September 2006Jump center: Rev Barbara Jamestone Column; Services; President's Column; RE Director Column; Music; Progress Over the Summer; Personal Perspective SGM; Sinkford Speaks; Alliance; Lupeni; Among Ourselves; Officers, Staff, etc.; Current Calendar; insert SGM; insert Programs for Adults & Families September 10th we resume two services at 9 & 11 AM, children’s programming and nursery 3 September Poetry Sunday, Patrice Fitzgerald (10 AM service) children’s programming & nursery 10 September —Mingling of the Waters: Annual Ingathering Service - Rev. Jamestone - In summer we tend to scatter and in September we ingather for a new church year. On September 10 we will carry out a UU water ceremony. Each individual or family will bring a vial of water symbolic of some experience of the summer (scooped from a foreign fountain or favorite sea shore or family faucet) and will pour that small amount of water into a large container during the service. Join us as we welcome our new minister to the pulpit for the first time. 17 September - Ember Days - Rev. Jamestone - An anachronism today, Embertide (4 sets of 3 days in a given week—roughly equidistant in the circuit of the year) marked medieval Catholic calendars and reflected sacred observances of western pagan cultures. Come hear why our new minister recognizes ‘the four seasons’ and maybe you’ll decide to join Rev. BJ on September 20, 22, and 23 as she celebrates Embertide at the Meeting House. 24 September - Ramadan: On Submission and Stewardship - Rev. Jamestone - One of the “five pillars” or core aspects of Sunni Islam (normative at more than 80%), the fast during the 9th month, Ramadan, captures the role of submission, solidarity, and stewardship, which can be powerful for UUs too.
Welcome, Rev. Jamestone! President’s Column In welcoming Rev. Barbara Jamestone as our 14th called minister, this September marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Unitarian Society of Hartford. We have all eagerly awaited Rev. Jamestone’s arrival since her calling at the conclusion of an exciting candidating week last April. She brings to the Meeting House a wealth of experience and a freshness of perspective well suited to the needs and opportunities in our congregation. The foundation for the calling of Rev. Jamestone as our minister was laid approximately five years ago when the Society drafted a new strategic plan. Contained within the strategic plan as well as the subsequently revised Constitution and Bylaws is a vision for a shared ministry, one in which our goals and dreams are pursued jointly and through a mutual respect for the particular resources and talents of everyone involved. As the Society has implemented its new governance structure over the past two years, considerable knowledge has been gained in what it means as a practical matter to have a shared ministry. We have learned much about marshaling the strengths and talents within the congregation to further the spiritual lives of our members and to be of service to our community. A vision of shared ministry largely guided the work of the Ministerial Search Committee as it began its work to identify a new senior minister. The Committee worked diligently over many months to survey the congregation and put together a very professional search packet that reflected the Society’s strengths and needs. The committee then assessed a number of potential candidates to identify the one that best matched our wants and needs. We are very fortunate that five of the Search Committee members (Heather Ferguson-Hull, Ginny Berrien, Greg Berg, Al Herzog, and Mike Roy) have agreed to join Nancy Mandly on the Committee on Ministry, which will work with Rev. Jamestone to ensure the success of our shared ministry. Despite all of the experience and talent that Rev. Jamestone brings to the Unitarian Society of Hartford, this next chapter in the Society’s history is less dependent on her than it is on how we respond to her presence among us. All indications are that Rev. Jamestone will both inspire us and challenge us, but her inspiration and her challenges to us will not by themselves write our history. How we respond; that is, how we chose to relate to each other within the walls of the Meetinghouse and the how we chose to serve the community outside our walls will be the stuff of our history. This will be an exciting chapter in the history of the Society, for it will be what we make of it. Charles Huntington Welcome back to a new church year. We are looking forward to a great start in Religious Education. This year some of our programs will be similar to last year’s, while we introduce some new ones. The nursery is available at both the 9 AM services and the 11 AM services. The nursery, for children up to the age of three, is staffed by an adult with an assistant. We will again have a multiage group of children from age four through grade five. We will use the Spirit Play format for this class with the focus on three areas throughout the year. They are our Unitarian Universalist promises or principles, followed by stories from other faiths, and finally, our own UU past. The sixth and seventh graders will be working with a new curriculum, “Exploring Unitarian Universalism”. They will be looking at who we are in this church, our rituals and how we compare to other UU churches and other places of worship. The eighth graders will be working on a Coming of Age Program to help them make the transition into high school next year. It will focus on their beliefs and feelings about Unitarian Universalism. Finally, our high school youth group will again be discussing issues, making soup and having fun. Let’s make this a great year. Music Notes for September Sept. 17th - Ember Days connotes ancient monastic prayer, and a musical version of that is Gregorian chant. The Choir will sing Maurice Durufle's "Ubi caritas," a delicate anthem based on a well-known chant, and a solo will introduce our new bass soloist.
