February
2007
Jump Station: Services, President's Column, Reflections from the Reverend, Music Notes, Middle School Rally Comes to USH, Bringing in the Green Event Planned, Pilgrim Walk Talk, Ministry to Assist the Aging, An Inconvenient Truth, February Movie, R&R Luncheon Planned, Endings and Beginnings, Circle Dinner Registration to End Soon, Humanist Association to Meet, Supper and Games Nights Info., Officers - Staff- Office Hours, Current Calendar, Attachments Services at 9 & 11 AM, children’s programming and nursery 4 Feb. - The Hospitality of Strangers - El Camino, the 500 mile pilgrimage across Spain, ends at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Preceding the public program about the Camino delivered by member Bev. Prager at 1 PM, Rev Jamestone shares her own experience of discovering hospitality among strangers on the long walk in 2003. 11- Feb. - Letting them Know: The Languages of Love - A prominent counselor has identified five languages of love. Surveying the vast landscape of relationships, let’s review our multilingual literacy levels regarding the loves of our lives. 18 – Feb. - Director of the Center for Conflict Transformation in Hartford - Margaret Steinegger-Keyser 25 - Feb. Money and the Meaning of Life - In the introduction to his book, Money and the Meaning of Life, beloved philosopher Jacob Needleman, writes, “The true measure of someone may be taken by how they handle, sex, time, and money.” Let’s start with money, and Needleman’s notion that it makes our lives hell, because we give it, not too much importance, but too little. President’s Column - Over the past few years the topic of change has cropped up in conversation around the Meeting House so often that its meaning may well have been lost in its overuse. Whether of the sort that is thrust upon us (such as our recently demised Meeting House Boiler) or the change that we plan and execute with great care (like experimenting with the 9:00 AM Sunday service), what holds our attention and provides the opportunity for growth is not the change itself, but rather our response to change. Many of the consequences of change are predictable, and we can plan accordingly. But many consequences of change are unknowable. Think about the law of unintended consequences! We can know that unintended consequences will occur; we just don’t know what they will be. That change is difficult is universally recognized and accepted, but the nature of the difficulty inherent in change is, I think, little understood. Our inability to articulate the nature of the discomfort we feel when faced with change, to give it a name, is part of why we resist change, even positive change and, perhaps, part of the reason why we find it difficult to even talk about change. The places that we look to for comfort and for security, such as family and church, are characterized by stability in the relationships we enjoy with others. The faces are familiar and the nature of our relationships are known and relatively predictable. Being able to take some things for granted is comforting and reassuring. Whether intended or not, change often disrupts the pattern of relationships in our lives. Sometimes we can see it coming, like a child who will soon depart for college, and we can steel for the change ahead. But, other times it hits us from out of the blue, like an acquaintance no longer seen after a minor change in work schedules. That unease we feel when contemplating change stems from a vague sense that with change will come a disruption in the pattern of relationships in our lives and in the accumulation of human interactions that brings meaning to our lives. But change implies both something lost and something gained. The disruption in one set of relationships creates opportunities for new patterns of relationships and new levels of meaning. The only thing that is constant is us and what we bring to all of our relationships. One of the paradoxes we face as Unitarian-Universalists is our tradition of openness to new and different ideas. The phrase “tradition of openness” is itself a contradiction in terms. On the one hand, tradition implies a sense of predictableness, of constancy, and of comfort. On the other hand, openness implies a willingness to consider a different point of view, to changing our way of thinking, and perhaps even changing our way of living. We give great value to curiosity and to intellectual pursuit, but we tend to forget or at least have more difficulty talking about the emotional cost that comes with change. One can easily see in the Meeting House the full range of responses to the changes we have experienced in recent years and that we are likely to experience in the years ahead. Some celebrate change and push for more, and some rail at the thought of violating time-honored