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February 26 - March 1, 2024
10 Lyons Plains Road Westport, CT 06880 ~ 203.227.7205 ~ uuwestport.org
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JOIN THE CEC FOR CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CONSTRUCTION:
ZOOM AND TOWN HALL MEETINGS
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The Congregational Engagement on Construction (CEC) is offering more meetings via ZOOM to answer questions folks may have before the Congregational Town Hall on Sunday, March 10 at 11:30 AM. For more context, click HERE.
Please let us know at events@uuwestport.org which session you will attend, although drop-ins are most welcome, too.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts - The CEC
Beth Cliff, Brian Lasher, Rob Laug, Elena Rockman-Blake, Ravi Sankar, John Turmelle, Ken Vogel, Rev. Alan
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REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE ~ AUTHOR VISIT
February 29, 6:00 PM
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Join the Reproductive Justice Committee on Thursday, February 29 at 6:00 PM in the UU Westport Library to listen to the author, Dolen Perkins-Valdez speak about her book, Take My Hand. This book is inspired by the true story of two young teens who were sterilized in 1973 in Montgomery, Alabama, without their consent. The ensuing law suit exposed our government’s regular practice of sterilizing poor women and girls. Other themes explored are “othering”, classism, systemic racism, motherhood and the effects of mental health. This talk will be provided by the University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing Alumni book club.
Please contact Leslie Cenci for more info.
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BOARD TO SET UP DECISION-MAKING / GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE | |
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On Tuesday, the Board passed a motion to create a decision-making/governance committee to review current processes and make recommendations for improvements. This will include examining our governance structure at the Board level - considering moving away from Policy Based Governance to a different model of leadership. It’s important this work is complete before we consider a Called Minister search; it is part of our Arc of Transformation journey.
This has been on the mind of the Board, and was discussed as part of the Appreciative Inquiry process we participated in last spring. We'll be hearing more from Rev. Alan, the Board and others on this topic. We're glad to be launching a process that will be transparent, engaging, and develop recommendations that reflect best practices across the UUA, and consider our own special circumstances here at UU Westport. If there are folks who might want to serve on this team, please talk with a Board member, or email Stapley Emberling.
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SOUL MATTERS ~ JOIN A GROUP NOW!
GROUPS BEGIN WEEK OF MARCH 11
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Sign-ups are open to join a Soul Matters Sharing Circle!
Soul Matters Sharing Circles allow you to get to know your fellow congregants in a small group, make a commitment to explore your individual spirituality, and the opportunity to learn from our own lived experiences and history.
Sign up now by clicking on the link for the day of the month or send an email to Soul Matters Facilitators.
Soul Matters Circles Enrollment:
- Second Tuesday, 7:30pm to 9:30pm on zoom
- Second Wednesday, 7pm to 9pm, zoom / occasionally in person
- Second Thursday, 7pm to 9pm on zoom
- Wait List if the days/times don't work for you. (You'll be asked best day/time)
UU Writers (a writing spiritual journey) Sign Up:
- Fourth Tuesday at 1:00 pm (starting March 26)
- Fourth Thursday at 7:00 pm (starting March 28).
Sign up before Feb 29!
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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH | |
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As Black History Month closes, we want to share a local resource that presents an unflinching look at history. Stratford’s Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum is a small but mighty exhibit that includes artifacts representing history from the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade to The Greensboro Four and beyond. The collection began with Ruby Fletcher, who grew up in 1940s South Carolina; her son, Jeffrey Fletcher and the museum’s executive director, added to it, amassing over 7,500 items.
Located at 952 East Broadway in Stratford, the museum is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10am-3pm. As its website states: “The key to the future is understanding the past.” We encourage you to visit and learn more about one local family and their impact making, preserving and sharing history.
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Tuesdays: ~ Buddhist Practice Group, 6-7:30 PM via ZOOM. Let Nina Nagy know you are attending.Teachings offered on a donation basis. Nina will be away February 27-March 21. Will resume March 26.
~ Women's Circle with Grandmother Nancy, First and third Tuesdays 7-8:30 PM ZOOM HERE Pat Francek.
Wednesdays: ~ A New Earth, 7-8:15 PM Bob Bevacqua
Thursdays: ~ Talking Circles, 4 PM, ZOOM HERE. Jim Francek.
~ Mysticism: Where Science, Art, and Spirituality Meet, 7-9 PM Bart Stuck
Fridays: ~ Women's Potluck, Third Fridays, 6:30 PM, locale changes. Eileen Belmont
~ UU Movie Group, Last Fridays: 7:30 PM, ZOOM. Dorothy Rich
~ Shawl Ministry, Every other Friday 12:30- 2:00 PM, Meeting House Jan Braunle
Saturdays: ~ The Hiking Group First Saturdays and third Mondays Jamie Forbes Gian Morresi
Saturdays and Sundays: ~ John Street Bag Lunch Drop Off, Saturday drop of anytime in bins outside Main Office. Sunday 9:30- 9:50 AM Teryl Eisenberg.
Sundays: ~ UU Meditation & Mindfulness, 9 AM, ZOOM Janet Luongo
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POTLUCK: The next potluck will be Friday, March 15 at Melissa Jagoe-Seidl's house in Trumbull. Starting at 6:30 PM, chat with old friends and meet new ones. RSVP's will go to Melissa who will also give you the address. JagoeSeidl@gmail.com | |
Sacred Circle with Grandmother Nancy on Tuesday, February 20 from 7-8:30 PM on ZOOM. All who identify as women are welcome. Thought-provoking and inspirational conversation. First and third Tuesday of the month. Contact patfrancek@gmail.com | |
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STARTING IN MARCH – THE GODDESS WORKSHOP A new program RISE UP AND CALL HER NAME, about Earth-based Spirituality that honors women, is being offered this spring by the TUUCWomen and Adult Faith Formation - all genders are welcome. It is a national UUA program of 8 sessions. Participants discover ancient civilizations where women ruled, were worshipped as Goddesses, and matriarchy prevailed. It is also an inner journey and includes song, movement, journaling and discussion. Diverse cultures we study include The Middle East, Egypt, Greece, India, Tibet, China, and the Indigenous tribes in North America. Learn more about it in the foyer after worship on Sunday, Feb 25 and March 3. For information contact Janet Luongo
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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 pastoralcare@uuwestport.org.
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CARING NETWORK
Our support network is available to provide tangible help or a supportive gift of connection for friends in need: meal delivery, pharmacy runs, grocery shopping or a small little gift, flowers, or a yummy food treat. Contact a minister or coordinators
Dorothy Rich 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 pastoralcare@uuwestport.org
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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation 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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