soundings - The Unitarian Church in Westport

SOUNDINGS
The Unitarian Church in Westport
10Lyons Plains Road
Westport, CT 06880
203 227-7205
www.uuwestport.org
THE NEXT SOUNDINGS DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, OCT. 2
Sept. 13 - Oct. 10, 2015
SUNDAY
Sept. 13
Homecoming Worship
Service,
10:00 am
Share the Plate Sunday
RE Brunch - courtyard,
11:15 am
Vision Creation Class
(Adult Ed)
East Wing, 12:00 pm
Worship Service:
9 & 11 am
20
MONDAY
TUESDAY
14
15
O&AF
Rehearsal,
... 7:45 pm
27
28
Worship Service:
9 & 11 am
Town Hall Meeting,
East Wing, 10:15 am
8 Gr. OWL Parents,
Chapel, 12:30 pm
Town Hall Meeting,
Sanctuary, 12:30 pm
Worship Service:
9 & 11:00 am
OWL Parents Meeting,
Chapel, ... 12:30 pm
4
Immigration Social
Action, E.W., 12:30 pm
Storytelling Workshop,
(Adult Ed), M.H.
... 1:00 PM
16
Men’s Choir,
... 7:45 pm
Money & Spiritual
Vision Intro,
(Adult Ed) ,
Chapel ... 10:00 am
8 Gr. OWL Parents Chapel, ... 12:30 pm
Board of Trustees
Retreat, M.H., 12:30 pm
WEDNESDAY
Board of
O&AF
Trustees,
Rehearsal,
... 7:30 pm Fellowship
Rm., 6:30 pm
21
Stewardship,
Fellowship
Rm.,
... 7:15 pm
5
O&AF
Rehearsal
... 7:45 pm
22
23
THURSDAY
18
Youth Choir - 5 pm
Teen Choir - 6 pm
Bell Choir - 6:45 pm
Women’s Choir ... 7:45 pm
Finance Committee,
Dorothy Adam’s
Office, 6:00 pm
Teen Choir - 6 pm
Women’s Choir 7:45 pm
30
Oct. 1
Youth Choir - 5 pm
RE Youth Circle, SOUNDINGS
Fellowship Rm., Mailing - 1 pm
... 7:00 pm
Chamber Choir,
... 7:45 pm
Men’s Choir,
... 7:45 pm
19
Small Group
Facilitators, M.H.,
... 10:00 am
26
Shawl Ministry,
Meeting Hse.,
... 12:30 pm
Overnight Youth
Cluster Conference,
... 11:00 am
2
3
UU Movie
Discussion,
Meeting Hse.,
... 7:30 pm
Teen Choir - 6 pm
Women’s Choir 7:45 pm
OWL Parent
Required Meeting,
Meeting Hse.,
... 7:00 pm
7
SATURDAY
SPC, Sanctuary
...9:00 am
25
Youth Choir - 5 pm
Men’s Choir,
... 7:45 pm
6
FRIDAY
17
24
Committee
on Ministry,
Dorothy
Adam’s
Office,
... 7:30
29
A Member of the Unitarian Universalist Association
SOUNDINGS
Deadline,
12 noon
REEL Justice,
Sanctuary
... 7:30 pm
9
8
Youth Choir - 5 pm
Teen Choir - 6 pm
Women’s Choir 7:45 pm
SPC Rehearsal,
... 10:00 am
Money & Spiritual
Vision,
(Adult Ed) ,
E.W. ... 10:00 am
SP Choir, 10:00 am
10
Money & Spiritual
Vision, (Adult Ed) ,
E.W. ... 10:00 am
storal Care Assoc, C
M.H. ... 1:00 pm
Voices Cafe:
Doors open 7:30pm
Performance: 8 pm
Sermon information on following page.
SERMONS for SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER 13 ...10 am ............................... Homecoming Sunday .................................Rev. John Moorehouse
Join us for our annual kickoff to the new church year. Our lay leaders and all of our ministers, including Rev. Frank Hall,
Minister Emeritus will be participating in this service. The reflections will focus on a "Ministry of All".
Music: The Special Choir joins us for Homecoming, (one service).
SEPTEMBER 20 ... 9 & 11 am ............... "The Promise of Forgiveness"...........................Rev. John Moorehouse
In recognition of the Jewish High Holy Days, Rev. John will consider the sacred nature of forgiveness and how it can set us free.
Worship Associate: Martha Constable
Music: 9:00 - Men’s Choir. 11:00 - Women’s Choir
SEPTEMBER 27 ... 9 7 11 am........................... "Out of Many One" .................................. Rev. John Moorehouse
Just as we are each individuals so too are we a part of this congregation. Rev. John explores what is sacred about our
congregation and the unity that binds us forever together.
Worship Asociate: Linda Hudson
Music: Once & Again Folksingers at both sercvices.
