Messenger Newsletter January 2006

Messenger Newsletter Content January 2006

January Services;

01 January - Poetry Sunday - Patrice Fitzgerald - In keeping with our tradition of welcoming the new year in a quiet, contemplative mode, Patrice Fitzgerald (and friends) will conduct a poetry service including words and music which uplift, enlighten, and provide comfort.

08 January - Metaphors of Spiritual Transformation - Using some metaphors of spiritual transformation—life passages, being born anew, closed and open hearts, and thin places—Karl Peters will explore how life and worship experiences can open us up to new possibilities for our lives in which we can become more caring human beings.

15 January - Bending Towards Justice - The Rev. Arline Conan Sutherland - On this weekend set aside to honor the memory of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we remember his words, “The arc of the universe is long, but it does bend towards justice” and ponder the meaning for us today.

22 January - Our Transcendentalist Roots - As part of the continuing series looking at the roots of our tradition, Arline will share thoughts about our 19th century brothers and sisters.

29 January - Friendship as a Spiritual Practice - The Rev. Arline Conan Sutherland - What is friendship? Arline will explore one of the most significant relationships in most of our lives.

President’s Message: Gratitude

Dear Members and Friends:

January is always the time of year that brings me back to basics. Some years I find myself focusing on giving more to others; other years my thoughts go to self care, or core values. This year my theme is gratitude.

The definition of gratitude according to Webster is “being thankful for favors received.” The act of being grateful is transformative. Focusing on what we are grateful for has the effect of shifting how we perceive all that is around us. The opposite attitude of gratitude is ingratitude. Nothing is good enough.

Here at the Meeting House there is much to be grateful for. Our amazing staff which supports us in all that we do. The tireless volunteers who teach our religious education classes, tend our building and grounds, care for those of us in need and lead our sub councils. The anonymous donors who contributed to help implement our second service and the plans to increase our handicapped parking. The friendships that abound and the people who care in big and little ways. The ministers past and present who have guided us. The overwhelming initial response of ministers who are interested in joining us. The endless energy and commitment demonstrated every day of the year on behalf of our community and our UU values.

Gratitude is both a very personal experience and something that is meant to be shared with others. There is amazing power in the words “thank you” as there also is when we look into someone’s eyes as they speak or take the time to really listen. Many traditions encourage giving back as an act of gratitude, even if you don’t give directly to those who gave to you.

And so I choose gratitude. For the winter cold and snow days. For friendships and challenges. For strength and for sniffles. For USH and for you.

Many blessings for a beautiful New Year.

Rebecca Judd

Two Services Task Force Looking for Answers

Marked by much energy and creative cooperation, the Two Services Task Force is in full swing, with all the represented areas busily figuring out what needs to be done to implement two services in early March. From identifying specific impacts to developing a music calendar for the spring to beginning the process for recruiting volunteers, members of the task force have engaged others in the congregation to make this a smooth transition.

Here is one example of how the various activities intersect and how one change may drive another: Bill LaPorte-Bryan, a member of the task force, is liaison to the Council on Community Within. As council members began to figure out the needs for coffee hours and Fellowship Hall usage with two Sunday services, they thought about who is impacted and how various needs might be accommodated. For example, after the first service, people exiting coffee hour late will need to do so without disturbing the second service. This led to their asking Building and Grounds if the back hall behind the kitchen could be “spruced up” to make it an attractive exit point from Fellowship Hall.

There are many details like these being thoughtfully considered, in a cooperative spirit of goodwill, with a creative bias toward new opportunities…all of it working toward the strategic goal of a larger, more vital congregation.

Two additional items to note:

Religious Education-- There will be opportunities for parents to discuss the change to two services and its impact on RE. On Sunday January 8 after the service and Thursday evening January 12 (both with child care), sessions will be held for interested RE parents and teachers. In addition, a survey will be sent to RE parents.

Worship Styles-- Several people have talked about different kinds of services in addition to the “traditional” service, e.g., a Friday fellowship style service or a meditative-style service with time for silent reflection. As we move to two Sunday services, the Worship Sub-Council will be gathering information, arranging conversations and other opportunities for feedback about these and similar topics.

