Hello, Beloveds,
Fall Adult Faith Formation is beginning! These are UU faith-based workshops, classes, and practice groups that focus on deepening inner and outer spiritual connections and exploring how we live our lives as Unitarian Universalists. We have a wonderful schedule of programs already in the works.
Among our congregation, we have an abundance of people with gifts, knowledge, and a desire to inspire. Those of you with something that you wish to share are welcome to submit new proposals for the Fall session or talk with me about planning ahead to share an offering during the Winter or Spring sessions.
Fall 2019 (September-December 2019)
Winter (January-March 2020)
Spring (April- June 2020)
Programs may be offered one time, as multiple sessions, or ongoing. They can be run for a closed group of registered participants or open to everyone.
Contact Rev. Shelly, Assistant Minister for Faith Formation
Rev. Shelly Thompson
(203) 227-7205 ext. 17
Neighboring Faiths program for Adults
Contact: Ravi Sankar
A year-long exploration of Religions of the World
Spend 3-4 weeks per religion to learn, understand and
experience diverse religious practices in our neighborhood.
Each faith module will be led and facilitated by one of our fellow church members.
Leaders who have volunteered:
Hinduism – Ravi Sankar
Judaism – Rainy Broomfield
Islam – Shahan Islam and Shanonda Nelson
Christianity – Tom Hearne
Religious Naturalism – Rev. Jim Francek
Buddhism – Nina Nagy and David Bauer
UU – Rev. John Morehouse
Each faith module consists of three distinct sessions:
- Learn about the religion or practice in a presentation by module leader. May include pre-reading for self-study
- Experience – “Field trips” to related houses of worship; discussion with practitioners; experience a service, prayer, meditation or retreat session.
- Reflect – Come back together as a group to discuss what we learnt, what we experienced and what moved us.
By studying these faith traditions, our eyes are opened to religious differences that can help us appreciate the unique beauty of each religion and also what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist.
Hinduism – October 2019
- Session 1 Learn – Date: Friday, October 4th – 6:00–9:00 PM – Place: Meeting House
- Session 2 Experience – Date: Saturday, October 12th – 9:00 AM-12:00 PM –
Place: Ganesh Temple, Flushing NY
Depart UU Westport at 8:00 AM. Arrive early if you wish to carpool.
9:00 AM – 12:00 Discussion with Temple Priest and experience Pooja.
Optional: lunch at temple cafeteria - Session 3 Reflection – Date: Friday, October 18th – 7:00–9:00 PM – Place: Meeting House
Judaism – October-November 2019
- Session 1 Learn – Date: Thursday, October 24th – 7:00 PM – Place: East Wing
- Session 2 Experience – Date: Friday, Novovember 1st – 6:30 PM – Place: Temple Israel
Attend Service at 6:30pm. Discussion with Rabbi. Optional: Community dinner $20. - Session 3 Reflection – Date: Sunday, November 10th – 12:30 PM post service –
Place – Meeting House [Youth Room]
Islam – January 2020 – (To be scheduled)
We are looking for you to join our group of fellow travelers as we explore together.
While we hope you will join us on the entire journey exploring our Neighboring faiths, we recognize that this is a large time commitment and ask that you plan on attending all sessions within a faith tradition module.
If you wish to lead or assist with any of the module contact Sudah Sankar
Space is limited! Please register by emailing Sudah Sankar
Creating Theology Together
Coming in January 2020
Rev. John and Rev. Shelly
We are a pilot congregation for this new program, based on Rev. John’s doctoral thesis.
Space is limited. Please RSVP to Rev. Shelly.
Grief Support Group
For anyone who has lost a loved one,
the group meets for 6 consecutive Mondays beginning October 14,
from 700-8:30 PM in Rev. John’s office.
To register, or for inquiries, please contact Pat Francek or Chuck Harrington.
October 14, October 21, October 28, November 4, November 11, November 18.
TUCWomen Spirit Circles
Wednesdays at 7:00 PM (East Wing)
September 25th-November 6th
Contact: Sudah Sankar
TUCWomen: Visionary Women
presented by: Janet Luongo
October 19th 6:00 pm
Addiction Recovery Ministry Presents
The Power of Now: study and support group
based on Eckhart Tolle’s book
every Wednesday 7 pm (Meeting House)
started September 4th
Contact: Jim Francek
Small Group Ministry
Fall open enrollment begins September 8th
Contact: Marie-Claire Bue
Sunday Meditation (in the Chapel)
9:00 AM through September 8th
10:00 AM starting September 15th
with Janet Luongo
Buddhist Practice Group
Every Monday 6:30-8:30 PM (Meeting House)
Contact: Nina Nagy