USH-Enews march 8, 2007 Print Only Edition

Home Page for the website of the Unitarian Society of Hartford.
Word Version of this document in color with photographs, which will print nicely for those who use Microsoft Word.

This is the print only edition of the USH-Enews. Photos and other graphical elements have been removed. Print is mostly black on white.

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.

Remember to turn your clocks ahead one hour Saturday Night! Put a note on the breakfast cupboard now!

Sunday - 11 March - Voices of Stewardship - Rev Jamestone and several members will share their understanding of stewardship as a spiritual discipline based in gratitude, and how they intend to practice it at USH and beyond.

Music: - Joan Szymko is a composer, who also directs choirs in the Pacific Northwest. About her anthem, she says, "In adapting the West African saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," I've sought to embody the cultural concept behind this proverb -- that it is truly ALL the individual parts linked and working together that create and support the whole." How appropriate for International Women's Day, and for Stewardship Sunday. There's even a special percussion part for the entire congregation.

RE: 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.

Attention Middle School Parents! The Middle School Class has a great opportunity to meet with Rev BJ during her "C-cubed" time after the service on March 11th. The session will be in their usual classroom (Servetus) and will run until 12:45. We hope your children can stay and participate!

Youth Event This Event open to Everyone!: This Sunday 12:30 - 2:30 PM watch the movie Hotel Rowanda with friends and Pizza. All youth who plan to attend the viewing of the movie get to eat free! Two slices of Pizza, chips and soda. This movie is a PG-13 movie about the Rowanda genocide and caring hotel manager who battles the system. Youth will sell Pizza, soda and chips during coffee hour for those who plan to stay.

From the Editor: Give some thought to when you wish to have your event posted in the USH-Enews. To avoid redundancy, the first write up will be complete and thereafter usually only a link will appear to the original article. Usually, you probably do not wish to list an event much more than two weeks in advance. This keeps information fresh for readers, so they say. DCN

Dear Ones - A kudo to you for many ways you touch each other, and me, with hands of blessing. My

son had a surgical procedure last week in Alabama, and though it was minor, there were many miles between us. I arrived at the Meeting House that day, feeling those miles, and found a comfort shawl on my desk. Remembering how my own mother’s love was best expressed in her needlework, I wrapped up in that shawl, made by one of you who knit for our “comfort shawl ministry,” and felt indeed comforted by your care and stronger to send prayers for light and safety to my son. He’s fine now, and so am I. Thank you. Best, Rev BJ

Photo

Please consider one of the following, and email the office to indicate your participation.

I want to participate in the hunger project. For some period of time in March, I will:

________ keep a food journal recording what, when, where, and why I am eating, and at what cost. I will reflect on the role of food in my life.

________eat simply, minimally, healthily, and inexpensively. I will think about the benefits and challenges of eating simply on a regular basis.

______offer a prayerful word of thanks for the food before me, sending awareness and compassion to those who are hungry, along with prayers or intentions to action by those who can make a difference in the injustice of hunger.

______attend one of the brief hunger reflection/meditation sessions on March 13, 20, and 27 at 6:30 PM at USH, notifying the church office that I will attend.

*I will shop with a pocket calculator, as if I could spend only $28 per member of my household. When I have that amount of food in the basket, I will reflect on how many days it would feed my family.

*I will go back through the super market, substituting items until I have a week’s worth of meals, within the ‘food stamp’ limit. I will pay attention to the health value of such a long term diet.

*I will purchase that food, and feed myself and my family for a week, with awareness of those who eat within such limits all the time.

*OR I will go back though the market, substituting items until I have a ‘regular’ week’s worth of food, and I will notice at check out, the difference in cost of my bill and the food stamp allowance.

*I will write a check to USH (marked ‘food stamp project’) for that amount (or some other amount!) and drop it in the offering plate before the end of March.

“It’s really neat to notice the gifts that life gives us,” Rev. BJ told the large group of children crowded around her on the Chancel floor last Sunday. Then she taught them - and us - words for a song to sing before eating, and “warned” us we’d be hearing it a lot more.

During a (youth) Testimonial, Ben Garmise, who became a “regular” member last year, told the congregation, “I like being a Unitarian because it’s safe to have your own beliefs…and it’s safe to be weird in this place.” (Read it for yourself)

Hunger was the service theme. Rev. BJ has asked USH members to join her in a variety of ways (see above) to participate in the Center City Church’s March Hunger Awareness month. Rev. BJ and a few others will be (trying to) live on $4 per person per day, which is actually $1 a day higher than average Connecticut food stamp recipients receive. Some other hunger awareness options include keeping a journal of what we eat and what it costs; eating simply and inexpensively; attending a hunger reflection/meditation session; writing a check to Center City Church to help in their basic needs program.

Pulpit guest Tom Bright, Center City Church’s Director of Community Engagement, told the congregation that the hunger and poverty he sees in Hartford reminds him of what he saw during his years in Haiti, one of the world’s poorest countries. Hartford food pantries, he said, are no longer just for emergency use, but have become the “supermarket of choice” and soup kitchens are now the “restaurant of choice” for Hartford’s hungry. Mr. Bright explained that Center City Church’s Food Stamp Project is designed to give a “sense of how strong the need is and how dear food is.”