traditions. The nature of paradox is that both are right. The former reflects the openness to new possibilities for greater meaning in our lives, and the latter is an honest expression of the importance of the relationships that bind us into community. The central question is: Can we learn from each other? Can those who promote change stop for moment and empathize with the honest expression of fear of change? And, can those who fear change stop for a moment and entertain the possibilities for new relationships and new levels of meaning in their lives? Can those who embody both the excitement and the fear of change receive the support of others in coming to terms with these dueling emotions? My guess is that this is something at which we will have to work. But I am reasonably sure that the processes by which we embrace each other in the face of change will do more to define us as a community of faith than the changes themselves. – Charles Huntington 4 - Feb. - "Creo en Dios" (I believe in God), by Francisco Nunez, is a beautiful vehicle for the voices of the women of the Choir. 11 – Feb. -Russ Barrnett from our High School group brings his compositional and acoustic guitar talents to the chancel, singing about manifestations of love. The Chalice Choir children will also sing for this Sunday of love. 18 - Feb. -
The poems of Langston Hughes resonated with
composer Charles Feb. 25 -
We celebrate the new year’s energy with
a pair of energetic anthems: RE - Look sharp, a few changes in the 9AM time slot have occurred: The 9AM services will include Nursery and Childcare with a Spirit Play Story Read. 11AM Service will include Nursery - (through 3 year olds); Spirit Play (4 years – grade 2); Timeless Themes (3-5); Middle School (6-8); Youth Group (9-12) Middle School Rally Comes to USH: Children who grow up in a Unitarian Universalist home are very special indeed. Family members who believe in a just, equitable and welcoming future surround them. When they come to the Meeting House, the message from home is echoed from the pulpit, in the RE program and among the friends they meet. But sometimes being a UU youth is isolating. A recent poll in the Middle School classroom showed that that only a handful of kids knew of anyone in their school who was a UU. How can our children share the experience of living in an exciting and vibrant faith with others who speak in common with our liberal religious grounding? That very opportunity is coming to USH in March. The Middle School Rally promises to be an eventful meeting of UU youth from surrounding communities in a jam-packed day of fun. The 11th annual Middle School Rally will be coming to the Meeting House on March 3rd. Families of middle schoolers, save that date. The Clara Barton District will run the show. USH provides the space and then stands back for fun. In the previous decade the activities have included juggling, pasta making, swing dancing, new games and creative problem solving. This year’s workshops will be filled with similar FUN, FUN, FUN. Our kids are psyched by the promise of KID-FRIENDLY FOOD!! More information will be forthcoming to middle school families via email. Our own middle schoolers will double the Clara Barton District’s effort to publicize the event by sending their own invitations to each of the district’s 26 congregations. They want the Meeting House to be rocking. Eighth graders are getting another opportunity to meet locally with UUs at the Fern Street UU church where the two 8th grades gather forces in a combined OWL class. OWL is the UUA program, “Our Whole Lives”, a UU-focused exploration of relationships, love and the force of sexuality in our lives. Every experience our children have with other members of our faith reinforces our powerful message of the worth and dignity of all people. Help wanted! - Nina Binin-Berg volunteered to be the acting RE administrator when the RE program lost the Director of Religious Education in September. Unending gratitude is owed to Nina, but also the recognition that this is not an open-ended relationship. A hiring committee is being formed and will be charged to employ an RE administrator. People are needed to guide the process, write the personnel ad, make the phone calls, answer the emails and develop an interview process. Persons with HR or personnel experience are especially welcome, as are those with a dedication to the RE program at the Meeting House. Please direct inquiries to Marye Gail Harrison. – Laurie Kelliher Details later, but save the evening -- Saturday, March 17 -- for a brand new exciting event: Bringing In the Green! It will be your chance to learn everything you always wanted to know about Reverend BJ, in song and skit. While you're watching, you can put away a few of the many great chocolate desserts that will be offered, and quaff a few delightful drinks. What better atmosphere for us to celebrate renewal, revel in each other’s company, and bring in the green! This fun event completely replaces Pledge Sunday this year. We'll provide childcare and rides for members who don’t drive after dark. C'mon down y'all and help us bring in the green! Bev Prager's Pilgrim Walk Program on Sunday, Feb 4, 1 PM Bev
