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USH-Enews February 26, 2009
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A Backyard Visitor - Linda Ericson-Ebel
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
Sunday, 9:45 AM and 11:15 AMSunday - 1 March - Why We Go to Church - Rev. BJ’s sermons in March will resonate with themes being discussed among several of our "pocket gardens" of smaller groups of people that are reflecting on the gifts and responsibilities of membership, and on the maintenance and transformation of our USH "spirit and service" greenhouse environment.
Music - Our Organist Emeritus Tom Schmutzler composed several pieces especially for our choir and our Meeting House. “Surely the Lord is in This Place,” opens the service, and “Love is the spirit of this church,” closes it, enfolding us in the depth that our “composer in residence” felt for sacred music in our sacred space. In between, the choir sings the rousing spiritual arrangement, “I’m gonna sing when the spirit says Sing!”
REflections on Children's Programming -
Classes:
Spirit Play: The Deep Well
Second & Third Grade: No Ruz
Fourth & Fifth Grade: We Believe: Who Owns the Earth
Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grade: The Simpsons: There's No Disgrace Like Home
Youth Group Activities: Discussion
Coming of Age Program Registration
The Coming of Age program will be offered for eighth grade students during the regular 9:45 Religious Education period beginning March 1, 2009. Using a Small Group Ministry format, the students will engage in discussions about the "Big Questions" and their personal theologies. Facilitated by Marye Gail Harrison and other members of our SGM team, the program is sure to be enlightening for all. Please contact Gail at: DRE@ushartford.com if your child wishes to be part of this rite of passage.
Celebration of Children
The March 15th multigenerational service will include a dedication of any child who was either dedicated in another congregation or who has never been dedicated. If you would like your child to be recognized by the congregation, please contact Gail at: DRE@ushartford.com and indicate your preference for the 9:45 or 11:15 service.
UU Middle School Youth Rally: All Middle School Youth are invited to attend the 13th Annual UU Middle School Youth Rally on Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. More
From the Editor: This week we have added a new section, Social Justice Journeys, where we will collect various contributions for this important area of USH life, Suggestions for Contributors.
This Week’s Feature Articles
Cross a UU with an Environmentalist
What is the Sound of Hand Clapping!
Search for New Sexton Underway
What Prayer can be non "religious?"
Our own Anhared Stowe at work!USH Seeks Sexton - Need Info by March 10th - As most of you know, our wonderful Sexton and fellow member, Peter Magistri, has decided that he wants to leave the Sexton role behind while continuing to spend his time with us as a member. This transition will happen in May, so a search committee has begun to work with Peter to identify his replacement as Sexton. This role, which currently is a 15 hour per week position, is described below in the JD. The search committee wants to hear from any member who is personally interested in this role or who may know someone who will fit the description. However, we need to hear quickly since May will be here before we know it!
Please contact Brian by e-mail or by phone indicating interest or making recommendations as soon as possible and no later than March 10. Thanks.JOB DESCRIPTION
Unitarian Society of Hartford
Position Title: Sexton
General Description: This 15 hour/week (PT) (exempt) position is responsible for providing continuity in the functioning and maintenance of the USH facility and providing facilities-related support for Sunday services, Council and Sub-Council activities, and other USH programs.
This position is supervised by the Business Manager.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma
- Minimum three years’ related experience, including light carpentry and handyman-level electrical and plumbing
- Strong organizational skills
- Independent, self-directed, committed to follow through
- Familiarity and comfort working with volunteers
- Basic computer skills, specifically MS Word and Excel
Responsibilities:
- Coordinates set up and cleanup for Sunday services and Society programs.
- Supports activities of Councils and Sub-Councils in terms of facilities, room setup, and equipment.
- Supports Religious Education Program via room changes and equipment needs.
- Supervises Custodian and Sunday Sexton.
- Acts as liaison to the Building and Grounds Sub-Council, including monthly meetings.
- Schedules and completes projects and repairs in carpentry, cabinetry, flooring, landscaping, general maintenance, light electrical, and plumbing. Maintains task list and coordinates priorities with Building and Grounds Sub-Council.
- Interfaces with contractors regarding facilities matters, including heating, security, elevator, and pest control.
- Ensures compliance with City of Hartford facilities requirements.
- Maintains lighting and signage.
- Performs monthly test of chancel lift.
