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USH-Enews April 2, 2009
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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 AMONE SERVICE on EASTER Sunday, April 12!! 9:45 AM only!
Sunday - 5 April - We Recognize Passover - and are led by our Equual Access (formerly "disabilities") Sub-Council, and Rev BJ in the pulpit, in exploring the question, “Do you hear?”
Music - The Chancel Choir recognizes the High Holy Days of Passover with an anthem by Cantor Charles Heller, "Oseh Shalom" (Creator of Peace). The Hebrew text comes from a Jewish prayer -- the lines that close out the kaddish prayer: Oseh shalom bimromav: "may He who makes peace in the heavens make peace for us." It is suggested that we need to take the first steps toward the peace we want God to give us. If we build bridges and coalitions, if we make peace as we can, then we can ask God to bless us with peace.
The service this day is designated as Equual Access Sunday and also features music by the famously deaf composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Born with perfect hearing and outstanding musical abilities, Beethoven's hearing gradually declined until, while still a young man, he was unable to follow conversation or hear music. Yet society's expectations required him to keep it a secret and try to cover it up, causing him intense frustration and misery. When he composed the famous "Ode to Joy" for his Ninth Symphony he could not hear anything at all. At that era there was no understanding of hearing loss and he was, in his words, “obliged to seclude myself and to live my life in solitude. If, once in a while, I attempted to ignore all this, oh how harshly would I be driven back….Alas, how would it be possible for me to admit to a weakness of the one sense that should be perfect to a higher degree in me than in others….For me there can be no recreation in the society of others, no intelligent conversation, no mutual exchange of ideas” since Beethoven had to communicate by using a “conversation book,” one of which still exists in his museum.
All composers use their “inner hearing” to plan and imagine the sounds of the music they write, but music is an art of communication, in real time and through real sound. It is astonishing to realize how much Beethoven was able to compose accurately, without any feedback from actual voices and instruments. The “Ode to Joy” wishes for the same peace in the world (“alle Menschen werden Brüder” – “humankind is one forever”) as “Oseh Shalom.”For Easter Sunday, April 12th, absolutely ALL singers are invited to join on the anthem. It's called "Plenty Good Room" and there truly is plenty of room for all to sing this easy and rhythmic piece. Mattie calls it "Instant Choir" -- no advance work, no commitment, just show up on the chancel at 9:10 that Sunday to learn the piece and be ready to sing for the (single) Easter Hilaritas service at 9:45.
REflections on Children's Programming -
Religious Education Classes
Spirit Play: Jon Hus
Second & Third Grade: Easter
Fourth & Fifth Grade: We Believe: In Asking Questions
Sixth & Seventh Grade: The Simpsons: Itchy, Scratchy and Marge
Eighth Grade: Coming of Age: Karma
Youth Group Activities: Discussion and Service Trip to Soup Kitchen
EASTER EGG HUNT
Come join us on the front lawn after the single 9:45 Easter service on April 12th at 11 AM for an Easter Egg Hunt! Search for eggs that can be traded in for candy and Easter treasures! (Candy will be dairy and tree nut free) - Gail M. Syring, DREFrom the Editor: Suggestions for Contributors.
Contributors and readers please note, the USH-Enews for April 16th will be a double issue and none will be issued on the April 23rd.
This Week’s Feature Articles
Nominations still Needed
More About Sunday's Service
B&G Workday this Saturday 4/4
Alliance Women Take a Day
Schedule Directory Photo if Needed
Adult Program OfferingsBackground on Sunday's Service - Did You Know:
Deaf History Month Is March 13 - April 15Deaf History month begins by commemorating the March 13, 1988 victory of the, Deaf President Now Movement, when students at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. staged a near riot, demanding a deaf president for the University. April 8 marks the signing of theCharter for Gallaudet University by president Abraham Lincoln in 1864. Deaf History Month ends on April 15, the day The American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut opened its doors back in 1817.
- In 1901, William “Dummy” Hoy hit the first grand slam home run in baseball’s American league. In order to allow Hoy, who was deaf, to know whether the home plate umpire was calling balls or strikes, hand signals were developed so he could see the “calls” when he played in the outfield, a system still used today.
- In the 1920’s, the football team for Gallaudet University, a college for people who are deaf, kept its plays secret by hiding signed instructions in a huddle formation. Soon, other teams began to huddle and a football tradition was born.
