USH-Enews for February 7, 2008 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.

Office hours: Rev. Jamestone: Phone: 860 233-9897; Email: RevBJ@USHartford.com - Rev. BJ office hours by appointment.

Worshipping Together Since 1830 - Services at 9 & 11 AM

Sunday - 10 February - Prayer as Love made Manifest - Rev. BJ will share her spirit journey and maturing understanding of prayer as it related to UUism, and member Sue Kinney will give her testimonial regarding the role of USH in her own faith journey. We welcome new members today as well.

Music - Gustav Holst, a British composer of the early-20th century, took Psalm 86 and created a stirring plea for “relieving gladness to my soul opprest with sadness.”

Weaving solos, choral responses and magnificent organ interludes, the piece is a fervent prayer in music. A contrasting approach to the theme is found in Carole Bayer Sager's sweet duet "The Prayer" sung by our soprano and tenor soloists, Katie LaPorta and Tom Sherry. These two versions, one strong and public and the other intimate and personal, reflect two of the ways composers have interpreted prayer.

REflections on Children's Programming

Family Programming - This Sunday, 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! The celebration will begin in the Spirit Play classroom at 12:30 PM. Please R.S.V.P. to Gail at dre@ushartford.com so we can provide lunch.

Coming of Age - COA class has been canceled for this week, 2/10 due to the youth group ski trip. Class will resume on 2/17.

Humane Society Bake Sale - The fourth and fifth grade students will be raising funds for the Humane Society by holding a bake sale on Sunday, February 17th after the 11 AM service. Please encourage this introduction to social justice for our children as they work to support the ethical treatment of animals.

From the Editor:

This Week’s Feature Articles

From BJ
Return, Return
Watchdog Addresses Chapel Audience
February - for showing Love and Caring

From BJ - Hi yall! - In my February Messenger article, I told you that I’d be focusing on the idea of "love" this month. Ember Days (13th, noon to 2 PM) will offer an opportunity for us to reflect on the evolution of our understanding of love, to experience a contemplative vespers service on love (Chapel 15th, 6 to 8 PM) and to imagine ourselves in the service of love (16th, 6 to 8 PM) In Sunday worship on the 10th we’ll reflect on prayer as an expression of love, and on the 17th we’ll explore the idea of "the antithesis of love."

As I am preparing for the 17th, I’d appreciate an email from you (to revbj@ushartford.com) with your thoughts on these questions: If love is like a sacred hieroglyph in brilliant black ink on a white scroll, what IS the white space background which, though typically not noticed and perhaps invisible, is required and necessary for love to be visible? Is it necessary to experience some contrasting or opposing affect in order to know love?

I repeat here the last paragraph of my February messenger article: “Dear ones, every day something crosses my desk and my heart which is an example of one or more of you offering or seeking love made visible. I cannot begin to name them all—circle suppers, youth group, movie night, advocacy work, RE for children, Sunday service wrap around programs. You and I are most blessed to be witness to the greening of our meeting house. Join me in feeling the love this month, and in measuring and reflecting that love through your financial stewardship commitment when we ‘bring in the green’ in March.”

Warm regards on a frosty morning, Rev BJ

Return, Return, Return - Last week's chancel art deserves another closer look. (see Photo above). In it Maggie Greene has created a banner based on the words, return, return, return, return. They come from a musical chant arising from the Pagan (Earth Centered Religion) community that goes, "..the earth, the air, the fire, the water, return, return, return, return."

In the banner we emphasize the need for us to return, reuse and recycle. Nice job Maggie! - DCN

Watchdog Addresses Chapel Audience - George Gombossy, Hartford Courant Watchdog Correspondent, spoke in the Chapel after last Sunday's service about consumer awareness in a program sponsored by the Unitarian Alliance Ministry to Women. There were over 30 in attendance.

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In his informal presentation George began by explaining his work at the Hartford Courant. Those familiar with his Courant column know he shines the light of publicity on various companies abusing consumers in one way or another.

