USH-Enews for January 3, 2008 Print Only Edition

Home Page for the website of the Unitarian Society of Hartford.
Word Version of this document in color with photographs, which will print nicely for those who use Microsoft Word.
Link to various "normal" newsletters.

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 6 January - Epiphany on the Silk Road - Trace the steps of the Magi with Rev BJ, from China’s far western Xinjiang Province, through Dunhuang’s Jade Gate, and traversing the Taklamakan Desert with its magnificent pilgrim caves.

Music - Along the Silk Road in Asia one encounters chants and other music rarely heard around here. The Choir explores some Eastern chants plus the remarkable “Adiemus by” Karl Jenkins, an anthem that captures the ecstatic spirit beyond meaning found in such Silk Road music.

REflections on Children's Programming -

Guest at Your Table - Guest at Your Table boxes should be returned on January 6, 2007 as part of our celebration of Epiphany Sunday. Special thanks to our middle school class who will assist in the counting and sorting of the change collected.

Family Programming - There will be several new family-friendly programs at USH this spring, including Small Group Ministry for Families; Nonviolent Communication for Families; and Evensong for Families. Look for these and other quality offerings in the Program Catalogue in January, or contact Gail Syring for details at: dre@ushartford.com.

Middle School Field Trip - Sunday, January 27, 2008 will see the middle school class taking a tour of the Connecticut Valley Hindu Temple Society in Middletown. Chaperones and drivers are needed. Please contact Gail at: dre@ushartford.com.

Note: Youth will sell soup this Sunday. Plan to have some and attend the program in the Chapel after the service (see below).

From the Editor: Thanks to those who participated in the recent survey of readers. An article below reveals some of the results. If you have opinions and missed the survey, no problem. Send them along. On another subject, our highly valued reporter Kayla Costenoble will not be writing for a bit as she is scheduled for back surgery. Our love and thoughts will be with her during this time as we await a speedy recovery.

This Week’s Feature Articles

Policy For Considering USH Positions Adopted. - After Months of Effort and Discussion, a Process for Considering USH Proposed Position Statements was adopted by the Board 11-13-07.

A group set up by the Board chaired by Charles Huntington and including Skip Berrien, John Clapp, Earl Costenoble, Joan Kemble, Bill LaPorte-Bryan, Fred Lewis, Martha Page and Tom Reed were responsible for taking on this difficult and at time controversial issue. Their quality work is evident in the approved policy now posted on the web and appearing in the January Messenger.

Our Teens at Work - Six energetic teens spent the day at My Sisters' Place (a shelter for battered and homeless women and their children) working to clean, organize and move all of their left over holiday donations. This has been a annual work project for our youth group for the past five years and is becoming a counted on project by MSP.

My Sisters' Place receives almost all of their donations in the last week before Christmas, and hands out most of them to the needy families at that time. However birthdays, and other holidays are honored by the organization but not by those who give, so MSP uses the Christmas donations to supply their year long needs.

The USH youth gather all of the donations from several office storage places, sort them by category, cart them to the basement and find/create places for them. The basement becomes about a quarter full at 11 AM and is stuffed to the rafters by 4 PM. When asked when the basement was last organized they said, "Last December; by you." Thanks go out to Olivia, Max, Eric, Faye, Robert, and Ben for their help with this monumental project of care and concern. - Denise

Readers Respond - Our readers were recently asked to respond to survey of five questions about the web and hard copy editions of the monthly Messenger and the web page publication, USH-Enews.

1. Do you not read the Messenger because it is redundant, i.e., you learn all you want to know from the USH-Enews?

2. OR do you have trouble with PDF files and downloading, so you do not normally do that sort of thing?

3. Or do you pick up or receive the paper version of the Messenger by snail mail and read it?

4. Other...

5. What are the features of either USH-Enews or Messenger of interest to you?

There were 34 appreciated responses to the survey.

A few readers are not comfortable downloading a PDF document (that is the form of the Web version of the Messenger), and a few who simply prefer to read the paper version available at the Meeting House or arriving by snail mail. Not surprisingly, there are some readers who are happy to have the electronic version of the Messenger handy on the computer rather than lost somewhere among the magazines and other snail mail accumulating about the house.

There was a substantial majority who said, in one way or another, that they find most of what interests them in the USH-Enews and simply find it unnecessary to pursue the Messenger content.

In other respects, most responders had no complaints about the content of either publication and like pictures and colors in the USH-Enews.

With this information at hand, your editor will pay more attention to making sure most articles appearing in the Monthly Meetinghouse Messenger are also touched upon, published or referenced in the USH-Enews. This will create some redundancy for the apparently small number of dedicated readers of both publications.

One reader asked why we do not have one publication published in both places thereby gaining efficiency.