On Sunday, April 5 we will have our annul service devoted to the concerns of people with disabilities. This year we are focusing on the issues faced by the community of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. Our offering will be given to the Connecticut Association of the Deaf (CAD). The mission of the CAD as a state association is to promote, protect, and preserve the rights and quality of life of Deaf and Hard of Hearing citizens of Connecticut. The CAD is a civic, non-profit organization serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community needs in the areas of advocacy, education, employment, communication, access, technology, civil rights, and empowerment. The CAD promotes awareness, equality, and interaction through its various activities. Please open your wallet or checkbook and give generously to this worthy organization
On April 19, EA, the Caring Network, and the Alliance of Ministry to Women are sponsoring a luncheon video and discussion on Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please see details of the event.
Social Justice Journeys (From the UUA) And from USH
Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community (UUJEC) is celebrating its 20th anniversary at Rowe Camp Conference Center in Rowe MA Fri. thru Sun. April 3-5. More
HUNGER 101 - April 5 at 1:00 PM - On Sunday, April 5, FOODSHARE will facilitate this role-play and discussion activity designed to increase awareness and understanding of hunger in our community. (More)
What Else is Happening & Announcements
B&G Plans Grounds and Building Cleanup - Saturday morning April 4th, mark you calendars. Weather permitting, all hands will clean up the debris of winter on the Meeting House grounds and finish various internal building projects. Please give Ed Sax a call and tell him you plan to attend (860-286-9688)
Clara Barton District Spring Conference and Annual Meeting - The Clara Barton District Annual Meeting will be held at Nichols College in Dudley, MA on Saturday, April 4th. More
Hunger 101, Sunday, April 5, 1 PM. Foodshare offers this free workshop to help us learn more about the hunger problems which continue within our own community. The presentation will utilize role-play and discussion for the whole family, age 10 years and up, allowing individuals to experience the challenges of feeding a family on a limited budget.
April 12- Hilaritas Easter Celebration - One service only 9:45 - 11:00 AM - immediately followed by the dedication of the art installation in the Payson Miller Chapel. (Get your coffee, walk through, and chat with the artist!)
Continuing Art Show in the Ambulatory - More
Supporting Each Other One Favor at a Time – Pay it Forward Groceries - More
Attention ALL USH women: take a day for yourself and come to a day-long retreat in the country! The Alliance Ministry to Women is sponsoring a day of rest and relaxation on Saturday, April 25 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the home of Anne Bailey and Betty Palmer in beautiful, rural New Hartford.
Enjoy a short walk or just take in the views of the woods through the many windows of their home. We will have a salad potluck luncheon and conversations on various topics of feminine interest, including our traditional sharing of titles of good books we’ve read recently. Videos and/or music will be available if disagreeable weather keeps us inside. Bring your knitting and a favorite CD if you’d like.
Space is limited, so register early. Sign-up and get directions at the Adult Program table in Fellowship Hall or by contacting Anne Bailey - (See Directory)
Please also contact Anne re. either of the following: If you have any interest in a short hike (up to 3 miles) earlier in the morning (weather permitting) or if there is a need for handicapped accessibility – arrangements can be made to have a folding wheel chair ramp available.Advance notice to all USH members who have joined in the past five years - Save the date: Friday evening, April 24 - for a Potluck dinner at the Meeting House. The Membership Sub-Council wants to gather together you folks who have joined in recent years for an opportunity to share your ideas and interests with us and each other. An invitation with more details will be coming soon. Childcare will be available and we hope as many of you as possible will join us!
Education on Dementia: Alzheimer’s Disease - Please join us at an educational session on Alzheimer’s Disease on Sunday, April 19 at 1PM in Fellowship Hall More
Photo opportunity: Is your photo missing from the USH Photo DIrectory?
Are you unhappy with the photo that is there now?
If you see either Anne Bailey or David Newton at a coffee hour in the next few weeks, feel free to ask either of them to take a photo of you. Or you can contact Anne to make arrangements – or send a digital photo to her by email: (see Directory)Adult Programs - This Sunday, plan to bring a sandwich and attend the free workshop Hunger 101 at 1 PM.
Stop by the Registration Table in Fellowship Hall after the services on Sunday to look at the Book Cart offerings and to ask questions about the upcoming programs listed below. You can register at that time or by calling the office (860 233-9897). You can read more about these programs and others in the Winter/Spring Programs Catalog available at the Meeting House or go to the USH website home page and click on New Pages.
