Amanda Heads to Standing Rock

On February 3 WES Senior Leader Amanda Poppei heads to North Dakota for a week to support the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Bismarck-Mandan and their solidarity work with the Water Protectors in Standing Rock.  The Trump Administration recently gave the green light for construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which is opposed by the Standing Rock Sioux and many other indigenous people.  As a Minister-in-Residence, Amanda will volunteer as needed, to help a small sister UU congregation in its social justice efforts.  Safe travels, Amanda!

WES Plans for Inauguration Week

WES is planning a full week of activities aimed at inspiring a spirit of hope and resistance during this challenging time. 

On Monday, January 16, we’ll honor Martin Luther King Day with our second Bystander Intervention Training, an opportunity to learn strategies to intervene if you witness harassment.

On Friday, January 20 from 3:00-5:00, we’ll observe the inauguration by having an all-WES conversation on who we are called to be and what we should be doing in the months ahead.  This will be followed by our Resistance Un-Ball in the main hall from 5:00-10:00, a fun and festive way to launch our social justice work for the coming period.  Enjoy music, dancing, open mic, inauguration bingo, and the chance to express thanks to the Obamas with art and cards.  Kids will have their own social justice corner!  Please share potluck food and drinks.  All attire welcome. To help support the evening's activities and for any questions, please contact Shelby French at shelby.french@rescue.org or Becky Klabunde Tomer at beckyann1110@gmail.com.

Saturday, January 21, WES will join with Unitarian Universalist congregations for the Women’s March on Washington.  The march will be held at 10:00 am at 200 Independence Ave. SW.  To be part of the WES delegation, please complete this form: www.remind.com/join/ethicaldc.

Sunday January 8-Focus on El Salvador

The platform service on Sunday, January 8 will focus on the work of our Global Connections team and its relationship with ethical heroes of El Rodeo, our sister community in El Salvador.  Music  will be performed by Brooklyn Ethical Society member Jean Rohe.  In between the platforms, at 11:00, will be WESTalks, this month featuring guest speaker Alexis Stoumbelis on the topic of "Water Rights in El Salvador."  Alexis is Organizational Coordinator for CISPES (Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador). 

WES Holiday Platforms

Christmas, Hanukkah, the last day of Kwanzaa, and New Year's Day all fall on Sunday this year.  But WES will continue to open its doors, offering a single platform service on December 25 and on January 1, each at 10:30.

On December 25, our music director Bailey Whiteman, along with WES member Tony Nam, will lead "A Gift to Each Other: our Presence."  This multigenerationl platform will give people a chance to listen to stories, sing, share traditions, and find connection.  After platform, we'll enjoy a potluck brunch together.

On January 1, Amanda Poppei will help us launch the new year together.  What are you ready to say goodbye to from 2016? What intentions will you set for the coming year?  WES favorite Lilo Gonzalez will be our guest musician for this multigenerational platform.

Winter Fest! The Magic Returns

On Saturday December 10, WES will host its annual multigenerational Winter Fest celebration, this year with two performances, at 4:30 and 7:00.  We hope you will join us for a skit, singing, dancing, snacking, and a joyous tribute to the timeless values of the season--hope, joy, giving, peace.  A great event for friends and family.

Stone Soup Sunday-November 20

It's that time of year--pumpkin pie, gratitude, and Stone Soup Sunday.  Please join us November 20 for platform, followed by lunch at 12:45.  Our always wonderful multigenerational celebration is a great way to kick off the holiday season.
WES members please contribute according to your last name.  (Choose the first alphabetically in the family, if there are multiple last names.)
A-F: Pre-cut dessert
G-L: Pre-sliced bread or rolls
M-Q: Apple cider in jugs
R-Z: Pre-sliced cheese for the bread
The soup will be made by our Sunday School children, with a little help from their adult friends.  See you there!

Save the Date--Fall Membership Meeting and Potluck on Sunday, November 13

We hope WES members will attend our annual membership meeting on Sunday, November 13, from 1:00-2:30.  We'll have a potluck lunch and discuss our community's growth, as well as hear a finance report and other topics.  Contact Sera Morgan by November 1 if you have something for the agenda, and Melissa Sinclair by November 8 for childcare.