USH-Enews for MARCH 6, 2008 Print Only Edition

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Giving is more than a responsibility—it is a privilege; more more than an act of obedience — it is evidence of our faith.” ~ William Arthur Ward (1921-94), American educator (Illustration by Rich Ferguson-Hull)

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.

YES, the clocks will have been turned forward one hour effective Sunday 9 March at 2AM!

Sunday 9 March - To Will One Thing - The core “crop” of religious organizations is food for nurturing spiritual growth and living in peace. How do we grow that core crop at USH today? Is there some ‘crop rotation’ in order? - Rev. Jamestone

The lay testimonial voice will be Worship Arts Chairperson and Stewardship Sub-Council member Amy Hines. After the service, we have planned a “charette” experience. A light lunch will be served, and space made for creative exploration and dialogue for all ages concerning the church of our dreams, which can inspire us to greatness as persons and a religious institution. (Please register for this charette group experience, so lunch can be planned!)

Music - Joan Kemble found a way for us to connect musically with choirs all around the world. March marks a worldwide observance of our global hope for peace by using musical settings of Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant us peace) in as many places as possible. Church choirs from all over will be singing music to this text in March. At the Meeting House we'll sing the familiar round, but at 11:00 the choir adds a stirringly optimistic setting by Haydn.

REflections on Children's Programming

Fourth & Fifth Grade Field Trip - The Fourth and Fifth grade class will be traveling to the Humane Society to deliver our donation of more than $100 raised at the bake sale! Permission slips will be distributed in class on 3/9.

Chalice Choir - Dear Parents,
I am looking for kids to sing with me in the Chalice choir on Easter Sunday. The rehearsals are at 12:15 on 3/2 and 3/23 at 10:30 in the chapel. It would be really great if I could get a large group of kids to participate. I can be contacted at: aubrien(at symbol)comcast.net or 860-675-4727. - Thank you for your time, and I hope to see you there! - Sincerely, - Aubrie Nelson

Some Words about BJ - In her March report to the Board, Rev Jamestone made a couple of key points, which she commented on further in conversation.

She reflected on the evolving nature of our Sunday Programming: “As I understand it, the two-service implementation was part of the effort to meet the board’s 2005 goal of growing by 100 members. Nearly two years of two services have given us a chance to experiment with diverse worship styles and with various uses of the "worship wrap around" hours, in addition to offering a second worship hour. "

"You, the Board, have charged me with assessing and further fine tuning our evolving Sunday programming, and I have asked the Spiritual Life Council (which includes worship, religious education, and adult programs) to advise me, to gather best practices of other congregations, and to create an opportunity for USH folks to envision, in dialogue with each other, the church of their dreams. On March 9, COSL is inviting everyone to share lunch and a brainstorming ‘dream time’ in the form of a Charette—a large and small group experience leading to the creation of a calendar which captures our best hopes for USH.

BJ noted, "Our leadership is about leading, and it also is concerned with listening; listening to those who need to be heard; listening to voices elicited from those who seldom speak but have much to offer; listening for the consensus direction a group is prepared to take to attain a shared goal.”

Rev BJ reflected on the evolving focus of her own work. Some key concerns of her first two years have been in establishing lay support for the worship and pastoral care roles of ministry, which are keystones of congregational community life. Rev BJ was pleased to report that she now supervises monthly the work of a broader network of hands in each of those areas, (always looking for more folk who feel a calling toward worship or pastoral care contribution) and that in the coming year she plans to do more systematic outreach to those who might become members at USH.

She plans to encourage all congregational groups to see themselves as potential portal points of entry to our faith community, and will continue her own work with small group spiritual practices that attract newcomers: the Wednesday Dharma group, 12 Ember Days, Seabury Gatherings, NVC, and, this month, introducing a pilot Taize Sunday evening Communion service.

She will be participating in our anti-racist multicultural “Building the World We Dream About” program, and will lead our exploration of intentional welcome to new comers of diverse ethnicities. BJ intends to personally participate in making the journey from guest to new member easier and more attractive, and to champion a wider circle of hands to help new members become fully assimilated and to stop any revolving door syndrome.