- Maintains storage of materials for most Society functions and activities.
- Coordinates recycling program.
- Clears roof of snow and ice above office door.
- Attends staff meetings.
- Purchases and picks up supplies and materials in support of above tasks.
- Maintains filing system for all pertinent documentation related to above tasks.
- Is on call for emergencies 24/7.
- Assists with special projects and performs additional tasks as assigned.
Date Last Updated: August, 2007
USH retains the right to change this job description, as necessary.What? Prayer can be non “religious?" - Well yes, says Stephen Mitchell, translator of many of the world’s sacred texts, and a spirited lover of the mystery. To hear more, join Rev. BJ at Ember Days on Friday 6-8 PM in Meditation Hall.
Ember Days continues on 2/28 Saturday 6-7, when we’ll imagine sound as prayer, as presented by sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Ravi Shankar, and half sister to Norah Jones! We’ll then break to enjoy the concert brought to us by our music associate John Jessensky—you can buy your ticket to the concert early on on the spot!
Is that “Latin’ as in the language or as in music? - Find out this Sunday March 1, at 1 PM in the library, when you bring your brown bag lunch and join “Joyfuul Noise” for friendly table talk, for some fun facts from our music associate John J, and for some joyful sing along time as well! We’d love to have you drop in and learn more about us! - BJ
om 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. More
What Else is Happening & Announcements
Rock the Meeting House - Master vocalist and keyboard artist John Jesensky (sometimes appearing in the guise of our mild-mannered Music Associate) will bring his sizzling song stylings to the music of Billy Joel and Elton John on Saturday, February 28th, 8:00 PM, at the Unitarian Society of Hartford's Meeting House.
Adult Programs - Ember Days continue this Friday and Saturday. Check the Winter & Spring Programs Catalog for the interesting offerings in April and May. Along with the Spring Spirituality Retreat, why not try a Fabric Painting or Photo Alteration Workshop in April? The second session of Tai Chi will begin April 1. You can sign up this Sunday in Fellowship Hall following both services or by phoning the office (860 233-9897) and paying with a credit card. The Catalog is available on the web(Under Spiritual Life from the Home Page) or you can pick up your copy on Sunday at the Welcome Table in the lobby or the Registration Table in Fellowship Hall.
Ember Days in February - We’ll explore the possibility that prayer is everything we do "come Sunday" at the Meeting House. Registration is not required.
On 2/27 Friday 6-8 PM, we’ll hear from Stephen Mitchell, translator of many of the world’s sacred texts, and a spirited lover of the mystery, who opines that prayer need not be religious at all.
On 2/28 Saturday 6-7 PM, we’ll imagine sound as prayer, as presented by sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Ravi Shankar, and half sister to Norah Jones! We’ll then break in time to enjoy the concert brought to us by our music associate John Jesensky — you can buy your ticket to the concert early on the spot!
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Friday Dinner and Movie, March 13 featuring "A Thousand Clowns."
"a happy-go-lucky non-conformist who attains some maturity
when a child welfare board threatens to take away his young resident nephew"
Variety review
Jason Robards, who created the Broadway role, stars in this adaptation of the popular show. He wants to raise his nephew "to be a human being, a person who enjoys himself ˜ not . . . a chair" (New York Times review). The 1965 film was nominated and championed by Fred Louis, who will lead the discussion afterwards.
Our Friday, March 13 movie will be accompanied by an Irish corned beef feast, complete with soda bread. Those who prefer a vegetarian option, please request it when making your reservation.
You can reserve at the registration table during Sunday coffee hours or by calling the USH office, 233-9897, using your charge card. Please reserve by Monday, March 8.
Spring Spirituality Retreat, Friday, April 3- Sunday, April 5. This retreat, facilitated by Susan and Charles Huntington, will center around Mind-Body Spiritual Healing. Participants will be able to experience different techniques to elicit the relaxation response and associated spiritual energy force. Please check page 12 in the catalog or contact the Huntingtons for more information.Last Chance To Register For Spring Small Group Ministry - Groups have started for spring Small Group Ministry, so you must sign up by Friday, February 27. We are excited to offer an LGBT affinity SGM (4 openings left). This group is open to anyone who is interested and supportive of LGBT issues, and it will be focused from an LGBT perspective. It will meet on Monday evenings in Simsbury starting March 2, facilitated by Fran Carnevale and hosted by Ann Carnevale. The family-friendly SGM is now full, but we will accept more registrants on a waiting list and try to create a second group. This SGM will meet on Friday evenings at the Meeting House starting March 6, facilitated by Bill Shoemaker. This group will accommodate families by meeting only six times (from 5:30 to 8:00 PM) and providing dinner (cost shared by participants) and childcare.
