Dear Members and Friends, It’s Giving Tuesday, a day when we are encouraged to give to those organizations that live out our values. Because a Holiday Appeal will be forthcoming on behalf of UU Westport, I’m not asking that you respond to this message. Instead, I want to acknowledge how challenging it can be to […]
by Rev. Alan Taylor - Senior Minister
A Minister’s Message – November 17, 2023
Dear Members and Friends, This coming Sunday I will facilitate a congregational conversation regarding the Capital Campaign Construction work. A few weeks ago, the architect shared the plans for replacing the windows, chancel, and the floor. This Sunday provides an opportunity for members to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns. This past Sunday I shared […]
by Rev. Alan Taylor - Senior Minister
A Minister’s Message – November 14, 2023
Dear Members and Friends, This past Sunday, my sermon veered in a direction I had not intended. Usually when I go off manuscript, I still hit what I want to cover. There are couple of things that I want to highlight that I had intended sharing in the sermon. Given the sermon was about the […]
by Rev. Alan Taylor - Senior Minister
A Minister’s Message – November 8, 2023
Dear Members and Friends, Thank you for the gracious and positive response to this past Sunday’s worship service. It was the first time I participated remotely with a gathered congregation. I loved being able to see the gathered congregation (thank you Tech Team)! Here in Oak Park, I had my sermon notes up alongside the […]
by Rev. Alan Taylor - Senior Minister
A Minister’s Message – Take Heart and Take Courage – October 31, 2023
Dear Members and Friends, It snowed here in Chicago this morning and then the skies cleared up. Sunlight lit up the changing colors of the trees. And now it is becoming overcast again. The weather seems to change with my mood, or perhaps it’s the other way around. I want to wish you a “Happy […]
by Rev. Alan Taylor - Senior Minister
A Minister’s Message – Update on Changes at UU Westport – October 27, 2023
Dear Members and Friends, During this season of fall colors, we are reminded that change is a part of the cycle of life. Dealing with change is never easy. When I arrived less than two and a half months ago, I said, “I won’t make any changes for several months unless I am obliged to […]
by Rev. Alan Taylor - Senior Minister
A Minister’s Message – Take Heart and Take Courage – October 25, 2023
Dear Members and Friends, Simple words of late poet Adrienne Rich keep returning: My heart is moved by all I cannot save: so much has been destroyed. I have to cast my lot with those who age after age, perversely, with no extraordinary power, reconstitute the world. In times of global insecurity, national dysfunction, and […]
by Rev. Alan Taylor - Senior Minister
A Minister’s Message – October 10, 2023
Dear Members and Friends, As our Jewish neighbors wrapped up their seven day celebration of Sukkot this past Saturday and began the observance of the joyful Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret, horrific news from Israel came pouring in. The Hamas attack on Jewish towns and the murder and kidnapping of civilians disturbs me beyond words. […]
by Rev. Alan Taylor - Senior Minister
A Minister’s Message – Changes for the Sanctuary? – October 3, 2023
Dear Members and Friends, On Sunday, did you notice the four rectangles attached just below the speakers in the sanctuary? They mark where the monitors/screens are planned to be installed. Rob Laug and his Tech Team have done a remarkable job with updating the recording, audio and video technology in the congregation. (For those not […]
by Rev. Alan Taylor - Senior Minister
A Minister’s Message – Shana Tovah: May You Have a Good and Sweet Year – September 20, 2023
Dear Members and Friends, This is a year of transition and change for you. I have no doubt your faith community will experience continued growth and healing. I’m here to accompany you during the good times and the challenging times. This past weekend, Nate Pawelek shared his resignation with me. He shared the news with […]
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