Lectio Divina is an ancient practice that invites us into a place of stillness and deeper relationship with others, through shared readings. We are meeting again over Zoom, on Monday, February 5 at 7:00 PM. at 7:00 PM. This is a treasured time to be together, and anyone is welcome to join. No experience is necessary – just appreciation for listening. It is a small group and registration is necessary. More information is in the e-blast and on the website. Please contact Sue Bollens or Amy Crawford with any questions. Download QR The post Lectio Divina February 5, 2024 7 ..read more

Cherry Pickin’s January 2024 I’m not opposed to making New Year’s Resolutions – sometimes they help us choose a new and good pathway ahead. But, a more valuable spiritual project at the new year – which I heartily recommend – is to count your blessings. Sometimes when the world is chaotic and frightening – when so many people are facing unspeakably difficult challenges and tragedies – it can feel selfish to remember blessings. But, I urge you to banish that fear.  Sometimes when life is hard, sad, and frightening it can be a struggle to find blessings. But, I urge you to try anyway. If yo ..read more

Cherry Pickin’s – December 2023 Each December I share a similar message with the congregation I’m serving, a message that acknowledges how much each person is trying to manage during this month – and this season. We feel the tug of Hope and Expectation in both spiritually and practically challenging ways.  And, Memory and Grief arise with force, needing time and attention, If we’re lucky, we find moments of quiet joy and peace along the way as well. But, the challenging highs and lows are more frequent, and more common, for many.   Take care of yourselves, my dear ones. This can ..read more

Defenders of Animals, Inc. began in 1978. Their mission is to defend the inalienable rights of both companion animals and wildlife through education, and legal and legislative activism. As an all-volunteer agency, 100% of profits go toward medical expenses for animals, such as financial assistance for spaying/neutering. Since 1978, Defenders of Animals testified in person and/or supplied documentation to have animal protection legislation become law in Rhode Island. They have been recognized for their good works by the RI House and Senate. To donate go to: https://www.westminsteruu.org/donate ..read more

Mt Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts is a beautiful arboretum with stunning landscapes and memorials.  Let’s make a visit together while the Fall colors are at peak. Westminster folks are invited to join Rev. Eric for a historical walk through the cemetery on Sunday, November 5 from 2:30-4:30pm. We’ll visit the gravesites of 20 or so notable Universalists and Unitarians including Dorothea Dix, Julia Ward Howe, Rev. John Murray, Rev. William Ellery Channing, and Rev. Frederic Henry Hedge – who served Westminster Unitarian Church from 1850-56. We’ll meet at the Cemetery Visitor C ..read more

Our September Share the Plate is Foster Forward Rhode Island Foster Forward Rhode Island’s mission is to empower lives impacted by foster care. They have an unwavering commitment to support children and youth, families, and the child welfare system as a whole, to grow, connect, improve, and move forward. Foster Forward is a nationally and locally recognized leader that ensures all children and youth impacted by foster care have safe, healthy, and nurturing families. The post Our September Share the Plate is Foster Forward RI appeared first on Westminster Unitarian Church ..read more

Cherry Pickin’s 2023 I had the good fortune to find myself commuting behind a student driver recently – likely one of their first tentative treks behind the wheel. I could feel the mix of anxiety and awareness that was emanating from the other car during the short time we traveled together. It was ‘good fortune’ because it reminded me of the benefits of cultivating a ‘‘beginner’s mind’’ or shoshin as it’s known in Zen Buddhism. Whether driving on Main St. or traveling the Noble Eightfold Path, these guideposts are worth noticing:   Slow down. Listen to mentors. Concentrate. Be courageous ..read more

OLDER ADULT OWL CLASS SERIES              Ages 55 ~ 100+              September 20, 2023 – April 3, 2024, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm              The first seven (7) classes (September – December) will be held at UUCSC              (Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County, 27 North Road, Wakefield, RI 02879)              Following a winter holiday recess, seven (7) classes will be held at Westminster Unitarian Church ..read more

Riding the Post-Pandemic Wave in the Ocean StateExciting news for the Spring – the WUC Auction is back!  Exciting news for the Spring – the WUC Auction is back! April 22, 2023 Are you thinking about what you can contribute? Maybe you like to cook, garden, or host a game/craft night. Perhaps you have a particular talent you can teach others, like playing an instrument or teaching a foreign language. Or there is a special piece of artwork or jewelry you are willing to donate. Here are some ideas. Let’s get creative! Submissions are due by April 1st. Item submissions are preferably accepted ..read more

MENTOR Rhode Island is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the expansion of quality mentoring services for Rhode Island youth.  Mentor Rhode Island coordinates school-based mentoring programs supporting a statewide network of 53 mentoring programs serving 37 Rhode Island cities and towns. The post Our March Share the Plate is MENTOR Rhode Island appeared first on Westminster Unitarian Church ..read more