USH-Enews March 1, 2007

USH-Enews For March 1, 2007
Jump to: Calendar; What's happening; A matter of opinion; External events; Further down the road; Our roots; The bottom Line

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The organ was outside the "fence" and Ann Stowe's bow was "smoking" while playing something called, IV. Moto perpetuo, during the super UPA sponsored program featuring Vaughn Mauren, Organist, in Concert on February 23rd at USH. What a treat for the ears!

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 line, or past issues of the weekly USH-Enews click here.

Office hours: M-F 9-3 (excluding W 10 -11); Rev. Jamestone: Phone: 860 233-9897; Email: RevBJ@USHartford.com - Rev. BJ office hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday by appointment.

Worshipping Together Since 1830
Services held at 9 and 11 AM

Sunday - 4 March - Hunger - We will kick off our participation in the Center City Churches program on “Hunger in Hartford” with theological reflection on hungering for righteousness, on scarcity and abundance, and on appropriate responses to our neighbors who may be literally hungry. (Tom Bright, from Center City Churches, will join us.) Congregants will have opportunity to commit to limiting or monitoring food intake during March and to reflecting together on their experience / experiments with hunger. They will also have an opportunity to volunteer service to the Manna program of food provision in Hartford.

Music: - Our choir, soloists and organist turn to France for musical explorations of hunger. Erik Satie was a French composer at the turn of the 20th century, best known for his quirky, humorous, even oddball musical nuggets and his connection with surrealism, cubism and dada. But an interest in the Rosicrucians and medieval music like plainchant, combined with awareness of social inequalities, led to the composition of the "Mass for the Poor." Earlier in the 19th century another Parisian, Cesar Franck, wrote one of the best-known melodies about feeding the spirit: "Panis Angelicus" ("heavenly bread").

RE: Classes: will take place this week in the usual classroom locations.

Is your Middle Schooler attending the Rally here this Saturday, March 3rd? - The closer your youth can arrive to 9AM the better because signup for morning workshops is done on a first come, first served basis. The late comers do get a chance to get first chance of signing up for the afternoon workshops. Don't let your youth be disappointed! Nina Binin will confirm with each attendee's family the registration materials and fees received. Any missing documents or fees can be brought to the Rally on Saturday morning.

Thank you to all adults who've agreed to serve as Rally chaperones!

Middle School Field Trip Permission Forms need to be completed for upcoming trips to the Catholic Church on March 18th and the Islamic Center on April 29th. Please complete these forms by March 11 (for the March trip) and put them in the RE Administrator's mailbox in the Church Office. Alternatively, you can give completed forms to the Middle School teaching staff and they can put it into the proper mailbox for you. To make this simpler for you, we've combined both field trips onto a single form. Just check off which trip(s) your youth will be attending.

Thanks again for your cooperation. Contact Nina Binin or Ed Lyman if you have any questions.

Doris Cook, long time friend of USH, died on Tuesday, February 27.

Living on $4 A Day? The Hartford Hunger Project: - This Sunday March 4 you will have an opportunity to join other members in participating in the Center City Churches Hunger Project. You will find the following notice in the Meeting House Weekly, on which you may indicate your level of participation. Thanks for considering this physical and spiritual discipline, designed to raise awareness of hunger, and to encourage us toward gratitude, restraint, and humility. More Information

Two new audio files sermons and associated children's stories and music are now posted for your listening pleasure. Please note the March Messenger is now available on the website. Last week's sermon will be posted in writing on the web in the next few days.

What Else is Happening & Announcements - You can still attend Ember Days, this Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3, 6-8 PM. Rev. BJ will facilitate these contemplative gatherings that include spiritual exercises and time for personal introspection in silence. The theme will be "Hunger".

Save the Date: SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 1 PM

Drumming – a way to move in harmony with our heartbeats?
Drumming – a way to make a joyful noise in this universe?
Drumming – a way to externalize internal stress?
Drumming – a way to pull together the musical traditions of the ages, of diverse cultures?
Drumming – a happy program on Sunday, March 4, at 1 PM in Fellowship Hall at USH!