This is, in fact, what many churches do. The suggestion is a good one and merits a public answer.

If we were to simply place an electronic version of the monthly Messenger on the web, it would eliminate a good bit of work.

In fact, using the web page format for the USH-Enews, as you well know, allows freedom in length of articles, inclusion of high quality pictures, choice of a full range of colors and formats, low storage costs, no mailing charges, conservation of resources through no use of paper and ink, and a weekly publication schedule, in short, more quality options and lower or no cost. That leaves the consideration of the cost of labor for both publications. To date, USH has used unpaid volunteer editors. As you know, Brian has taken on the substantial job of layout of the edited text for the Meetinghouse Messenger.

Interestingly, many churches, as we have, considered eliminating paper publications or restricting their distribution to the building for economic reasons, while favoring electronic publications as is currently the determined path of many businesses. One day this probably will become the rule when almost everyone has access to devices to access the Internet, and they are very easy to use, etc.

That day has not come for our spectrum of USH subscribers to both publications. Our goal is to communicate using all the tools available to the benefit of every individual congregation member. - DCN

Nonviolent Communication in 2008 - More than 40 people have attended NVC training classes in the Fall of 2007, and three practice groups are ongoing!

NVC is a thoughtful tool for creating connection between persons and groups, an open heart space where peace is created and transformation is possible even in situations of intractable conflict. Our goal is to grow an NVC community at USH large enough to create a culture of caring and creative dialogue in all Meeting House affairs, AND to establish an outreach service to the community—sending folks to teach NVC in schools, prisons, community groups, AND providing ongoing free NVC training and practice within the Meeting House for those who could not otherwise afford to pay for it. (Rev. BJ has already received an invitation for our society to participate with another community group in such an endeavor!)

You have two opportunities to be exposed to this awesome peace making tool this Spring! Rev BJ and Gail Syring will facilitate a four week training on NVC for families (and since we’re all members of the human family, anyone is welcome to participate!) on Monday nights upcoming (January 15, 22, 29, and Feb. 5 at 7 PM). In addition, Rev BJ will facilitate a four part general training in March on Monday evenings the 10th,17th,24th, 31st.

Join a practice group! If you have attended even one of the training sessions, you may join a practice group for your ongoing learning and skill building. Groups meet Wednesday evening at 7:30, Thursday evening at 7, and Sunday afternoon 4 PM. Call Rosie for details!

Read more about it at the Center for Nonviolent Communication website

A Matter of Principles - Last month, I suggested that we share our stories about how our seven UU principles have affected our lives. I said, “Here’s the way it will work. Around the beginning of each month I’ll invite you to share your story about a time in your life when that month’s principle was particularly important to you. Just send your story in to David Newton and he’ll probably publish it in the next newsletter.”

Let’s take a quick look at those wonderful principles again.

§         December - Respect
§         January - Compassion
§         February - Acceptance
§         March - Truth
§         April - Justice
§         May - Democracy
§         June - Interdependence

Compassion is our principle for January. Here it is in way that both adults and children can understand.

Justice, equity and compassion in human relations

Be kind in all you do

What does that mean to you? Tell us about a time or an event in your life when your compassion or your lack of compassion for someone else or for a group of people made a difference. Or perhaps it was the other way around … maybe it was someone else’s compassion or lack of compassion for you that stands out in your mind. It can be something that happened in church (out of respect, please leave out individual’s names) but it doesn’t have to be. You can share anything in your life - from your relationships with family, friends, or even strangers - at home or at work.

It seems to me that the more we think about and practice our principles, the more meaningful they become. They become real. They become part of us. So, join me. Let’s do it together. - Bill LaPorte-Bryan

Congregational Study/Action Issues (CSAIs) At the UUA General Assembly taking place next June in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, congregational delegates will vote to determine which Study/Action Issue will result, three years later, in a UUA “Statement of Conscience.” So far, two issues have been proposed - Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice, and Nuclear Disarmament. You can learn more about them by visiting the UUA website at UUA: Study/Action Issues & Process but here’s some information about both of them.

Proposed CSAI—Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice

Issue: Religious organizations throughout the world have discussed the production, distribution, and use of food. Some people enjoy many food choices while others remain hungry. The food industry produces wealth, but small farmers and farm workers are often poor. Food production and transportation contribute to many environmental problems.

Background and Reasons for Study: This Congregational Study Action Issue is inspired by the work of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee with Equal Exchange and the involvement of our congregations with both human rights and environmental protection issues.

The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and Equal Exchange work together so that small farmers can receive a fair price for coffee, tea, and cocoa. The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee supports economic justice and safe and sustainable agriculture.

