USH-Enews for January 10, 2008 Print Only Edition

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he 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 13 January - Building the World We Dream About - Today we remember Martin Luther King, and officially kick off our USH participation in a pilot testing of a year long program, which has the potential to transform us as persons and a congregation. Building the World We Dream About will challenge us to imagine an anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multicultural world, by first exploring roadblocks inside ourselves and our communities.

Music - “Sound Over All Waters” was composed by Paul Halley and dedicated to Coretta Scott King on the occasion of her preaching at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, where Paul Halley was organist and choirmaster.

Family Programming
The latest incarnation of Nonviolent Communication begins this week. Join us on Tuesday evening at 7pm for an NVC program designed to teach adults how to improve communication in their families. To register and purchase the book Respectful Parents, Respectful Kids, please contact Rosie Rindfleisch at: 860-233-9897.

On Sunday, February 10th, we will be enjoying a Celebration of the Family: Experience it's Many Forms! Bring the whole family to lunch and this marvelous program of story telling, community building, and merriment!

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.

Coming of Age
Our eighth and ninth grade students are invited to participate in our Coming of Age program, starting on January 27, 2008. Classes will be held at 10 am in Fuller. Please contact Gail at: dre@ushartford.com with questions on registering and volunteering to assist with the program.

A Preview: Evensong For Families - "Listening is at the heart of all relationships. When we are listened to, we feel safe and supported in sharing our experiences, emotions, beliefs and concerns with others. When we offer others our attentive presence, we nurture love and respect. This series of gatherings is grounded in the understanding that communication strengthens bonds between families and their congregations."
—Evensong text

Look for it on the second Sunday evenings of the first six months of 2008, from 5 until 6:30 PM. (January 13, February 10, March 9, April 13, May 11, and June 8). Each gathering, a combination of small group ministry and worship service formats, is ninety minutes long, and includes orders of service, songs, questions, readings, and discussion. Children are welcome, and childcare for tiny tykes will be provided upon request.

Typical themes of gatherings include: Who Is Your Family?; Mealtimes, Bedtimes, Hellos and Goodbyes; Birthdays and Holidays; Things You Love to Do Together; Good Times and Bad; Your Family’s Ten Commandments; Sharing and Privacy and Celebrate Your Family.

A recent participant said, "My experience of participating in an Evensong group was exhilarating and full of meaning. The rich worship, the careful listening, and personal sharing created a strong sense of community, not only within the group, but also in our congregation. We developed diverse theologies while deepening our connections to one another, within a tender and community building experience of unity within diversity."

Rev BJ will be facilitator and worship leader. There is no fee. Registration and a commitment to attend at least three of the six Sunday sessions is required. Check with Rosie to register, and to request childcare.

Peacemaking: Congregational Study-Action Issue - The UU General Assembly has adopted this issue through 2010. BJ’s Non-Violent Communication series has fit this theme. Tom Kemble will hold a discussion group based on the book, The Great Turning. IASC will spearhead the planting of a Peace Pole at USH in the spring; we hope to involve other USH groups in the preparation of the pole.

We are looking for folks to study the GA Peacemaking materials and to provide an opportunity for the congregation to discuss them, and to report to the UUA by March 1. Please contact Joan Kemble, IASC

The book and its author were a spectacular hit at the 2007 UUA General Assembly in Portland, OR last June. The program will explore Korten's ideas on changing the world's current imperial - style political and economic characteristics inherited from 5,000 years of civilization into egalitarian and sustainable ways of ordering human society. The book describes the urgent need for change and workable grass-roots strategies for accomplishing it. Watch for an adult program announcement for this winter or spring entitled The Great Turning. It promises to be an inspiring and fascinating adventure.

These discussions have been tentatively set for the three consecutive Monday evenings beginning January 28, 2008

Do You Know - We have had an inquiry about the whereabouts of a former member, Howard Pearson. If you have information, drop a note to the editor. Thanks.

