USH-Enews January 1 , 2009 Print Only Edition

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The USH-Enews is a weekly email newsletter produced for members and friends of the Unitarian Society of Hartford. The USH web address is: http://www.ushartford.com/ Check at the end of this USH-Enews for information on submissions, subscriptions and escape from the mailing list. And, to read the monthly Meetinghouse Messenger (newsletter) on the web or to find past issues of the weekly USH-Enews click here.

Sunday - 4 January - Human Rights and Humanitarian Issues - We welcome Charlie Clements, the President of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, to our pulpit. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. Among other things, Dr. Clements is the author of, Witness to War: An American Doctor in El Salvador. - More

Music - Ted Phillips and Simon Phillips offer Pete Seeger’s Tomorrow Is a Highway and the Peruvian activist song Si Somos Americanos (If we are Americans) at both services.

John Jesensky will be singing songs in concert with his rock band, to benefit USH on February 28th. (Please note, the date was in error in the last USH-Enews, which has now been corrected.)

The Social Justice Council would like your ideas and opinions! As part of Social Justice Sunday (on January 4th), there will be a dedicated table (with a few extra chairs) set up in Fellowship Hall for all attendees to fill out a short survey. It is important for us to gather as much feedback from you as we can in order to guide our plans and decision-making in the year ahead. We would greatly appreciate a few minutes of your time to fill this out. Thanks. - Shai Cassell

REflections on Children's Programming -

Religious Education Classes

Spirit Play: The Great Kapok Tree
Second & Third Grade: Our New Year
Fourth & Fifth Grade: Mary and Martha
Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grade: GAYT Calculation
Youth Group Activities: Discussion

- Gail M. Syring, DRE

Congregational Conversation on Worship - The Worship Arts Sub-Council and BJ invite you to attend a congregational conversation on worship the weekend of January 16-18th. As a committee, we have been studying our current worship practices and exploring the multitude of worship experiences that are being used in other churches.

The world is a continually changing place. We see this in all aspects of our lives, including life here together in our spiritual home. Without growth and change, we are stagnant and eventually become obsolete. But how do we preserve that which is good and eternally meaningful in our worship, while making room for the new? This is the question we will come together to explore.

For the convenience of all, we are offering three different times for you to attend: Friday night January 16th at 7 PM, Saturday morning the 17th at 10 AM or Sunday afternoon the 18th at 4 PM. BJ and members of the Worship Sub-Council will be present at all meetings. Come and let us know what you find meaningful in your own worship experience – what you wouldn’t want to do without, what you could give up to make way for something new, what about the music makes your spirit soar, what you think are traditions worth preserving.

If you have time before the meeting, read BJ’s blogs for the past month that revolve around this topic. If you don’t have time, come anyway. If you can’t make any of these meeting times but have thoughts or concerns to share, please contact BJ or Susan Kinney, Chair of the Worship Sub-Council.

Looking forward to hearing from you, - Sue Kinney

BJ's Blog contains a several things for us to muse over before attending the Congregational Conversations on Worship on Jan 16, 7 PM, Jan 17, 10 AM, and Jan 18, 4 PM. See links at the end of her “holiday meal story:” More

Cranes Ready - Our Flock of Cranes are ready to Migrate to Knoxville! Meredith Vasta and Leona Mae Page will be getting together on New Year's Day to package the cranes for shipment. Photo by Anne Bailey More

And now, let us welcome the New Year, full of things which have never been: A Review of 12-28 worship service - There were a lot of bad and hurtful words people wanted to get rid of during last Sunday’s service. When invited to do so by Worship Associate Jen Cook, a long line of souls approached the paper shredder at the base of the Chancel to deposit and shred papers on which they had written the words they no longer needed or wanted in their lives. An impressive ceremony.

In her sermon, Jen used an illustration in her own life as a teacher/tutor and told of a young man who was getting nowhere in school because his brothers had convinced him he was “stupid.” As long as he believed that, she said, he could not make any progress. Her task was to make him believe otherwise. And “stupid” was a word she was definitely getting rid of.

Jen explained that Sundays service was an outgrowth of her experience at youth conferences at Star Island where words and letters we would like to let go, names we have been called, names we called ourselves, hurts and all. were thrown into a bonfire. Bonfires and wooden buildings are not a good mix, hence the shredder.

Although Sunday’s service was a few days before New Year’s, it seemed a good time, Jen suggested, to release what no longer serves us and get rid of things we don’t need anymore. It’s a time to think about the new year ahead of us—the tasks, demands, work not yet done, love and the chance to reach across borders we didn’t even know were there.

Sunday’s service had been advertised as a casual, informal, come-in-your-pajamas event. We noticed our leaders for the service, Jen and Gail Syring (Religious Education Director), were indeed in pajamas and it looked as if Reverend BJ was seated in the congregation wearing a bathrobe. The rest of us, however, probably hearing echoes of our mothers’ admonition to always wear clean underwear in case of an accident chose to be casually, but completely, dressed. - Kayla Costenoble

Further comments on December 28 worship service - What a fabulous observer and journalist Kayla is! I love to read how a service service was received by someone in the pews, who is thorough, objective, and whimsically inclined.

