SEPTEMBER 12-16, 2022 - 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.
"MEET THE MINISTER" SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18 - 11:15 AM
Rev John Morehouse
Have you joined us this summer and liked what you experienced? And now, want to know more about who leads our congregation as our Senior Minister? And want to meet some other newcomers who have been joining us who have questions too?
 
Who is Rev. Morehouse? What's his background, what are his thoughts about Unitarian Universalism, and about congregational life here in Westport?
 
You are invited to join an casual "Meet the Minister" gathering directly after the service on Sunday, Sept 18 in Rev. John's office. This will be an informal conversation: a time to ask questions and to get to know each other more personally, outside of the Sunday AM post-worship rush!
 
RSVP to Rob Zuckerman or Beth Cliff.  See you then!
VIRTUAL "STARTING POINT" KICKS OFF THURS SEPT 22 - 7:00-8:30 PM
TUCW chalice against golden background
Rev. John offers a new Soul Matters Starting Point program on Thursday evenings on ZOOM: September 22, 29 October 6, 13, 30, 7:00-8:30 PM.  Please contact Ruth Fontilla to enroll.

Each week of this rich and engaging program will focus on different aspects of Unitarian Universalism, the history of our faith, and of our congregation. We will be sharing our spiritual journeys and getting to know one another. At the end of the program, members of the group can choose to meet monthly as a Soul Matters Sharing Circle. 

This is an excellent way for newcomers to get to know our congregation, and the UU faith, and to get grounded and informed. It is also a wonderful way for older members to reflect, learn and meet new people.
A NEW EARTH: VIRTUAL DISCUSSIONS WEDNESDAYS, 7:00 PM
STARTS SEPTEMBER 14
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
The Addictions Recovery Ministry is happy to announce that a new study group around Eckhart’ Tolle’s book A New Earth will begin September 14, 2022 at 7:00 PM on ZOOM.

This group will be an interactive group led by Bob Bevacqua who has studied with Eckhart for over 20 years. As many of you may know, Eckhart’s profound yet simple teachings have already helped countless people through-out the world find inner peace and greater fulfillment in their lives. Tolle’s work has led to a transformation of consciousness and spiritual awakening. If you are interested in participating please call Bob at 203-227-7494 for the ZOOM link. Namaste.
UUWRITERS PROGRAM OPEN TO ALL: THURS SEPT 22, 1 OR 7 PM
gold pen
UUWriters. We're starting up again this fall. Explore monthly Soul Matters themes through Creative Writing. New members are always welcome. The topic this month is "Belonging." Find inspiration through songs and poems in the packet I'll send you. Join us Thursday, September 22 on Zoom. Afternoon (1:00 PM) or evening (7:00 PM). Contact Sari Bodi at saribodi@gmail.com for a ZOOM link and writing exercises to choose from.
GARDEN & GROUNDS HAS A PLAN! JOIN US WEEK OF SEPT 12-16
front and courtyard of The Unitarian Church in Westport
A Garden and Grounds Committee is being started with the goal of developing and implementing a master plan for the care and maintenance of our beautiful landscape (The Memorial Garden Committee process may be looped into the GGC process at some point). We will be using this as an opportunity to learn about the best practices in landscape management within the context of our ecosystem.

If you love our grounds and want to help care for them, let us know.

It looks like our first meeting will be either Wednesday, September 14 or Friday, September 16 at 5:30 PM. Contact either Carol Hamilton or John McWeeney (John's phone: 203 924 9283)
CAN YOU HELP? OUR MINISTER'S FUND NEEDS REPLENISHMENT
The Unitarian Church in Westport with soaring roof line
DID YOU KNOW? We have a Minister's Discretionary Fund to allow our ministers to make discrete, small financial gifts to help fellow congregants in need. It may be to cover a rent payment, an oil bill, or a critical medical expense. Or it may be something totally different. The one thing in common is that it is a gift with no strings attached - and one that is meant to help out as we can, to support each other, in tough times. READ MORE
INTRODUCING THE HEALING AND RESILIENCE TASK FORCE
The Healing and Resilience Task Force
The Board of Trustees has appointed a task force whose mission is to identify areas of potential growth as a beloved community emerging into a changed world. Initial members include representatives of The Board of Trustees, Committee on Ministries, and Pastoral Care. If anyone is interested in joining this team, we would love to hear from you. Please let Luke Garvey know.