Especially For Those Who Have Been Away This Summer Welcome back! While you have been away, several major projects have moved forward. The crew working on Fellowship Hall improvements has continued the effort week after week. Peter Magistri has done additional millwork on the valances while Stu Spence and Ed Sax have mounted light fixtures inside the new valances adjusting circuits as necessary, and several people including Bill Willett, Anne Bailey and Carol Sexton have painted base and final coats. Anne Bailey, Betty Palmer and others have continued the difficult job of cleaning the Plexiglas above the new valances. At this point, you can see the results of all this effort in the improved aesthetics caused by washing the walls of Fellowship Hall with warm light. As this is being written, the B&G Sub-Council has ordered sound panels for the walls under the valances, which will eventually hold artwork.
Outside, you will find the obvious addition of new handicapped parking places in front of the Meeting House adjacent to the front entrance. This new parking area was made possible by a generous donation from Bill and Ann LaPorte-Bryan. Various volunteers have been working on reestablishing “vegetation” on the low berm created to divert as much runoff water as possible into the centrally located parking area drain(s).
To the side of the building more or less at the junction of the two paved parking areas you will find a new path leading to a pet memorial garden area. This addition was made possible by a donation from Helen Skinner. The parking area contractor, Brewer Paving, did the sidewalk and gravel base at the time the new parking was added. Janice and David Newton removed excess gravel, added a sand bed, obtained and placed the pavers and benches, erected the fence and prepared the area for plantings to be established in September. RE groups have already visited the new area. Inside, another anonymous gift has made possible replacement of four old computers with new ones including contractual maintenance of the system.
Meanwhile, on the south side of the building, the Memorial Garden Sculpture has been mounted on the wall through the efforts of Bill Willett, Roy Cook, Ed Sax, Peter Magistri and others. The sculpture and Memorial Garden were funded by an anonymous gift several years ago. FALL SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE I’m writing this at our New Hampshire cottage, looking across the white-capped waves of the lake to the distant mountains, thinking about our return to the State of Connecticut and to our community of friends at the Unitarian Society of Hartford. I’m looking forward to fall’s Small Group Ministry, to being part of a group whose shared experiences will enhance my understanding of the world we all share. I know that any group I choose will have some old friends, and I’ll enjoy getting to know them better. I know the chosen group will have some acquaintances, who will become better friends through eight sessions focused on issues of interest and concern to us all. And, if I’m lucky, the group will have at least one brand new member or friend of our Society, someone I’ve never met before, whose shared offerings will provide some insight or understanding. And I’ll be reminded of my opportunity, and responsibility, to tell my own story to nine other people who will try to be the best listeners I’ve ever had. My choices (and yours) this Fall include Monday nights at the Meeting House, with Ginny Berrien as facilitator and Nita Hansen as host; Monday nights at the home of Janice and David Newton in Farmington with Bev Prager as facilitator; Wednesday nights at Lisa Gabrielle’s home in Collinsville with Gail Syring as facilitator; Wednesday nights at Kathie Ferguson’s home in West Hartford with Mike Roy facilitating; Thursday nights at Betsy Mahaffey’s home in West Hartford with Heather Ferguson-Hull as facilitator; and a Friday afternoon option, 2-4 PM at the home of Margaret and Ed Sax in Bloomfield with Bill Willett facilitating. All groups will start in mid-October, and registrants will be informed of start dates at the time of registration. Subsequent meetings are planned at the convenience of group members. Evening groups meet 7-9 PM (unless adjusted by the group). The Meeting House and the Sax home (Seabury) are accessible to those in wheelchairs. Readings can be provided in large dark print to those with vision problems, and devices to aid hearing are available. Attention will be paid to allergies and the need for special refreshments. Efforts will be made to provide transportation to those unable to drive. Registration is easily accomplished by calling the Meeting House office or visiting the Adult Program table after Sunday services. Please mention any special needs at the time of registration. I’m excited about Small Group Ministry as a way to continue on my spiritual journey in the company of others. I know many others feel the same, so I’m going to register early to get a space. (You should, too!) - Bev Spence UUA President Sinkford Lectures at Chautauqua “If we can frame conversations in a way to gain access with those who disagree with us, we might get somewhere,“ UUA President, Reverend William Sinkford told a large audience participating in