USH-Enews January 28 , 2010 Print Only Edition

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 or to find past issues of the weekly USH-Enews click here.

Sunday 31 January - What Does a Bag of Carrots have to do with Public Health in Hartford? - Martha Page speaker

Martha has been a member of the Unitarian Society of Hartford for more than 15 years and currently serves as the Society Treasurer. Up until mid-January, she was the Environmental Health Manager for the City of Hartford Department of Health and Human Services, responsible for services including education and outreach to the community on environmental health issues. In mid-January, Martha becamethe Executive Director of the Hartford Food System, a nonprofit organization devoted to food security for Hartford area residents.

Before embarking on a public health career, she spent more than 27 years in the corporate sector as a health insurance executive. She tries to maintain her balance by serving as a community volunteer and board member for several nonprofit organizations and tending to her health by eating fruits and vegetables, cycling, hiking, and breathing the air of the Berkshire Hills in Massachusetts.

Martha has a BA in Theater Arts, an MBA in Healthcare Management and an MPH in Applied Public Health. She is currently working on a Public Policy Certificate in Nonprofit Management.

Music: This 5th Sunday's music is a gift from several different constituencies of the congregation. In addition to Associate Music Director Mark Child, we have several singers.

Greg Nickett is a member of USH, and he lives in Simsbury. He has been singing for over 35 years, including lots of musical theater. His solo is a contemporary song, "Gather Us In."

The Meeting House Quartet comprises four members of the Chancel Choir who spend extra time rehearsing additional music for services when the Choir is not singing. Their two selections for the service are from the golden age of sacred choral music (Hans Leo Hassler) and from English Impressionism (John Ireland).

A memorial service for Kevin Porter will be held Sunday at 6 PM. The Services will begin with a visitation in the USH Chapel at 5 PM, followed by a service at 6 PM, with reception following.

Things You Could Do for USH

As you know, the Meeting House Weekly has been replaced by a bulletin board. You may wish to come a bit early to examine the notices before the Sunday service.

From the Editor: Suggestions for Contributors.

This Week’s Feature Articles

Fabulous Music Event Planned
Spaces left Small Group Ministry
Reflections on Identity and Violence
Wall of Fame Posted in Ambulatory
50 + Year Health Assessment for "Men's" Group
I Am a Man Part II
Strategic Update Completed

Hot Music on a Winter Night -- Hot Music on a Winter Night – this Saturday, January 30th, at 7:00 (more)

Reflections on Identity and Violence: Kingian Nonviolence Training

On 2 Saturdays in April, the 17th and 24th, the Connecticut Center for Nonviolence will offer an introduction to Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Resolution at the Meeting House.

These two full day sessions compose one orientation which will include:

• Classifying the different types and levels of conflict
• Expanding on Martin Luther King’s eclectic philosophy
• Martin Luther King’s Six Principles of Nonviolence
• Analysis of the Six Steps of Nonviolence
• Review of Martin Luther King’s campaigns and salient points
• Role-play, lectures, songs and exercises that illuminate the material.

Anyone interested in reversing the cycle of escalating violence in our city, our local communities and our personal lives is invited to attend: social workers, teachers, police officials, students, clergy, community organizers or anyone working with young people.

If you are among the 41 people who volunteered during worship last Sunday to help with this training, please email revbj with confirmation if you intend to participate in the training which has a $75 registration fee, and/or if you are willing to send $75 for a scholarship for someone in our church or neighborhood to participate. If you did NOT attend worship last week, it’s not too late for you to sign up. Participation will be limited so please rsvp as soon as possible.