OCTOBER 4 ... 9 & 11 am ................ "The Hope and Sacrifice of Reason" .................... Rev. John Moorehouse
Unitarian Universalists hold the use of reason as a necessary path to meaning. In this worship service Rev. John explores
what reason can give us and where it might fail.
Worship Associate: Lucia Scott
Music: 9:00 - Women’s Choir. 11:00 - Men’s Choir
Senior Minister's Office Hours
I will generally be available the following hours:
Tuesday 10 A M - 2 PM & 5:30 PM - 7 PM
Wednesdays 10 AM - 3 PM
Thursdays 10 AM - 3 PM
I am available at many other times including evenings and Saturdays by appointment. It is always a good
idea to email or phone me to set an appointment. Even during office hours I may not be available. Mondays
are my sabbath and I will not be returning regular messages until the next day. Friday is my sermon writing
day. While I am in the office, I prefer not to take phone calls or make appointments. Of course, during an
emergency please contact me immediately. For pastoral emergencies you may call my mobile: 310-7106846. Please call the church office ext 12 for all others matters.
If I am leading worship or in town I will be at church on Sunday. I am more able to hear your concerns
after a service rather than before and even then, it may be just enough time to check in and make an appointment for a longer conversation.
Our pastoral care ministry is always available as wll and I encourage you to contact any member of the
team should the need arise. They are all trained and experience pastoral caregivers.
Rev. John
September 9, 2015
From Your Senior Minister: FACING GRACE
Francis and I have landed successfully in our new home and I have been hard at work getting to
know many of you and the groups of our very busy church. I am refreshed and optimistic about
the good work we will do together.
Our Small Group Ministries and our Worship program will focus on the theme of covenant this
month. Covenant is a most appropriate topic because it speaks to the heart of what we hope to
become as a congregation. The word covenant has ancient roots but its central meaning is simple and clear: To be in covenant with each other is to mutually promise to bring our best selves
to the work of our beloved church. It is embodied in the affirmation we say each Sunday:
“Love is the Spirit of this Church and Service is its law…..” (known as the Blake Covenant
from 1894). By participating as best you can, you are living “in covenant” with one another.
The means by which we remain in covenant is to embrace the mission of this church. Our mission is to “inspire, connect and act” to make the lives of those in and around our community
more fulfilling and complete. In order to live out that mission we must work together in ministry. In fact, ministry is the service we provide in fulfilling our mission. In one way or another
every one of us who participates in the life of the church is a minister. Ministry is not just done
by a minister, but rather a minister leads us together in doing ministry.
Big ideas here: Covenant, Mission and Ministry. Consider the impact the church has had on
your life. Then consider the impact we could have on the world. This past week I officiated at
the Memorial Service for a 22 year old young man, not a member of this church. The church
was full to standing room only, well over 400 people who had come to grieve and remember his
remarkable life. Now imagine how we might serve every one of those people in their healing
and multiply that many times over. We are the religion the world has been waiting for. Lives
need saving. And our ministry together is just waiting to be set free. Will you join me as we
begin our new and promising ministry together?
With Grace and Grit,
Rev. John
If you are going through a challenging time or know somebody in the congregation who needs support from our
Pastoral Care Associates call the office (203-227-7205) or send an email to [email protected].
FROM THE BOARD
Dear Friends,
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a wonderful summer with everything you need to reflect, recharge, and
renew. If you’re lucky that included attending some of the summer services; the quality and variety of the lay-led
services was truly outstanding (thanks Worship Associates!). As I write this, I am looking forward to our first
homecoming service with Reverend John Morehouse, and the beginning of our “new normal”.
As you look around our church home, the Buildings and Grounds work is pretty obvious, and the old story about
one thing leading to another has definitely manifested for these repairs. The next steps on the lift project are underway, with architect sketches underway in preparation for site work (and again, thanks to everyone for the terrific turnout and support with Westport Planning and Zoning!). Two other major projects going on over the
summer are the roof repairs of the flat roof over the East Wing, and the pothole repairs. While working on the
roofing, the need for additional structural work has added some time and cost to that project, so it won’t be completed quite as quickly as we had thought. As for the parking lot, the deterioration along the driveway requires
some more complex repair, and our contractor will need into September to get this done. And there is more underway: glass work, electrical repairs, landscaping, etc. – so the next time you see Chuck Colletti, John
Turmelle, or the rest of the Buildings and Grounds committee, please give them a big hug and a heartfelt thank
you for all that they do.
In September, the Board will have our retreat, where we discuss our hopes and vision for the church, agree to
our goals for the year, and review and affirm our board covenant. In October, we will be planning a “startup
workshop” with Andrea Lerner from the UUA, where our lay leadership, ministers and staff will build the bonds
for how we work together.
And one more change – our monthly Board meetings have a new date and time now, the third Tuesday of the
month at 6:30. One thing that has not changed is our open invitation for YOU to attend – board meetings are
open for observation and all are welcome. And beyond our agenda items, there is always a time slot where you
can bring new business before the board or tell us what’s on your mind, Please come!
Thanks!
