“Summer Mode” at Westminster: June 18, 2024 – September 8, 2024

Westminster Unitarian Church shifts into ‘summer-mode’ from late June until early September.  Ongoing programs and activities will continue to be advertised in the E-chimes and the calendar on the church website.  

Beginning on Sunday, June 23rd our weekly worship services will shift into a less formal style.  Our wonderful summer services will most often be led by lay-leaders with special guests and musicians from the wider community.  Summer Services will typically be held in the Sanctuary since solar panel-powered air conditioning is now available there. Please also note that our Sunday morning programs for children and youth are on hiatus. 

We will continue broadcasting services over Zoom and YouTube this summer with tech host leadership from Lance Collins. See the website and E-Chimes with details each week.

The Schedule of Summer Services is still taking shape, but here’s a preview. Note: A few changes will likely be made to this schedule before the end of June so check back for updates.

• June 23 – A Simulcast of UUA General Assembly Worship Service and Informal Potluck Brunch.
• June 30 – A Jug Band Service with Special Musical Guests: Stephen Conlon, Jim Chapin, and Mark Beveridge.
• July 07 – Hope and Tolerance – A Folk Music service with Special Musical Guests: Atwater~Donnelly.
• July 14 – The Impact of the Media from 1922 to Today – Led by Mort White and Sandy Norris with special guest, Anthony Wilson, providing piano accompaniment.
• July 21 – Topic To Be Announced – led by Anthony DiBella.
• July 28 –  A special musical service led by Peace Collective. 
• August 4 – Back to School Blessings – led by Laura Giusti.
• August 11 – A Social Justice Service – led by Amy Crawford and SEEJ.
• August 18 – A Drumming Circle Service with Meditations – Led by Bob and John Walker.
• August 25 – To Be Decided
• September 1 – Blessing of the Animals: led by Jeannette Bessinger.

Please also note Westminster’s Summer Office Hours:

Beginning June 10th the Church Office Hours will be reduced to 10 Hours per week. And, from June 17th – August 4th Marisa’s hours are reduced to eight hours per week.  Then, from August 5th – 25th Marisa’s hours return to 10 hours per week.  And, beginning on August 26th Marisa is back to 20 hours per week. Throughout the summer Marisa will be in the office on Thursdays from 8:30-12:30 PM. 

Please also keep in mind the general summer schedules of our staff:

• Nonetta Shatakhtsian, Music Director, will be on vacation until September.
• Tim Marnane, Sexton, will continue working through the summer, typically on Mondays and Fridays.  Contact the Minister or Marisa if you need assistance from Tim.
• Lance Collins, Tech Host, will continue providing support on Sunday mornings throughout the summer.
• Jeannette Bessinger, Director of Spiritual Development will be on vacation from June 17th-July 31st. She will return to her regular hours starting August 1st.

As our interim ministry reaches its conclusion and we begin our new settled ministry with Reverend Deborah Bennett, please keep the following in mind:

• Rev. Eric will lead his final worship service with Westminster on Sunday, June 16th, and will be working a typical schedule for Westminster until that Sunday.
• From June 18-23, Rev. Eric will be participating in the UU Ministers Association annual meetings and UUA General Assembly.  These meetings are entirely online this year and Rev. Eric will be in the area and available in case of emergencies.
• From June 24-30 Rev. Eric will be back on a typical schedule, but focusing on wrapping up various matters and moving out of the minister’s office.
• During the entire month of July, Rev. Eric will be on vacation and study leave and only be available for pastoral emergencies.  
• Rev. Deborah’s ministry begins on August 1st.  More details about her schedule in August and the Fall will be available in the weeks ahead.

Pastoral Care during July
Please contact the Lay Pastoral Care Team LayPastoralCare@westminsteruu.org; 401-542-4601 for support.  Or, contact the Church Office info@westminsteruu.org; at 401-884-5933.  Rev. Eric will be available during June and July, and Rev. Deborah will be available starting on August 1st.