So much of what Westwood does could be described as Opportunities to Learn, Grow, & Connect. Here, we are talking about the special programs offered beyond the realm of our Sunday morning activities, things like our Freethinkers’ Book Club, our Committee on Shared Ministry, even our choir to some extent. And, of course, our staff and the board play important roles in this programming. When our building reopens, Westwood will continue to move forward in offering a Welcoming Accessible Space. In recent years, we have moved from entirely volunteer driven grounds maintenance to a mostly contracted model. Even without a mortgage, it still costs us about $20,000 annually to maintain our building and grounds, keep the heat on, and save a bit for emergent situations.
Compassionate Support for Members & Friends, of any age, is a vital aspect of why we exist. We operate a Compassion Bank, offer New to UU & New to Westwood programs, organize memorial services and rites of passage. “Westwood is a compassionate community of …” is how our purpose statement begins.