It is a matter of plotting a course with the ship’s crew to a clear destination and dealing with the seas and weather along the way. - DCN

Finding our Voice - The Meeting House sanctuary had a kind of wild and woolly look Sunday. It was very green, with frogs, feathery headbands, crazy caps, capering kids, and the minister, choir and many members all decked out in green. As Rev. BJ asked, in her opening words, “Isn’t it great to be part of a religious home that lets us be froggy?”

Rev. BJ’s sermon was the first of a three-part March of Sundays, “where we do a leap-frog review of the three green lily pads which are central to our USH vision.” Sunday’s sermon was about stewardship (contributions). Rev. BJ explained that “our vision and our prayers revolve around service, spirit and stewardship.”

“I found my voice in this place…church people and programs shaped my voice,” she said, naming a variety of things that make this place of worship an “astonishing place.” For Rev. BJ, her voice includes leading Non Violent Communication classes, being “in this pulpit,” and learning self-forgiveness. Not having a voice, she suggested, can be terrifying, de-humanizing, lonely and isolating. How do we react, she asked, if we are silenced, not allowed to speak and can’t explain a situation? If we lose our voice, we are gagged by fear, anger, grief and confusion.

The voice theme was echoed in other parts of the service. RE Director Gail Syring spoke of “our many voices” during her talk to the children. Kelly Lyman, Chair of the Council on Spiritual Life, gave a testimonial in which she called the USH a place where she “found a community where many voices are heard,” and she praised the “energy, ideas and emotional encouragement we receive here.”

“We believe in the aesthetic as an answer to all that’s holy,” Rev. BJ said. The USH is a place where people can find their voice, and when this voice is found, it is a “life-fulfilling connection….A house of worship can make such a meaningful gift.”

The time has come, Rev. BJ said, to review our strategic plan and to serve our society with our gifts of time, talent, money and prayers. She announced her own increased pledge for 2008 and asked the congregation to help raise the other $345,000 so that we can “build the world we dream about.” - Kayla Costenoble

Four Learnings from Fall Small Group Ministry - Our fall Small Group Ministry (SGM) groups wrapped up in February. In fall we discussed the following topics: Fathers; Doing Nothing; Possessions; Love; Vitality; Imagination, Fantasy and Daydreams; Faith; and Passion and Service. At a recent meeting of SGM facilitators, we shared some of the highlights and lessons from our fall sessions. Here are four learnings from the fall groups:

1. SGM offers a refuge for those going through hard times. In two of our groups, a fair number of participants were having health problems. For folks suffering through sickness or other troubles, the bi-weekly gathering of SGM presented a regular opportunity to get out of the house, lay aside your troubles, and spend time with caring friends. Most of the people in my group had health issues to some degree. It felt comforting to share the latest health updates in check-in and allow yourself to be held within the group’s empathetic grasp. Over time we even witnessed some folks seeming to get better—could it be one of the “miracles” of SGM?

2. Our “theme” SGM on Creativity inspired folks to share and connect in a new way. This group focused on creativity readings in half the sessions, and in the other half the group experimented with poetry, collage, finger painting, and creating a chalice. The arts experiences included working on your own piece, working on others’ pieces, and everyone working together. Marye Gail Harrison termed this SGM one of her most powerful community spiritual experiences, one that “opened up some place in me that had become dry.” It can be exciting for SGM “old-timers” to try new things and experience SGM in a different structure.

3. It helps when all participants take responsibility to support the group covenant. At the beginning of each SGM, the participants agree to a covenant of “right relationship,” including pledges to listen closely, speak only from your own experience, refrain from giving advice, and attend all meetings when possible. As more people complete SGM sessions, they are becoming more invested in their groups, and in seeing that everyone supports the ground rules to achieve deeper sharing and connection. By practicing right relationship in SGM, its essence may even filter into other aspects of USH life.

