Dear UUWestport Members and Friends,
This week I pulled my sweaters out of my drawer for the first time in months. Fall has arrived, announced by the prominent displays of storefront pumpkins and the cooler weather.
It is amazing how quickly the weather can change. Just over a week ago we gathered in the UUWestport sanctuary for our Homecoming service, while phone alerts sounded announcing flash flooding warnings throughout the region. Unfortunately we received this weather news a little too late to cancel our in-person service. Thankfully many of you were able to join the service remotely by livestream. I encourage all of us to prioritize our personal safety should we encounter unpredictable weather events in the future (the choir and coffee hour will be ok if you are unable to make it in person). My heart goes out to all who were caught driving in these conditions or incurred property damage due to flooding. If you need support, please do reach out to me or your pastoral care chaplains at 203-227-7205 x19.
In the midst of transition – be it weather, a new ministry, world events, or any life change – our UU community is a gift and an anchor. Many of us come to Unitarian Universalist congregations seeking authentic connections in a world that is too often superficial and divisive. We come in search of inspiration and hope, meaning and purpose, and people to share the journey with.
I remember my own first discovery of Unitarian Universalism. I was 29 and found myself in the midst of several life changes – the birth of my first child, the death of my father, and the move back to my hometown of Rochester, NY. In August 2005, I watched on my TV screen as Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, exposing both our vulnerability to climate change, and the cruelty of racism, poverty, and inequity. In the midst of that difficult year I sought a place to bring my questions and heartache, as well as the pull to be of service in our hurting world. Finding community and purpose at First Unitarian Church of Rochester was for me life-changing grace.
While I was inspired by the worship services in Rochester, I made the most meaningful connections through small circles. One of our senior ministers, Rev. Scott Tayler, introduced a new framework for ministry called Soul Matters to the congregation, and I soon found a role both as a participant in a UU Writers group, and as facilitator of a Soul Matters group for 20-30 something adults. These groups allowed me to explore our monthly themes and to build strong connections. The circles provided space for all of us to practice deep listening and covenant, and to hold space for our inner wisdom to emerge. We also laughed and cried quite a bit together!
I am so glad that Soul Matters is a part of UUWestport’s congregational life. Soul Matters is also a framework that connects us as a large congregation, helping us to tie the many threads of congregational life together through a shared story. I will be continuing to center monthly themes in our Sunday services, and I encourage the expansion of our sharing circles. I recently met with the Soul Matters small group facilitators here at UUWestport, and discovered great committed leaders – and the opportunity to welcome more group members and expand this important ministry of deepening community connections. If you are interested in joining an existing group – or perhaps starting a new one – please let me know.
September’s Soul Matters’ theme of Beginnings has been a rich adventure for me, alongside all of you, as we have just begun to grow in relationship. I look forward to continuing our celebration of this theme this weekend. Small circles for connection and listening are important. And so are fun celebrations! In addition to Sunday service, I hope to see you at Fun Fest along with our neighbors and friends this Saturday. Fun Fest will include many opportunities to make connections at UUWestport. I look forward to celebrating all our new beginnings!
May we continue to weave the web of community connections with joy and hope. And may these connections help ground us in this season of change.
Warmly,
Rev. Terri