Marye Gail Harrison and Martha Page

USH Finance 101: Cont.

Last month this column addressed some of the basics of USH financial dynamics. Since then, additional communications and financial results through November have been posted on the USH web. (Results through December will be added around the second week of January.) It’s a challenging year, with important implications to expenses and income beyond this year.

I have communicated with many over the past month. Lots of good questions, comments and suggestions. One of the themes which has emerged goes something like, “I think I’d like to understand these numbers and trends better.”

There are three scheduled opportunities coming up in January to do just that. The idea is to have a brief overview (about 15 minutes) of some history, current numbers and issues, and then a chance to discuss and generate ideas. Financial results for the first half of the fiscal year and the early projections for the full year will also be available.

Please mark your calendars to attend, to learn more about USH finances and to be heard. The three sessions will be on Sunday January 15 after the service; Tuesday January 24 at 7 pm; and Sunday January 29 after the service. If you are unable to attend, your calls (233-3234) and emails (billyoung55 at aol.com) are always welcome.

Bill Young, Treasurer

Music for the New Year

January 1 brings back our “torch singer” Patrice Fitzgerald with some “legit” art songs for the season. The mezzo-soprano aria “Must the Winter Come So Soon?” from Samuel Barber’s “Vanessa” is heartbreakingly poignant and suited to the time between the old year and the new.

January 8. Songs of the spirit to accompany Karl Peter’s reflections on spiritual transformation and open hearts.

January marks the first time in 25 years that Tom Schmutzler is not at the organ. Many of us know Ken Bartschi as a faithful choir singer, a member of many USH committees and an active Hartford lawyer. But he’s also a trained and accomplished organist. We are fortunate that Ken can fill in on certain Sundays.

January 15. “Precious Lord” by Thomas Dorsey was a favorite hymn of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The choir enjoys the rich harmonies and deep spirituality of this piece, which has been incorporated into our UU hymnal.

January 22. Psalm 100, “Make a Joyful Noise,” is an anthem by James Sellars, a neighbor on Albany Avenue and a frequent attendee at our services. A former professor of theory and composition at the Hartt School, Professor Sellars is an enthusiastic appreciator of the music in our worship services. The choir is happy to return the appreciation.

January 29. Ann Stowe rescheduled her violin artistry and will be playing some unaccompanied solos for the service. Do not miss this opportunity to hear this stunningly beautiful string playing.

Mattie Banzhaf

. . . and on the lighter side

Be careful reading the fine print. There’s no way you’re going to like it.

The nicest thing about the future is that it always starts tomorrow.

Among Ourselves

Our healing thoughts and best wishes go to Hilda Baker who is at home recuperating. Cards and calls are welcome.

We send our sympathies and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mary Hess, who died December 8.

Birthday greetings to Betty Arnold, who was 90 years old at the end of December! While not the oldest member of the congregation, we think Betty has been a member of this society for more years than anyone else. Congratulations!

If you have joys or sorrows to share, or know of someone who does, please send the information to messengernews at ushartford.com

USH ‘Worship Associates’ Begin Special Training

Three men and three women attended Reverend Arline Sutherland’s first training session last month for Worship Associates—congregants who will help lead religious services.

Their tasks may range from leading a responsive reading or prayer to developing and sharing their own prayers—and perhaps even sermons.

Worship Associates will help the congregation move forward with our plan to offer two services, will create new opportunities for lay leadership and will give individuals a chance to develop their own spirituality and learn to express it orally from the pulpit. Tasks will vary depending on the willingness of the Worship Associates themselves and on the needs of a particular service.

Interested persons unable to make the introductory meeting are invited to join the group at its next meeting on Wednesday January 11. Sessions are also planned for Tuesday February 7 and Tuesday March 7.