Congregational Study/Action Issues (CSAIs) On these issues, all are invited to discuss these issues on January 27 and consider, as a congregation, endorsing them. There is more information on the issues while these links are current here and here. See also, More

Social Justice Will Be Discussed at January 15th Men’s Luncheon Group Meeting - All men are invited to attend the USH Men’s Luncheon Group meetings. The informal group meets at Carmen Anthony’s restaurant located on Route 44 in Avon. The meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month and they begin at noon. This January 15th the meeting speaker is Bill LaPorte-Bryan. His topic is “The In’s and Out’s of Social Justice at USH”. For more info please contact Chris McClurg at 860-563-9776.

Announcing Spring Small Group Ministry - We are happy to announce our program for spring Small Group Ministry, where small groups meet to share meaningful readings and life experiences.

A special offering complements our USH theme of family: a family-friendly Small Group Ministry on Friday evenings at the Meeting House, facilitated by RE Director Gail Syring. This group will accommodate families with children by meeting only six times (from 5:30 to 8:00 PM) and providing dinner ($10 per adult total fee) and childcare.

You may also choose a Tuesday evening group in Simsbury facilitated by Bev Prager, a Wednesday evening group in West Hartford facilitated by Bill Shoemaker and hosted by Rebecca Schweitzer, or a Thursday evening group in Hartford facilitated by Carol Davidson and hosted by Bruce Robbins.

An afternoon group will meet on Tuesdays in Glastonbury facilitated by Barbara Fraher and hosted by Kathy Herzog. Future meeting dates are set by each group at the first meeting.

You may consult the upcoming Adult Programs Catalogue for more information. Please sign up at the Adult Programs Fair on Sunday, January 27, or by contacting the church office. - Mike Roy

FROM OUR AUDIO LIBRARY -- If you recently borrowed “Drums of Autumn”, a novel by Diana Gabaldon, from our library, please check and see if you may still have one of the CDs. #1 of five is missing.

From the Adult Programs Sub-Council: Come to the Winter/Spring Programs Fair on Sunday, January 27th and find out about the many new programs that will be offered as well as the tried and true favorites. The catalogs will either be mailed or will be available at the Meeting House on Sunday, January 20th.

Until then, there are some exciting offerings in January:

Sunday, January 13, 5 - 6:30 PM. Evensong for Families Rev. BJ will facilitate these monthly gatherings the second Sunday evening of the first six months of 2008. More

Tuesday, January 15, 22, 20, and February 5, 7-9 PM. Nonviolent Communication for Families will be facilitated by Rev. BJ and Gail Syring. More

Sunday, January 20, 1 - 2 PM. Re-scheduled Program: Denise Ackeifi on Traveling and Living in Ghana - Joining Denise is Bridget, who has been living there since June, a student at Knust, the School of Science and Technology at Ghana University. Bridget is home for the holidays, but anxious to return to her studies of architecture. Both Denise and daughter Bridget have experienced Ghanaian culture for many years and traveled there frequently. They will present facts, stories, adventures, and pictures. Denise will probably share the story of how she got arrested this summer!

There is no fee nor reservation necessary for this program. You might want to bring a sandwich to eat during the noon coffee hour. The program will be held in the Chapel. More

Tai Chi will be starting a new eight week session on Wednesday, January 23 at 6:30 PM. Registration required.

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

Monday, January 28, February 11, 25, 7:30-9 PM. Peacmaking: A Congregational Study-Action Issue - A lecture/discussion series facilitated by Tom Kemble using the book The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community by David C. Korten. You may register at the Programs Fair on the 27th. More

The MLK in Simsbury Comm. & CT Center for Nonviolence present a two day introduction to Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation at the First Church of Christ, 689 Hopemeadow St. on Friday, Jan. 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM, and Saturday, Jan. 26 9 AM to 5 PM. Learn nonviolent principles and techniques developed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Six Principles, six steps, types and levels of conflict, dynamics of conflict, Sources of MLK eclectic philosophy, application of nonviolence in King's campaigns. suggested donation $60.
call Pam McDonald 860-658-4543 to register. IASC

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

Caring Network - -"Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of faith is to see what we believe." St. Augustine - 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)

Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monday, January 21, 2008; Lincoln Theatre, 11 AM - Noon

Watching Your Spending? Afraid you're Getting Ripped Off? Come to hear Hartford Courant Watchdog Correspondent George Gombossy talk on Consumer Awareness.

You've probably read his hard-hitting investigative columns on duplicitous websites, bait-and-switch selling, and other local maladies.