Information will be available, updated, and transparent on our website HERE..  More to come as we journey together.
TUCW HIKING GROUP STARTS UP FOR THE FALL
As the weather cools, as it inevitably will, our thoughts turn to beautiful fall hikes in the Connecticut woods.

Our planning team (Lindy Hennessy, Dave Bue, Gian Morresi and Jamie Forbes) will be meeting next week to plan the season’s hikes.

We will be hiking the first Saturday and the 3rd Monday of each month. Please contact any of us with questions or suggestions of hikes.

To join our TUCW hiking email group contact Jamie (jforbes1@gmail.com) or Gian (gmorresi@gmail.com)
Picture yourself here
Picture yourself here!
WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR FROM YOUR
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRIES!
Committee On Ministries
Ensuring the fulfillment of our mission and vision to Inspire Connect and Act
Welcome to the new year from your Committee on Ministries! The “COM” is your body, overseeing the alignment between our congregation’s mission and the work of our 50+ committees. The COM also assists in matters of conflict and advises our Senior Minister as representatives of our congregation. This year, we are focusing on building friendships through fun!

Our members are Jenna McPartland (Chair), Monica Garrison, Chuck Colletti, Shahan Islam, Julyen Norman, and Joanne Glasser Orenstein. If you are interested in joining the COM this year or in the future, please contact one of our members or the Nominating Committee. We invite you to seek us out, ask questions, and get involved. We can be emailed at COM@uuwestport.org.
VOICES CAFE'S FALL LINEUP
Voices Cafe
Voices Café is thrilled to introduce our diverse Fall lineup: The Black Feathers return on October 1, we have a BRAND NEW FAMILY EVENT on November 5, and Holiday JAZZ on December 3!! Mark your calendars! For more information, go to VoicesCafe.org
 
We are so grateful for the volunteers who help make the music happen and encourage you to join us this season, your help matters!
 
Volunteering is a great way to connect in community, support social justice causes AND feel inspired through music, so add your strength to the power of song and social justice… join our volunteer troupe! Email Chair Dave Caplan or talk to a Committee member: Brian Connelly, Kim Fuchs, Jon Gage, Peggy Gormley, Tom Hearne, Jenny Klein, Bruce McNair, Gian Morresi, Carole Prescott
BEARDSLEY COMMITTEE PLANS FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Beardsley Committee
The Beardsley School Committee is off and running for the new year.

We are always looking for new volunteers - both to join us on the Planning Committee, and to be well-loved readers and tutors to K-6th graders. More information will follow, but if you know even now you're interested, contact Anita Pfluger or Kathy Roberts.

And take a moment to take a "Bear" from the Beardsley Board in the foyer after church, or go online and purchase items HERE. Thank you! 
ONGOING PROGRAMMING
Mondays: 6-7:30 PM via ZOOM Buddhist Practice Group Nina Nagy Let Nina know you are attending.Teachings offered on a donation basis. 

Wednesdays: 7-8:15 PM The Power of Now Bob Bevacqua

Thursdays: 4 PM Talking Circles. ZOOM HEREJim Francek.

Fridays: Last Friday of each month: 7:30 PM UU Movie Group. ZOOM Dorothy Rich

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

Sundays: 9 AM UU Meditation & Mindfulness for place & details Janet Luongo

The Hiking Group First Saturdays and third Mondays. Jamie Forbes Gian Morresi
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).
All women welcome at all events; visit our website for complete info.
Questions? Contact TUCWomen@gmail.com
  • The Women’s Circle with Grandmother Nancy: Tuesday, September 20, 7-8:30 PM. Learn about Indigenous knowledge and rituals. ZOOM HERE Contact Pat Francek

Upcoming Potlucks: Good food, great company, and intriguing conversations! Bring something yummy to share. RSVP to Eileen Belmont, 215-350-3015,. She will email you the address:

  • Friday, September 16, 2022 - 6:30 PM: Sudha Sankar hosts potluck in Ridgefield, Carpooling is encouraged!

  • Friday, October 21, 2022 - 6:30 PM: Chris Place hosts POTLUCK in New Canaan  THEME: Come dressed as you are OR as any character you can imagine! Note: No red wine permitted in her home
a single brown leaf for autumn
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, October 15. 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM at the TUCW Meeting House. Retreat to Renew: Rekindle, Reinvigorate and Rejoice! We will enjoy community, food, movement, guided imagery, and even a tea ceremony. If interested, please reply to tucwomen@uuwestport.org.
SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES
Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.
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,or Diane Cano,
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.