Michelle Garvey
Chair, Board of Trustees
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
(L-R) Tom Croarkin,
Michelle Garvey,
Steve Axthelm,
Mary Jane Cross,
Rev. John Moorehouse,
John Turmelle,
Lyn Hamilton,
Anne Khanna,
Lynda Shannon Bluestein.
Howard Aibel, (not shown).
Thoughts from your DRE /Mary B.Collins, Dir.Religious Eduction
INSPIRE
I am so excited about our programming this year! To find out the details you have
several ways to learn and be inspired by what is happening. You can look:
1. In Realm there is information about:
• Adult Ed classes information and sign ups, (Look for this symbol
for classes offered.
• Religious Education (RE) groups for Pre-K-12 grades - each have their
own symbol, too)
2. Read the Faith Formation trifold brochure in the foyer display,
3. Go online www.uuwestport.org (click Religious Education for children and
youth),
The overall theme this year for RE is: Inspiring UU values and growing leadership every day! Every RE Group (from Pre-K to High school) will have opportunities for social justice, and a group that is: a safe place to ask questions, to comfort and
challenge and grow our anti-oppression knowledge and leadership qualities. We endeavor to be open to the unknown & encouraging our best selves to be revealed!
What’s more important than the unfurling that comes when we meet in community? It is the opportunity for growth and transformation and connection.
CONNECT
PLEASE answer the invite from onrealmmail.org and join TUCW Realm
because:
• Parents can Check on Fridays for information about Children & Youth
groups activities the following Sunday and if they need to bring something
to group or dress for art or outside.
• You can find links to inspire faith formation to use at home or in the
greater community during your busy lives during the week.
• You can see pictures of your child’s teachers (ideally each teacher will post
one at Orientations 9/11 & 9/12)) and if you add pictures too – it puts a name
to a face and a face to a name in groups and on the playground….
NOTE: This is a PROCESS – it will take a little time to get everyone on.
But with your help we have a tool to help us with our CONNECTION
part of our mission statement!
ACT
• Register your children and youth at this link: Religious Ed Registration
- Your permission is required for kids to participate
• Attend regularly - check in REALM weekly – it will show the
children that you value the inspiration & community!
• Unleash your VISION! Vision Creation Activity with Janette
Kinnally Mikhalchuk
RSVP to [email protected] or sign up through Realm– for
this creative, fun, inspirational activity for individuals & families
after Homecoming in the East Wing.
RE CALENDAR
Sun. Sept.13th –
10:00 am - Homecoming service
for all ages – 10am
Following the Service Brunch by
RE Council
12:30-2pm Visioning Workshop
for All Ages- in East Wing–
RSVP [email protected]
Sun. Sept. 20 All start in Sanctuary -Teacher
Commissioning,
At 9:00 & 11:00 am
Nursery/ Pre-K: No Meanness
Here
K -3: Earth Centered Religions.
Celebration. At 11:00 am only
4-5: Earth Power- Aboriginal
Dream time
6-7: Call to Awareness First
8th –Until 1 pm – OWL intro &
Values – Mtg Hse 3rd Flr
9-12 – Youth Group – Mtg Hse –
ground level12:30-1:00pm
8th grade PARENTS Group,Chapel
Sat. Sept. 26 –
Northern UU Youth Con
1:00pm Youth Conference begins
through Sunday morning
Sun. Sept. 27 –
K-7 start in Sanctuary
At 9:00 & 11:00 am
Nursery/ Pre-K: Love despite
bad habits
K -3: Sukkot (bring fruit or veggie)
At 11:00 am only
4-5: Connections Faith in Action
6-7: Perceptions Matter
8th – Body Image & Language
9-12 – Youth Group
Thurs. Oct. 1
7-9pm OWL 8th gr PARENTS Re
quired – visuals -This one in M.H.
Sun. Oct. 4th –
RE Bring A Friend Sunday
(except 8th grade class which is
closed at this point)
Plus Youth Group Planning
meeting
HIGH SCHOOL
YOUTH GROUP...
Cal Wacker, Youth Program Director
At the end of the spring, I began writing in
this column my intentions for our youth program. I outlined how I envisioned it as a
"Rite of Passage" based experience, with
support from the community to encourage
and grow our Unitarian Universalist youth
into Unitarian Universalist Adults. I envisioned a program where we found important
milestones to celebrate with the community.
I wanted an increased presence for us in the
UU metro New York district. I wanted congregants to interact with our youth and see
the amazing work they do out in that meeting
house away from the larger congregation.
I'm excited. Excited to be back as your Youth
Program Director. Excited for all the programming that has been set for this liturgical
year. Excited that this is a year I can begin
codifying our youth program into something
truly wonderful from 9th grade onwards.
Yes, I am including our 9th graders as youth.
That is because starting this year, we intend
to have our 9th grades meeting with the
youth group on Sundays as members.