Free and open to all, this program is a way for adults, children, teens, families, and “children of all ages” to experience the uplifting fun of drumming together. It’s an interactive intergenerational event.

Leading us will be Alvin Carter, Sr., also known as Abu, who has been involved with conga drums for over 45 years, developing a personal style he calls Afro-Caribbean. Abu has taught his style of drumming at the S.A.N.D. Everywhere School, the Artist’s Collective, and the Charter Oak Cultural Center. He has performed and lectured at schools, churches, libraries, community centers, and colleges statewide. Abu, having originated the name, is a founding member of People Of Good Will.

In the past, when he and his wife Joyce were raising their now–grown children Jeremy and Sarana in the USH religious programs, he presented drumming programs at USH in the sanctuary and in Fellowship Hall. And he’s agreed to this return engagement!

For a small cost, soup and pb&j sandwich makings will be available in Fellowship Hall after the second service; you could also bring a brown bag lunch from home to eat during the coffee hour. Bring your rattles and percussives, too!

We will have cookies and milk after this free 1 PM program. This is the third presentation in a new free series offered this year to the USH community by the USH Women’s Alliance.

How’s the First Service Sound to You? Since we moved the 9:00 worship service to the chapel, the Building and Grounds and Disabilities sub-councils have been working with the staff and the Welcome Team to make sure that the service is accessible for everyone who wants to come. By using the former chancel sound system and two Pocketalker Pro personal hearing assistance devices which belong to the church, we now hope that everyone can easily hear everything. The Pocketalker Pros are available at the first service Welcome Table just inside the side door from the parking lot.

However, if you’re having trouble hearing during the first service, let Peter Magistri, Bill Willett or Bill LaPorte-Bryan know, and we’ll try to improve the situation.

Connecticut Clergy Speak Out: “Pass a State EITC and Provide Tax Relief for Connecticut’s Low Wage Workers” (Thousands of Petitions to be delivered”)

Connecticut’s low wage workers need help to make ends meet. The bottom 10% are making up to $8.21 per hour ($308 for a typical 37.5 work week). The continuing rise in housing, medical care and other costs puts these workers into an impossible bind. Tax relief is part of the solution. In support of this goal, Clergy and religious leaders from throughout the state of Connecticut will gather on March 7th at 11AM at the LOB (Room 1B) and call for tax relief for low wage workers through passage of a state earned income tax credit (EITC).

Archbishop Henry Mansell, Rev. James Walker and Imam Abdul Rahmaan Muhammad, among other religious leaders, will speak from a faith perspective about the moral imperative to pass legislation this year that provides what 20 other states already have implemented: a state earned income tax credit that:

Rewards work and increases workforce participation,
Reduced child poverty,
Pumps money into the economy,
Helps workers earning up to about $38,000 and,
Creates equity among taxpayers, particularly among low-wage workers who pay a disproportionate amount of earnings on combined sales, property, and income taxes.

Passage of a 20% State EITC would produce about $53 million of tax relief for the working poor and impact as many as 165,000 working families throughout the state. Hartford's estimated share is $6 million. Over 16,000 Hartford federal tax filers (35% of Hartford filers) presently qualify for a Federal EITC averaging $1,810 per household; a 20% State EITC would provide an additional $362 for each household.

For more details, please see contact: Shai Cassell 930-4278 or Margaret Steinegger-Keyser 670-0706 The Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice

Buddhism for Beginners, Wednesday March 14, 6:30-7:30 PM, Minister’s Study

“What is most important is to recognize that we cannot have a life that is free of suffering and difficulty. It’s built into the nature of life. So, what we want to do is to make use of what is difficult to find--the wisdom, or compassion or the freedom in the midst of the difficulties of life.” --Jack Kornfield

Are you being called to come explore how Buddhist teachings can help us live life more contently amidst the joys, pains, sorrows, and disappointments of being human? Come listen to Jack Kornfield as he weaves Buddha’s teachings with stories, humor and compassion. We will be using the CD, “Buddhism for Beginners”, listening over the course of 8 to 10 Wednesday evening (dates as yet undetermined) with some time each session for reflection, discussion, and brief meditation. If you have ever wondered about, or wanted to learn more about the psychology of Buddhism, this is a gathering suited for you.