a week-long series of interfaith lectures sponsored by the Unitarian Fellowship at the Chautauqua Institution in July. The lecture series, entitled Good Citizenship: Healer of the Body Politic, also featured Reverend David Bumbaugh, professor of ministry at the UU Meadville Lombard Theological School at the University of Chicago. Reverend Sinkford suggested that we should partner with groups on issues we agree on. He gave, as an example, a writ on the environment, issued this spring by a Fundamentalist group that is “every bit as good as anything UUs ever wrote.” He said we need to create an environment where differences can be aired. Speaking to a mostly non-UU audience, Reverend Sinkford used the opportunity to describe Unitarianism. UUs, he explained, “come together around a covenant to be with one another—not around a creed. We can see and do together what we cannot see and do alone. The work of being in community is the work we need to do as religious people.” If we allow ourselves to fall into the trap of confrontation, we will not be successful, Reverend Sinkford maintained. We have to engage others in a different kind of conversation pointing the way to healing, he insisted. He suggested some important issues that are critical to how people live their lives are economic justice (including minimum wage), the environment and health care. Following the lecture, Unitarians at Chautauqua were invited to a reception honoring Reverend Sinkford sponsored by the Department of Religion. Unitarians from states throughout the U.S. attended. Kayla Costenoble Women's Alliance Cabinet Meeting PLUS The Alliance Cabinet will meet on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 10:00 in the library. All members are welcome to attend. Also, those interested in the Alliance’s future will want to bring a sandwich and stay for a continuing discussion. Should the Alliance realign itself under the governing body of the Society? If so, how can we retain the influence and purpose laid out in our By-Laws? If not, how can we best accomplish our goals. This will be an ongoing discussion for several months and lead up a recommendation to the members at a future meeting. (Along with the Burlington VT Church, we are partner Church to one in Lupeni, Romania. We took up a special collection for them of $1,438 some months ago, which included a special donation of $200 from the Women's Alliance. Here is an email recently received and passed along by Louise Schmoll.) "It took a long time from my last letter, sorry for this! "We had a busy period in our life, but full with good things. We are working, we repair the house roof. If I know well in the last years I wrote a few times about this, how bad are looking. It is old house, almost 100 years. "With your help, with your money donation in the last months we had chance to start this hard work. We start in 12 June and we are working in every day! Lots of work, energy, money. The Headquarter also contributed with money to make this job. Thanks again for your support, carry and love. I know that the important for is to have spiritual connection with you, but please believe me without your support we can’t make this job. We repair just the roof, but the final cost it is like our congregation budget for 3,4 years. And this is just a roof! We are happy that we had this chance, we are still have projects, dreams. If we will have enough money we want to clean and paint the façade of the house. It’s look now horrible. Now is ruined, dirty and disagreeable. We appreciate your help and we hope we can give something for you in the same time! I just want to thank again to everybody who contribute to have this partnership. God bless you! "In the name of Lupeni Congregation, We are sad to report the loss of the following since our last issue: Stu Garmise’s mother, Elizabeth Spencer, Ed Stubbs’ sister-in-law, Mattie Banzhaf’s mother, Robert Gavin’s mother, Amy Hines’ mother, and Mark Spencer. Our thoughts are with the families during these difficult times. **** 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: Nina Elgo, Spiritual Life; Community Within, Vacant; Administration, Vacant. Our Constitution and Bylaws, Strategic Plan, and much, much more may be found on our website at www.ushartford.com Let our office know if you would like to receive the weekly USH-Enews online. STAFF: Rev. Barbara Jamestone, Minister; Ken Silberman-Bunn, Director of Religious Education; 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; Maks Klmas, Security. Articles for the Meethinghouse Messenger should be directed to messengernews@ushartford.com by the 15th of the prior month. This issue was edited by D & J Newton, Brian Mullen and Rosie Rindfleisch. September Comes September holds a paradoxical quality. Mother Nature runs in one direction and the school calendar in the other. Until age six, I enjoyed the turning of the wheel of the year unhindered. Summer in my rural wooded world held bare feet and hair sweaty on the neck and forehead, Muscadine vine swinging, and pea shelling. (The muscadine grape is known as the passion fruit of the South!) As the smallest child I had the dubious honor of crawling up to spread the apple slices to dry on the hot tin roof of my grandmother’s barn. It