Diane Cadrain

REflections

There are going to be some changes in the religious education program beginning this month. First, the four-year-olds will be joining the Spirit Play classes. Second, the middle school group will be using a curriculum based on “The Simpsons” television show and will be working toward an understanding of our UU principles. The rest of the classes will continue with the curricula that they have been working with.

The Religious Education sub-council is also looking toward the future of our programs. We would like to use a part of Fellowship Hall for the combined age group starting in March when we begin having two services. We would like to have a space that feels inviting, spiritual, comfortable and ours. The sub-council is discussing ways to make an area do just that. We are also looking at ways to make the space as comfortable as possible for everyone.

We are anticipating a very exciting new year with lots of wonderful exploration of our religion, other religions and ourselves.

I would like to thank all those who have supported me and who have helped make this a very good first half of the church year. Also, my personal thanks to those who have given their thoughts and prayers to me and my family during some personal crises.

Ken Silberman-Bunn, Director of Religious Education

Festival of the Season: Joyous Intergenerational Event

Last month’s Festival of the Season was truly an intergenerational community event. Children and adults worked side by side decorating wreaths and cookies, building both simple and very elaborate gingerbread houses, having photos taken with Santa, listening to the inspiring and entertaining music coming from the Coffee House and sitting together in worship to celebrate and reflect upon the true meaning of the season.

This was a time where cherished memories were made as we feasted and laughed together and made connections that will endure for years to come. Our hope is that the Festival of the Season becomes an annual tradition that will allow us to experience the kind of faith and hope that this season can inspire and give meaning and connection to our lives.

The Festival would not have happened nor would it have been so successful if it weren’t for those individuals who gave their time, energy and talent and for the generosity of many who donated materials, supplies, food and other resources. Space restraints prevent our listing all their names but we give them our very special thanks.

We also made social justice a part of our Festival by supporting the children and families at the Betances School’s Center for Youth (a Center City Churches agency). We were able, thanks to generous contributions from USH members and friends, to donate a large number of gifts, hats and mittens to an appreciative Center for Youth Staff.

Some post-Festival comments sum it up: “What a fantastic, FUN intergenerational event the FOS has become!” A new member brought his wife and daughters and called it the “best holiday party we have ever gone to.” And, “I had no idea how wonderful, creative and simply joyful this event is.”

Jeanne Cohen

USH Search Committee: An Up Close and Personal Look at Its Nine Members

By the time you are reading this, the hard-working nine members of the Ministerial Search Committee will all have read the packets of material submitted by the 27 (at least) candidates applying to be the new minister for the Unitarian Society of Hartford. Ministerial candidates, in turn, will have read what committee members are looking for in a new minister. Following are excerpts from their writing.

Mike Roy (chair). “I hope to see our search become a springboard for launching our society to a higher level of community and spiritual growth. We have taken vital steps toward congregational development; we reorganized our system of governance; we invested in professional staff and we embarked upon a program of Small Group Ministry. We now look forward to working with a minister who can bring us together and lead us in the direction of greater community.”

Ginny Berrien. “I hope that our search will lead us to a minister interested in working with a congregation that has a commitment to self governance and, at the same time, recognizes its need for spiritual guidance both as individuals and as a religious community. I hope for a minister who understands the need for developing a caring community spirit among ourselves that will lead to our caring about the world about us. I look forward to a minister who will lead the USH congregation in these areas with enthusiasm and example.”

Greg Berg. “I support the current strong emphasis being placed on growth in membership. Only through accelerated growth in new members will be able to achieve our aspirations to continually expand programming and to make more meaningful impacts in the broader community. Our next senior minister will play an important role shaping our growth. I look forward to helping select a minister who is thoughtful, with a powerful intellect and who possesses a point of view on all things spiritual.”

Dick Edwards. “The new minister will meet my expectations if he/she possesses a commanding and engaging pulpit style. The new minister must be charismatic, a coach, have proven him/herself in prior societies and is able and motivated to serve us spiritually. His/her counseling style should be supportive and he/she should enjoy ‘rallying the troops’ in spiritual quests. Our new minister should be compassionate toward those in need and have a comforting counseling style.”