I spoke twice in January on our shared human yearning for identity and belonging, along with the idea that much of our inner and outer violence arises when this need is challenged. I refer you to a portion of President Obama’s Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech, which furthers this theme:

Barack Obama Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech

Rev. BJ

Meeting House Wall of Fame Posted - We come from near and far to gather at the Unitarian Society of Hartford on Sundays but chances are we have more in common than that.... Members are encouraged to check out the "Meeting House Wall of Fame," to the left of the sanctuary entrance, for an opportunity to get to "Know Thy Neighbor." The individuals included in this year's Directory are posted according to the identified Neighborhood Networks, groupings of towns located close together with the names and faces of members and friends who live there. Rev. BJ's vision is that that neighborhood networks, may in turn evolve into social networks, or better yet, "caring networks" in times of need.

If you note an error or omission in contact information or network placement, please contact Geralyn Laut at gmlatush(at symbol)aol.com or if you're a " Missing Person" altogether, contact Anne Bailey at anne713(at symbol)yahoo.com to arrange a photo opportunity. Geralyn would also love to hear from anyone who may be interested in organizing a meet and greet event for their network, or if you have other ideas for networking opportunities, contact or call Geralyn at (860-659-8431). - Geralyn Laut

Men's Group Seeks Greater Participation - The Men's Luncheon Club is one of the oldest Unitarian Society of Hartford ongoing programs. Started over 50 years ago by Chris Smith, it has yielded a social element to our UU Society programs.

A candid assessment of this group's health at this juncture is that the organization is severely ailing. Although several aspects of its health prognosis are favorable, e.g. speaker commitments, meeting place suitability, administrative functioning and the "esprit de corps" of some faithful members, a key element is lacking.

Our problem is the attendance at scheduled meetings (at the Carmen Anthony Restaurant on Rt 44 in Avon from 112 PM to 2 PM on the third Tuesday of each month.) has fallen to an intolerable level. For example; the November 2009 meeting hosted only six attendees, and the January 19 meeting hosted turned out only eight attendees.

Past attendance has averaged between 16 and 22 attendees. This "fall off" is in spite of the fact that about a year ago the Club accepted women attendees.

Has the time arrived when we should abandon Club activities? The current attendance is an embarrassment to our speakers and our relationship with Carman Anthony. We urgently request your meeting attendance as we have much to offer. - Dick Edwards

I Am a Man – Part 2 - “Friends, you and I have a chance to matriculate as students of non-violence,” Reverend BJ announced during her sermon on January 24. She invited/challenged members of the USH congregation to walk with her on the road to non-violence. “Will you follow your minister two Sundays in April?” she asked. The dates are April 17 and 24. It will involve 16 hours of Kingian training in non-violence. And it will support the Connecticut Center for Non-Violence and will cost $75.

During her sermon, Reverend BJ spoke at length about Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Before the many marches he led, Dr. King’s followers came to church, sang songs, then marched with their minister. In his book, “My Pilgrimage Toward Non-Violence,” he describes his philosophical foundation for his idea of God. Reverend BJ spoke of Selma, of Montgomery, of Memphis, and of his long letter from the Birmingham jail.

She wondered how Dr. King’s followers were able to resist violence while they were being killed or wounded. As students of non-violence, they learned to resist mental, emotional and physical violence by others and in themselves in words, thoughts and deeds. Non-violence is a way of life, Reverend BJ explained. It is hard work and requires discipline. Its goal is to build community and conviction to end conflict. It seeks to defeat injustice. It avoids both internal and external violence of the spirit. It professes faith in the future. Reverend BJ suggested USH members consult the all-knowing Google or Wikipedia for more detailed readings of Dr. King’s journey.

Our Southern minister told us that “demographics are much different in the South.” Although blacks and whites live together side by side, blacks are “victims of systemic evil,” never quite knowing what to expect next. She recalled her nanny, practically a member of the family, who, nevertheless, could not sit down next to her mistress, but had to talk to her while standing in front of her. This leads to a sense of “nobodyness” and there is a constant fight to preserve a thread of integrity and identity, she said.

In the Turning Inward portion of the Sunday service, Reverend BJ (our great asker-of-questions), asked her congregation:

--If you knew you would die tomorrow, would you have been glad at what you did today?
--What work will be left undone?
--What great work of tenderness has your name on it today?
--What joy have you not shown?
--What sorrow have you not spoken?