First meeting: Wed. March 14th 6:30-7:30 PM in the minister’s study. Please call the office and register your interest in the first meeting with Rosie.

Speak Your Conscience, Oppose Torture - In light of the recent decision of a Federal Appeals Court that hundreds of detainees in U.S. custody at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, do not have the right to challenge their imprisonment in federal courts, it is imperative that we take action to prevent torture and reestablish our country's long history of protecting habeas corpus.

As one step in that direction you can sign on to the National Religious Campaign Against Torture Statement of Conscience, which states: Torture violates the basic dignity of the human person that all religions, in their highest ideals, hold dear. It degrades everyone involved -- policy-makers, perpetrators and victims. It contradicts our nation's most cherished ideals. Any policies that permit torture and inhumane treatment are shocking and morally intolerable.

Performing Arts Presents "Doin' Time" March 10th- -More Information (Poster-Flyer)Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for students. For tickets and information, call (860) 233-9897.

Save the Date!! Saturday Evening March 17 “Bringing in the Green” - Did you know they are going to name the (see below) boilers? March ushers in Spring’s warmth and light and also the “greening” of the Meeting House with our 2007-08 Annual Stewardship drive. Look for many surprises during the month (Beware of people in large green hats!) and be sure to come to the main event at the Meeting House on St. Patrick’s Night.

We will celebrate “Bringing in the Green” as we are treated to a musical biography of BJ, sample decadent desserts, and pledge our financial support. See you there!!

Enter the Name the Boilers Contest!!! - Our new high tech three-boiler heating system is having an identity crisis so we have decided to have a contest to name the triplets. Everyone is eligible and the winner will be announced at the “Bringing in the Green” Stewardship Event on March 17 when the ceremonial dedication and naming of our heating trio will take place. The winner will also receive four movie passes.

Entries may be submitted by placing your names in the black cauldron in the church office or by e-mailing Brian Mullen, the Society’s Business Manager, at bmullen(at symbol)ushartford.com. So put on your thinking caps and get those entries in!!!

Save the Date! This year's Unitarian Passover Seder is scheduled for Saturday, March 31 at 5:00 PM in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome. A sign up sheet is posted on the board in the lobby of Fellowship Hall. If you’ve never attended a Seder before, it’s a celebration of the freedom from enslavement mixed in with the joy of the coming spring.

Come see what it’s all about! The cost is $4.00 per adult (over 18), $2.00 for children (to cover the expense of paper goods, juice, etc.) and a food contribution. Feel free to bring your own wine. Please contact Ira Greenbaum at (860) 870-4409 or igreenbaum(at symbol)sbcglobal.net with questions.

Adult Programs Registrations continue during the coffee hours this Sunday. Copies of the Winter Spring Programs catalog are still available at the Registration table or you can access the catalog online. You may also register for programs by calling the office at 233-9897. Payment can be made with credit card, check, or cash.

UU Questions, Tuesday, March 20, 6:30 - 8:30 PM. For newer and any members who want to renew their understanding of UUism. Rev. Jamestone will facilitate.

Tai Chi, 8 Wednesdays, starting March 21, 6:30 - 7:30 PM.

An Amazing Journey - The Universe and Me! 6 Thursdays, starting March 22, 7:00 - 9:00 PM. A program for those who want to bring change through improving our environment, live in harmony with our planet, and for those who want an exciting, enriching experience. For adults and young adults, the discussions will be facilitated by Marye Gail Harrison. An excellent follow-up for those of you who may have seen the movie An Inconvenient Truth or attended the program on February 24th.

Movie Friday, March 9 “Capote” is the story of how Truman Capote researched and wrote In Cold Blood: A True Account of a Multiple Murder and Its Consequences, about the murder of a Kansas farm family in 1959. Capote claimed to have created a new type of book, the nonfiction novel by applying traditional literary conventions to crime reporting.

