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50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
Tel: (860) 233-9897 / FAX 233-1333
Email: firstunitarian@ushartford.com
Reverend Barbara Jamestone, PhD
Content of the January 2004 Messenger (newsletter)
January Services
January 4, 2004 “Year in Review” Service Leader: Rev. Terasa Cooley
Terasa will look at some of the big events in our cultural and collective lives over the last year, and what might be their import for our spiritual lives individually, and our religious lives together.
January 11, 2004 “The Magnificat”
Postponed from December 7 due to the bad weather, the Meeting House choir and the Universalist Church choir will once again join together to present the stirring music of Bach's Magnificat. Terasa will also offer some reflections about some interpretations of the meaning of the central verse: “my soul magnifies the Lord.”
January 18, 2004 “Progress or Frustration?” Service Leader: Rev. Terasa G. Cooley
During this weekend when we commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Terasa will reflect upon where we are in regards to racial equality and relations.
January 25, 2004 “What Do We Deserve?” Service Leader: Rev. Arline Conan Sutherland
Are we entitled to the blessings of our lives? Have we earned the traumas and losses? Somehow, are we to blame? Arline will explore these profound religious questions and how we, as Unitarian Universalists might make our way through.
January 18 Adult Programs Fair Set
Find out about the exciting new programs and classes planned for the winter-spring session and learn about programs back by popular demand during the Adult Programs Fair after services on Sunday January 18 in Fellowship Hall. Registration for programs or classes can also be done at the Fair. January and February offerings are listed below. Please use the Lifespan Faith Development booklet included with this newsletter for more information about AP offerings.
January and February offerings:
Tai Chi, short form (no prior experience) begins Jan. 26 for 16 Mondays, 6:30-7:30 pm; Sword form starts Jan.28 for 16 Wednesdays, 7-9 pm.
Circle of Simplicity, 1stTuesdays, Feb. 3-June 1, 7-9 pm.
*Change, Transition, and Transformation, Wednesday. Feb. 4, 11, 18, 7-9 pm.
*Bible study: A Conversation on Genesis, Mondays, Feb. 9, 23, March 8, 22, 7-9 pm,
Friday Dinner and Movie (Zorba the Greek) Feb. 13, 5:30-10:30 pm.
Great Decisions 2004, 8 Sundays, Feb. 15-Apr. 4, 9-10:15 am.
UU Denominational History, Sunday, Feb. 15, 12:15-2:15 pm.
*Meditation and Rituals for Conscious Living, 3rd Sundays beginning February 15, 6-8 pm.
UU Study Action Issue: Criminal Justice and Prison Reform, Monday, Feb. 23, 7-9 pm.
*Stress Busting, Sunday, Feb. 29, 6-8 pm.
*new programs
To remind: You can still sign up for these early January programs:
Articulating Our Faith, Sunday, Jan. 4, 12:15-2:15 pm, library.
Friday Dinner and Movie (Road to Perdition), Jan. 9, 5:30-10:30 pm.
For information, call AP Chair Rosie Rindfleisch, 674-8277. Nancy Reed
What's In A Name?
Last month, we recognized the gifts that Sid and Betty Garvais have made to the continuation of Unitarian Universalism. To date, nearly 60 books for the library have been ordered or pledged in their honor and will be in place early this year. Sid and Betty, although honored by the plaque renaming “Garvais Fellowship Hall,” have requested that we continue to refer to that space as simply “Fellowship Hall.”
What's In An Address?
Web guru David Newton, in his on-going quest to make computer life easier and better for the many Society members using it for various purposes, has created a new address for anyone sending articles for the monthly newsletter!
Beginning with the February 2004 newsletter, please email all articles to: messengernews@ushartford.com
Hopefully, these articles will go through a virus and spam filter, causing the newsletter editor fewer headaches.
Notice of Congregational Meeting, Sunday, Feb.1, 2004
A Congregational meeting is scheduled to be held after services on Sunday, February 1, 2004, in the sanctuary. Members will vote on two issues. The first vote will be on accepting the proposed new governance structure. A final document describing the proposed structure will be available to the congregation by mid-January.
The second vote will be on adding non-discriminatory language to the existing bylaws. Changing the bylaws requires two affirmative votes. The first vote on the proposed language took place on June 22, 2003, and it was accepted by the membership. The proposed bylaw addition reads, “The Unitarian Society of Hartford affirms and promotes the full participation of persons in membership, hiring practices and the calling of religious professionals without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, age, or mental or physical handicap.”
All members are requested to attend this important meeting.
Carolyn Cartland Clerk of the Society
CUREJ Schedules Feb.6 Evening Of Fellowship
Congregations United for Racial Equality and Justice (CUREJ) will hold an evening of fellowship in the USH Fellowship Hall on Friday evening February 6.
The program includes a potluck dinner followed by a Forum on Racism. Panel members will be Reverend Terasa Cooley, Unitarian Society of Hartford; Reverend Jan Nielsen, Universalist Church of West Hartford; Reverend Josh Pawelek, Unitarian Universalist Society: East, of Manchester; and Reverend Alvin Johnson, Bethel AME of Bloomfield.