“Life does not let us rest from seeking satisfaction of that need to find out who we are,” Reverend BJ said. “There is a spirit in us that chafes at limits. We need identity, authenticity, integrity.”

There was a lot to think about in this service. - Kayla Costenoble

Strategic Update Completed By Councils and Board - In 2001, a group of dedicated USH volunteer leaders created a strategic plan for our community. The plan was the result of many discussions and meetings with our members and friends and addressed nine areas of congregational life: Worship and Music; Life Span Education; the Community Within; the Larger Community; Administration; Physical Plant and Facilities; Denominational Connections; Governance; and Financial Considerations.

Each section of the strategic plan described a vision of who we want to be and what actions would help us achieve that vision. The original strategic plan is on our website under Administration, Policy Documents. And, the update discussed here is posted there also.

Last winter, in 2009, the Board of Directors decided it was time to review the plan to learn how much we had accomplished towards those goals and their continued relevancy to our mission. Working with all of you, we charted our progress against those original goals and the progress has been significant and impressive. Since 2001, nearly every member, friend, and staff person has contributed in some way to making those visions a reality. The results of our review can be seen by clicking here. Because of all of you, we are becoming the congregation we say we are, a congregation whose mission states: As a growing, evolving, spiritual community inspired by our denominational values, we will commit ourselves to:

o Nurture our needs for inspirational worship and a mutually caring community

o Devote ourselves to religious learning for all ages

o Embrace human diversity by welcoming individuals and families of all kinds, and

o Join with the larger community to promote love, justice and service to society

Toward these ends we pledge our talents, energies and resources.

Thank you for your commitment to USH. - Carolyn Cartland

What Else is Happening

Kingian Non-Violence Training at USH - Rev BJ’s sermon last Sunday referred to the philosophy of “Kingian Non-violence.” Further, this will be topic for personal reflection and application at our February Ember Days (24th, 26th, 27th). Finally, if you are encouraged by these principles and steps that change is possible in our own lives and community, please consider this training, to be held Saturdays April 17 and 24 at USH. More

See link to flyer for additional information. - Rev. BJ

Family Potluck Supper and Games Night - Come along and enjoy a meal and a game with us. Even if you have not signed up, just bring your potluck dish and join us!

Benefits of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Monday, February 1 - 6:30 – 8:30 PM - Unitarian Meeting House - 50 Bloomfield Avenue - Hartford More

What is the Clara Barton District and Why Do We Need to Know? - Our link to our National Association is through our District Offices and Board. There are now openings on the District Board. If you are interested in learning and making contribution to UUism beyond our USH walls, please contact Harry Mangle (hmangle2 at cox.net) if you’d like to learn more!

Donate Baked Items - If you would like to donate a baked item on Feb. 14th, please send an email to Julie Smith, moles30(at symbol)hotmail.com Julie and the USH Interweave Group plan to sell cookies, brownies, etc. to USH members and visitors during coffee hour after worship on 2/14/10. All proceeds will be donated to True Colors. - Julie Smith

Small Dinner Parties - In 2010 Small Dinner Parties will be on February 6, March 6 and April 17. With advance notice, a substitute can be found if the registrant must miss a date. More

Adult Programs
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-The New Programs for Adults and Families 2010 Winter/Spring Notebooks are available for you to review on Sundays at the Programs Table. You may also see the complete listing of classes, programs, and events on the web.

Stop by the Programs table during coffee hour to ask any questions you may have about the classes, etc. Registrations are now in progress for all of the Winter/Spring programs.

Please, if at all possible, register for programs in person during coffee hours on Sundays. If you cannot register in person, please email Janice Newton dcnewton(at symbol)snet.net and note registration in the subject line, or call 860.677.1121 and leave a message (if we are not home) rather than calling the office. This procedure will be followed for all programs including Small Group Ministry. Your cooperation is deeply appreciated.