New this spring is a Mini-SGM consisting of four sessions. The shorter program is a good way for newcomers to SGM to try it out, or for those with busy schedules to get their “SGM fix.” This group (2 openings left) will convene at the USH Meeting House on Wednesday evenings starting March 11, and is facilitated by DRE Gail Syring. You may also choose a Thursday evening group (1 opening) in Hartford starting March 5, facilitated by Carol Davidson and hosted by Bruce Robbins. An afternoon group will meet on Mondays (3 openings) in East Hartford starting March 23, facilitated by Barbara Fraher and hosted by Dick Edwards. Each group at the first meeting sets the future meeting dates.
Interested persons are encouraged to identify accessibility concerns (including assisted listening devices or allergies) to Mike Roy so we can address these concerns to the best of our ability. You may consult the upcoming Adult Programs Catalogue for more information. Please sign up by contacting the church office. - Mike Roy
External Events and Educational Notes
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New World Trio returns with Anhared Stowe, violin, and distinguished guest pianist Larry Graham. An Afternoon of Violin and Piano Classics, Sunday, March 1 at 3pm, Seaverns Room, The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford. Works by Mozart, Brahms, Franck, and Joseph Fennimore. Admission $30 and $22 senior and students. Children 12 and under, no charge. Information call 860-586-8579. Tickets call Bushnell box office, 860-987-5900. www.newworldtrio.org - For more information about the New Word Trio
America The Beautiful: Is America Obsessed With Beauty? A film by Darryl Roberts
DATE: Thursday, March 5 TIME: 7 PM LOCATION: Wilson WIlde Auditorium, University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford
TICKETS: $10 ($5 for Students)
Join the YWCA of the Hartford Region and the YWCA New Britain as we
confront the superficiality and health threats of beauty standards in this country.
In this joint advocacy effort, the YWCAs will host a viewing and a Connecticut premiere
of America the Beautiful, a movie examining America's obsession with physical perfection.
Filmmaker Darryl Roberts will be on hand to lead a question and answer discussion after the film.
For tickets & more information call (860) 225-4681, Ext. 204Lama Kathy Wesley
March 6-8, 2009PUBLIC TALK:
Working With Difficult Situations in Life
Friday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.
$10 Suggested DonationHartford Karma Thegsum Choling (HKTC)
157 Elizabeth Street
Hartford 06105
large house right on the corner of Elizabeth & Whitney StreetsGiven the present state of the economy and the uncertainty it has produced, we are confronted with making difficult choices in the workplace, home, and our personal lives. But according to Buddhist tenets, there is an ocean of calm openness beneath the worry and anxiety of our troubled minds that provides a refuge and foundation for determining a future direction with confidence. This talk will discuss a Buddhist approach for transforming confusion and suffering into wisdom and peace of mind.
WEEKEND SEMINAR: Transforming Disturbing Emotions & the Practice of Tonglen
Saturday & Sunday, March 7 & 8, 10:00 a.m.-noon, 2:00-4 p.m.
All 4 sessions: $70; $65 seniors & students; $60 HKTC members; Single session(s): $20; $15 membersThe weekend seminar will provide a Buddhist perspective on disturbing emotions and offer a more balanced approach for befriending and transforming them in order to experience peace and harmony. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, this can be accomplished by the meditation practice of Tonglen in which two very powerful forces are cultivated: loving-kindness and compassion. These two-day teachings will offer a framework for taming our minds and training our hearts to generate the love for taking on the sufferings of ourselves, and even those of others.
The Refuge Vow
Saturday, March 8, 7:00 p.m.Lama Kathy will offer the Refuge Vow, a ceremony in which individuals make a commitment to follow in the footsteps of the Buddha. The vow will be preceded by a short talk on the meaning of Refuge and what it means to travel on the Buddhist path. There is no charge for the Refuge Ceremony itself-traditionally those taking the Vow make a voluntary offering to the teacher.