The movie will be shown on Friday, March 9, as part of the Friday Dinner and a Movie series at USH. The menu features shepherd’s pie, but vegetarians may request a veg entrée when making reservations. Reservations may be made until Monday, March 5, through the registration table during coffee hours in Fellowship Hall or by calling the USH office.

The evening begins at 5:30 with libations and popcorn, dinner at 6, and the movie on large screened TV at 7, with optional discussion afterwards. We will likely discuss reactions to Capote’s identification and friendship with the alleged murderers.

“Quietly dazzles not just as a character study of the immensely complex author but also as a fascinating look at the relationship between a writer and his subject”, according to a review in the Des Moines Register.

Caring Network: The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost. - G.K. Chesterton - You are the ears of the Caring Network. Tell Janice Newton 677-1121 when you learn of our members enduring the stresses of life so we can reach out to those in need. - Offer your services. An infinite range of community services are available to help you. Call InfoLine at 211.

ON THE CALENDAR:

Thursday, March 1
6:30 pm Stewardship, Servetus

Friday, March 2
6:00 pm Ember Days, Chapel

Saturday, March 3
9:00 am – 4:30 pm Middle School CB District Rally, Building Wide
5:30 pm UU Singles, Library
6:00 – 8:00 pm Embers Days, Chapel
Evening Circle Dinners, various homes

Sunday, March 4
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Chapel
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, CHAPEL
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Children’s Choir, Chapel
10:00 am Youth Group Soup Making, Kitchen
10:00 am Great Decisions, Library
10:00 am Growth & Renewal Task Force, Murray
10:15 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:30 am Chalice Choir, Emerson
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 noon Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
12:00 noon Human Resources, Library
12:15 pm "C" Cubed, Minister's Study
1:00 pm Family Drumming Event, Fellowship Hall

Monday, March 5
6:30 pm SIA, Murray

Tuesday, March 6
6:00 pm Calendar Task Force, Library
7:00 pm Religious Education, Servetus
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, March 7
12:00 noon Chancel Design, Library
7:30 pm Choir, Sanctuary

Thursday, March 8
10:00 am Women’s Alliance, Library

Friday, March 9
11:00 am – 12:00 noon Staff Meeting, Minister’s Study (Office closed)
5:30 pm Dinner and Movie, Fellowship Hall

Saturday, March 10
2:00 pm Homo No Mo, Peterson Tuscano Event, Sanctuary
7:30 pm Homo No Mo, Peterson Tuscano Event, Sanctuary

Sunday, March 11
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Chapel
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, CHAPEL
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Children’s Choir, Chapel
10:00 am Great Decisions, Library
10:00 am Building & Grounds, Murray
10:00 am Comfort Shawl Knitters, Lower Lobby
10:00 am Welcoming Congregation, Channing
10:15 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:30 am Chalice Choir, Emerson
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
12:15 pm "C" Cubed, Minister's Study
1:00 pm Movie: “Hotel Rwanda”, Fellowship Hall

To get on the calendar, call 233.9897

Further Down The Road (About 30 Days Max)

Tell Washington "Stop The War" on Saturday, March 17, 3PM at the Old State House. On the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq send the message to change our priorities. Make our cities safe, provide health care, education and jobs for all, full financial and medical support for returning troops. - For carpooling meet at church parking lot at 2:30. - Joan Kemble
IASC

My Sister's Place Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Shelter Move - We could sure use your help!!! We will be moving our shelter to our Pliny Street address, so we will need packers, cleaners, and painters. If you are available any day between March 16 through March 26, please contact Celia Tvrdik at 860 549-1634, Extension 30.

Clara Barton District Spring Conference April 14th 2007 More Information

From the Editor: Regular contributors, please use the dcnewton@ushartford.com address to send along your contributions for the USH-Enews. We work on a tight schedule and even small procedural items help and are appreciated. Another trivial help will be to abbreviate time using AM and PM rather than lower case letters. We have a great number of those!