January & February offerings:

Family Potluck Supper and Games Night, Friday, January 29. (More)

Benefits of Mindfulness in Everyday Life, Monday, February 1. (More)

Great Decisions, starting Sunday, February 7. (More)

Small Group Ministry. (More)

Friday Dinner and Movie, February 12. The featured movie will be Wall-E. (More)

Our Chosen Faith, February 24, 7 PM. Join Rev. Jamestone for an introduction and discussion of Chapters 1 and 2 of Our Chosen Faith. If you have the book, please try to read the chapters before the class. This provocative handbook is a dialogue between two great Unitarian Universalist ministers based on the six sources of our living UU tradition. For more information about the program, go to the listing on the web.

Ember Days, Wednesday February 24, 12 - 2 PM and Friday and Saturday February 26, 27, 6 - 8 PM

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"You'd have to be a machine for your heart not to melt." Our Friday, February 12 feature is "WALL-E," a "charming, audacious, and timely"* film which seems suited to the month celebrating love. You can watch the trailer for this G-rated movie here

Our entree is a white sauced fish chowder, with a vegetarian option also available to those requesting it when reserving.

You may reserve at the Programs Table during coffee hour the next two Sundays. (with credit card, cash, or check) or (note new procedure) call Janice at 860-677-1121 (please leave a message if no human answers). If reserving by phone, you may pay by bringing cash or check with you to the movie. Please reserve by Monday, February 8.

Martha Bradley, a fan of animation and this particular film, will lead our conversation following the viewing. Thanks, Martha! The evening begins at 5:30 with libations and popcorn, dinner at 6, film at 7.

Sign up Now for Small Group Ministry -Register now for Small Group Ministry as space is filling up for this spring. Get to know other members and friends better while discussing spiritual and life topics openly and in depth. For a description of how SGM works, click here. We recently added an LGBT affinity group for LGBT folks and straight supportive friends, facilitated by Julie Smith. Register on Sunday or by calling Janice Newton at 860. 677.1121. These six new groups will begin in February and March 2010.

Start Dates/Locations:

1. Monday evenings (7:00-9:00 pm), February 22, Farmington (Group is Full; sign up for waiting list) - Facilitator Bev Prager, Hosts Janice & David Newton

2. Tuesday evenings (7:00-9:00 pm), March 2, West Hartford (two spaces left) - Facilitator Heather Ferguson-Hull, Host Betsy Mahaffey

3. Thursday evenings (7:00-9:00 pm), March 18, Hartford (five spaces left) - Facilitator Carol Davidson, Host Bruce Robbins - This Mini-SGM is limited to four sessions, with the option for more sessions at the group’s discretion.

4. Friday evenings (5:30-8:00 pm), March 19, USH Meeting House (three spaces left)- This Family-Friendly group is open to everyone, but will especially accommodate adult members and friends with younger children. Format changes are:
    • Six meetings, instead of the usual eight
    • Dinner of pizza and salad for adults and
       kids, costs shared by all
    • USH provides childcare at no charge
    • Dinner from 5:30-6:30 pm; SGM from
       6:30-8:00 pm
    • Meet on Friday evening (no school
       next day!)

We welcome participation by parents, whether single or partnered. Both spouses or partners can choose to participate, or just one spouse or partner may participate. Facilitated by Hugh Schweitzer.

5. Wednesday afternoons (2:00-4:00 pm), March 3, West Hartford (three spaces left) - Facilitator Esther McKone, Host Linda Ericson-Ebel

6. Wednesday evenings (7:00-9:00 pm), March 10, Canton (seven spaces left)- Facilitator Julie Smith, Host Debbie Nardi - This SGM is an LGBT affinity group, with straight and supportive friends welcome.

Caring Network - Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps. David Lloyd George - 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.

Further Down The Road (About 30 Days)

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Green Topics - Did You Know? - 70% of processed foods have some genetically modified ingredient.

On the Calendar - Please notify Brian Mullen of all additions or changes to the calendar. Follow this link to all our scheduled events

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