50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105 Tel: (860) 233-9897 / FAX 233-1333 Email: firstunitarian@ushartford.com Reverend Barbara Jamestone, PhD

Home Page- Link Central Questions and Comments	USH-Enews February 4, 2010 Jump to: Sunday Service; Calendar; What's Happening; Feature Articles; External Events; Further Down the Road; Social Justice Journeys; Green Topics ; A Matter of Opinion; Text only Printer Friendly Format
	Pileated Woodpecker Photo by Carol Cooper 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. Office hours: Rev. Jamestone: Phone: 860 233-9897; Email: RevBJ@USHartford.com - Rev. BJ office hours by appointment.
	Worshipping Together Since 1830 One Service 10:30 AM  Sunday 7 February - WAG AT Revisited: The Ways We Show Love - How do we know and show love? It has been suggested that Words, Actions, Gifts, Attention, and Touch are the most common ways we express love. How do these correlate with how we express our NEED for love, affection, compassion? - BJ Any visitors or newcomers are invited to come to the First Sunday USH Connections session held after the service this coming Sunday at 11:45. No need to register – just come! You will have the opportunity to share your thoughts about what you are looking for in a religious community and explore ways to become more connected here at USH. Interested members/friends are welcome to drop in, as well.   Bring your coffee and join us between the stairs in the lower lobby lounge area. Childcare will be available, if needed, and light snacks as well. We will plan to wrap up by 1:00 at the latest. The sermon by our own Martha Page, "What Does a Bag of Carrots have to do with Public Health in Hartford?" is now available on the web. You can read a Courant Article on Charles Huntington while the link remains, An Extraordinary Life. REflections on Children's Programming Religious Education Classes Spirit Play: Red Promise: Peter's Chair Second & Third Grade: Heart Talk: Anger, Empathy and Conflict Resolution Fourth & Fifth Grade: Toolbox of Faith: Atonement Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grade: Hinduism Youth Group Activities: Ski Trip    CASTING CALL The Religious Education Sub-Council is seeking enthusiastic actors to participate in our 2/21 multigenerational service.  Thespians of all ages who love the story of The Velveteen Rabbit are encouraged to contact Gail at: dre@ushartford.com for details.- Gail M. Syring DRE Things You Can Do For USH Join the Velveteen Rabbit actors. What Else is Happening Special Valentine's Service Planned - If you’ve ever been moved by a powerful song or a memorable dramatic scene, you’ll want to be there for our special Valentine’s Day service on February 14.  You’ll hear snippets of inspiring theater along with some great music from Broadway, including tunes spiritual, raucous, and moving.  Godspell, The King and I, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Man of La Mancha, and Hair will all be represented, as Melissa Paul, Shannen Hofheimer, Patrice Fitzgerald, and Richard Leslie let loose on memorable melodies and Broadway showstoppers. Join Jacques Lamarre, USH member and long-time theater professional, as he takes us on a journey that explores the power of the stage to move us and lift us up.  A service so good that next year we’ll sell tickets! P.S.  There will also be a certain special song sung for a certain special someone that you will not want to miss.  Sssh... It’s a secret.   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 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. - NEW! Eat Better, Feel Better, Live, Better: Vegetarianism and its impact on physical health, spiritual health, and planetary health. Wednesday, March 8, 15, 22, and 29, 6:30 - 8 PM. Fee $15. Join nutritionist, lifestyle educator, and cookbook author Maribeth Abrams for an inspirational, interactive, and informative course on the power of vegetarianism on personal, planetary and societal evolution. Discover the impact of animal agriculture on natural resources and on living in alignment with one's values, and get inspired to make delicious improvements on your dinner plate. Maribeth Abrams is a certified nutritionist and lifestyle educator, writer, corporate chef for a large natural food company, and spokesperson for the North American Vegetarian Society. She is the author of the cookbook Tofu 1-2-3, the forthcoming 4-ingredient Vegan, and the column "Ask Maribeth" in Vegetarian Voice. Register on Sundays at the Programs Table or by calling Janice Newton at 860.677.1121. Adult Programs The 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. February and March offerings: Great Decisions, starting Sunday, February 7. 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 NEW! Eat Better, 4 Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29, 6:30 - 8 PM. (More) "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. Groups are Filling up for Small Group Ministry - Folks need to 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 -The great aim of education is not knowledge, but action, - Herbert Spencer - 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)   Green Topics - Did You Know? - The EPA announced last fall that it would start requiring the nation's largest CAFOs to report the amount of global warming pollution they generate. Congress blocked the agency from collecting this data in 2010.	From the Editor: Suggestions for Contributors. This Week’s Feature Articles 2/7 & 2/28 Sermons, two parts Safety Issues Addressed Why Do We do What we Do? Spaces left Small Group Ministry Talk Back Hot Music Fundraiser a Success, and more Social Justice Sub-Council Activities Our Congregation by the Numbers Safety Issues Addressed - With the suburb efforts of Building and Grounds' Andy Hahn, all Meeting House fire extinguishers have been pressure-tested or recharged as required by code. In addition, the powder-type extinguisher on the pulpit, which would have significantly damaged organ and piano if ever used, has been replaced by a CO2 unit In addition, the egress lights are being tested and where necessary batteries replaced. Feb. 7 and 28   Sermons --2 parts “A-theism, Ember Days, and the Love of God” - The core human need which provides our theme for February is  love—as affection and as action.  