Prager, long time member of the Unitarian Society
of Hartford, will offer stories and pictures
of her 460 mile walk last summer along the pilgrim's
route in Spain. She undertook this walk
on her own and found it "a challenge," as
it has been since the Middle Ages when pilgrims
began the route. Every year now, thousands
of people from everywhere in the world follow
this path. People attending the 9 o'clock service will have time to leave for lunch, returning for the program. Those attending the 11 o'clock service may bring a sandwich to eat during coffee hour before the program. The high school group will also be selling homemade soup during coffee hour. On Sunday, March 4 another program, featuring Alvin Carter, Sr. on drumming, will conclude this new series of free presentations to the USH community by the Women's Alliance. All members, friends, and guests are invited to participate in the March 4 intergenerational interactive program to be held in Fellowship Hall. Ministry to Assist the Aging Begins at the USH Ministries abound at the Meeting House. There’s the Small Group Ministries, the Comfort Shawl Ministry and now there is the Aging Resources Ministry, an ARM of the Caring Network. Begun last November, ARM’s mission is to compile a comprehensive guide of resources for the aging. This guide will provide helpful and specific references to individuals, agencies or organizations that USH members have found to be useful. It will also include names of Society members who have indicated their willingness to act as consultants in areas such as law, medicine, social work and psychology. Society members have been asked to complete a survey listing references and personal involvement. The survey was sent out to all those on the USH-Enews mailing list as a USH-Enews Special on January 12. If you did not receive the survey and would like to complete one, a hard copy is available in the USH office. The survey can also be found on the USH website linked from the Home Page. (Look under the Meeting House photo.) If you have questions or comments, please contact ARM chair Betty Palmer by email at bettypalmer365@yahoo.com or by regular mail to Betty Palmer, PO Box 365, New Hartford, CT 06057. SAVE THE DATE - 12:15 PM ON SUNDAY, FEB 18 – "An Inconvenient Truth" - You are invited to view a free showing of "An Inconvenient Truth" at USH at 12:15 on Sunday, Feb 18. The high school student group will be selling pizza, popcorn, and drinks, so you can enjoy the film without worrying about lunch. An optional discussion will be held following this important offering. It will be held in Fellowship Hall, under the aegis of Adult Programs Committee. There is neither fee nor advance registration required. Said Roger Ebert, "In 39 years, I have never written these words in a movie review, but here they are: You owe it to yourself to see this film. If you do not, and you have grandchildren, you should explain to them why you decided not to." "Prairie Home Companion", postponed from heatless January 12, will be substituted in June for this title for the Dinner and a Movie During coffee hours on Sunday, January 28, the
USH Adult Programs Committee will offer their
free catalog of Winter/Spring Courses,
representatives of the courses, and an opportunity
to register for these offerings. The Adult Programs Committee will continue to staff a table for registration and questions during coffee hours on Sundays following the Fair; registrations may also be made by calling the USH office. The catalog of courses will be available at the Fair and through the office; it will also be available on-line through the USH homepage. A
1998 film about two 90s teenagers trapped in
a bland 50s family sitcom environment who set
out to excite their town, "Pleasantville,” will
be featured at the next USH Dinner and
a Movie evening, Friday, Feb
9. The menu will star stuffed
chicken cutlets, but a vegetarian menu will be
available for those who request one at registration. Following
