SOUNDINGS: THIS WEEKEND - JANUARY 28-29, 2023

JANUARY 28-29, 2023 - 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.

Saturday 12-4 PM and Sunday 9:30 -9:50 AM: Brown bag lunch donations to support John Street Outreach. Sign up HERE; click HERE for instructions. Contact David Vita.

REMINDER: CONGREGATIONAL MEETING DIRECTLY AFTER THE SERVICE SUNDAY JAN 29. BABYSITTING AVAILABLE. SEE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ZOOM HERE FOR THOSE FEW WHO CAN'T JOIN IN PERSON. NOTE YOU MUST REGISTER FOR ZOOM BY SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 AT 3:00 PM.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023

BEING MORTAL BREAKFAST & BOOK DISCUSSION - 9:00 AM- NOON

Join Rev John and others as we share our perspectives, experiences, and stories about our mortality and how we think and prepare for our aging and end of life stages - for ourselves, our loved ones, and those who will likely care for us. There is no one "right response" here, but instead we'll encourage frank discussion and active listening. 9AM-noon; folks can come in and go as their schedules require.

We encourage you to read the book, but there are many online summaries and resources to get you up to speed on Gawande's findings and insights. Also, some excellent online interviews and a PBS Frontline TV show.

We look forward to sharing and caring together, united in building community and wisdom. RSVP to bethclifftucw@gmail.com, 203.227.7205 x 16, or just drop in!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023

WORSHIP SERVICE: 10:00 AM

“A NEW NAME, A NEW CENTER” – REV. DR. JOHN MOREHOUSE

As we gather after the service to ratify our new name, and vote to ordain Carrie McEvoy to the Unitarian Universalist Ministry, Rev. John offers up a calling that speaks to our emerging center.

Click HERE for the Order of Service. The service will be in person and virtual; attendance guidelines are HERE. Broadcast of the service is available at uuwestport.org/livestream.

Offering can be made on VENMO ("The Unitarian Church in Westport"), on vop.tucw.org, or feel free to mail in cash or check.

Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 10:00 AM

“Love and Death” – Rev. Dr. John Morehouse

"BRING A FRIEND" SUNDAY IS COMING UP ON FEBRUARY 12.

BE THINKING WHOM YOU'D LIKE TO INVITE!

CALL FOR ALL INSTRUMENTALISTS! SUNDAY FEB 12, 10:00 AM

Do you play an instrument? Join the TUUCW Orchestra for our February 12 performance during the worship service of the Beatles "All You Need Is Love." Nate will arrange a part specifically for you and your skill level. Don't be shy! For details, contact nate@uuwestport.org.

Please click HERE to find out more about our Faith Formation programs, or contact Nate Pawelek. All are always welcome to be with us.

Nursery care available for babies and toddlers at 9:45 AM downstairs in the sanctuary building. Our ushers can help you find your way. All children and youth will begin this morning in the 10 AM worship service and then leave for after the Story for All for their age-appropriate programs:

The K-2nd and 3rd-5th grade classes are learning all about finding balance in life, a tricky thing for many.

The Witness Stones Project class for middle schoolers (6-8th grade) will meet after the Story for All to set up for their big soup sale to raise money for their learning journey to Washington DC next month.

The High School Youth Group meets 11:15 AM. We will continue learning about the unique history and culture of the Appalachia region of United States as they prepare for their learning journey to Northeast, TN, April 7-15, 2023.

MYSTERY PEN PALS

Mystery Pen Pals starts this Sunday, January 29. Look for your “mail” box in the foyer near the Faith Formation Information table.

QUAKERISM DEBRIEF: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 5, 11:30 AM

The first of our Neighboring Faiths programs for this winter/spring - this, on Quakerism - will conclude with a discussion in the library, facilitated by Gordon Cliff. We look forward to seeing you, 11:15, directly after the service next Sunday February 5. Questions? Contact Ravi Sankar or Jamie Forbes

TUCW FINANCE 101 (3): PLEDGING

We are a self-sustaining organization: we don’t get money from a central organization to cover operating expenses: staff, utilities, and discretionary programs. So every year, “what comes in” is basically “what goes out.” The Finance Committee starts preparing a budget in April; in March we need to tell them how much they have available to plan for spending the next year.

Our Year-Round Stewardship team, this year led by Elena Rockman-Blake and Sam Somashekar, is responsible for managing the process we use to obtain the financial commitments folks will make for the next fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). We call this commitment process “pledging.” It is different from other fundraising processes, because we don’t require payment at pledge time: we just want to know what we can likely expect from people in the coming year. Pledging amounts are at the discretion of each person; the average last year was close to $2K/household. We are looking for increases to that average this year.

Elena and Sam would love some help if you're able to contribute to this critical part of our congregational life. Contact Elena if you have even an hour or two to spare.

SAVE THE DATE: GETTING TO KNOW YOU!

PIZZA AND FUN AT THE MEETING HOUSE! SUNDAY FEB 12 11:30 AM

Are you new to our congregation? Just starting to feel comfortable and want to know more? Been coming a while but still want to make more connections? Then come join us! Details will follow - for now, save the date. And RSVP if possible - Jim Cooper – coop747@optonline.net

THIS IS PART OF OUR "BRING A FRIEND" SUNDAY CELEBRATION. LET'S HAVE SOME FUN!

Our complete calendar is always on our website. Click HERE for quick access

UU Meditation, 9:00-9:40 AM Sundays. Hybrid. A UU mix of mindfulness, discourse, relaxation, visualization and silence. In person, go downstairs and find us in the Chapel by the lower level entrance. On ZOOM -- CLICK HERE Meeting ID: 604 513 6137. Passcode: 068510. Questions? Contact Janet Luongo.

PAST SERMONS/SERVICES

Our sermons are archived on the website HERE.

"Going Slow"

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse

January 22, 2023

SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES

Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC)- 24Hr 888–774–2900
Alcoholics Anonymous: 866-783-7712 https://ct-aa.org/meetings
Al-Anon (family members of alcoholics) https://www.ctalanon.org/meetings
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Dial 988

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

Find us on digital and social media: website: uuwestport.org, Facebook public page (Unitarian Church in Westpor t), private group (uuwestport), Instagram (uuwestportct), Twitter (uuwestportct) and Linked In (uuwestportct)

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.