That as part of entering into our Youth Program, you're meeting with the Youth Group
from first meeting. It also means all our 9th
graders will be invited to attend our TUCW
hosted UU Metro New York event: an
overnight Youth Conference on Saturday
September 26 with northern partner churches
of our metro district! We'll be hosting some
60 to 80 youth and advisors in our church
building (The meeting house is way too
small!) as a warm up to running our own full
district-wide weekend youth conference in
February.
We also are going to need volunteers! And
no, I'm not asking you to bring a sleeping
bag. I'm asking for help cooking dinner and
breakfast, helping buy food to feed a small
battalion of hungry teenagers, clean our
kitchen afterwards, shuttling visiting youth
and advisors to-and-from the Westport train
station,and procuring supplies for group
meetings. I'll be circulating volunteer opportunities, if you can help please contact in person or email.
My thanks to you all, and look forward to an
amazing time with you each.
O
n Friday evening, Sept. 4th, several dozen UU’ers
gathered at Compo Beach to celebrate Ken Lanouette’s
90th birthday. There were champagne toasts, a special
song written by Joann Coviello, and ofcourse,
birthday cake !
Birthday Boy Ken
Rev. Debra
A Sing-Along
Diana and Joann
A toast by Tom Croarkin
A hug from Frank Hall
September always brings the excitement of starting anew, a
throw back to the anticipation of a new school year. It also
brings our renewed and continuing commitment to the Beardsley school in Bridgeport. Beardsley is a Pre-Kindergarten
through sixth grade school of about 400 multiracial students,
most of whom qualify for free meals. Since 2001, our church
has supported its students and teachers by tutoring, reading
in the classroom, helping in the library, organizing Read-ALoud days, providing supplies, funding field trips, planning a
yearly Teacher Appreciation Day and much more. All of this is
possible because of the dedication of our TUCW members. If
you have been a part of this outreach, thank you! If you would
like to support our efforts this year, there are many ways to
help:
Would you like to tutor a young student or read to a classroom
-- please come to an information meeting (for new and continuing volunteers) on September 15, at 9:30, in the school library.
Also please email Carol Seiple at [email protected] or call
203 682-4584.
Do you have a used violin, cello, viola or keyboard to donate
so the good people at KEYS can teach our Beardsley kids how
to play an instrument -- please email Mary Beth Mollica at [email protected]
PHOTO BY DAVID VITA
FAITH in ACTION / David Vita
Immigration Committee
Our Immigration Committee had its first meeting of the new church year
on Sunday, September 6. We couldn’t even wait until Homecoming to
get started!
On the agenda for this year is increasing ours and the congregations understanding of immigration issues, allying with local organizations like The
International Institute of Connecticut, Neighbors Link, and the Dreamers,
building support within the congregation for legislation in both Hartford
and Washington, and providing material and financial support for refugees
and immigrants.
Our next meeting is Sunday, October 4 at 11:30 in the East Wing.
If working on immigration is something that you have a passion for or if
you would like to just check out what we’re doing, please contact David
Vita at 203.227.7205 x14 or [email protected]. Thank you.
“Like other discriminatory legislation in our country's history, immigration laws define and differentiate legal status on the basis of arbitrary attributes. Immigration laws create unequal rights. People who
break immigration laws don't cause harm or even potential harm
(unlike, for example, drunk driving, which creates the potential for
Can you help a Beardsley teacher buy supplies for her or his
classroom --please stop and pick up a tag at the Beardsley
Board in the lobby after church.
harm even if no accident occurs). Rather, people who break immigra-
Any thing, small or large, that you do will assure that our
adopted students have a bright beginning to their year as well.
Aviva Chomsky, They Take Our Jobs!: And 20 Other Myths about Immigration
Arthur Miller and REEL the Justice Film Series
tion laws do things that are perfectly legal for others, but denied to
them--like crossing a border or, even more commonly, simply exist.”
Starring William H. Macy, Laura Dern, David Paymer, and Meat Loaf
Aday (yes, THAT Meat Loaf!), FOCUS is a suspenseful, grimly surreal
In celebration of longtime Connecticut
film about a meek man, Lawrence Newman (Macy), who won’t stick
resident Arthur Miller’s one-hundredth
his neck out and closes his eyes to injustices around him until…
birthday, the Westport Country Playhouse
everything comes in to focus.
will present one of his most arresting and
Lawrence’s vision is going and he’s ordered by his boss to wear
psychologically penetrating works, Broglasses. He does and suddenly everyone says that they make him
ken Glass, a powerful account of what
look Jewish. He’s demoted at work, ostracized, humiliated, and athappens when the lines between what
tacked. As much as he denies that he’s Jewish it doesn’t matter, he
we believe and what is true, between our private fears and pubstill feels the full brunt of anti-Semitism.
lic fixations, begin to fade away.