Hunger is both a community problem and an international problem that can be approached in a variety of ways. There is a need for political advocacy in support of government programs that try to feed the hungry. There is a need also for involvement with service programs that deliver food to individuals and families—for example, Meals on Wheels programs.

Proposed CSAI—Nuclear Disarmament

Issue: Should the Unitarian Universalist Association work with other faith communities to advocate a dramatic reduction in the world’s nuclear weapons inventories, primarily those of the United States and Russia, in favor of reinvigorated nuclear arms control agreements and principles, such as those embodied in the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty?

Background and Reasons for Study: Two hundred well-placed nuclear weapons could drive civilized society back to the Stone Age. Each of these weapons can kill more than 100,000 in populated and targeted areas. The Nunn-Lugar Act, funded by Congress in 1994, allows money to be spent to help Russia stabilize its large number of unsecured weapons materials facilities and to identify, destroy, and dispose of a portion of its nuclear weapons.

By the beginning of February, USH will have an opportunity to cast its vote on whether or not these proposed issues should be on the agenda of the General Assembly in June.

The Council on Social Justice is recommending that our church vote in favor of putting both of them up for a vote at GA.

If you’d like to get more information about either of these issues or share your thoughts about them, you can contact one of the Chairs of the Information and Advocacy Sub-Council, Joan or Tom Kemble or Peter Magistri, or Bill LaPorte-Bryan, Chair of the Social Justice Council.

Grand Finale for our Gratitude Game-this Sunday January 6! - Bring a photo of a purple dot in situ at your house!

From Thanksgiving until Epiphany, the Meeting house and our homes have been awash with purple dots, stickers that say, “I have an attitude of gratitude,” and purple wrist reminders saying, “Speak Well, Live Gratefully.” We’ve engaged a congregation-wide spiritual practice of conscious awareness that our religious family at USH and our faith as UUS hold much for which we are thankful. Each time we’ve noted a purple dot, we have listed specific things and people and events related to our church and faith, which make our hearts glad. Each time we’ve needed to say something hard to hear or critical about our USH or our “at home” family, our wrist reminders have prompted us to say two positive things for every negative one.

Wouldn’t it be a grand time to gather all those “gifts for which we are grateful” and share them with one another? And wouldn’t it be enriching to hear about our efforts to make “gratitude sandwiches” by encasing every criticism inside of two comments of praise or kindness? It might be that our intentional efforts to speak well and live gratefully will bear fruit in due season, which here in winter we can’t even imagine.

This Sunday, Epiphany, we celebrate the wisdom of the story of the Magi, and you are invited to bring a gift of your own to the Meeting House, our own embodied UU manifestation of the ultimate.

#1. Please make a photograph of a place at your house where you posted a purple dot which was especially helpful to you through this winter season of gratitude, which we’ve just shared, and we’ll post them someplace public as a reminder that, though we live in many places, we share a tradition and a commitment to each other, and to the growth of our church family in service and in spirit. You’ll find a box in the foyer for your photo—next week the 13th will not be too late!

#2. Please return your purple wrist reminder, and we’ll receive them during the service as a symbol of YOUR commitment and intention to speak well and live gratefully.

#3—If you or your children would like to share anything about your experience playing the “Peaceful Purple Gratitude Game” this holiday season, please email it to me, and your comments will be posted along with the photos of purple dots “in situ” from your house. (Your comments may be anonymous or not—let me know!) - Rev BJ

What Else is Happening & Announcements

Grand Finale for our Gratitude Game - this Sunday January 6! Here are the details.

Bigger, Better, Faster, More ..."So in that spirit, we must persist in our attempts to embrace the concept of maitri in our own lives, to free ourselves from the burden of bigger, better, faster, more. It is true that I am unable to light the fire, remember the prayer, or even find my way to the forest. All I have is my story, and the willingness to listen to yours. And this must be sufficient."

The ending of last Sunday's sermon. Here is the rest of the story.

January Messenger - The PDF version of is now available from the web.

Spirituality Retreat - Sign Up by the deadline January 4th! More

Say YES to Yourself in the New Year - Do you long to be your own true self? See Program planned for January 5th by the Artists' Way More

CT Common Cause, a Founder's Perspective - Hear social activist and USH member Sid Garvais talk about the past and future work of Common Cause at 1 PM on Sunday, January 6 in the Chapel.
In 1971, Sid offered the use of his and Betty's living room for the meeting which resulted in the formation of CT Common Cause. He helped "pry open the doors of government and shed light on a process that went largely unchecked."

He worked tirelessly for the creation of the State Ethics Commission and passage of comprehensive campaign finance reform.
No advance registration needed; no fee. The Youth Group will be selling soup at the noon coffee hour or you may want to pack a sack lunch.

From the Adult Programs Sub-Council: Mark your calendars for the Winter/Spring Programs Fair on Sunday, January 27th! Come and find out about the many new programs that will be offered as well as the tried and true favorites.