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This Week’s Feature Articles

A Word From Rev BJ: Candles of Memory and Hope - If you were in church last Sunday, you experienced an interactive ritual at the close of the meditation segment, which we’ve called “Candles of Memory and Hope.” A bowl of candles was available at the front, and some of you walked down and silently lit a candle as we sang “Spirit of Life.” This ritual act has been created because of conversations like the following, which I’ve had with some of you:

* “I’d like to have some visible something I could DO to show my gratitude and thanksgiving, but since I don’t believe in a God who sends me good things anymore, I don’t know who to thank!”

* “I want the congregation to know that my family is experiencing this life threatening illness, because I believe that their collectively sending us light and warmth will make a difference.

* “I miss the sharing of joys and concerns during worship since coming to this church. For me, showing and asking for care IS prayer. The “ Joys and Concerns” ritual is the best uniquely UU pastoral prayer, which can be offered during a worship service.”

* “I would like for our congregation to have a dignified way to express the warm regard we have for each other. We used to say some welcome words at the beginning of services like “though our words may not express the warmth we feel for you, do stay and get to know us.” I wish we could somehow SHOW that regard, yet still honor our somewhat reserved congregational culture.”

* When I, BJ, asked her what symbolic act might honor the memory and express the grief at the death of a partner, she responded, “I’d like to be able to light a candle for her.”

Worship is an organic phenomenon, which evolves to reflect the spirit and intent of the congregation. Thank you for your generous trust and openness to such expressions. You may notice another slight modification - we have added a moment of silence following the sermon, so that you may have a few moments to mentally file away that experience for future reflection before we depart. I welcome conversation and feedback on these and other aspects of our shared worship time. - Warm regards, Rev. BJ

More Fun Than a Barrel of Monkeys! When pizza is possible, I can rarely be drawn away to other foods, but Friday the 16th, the potluck table was so splendidly sumptuous that I only took one piece of pizza! I felt like I was at some way cool ethnic cafe! And then the fabulous hospitality team washed the dishes while the other 25 or so of us played parlor games. I was clearly the lightweight in the scrabble game. 'Joules' and 'enu' were the normative words, while I was putting down things like "card" and "vim." The folks playing the large group games were laughing so loud that I couldn't think....that was my excuse anyhow! The most fun was playing "twister" with Max Schweitzer, who at age six or so, with no yoga experience, beat me EVERY TIME!

The next opportunity you'll have to get better acquainted with the funny and friendly 'games night' crowd is April 20 so mark your calendar and start flipping through your best recipes for the potluck and games experience you won't forget. - Rev. BJ

It’s a Question of Money - The ultimate hell is getting what we want instead of what we need, Rev. Jamestone suggested during her Sunday February 25 sermon on “It’s a Question of Money.” That idea was among the several themes and quotes Rev. BJ used from Jacob Needleman’s book, “Money and the Meaning of Life.”

Before the weekly “offering of money” (as it is now described in the Order of Service), Rev. BJ asked why we take the offering as we do, why don’t we just mail in a check or drop it in a basket by the door? Following the offering, Rev. BJ suggested, “There are many ways to make an offering,” and used the choir, the flowers and the new banner in the Chancel (depicting bills falling from a tree, a large pile of silver coins and, in the center, four large questions marks and the symbol for paper money) as examples.

Rev. BJ asked us to breathe in the “peace of this community, mutual reverence and memories” and to breathe out the “power of this community, hearts strong in love, commitment to good, best intentions and hopes, and a yearning to be builders of this house of hope.” A special and spirited rendition of “Brother Will, Brother John” on the theme of “You can’t take it with you…” belted out by choir director Mattie Banzhof met with delighted whoops and loud applause and Rev. BJ’s comment,“Talk about diversity in worship.”