Roger Ebert wrote in his movie review:
As a community partner in conjunction with the Playhouse’s cel“The purpose of the movie is to take a man who might be willing to
ebration of Miller our REEL Justice Film series will show his little
go along with anti-Semitic values, and show him what it's like to be
known cinematic jewel of a film, FOCUS on Sat. Oct. 3 at 7:30.
discriminated against as a Jew. The climax of this experience comes
Written in 1945, Focus was Arthur Miller's first novel and one of
late one night in Finkelstein's store, when the merchant asks him,
the first books to directly confront American anti-Semitism. It re''What do you see when you look at me?'' The problem in all societies
mains as chilling and incisive today as it was at the time of its
throughout history, the opening for all prejudice, is that we don't look
controversial debut. As World War II draws to a close, anti-Semiat all. We look away, or at our prejudices, or we allow the worst
tism is alive, well, and flourishing in Brooklyn, New York, the setamong us to look on our behalf, and accept their reports.”
ting of the film.
From the Community Minister / Debra W. Haffner
I hope you had a wonderful restorative summer.
I have exciting news to share. On September 1, I formally announced that I will step down as president of
Religious Institute at the end of April 2016. I co-founded the Religious Institute in 2001, and have been its chief
executive officer during its first fifteen years. I recognize that it is time for the Religious Institute to move from
its founder to new leadership.
My work in the sexuality field began forty years ago. We created the Religious Institute to change the national
dialog about religion and sexuality and to promote a progressive religious vision of sexual and reproductive justice. For those of you new to my ministry, the Religious Institute is the premier multifaith national organization
working at the intersection of sexuality and religion to advance sexual and reproductive health, sexuality education, and sexual and reproductive justice in America’s faith communities and society at large. Almost 8,000
religious leaders from more than 50 different faith traditions are now part of the Religious Institute’s growing
network.
During its first decade and a half, the Religious Institute has served as a catalyst for real transformation and
change in religious institutions. The Religious Institute’s founding document, the Religious Declaration on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing, has been endorsed by more than 4600 religious leaders in the U.S. As a direct
result of Religious Institute’s work, thirty-one seminaries in the United States are now incorporating sexuality
issues into their training for new religious professionals for the first time. Major denominations are changing
policies and programs. In the most dramatic success story, four religious denominations have now instituted
pioneering policies that require all faith leaders in training to demonstrate competence on sexuality issues before they can be ordained.The Religious Institute’s intensive work with religious institutions has resulted in improved policies on sexual harassment, inclusive language, welcoming of LGBTQ people, and sexual abuse
prevention.
The Unitarian Church in Westport – and you – have played a crucial role in supporting my community ministry, including standing with me in our terrible crisis of 2012. Many of you are donors to our organization;
even more of you have lent moral support and encouragement. As I travel across the United States, I take
TUCW with me.
Even more, this community has helped me grow as a minster. You ordained and endorsed me more than 12
years ago. You have allowed me to preach to you, to provide counseling to you, to be with you during times of
crisis, to offer adult education, and to even pilot test national programs in our congregation. I have learned
what it is to serve a congregation during my time here. I am so grateful for your trust, your encouragement,
and your sharing your lives with me.
My work is not done. I have decided to seek a fulltime parish or campus ministry position. Yes, I’m going into
search. I’m excited -- and a little intimidated. I hope I can count on many of you to offer witness to my ministry within this congregation. I feel ready to serve a congregation because you have welcomed me to serve
you.
It is indeed possible that I will be leaving TUCW at the end of this church year. But, that’s a long way away.
I look forward to THIS year with you and am so excited about Rev. John and all of us sharing our ministry.
It’s going to be a great year.
Now is the time to join Realm!
Getting connected to your profile in Realm lets you:
- see how your contributions build towards your pledge amount during the year
- contribute to UUWestport online
- see all that's happening in different groups across all of UUWestport
Look for the invite coming from onrealmmail.org in your email inbox. If it’s not there, check your spam folder to see if it
bounced there. Once you’ve gotten the invite from onrealmmail.org, click on the link and your email address should be in
there. Then it will ask you to create a password. Remember to save that password in some way (write it down, or let your
computer remember it). When the big envelope shows up on the screen, go check your email inbox again for your account
confirmation. Click the link in that email and that will ask you for your phone number. It can be either your home phone or
your cell phone.
Once you have your login, you can click on the "Giving" tab in your Realm profile to set up any online contributions you
may want. You are welcome to contribute, of course, with regular checks or your bank's online bill paying feature instead.
The previous credit card system has shut down so if you have not connected to your Realm profile and entered your giving
details for online contributions, you are not paying towards your 2015-16 pledge by credit card. We do not hold any credit
card information here at UUWestport. You enter it yourself in your Realm profile. If you do choose to use online contributions
and want it to apply to your pledge, please select “Pledged General Support Fund”. Although the system doesn’t show your
last fiscal year 2014-15 pledge, using Realm is a handy way to stay abreast of your progress in fulfilling your 2015-16 pledge.
Remember to bookmark in “favorites” the sign-in page. If you forgot and can’t find it, a handy way to get back to the signin page is to click on the "Pledging" tab at the top of the UUWestport homepage at www.uuwestport.org . Lower down on
that page has the link for the sign-in screen. While that page also has the Realm FAQ with other handy tips on using the system, the best way to learn more is to click on the “?” in the upper right hand corner in your Realm profile.
