Sept. 27-Oct. 1, 2021 - 10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 - Phone: 203.227.7205
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BOARD RETREAT AND 'ENDS' UPDATE |
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Our Board of Trustees met for it's annual weekend retreat September 10-11, and followed up with their regularly scheduled meeting this past week in the West Wing. They were pleased to be meeting in person after a year of ZOOMing.
More updates will follow. For now it is important to report that the Board voted on the congregation's Ends - (essentially, strategic goals) for the year. All of the Ends are important for the well-being of the congregation; three priority Ends will receive special attention and focus from the Board.
For the complete list of Ends, please click HERE. The three priority ends for 2021-22 are:
1.1.1 Deepened spiritually in worship that guides them in individual and communal responses to the sacred; enriched through expanded religious understanding, and uplifted, sustained and transformed by living out UU principles.
1.2.4 We become a sustainable, engaged, growing Congregation comprised of all generations.
1.3.5 Minimize our impact on the Earth and work to heal our planet.
The Board meets every third Tuesday at 7 PM in the West Wing, and the meetings are open to all. Please feel free to ask questions or comment by emailing the Board HERE.
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•WELCOME NEW MEMBER LAUREN PARZYCH!•
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We are delighted to hear from one of our newest members who has gotten deeply involved in our community, already! Let's welcome Lauren Parzych!
"A fascination with Margaret Fuller and Ralph Waldo Emerson led me to the TUCW for a discussion on the Transcendentalists in the Fall of 2019. That evening, I not only discovered the relationship between Transcendentalism and Unitarian Universalism but was also introduced to TUCW's vibrant, active, creative, giving, accepting and oh-so-welcoming community.
"Since then, TUCW's leadership and congregants have brought much needed light and hope to my life during these difficult and uncertain times. The words of my favorite poets (Mary Oliver!), the healing power of music and the thought provoking stories on universal themes shared in services or reflection emails have helped guide my spiritual journey.
"The greatest gift of becoming a member of TUCW would have to be the supportive connections, deep sharing, meaningful conversations and self exploration I've experienced through participating in a Soul Matters group. I leave every meeting touched by those brave and compassionate souls.
"I live in Weston with my husband and our three children. I enjoy music, literature, yoga, running, hiking, cooking and traveling. I look forward to meeting you and becoming a more active member of the congregation."
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NEW SOUL MATTERS PROGRAM: UU WRITERS
MONTHLY ON THURSDAYS, STARTS OCT 21 or 28
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UUWriters: Please join our online small group to explore monthly themes through creative writing! Lead by Sari Bodi and Elizabeth MacDonald. Two different sessions will be offered each month, night-time and day-time. Our first month's choices are: Thursday, October 21, 7:00-8:30 PM or Thursday, October 28, 1:00-3:30 PM.
Using whatever writing practice you are most comfortable with (journaling, poetry, prose, storytelling), participants share, and support others. Prior to each monthly meeting, each participant receives a packet containing 4-5 writing exercises to choose from as well as poems, songs, and prose for inspiration. We don’t critique each other’s writing. Instead we respond using Soul Matters deep listening techniques to create an environment of self-discovery. Contact Sari Bodi for further information and ZOOM link. Open to everyone!
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BEARDSLEY SCHOOL NEWS:
THE CHILDREN NEED TUTORS AND READERS!
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The 2021-22 school year at Beardsley is underway! Full-time in-person classes have started and happy children are excited to be back in their school with a normal routine. Strict safety protocols are in place and 100% of the teaching staff are fully vaccinated.
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After the pandemic disruptions the children have experienced, there is a great need for tutors to help with basic reading and math skills. Teachers also love having readers come once a week or so to read to their classes, and the Media Specialist needs adults to read to individual Kindergarteners during library class. If you can help our dear Beardsley children, please email Anita Pfluger.
To learn more about our Social Justice commitment to our adopted school, please click the video to watch. And stop by our EXPO table, with our Beardsley Board in place, this Sunday!
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IMMIGRATION & REFUGEE MEETING - AFGHAN UPDATE
MEETING: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 - 7:00 PM
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We’re expecting a large influx of Afghan refugees, as well as those from Central America and the African continent, to start arriving in Bridgeport through our community partner, CIRI (CT Institute for Refugees & Immigrants.) Interested in helping them re-settle in their new adopted home? Contact Marjolijn de Jager or Kathy Roberts. ZOOM HERE.
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RALLY FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS: SATURDAY OCTOBER 2 |
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On Saturday, October 2, The Women’s March returns to Washington, D.C. and to every state in the nation two days before the Supreme Court reconvenes for the fall term. Rally to send the Supreme Court and lawmakers across the country a clear, unified message. The attack on reproductive rights will not be tolerated. Details on Connecticut locations and times will be forthcoming, for now, note:
- Westport at 1:00: Ruth Steinkraus Bridge
- Easton at 3:00: Venue TBD Center Road
- Stamford at 10:30: Stamford-Norwalk Judicial District Courthouse, 123 Hoyt Street
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FROM CHANGE TO RECIPROCITY: WEDNESDAY OCT 6, 7 PM |
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We work best when we work together, when we work at building relationships of mutual appreciation, learning, and respect. When we breakdown power dynamics. When it is not "them and us" but "we as one." Please join us in a ZOOM conversation, "From Charity to Reciprocity" on Wednesday, October 6 at 7:00 PM. This will be an important discussion in our TUCW Outreach as we move beyond COVID. Contact David Vita to let us know of your interest.
Thank you, Teryl Eisenberg, Jim Francek, and David Vita
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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.
Tuesdays: 7:30-8:15 AM. MOVING! low impact, heart-healthy aerobics. Beth Cliff
6:30-7:15 PM MOVING! low impact, heart-healthy aerobics. Beth Cliff
Saturdays: 12:00 noon- 4PM 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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Women’s Retreat at beautiful Mercy Center by the Sea, Madison CT, Saturday, October 9, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Welcome in the Fall by joining us for a day-long inspiring retreat to rejuvenate the soul with music, movement, meditations, and creativity workshops in a gorgeous setting by the sea!!! Cost: $36.00, which includes lunch. Space is limited! Covid precautions will be implemented. Sign up Now! Contact Pat Francek, patfrancek@gmail.com. Click HERE for more info.
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Sacred Circles with Grandmother Nancy: Tuesday, October 5 and 19, 7:00-8:30 PM. (1st and 3rd Tuesdays) Talking circle, thought-provoking conversations. ZOOM HERE. Contact Pat Francek.
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Zoom Pot Luck: Friday, October 15, 7:00-8:30 Join us for lively conversations! Bring a friend. Meet a friend!! ZOOM HERE
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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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