Dear Members and Friends,
This is an especially anxious time for our nation and community. During the coming weeks, there are many ways to find support and sustenance at UU Westport—as well as opportunities to remember who we are as a congregation.
This Sunday, I will attend remotely when Sari Bodi, Dorothy Rich, and Randy Burnham reflect on the benefits of participating in small groups, including our theme-based Soul Matters program. I originally planned to be with you October 26-30, November 6-10, and November 16-20. The reason I chose these weekends are because:
- Sunday October 27, is the Sunday that precedes All Souls Day and the Day of the Dead. It is also the last time I’m in the pulpit prior to the election. I will address the need for us Americans to resist the urges towards authoritarianism. A part of resistance is remembering—and remembering those who have gone before us. You are welcome to bring photos of loved ones for our altar this Sunday. Following the service, Rev. Ed Thompson will share his reflections on “The Power of Music.”
- Wednesday, November 6 is the day after the election, the Chaplains and I will host a Vigil for Hope. It behooves us to gather together at times of social uncertainty. So join us for a 6pm potluck, followed by a vigil at 7:00 PM.
- Saturday, November 9, we will host a showing of the one hour documentary film about the founding of our Rainbow Task Force at 3:00 PM with a reception to follow.
- Sunday, November 10, I will preach on resilience in a celebration of this Congregation’s 75th anniversary. Following the service, several members will share stories of this congregation’s colorful history, including participation in social justice endeavors.
- November 16, we gather to celebrate Rev. Ed Thompson’s nearly 47 year ministry with us. Choral Chameleon will perform several of his compositions.
- November 17, we will reflect on the need for hope, humility and chutzpah as we recognize Transgender Remembrance Day during the service.
If this wasn’t enough, there are two other very significant events occurring in the midst of all this activity.
Sunday, November 3, the Coming of Age youth will lead the service. We will hear from six of our young people and several others will participate in the service. I see this as such an important community event, that I will return November 2-4. My son, Marco, will accompany me. If our plane isn’t delayed, we will attend Voices Cafe on November 2 when Cheryl Wheeler performs. I’ve seen her perform three times—she provides hope amidst tragic times.
And lastly, Sunday, November 24, we will celebrate our Corn Bread Communion. I will join remotely for this beautiful service that includes this wonderful tradition.
Of course, December will be full of activity as well, but let us attend to the here and now. It’s an anxious, uncertain time for many who care deeply about the direction of our nation. Perhaps you’re active in getting out the vote. Perhaps you’re attending to another calling or creating beauty. Whatever you’re doing, know UU Westport is here to provide you a place to attend to your Spirit, reflect on what is truly important, and create community with others who value our shared effort of creating a sanctuary where all people can be themselves, grow spiritually, be inspired, connect, and act on behalf of our shared values.
Have a great week, and I will see you soon.
Warmly,
Alan
From “The Seven of Pentacles” by Marge Piercy
Connections are made slowly, sometimes they grow underground.
You cannot tell always by looking what is happening.
More than half the tree is spread out in the soil under your feet.
Penetrate quietly as the earthworm that blows no trumpet.
Fight persistently as the creeper that brings down the tree.
Spread like the squash plant that overruns the garden.
Gnaw in the dark and use the sun to make sugar.
Weave real connections, create real nodes, build real houses.
Live a life you can endure: Make love that is loving.
Keep tangling and interweaving and taking more in,
a thicket and bramble wilderness to the outside but to us
interconnected with rabbit runs and burrows and lairs.
Live as if you liked yourself, and it may happen:
reach out, keep reaching out, keep bringing in.
This is how we are going to live for a long time: not always,
for every gardener knows that after the digging, after the planting,
after the long season of tending and growth, the harvest comes.