“Money is funny,” Rev. BJ continued. We are awkward in conversation about it and curious about its role. It brings about feelings of guilt, shame, elation, delight, regret, jealousy, embarrassment, fear and suspicion (at being asked to give so much). According to Rev. BJ, UUs are among those in religious communities with the highest per capita income and, although our congregation probably has no representative of the poorest of the poor, she is aware there is a “disparity of wealth among us in this room.” Needleman suggests that we have not paid enough of the right kind of attention to money. Rev. BJ suggested that we need to be “precise, clear and articulate about our assets” and we need to know our liabilities, how much our lives cost and how much we need to get a realistic sense of where we can go.

Rev. BJ dropped a “hint”on her position on money early in her February 11 service on the languages of love when she declared, “A new day is dawning here, when we can speak openly of financial commitment and the minimum required for membership ($250/year).” During last Sunday’s service, she said we “need to be transparent regarding our church finances.” She suggested we have a “fiscal Thanksgiving celebration” because of what we have here—no mortgage, a savings account, a paid staff. She lightly suggested we play some “money learning games” involving such things as a talk-back on the history of money at the Meeting House, why offerings were not taken during services for many years, and changing the role of a night security person (a position we no longer have) to a “hospitality post” with members vying to sign up for this coveted position. - Kayla Costenoble

Editor's note, you can hear this sermon on your computer and it will appear in writing in the next few days.

USH Members Help Clean up Katrina Damage - USH members Virginia De Lima and Joan Kemble gave a very up-close and personal description with photographs of the devastation still plaguing New Orleans some 17 months after Hurricane Katrina during a program last Sunday sponsored by the Adult Programs Committee and the Council on Social Justice.

Virginia and Joan each spent a week recently working to clean out homes hit by Katrina and to help rebuild them. Virginia added on to a business trip to New Orleans and worked with Common Grounds and Habitat for Humanity. Joan was part of a Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Just Works camp. Their presentation in the nearly-full Chapel combined videos, maps, slides and personal comments from their experiences. Joan was attired in part of her Katrina work outfit—a heavy gray all-encompassing coverall, work boots, a respirator and two pairs of heavy gloves. We suspect the bright necklaces she wore Sunday were not part of her uniform.

The presentation began with a graphic minute-by-minute depiction of the flood as it occurred, produced by the Times-Picayune newspaper. Their personal pictures included one of the three New Orleans UU churches, which had been under water, inside and out. At first, it was not known if this church could be reclaimed; it has been decided that it can be. Joan’s UUSC group stayed in another of the UU flooded-out churches. Virginia described the early search and rescue efforts, when only flat-bottomed boats could be used; she was pleased that almost two dozen of these required boats were donated by her organization, the U.S. Geological Survey.

Continuing problems—in addition to the homes Virginia and Joan were helping to clean out and/or rebuild—include crime and wanton shooting, battling among insurance companies about what is wind damage and what is flood damage, lack of water and electricity, persons in public housing still locked out of their homes (many of which the city wants to knock down and replace with fewer units) unsafe FEMA trailers made out of chips soaked in formaldehyde which sickens their inhabitants, toxic black mud and a grim education system.

What can we do? Virginia and Joan suggested that we can contribute to the UUSC Katrina fund, watch Spike Lee’s four-hour documentary, When the Levees Broke, form a work party from the USH and go to Louisiana, sign up with Habitat, and become a partner church with a New Orleans church (Joan mentioned that there are now great interfaith connections and activities among the New Orleans churches). - Kayla Costenoble

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)

Letter to USH E-News:

The recent debate about whether or not to light candles during our Sunday services has both intrigued and disappointed me. It’s intrigued me because of the rich variety of responses to this ancient way of offering up hopes and prayers. It’s disappointed me because of the fact that some of us have rejected the idea based on its association with Catholicism. Such a visceral reaction against this tradition seems to me, as a person who grew up in a profoundly Catholic household and was deeply influenced by that religion, at odds with the tolerance that Unitarianism preaches.

Would we reject a practice because of its association with Judaism? Would we say, “That’s too Jewish?” Would we reject an idea because we associate it with Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam? I think not. I think we would approach it with respect and embrace it based on its ability to inspire and uplift us. I expect us to approach Catholicism with the same respect. Otherwise, there’s no meaning to two of our core Unitarian principles: acknowledging that the living tradition that we share is drawn from the wisdom of the world’s religions, and acceptance of one another’s spiritual growth.