Hunger 101, Sunday, April 5, 1 PM. (see above)
Pathways, 2 Wednesdays, April 8, 22, 7 - 9 PM. For those who would like to learn about Unitarian Universalism for the first time, or in review, and would benefit from an overview of USH membership, governance, and offerings.
Friday Dinner and Movie, April 10, 5:30 PM featuring "Mississippi Burning."(More)
Fabric Painting, 3 Saturdays, April 11, 18, May 2, 10 AM -1 PM. USH member Diane Cadrain will share her expertise in painting on fabric. Participants will learn how to apply Shiva Paintstiks and Setacolor watercolor paints to fabric in the first two classes. In the third class, a simple log cabin quilt will be assembled by using pieces of fabric created in the first two classes.
Photo Alteration, Saturday, April 25, 10 AM - 1 PM. Lori Barker, a regionally well known studio artist, will introduce students to altering photos through experimentation. Techniques using common household products, crayons, inks, and tools will be explored. Stamping, rubbing, and coloring will be used to alter the photo images and to bring them to life in new imaginative ways.
Mini Retreat, Saturday, April 25, 11 AM - 5 PM. A day retreat in beautiful rural New Hartford. (See Article above) Please stop at the registration table or stop at the office to register.Wonder why the Green Table doesn't sell disposable plates/cups?
We discovered that all the trash in CT gets burned so biodegradable tableware would not have a chance to break down. Plus even so-called eco-friendly disposables we were thinking of supplying use a lot of fossil fuels to make (corn based). So it's best to use reusables; not as convenient, we know but much better for our planet. - Bev Prager
Thursday, April 2
9:00 am Communications Sub-Council, Servetus
7:00 pm Willett Woodwind Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Friday, April 3
5:30 pm Family Friendly SGM, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, April 4
B&G Work Day, building-wide, grounds
Youth Group Activity
11:30 am Membership Sub-Council, Servetus
Sunday, April 5
9:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:30 am Great Decisions, David’s Den
9:45 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
9:45 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 Hunger 101, Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm BTWWDA, Emerson
1:00 pm Joyfuul Noise, Sanctuary
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
Monday, April 6
7:00 pm Artist’s Way, Library
7:00 pm Rental, Ballou
Tuesday, April 7
4:30 pm Sustainable Living, Servetus
5:30 pm NVC Gathering, Minister’s
6:00 pm IASC, Library
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, April 8
5:00 pm Green Sanctuary, Servetus
5:45 pm Meditation and Dharma Gathering, Emerson
6:30 pm Tai Chi, Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm Pathways, Library
7:15 pm NVC Practice Group, Emerson
7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Thursday, April 9
7:00 pm Rental, Ballou
Friday, April 10
5:30 pm Dinner & Movie, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, April 11
9:00 am Rental, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Painting on Fabric, Servetus
10:00 am Rental, Chapel
Sunday, April 12, EASTER SUNDAY
9:00 am Music rehearsal,
9:45 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
10:45 am Coffee, Fellowship Hall
3:00 pm Rental, 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!Caring Network -
Go Forward With Courage
When you are in doubt, be still, and wait;
when doubt no longer exists for you, then go forward with courage.
So long as mists envelop you, be still;
be still until the sunlight pours through and dispels the mists
-- as it surely will.
Then act with courage.Ponca Chief White Eagle (1800's to 1914)
- If 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.
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Mississippi Burning," an R-rated film, is the next feature at the USH Dinner and Movie evening on Friday, April 10. To view a trailer, click here (while the link is current).The movie "surveys the geography of racism, sheds light on the dark night of the soul. Director Alan Parker stokes the inferno with cruelty, hatred and charring crosses, then sifts the cold ashes for clues. The mystery, ostensibly about the murder of three young civil rights workers, is the inhumanity of man," according to a review in the Washington Post.
The menu is barbequed pork, potato salad, mac 'n cheese, cole slaw, and corn bread, with a vegetarian option available if requested when reserving. Reservations may be made at the Sunday coffee hour registration table or by calling the USH office at 233-9897. Please reserve by Monday, April 6.
Socializing begins at 5:30, dinner at 6, and movie at 7; Roy Cook, who nominated this movie, will lead the discussion afterwards.
The Green Sanctuary folks had a great suggestion: bring reusable containers for taking home leftovers. And, it's not too early to begin thinking of titles for next season's series.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