Until then there are some exciting offerings in January: Stop by the Registration Table on Sunday during coffee hours to sign up for this month's Friday Dinner and Movie on January 11.

Fliers are also available for a program sponsored by the Artist's Way on the 26th.

This Sunday, January 6 at 1 PM in the Chapel- Connecticut Common Cause, A Founder's Perspective (see above) . No fee or Registration is needed. The Youth Group will be selling soup at the noon coffee hour or you may want to pack a sack lunch. More

Friday Dinner and Movie on January 11. 1967 Cult Favorite -"King of Hearts"
Dinner and a Movie -

Photo

An abandoned French village taken over by lunatics escaped from the unguarded asylum and Alan Bates, a British WWI soldier. An anti-war film without clichés, done in light comedy. ". . .there's something to be said about an anti-war film when following a battle where everyone has been brutally killed, the comment following it is 'They're overacting.'" (from a review by Ted Prigge)

On Friday, January 11, join other movie fans for a catered meal, this wacky film, and discussion led by Fred Louis, who's been nominating this title for several years. Though some critics think it's dated, we feel confident you'll have a few belly laughs and plenty to talk about afterwards.
Socializing begins at 5:30 PM, dinner at 6, movie at 7. You may reserve at the registration table during coffee hours this Sunday or call the Meeting House office at 233-989 not later than Monday. If you prefer a vegetarian meal, please let us know when you make your reservation.

Sunday, January 20 at 1 PM. Re-scheduled Program:Denise Ackeifi on Traveling and Living in Ghana - More

Saturday, January 26, 1-3 PM. An Introduction to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction - Sharon Gutterman, Ph.D. Based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D.- Full Catastrophe Living Offering. Registration required. More

Pathways - There will be a two session pathways introduction to Unitarianism scheduled for January 14 and 28th at 7 PM.

Caring Network - On Alliances - "There is one thing worse than fighting with allies, and that is fighting without them." Winston Churchill - You are the ears of the Caring Network. Diana Heymann is the Chair of the Caring Network. Please tell Diana (heydiana(at symbol)comcast.net) 860.461.0908, or call the office when you learn of any of our members enduring the stresses of life so we can reach out to those in need. - Offer your services. A wide range of community services are available to help you. Call InfoLine at 211.

Further Down The Road (About 30 Days)

Save the date - February 16th 2008 - An Evening of Heart and Soul at USH featuring dinner, dancing and lots of chocolate - Watch for details (prior date listed was incorrect).

Time for a New Round of Circle Dinners - Next Round of Dates : February 29, April 5, and May 10. - Enjoy being with old friends and meeting new ones. More

On the Calendar

Follow this Link to all our scheduled events!

External Events and Educational Notes

Travel - Do you dream of inexpensive vacation travel to interesting destinations where you can stay in the homes of friendly people who share your ideals and are happy to provide directions and advice for their area?

The UU bed and breakfast directory UU’re Home (formerly Homecomings) can fulfill your dream. For 28 years, we’ve provided a network of hosts in the United States (and a few abroad) who enjoy meeting new friends and who are happy to open their home to like-minded people.

You can also become a host and be listed in the directory. Contact us at info@uurehome.com, or at 828-281-3253, and we will gladly send you information about listing your accommodations.

Host listings on the UU’re Home website at www.UUreHome.com are updated whenever changes are made or new hosts are added. The paper edition is published every year in April (and has some listings different from those on the website). For a copy of the 2008 directory and a year’s access to the website listings, please click on “become a member” to pay by credit card or send a check for $25 and your e-mail address to UU’re Home, 43 Vermont Court, Asheville, NC 28806.

A Matter of Opinion: (space for comment on USH issues from members and friends) - Editor retains the right to make minor changes – letters should be issue oriented)

In Celebration & Gratitude - Thank you to our Chancel Art Committee for creating a visual feast for our worship experiences. Our chancel artists include: Diane Cadrain, Kathie Ferguson, Maggie Greene, Ann LaPorte-Bryan, Marye Gail Harrison and Rebecca Schweitzer. - Gail M. Syring

Did You Know? - If the Arctic Ocean ice cover melts, as is now expected, it will reduce the cold air moving south and that will reduce the rain and snow in some areas including the drought-stricken Southeast.

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.

Generally, USH-Enews will be posted on Thursday. Send email related to the USH-Enews to dcnewton at ushartford.com If you have announcements or articles you wish to be published, send them along with the subject line USH-Enews by 4:30 PM Wednesday evening. Comments are always welcome. If you wish to have your name removed from the distribution list or have learned of the electronic publication and wish to have your email address added, just ask. © Unitarian Society of Hartford