Dear Members and Friends,
This little message comes with a big wish.
Amidst this Holiday Season, I hope you are enjoying meaningful celebrations with friends and family, as well as have the opportunity to rest, reflect, and recharge.
There are many moments of joy at this time of year. Twelve days ago, I was thrilled to participate in both the dedication of twelve of our children and our Pageant service in which over 20 children participated. I loved how many parents helped make the Pageant rehearsal and service such a fabulous event. It brought me holiday joy—if you missed it, you can watch it HERE.
A behind the scenes note: I provided Angi and Melissa Balmer a rather lengthy script to consider. Melissa took it to Zoe, her seventh-grader. The two of them edited and the result was what I hope will become a tradition for years to come. See SOUNDINGS for photos HERE..
It was truly special to join you for Christmas Eve. I was deeply touched by the musical offerings by the choir and I always find singing Silent Night in candlelight especially meaningful. Thank you to all the musicians who sang, to all who blessed us with your presence, and especially to Rev. Ed Thompson for pulling the music and program together.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be with you for the celebration of life for Jack Hennessy tomorrow at 1pm and for Rev. Ed Thompson’s last worship service as a member of our staff on Sunday at 10:00 AM.
A tradition we have here at UU Westport is the Holiday Appeal. We currently are just over 25% of the way towards our goal of $25,000. If you haven’t yet given and are capable of contributing $25, $250, or $2,500, we welcome your end-of-the year contribution. You can give HERE
Your generosity is greatly appreciated. And regardless whether you are in a position to give, your presence and your participation in our shared ministry makes all the difference in how we bless one another and live out our values in our wider circles with curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Wishing you a meaningful, joy-filled Holiday Season and many blessings in the New Year!
May Peace, Hope, Love, and Joy be yours,
Alan
From Howard Thurman:
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.
