Greetings People of Westside,
Congratulations are in order! HB9, the NM legislation banning ICE detention centers from state land, has been signed into law by our governor! Everyone who contacted their legislator to advocate for the bill contributed to this act of justice.

Here is what is happening this week:

• Thursday, 2/12, the Women’s Group is meeting from 2:30-4pm in the Conference Room. Our topic is “Friendship” and will be led by Nik Bowkett. Please use the Courtyard door.
• Saturday, February 14 at UUWC from 11:00 to 11:30 meet to chant for Peace and Loving Kindness around the World. All are welcome.   Cathie Frank 505-514-9429/Terri 505-712-4004.
• Love at the Center gathers at Southern Blvd and Pinetree St in Rio Rancho in front of the Rio Rancho Post Office. Hobbit/Terri 505-712-4004
• On Wed, 2/18, the Loving Kindness Guided Meditation occurs at 4pm. This is a ZOOM gathering. Go to our website: uuwestside.org, scroll down to the calendar and click on the meeting. That will bring you to a description and a link to click on to join the meeting. Led by Mercedes Kirkel.
• A reminder that there is a Community Conversation Circle happening next week on Thurs. 2/19 at 1-2:30pm and Sat, 2/21 at 1:30-3pm in the Gallery Room. The topic of our discussion is: Our Identity as a Growing Congregation. Our purpose is to increase communication and gather information to inform future action. This is not a decision making group. Please come and share your thoughts, insights, anxieties and hopes. Light snacks are provided.  Everyone, members and friends of the congregation, are welcome.
• A reminder that our Town Hall Meeting and Potluck lunch happen this Sunday directly following our service. Please bring a dish of your choice to share- labelled with ingredients if possible so that people can make responsible choices. Our Town Hall Meeting will include information about several new projects that are underway, so plan to be there if you can.

Here is a special announcement about a person in need: We have been alerted that a 54 yo woman is in need of a room to rent. She is a substitute teacher with 2 small support dogs who has been living out of her van for the past year. She has a sponsor who guarantees her rent will be paid, but who cannot house her themselves. If you have a room to rent, or know of someone who does, please notify either Karen Schafer or Rev.Nancy

Our service this Sunday is titled, “Chocolate Love”. Rev. Nancy and Karen Schafer will lead us in our UU Chocolate Communion, a celebration of healthy community. This will include our ritual beverage of Aztec Cocoa and our hopes for UUWC throughout the coming year. Come to learn about this special UU event and participate in the joy of your community.

Farewell!
Rev. Nancy