Now I have to confess: I too, at one time, was one of the many Catholic-bashers in our congregation. Catholicism gave me a lot to react against. In fact, that’s part of the reason I became a Unitarian. We all know how much shame the Catholic Church has heaped upon itself over the centuries. The pedophilia among priests, and the church hierarchy’s sweeping it under the rug, is only the latest example. The Church bans abortion and refuses to accept women as priests. And on and on. I’m not telling anyone anything they didn’t already know.

But there’s more to the Church than shameful headlines. I’ve gone beyond my Catholic-bashing days and have come full-circle to appreciate what that religion gave me. My Catholic past now forms a cherished part of my Unitarian present. What Catholicism gave me is no less than “a direct experience of transcending mystery and wonder and an openness to the forces that create and uphold life,” which we proudly describe as the first source of our Unitarian principles. The Catholic Church gave me that transcendence in spades. It put me directly and personally in touch with deity in a way that Unitarianism, bless its heart, does not. It gave me the sense of a world of vast glory that human eyes have not yet seen and human ears have not yet heard. For that, I cherish and respect my Catholic past and draw deeply on it every day.

We, as Unitarians, also owe our respect to Catholic traditions—the same respect we would accord to any world religion. - Diane Cadrain

External Events and Educational Notes

Sunday, March 25, 2007
Sikhism - 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar - 1610 West Street Southington, CT

A progressive religion well ahead of its time when it was founded over 500 years ago, the Sikh religion today has a following of over 20 million people worldwide and is ranked as the world's 5th largest religion. Sikhism preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind, and denounces superstitions and blind rituals. Sikhism is open to all through the teachings of its ten Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book and Living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

During our visit to their place of worship, called a Gurdwara (meaning Door to the God's house), we will learn about the Sikh history, beliefs and values, experience a brief musical hymn, witness the Holy Book, have ample time for discussion with a panel, as well as experience Sikh hospitality with the sharing of typical light refreshments.

The event will be hosted by a panel of youth, adults, and senior Sikh men and women. The program will be facilitated by Dr. Ripi Singh, an engineer by profession, working at Pratt and Whitney, and is a member of the CCIU Board of Directors. Pre-registration required. $8 adults, $5 children under 14. Phone: 509-9506. e-mail: info(at)ccfiu.org

An Inconvenient Truth - more to do - (letter from Al Gore to various individuals) -

When the producers of An Inconvenient Truth first approached me with the concept for the film, I was skeptical. Could we really take a slideshow about the climate crisis and turn it into a compelling movie? Davis Guggenheim's Oscar win for best documentary and a second one for Melissa Etheridge's beautiful song "I Need to Wake Up" was a testament to their ability, but it was also a testament to you.

It was you who packed the theaters and got your friends to go see this film, greatly increasing the audience. And then this past December, it was you who connected through MoveOn.org and AlGore.com to attend An Inconvenient Truth viewing parties. At those parties and in the weeks that followed, nearly 200,000 of you wrote to Congress, demanding that they address the climate crisis like the planetary emergency that it is.

Even though I have been a life-long movie fan, I didn't really understand how big of an audience a movie could reach. And of course I never would have imagined in a million years that a movie that I was a part of would receive two Academy Awards—or one—or would have ever been made in the first place! As humbling as this moment is, An Inconvenient Truth will only succeed if it drives all of us to take action. That's why I'm asking you to join me in the next stage of our fight. On March 21st, I'm going to hand-deliver the messages you signed when I testify at Congressional hearings on the climate crisis.

This is an incredible opportunity to demonstrate to Congress that we demand immediate action. And I need your help to really make this moment count. Can you commit to getting 10 friends to send their message to Congress through AlGore.com before March 21st? The more voices I can bring to Washington, the more powerful our message will be.