His talk will be at 1 PM on Sunday, February 3, free and open to all, without registration. It is another in the series sponsored by the UAMW, known as the Alliance.

The Youth Group will be selling soup during the noon coffee hour preceding the talk; you could also bring a sandwich from home to eat then.

Save the date - February 16th 2008 - An Evening of Heart and Soul will be held in Fellowship Hall on Feb. 16, 2008 from 6 PM to 11PM. Fundraiser for True Colors. Tickets are $25.00 in advance. This includes apps, dinner, dessert and soft drinks and dancing to the sounds of DJ Raine. The event is BYOB. All over 18 are welcome to participate. Tickets will be on sale after services beginning Jan 20th or by calling Brian.

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

Thursday, January 10
9:30 am International Women’s Circle, Fellowship Hall
5:30 pm Lay Listeners, Library
5:30 pm Council on Spiritual Life, Servetus
7:00 pm NVC Practice, David
7:00 pm NVC II class, Emerson

Friday, January 11
5:30 pm Dinner and Movie, King of Hearts, Fellowship Hall

Saturday, January 12
10:00 am Rental, Chapel

Sunday, January 13
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Chapel
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, CHAPEL
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Building & Grounds, Murray
10:00 am Comfort Shawl, Lower Lobby
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
12:30 pm SGM Facilitators, Library
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel, then Fellowship Hall
5:00 pm Evensong for Families, Emerson

Monday, January 14
7:00 pm Pathways to Membership, Library
6:30 pm Survivors of Incest Anonymous, Fuller

Tuesday, January 15
12:00 pm ICEJ Clergy, Library
7:00 pm NVC for Families, Emerson
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, January 16
6:00 pm Dharma Gathering, Emerson
6:30 pm Tai Chi practice, Fellowship Hall
7:30 pm Choir rehearsal, Sanctuary
7:30 pm NVC practice group, Emerson

Thursday, January 17
6:30 pm Performing Arts, Clocher Home
7:00 pm NVC Practice, Emerson

Friday, January 18
5:00 pm Winter Spirituality Retreat begins, Ivoryton, CT

Saturday, January 19
thru 3:00 pm Winter Spirituality Retreat, Ivoryton, CT
6:00 – 9:30 pm Youth Social, Socinus, Fellowship Hall

Sunday, January 20
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, CHAPEL
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Youth Choir, Chapel
10:00 am Disabilities Sub-council, Library
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm Traveling and Living in Ghana, Chapel
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel

The Warming of Connecticut”, a CPTV documentary about the impact of global warming in Connecticut will be shown on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008 at 7 P.M. at the Unitarian Universalist Society: East (UUS:E) at 153 West Vernon Street in Manchester. This FREE program, open to the public, will begin with the showing of the film followed by a discussion on action steps.

Sponsored by the Sustainable Living Committee of UUS:E, this event is part of “Focus on the Nation” which urges groups everywhere to do what they can to bring attention to global arming and to look for solutions locally and globally. This committee’s goal is to incorporate “green” thinking and actions into all areas of programming at UUS:E, which has become a certified, “Green Sanctuary”.

The Warming of Connecticut” examines studies by the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Goddard institute for Spaces Studies. It looks at a high-emissions scenario where we continue relying on fossil fuel as our primary source of energy, and at a low-emissions scenario where we invest in energy efficiency and renewable technology. The studies are locally focused and provide stories of hope, In an effort to learn how Connecticut residents can make a difference, documentary producer Jennifer Boyd visited with individuals and organizations who lead the movement toward a more sustainable society.

The public is urged to attend this free program. Unitarian Universalist Society: East strives to be an accessible community. For issues relating to accessibility please contact the office at 646-5151

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? More

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)

Did You Know? - A great way to communicate with the congregation about your sub-council would be to write a brief article about what you are doing and how it relates to everyone else. This might simply be a statement of current activities or it could be an article raising issues and asking for some response by readers of the USH-Enews. What, as example, is going on with the Board in recent meetings or with the Committee on Ministry. Who are these people and what are they doing these days? On behalf of your committee or group, feel free to send along an article. It need not be polished. The USH-Enews editor will do his best to protect you. Give some thought to this matter and/or discuss it with your sub-council. A contribution will be happily accepted!

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