time doing it! Now we’re adding livestreaming to homes near and far.

The past decade is filled with fond memories of phenomenal music, from folk icons like Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul & Mary fame, Fairfield County’s own Paul Winter, popular Levitt performer Suzanne Sheridan, and New England singer-song writer Cheryl Wheeler. Click HERE for more.
SAVE THE DATE! SUNDAY NOVEMBER 7 - 11:00 AM
"The Color of Law" After the service, watch a short video with us, followed by discussion. Guaranteed to open your eyes. Stay tuned for more info.
ONGOING PROGRAMMING EACH WEEK
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: 7:30-8:15 AM. MOVING! low impact, heart-healthy aerobics. Beth Cliff
starting Oct. 12: 6-7 PM. Qigong (Virtual) Julie Moffat

Wednesdays: 7-8:15 PM The Power of Now Jim Francek

Thursdays: 4-5 PM Talking Circles. ZOOM HEREJim Francek.

Fridays: Every other Fri, incl Oct 15, 12:30-2PM. Shawl Ministry Jan Braunle

Saturdays: 12:00 noon- 4PM John Street Bag Lunch Drop Off David Vita

Sundays: 9 AM Meditation Janet Luongo

The Hiking Group meets the first Saturday and the third Tuesday of the month, 9:30 AM. Jamie Forbes Gian Morresi
FROM YOUR SAFER CONGREGATIONS COMMITTEE:
It’s Time for Another Check Up From the Neck Up!
Weekly Wellness Tips
Unplug from  your phone for 30 minutes
Get a full 8 hours of sleep
Perform a random act of kindness
Stretch for 5 minutes
Start a gratitude journal
Take the stairs
Give yourself 3 compliments
October is Emotional Wellness Month. We check up on our physical health once a year, we should be doing the same with our mental health. As life slowly begins to return to normal, now is the perfect time to reexamine our emotional wellness.

What is Emotional Wellness?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines emotional wellness as “the ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt to change and difficult times.” Emotional wellness doesn’t mean a person is always happy. Instead, they have the ability to recognize negative emotions, accept them and cope in healthy ways; they don’t act impulsively in response to emotions.READ MORE.
Our complete calendar is always on our website. Click HERE for quick access
Find us on digital and social media: website: uuwestport.org, Facebook public page (Unitarian Church in Westport) private group (uuwestport), and Instagram (uuwestportct).
  • ZOOM Pot Luck: Friday, October 15, 7:00-8:30 PM Join us for lively conversation. Bring a friend. Meet a friend!! ZOOM HERE

  • Sacred Circles with Grandmother Nancy: Tuesday, October 19, 7:00-8:30 PM. (1st and 3rd Tuesdays) Talking circle, thought-provoking conversations. ZOOM HERE. Contact Pat Francek.

  • Black Lives Matter Meeting, Friday, October 22, 7:00-8:00 PM, We will be sharing updates to our BLM activities. ZOOM: HERE

  • Black Lives Matter Book Group, Friday, November 5, 7:00-8:30 PM. Another chance to discuss The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee. ZOOM HERE
All women welcome at all events; visit our website for complete info.
Questions? Contact TUCWomen@gmail.com
SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES
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.
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, Diane Cano, or Sharon Poole.
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
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.