You may recall that this service was billed as an example of contemporary worship in that it incorporated some innovative elements. Gail Syring led a heart moving "embodied praye" by which we ritually released things that were burdening our hearts. The theme of "release" was personalized when congregants wrote down things they were ready to release then processed to the chancel and ritually released those things into a shredder! The officiants wore pajamas. Silence filled the musical slots, and the singing was unaccompanied. The lighting of candles of memory and hope, along with the meditative walk back to our seats, was accompanied by a silence that enfolded us in both the vertical and horizontal dimensions of worship. The service of worship continued in Fellowship Hall with a coffee and newspaper celebration of our community.

What was not apparent was that this service originated over a year ago in a worship arts Sub-Council meeting when we discussed how to bring restful leisure and whimsy to the post Christmas service, as well as preparing congregants for a meaningful New Year's Day. Around 100 folks experienced just that on the 28th, through this combination of old and new elements. I was particularly blessed by this quote from Rilke, which was integrated into a lovely pastoral prayer:
“And now, let us welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.”

I was seated, in my house robe, next to a visitor who I noticed participated fully in all elements of the service. Later in Fellowship Hall I overheard a member saying to another visitor, “This was an unusual service and you’d experience other things on other days.” Another member added, "But we try to keep all our services unusual.” There could be no higher compliment for the celebration of our unusual and wonderfully multifaceted faith, which we extend in as many languages as we can. - BJ

Tutoring
ICEJ is now in its second year of the Partnership Project with the Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School in Hartford and six ICEJ congregations situated in the Noah Webster area are involved. Approximately 30 volunteers serve as reading tutors in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade. Recruitment efforts will begin to meet the tutoring needs of the fourth grade. The goal is to eventually provide trained reading tutors for all grades.

Parent Workshops
This year, after surveying school parents, we are now offering four workshops for Noah Webster parents: Positive Parenting, Developing a Love for Reading, Helping Children with Homework, and Financial Planning.

After School Programs
GHICEJ has also assisted in recruiting tutors for the after-school program at First Church of the Living God (across the street from the school) where students are helped with their homework, mentored and have time for some recreational activities. More volunteers are needed so that each child can have one-to-one help. There are also a few volunteers who have given their time to work with students on special projects. For example, one volunteer is working with a few 7th and 8th graders on electronics and technology.

Needs Assessment and Resource Inventory
Engaging the larger community in the Partnership Project is in the planning stages. We will officially begin a “Needs Assessment” in January. This will involve a formal process of meeting with all segments of the school community (Administration, Support Staff, Teachers, Parents, Community Leaders, etc.) to identify unmet needs. As we gather this information, we will also be identifying internal and external resources. This process will be followed by a school/community forum and the development of a strategic plan that will establish priorities and a plan to address those priorities.

Funding
Funding this Partnership Project remains a critical need. GHICEJ has written and submitted several grant applications. We are also in the process of planning our Second Annual Fundraiser at the home of Dr. Peter and Annelieke Schauer on May 2nd. We do this work on a “shoestring budget” so donations are always welcomed!

Support from the School
Principal Dee Cole and her staff have been very supportive and enthusiastic about the work our volunteers have done and our plans for future growth of the Partnership Project at Noah Webster. Tracey Mozdzierz, the Community Resource Coordinator has been an invaluable partner with GHICEJ!! There has also been some interest from other area congregations in replicating this project at other Hartford schools.

If you are interested in serving in any capacity as a volunteer at Noah Webster, would like to know more about helping at another Hartford school, or would like to be a member of the ICEJ Education Taskforce, please contact Shai Cassell at shaileen@sbcglobal.net

Caring Network -"You can not recover the time after it is gone." If you know of any member experiencing some difficulty, please contact Diana Heymann, Chair of the Caring Network (heydiana(at symbol)comcast.net) 860.461.0908 or call the office so we can provide some assistance. A wide range of community services is also available to those in need by calling InfoLine at 211. Please contact Diana if you are able to volunteer your services.

Social Justice Project - My name is Jasmyne Pinkney and I’m from the Big Picture High School in Bloomfield, CT. As a senior project at my high school I will be holding a pampering session for teen moms once a month starting in January. The pampering session will include hair treatments, facial, manicure, and a short work shop on bettering their education.

I would like to give a gift to each teen mom to show them how much the community cares about them. The gift would include baby care products that they would be able to use at home. As a result of this, I will be at both Coffee Hours on January 4, 2009 looking for donations of baby care products such as baby lotion, diapers, baby wipes, etc. It would be greatly appreciated if you could bring something to support my project and a great cause. I know each teen mom would be thankful!

Next Movie - On Friday, January 9, Pete Seeger: The Power of Song.We will show this joyous film. And some of us will probably sing along, too ~ who can resist joining Pete in, "If I Had a Hammer"? Here's a link to a video Our meal will be Chinese food; if you prefer a veg meal, please say so when you reserve. You can reserve during coffee hours on January 4 or by calling the USH office at 233-9897 by Monday, January 5. "As the loving documentary, Pete Seeger: The Power of Song, makes clear, Pete Seeger is still busy, still angry, still hopeful, still singing." A. O. Scott, New York Times

". . . a terrific, multilayered portrait of a singer whose legacy extends beyond music and into every major social action movement since the 1940s." Jay Weissberg, Variety

If you have time to help set-up, arrive early. We begin with drinks and popcorn at 5:30, dinner at 6, film at 7, with optional discussion afterwards.

