February 24-28, 2020 - 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.
Community, Connections, Celebrations
Cabaret! Stand up comedy
 with Julyen Norman.
Great performers get their energy from great audiences -
Diane Cano
 sings in the shower.
Jazz Sunday. Smooth sounds. Jim Clark, sax.
Jim Andrews, base. Missing: Will Comer, piano (and composer!)
Our very own Eric Gribin
 at the drums.
Share your TUCW moments with us. Send pictures to Beth Cliff .

Who is this woman from yesteryear and why should we salute her?

See below in the TUCWomen section and be inspired!
March Houseparties . March is stewardship month, and this year we're bringing back a wonderful tradition: houseparty dinners at congregants' homes, with Rev. John at every one. A great way to meet friends and learn about church affairs, and an easy way to pledge.

You should have received an email about this last Wednesday, Feb. 19 around 6:30 PM. Check your spam or "update" folders if it doesn't ring a bell. Questions? Contact Elena Rockman-Blake or Beth Cliff .
POTLUCK and STORY SLAM
Saturday February 29: 6-9 PM

It's right around the corner! Leap Day, Potluck and Story Slam

You won’t want to miss this; it won’t happen again for 4 years!! All ages welcome. Food first, then entertainment -

Sign-up to help out - Contact Judy Eckert .
Youth, Internet Habits and Mental Health - Sunday, March 1, 12:30-2 PM
Dr. Paul Weigle, a psychiatrist based in Hartford and a specialist in juvenile and adolescent issues, will explore how gaming and screen habits significantly affect physical and mental health of children, for good and bad. Come hear him lecture, and participate in a practical discussion of how to handle it all.
 
Computer technology has greatly increased youth engagement with online entertainment. In moderation, age-appropriate electronic media is healthy and enjoyable; in excess, it displaces needed social and family connections and – among other things - sleep!

This event is open to the wider community, and we expect a number of people from outside the church to join us. Bring YOUR friends! CLICK HERE for flyer.
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) - Fairfield County Chapter
Join us for a discussion of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s book “How to Be an Antiracist” on Tuesdays March 10 (chapters 1-9) and April 14 (chapters 10-18) at 7:00 PM in the East Wing. Kendi’s position is that there are not “not racist” ideas, policies or people, only racist and antiracist ones. 

Please CLICK HERE to let us know that you will coming.
CLICK HERE for flyer.
The Black Feathers Return to Voices Cafe, Saturday March 7 at 8:00 PM
Ray Hughes and Sian Chandler are The Black Feathers, a husband and wife roots music duo based in Gloucestershire, UK who play a blend of Americana, folk, and indie rock all comfortably co-existing on a foundation of English folk influences and some Irish heritage.

Purchase $25 tickets HERE or $30 at the door. Doors open at 7:30.
UU Orientation, Sunday, March 15 from 12:30-2:00 PM
in the Chapel (downstairs).
Join Rev. John and Director of Membership David Vita in a small group setting for an opportunity to share, learn, discuss, question, and connect. Here we will share our stories, learn about Unitarian Universalist (UU) history and current practice, and the principles that bind us together. There will be ample time to ask questions.

Meet other folks new to this congregation. Please let me know that you’re coming so that we can plan accordingly. David Vita:  david@uuwestport.org  
CREATING THEOLOGY TOGETHER
Saturday, March 7 - West Wing at 9:00AM-1:00PM. conta ct Rev Shelly
ONGOING PROGRAMMING FOR ADULTS
These opportunities for learning and connection are ongoing and currently offered. Visit Adult Faith Formatio n on our website or email leaders as listed below.
Mondays 6:30-8:00 PM Meeting House Buddhist Practice Group ninazcara@gmail.com Let Nina know you are attending.Teachings offered on a donation basis.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays,  7:00-8:30 PM Meeting House.  Sacred Circle with Grandmother Nancy Andry   tucwomen@gmail.com  (next meeting will be in March )

Wednesdays 7-8:15 PM. Meeting House The Power of Now jimfrancek25@gmail.com
Saturdays March 7, April 4 9AM-1PM East Wing Creating Theology Together revshelly@uuwestport.org

Sundays February 23, March 15, 22, April 5. 12:30-2 PM. East Wing Long Strange Trip revshelly@uuwestport.org

Monthly, various dates and times. Small group ministry meetings . Rosen323@aol.com These must be signed-up for ahead of time as they depend on host availability, group size etc.
Parents Take Note! 
Healthy Teen Dating: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Wednesday, February 26, 7:00 pm
A workshop sponsored by Westport Domestic Violence Task Force 
Westport Police Department 50 Jesup Rd,Westport, CT
Soul Matters Theme for February:  Resilience
Seeking That Which Unites Us
by Rev. Sara Eileen LaWall
In this time
When rhetoric blusters about
And words are used as weapons...
May we remember we are a people of resilience
All women welcome at all events; visit our website for complete info.
Answer to above : Alice Paul was one of the main leaders of the American suffragist movement, which lead to the passage of the 19 th amendment in 1920, giving women the right to vote. Several New Jersey legislators are currently lobbying to have a statue of Alice Paul erected in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall.
Sacred Activism: Women Vote!
Join us this Wednesday, February 26, 7-8:30 PM, East Wing. Janet Luongo and Sari Bodi will lead a workshop on the importance of getting out the vote during this crucial time in our democracy, while honoring the suffragettes who fought for women’s right to vote.
To learn more, click HERE .

This is the launch of our Spring Series where women can feel safe to discover their creativity and inspiration.
Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events
Memorial Service for Clem Onyemelukwe will be at the church,
Saturday, March 7 at 1:00 PM.

Four One-Act Comedies by the UU Players March 14,15 (8PM) and March 16 (3PM)
Our complete calendar is always on our website. Click HERE for quick access.
STAY CONNECTED! Find us on digital and social media : website: uuwestport.org , Facebook public page ( Unitarian Church in Westpor t ) and private, members-only group ( uuwestport ), and Instagram ( uuwestportct )
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 .

CLICK HERE  to learn more about our Pastoral Care Associates.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! - 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.