To get your friends involved, just forward them this note or direct them to: http://algore.com/cards.html

There is no longer a debate about the fact that global warming is real. We're causing it. The consequences are serious, and could be headed towards catastrophe if we don't fix it. And it's not too late. I don't want to imagine a future in which our children say, "What were our parents thinking?" "Why didn't they wake up when they had a chance?" And I know you don't either.

The hundreds of thousands of you who signed messages to Congress showed me what's possible. Working together we can unite millions of people and build support for real action on a scale that has never been seen before.

Help me take the first step and fill up that hearing room with your signatures. That picture alone will send a powerful message.

Can you commit to getting ten more people to send messages to Congress demanding action to stop global warming?

http://algore.com/cards.html

I'm looking forward to working with you on this monumental task.

Geothermal Workshop at UUS:E on March 3 - As part of its building expansion plans the Unitarian Universalist Society: East will be employing the geothermal technology in its cooling and heating systems. In order to inform the membership and the public about this technology, the Society will be having a Geothermal workshop on Saturday, March 3 at the Meeting at 153 West Vernon Street in Manchester. The workshop will begin at 9:30 AM and end at 12:30.

Carl Orio, P.E. of Water Energy Distributors, Inc. of Plaistow, New Hampshire will be there to inform, present and discuss the Society’s plans and the phases of the technology. His Power Point presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.

Public officials and legislators have been invited to the workshop. The public is encouraged to attend. This is a unique opportunity to learn about some of the most up-to-date building technology in the 21st century.

Deadline Moved Back for wUUrld’s 2007 Alaska Programs Five Alaskan UU fellowships invite you to eco-cultural programs in “The Great Land” in June right after the Portland UUA General Assembly and in July, 2007. A brochure has just been received by our office, and the 2007 website, www.wuurld.org has just been updated. The leaders, the Rev. Dick and Mary Weston-Jones have announced that because of the delay in getting information to UU congregations and since this is the final year of the program that started in 1994, the deadline for reservations has been moved back to March 31. The innovative eco-cultural programs include homestays and parties with UUs in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward, Juneau and Sitka, and travel throughout Alaska to see wildlife, the magnificent country and meet Alaska Native groups. For more info go to www.wuurld.org, E-mail alaska@wuurld.org or phone toll-free 1-888, 998-8753 for a brochure.

Please join allies of the Inter religious Eco-Justice Network at our First Annual Stakeholders Meeting March 26, 2007 at First Baptist Church 90 North Main Street in West Hartford 5:30-7:30 PM - Light Supper and a facilitated meeting -
Not a Solicitation Event.

The Inter religious Eco-Justice Network is proud and grateful to have partnered with hundreds of individuals and congregations to further Earth care. We have had eight strong years of clergy and lay education - eight strong years of Earth prayers - eight strong years of informed policy input on energy issues in Connecticut - four years in partnership with Smart Power focusing on clean energy markets.

And we are harvesting and replanting the seeds of This Old House of Worship, which offered investment grade energy audit education to parish teams in 21 congregations in 2006.

Now it is time to take our work to the next level. Please join us for our first stakeholders meeting where we will engage in prayer, dialogue, advocacy, education and celebration of the sacredness of creation. Please RSVP to Andrea(at symbol)irejn.org if you or your parish will be able to join us March 26. -Thank you!

Sweet Honey in the Rock March 8 more

The Humanist Association of CT will be trying to hold some of its monthly dinners in Hartford over the next few months. more

A Few Words About Our Roots From The Book, Hartford Unitarianism 1844 -1994 by Freeman Meyer: Well folks, we have reached the end of the book.

Those who have followed this newsletter item for more than a year have been rewarded by learning something of those hearty USHers whose shoulders we stand upon today. Also we have gained an appreciation of the flow of history and what it means to take our turn as stewards of USH. What will be our gifts to the future and our place in subsequent USH history?

The Bottom Line - Did You Know?
From our 06-07 Budget

Clara Barton District Payments $4,794
UUA Fair Share $14,946
Employee Insurances $22,710
Snow removal: $5,500
Electricity: $8,340
Natural gas: $21,500

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 03/01/07)