If you have problems, just email Dorothy at [email protected]
A Gift That Keeps on Giving
The Legacy Committee would like to remind all that a legacy gift is an effective way to help assure the
future of our Church. A bequest, generally in a will, or other planned giving, is a “gift that keeps on giving”. It is accomplished by simple language, written in consultation with your lawyer or financial advisor.
For many Universalist- Unitarian churches legacy giving forms a significant part of its financial resources. A legacy can be given to
our Endowment Fund, or for a specific purpose. Either way, it’s a wonderful way to be a year-round steward and help assure the
future of our liberal faith and our own Congregation.
The Legacy Committee, part of the Stewardship Committee, has prepared a brochure that is available to all. If you don’t see one
ask or call Jan for a copy. It briefly explains the benefits to both you and the Church. Or speak with any member
of the Legacy Committee; we’ll be happy to talk it over.
Chuck Harrington, Chairman, Denny Davidoff, Catherine Onyemelukwe, David Thompson.
More than a Tag Sale, this was:
A community event – From the volunteers who bonded during the week of set-up, to the quiet gathering of Early Bird
shoppers who all knew one another and chatted amicably
while waiting for the doors to open, to the mini-communities
formed as people gathered around an usual object, discussing
what it was, how it worked.
A family event - Grandparents with their kids and grandkids, newlyweds, babies in snugglies, toddlers in
heaven in the toy section.
An international event - Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, French, German, Dutch, Chinese were all
heard during the day, and some of us even joined in, in our limited way.
A bargain hunter’s event - Budget-conscious shoppers who eagerly awaited the return of this sale because
they knew we had great prices and could outfit their kitchen, nursery, family room or closets from the donations you made. Discerning shoppers, ranging from ones who carefully considered a painting and how
it would look over the grand piano, to others so happy to have puzzles and games to give their children.
A PR event - People asked about the architecture, what the heck is Unitarianism, what we raise the money
for. One father of tween boys, after bargaining us down on a few items, reached into his pocket for another
$20 when he was told about our support of Beardsley School, Mercy Learning Center. There are countless
stories like this one.
An environmental event – Reduce, Reuse, recycle. Your goods found new homes, new purposes and
made a lot of people happy. That path continued when Big Brothers/Big Sisters picked up our leftovers.
A weight loss event: Hard labor for 6 days in 85 degree heat. Enough said.
A money making event - Yes, in addition to all the above aspects of this one-day extravaganza, we made
close to $12, 000. And nearly all of it came from outside the congregation. So let’s add that it was truly
a deeply satisfying event on so many levels.
Thank you, each of you who supported this first fundraiser of the year.
We don’t know the names of all our donors, but here’s who showed up to do the labor:
Our Intrepid Workers:
Melanie Allen
Lucas Barber
Joan Barnett & Annie
Betsy Beach
Jackie Beck
Diana Bell
Lynda Bluestein
Marie Claire Bue
Randy Burnham
Susan Butler
Liz Caplan
Martha Constable
Joann Coviello
Mary-Jane Cross
Don Bancroft
Martha Bancroft
Marjolijn De Jager
Ed Fitzgerald
Russ Fortier
Christine Frei
Lon Garrison
Carol Goddard
Hazen Goddard
Eric Gribin
Ellie Grosso
Bobbie Herman
Aimee Holstrom
Linda Hudson
Meg Jones
Tim Jones
Mary Kastriner
Felicia Keeton
Charles Klein
Kathy Kurzatkowski
Nancy Lack
Kristen Leddy
Ann Lundberg
Jeff Lundberg
Janet Luongo
Nancy McKeever
Eleanor McGuirk
Felicity Medinger,
all day cashier
Lyn Medoff
Maria MendozaSmith
Diane Moller
Julyen Norman
Jean O’dell
Lyn O’Donnell
Cathy Paine
Marjorie Partch
Carol Porter
Deborah Quinn
Marilynn Reed
Kathy Roberts
Connie Rockman
Elena Rockman
Florence Romanov
Carl Serbell
Laura Silence
Mark Silence
Scott Singer
Candy St Onge
Barbara Thormahlen
Joanne Turmelle
John Turmelle
Peg Ulrich
Jerusha Vogel
Matthew Vogel
Betsy Wacker
Cal Wacker
Barbara Webster
Marion Wertheim
Lynn Whitton
Tim Wilson
Julia Wyant
Melanie Wyler
Paula Yonkers
Staff support:
Dorothy Adams
Jan Braunle
David Vita
Jeram Kamlani
Riis Lane
Bold Face = 10 hours or more
Greetings…from The Building & Grounds Committee
We want to bring you up to speed on the current major
Buildings & Grounds projects:
• First, we started the badly needed repairs of the Flat Roofs over the
East and West Wings, with the goal of having this work completed by the
end of August. Unfortunately, Murphy’s Law came into play, and we discovered serious structural fault with the East wing, which delayed our
progress until we settle on the necessary corrective measures. Completion is now expected by mid September.