4. Our hosts play an important role in making SGM meaningful. It is apparent how much value an effective facilitator can add to an SGM session. But it is also vital to have an SGM “host” that serves as a welcoming presence and group organizer. Bev Spence commented on how uplifted she felt when Louise Willett gave her a big welcoming hug each time she ushered Bev into her home. Besides providing a warm, comfortable space, the host acts as group contact person and “keeper of lists.” We noted the importance of clarifying duties for our hosts and giving them support. – By Mike Roy

And the Food Appeared - Part of our solicitation of goings on about the Meeting House - What about a little something on the food that magically appears exactly when you need it, Mattie suggested. Last Sunday I raced out of the house at 7:45 AM, inhaling a quick breakfast on the way to musical rehearsal at 8:15. By noon, after two services with rehearsals, I was ready.... for the little yogurt cup I'd brought along? No no, the youth were at their table downstairs with happy faces, delicious chili, and - wonder of wonders - delectable chocolate mousse to top it off.

I'm told Chef Janice somehow whips this up in time to enhance the monthly Soup Sunday. Thank you, thank you! And then on Wednesday, straight off the bus from Boston getting ready for a long choir rehearsal, I peeked in on a meeting preparing for Bringing In the Green - and they'd brought gourmet sustenance which they were willing to share.

Two Spring NVC Opportunities at USH—for newcomers and old timers! - From Rev BJ

FIRST: During March (Mondays 10,17,24,31, 7PM) our USH NVC community offers yet another chance for you to discover or strengthen Nonviolent Communication for yourself, our congregation, and the larger community. Contact Rosie in the office to sign up!

Who should attend? - If you have no exposure to NVC, this is your entry portal. - If you’ve begun or completed another training and are not currently in a practice group, but want a review, this is YOUR chance to see how NVC operates in the lives of several members who facilitate NVC practice groups for the Meeting House: Jan Bennett, Amy Hines, and Chris Mulcahy.

This intrepid NVC steering team, who meet with BJ weekly for a facilitators NVC group, will each lead one session during March, sharing with you their own most treasured and useful NVC techniques, and leading you in exercises and role plays. There will be staff support from Gail Syring and Rev BJ as well, and you will have an opportunity for extra practice at two extended sessions in April.

If you lead a sub-council or other group at USH, and want an early introduction to the NVC training which Rev BJ and Chris will be offering to lead in personalized sessions for all church business groups in coming months, please sign up!

SECOND: On April 11, 5 to 8 PM, an NVC trainer will meet with those of us with some experience with NVC who are interested in becoming facilitators or teachers of NVC, or who want to help with our USH NVC Outreach program. (Cost is around $60 per person—see Rev BJ for details!)

As you likely know, NVC at USH is the result of the dream of one member, that the entire congregation will be familiar with this method of communication which connects us at the heart level, AND that we’ll be able to offer NVC training free of charge to our Hartford neighbors, both in classes at the Meeting House and through a community center or school. I am so pleased to be at the helm of this wonderful program, an example of how one member can find her voice regarding service, create a spark, and draw others to share their passionate giving.

Over 100 folks have already told us they’ll be there this Saturday night, March 8th, at 7 PM, to celebrate our lives together and to pledge financial support. Come join us! Watch a comic satire on life around the Meeting House, eat lots of good food, have some beer, wine or soda, and put in your pledge card as an act of gratitude for all that we have here at USH.

There's still time! Call in your RSVP to 233-9897, ext. 102, any time, day or night!

“Generosity is giving more than you can; pride is taking less than you need. - Kahlil Gibran - More

Nominations for Open Positions on the Board - The Nominating Committee has begun the process of selecting candidates to fill the four open positions on the USH Board of Directors.

Members will vote on these candidates at our Annual Meeting on May 18th and the newly elected Board members will begin serving at the start of the next church year on July 1st. The open positions are President-Elect, Treasurer, At-Large member for Spiritual Life and At-Large member for Social Justice. Heather Ferguson-Hull will become our new President, Nina Elgo will remain as Board Secretary and Karla Principe will continue as the At-Large member for Community Within.