Members of these four churches are invited to attend. There will an opportunity for participation and questions during the evening.
For further information, please contact Carol Shoemaker (243-9505) or email Shoemake@ntplx.net
New Members Will Be Welcomed on Feb. 8
The latest group of persons to become members of the Unitarian Society of Hartford will be welcomed during services on Sunday February 8.
Prior to the service, new members and USH leaders will share in a welcome breakfast at 9:15 am that morning.
A Note of Thanks
Reverend Arline Sutherland writes, “This was my first Festival of Lights. What a warm and lovely custom it is! Hard to count all the wonders, but there were at least 12! Many thanks to Gracie Greenbaum, her parent Barbara and Ira, her brother Aaron, all the youth who helped, Denise Ackeifi and Andrew Millard, the RE Committee, and all of you who helped make this festivity take place a week later than scheduled!”
Video and Civil Liberties Discussion Scheduled
A 50- minute video, “Ahead of the Wave: Unitarian Universalist Defense of Civil Liberties,” will highlight an after-church event at the Meeting House on Sunday,January 11. Sponsored by the Denominational Concerns and Social Responsibilities committees, the program also includes a light lunch and a discussion following the video.
The video celebrates the UU heritage of protecting civil liberties, and it was previewed at last June's General Assembly in Boston. It was produced by Barbara Seidl, an award-winning documentarian and a member of the Arlington Street Church.
Attendees at the Sunday program will discuss the draft Statement of Conscience on the 2002-2004 Study/Action issue, “Civil Liberties.”
The video features five persons: the Reverend William G. Sinkford, current UUA President; Reverend Robert West, 1969-1977 UUA President; Gobin Stair, Director of Beacon Press 1970-1975; Ellery Schempp, a plaintiff in the 1963 Supreme Court landmark lawsuit (Abington School District v.Schempp) that led to the decision to prohibit mandatory prayer in public schools; and the Reverend Jack Mendelsohn, prophetic UU minister since 1945.
For information and/or questions, contact Sue Smolski (793-0785) or Andrew Millard (525-4658) or email catlover@pantheism.net
UU Men's Group Raises $500+ For South Park Inn Men
Members of the USH Men's Luncheon Group contributed more than $500 to the Men's Transitional Living Program at the South Park Inn. This Christmas gift was collected during the group's annual Christmas party.
South Park Inn operates Plimpton House, a 33-bed transitional living program which allows homeless men 24 months to complete job training, school or other programs to improve self-sufficiency skills.
The Men's Group meets for lunch and discussion of a specific topic on the third Tuesday of each month at the Carmon Anthony Fishhouse in Avon. All Unitarian Society of Hartford men are welcome. Contact person is Chris Smith at 242-2246.
Katherine Meyer's Nature Drawings Displayed On Meeting House Walls
Charcoal drawings by Katherine Meyer will be on display at the Meeting House until January 15. According to artist Meyer, her drawings, inspired by nature, are intended to create places that invite people in, places that can be experienced in solitude.
Her exhibit is dedicated to the memory of her mother, Mary Meyer, and to her father, Freeman Meyer, long-time members of the Society.
Twenty percent of all drawings sold will benefit the Meeting House. Persons interested in purchasing any of the charcoals are asked to contact the Unitarian Society of Hartford office (233-9897) to make arrangements.
Highlights of December 2003 Council Meeting
Approved the proposal submitted by the Social Justice Empowerment Task Force to create and pilot a process for the congregation to identify social justice priorities.
* * * * *
The Governance Task Force is summarizing congregational feedback on the proposed governance structure and will revise the original proposal. The final proposal will be published so the congregation can see it before voting on it at the February 1 Congregational Meeting.
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Voted to have Society President Bart Bracken appoint a bylaws committee to create new bylaws reflecting the proposed new governance structure. New bylaws will require the usual two congregational votes; the first will be in May and the second is planned for the June Annual Meeting.
* * * * *
Appointed initial members of a transition team to address issues of moving to a new governance structure. They are Bart Bracken, Shai Cassell and Kelly Lyman. Additional members are needed.
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Accepted with regrets the resignation of Sara Logan from the Council and thanked her for her hard work and contributions over the past three years. A replacement will be appointed shortly.
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The treasurer reported pledge income remains below plan through November, but expectations were for improvement in December. Expenses are below plan, reflecting seasonal variations.
Reverend Sutherland presented her monthly report, noting new processes implemented to improve communi-cations among teachers and teaching teams. She reported she has thoroughly enjoyed her first month with us.
Carolyn Cartland, Clerk
Bach WILL Be At Meeting House On January 11
We enjoy Choir Director Mattie Banzhaf's monthly music notes almost as much as we enjoy her choir. Here's what she sent for this first month of the new year:
January 4. An oldie (but goodie) by Michael Praetorius: “Now the Old Year Has Passed Away.”