wasn’t a bad chore, especially when I recalled how good those dried apples would taste on nippy fall afternoons after trekking through the back woods all morning with my dog. The wheel of the seasons turned soon enough, and I was close observer of leaves falling, frost forming on bedroom windows, tiny ice crystals lifting bits of earth to crunch under foot, and the world of worms, ants, and lizards going to sleep. I slowed too, to indoor projects of yarn, construction paper, and playing with pans in the kitchen by day. At night the fireplace made for lazy looking at pictures in the National Geographic and falling asleep in my father’s lap. Then the wheel turned to September, 1958, when a big yellow school bus came and changed my world forever. For nearly 50 years since then, September has meant a flurry of gathering supplies, getting ready and set to go—to the next grade and challenge, to the new place and people, to the butterflies in the belly as I wondered what dreams may come. My heart still skips a beat when I see a new box of fat crayons! This September 2006, YOU are the focus of that flurry for me—gathering my minister’s gear and climbing those very high steps up to the chancel area and pulpit feels not unlike climbing into that yellow school bus for the first time. But after 50 years of it, I know that you and I will soon be giggling and bouncing on the back seat, calling out multiplication tables to each other, and sharing peanut butter cookies at lunch. With heads close to almost touching we’ll be pouring over the mysteries hidden in the words and pictures of some tome, deciphering the symbols of science and philosophy and stuff so sacred we cannot say it. We’ll grow close enough to grow exasperated at each other’s foibles and foolishness too. I’ve been planning for us already, and having high hopes for the seasons we will share. As we tumble into this September of new beginnings, I invite you to join me in remembering those earlier Septembers too, and to help me to savor in moments the beauty of slowly turning round to rest, of preparing to let evening come. Blessings, Rev. B.J.
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. They realize that they have something in common with everyone, and that they are free to disagree with others as well. They find a non-judgmental atmosphere in which to explore the spiritual dimensions to their lives. In short, it’s a chance to connect in a deeper way with this religious community. 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, child care, 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 are provided by the steering committee in collaboration with the minister, 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. If you need help with childcare, please indicate this on your registration form. who can participate?Small Group Ministry is open to adults and older teens who can commit to the 8 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.
Fall Programs for Adults and Families Copies of the full catalog are available at the Meeting House, and on the website, www.ushartford.com. Register on Sunday or call the office for info. Come to the Fair September 17!! New ProgramsEmber Days, Rev. Jamestone; Equinox observance September 20, 22, & 23; Solstice observance December 13, 15, & 16. A time for abstinence from the ordinary. Credo Conversations, Rev. Jamestone; Saturdays, September 23, October 28, November 18, December 16. Learning to think about and give voice to what we value; articulating our faith. Spiritual Transformations: Science, Religion, and Human Becoming, Karl Peters, Tuesdays, begins September 26. An examination of change and growth within ourselves, in relation to others, and in relation to the evolving universe. Pathways to Membership (new format!), lay leaders and staff; 4 Wednesday evenings in October. A program for those considering becoming members. Information, discussion, and socialization. Hartford Immersion, Rev. Edwin Ayala; Tuesday, September 19; Saturday, September 30; follow-up date TBD. Get to know Hartford’s 16 neighborhoods, its people, its problems, its possibilities, its hopes. Soul Work (new format!), Margaret Leicach; 10 Thursdays, begins October 5. An examination of institutional racism and oppression and our role therein. The class will address attitudinal, cultural and other barriers to successful social justice work and anti-racism. Knitting with a Purpose, Bev Spence, Janice Newton; 4 Tuesday afternoons, October. Knitting comfort shawls in community with others. Beginners welcome! Circle Dinners, Randi Wuertz and Marion Kelliher; November 4, December 2, January 6. Groups of eight diners in different homes with old friends and new! Returning ProgramsSmall Group Ministry, various days and locations; begins week of October 16 The Artist’s Way, Diane Cadrain, Carol Shoemaker; 13 Mondays, begins September 18 Two classes: Tai Chi and Feldenkrais,Monika Forstner; 8 Wednesdays, begins September 27. Friday Dinner and Movie, Nita Hansen. 2nd Fridays, October through June. Supper and Games Night, Esther McKone, Edith Savage; Fridays: October 20 (Southern), November 17 (Tex-Mex), January 19 (Greek and Middle Eastern), March 16 (Comfort Foods).
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