• Second, we are close to repairing the worst Pot Holes in our parking lot. A contractor has been selected, and we are working on a contract,
and a confirmed start date. We are hoping to have this work completed
during September.
• Finally, hopefully you all know that Westport’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved the Text Amendment for the Platform Lift. We
have also cleared the waiting period for public objections to the Text
Amendment, without issues. At long lost, we are moving forward again.
Our first step is to authorize our architect to begin the necessary drawings to apply for a building permit from the Westport’s Building Department. Installation will begin immediately after, and we think the lift will
be in place by mid November.
Flowers for
September
September 6
Given with love for our triplets,
Raymond, Sofia and Daniel Yang,
born 9/4/08.
With sadness for the loss of
Raymond at only one week old.
And in celebration of
Daniel and Sofia’s 7th birthday.
Ted & Christine Yang
September 13
Given by
Jean, Neil and Todd Coleman
As we move forward with these projects, it is our intention to give you a
monthly update of our progress or any delays.
Respectfully, The Building & Grounds Committee
About the Memorial Garden
Our Memorial Garden is the wooded knoll to the north you see from the
sanctuary. It was started in the early days of the Church to receive
the ashes or to simply to commemorate, our deceased members
and their immediate famlies. It memorializes more than 250 of
our past members, and, in addition, some 70 of our current members have reserved sites
for future use. So it is an important aspect of our UU membership.
Over the years procedures have been adopted to preserve the Garden’s tranquil atmosphere and clarify eligibility. It is a privilege available only to members and immediate
families for whom they may make provision while active. Definitions of membership and
important aspects of the Garden, and costs, are set out in “Information, Rules and Congregational Policy” and copies are available in the office. You are welcome to visit the Garden
and those interested are urged to read it.
New reservations are listed on a Master List, drawn on a sketch map of the Garden and
each site (one person) is marked with a numbered brick. Forms and records are kept in
the office. Committee members (below) have copies and can help in selecting sites, or
finding the sites of those memorialized.
We ask the help of all in respecting the calm and gentle atmosphere of the Garden. We remind all
that nothing should be left at sites except fresh flowers. If you would like information or would
like to help in caring for the Garden, please contact any Committee member.
Neil Coleman, Chairman, Diana Bell, Hazen Goddard, Larry Kastriner, David Thompson,
Marion Wertheim.
UU Movie
Discussion
Group,
Friday, Sept. 25
The next UU Movie Discussion on
Friday, Sept. 25, welcomes the beginning
of our fall season.
The films to be discussed are “The Gift”,
“Pheonix” and “Learning to Drive”.
There will be a potluck dessert at 7:30 pm.
Discussion at 8.
In the Meeting House.
All are welcome.
PLEASE NOTE
The Memorial Service for
Roy Fine
has been postponed.
There will not be a service on
Saturday, September 19th.
The new date has not yet been
determined.
Watch Soundings for those
details.
UU WESTPORT ADULT EDUCATION
Living A Spiritually Nourished Life
We are thrilled to launch our second term of Adult Education programming with our beloved TUCW Community. Thank you for your support, input and interest in growing this ministry together. Please contact Kathleen or Janette to serve on the Adult Education Committee. If you have experience in promotions and communications, administration, would like to facilitate workshops, help to set up events, or if you have great programming ideas you would like to work with us to launch… Contact Kathleen & Janette: [email protected] Something for everyone!
September 13: VISION CREATION ACTIVITY with Janette Kinnally Mikhalchuk Unleash your vision in this creative, fun and inspirational activity for individuals & families. After Homecoming in East Wing (Please email [email protected] to sign up so we have enough materials for everyone) September 20: MONEY & SPIRIT with Rosemary Williams BRIEF INFORMATION SESSION: SUN 9/20 10:00 am Rosemary Williams, author, financial advisor and global economic empowerment activist brings her six-­‐week workshop to TUCW this Fall. Money and spirituality are not mutually exclusive and there is a spiritual dimension to money that can be tapped for your benefit—and for the wider world as well. Course begins: Saturday, October 3, 2015: 10am – Noon Six sessions 10/3, 10/10, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/12 October 4: THE ART OF PERFORMANCE STORYTELLING with John O’Hern INTRODUCTION SESSION: SUN 10/4 1:00 pm In a café setting, master storyteller John O’Hern will share 60 minutes of personal stories, ranging in emotion from funny to dark to outrageous. John will then present an overview of what a storytelling workshop series would entail and answer questions from the audience, including about the stories shared in performance. Six-­‐session workshop dates TBD. OCTOBER 18: CREATING OUR THEOLOGY with Rev. John Rev. John will lead an exploration into the concepts and forms of personal and collective theology. Come to one session or come to all. Sundays in the Sanctuary: Oct 18 (1-­‐3pm), Nov 8, (1-­‐3pm) and Dec 6 (1-­‐3pm) COMING SOON! WORLD RELIGIONS Unitarian Universalism is a “living tradition” that draws upon the wisdom of the world’s religions. This Fall, we begin a new journey exploring world religions (two-­‐
sessions per), including Native American, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hindu, Buddhism. More details to come. OWNING YOUR RELIGIOUS PAST Designed for New Members and Lifelong Members alike. Come and take journey through your religious past. Reflect and share memories and experiences that will provide insight and energy to invigorate spiritual growth, and gain fresh and refined clarity to your current spiritual goals and practice. A six-­‐week workshop including weekly discussion groups, journaling, and sharing religious symbols and more. This course will be supported with on-­‐line / teleconferencing access. Meeting dates, TBD. Contact Kathleen Dey Kraemer: [email protected] MUSICAL
NOTES by Ed Thompson
t is that time of year when people think about making committments.
