SEPTEMBER 19-23, 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.
REMINDER: NAMING COMMITTEE INFO SESSION ON ZOOM,
THIS WED SEPT 21, 7-8 PM. CLICK HERE FOR ZOOM LINK
VIRTUAL "STARTING POINT" KICKS OFF THURS SEPT 22 - 7:00-8:30 PM
Starting Point compass logo
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 engaging program focuses 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, folks 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 longer-time members to reflect, learn, and both meet new people and renew old connections.

Here's what Leigh Gage, a member for five years, a Starting Point alum, and now part of a Sharing Circle, shared: "I lucked out with our Journey women group, as we call ourselves. While our ages span 40 years, we always connect and find commonalities and learn something new about each other. After each meeting, I feel a warmth in my heart and have a smile on my face.…"
SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING SUNDAY OCT 2 11:30 AM - 2 PM
September is Suicide Prevention month, and it's time to raise awareness.

The Safer Congregations Committee is partnering with The Hub*, and Westport’s Positive Directions, by offering an interactive In-Person QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training, on Sunday, October 2, right after service, 11:30-2.

It is open to the TUCW community, and beyond. 

Please sign up with Ingrid Gillespie (igillespie@liberationprogram.org), and direct any questions to her.
*The Hub (https://www.thehubct.org/suicideprevention) is a  Behavioral Health Action Organization for Southwestern CT- is a division of the Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership (RYASAP) 
TUCWOMEN RETREAT TO RENEW:
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM - MEETING HOUSE
TUCWomen enjoyed forest bathing at their retreat at Mercy by the Sea in Madison.
The TUCW women's group will be holding its second annual retreat! Our theme this year is Retreat to Renew! Join us for an exciting and enriching day of activities, where we can "get away" for a day to gain new perspective on our lives, develop deeper bonds with each other, and replenish spiritual wells that may be feeling a little drained.

All women and those who identify as women are invited, October 15th, at the Meeting House, from 9:00-4:30. A $20 registration fee will cover the cost of lunch, which will be provided. RSVP by October 7 to tucwomen@uuwestport.org.

CLICK HERE for an overview of what we have planned.
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.
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.
A NEW EARTH: VIRTUAL DISCUSSIONS WEDNESDAYS, 7 PM
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 has begun, Wednesdays 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.
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 A New Earth 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 and Sundays: Sat 12:00 noon- 4 PM; Sun 9:30- 9:50 AM 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

  • 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

  • Retreat to Renew, Saturday October 15. See above. Register by Oct. 7.
SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES
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.