Karen Humphreys. “As a newer member of the USH, I see my participation in the ministerial search as a response to a personal need for spiritual exercise and social connection. Our congregation is an extraordinary group of people—it is dynamic, compassionate and concerned. I hope to find in our new minister a spiritual leader who recognizes this and who can help us direct this energy to strengthen our relationships with one another within the congregational community as well as with communities in the Hartford area.”

Mary-Anne Mulholland. “Hopefully, the search process will result in finding a minister who can give us the foundations for continued spiritual challenges. Over the years of my involvement, I have developed a deep appreciation of USH and its presence in the Hartford area. The next called minister will find a welcoming congregation appreciative of this community, ready for spiritual challenges and committed to service to others.”

Heather Ferguson-Hull. “As I learn more about our Society, I am inspired by the committed, caring people here and am aware of our need for greater spiritual connectedness. I hope for a minister who will support and challenge each of us to grow, who will help us grow closer as a community and whose insights will resonate with potential new members. Together, we can be a force for kindness and justice in our personal lives, in our community and in the world.”

Carol Sexton. “We’ve developed our strategic plan, trained our leadership and gotten our governance challenges and administrative house in order. We’re now ready to open our doors to the community and take steps in a new direction. I hope for a minister who can nurture the flowering of our congregation into a larger, more spiritual and ethically visible force in our capital city.”

Al Herzog. “I think of my role on the Ministerial Search Committee as a servant-leader. Along with the rest of my search committee colleagues, we need to listen to what our members want in our new minister and put that into action. So far, that listening process has been interesting and instructive. Most of all, from what I am hearing, the members want a minister who has a strong Sunday morning presence and who both emotionally and intellectually is an inspiring spiritual leader. I look forward to my part in bringing such a minister to USH next spring.”

During the next few weeks, committee members will narrow the list of potential ministers, interview selected candidates and make visits to hear sermons. Look for an update in the next Messenger.

Kayla Costenoble

Highlights of December Board of Directors Meeting

An earmarked contribution of $2500 to cover the costs of implementing two services was “accepted with gratitude—unanimously” by the USH Board of Directors during its December 8 regular monthly meeting. These funds will cover the anticipated costs for a Sunday sexton, nursery care, music and promotional material.

A congregation-wide two-hour workshop on the move to two services is being planned by the Sub-Council on Worship and the Second Service Task Force.

The treasurer reported that a holiday fundraising letter has been sent; it is expected to generate $6,000. Rising heating costs are expected soon.

The Directors discussed developing a congregation-wide annual calendar to make sure all concerned know how and when the building is being used (e.g., Festival of the Season, Stewardship campaign, etc.)

A motion was passed, under the USH’s new policy on fund raising, to allow the Arts Sub Council to continue its practice of offering art shows from time to time with sales resulting in income (20% of each sale) for the Society.

The Board of Directors continued its discussion of a spring fundraiser, a project of the Board as a whole, and considered potential organizers for the project.

Diane Cadrain

“Pathway to Membership” Begins January 18

This four-week program, facilitated by Reverend Arline Sutherland and lay leaders, is for those considering membership, those who have become members within the past year, and newcomers who would just like to learn more. It will be held on four consecutive Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 pm, beginning January 18. Meeting dates and descriptions follow.

January 18: Unitarian Universalist History, Theology and Polity. Part I.

The Unitarians, the Universalist and how and why they came together. The history of UUism around the world and in the U.S. Religious traditions that UUs embraced along the path and that sustain us today. Opportunities this congregation offers for spiritual growth and how we can support your spiritual practices.

January 25: Unitarian Universalist History, Theology and Polity. Part II.

Famous UUs in history. What UUs have contributed throughout history to medicine, literature, politics, social justice and more. How UUs as a denomination, and this congregation in particular, make decisions and govern themselves-- democracy in action. How our congregation is organized and how to find the programs and activities that interest you.

February 1: Questions and Answers.