In the course of his talk, he made a number of points of interest to those who may have been elsewhere during his talk.

o He noted, since he became Watchdog Correspondent he has become convinced that some companies have made a conscious decision to downgrade personal service and contact with the public. You know of that sort of thing when you call, sort through ten or more automated response choices, and at length select one only to find yourself on hold for a considerable time before being cut off.

o If you have a complaint, he urges you to contact the Better Business Bureau. In his experience he has found businesses, even those abusing customers, really do not wish to be negatively rated by the BBB. And, when complaints arise through the Bureau, companies respond to them as a high priority to preserve a good public "face."

o Interestingly, he urges all who can use computers to take full advantage of the information now available to the public on the internet. He recommended, for example the advantages of internet banking, a service permitting you to keep close tabs on your accounts and when you use the bank bill paying feature, the responsibility for timely arrival of payments to vendors now lies with your bank, an advantageous arrangement.

o Another use of your computer is to find relevant information on products you intend to purchase. You can find out how other consumers have evaluated these items by checking consumer comments on Amazon.com or eBay. And, when purchasing from either vendor, you can check on the experience of others with the vendor before making any kind of order.

o He also noted there are good companies remarkable for their levels of service, and others delivering very useful products or services. Among such companies, he mentioned COSTCO, Consumer Reports and the Wall Street Journal.

o He cautioned against using wireless Internet services in public places such as airports or gathering places of other sorts for financial transactions, credit card use, or any other use requiring your personal and private information. At home your wireless hookup should be password protected. - DCN

February, a Month for showing Love and Caring(This our second article in our series about what Sub-Councils are doing. May we hear about yours?)

THE CARING NETWORK - (CNW) as we know it, was established in 1999 under the direction of our interim minister, Joan Kahn-Schneider. Our ongoing goal is to keep USH a “Caring Congregation.”

We provide at least two rides each Sunday to individuals needing transportation to Sunday services as well as rides for medical visits; send at least 100 cards or notes; make dozens of phone calls and visits each year; prepare Memorial Receptions when needed; keep a well-stocked freezer for any and all food needs; maintain two Memorial Gardens; and provide informational resources on issues related to aging. The Comfort Shawl Ministry has been knitting for more than five years and has distributed more than 151 shawls!

Many thanks to all our past and present Committee members: Sue Kinney and Katie Doyle, our first co-Chairs; David and Janice Newton, who stepped up to the plate for six years, and to long time and new members, Joan Kemble, Ellie Revill, Nita Hansen, Kathy Herzog, Tom and Nancy Reid, Ruth Holland, Carolyn Cartland, Betty Palmer, Maggie Greene and current chair, Diana Heymann, as well as the many others who have helped during the past nine years!

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As the future unfolds, we look forward to working with the Lay Listeners and to more and more about our members and friends, thereby making our community a closer, more loving family, regardless of our geographic spread!

Our success is due to the dedication of Our Committee and the support of our members and friends. A HUGE THANK YOU to each and all. - Diana Heymann

What Else is Happening & Announcements

Andy Bauer's sermon from last week is now available on the web.

Also, electronic subscribers to the Meetinghouse Messenger will now find the February PDF version posted on the web.

Torture is a Moral Issue - The House of Representatives passed important anti-torture legislation as Section 327 of H.R. 2082, the Intelligence Authorization bill. Sec. 327 requires all parts of the intelligence community (including CIA) to abide by the restrictions in the Army Field Manual while conducting interrogations. The Army Field Manual prohibits torture and many of the "enhanced interrogation techniques" being used by the CIA. Some Senators have threatened to obstruct passage of HR 2083 if it contains Sec. 327.

Please contact Senators Dodd (258-6940) and Lieberman ( 549-8463) to keep Sec. 327. This is one of the most important actions Congress can take to stop U S sponsored torture. - Information and Advocacy Sub-Council

On Feb. 17th, we will be celebrating our love for each other. As a way of demonstrating this love and “warmth,” it would be wonderful and spectacular if everyone who has received a Comfort Shawl would please wear it to the service of your choice. Thank you!

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A Message from the Stewardship Folks:

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can”
~ John Wesley

An Evening of Heart and Soul at USH - On February 16, 2008, the Welcoming Congregation/Interweave Chapter at the Unitarian Society of Hartford will be hosting a Valentine's Dinner and Dance. More

From the Adult Programs Sub-Council: Stop by the Registration Table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday during the Coffee Hours to sign up for the many

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programs remaining in the Winter/Spring term. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have about the different offerings. If you haven't picked up your copy of the Programs Catalog - they are available at the Visitors Table and the Programs Registration Table in Fellowship Hall. The catalog is also available on the web.

Some of the February offerings:

Great Decisions, starting this Sunday, February 10, 9:30-10:45 AM. A popular long running series with lively, thoughtful discussions of foreign affairs issues, based on readings provided by the Foreign Policy Association.