Is there a little voice in your head that said "hey, I would really love to
do what they're doing [singing]", but never had the opportunity or the
courage to do anything about it. Now is the time!
I
10 Best Reasons for Joining Choir
10 ... you get the best seats in the house
9 ... never a problem with parking
8 ... according to recent studies, it lessens your chances of getting ill
7... great for the cardiovascular system
6 ... interesting way to balance the brain hemispheres
5 ... creative outlet for all of your pent-up emotions
4 ... singing lessens the need for caffein
3 ... it is a great, caring family within the larger community
2 ... it is spiritual experience
1 ... It is fun!
Please be in touch with Ed Thompson (203-227-7205 ext 18) for all of
your questions/concerns. He would love to talk with you, send schedules or discuss the options.
YOUTH CHOIR
Youth Choir (ages 8 through 12) our rehearsals begin on Thursday, September 10. They rehearse each Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00. Please be in
touch with Ed Thompson for details or questions.
TEEN CHOIR
The first rehearsal for the Teen Choir (ages 13 through 18) will be Thursday, September 10th, 6:00. They meet every Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00.
This is a great group that will be singing for occasional services during
the year. Please be in touch with Ed Thompson for questions or concerns.
For all other choirs please consult the website, Soundings, or ask
Ed for a schedule.
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, October 24th, 8:00 pm.
The Special Projects Choir joins the Festival Chorus from Music on the Hill for a
performance of Handel's Israel in Egypt at the Norwalk Concert Hall.
They will be accompanied by an orchestra from New Yorhat specializes in early music!
We are thrilled! Although a ticket is needed, the tickets are free!!
This is a major musical event which we are proud to sponsor.
More information coming soon!
SOUNDINGS
Newsletter of the
Unitarian Church in Westport
Phone: (203) 227-7205
Fax: (203) 221-7979
E-mail: [email protected]
Church Staff
Rev. Dr. John Morehouse........Senior Minister
Ext. 12; [email protected]
Edward Thompson ......... Minister of Music
Ext. 18; [email protected]
Dorothy Adams......... Director of Operations
Ext. 16; [email protected]
Jan Braunle ..... Scheduling & Office Manager
Ext. 10; [email protected]
Mary B. Collins ........................... RE Director
Ext. 15; [email protected]
Cal Wacker .........................Youth Program Dir.
Ext. 17; [email protected]
Lisa Burns ............................... RE Assistant
Ext. 17; [email protected]
David Vita ..................... Social Justice Director
Membership Director
Ext. 14 ; [email protected]
Rev. Frank Hall ...................... Minister Emeritus
[email protected]
Rev. Debra Haffner .............................. Endorsed
Community Minister
[email protected]
Board of Trustees
Michele Garvey .................. Chair
Tom Croarkin .................... Vice Chair
Anne Khanna ..................... Treasurer
Mary Jane Cross ................. Clerk
Howard Aibel
Steve Axthelm
Lyn Hamilton
Lynda Shannon Bluestein
John Turmelle
Carol Porter .............. Editor/Design
Charles Klein .................... Webmaster
visit our website at
www.uuwestport.org
The next SOUNDINGS deadline is
Friday, at noon. Please e-mail
your copy to: [email protected]
PIERCE PETTIS
at
Voices Café
Saturday
October 10
8:00pm
Pierce Pettis will kick off Voices Caféps 5th season with an evening of acoustic
Americana music ranging from bluegrass, Appalachian gospel, rhythm and blues,
traditional folk and country rock np roll. In other wordsfPierce does it all and he
brings it all. An evocative musician in his etching of emotions and a sense of
hope and self-resolve that underpins many of his songs.
qPLHUFH3HWWLVGRHVQpWZULWHPHUHVRQJVKHZULWHVOLWHUDWXUH(QGWRHQGWKH
songwriting is brilliant...Pierce Pettis albums are events in my listening. His
writing just gets better all the time and his singing is marvelous, wry and
warm..." ~~Sing Out!
Tickets available at: www.voicescafe.org ~~~ Information: [email protected]