He encouraged UUs to support the project, to become aware of how we deal with food and to “let our voices be heard on behalf of people in need.” Reconnecting with people is important, he said, because “where we stand on an issue depends on whom we’re sitting with…The poor need more voices speaking with them.”

Rev. BJ presented a “begging bowl” to Sue Kinney, whose family is the first to live on the $4 per person per day. Sue told her fellow UUs about going to the supermarket with a calculator (it was “quite a challenge”) and about “going to bed hungry last night” because she didn’t want her 16-year-old son to be hungry.

In her homily (Webster: moral talk), Rev. BJ suggested that “appreciation” is a core virtue (think of harvest festivals and of Thanksgiving) and that one way to cultivate appreciation is through restraint and renunciation. “Intentional emptiness can make space for gratitude,” she said, and this could be the “core practice that we do together.” (Sermon has been posted on the web)

The Chancel display, in keeping with the theme of hunger, was sparse and bleak. It featured an empty cupboard, empty paper food bags and shopping baskets. There were no bright flowers, no meaningful banner. - Kayla Costenoble

(Four dollar a day contest: USH-Enews will publish the best two entries answering the question, What was the most surprising thing you learned while participating in the $4 dollar a day practices recommended by BJ? Send entries to dcnewton(at symbo)ushartford.com subject: contest)

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.

There will be a meeting - this Sunday, March 11, of those interested in developing a meditation space for sangha sits, yoga, or just plain sitting and breathing. If you are interested, we will be gathering in Dix, Channing and Emerson at 12:15 PM. Please join us there.

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

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 eight to 10 Wednesday evenings (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 to 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.

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.

Connecticut Opposes the War
The Social Justice Council urges mass support for Hartford's March 17th rally at the Old State House against the Iraq War from 3:00 to 4:30 PM. Help tell this administration to stop the carnage. Look for flyers in Fellowship Hall. For more information go to http://www.CTcow.org or talk to Fred Louis, Joan Kemble, Peter Magistri or Hannah Roditi. 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 the USH parking lot at 2:30 PM. - Joan Kemble
IASC

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 Evening.

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!!! Here is an entry form, just copy it from your browser.

Remember to Sign up for FAMILY CRUISE NIGHT at USH, an intergenerational event coming up on Saturday, March 24, 5:30 to 9:00 PM

Come for a potluck dinner followed by a showing of the 1.5 hour movie “Rosie’s Family Cruise”, a documentary about a cruise to the Bahamas with 500 gay and lesbian families, including many with young children.

Many touching family scenes and interviews are woven into this warm and moving presentation. Everyone, including families with children and teens are encouraged to attend. Discussion will follow the film, facilitated by Peg Otto.

Sign-up is located at the Adult Program table in Fellowship Hall or can be done by calling the office (Thurs. March 22 at the latest).

COME AND ENJOY THE CARIBBEAN and the opportunity for glimpses into warm and wonderful family experiences.

Save the Date! This year's Unitarian Passover Seder Saturday, March 31 at 5:00 PM in Fellowship Hall. More information

Adult Programs You can register for the following programs in Fellowship Hall following the 9:00 and 11:00 AM services this Sunday. Payment can be made with credit card, check, or cash. You may also register for programs by calling the office at 233-9897.

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! six 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, Marye Gail Harrison will facilitate. An excellent follow-up for those of you who may have seen the movie An Inconvenient Truth or attended the program on February 24th.

Family Cruise Night at USH, Saturday, March 24, 5:30 - 9:00 PM. More information

Caring Network: To find a fault is easy; to do better may be difficult. - Plutarch
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:

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 & 7:30 pm performances:
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
12:30 pm Gathering of Remembrance for Doris Cook, Library
1:00 pm Movie: “Hotel Rwanda”, Fellowship Hall

Monday, March 12
6:00 pm Information and Advocacy Sub-council potluck & meeting
6:30 pm SIA, Murray
7:00 pm Artist Way, Servetus
7:00 pm Worship Sub-council, Minister’s Study

Tuesday, March 13
6:00 pm Caring Network, Servetus
7:00 pm Board of Directors, Library
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, March 14
6:30 pm Buddhism for Beginners, Minister’s Study
7:30 pm Choir, Sanctuary

Thursday, March 15
6:30 pm Stewardship, Servetus

Saturday, March 17
7:00 pm Bringing in the Green Stewardship Event, Fellowship Hall

Sunday, March 18
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 Disabilities, Channing
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
12:15 pm "C" Cubed, Minister's Study
12:45 pm Past Presidents’ Tea, Library

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)

Please join allies of the Inter religious Eco-Justice Network at our First Annual Stakeholders Meeting March 26, 2007 (More information)

Having your lights on uses energy that is likely made in a way that causes global warming pollution. So turn the lights off when you leave the room. And teach your children to do it too.

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