The Great Turning. Peacemaking: A Congregational Study-Action Issue, Mondays,February 11, 25, & March 3, 7:30 - 9 PM. A lecture/discussion series facilitated by Tom Kemble using the book The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community by David C. Korten. More

Ember Days will be celebrated next Wednesday, February 13, 12- 2 PM, Friday and Saturday, February 15, 26, 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Led by Rev. Jamestone, this third of four seasonal observances will include spiritual exercises and time for personal introspection in silence. Come to any or all of the sessions. No registration needed.

Drawing for Beginners, Saturday, February 16, 1-4 PM. Join Zbigniew Gryzb, from the West Hartford Art League, for an introductory class in drawing. He has exhibited widely, including a recent exhibition at the Meeting House.

Eat by Choice, Not by Habit, beginning February 17, 1:30-2:30 PM. Explore the underlying needs behind your eating habits with a like-minded informal group. Optional book available, Eat by Choice, Not by Habit by Sylvia Haskvitz.

Watercolors for Beginners, Saturday, February 23, 1-4 PM. An introductory class in water color painting with Lauren Zarambo from the West Hartford Art League.

"School of the Americas" Watch, Sunday, February 24, 1-2:00 PM. USH members Maggie Greene and Fred Louis, ardent participants in this annual November demonstration at Fort Benning, Georgia, will give personal accounts of their participation. No registration or fee.

Spring Small Group Ministry Is Filling Up - The spring Small Group Ministry sessions are filling up fast, so you should sign up right away. Three groups are filled, and we have only seven openings in the following two groups: Thursday evenings in Hartford facilitated by Carol Davidson and hosted by Bruce Robbins (four openings); and Friday evenings at the Meeting House facilitated by RE Director Gail Syring (three openings), which is open to everyone, but will especially accommodate parents with children by providing dinner ($10 per adult total fee) and childcare.

You may consult the Adult Programs Catalogue for more information. Interested persons can identify accessibility concerns (including assisted listening devices or allergies) with Mike Roy so we can address them to the best of our ability. Please sign up this Sunday in Fellowship Hall or by contacting the church office. - Mike Roy

Caring Network - “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” - Albert Pike, Scottish Rite Freemason (1809-1891) - 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)

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

Trans Plantations at the Hartford Stage - March 19th Buy Your Tickets NOW! - More

Humanist Seminar – March Adult Education program - Meeting dates: March 2, 9, 16, 30 at 1:00 PM at the Meetinghouse, room TBA. More

The Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition For Equity and Justice - Announces COVENANTING SERVICE March 6, 2008

Please join us for a worship celebration as we renew our spiritual commitment to one another and to the region to bring justice and equity to all of the people of Greater Hartford! - United Methodist Church - 571 Farmington Avenue (on the southwest corner of South Whitney and Farmington) Hartford - Thursday, March 6th, 2008 6:30 P.M. Registration7:00 P.M. Service

Directions: From I-84, take the Sisson Avenue Exit. Go straight past the first light as you come off the exit. At the second light, turn right onto South Whitney. You will pass a stop sign. The church parking lot will be on your left as you approach Farmington For more information, please contact:

Margaret Steinegger-Keyser, Lead Organizer at 860-548-1744 Shai Cassell, Organizer at 860-930-4278

On the Calendar

Italicized entries are non-USH events.
Please notify Brian Mullen of all additions or changes to the calendar. Follow this Link to all our scheduled events!

External Events and Educational Notes

Getting to Know the Lay Listeners

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photo by Anne Bailey

My name is Julie Smith. I am 38 years old. I live with my partner in Canton, CT, but grew up in southern West Virginia. I have worked in the Social Work field for over 16 years. I enjoy working with people to improve their lives. I learn from everyone I meet and those with whom I work. I currently recruit, train and approve people and associated homes for foster child placements.

I became a lay listener because I want to meet other congregational members. I have participated in Small Group Ministry and I am a member of the Welcoming Congregation. Most importantly, I want to offer someone a chance to talk freely and openly about his or her life and truly feel the other person wants to listen and be present...because I very much want to! I hope to help others in the congregation by just simply sitting with them and learning from them. - Julie Smith

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? - Dishwashers use about 11 gallons of water. Hand washing the same number of dishes uses approximately 16 gallons of water.

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