Social Justice Journeys (From the UUA) And from USH
On March 2 The Judiciary Committee of the State Legislature will revisit the death penalty by having a public hearing at the Legislative Office Bldg, Room 1 D starting at 10 AM (Probably running all day). The hearing will pertain to a bill to abolish the death penalty, replacing it with life without possibility of release. Join us there.
- Tom KembleMarch 5: Voices of Healing March for Universal Health Care, sponsored by the Interfaith Fellowship for Universal Health Care. Meet at 11:30 AM at the Muhammad Islamic Center, 155 Hungerford St (across from Legislative Office Bldg). Proceed at noon to State Capitol for a brief conference then visit Gov. Rell where "Voices of Healing" will be shared. This is a collection of reflections from Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Unitarian leaders of CT- which captures the diversity and solidarity of people of faith about the moral imperative to make health care accessible to everyone. Join us! - Tom & Joan Kemble
Need More Tutors! Would you be willing to volunteer one hour a week for a wonderful experience? Well, here is your chance! Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School (which is the Partnership Project that we at USH support) needs 4th grade tutors. You would be volunteering under the guidance of a Reading Specialist, Holly Berkon, who will meet with you first and let you know exactly what is involved. All materials would be provided to you. You can pick your day and the hours are from 10AM to 11AM. If you are interested OR want more information, please email Holly at:berkh001@hartfordschools.org - You can also email me, Shai Cassell, at shaileen@sbcglobal.net - Thanks - Shai
Greening the Yellow Pages - 540 million unsolicited phone books arrive on our doorsteps every year and account for about 660,000 tons of trash annually. To put an end to receipt of unwanted phone books, visit YellowPagesGoes Green.org; to find out if your city recycles them go to Earth911.com
New at the Green Table! - Save our Trees! Much of the virgin pulp used by large paper manufacturers comes from Canada's boreal forest (500,000 acres/year). Save this wildlife habitat and important storehouse of carbon dioxide, and support the companies that use recycled paper for your disposable tissues. We now have facial tissues and napkins at the green table. 7th Generation Napkins come from 100% recycled paper with a minimum 80% post consumer content; Green Forest facial tissues- 100 % recycled paper, min 40% PC. Both use environmentally safe procedures for whitening (not chlorine bleach) are hypo-allergenic, dye and fragrance-free. Help save our planet.
On the Calendar
Friday, February 27
6:00 pm Ember Days, Emerson
Saturday, February 28
10:00 am Paper Collage Workshop, Servetus
10:30 am Rental, Chapel
11:00 am Membership Sub-Council, Library
6:00 pm Ember Days, Emerson
8:00 pm John Jesensky Rock Concert, Sanctuary
Sunday, March 1
9:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:30 am Great Decisions, Library
9:45 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
9:55 am Coming of Age, Fuller
10:45 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:45 am Coffee, Fellowship Hall
11:15 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:15 pm Coffee, Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm Joyfuul Noise, Library, Sanctuary
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
Tuesday, March 3
4:30 pm Living a Sustainable Life, Murray
5:30 pm NVC Gathering, Minister’s Study
6:00 pm Info & Advocacy Subcouncil, Library
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, March 4
3:00 pm Unitarian Alliance Ministry to Women, Library
5:00 pm UAMW R&R Supper, Library
5:45 pm Meditation and Dharma Gathering, Emerson
6:30 pm Tai Chi, Fellowship Hall
7:15 pm NVC Practice Group, Emerson
7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Friday, March 6
5:30 pm Family Friendly SGM, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, March 7
7:00 pm Stewardship Event - GREENING OF THE MEETING HOUSE, Fellowship Hall
Youth Group Overnight
Sunday, March 8
8:45 am Building & Grounds, Murray
8:45 am Comfort Shawl Knitters, Lower Lobby
9:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:30 am Great Decisions, David’s Den
9:45 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
9:55 am Coming of Age, Fuller
10:45 am Coffee, Fellowship Hall
10:45 am Music rehearsal, Chapel
11:15 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:15 pm Coffee, Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm Interweave, Library
1:00 pm BTWWDA, Emerson
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
5:00 pm Music Associate Search, Servetus
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!Caring Network - The question is not what you look at, but what you see. Henry David ThroreauIf 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.
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