Sunday Services Unitarian Society of Hartford

Worshiping Together Since 1830
(Religious Education, Nursery & Childcare )
Service 10:30 AM

May 05, 2013 Our Seven Principles: Worshipping Through Music
USH’s Composer-in-Residence Spring 12, Matt Primm, has been commissioned to write and present a musical composition based upon the UUA’s Principles and Purposes. On Sunday May 05 our worship service will be devoted to hearing and appreciating this original composition. Instrumentalists and vocalists from USH and from the Hartt School of Music will be conducted by our Music Director, Douglas-Jayd Burn. Come join us for this musically unique worship service!
Service Leaders: Douglas-Jayd Burn, Music Director
Worship Associate: Ginny Allen
Musicians: USH Chancel Choir and Choral Scholars; Ann Stowe Analise Ohse violin; Ginny Allen, Viola; Julie Hassler, Cello; Pi-Hsun Shih, piano

May 12, 2013 - Your Mother Was a Liberal! - "Liberalism is the supreme form of generosity -- the noblest cry that has ever resounded on this planet." Thus wrote the philosopher Jose Ortega y Gasset. On Mother's Day we shall re-claim the "L-word" at its best: As the encourager of the human heart. During the early part of the service we will have a Ceremony of Dedication for Children. If your family would like to participate in this ceremony, with your children of any ages, please contact either Rayla Mattson or Rev. Dave Johnson by Thursday evening May 09, and we will arrange a time to meet with you prior to Sunday morning.
Speaker: Rev. David Johnson
Worship Associate: Laurie Kelliher
Music Director: Douglas-Jayd Burn. Music by Tchaikovsky, Ravel, and Liszt.

May 19. 2013 - Mick Jagger’s Lament: “You Can’t Always Get What You Want!” - As a kid I was baffled by prayer. It seemed to be a self-serving contrivance to try to get one’s way – to tilt life's playing fields in preferred directions in order to meet my personal needs or desires. To be sure, desires are essential to healthy living. But groveling, flattery, and bargaining with the Ultimate: such gestures seem naively or foolishly presumptuous. Nevertheless I wonder: Might prayer have an essential role in fostering authentic, well-grounded living?

We will receive a Good Neighbor Offering to support the work of the Horace Bushnell Children’s Food Pantry at the Liberty Christian Center. Lisa Marie Oliver, representing the Food Pantry, will speak briefly during the service prior to our receiving the offering, and will be available during Fellowship Hour for members to learn about volunteer opportunities in the work of the Food Pantry.
Speaker: Rev. David Johnson
Worship Associate: Ann LaPorte-Bryan
Music: By the USH Chancel Choir, including an anthem by Moses Hogan. Keyboard selections by Jean Langlais, J.S. Bach, and John Stanley.

Annual Congregational Meeting: Immediately following the worship service. See the official announcement of the annual meeting which was sent from the Board of Directors. A potluck brunch will follow the annual meeting.

May 26, 2013 What’s Worth Living and Dying For? - On Memorial Day weekend we'll reflect on the sacrifices that our predecessors were called upon to make: Sometimes willingly, and sometimes not. Sometimes for causes that represent the best of the human spirit, and sometimes not. How shall we decide what we shall do with "our one wild and precious life"?
Speaker: Rev. David Johnson
Worship Associate: Sue Smolski
Guest Organist: Larry Lunden
Guitarist / Vocalist: Doug Williams

June 02, 2013 - Youth Group Service Come support the High School Youth Group on Sunday, June 2, 2013

As many of you know, the High School Youth Group Service is a cherished, annual event in which members of the High School Youth Group plan and participate in the service. This year, the members of the High School Youth Group will be sharing their love for the performing arts and how it contributes to their spirituality. There will be a special effort to make the service accessible to the children of USH so families are encouraged to attend and, we hope, become inspired as they see themselves grow within the religious education program!

Speakers: Youth Group Members
Worship Associate: Zean Gassman
Music Director: Douglas-Jayd Burn. Music by Langlais, Franck, and Buxtgehude.

Let us know of any comments, errors and corrections - thanks (revised 05/15/13)