The parable of the prodigal son provides the context as we explore the following: Assume that belief is that upon which a person is prepared to act, a disposition or habituation to act. Assume that our idea of anything is our idea of its sensible effects; that is, assume that our core ideas about life are inseparable from our actions. *Upon what belief or assumption about reality  are your daily words, deeds, and thoughts based? *What have you found to be the most reliable object or idea of devotion or commitment as you seek to live with coherence, balance, and meaning? *How does your atheism, theism, agnosticism, naturalism, humanism, pantheism, transtheism,  politicism, populism, elitism, classism, philanthropism, capitalism, materialism (or however you’d describe the core guiding principles or that notion in which you place devotion) impact your daily behavior? *Does your ‘ism’ help you to be kind, compassionate, and patient  in your behaviors toward others, and yourself; that is,   does your guiding ideology help you to  follow the golden rule?  *Is it possible to alter our most reliable  idea/ideology or source of confidence? How might a spiritual practice such as “Ember Days” ** help one to listen for and march to the beat of a different drummer? *What’s love got to do with it? What does it mean to believe in love, to recognize  it as a core value and  need? What do your day to day actions, words, and thoughts   suggest about the place of the idea of love in your life? **Ember Days - An institutional spiritual practice, Ember Days are 12 minor holidays on ancient Christian calendars, mostly forgotten today.  They were days set aside for prayer and fasting for clarity of vocation, or what persons are called to do and be in the world. We continue that tradition at USH, as a focused  opportunity on 12 days a year, to turn inward and listen to life’s coaxing us toward our fullest humanity through the voice of our ‘Wise Inner Teachers.” There are three Ember Days Sessions in the Meditation Chapel this month:  February 24, (noon-1:30)  26& 27 (6 to 7:30 pm) - Rev. BJ Why do we do what we do? - Some of you may have participated in a service where a priest proceeds ahead of the people, swinging a pot with smoking incense.  What many worshipers do not know is that that ritual act is an anachronism that dates back to the Black Plague.  During that awful experience, so many people died in a short period of time that the handling of the dead was often delayed, which began a custom for the priest to move through the streets and people’s homes swinging incense to mask unpleasant smells.  It seems a paradox that such a gruesome ritual was transformed through the centuries to become a scheduled part of many worship occasions, which are celebratory as often as solemn. A world religious scholar I admire said once, “When you visit a new culture and see the people doing something which doesn’t appear to have any purpose or reasonable explanation, it is likely that this is a religious ritual being enacted.”  Having said that, I am aware that some of you may be curious about rites, which we enact during worship services. Take the lifting of the chalices full of candles, which individuals have lit in memory or hope, for example.  Why do you think that we do this?  It is clearly a powerful act because it evokes powerful emotions from members of our congregation, positive and negative.  I would love to hear from you.  What has been your experience when you see the two chalices being lifted before being placed on the shelf near the organ? At  the end of our E-News there is a slot for opinion pieces.  Please submit your thoughts on this ritual  act to our on-line Newsletter Editor for publication. Talk Back - Some of you may be familiar with an old tradition common to some of our UU Fellowships which is sometimes called, fondly, Talk Back.  Because UU ministers have “Freedom of the Pulpit”, it is not uncommon for parishioners to hear challenging as well as comforting remarks from the minister.   The “Talk Back” was an occasion for the “quizzing” of the minister toward deeper understanding of the content of the sermon of the day and, perhaps, more importantly it was the occasion for members to interact with the minister and each other.   I recently had an opportunity to meet with a few members who expressed interest in Talk Backs. I have been in congregations where we gathered after the service for what was called Congregational Response. It  was  a time when, after getting coffee, those who are interested in further conversation about he experience of the worship service  gather. The minister was a part of that conversation but not the facilitator. Conversation typically lasted  no more than half an hour and was an opportunity for congregants to get to know each other and the minister on a more personal level, to gain insight into the various components of the worship service, and to explore the theme of the day more fully.  I would enjoy trying out such a dialogue on the 4th Sundays in February through May, and I am looking for a facilitator and a catchy name for our gathering, as  neither “Talk Back” nor “Congregational Response” resonates for me at this time.  If you are interest in a post-service dialogue like this, please contact me at RevBJ@USHartford.com .  I hope to hear from y’all!  - Rev BJ Hot Music on a Winter Night - This is what you may have missed! Fellowship Hall was jumping Saturday night as Meeting House musicians raised the roof with voices and instruments in a benefit for our Music program. Who knew we had such an array of talent . . . and could attract such a crowd on a chilly night?   It all began with Mary Ellen Lonergan offering to sing jazz standards with a jazz trio as a fundraiser.  Mary Ellen's been in the congregation for years, but we've never heard her sing before.  