What do you want to know? What new ideas in the first two sessions have caught your interest that you want to know more about? Where do you want to go next in your spiritual and intellectual development as a UU? How do you know if membership in a UU congregation—in this congregation—is right for you?

February 8: Potluck

An opportunity to socialize with your newfound friends, to learn about membership.

If you became a member during the past year, have indicated your readiness to become a member, or have completed a Guest Registry, you will receive an invitation. If, by some chance, you do not receive an invitation, please pick up a registration form at the Welcome Table or call the church office at 860-233-9897 to register.

Calling All Women and, Of Course, All Interested Men

Dr. Jane Barstow, University of Hartford English professor, will be guest speaker at a USH Women’s Alliance luncheon on Sunday January 29 following services.

Dr. Barstow will discuss the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, 40 photos recently exhibited a the Meeting House, and explain how the women were nominated and elected for this honor.

Dr. Barstow has been closely associated with the exhibit since its founding, with responsibility for all nominations. She is currently vice-president of the group’s

Board of Trustees. She is also author of “One Hundred Years of American Women Writing, 1848-1948” and has written numerous articles on contemporary women writers. Her teaching specialties include 19th and 20th century American and European women,, contemporary African American, American and Japanese women writers. At present, she is teaching an honors seminar on Toni Morrison.

Small Group Ministry Invites You

Small Group Ministry has been so successful at the Unitarian Society of Hartford we are offering six groups this spring instead of our usual five, so we can accommodate 60 people rather than our usual 50. We are enhancing our outreach efforts by (1) providing three locations accessible for those with mobility disabilities, (2) offering a location east of the river convenient for members and friends who live or work there, (3) offering a lesbian/gay/bisexal/transgender/intersex group as part of our welcoming effort, and (4) offering two afternoon groups for those who prefer not to drive at night.

Afternoon sessions will be in Glastonbury on Mondays 1-3 pm and in Bloomfield 2-4 pm on Wednesdays. Barbara Fraher will facilitate the Glastonbury group, with Kathy Herzog as host. Marye Gail Harrison will facilitate the Bloomfield group, with John Passalacqua as host. The Monday group starts March 20, while the Wednesday group starts March 15.

Monday evenings Carol Davidson will facilitate a Meeting House group with Janice and David Newton as hosts, starting February 27. Lisa Gabrielle’s LGBTI group will also meet Monday evenings, with its first session March 6 at the Meeting House.

Wednesday evenings Bill Shoemaker, facilitator, will join hosts Vicki and Don Carey at their Bloomfield home. Their starting date is February 15.

Thursday evenings, beginning March 2, Kent Jamison will facilitate an SGM group at Jeannette Smith’s Simsbury home.

The Meeting House, the Harrison-Passalacqua home and the Smith home are all accessible to those in wheelchairs. All evening groups meet 7-9 pm, with meeting dates arranged for members’ convenience.

If you have never been in a Small Group Ministry, this would be a good time for you to try our friendly groups in cozy settings. We also encourage members to invite Unitarians who are not currently attending our services, and to reach out to UU fellowship members who might not have Small Group Ministry available to them. Invite a new member of our congregation to attend with you. Those new to the Meeting House tell us they have found SGM an excellent way to make some real connections.

Call the church office (233-9897) to register.

Bev Spence

Eat and Play at USH

Save the fourth Friday of each month, starting January 27, to take advantage of the Hospitality Committee’s Friday Evening Suppers—a great way to unwind and socialize at the end of a busy week.

Suppers will include home-cooked meals with a different theme each month. January is Crock Pot Night and will feature favorite recipes of Hospitality Committee members, tossed salad, breads, dessert and a variety of beverages. (Please bring your own alcoholic beverage.)

After the meal, enjoy games with friends of all ages. Cards, Scrabble, charades and Pictionary are just a few of the offerings, along with bridge for more serious players.

Doors will open at 5:45 pm and dinner will be served at 6 pm. The price is $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets will be sold at the Meeting House from January 1 through 22. No tickets will be sold the night of the supper.

For more information, call Randi Wuertz at 313-8097.