the movie, there will be an optional discussion. Women's Alliance invitation to R&R luncheon on Feb. 8 The Women's Alliance rescheduled Cabinet meeting and R&R Luncheon will be held on Feb. 8 in the Library at the Meeting House. The meeting will start at 10:00 and lunch will be served at 12 noon.The R&R luncheon is open to all women at USH and is free of charge. These R&R meals originated many years ago as an opportunity for women of the church to take a break from their day, and have a meal provided, while enjoying a moment of rest and relaxation and a chance to socialize. The Alliance has traditionally offered two lunches and one dinner meal each year. In March there will be another R&R event - this time a supper. Watch for the date. – Anne Bailey SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS Our fall Small Group Ministry (SMG) groups are wrapping up this month, while our spring Small Group Ministry groups are scheduled to begin. Barbara Fraher and Cecelia Roehl have plans to begin on February 1, while the other facilitators and hosts will be starting at the end of the month. For Fall we discussed the following topics: Delightful Places, Choices, Mystery, The Present Moment, Creativity, Dreams, Relics, and Who Will I Be When I Grow Up? For spring we are going to discuss---whoops, I can’t tell you because some group members want to be surprised. For them recalling events around a particular topic is more fun spontaneously than having a week or more to contemplate. However, facilitators and group members make those decisions on their own. For curious and eager participants, topics are handed out the week ahead by their facilitators. Kent Jamison, Mike Roy and I met in early January to select topics and readings, put them in order from #1 to #8, and then fine-tune the questions. We’re quite excited about the packet that will distributed first to facilitators and then, week by week, to group members. We always provide 7, 8, or 9 questions for each topic, available for use as needed. However, the truth is that most groups get so involved in the earlier questions, with each member offering up memories and insights, that few finish the entire list. And please remember that SGM sharing is a voluntary activity; invitations to speak are offered but every member has the right to say. “I pass” if the preference is to stay quiet and be a good listener. If you have not signed up yet, we invite you to join us on Monday nights in Farmington with Fred Louis and the Newtons (sounds like a singing group), or on Wednesday nights in Bloomfield with Bill Shoemaker and the Costenobles, or in West Hartford with Bev Prager and Carol Shoemaker. Tuesday nights we offer an affinity group for our LGBTI friends and members with Gail Syring facilitating. You can register by calling the church office or by stopping by the Adult Programs table after Sunday morning services. Please let us know your special needs. We welcome members, prospective members and friends. Small Group Ministry groups meet for eight sessions of two hours each, usually over a two-month period. After the first meeting, dates are selected at the convenience of group members. The SGM format includes a checking-in period, candle lighting and extinguishing, opening and closing readings and refreshments in addition to the sharing of experiences related to the topics and readings. Many find this a delightful way to meet new people, to grow friends out of acquaintances, and to build our larger spiritual community one small group at a time. - Bev Spence February 4th Deadline for Circle Dinner Registrations - The new dinner dates are March 3, April 7 and May 5. Participants will be mixed at random to attend dinners in each other’s homes. (But not everyone will host.) Hosts supply the entree. Their guests are assigned to bring an appetizer, salad, vegetable or dessert. Each night eight adults will gather round a table and enjoy good food and great conversation with old friends and new. Registrations are $2.00 per household - to cover mailing costs. Register in Fellowship Hall on Sundays after services. Deadline: February 4. The Humanist Association of CT will be trying to hold some of its monthly dinners in Hartford over the next few months. There is no speaker or agenda; but it's a chance to get in touch with the Association, many of whose members are also UU Humanists. On February 28th, we'll try Mayor Mike’s Restaurant, 283 Asylum Street, Hartford. For other information, please check out their web site (http://www.cthumanist.org/) - Call Ed Savage for other information. Supper and Games Night Information Due to some last minute scheduling involving events in which most members of the congregation will wish to participate and which conflicted with the dates of our Supper and Games, the members of the Hospitality Sub-council have gladly deferred to other councils and have reduced our S and G Nights for the rest of the fiscal year to two, scheduled for February 16 and April 20. Bring a potluck main dish sufficient to feed yourself/your family and to share. Sign up in Fellowship Hall or by phoning the Meeting House office (233-9897) and pay only $2 per person for beverage and dessert, provided by the Hospitality Sub-council. There is a maximum $8 outlay per family. If you decide to come at the last minute and have not pre-registered or pre-paid, that’s fine. Bring some food and come, break bread, play games and have a good time. In case of inclement weather, either check your email or call the Meeting House office (233-9897) and listen for a cancellation message. We continue to seek a “games coordinator” for both nights. That person would see to it that the games are out and displayed and help gather folks. For more information, contact Esther McKone (677-6682) estmckone@aol.com or Edith Savage (232-5603), esavage@snet.net. -