The members of the Nominating Committee are Charles Huntington, Chair, Heather Ferguson-Hull, Marye Gail Harrison, Jane Christensen and Bill LaPorte-Bryan.

The committee is also responsible for identifying and developing the future leaders of our church. So if you’d like to recommend another member as a candidate for one of these positions or would like to be considered yourself, please contact Charles Huntington at 651-6485 or send him an email at c.huntington(at symbol)comcast.net.

Bring in Those Food Contributions - Recently food donations have been skimpy: hunger is not a seasonal condition. Try to bring one food item each Sunday for each person who comes to USH.

Those who bring children might make it a task for them each week so they could learn of the need and of the sharing from those of us who are blessed with plenty.

For the 12th straight year, the Alan Feinstein Foundation will divide $1million among hunger-fighting agencies nation-wide. The greater the donations given the HB Food Pantry, the more Feinstein money will be added. Financial contributions allow the Food Pantry to buy items at wholesale and discount prices. During March the office will collect checks made to USH, with HB Food Pantry as a notation.

Last Chance to Register for Spring Small Group Ministry - The spring Small Group Ministry sessions are almost filled up, so you must sign up by Sunday, March 9, if you’re interested. We have only two openings in the Thursday evening group in Hartford facilitated by Carol Davidson and hosted by Bruce Robbins (starting March 13). 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 (561-4061) so we can address them to the best of our ability. Please sign up by contacting the church office. - Mike Roy

Green Sanctuary Program - A Green Sanctuary is a congregation that lives out its commitment to the Earth by creating a sustainable life style for its members as individuals and as a faith community. Sustainable living is not about our material comfort. It is about choosing to live in a way that nurtures life, builds relationships, and rejects material consumption as the sole determinant of happiness.

Bev Prager and Edith Savage have stepped forward to explore ramifications for our congregation of joining this UU movement. If you are interested in participating with them, please volunteer.

From the Adult Programs Sub-Council: Stop by the Programs Table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday during the Coffee Hours to register for the following programs. While there, you may want to take a look at the selections in the Book Cart - some of which are about Unitarian Universalism.

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Scientific Basis of Human Moral Behavior, Thursday, March 13, 7-9 PM. USH member Bill Shoemaker, after a brief introduction to brain structure and function, will discuss recent studies that indicate a remarkably consistent network of brain regions is involved in empathy and moral cognition. These findings will require new approaches as a means to understand the complex links between individuals and society. Bill, a Psychiatry faculty member at UCONN Health Center, will explain this complex subject in a way you can readily understand.

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Fabric Collage, Saturday, March 15, 10-2 PM. USH member Diane Cadrain will teach participants to put fabrics together into their own original creations without a sewing machine, using fusible web-a heat activated product-applied with an iron. Creations can become part of a pillow, wall hanging, or small art quilt. Teens welcome!

Tai Chi, Two eight week sessions starting Wednesday, March 19, 5:15-6:15 PM (for those of you who have requested an earlier time) and 6:30-7:30 PM. This gentle martial art improves your flexibility, balance, endurance, concentration, and inner peace. Instructor Monika Forstner has taught various forms of Tai Chi for may years and is a nationally licensed AMTA member. If you have any questions, you may call Ginny Hedrick at 677-9272.

Friday Dinner and Movie, March 14 The next feature in the Dinner and a Movie series “Letters From Iwo Jima” will be shown after a corned beef and cabbage dinner (vegetarian option also available) on Friday, March 14. Since the movie is over two hours long, the evening’s events will start a bit earlier than usual. Popcorn and libations will begin at 5:15 PM, with dinner at 5:45, movie at 6:30.

