Dear Members and Friends,
For those of you who are grieving the outcome of the election, it won’t surprise me if you had difficulty getting around this morning or if it is taking you much longer to attend to tasks. This is the nature of grief.
It was good to be with several dozen of you last night. I have received multiple requests for additional gatherings and opportunities to talk. If you would like someone to talk with individually, know that Rev. Jim and the Pastoral Care Chaplains are always available. Contact them at
pastoralcare@uuwestport.org and (203) 227-7205, extension 19.
If you would like to gather in a small group, at 7: 00 PM, this evening, I will host a small group in my office (or the East Wing if more than a dozen of you show up). Or if you want to be in touch with me directly, I am at (203) 227-7205, extension 12. Our doors are open all day today through the evening.
If you are someone who wishes to get more involved and would like to serve as an usher (periodically handing out orders of service and collecting the offering—a great way to get involved), I invite you to join the Ushers Potluck Dinner that Rev. Ed and I are hosting on Friday evening at 6:00 PM, here at UU Westport.
On Saturday at 3:00 PM, we will show Rozanne Gates’s documentary film about the founding of the Rainbow Task Force over 30 years ago here at UU Westport. This documentary made 11 years ago, serves as a part of our Remembering Our History series. This gathering couldn’t come at a better time as we will then reflect on how to move forward our shared ministry of supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ people as a Unitarian Universalist congregation.
Who do you know that is seeking comfort, community, and connection at this time? Invite them to our worship service this Sunday and perhaps our “Remembering Our History—Social Justice Participation” that will feature several of our members sharing stories about our this congregation’s involvement in social action and social justice.
The following Saturday, we will celebrate Rev. Ed Thompson’s 46 years with us with Choral Chameleon performing several of Rev. Ed’s works.
The following Sunday, our worship service will mark Transgender Remembrance Day and I will reflect on how Unitarian Universalists have long valued hope, humility, and chutzpah in leadership.
Take care of yourself and join us when you can—we are not only here for you, but when you’re here, your presence supports others who show up seeking comfort, community, and connection. May we live together into the beautiful aspiration I’ve heard from many of you: “We will care for you and we will call upon you to care for others.”
Love and Peace,
Alan