Hello Dear Friends, With apologies to February, let me leap to two March events! I. On Saint Patrick’s Day (Saturday March 17) we will be “Bringing in the Green” with a congregation wide stewardship party, where you will have the opportunity to commit to (pledge) a financial contribution for the coming church year. The Stewardship Sub-Council, noting that there is some curiosity among you about the new minister, has asked me to help with the entertainment by presenting an autobiographical sketch-- a humorous glimpse into my history and my hopes, with a few references from my resume to aptitudes, activities, interests, and associations. Just for fun and to focus my thoughts, I’d appreciate it if you’d take a minute and email me a few questions regarding what YOU are curious to know. You may ask my favorite bumper sticker or my most embarrassing moment. I’ll compile your questions, and promise an honest answer at least two out of three times! II. During March, some of us will be joining Center City Churches’ “Food Stamp Program,” paying attention to how much we eat and how much it costs. Some of us will attempt to eat no more than four dollars worth of food per day for a time (the daily food stamp ration) and others of us will keep record of actual dollars spent. There will be opportunities for small group reflection on this exercise. The program is designed to raise awareness of and encourage action for the hungry. Furthermore, we will use this food focus as a spiritual discipline--a way to practice gratitude and empathy. The following ‘devotional moment’ (unknown author) may give you an idea of what I hope we will share during March!
Empathy in Action: An Experiment in Gratitude “Our lives are rich, though our focus
is often on what we lack. We crave time, convenience,
wealth, or enlightenment, and this conflicts
with our practice of gratitude. Yet understanding
and truly appreciating our blessings can be as
simple as walking a mile in another’s shoes
for a short period of time. Because many of us
lead comparatively insular lives, we may not
comprehend the full scope of our prosperity that
is relative to our sisters and brothers in humanity. “The compassionate gratitude that floods your heart when you come to fully realize your abundance may awaken pangs of guilt in your heart. Be aware, however, that the purpose of such an experiment is to open your heart further in gratitude and compassion. This awareness can help you attain a deeper level of gratitude that will allow you to savor and, above all, appreciate your life with renewed grace.” **** Officers: Charles Huntington, President; Bill Young, President Elect; Margaret Leicach, Treasurer; Sue Kinney, Secretary; Nancy Mandly, At-Large Community Within; Marye Gail Harrison, At-Large, Spiritual Life; Peg Otto, At-Large Social Justice. Council Chairs: Hugh Schweitzer, Administration; Carol Sexton, Community Within; Fred Louis, Social Justice; Nina Elgo, Spiritual Life STAFF: Rev. Barbara Jamestone, Minister; Nina Binin RE Administrator; Denise Ackeifi, Youth Advisor; Brian Mullen, Business Manager; Rosie Rindfleisch, Administrative Asst; Mattie Banzhaf, Music Director; Vaughn Mauren, Organist: Peter Magistri, Sexton; Robert Gavin, Custodian. Office hours: M-F 9-3 (excluding W 10 -11);Rev. Jamestone: Phone: 860 233-9897; Email: RevBJ@USHartford.com Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday - Available by appointment. Articles for the Meetinghouse Messenger should be directed to messengernews@ushartford.com by the 15th of the month prior to publication. This issue was edited by D & J Newton, Brian Mullen and Rosie Rindfleisch. Attachments etc. The attachments included with the paper version of the Meetinghouse Messenger included : Programs, Classes and Events for Adults and Families; What is Small Group Ministry?; A flyer about Friday, February 23 event at 7:30 PM of our own organist, Vaughn Mauren in Concert with Violinist Anhared Stowe; and a flyer about a Potluck on Marriage Equality Honoring all Families on February 11, 2007 in Fellowship Hall at 1:00 PM. If you would like to see the original flyers for the last two, look at the PDF version of the Meetinghouse Messenger. Programs, Classes and Events