Her smooth delivery blended with the cool and accomplished playing of her side men:  Kent Williams  on piano, Phil Bowler on bass and Richard Sylvester (all the way from Rhode Island) on drums in the evening's first set, which attracted jazz lovers from all over Greater Hartford. We know Mark Child, our Associate Music Director, as a highly skilled organist (just wait 'til you hear him this Sunday on brilliant French masterpieces), and his keyboard chops were thoroughly used as piano accompanist for most of the evening.  But he's also a fine tenor, and hearing him deliver "On the Street Where You Live" accompanied by his wife Martha gave us a whole new view of this well-rounded musician. Our alto and baritone section leaders, Shannen Hofheimer and Miguel Vasquez, literally ran over from their Hartt opera rehearsal to croon "If I Loved You" in a spellbinding duet.  We are so fortunate to have these giant talents at the beginning of their professional career. (You can catch them as stars of Hartt's opera performance of "The Tender Land" by Aaron Copland this weekend in Millard Auditorium. Their turn in the alternating cast will be Friday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2:30.) The Choir brought down the house hamming it up on "Baby It's Cold Outside" as re-invented by lyricist Nancy Mandly, and then Melissa Paul, our elegant Sunday cantor and soprano soloist, revealed her soul-blues-gospel side as she pulled out all the stops with the show-stopping "Here's Where I Stand."  The final set of the evening showcased our own Patrice Fitzgerald and Richard Leslie walking us down Broadway with immortal tunes like "Embraceable You," "Fascinatin' Rhythm" and "My Funny Valentine."  Their love for singing and each other warmed the crowd who were reluctant to leave the music and head back out into the cold.  No encores this night, but maybe next year.... The talent included more than just music, by the way.  Stu Spence expertly revived an antique sound system, making it possible to hear all the performers.   Tina Davies "just happened" to have stage lights at home, allowing us to see the musicians as well. Patrice Fitzgerald brought her design skills (for the poster/flyer) and writing talents (press release) as well as her husband (baritone Richard Leslie) and his trumpet!  Mary-Anne Mulholland and Janice Newton created table decorations and safely glowing candles for atmosphere. Edith Savage and Louise Schmoll, the  Women's Alliance and the choir, cajoled donations of cheeses, chips 'n' dips, veggie trays and endless cookies and brownies from volunteers and local stores.  Even wine appeared in abundance, as this cabaret advertised food and drink in addition to the entertainment.  Ron Sexton and Josh Schreier directed traffic upstairs; Carol Sexton sold tickets downstairs.  USH members flocked to assist this performance in all ways, from substantial (Helen David providing gallons of drinks) to last-minute (David Newton teetering on a bench changing burnt-out light bulbs; Gail Syring providing crayons for a little girl who wasn't quite ready for the evening of jazz her parents craved).   It should be noted that this was only partly a "family" event, with USH members represented in abundance both behind the scenes and in the audience.  In addition, Sarah Gilligan's skill at getting a wonderful write up in the Courant's CAL section was key to bringing in a large and appreciative crowd of newcomers.  Well over 100 people listened happily, got the jokes, applauded the solos, devoured the goodies, had a terrific time . . . and brought in over $2,000 to support our Music program into next year.  Congratulations USH! With gratitude and appreciation. - Mattie Banzhaf, Music Director Social Justice Journeys (From the UUA) And from USH Social Justice Recent Activity by Bill Young, Chairperson, Council on Social Justice A number of areas of the Council on Social Justice (COSJ) have been quite active over the last couple of months. Below are a few items; there are quite a few others, as well not noted here. If you would like to find a place for yourself in USH social justice work and would like to talk about options, please contact me at 860-597-2627 or by email at billyoung55(at symbol)att.net. - The good neighbor offering at the Sunday, January 17 service was for a contribution to the Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice (GHICEJ). USH is very involved with GHICEJ and holds two positions on its Board of Directors. The offering total was $947. - USH members contributed directly to the UU Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund; additional information can be found at www.uua.org. To date the fund has collected approximately $470,000. - The Green Sanctuary Sub-Council has been developing a proposed Covenant on the Earth, our Environment and Social Justice. It provides guidelines related to energy use, toxins, purchasing, paper, and other practices. It is currently being reviewed by many around the Meeting House and will be considered at the February meeting of the Board of Directors. If any reader who has not seen the draft would like a copy(If any reader who has not seen the draft would like a copy, please send me an email and I will provide it . - Bill Young On the Calendar - Please notify Brian Mullen of all additions or changes to the calendar. Follow this link to all our scheduled events A Matter of Opinion External Events and Educational Notes Our USH Community Numbers  * Sustaining:  Members (229)    Friends (9)   ** Supporting:  Members   (58) Friends (11)   *** Ministerial Exemptions:         0 Sub -Total: Members (287)    Friends (20) ****Total USH Community   307   *Sustaining members donate more than $250 per year per person, and are reported to UUA. **Supporting members donate from zero to $249 per year per person. ***Exemptions: those who consult with minister and make a service pledge in lieu of financial donation.   **** The total USH community--those who consider USH to be their religious community when they have need of a religious community or minister.   Attendance for Sunday, January 31, 2010 Worship = 92 Religious Education = 27
	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
	Let us know of any comments, errors and corrections - thanks (revised 02/04/10 8:04 PM)