“Eloquent, bloody, and daringly simple, the movie examines notions of wartime glory as closely as ‘Flags of Our Fathers’ dissected heroism. The 20,000 troops sent to defend the desolate island -- the first piece of Japanese soil threatened by the Allies -- understand they have no chance of winning.” Ty Burr for The Boston Globe

Make reservations at the registration table in FH during Sunday’s coffee hours or by calling the office at 233-9897. Let us know if you prefer a veg. meal when reserving, please. Reservations close on Monday, March 10.

Taize Service March 16th 6 PM - Taize (pronounced Ty-zay') evening prayers originated in eastern France in 1940, and were created to allow communal prayer among people of different cultures, faiths and languages, using scripture, silence, singing, and holy communion. More

March 19th, LAMENTATION and PROTEST - Remember the Dead - Count the Cost - End the War More

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

Caring Network -Though we may sail the oceans looking for the secret key to truth – it’s actually right here, ‘in a cup of kindness, all the time.” - Emmylou Harris - 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.

The Re-Education of George W. Bush : No President Left Behind. March 22nd More - Background discussion

Hold the date: Saturday, March 29 for a conference examining "What Could Universal Healthcare in CT look like and How can we get there?" Juan Figueroa, President of Universal Health Care Foundation of CT (former member of USH) will be the keynote speaker.

Purpose: To learn about the issues and understand the options - To get as many clergy behind the effort as possible - To be prepared to make a UU community stand – the time is ripe for Conn to make some changes

Speakers: Juan Figgeroa, key leader in the effort - Head of State Senate - Head of State House of Reps

It is hoped the conference will be attended by 150 – 200 people, clergy especially urged to attend. Registration deadline has been extended to March 22. Forms being mailed. $15 for the day, lunch included.

We can set up car pools to the Unitarian Society of New Haven in Hamden. 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Registration forms from Kembles or at the Equal Exchange table on Sundays.

Attention All You Closet Artists - A group show will be on display in Fellowship Hall from April 6 to 27. Up to two original framed, two-dimensional works by any member, 18 or older, may be dropped off in the church office between 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM on March 29 and 31, or following the service on Sunday, March 30.

Please label the back of art with owner’s name, telephone number, and price if it is for sale. Transactions are made through the office. Twenty percent of proceeds from sales go to the church

Pick-up of all art will be following the April 27th service, or as soon as convenient thereafter. Any questions should be directed to Sara 658-0577

"Picking up the Pieces" is the title of the UU-UNO spring conference April 3-5 in NYC. More

On the Calendar

Thursday, March 6
3:30 pm Fitzgerald rehearsal, Sanctuary
6:00 pm “Bringing in the Green” Rehearsal, Fellowship Hall

Friday, March 7
1:00 pm Transitional Group, Library
5:30 pm SGM for Families, Fellowship Hall

Saturday, March 8
10:00 am Rental, Chapel
4:00 pm Fitzgerald rehearsal, Sanctuary
7:00 pm Bringing in the Green, Leap Year Edition, Fellowship Hall

Sunday, March 9
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Chapel
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, CHAPEL
9:00 am The Secular Mind, Servetus
9:30 am Great Decisions, Library
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Coming of Age, Fuller
10:00 am Children’s Choir, Chapel
10:00 am Comfort Shawl Knitters, Lower Lobby
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel, then Fellowship Hall
5:00 pm Evensong for Families, Servetus

Monday, March 10
2:45 pm Rental, Library
7:00 pm NVC 4, Emerson

Tuesday, March 11
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, March 12
5:45 pm Music Committee, Servetus
6:00 pm Dharma Gathering, Emerson
6:30 pm Tai Chi, Fellowship Hall
7:30 pm Choir rehearsal, Sanctuary
7:30 pm NVC practice group, Emerson

Thursday, March 13
5:30 pm Lay Listeners, Emerson
7:00 pm Human Moral Behavior, Library

Friday, March 14
5:30 pm Dinner and Movie, “Letters from Iwo Jima”, Fellowship Hall

Saturday, March 15
10:00 am Fabric Collage, Servetus
11:00 am John Bennett Memorial, Sanctuary;
Reception, Fellowship Hall