for Adults and Families ~ Winter/Spring 2007 New ProgramsUU Questions 4 Tuesdays, 2/6, 2/20, 3/6, 3/20; 6:30 – 8:30 pm For newer and any members who want to renew their understanding of UUism. An Amazing Journey 6 Thursdays, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26; 7-9 pm Encounter mystery and spirituality through a variety of writings on evolution. “An Inconvenient Truth” Sun, 2/18; 1:00 pm View and discuss this movie on our current environmental issues and challenges. UUSC Works in New Orleans Sun, 2/25; 1:00 pm Hear about Joan Kemble’s recent experience with the UUSC working in New Orleans with victims of Hurricane Katrina. Family Cruise Night at USH Sat, 3/24; 5:30 pm Family potluck followed by showing of heartwarming documentary about a cruise to the Bahamas with 500 gay and lesbian families. Returning ProgramsEmber Days Wed, 2/28, 12–2 pm; Friday, 3/2, & Sat, 3/3, 6–8 pm; Also, Wed, 5/30, 12–2 pm; Friday, 6/1, & Sat, 6/2, 6–8 pm A
contemplative gathering for spiritual exercises
and time for personal introspection in silence. The
Artist’s Way various Saturday
and Monday dates, beginning Sat, 2/10 Pathways
to Membership 4 Mondays,
4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23; 7-9 pm Great
Decisions 8
Sundays, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, ¾, 3/11,
3/18, 3/25, 10-11 am Tai
Chi 8 Wednesdays, 3/7, 3/14,
3/21, 3/28, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25; 6:30-7:30 pm Friday
Dinner and Movie 2nd Fridays,
February through June; 5:30-10 pm Supper
and Games Night 2
Fridays, 2/16, & 4/20; 6-8:30 pm Circle
Dinners 3
Saturdays, 3/3, 4/7, & 5/5; time tbd What is Small Group Ministry?Small
Group Ministry is an opportunity to grow to
know one another better. Within their
groups, people share insights they have gained
and concerns they’ve been struggling with. As
people honestly share their personal experiences,
they realize that they have something in common
with How often, and for how long, do groups meet?Each meeting lasts two hours. You will be assigned to a group according to your preferences of place and time and the need to manage the size of the groups. Most groups meet 8 times over a four-month period and begin in October and February. Mini-groups meet for 4 consecutive weeks during July, and August. WHere do groups meet?The groups meet either in a member’s home, or at the Meeting House. Both the Meeting House and some homes are physically accessible. Please indicate any special needs (accessibility, allergies, etc.) on the registration form. WHat happens at a meeting?Meetings are facilitated by a trained facilitator according to the following loose but consistent format: brief check-in, opening, gathering words, sharing experiences and thoughts on the provided topic, and a brief closing. The tone is spiritual rather than intellectual, personal rather than educational. What Kinds of topics will be discussed?Every group explores the same topic at approximately the same time, so that there is a shared experience among groups. Topics and readings are chosen from a variety of sources, typically introduced by some kind of reading, and mostly along spiritual/personal/religious themes. WHat if I have kids?Small group ministry is intended to be an adult activity, to which older teens are also welcome. Childcare should be arranged for younger children. who can participate?Small Group Ministry is open to adults and older teens who can commit to the 8 or 4 sessions of the particular group. Participants do not need to be members of this congregation. Because of the cohesive nature of the groups, we do not permit visitors or drop-ins to group sessions. SHould I come with my spouse or a friend?You are free to do what you are most comfortable with. Many people find, however, that they gain the most from groups in which they don’t know many people at the beginning. What about refreshments?At the first meeting, the host provides simple refreshments. After that, group members decide whether they want to continue to have refreshments and, if so, they share that responsibility. How much personal sharing is expected?Part of the benefit of participating is to be able to share your story with others, and know that your experiences will be honored. However, Small Group Ministry is neither an “encounter” group nor a kind of group therapy. Participants get a sense of the balance from the facilitator, and can always check things out with their group. Good listening is essential, and respect for others is expected. How is this a ministry?Small Group Ministry groups exist to help us feel ministered to, one to another; as a place for spiritual exploration, and to connect to something beyond ourselves. This is what ministry is.
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