See ya at the movies! - Nita

Teaching Peace in Time of War - Celebrate Martin Luther King Day on January 18 by attending the showing of a film at 1 PM in Fellowship Hall. Soup will be available. The film is sponsored by the Information and Advocacy (IASC) Sub-Council.

A decade of civil war has cost the lives of more than 250,000 people in the former Yugoslavia. The children were irrevocably affected by this violence. The region was characterized by simmering hostilities and deep rifts along the lines of ethnicity, religion,citizenship and class. Can they be taught a language of peace when they have known only war?

We witness small triumphs. The film offers a sense of optimism that even schools in the most troubled circumstances can become beacons of peace.

Noah Webster School Volunteers would find this video essential viewing. - Joan KembleApplications Sought for Projects Under the Jean Petty Fund for Social Responsibility - This memorial fund was set up in 2002 with Jean's bequest. Additional donations are accepted to honor Jean and Steve Shepard's inspirational justice work at USH. The Information and Advocacy Sub-Council oversees the Fund.The purpose is to help develop dialogue and education for youth and adults in the area of social responsibility in peace, the environment and justice as well as to meet special opportunities that arise during the year.

Applications are being accepted during January and February 2009. Applications, in the form of a letter outlining the project, should be addressed to the IASC Chair. Upon completion of the project/study/event grantee will be expected to report back to the Committee at a regular monthly meeting. - Joan Kemble

Adult Programs - Stop by this Sunday at the Programs table to sign up for the Movie or just say hello.

Please mark your calendars for the following two events in January. Also, stay tuned for more information about the Winter/Spring Programs Fair coming in January.

Sunday afternoon program, January 18, in Fellowship Hall at 1:00 PM. The film Teaching Peace in the Time of War, sponsored by the Information and Advocacy Sub-council, will be shown. Soup will be available to purchase before the film (see article above).

See movie note above.

Let’s all remember to “CARE and SHARE” Every Week - with our neighbors, whose hunger and challenges continue to grow. Large bins in our front lobby hold our ongoing collections for the HORACE BUSHNELL CHILDREN’S FOOD PANTRY and SOUTH PARK INN. For the Food Pantry, our goal is for each person to bring one nutritious non-perishable food item each week to help alleviate the growing disparity in Connecticut between the wealthy and the poor.

It feels great to give. Giving is receiving.

On the Calendar
(see link below this week)

External Events and Educational Notes

Hartt Students to Perform at King Tribute Concert - Two Hartt School students will be among the performers when the Hartford Symphony Orchestra presents its 10th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert on Saturday, Jan. 17. The concert will take place at 4 PM at the Hopewell Baptist Church in Windsor, Conn.

Hartt School students Lydia McCleane, a soprano, and our own baritone Miguel Vazquez are among the scheduled performers. The program, titled Living the Dream, will bring together gospel and classic traditions in an uplifting celebration of the human spirit. It is sponsored by a generous donation from The Travelers.

Other performers will include:

Actors from the Hartford Stage Company exploring the progress America has made over the past 40 years towards the fulfillment of "The Dream," through the iconic words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President-Elect Barack Obama.
Soprano Rosa Betancourt, mezzo-soprano Rachael Hauge, tenor Evan McCormack, baritone Joel Herold, and guest conductor Willie Anthony Waters from the Connecticut Opera, singing music from their upcoming performance of Puccini's La Boheme as set in New York's Harlem district.
15-year-old violinist Clayton Penrose-Whitmore, winner of the 2008 Sphinx Organization Competition.
More than 50 voices from a community choir consisting of local churches and The Hartford Chorale.

General admission tickets for this performance are $20, and reserved seating is $40. Student tickets are $10. Subject to availability, $10 senior tickets will be available at the door.

Tickets are available in person Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Hartford Symphony Orchestra Ticket Services, 99 Pratt Street, Suite 500 in Hartford; by calling (860) 244-2999; or online at www.hartfordsymphony.org

Hartford Seminary is offering a January intersession class that may be of interest -
Traditions of Change: American Literature of Reform (HI-676)
Monday, Jan. 12 through Friday, Jan. 16 - 9 AM. to 4 PM (Make-up day: Jan. 17) More

Further Down The Road (About 30 Days)

Did You Know? - Green Sanctuary Sub-Council -

Last chance to buy inexpensive compact fluorescent light bulbs, LED night lights, high pressure (low water) showerheads and faucet aerators at the Green Table. After Jan 4th they go back to Techniart in Collinsville where you can continue to buy them. We had them for a limited time for our sale before having to purchase them all.

Thanks to all who are using them !

Nuts and Bolts: The member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association covenant to affirm and promote: the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth in our congregations; a free and responsible search for truth and meaning; the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process, within our congregations and in society at large; the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.

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