Sunday, March 16
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, CHAPEL
9:30 am Great Decisions, Library
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Coming of Age, Fuller
10:00 am Buildings and Grounds Sub-council, Murray
10:00 am Disabilities Sub-council, Servetus
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 pm Noah Webster School Support Kick Off, Chapel
12:30 pm BTWWDA, Library
1:00 pm The Secular Mind, Library
1:30 pm Eat by Choice, Not by Habit, Servetus
3:00 pm Lay Listeners/Caring Network Potluck
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
6:00 pm Taize Service, Chapel

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

Beth Hillel Synagogue learning seder scheduled for Tuesday evening, March 11, at 7PM HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Teaching by Lama Kathy Wesley - PUBLIC TALK: The Core of Self-Worth
Friday, March 21, 7:30 p.m. $15 Suggested Donation - It's widely believed that a healthy sense of self-worth is necessary for personal well-being. But how do we cultivate such a feeling? And how do we help others to see the goodness in themselves? This talk explores the Buddhist view of self-worth, and offers ways for us to develop a healthy sense of self that allows us to see the good in others, too.

Aspiration & Inspiration: Deepening Our Dharma Practice Saturday & Sunday, March 22 & 23, 10:30 a.m.-noon, 2:30-4 p.m. All 4 sessions: $75; $70 seniors & students; $65 HKTC members Single session(s): $25; $20 members - The study and practice of the Buddha's teachings could be said to be a journey of ever-deepening wisdom and compassion. We may have read many books, attended many teachings, and done hours and hours of meditation practice. But it seems there is always more to learn and to cultivate. This workshop will offer advice on how to maintain and deepen our inspiration and aspiration for dharma study and practice over the long haul, and how meditation, recitation, compassion and devotion to a teacher can our journey even deeper still. In order to allow the teachings to start on time, we strongly urge you to register in advance by using the form on the reverse side. For those who cannot do so, you are advised to arrive 30 minutes early.

The Refuge Vow - Saturday, March 22, 4:30 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.

Ngondro Practice - Saturday, March 22, 7:30 p.m. $15 Suggested Donation
This teaching is for people interested to start the Ngondro, or are already doing the preliminaries for the Mahamudra practice, and will cover various questions students have about their practice of Ngondro or how to begin.

West Hartford Community Theater Presents - With SCOT HANEY, Master of Ceremonies!

A KICKOFF FUNDRAISER & CELEBRATION
FOR WEST HARTFORD’S VERY OWN
COMMUNITY THEATER!

WHEN: MARCH 13, 2008 5:00 P.M.—7:00 P.M.
WHERE: ELMWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER
Ernest O. St. Jacques Auditorium
1106 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford

DONATION: $25 For tickets call 561-3992 Option 2 Live Entertainment, a silent auction and wine & cheese! Scot Haney- Tom Zemon - Lorrie Wesoly

Getting to Know the Lay Listeners
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My name is Esther McKone. I've been a member of USH for about four years now. Before that I was a member of UUSE in Manchester and then a sometimes visitor to USH. I retired from full time employment in 2003 after having worked as an administrator in a biopsy lab at the UConn School of Medicine in Farmington for about 20 years. Most of my work experience has been in surgical pathology (about 35 years total). At the tender age of 60, I've been searching for ways to serve the community.

Volunteering on the Hospitality Sub-Council & helping to plan the supper and game nights was thoroughly enjoyable. My grandson Kyle loved these events so much, he wants to know when the next game night will be. Knitting comfort shawls is another satisfying activity I've found.

When I learned of the Lay Listener training, I was very interested because I truly enjoy meeting and learning about all the different folks who comprise the membership of our Unitarian society. Finding coffee hour conversations very limiting, I'd like to expand the dialogue which could strengthen connections among our beloved community. I believe it's important to let folks know they can always call on a willing listener whenever they feel the need to be listened to by a caring kindred spirit.

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? - Here is a colorful, fun and idea filled website for kids, grades K-12, about energy efficiency and renewable energy

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