USH Archivist Arranges 175 Years of Society History

(Long-time USH member Margaret Sax has been searching for and arranging material documenting years of our history as our archivist extraordinary.)

The Archives contain the recorded history of the Unitarian Society of Hartford from the 1830’s—that is, of events leading up to the founding of the Society in 1844--to the present. Most of the records are in manuscript or printed form, but they also include photographs, tapes and CDs of worship services and a few objects as memorabilia of events.

Up until about 11 years ago, these records were scattered throughout the building and in members’ homes, and it was not until 1997 that some space was found in one of the RE classrooms so they could at least be kept together. After the material had been arranged and catalogued, a guide was written.

Since then, and two laborious moves later, the much-expanded collection is now housed in the library, its file cabinets and shelves of boxes sharing a somewhat uneasy proximity to the remains of the original library. The collection is arranged chronologically and by subject. Every effort is made to keep it up-to-date.

However, it has become increasingly difficult to obtain records of many committees and organizations. So much is now done by computer and, unless the archivist receives “hard copy,” such records will eventually vanish.

The guide to the archives—presently being updated—explains the arrangement of the many thousands of records. Among the subjects covered are early history of the Society, information on ministers and members, architectural information, orders

of service, minutes of committee and Council meetings, obituaries, and day-to-day events of the Society from its earliest years.

Anyone may consult the archives, and I will be glad to show people how to find material or get it for them. Such records should not be removed from the premises, but often photocopies may be made.

Margaret Sax, Archivist

Lots of Fun, Festivity, Food—and Sadness

“Today we honor the ministry of music,” was how Reverend Arline Sutherland began the December 11 Music Sunday, featuring, honoring and presenting the music of long-time USH organist Tom Schmutzler. After 25 years as the Society’s organist, pianist and composer, Tom and his wife will be moving to North Carolina in January where Tom plans to enjoy retirement—and fishing.

In a line from his hymn The Light That Shines So Clear, Tom wrote, and the choir sang, what his enthusiastic audience was feeling, “The humble gifts we bring are the songs that we now sing.” And in her prayer, Reverend Sutherland said, “We give thanks for this music that lets our hearts soar.”

There was a lavish reception for Tom following the service, which featured a huge and delicious cake decorated with an (edible) picture of Tom and the organ pipes. The tiny purse presented to Tom from the congregation contained a fortune in good wishes—and a healthy check to enhance life in North Carolina.

K.C.

Current Calendar =>>

Ministerial Musings - Reverend Arline C. Sutherland

Living as I do in downtown Hartford, I hear sirens--lots of sirens. Mostly they seem to be ambulances making their way to nearby hospitals. As a child I was taught to say a quick prayer whenever I heard a siren--a prayer that God be with those who were suffering. As an adult, I maintain the practice. It seems the least one can do to respond to the sure knowledge that someone is in need.

Except that I am becoming inured. I don’t always hear the sirens anymore. I have learned to tune them out. Just as I have learned to tune out other indicators of pain and suffering like the number of those killed in Iraq or on the streets of Hartford or the numbers of those whose lives were disrupted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita who still lack basic needs.

I have more or less come to terms with the reality that though I cannot heal all wounds, I can address myself to the needs within my sphere. Yet this numbing troubles me. What else am I tuning out? What delights am I missing? Will I hear that which is calling me onward into an unknown region?

As we enter a new year what will we choose to hear? Listen, we are told. Listen to the sounds of angels announcing a new birth. Hear the song sung by the morning star. Be still and listen to the still small voice within.

If you are seeking ways to be still and listen, you might consider registering for the Spirituality Retreat this January 21and 22. Marye Gail Harrison and I will introduce you to Living By Heart, a set of spiritual practices developed by UU ministers Reverend Harry Scholefield and Reverend Dr. Laurel Hallman. For more information and to register, look for flyers at the Welcome Table or contact the office at firstunitarian at ushartford.com 233-9897.

Blessings, Arline

Let us know of any comments, errors and corrections - thanks (revised 12/20/05)