January 11. The joint UU choirs of Hartford and West Hartford, with orchestra and soloists, will perform J.S. Bach's magnificent “Magnificat.” This is the service that was canceled by snow in December.
The performances at West Hartford were splendid and stirring, and all the Meeting House Unitarians were eager to have our own performance. Come hear the trumpets and kettledrums, oboe d'amore and flutes, strings and organ, soloists and choirs in this justly-loved music.
January 18. An anthem to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 25. In place of the choir, which will enjoy a well-deserved rest, we are hoping for some very special music indeed. Stay tuned!
Ministers Share A Sunday Service
If you were among the many at the Meeting House the Sunday after Thanksgiving, you shared the space with three Unitarian ministers.
There was Nat Lauriat, Minister Emeritus, visiting family in the East, who dropped in for services and held min-reunions with old friends.
There was Reverend Terasa Cooley, who shared the pulpit with her husband Reverend Justin Osterman, minister of Central Unitarian Church, Paramus, NJ.
Reverend Osterman's sermon explored the perceived differences between religion and spirituality. He said that it is “intriguing, disturbing and confusing” when they are seen as two different things. Pure religion looks at fundamental questions such as: Who are we? Why are we here? Where are we going? It is communal, intellectual and conceptual, addressing the past, present and future.
Spirituality is seen as an intuitive sense of belonging to and connecting with something beyond our personal experience. It is “being at home in the universe.” It is indirect, emotional and experiential, with roots in the immediate.
Historically, religion and spirituality were linked, and in today's world, “spirituality is booming.” Reverend Osterman feels we are best served when we can bring the two together into a religious community.
Spiritual persons need the challenge of being in a religious community, he said. Such a community can magnify and amplify our individual powers. It can challenge us to articulate our own beliefs. Kayla Costenoble
Those Darn Deadlines
It gets easier and easier to let the rest of the (USH) world know when you're planning an event,, a meeting, a social, a conference, a retreat. You can now publicize these happenings in David Newton's weekly email, in the Sunday order of service and/or in the monthly newsletter.
BUT (there's always a but, isn't there?), for events to appear when and where you want them to appear, THERE ARE DEADLINES THAT MUST BE MET!
The calendar of events that appears in all of the above publications is coordinated by the office staff; Brian and Rosie are the very important persons you need to contact at 233-9897 or email
firstunitarian@ushartford.com
* For the Thursday weekly email calendar: get your items to the office by the Tuesday before.
*For the Sunday order of service: get your items to the office by 10 am the Thursday before.
* For the monthly newsletter: get your calendar items to the office by the 15th of the month before (i.e., Jan. 15 is the deadline for the February newsletter). Other material (same deadline) goes to messengernews@ushartford.com
Adhering to these deadlines will make life easier for all concerned.
...and on the lighter side
A real blooper from a church bulletin: “Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands.”
First “You Talk, We Listen” Session On January 25
Ever wish you had a chance to ask the members of our Society Council the reasons behind some of their decisions? Or a chance to tell them how you think they're doing?
Now you have it. To improve communication between the Council and the Society members, the Council is kicking off a monthly series of talkbacks for anyone who would like to know the thinking behind the Council's actions.
The first talkback will be after service on Sunday January 25 in the library. Its theme will be our new, soon-to-be-implemented system of corporate governance – or anything else you'd like to ask.
Diane Cadrain
UU General Assembly Democracy in Action
Policy decisions made at the annual General Assemblies (GA) represent “what the denomination is going to fight for and stand for,” explained Margaret Leicach, leader of last month's after-church session on UUism as a Democratic Faith.
This meeting was one of the stand-alone core curriculum subjects offered by the Adult Programs Committee. Because snow began as the session began, Margaret compressed what would have been a two-hour session into one hour.
She compared the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) to the U.S. Government; both are committed to the democratic process. Members give
power to their congregations, congregations to their districts, districts
to the UUA. The UUA cannot, Margaret explained, make any policy that governs the policies of congregations, and congregations do not have to belong to the UUA. Requirements for UUA membership include having regular services, an annual meeting and making some financial contribution.
Congregations are allotted voting delegates based on their size; the Unitarian Society of Hartford has eight voting delegates, but there is no limit to the number who may attend, There were 40 persons from our congregation at the 2003 GA in Boston.
In a lighter vein, Margaret, a self-confessed GA junkie (her arrangements to attend the June 2004 GA in California were completed months ago), felt that the connections she made by being among and talking to UUs from widely varied congregations all over the country was particularly exciting. She was also impressed by the increasing number of enthusiastic youth groups participating in the GA.
Margaret urged anyone who has not attended a GA to do so, and recommended a close reading of the “Report to the Congregation from Members who Attended the General Assembly in 2003.” This well put-together publication includes recommendations to congregational leaders and advice from experienced delegates to first-time delegates, It concludes. “Take pride in accepting the responsibility of representing our congregation at the General Assembly.”
Kayla Costenoble
Let us know of any comments, errors and corrections - thanks (revised 2/21/05)