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50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
Tel: (860) 233-9897 / FAX 233-1333
Email: firstunitarian@ushartford.com
Reverend Barbara Jamestone, PhD
USH-Enews For April 17, 2008
Jump to: Calendar; What's happening; A matter of opinion; External events; Further Down the Road; Did You Know?; Lay Listener of the WeekThe 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 - Services at 9 & 11 AM
Sunday - 20 April - Spring Music Service – Rev. Jamestone will offer reflection on the imagery of fire drawn from sacred texts as it is presented chorally. The offering will support our music program.
Music -
Music Sunday combines a remarkable pairing of music. The magnificent Cantata 34, "O ewiges Feuer," by J.S. Bach brilliantly depicts the holy and eternal Fire of God. A century later, Felix Mendelssohn musically described a fire descending from heaven in his oratorio "Elijah." These two pieces are the springboard for Rev. BJ who will offer pastoral reflection on the biblical texts. Expect "fire" from her and musical excitement from the Choir accompanied by a small orchestra.
Note - the Bach cantata was previously performed at Temple Beth El on Albany Avenue by a combined choir, including most of USH's choral singers, and a larger orchestra, in a concert at 7:30 PM April 6th. Some of Beth El's singers will reciprocate in our service.
REflections on Children's Programming
Request for Summer Storytellers
Help pass on the wisdom of our parents and grandparents to our children. We need people willing to volunteer to tell a story to our RE class this summer. Brush off your favorite bit of wisdom, your most exciting adventure, or even your tallest tale and share it with our children. Please contact Gail at: dre@ushartford.com for more information.
Middle School Field Trip
On May 4th, our 6-8 grade class will travel to the labyrinth in West Hartford Center. Details and permission slips to follow. Drivers are appreciated.
Religious Education Open House
Please join the students and teachers for an Open House on Sunday, April 27th after the RE Celebration Service at 11 AM. Come experience the spirit of our children and their pursuit of truth and meaning. Or just come for the cookies! - Gail M. Syring, DRE
What Else is Happening & AnnouncementsTaize Communion - The next Taize communion will be on April 19, 6 PM rather than April 20 6 PM due to a Passover conflict.
Women's Alliance Bake Sale - This Sunday, April 20. All home made goodies accepted. Proceeds will help fund our annual Educational Grant.
Unitarian Society of Hartford Presents SANKOFA KUUMBA, An African Dance and Drumming Event for the Entire Family Saturday, April 26th at 7 p.m. More And, here is a flyer.
A Cappella Magic & Barbershop Harmony starring Men In Black with the Perilhettes from Miss Porter's School - Sunday, April 27th at 7 PM Tickets $15 (860) 233-9897 More
Women's Alliance 2008 Education Grant Applications - The UAMW of USH is pleased to announce that their Educational Grant applications are available during the month of May.
Applicants should be pursuing study at a post high school level, with priority given to those with minimal scholarship aid or loan sources. Grants are small (generally under $500), but may be used for expenses such as tuition, books, child care, transportation. Affiliation with USH is not required, but will be considered.
Applications are in the pocket on the Educational Grant poster on the standing Women's Alliance bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. They are also available through the USH home page, by clicking on the link under the picture. Forms should be submitted by mail or email to the addresses listed on the applications by June 1.
A form can also be mailed; please contact 860-693-4269 for further help and information.
In 2007, small grants were awarded to three women associated with USH, totaling $600. They were the result of funds earned in sales of baked goods and calendars and also from member donations. The Alliance has been providing similar financial help to worthy women for many years as part of its primary mission to serve and support USH women.
From the Adult Programs Sub-Council: The AP committee is beginning to think about possible programs to have available to you in the fall. Perhaps you have a topic or interest that you would like to offer our USH community. Proposal forms are available in the office and at the USH website under Adult Programs. Also, on Sundays at the Programs Table, please share your thoughts and ideas with an AP committee member. In the meantime there are several programs of interest early in May.
A Walk in Old Wethersfield, Sunday May 4, 3-4:30 PM. Join USH members Betty Arnold and Ed Richardson for a walk in historic Old Wethersfield. Betty, past Education Coordinator of the Wethersfield Historical Society, will lead the walk and tell stories of the people and architecture. Ed, one of the foremost tree experts in New England and a member of the Notable Tree Committee of CT, will point out notable features of the trees along the way. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity! There is no fee but please register so we'll know how many will be attending.
Friday Dinner and Movie, May 9. The featured movie will be "Battle of Algiers". "The chafing, mutually uncomprehending collision of Western occupiers and Muslim occupied has never been captured with such dispassionate, thrilling clarity." Boston Globe
Caring Network -Three keys to more abundant living: caring about others, daring for others, sharing with others -William A. WardAre you aware of a member who needs a helping hand such as a ride to the Meeting House for Sunday services or an Adult Program, transportation to a medical appointment or some food? Can you provide rides or make something to put into the CN freezer? If so, please send Diana Heymann, Chair of the Caring Network an email at(heydiana(at symbol)comcast.net), call her at 860.461.0908. 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 also available to help you. Call InfoLine at 211.
Further Down The Road (About 30 Days)
Help plan a picnic and - The annual business meeting this year will hopefully include a revival of the end of year picnic some of you have loved in past, AND the introduction of something from BJ's past she refers to as -"'singing and dinner on the ground." More
The Fathers' day event previously mentioned in this space scheduled for June 15th has been cancelled for various reasons. Please delete this item from your calendars if recorded there.
On the CalendarThursday, April 17
9:00 am Organ Tuning, Sanctuary
Friday, April 18
1:00 pm Transitional Group, Library
Saturday, April 19
9:00 am - 10:00 pm Rental, Fellowship Hall
6:00 pm Taize Communion, Chapel
Sunday, April 20
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Coming of Age, Fuller
10:00 am Disabilities, Library
10:00 am Youth Choir, Chapel
10:30 am Children’s Choir, Chapel
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
12:00 pm UAMW Bake Sale, Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm Fishburn Memorial, Sanctuary/Library
1:30 pm Eat by Choice, Not by Habit, Servetus
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
Monday, April 21
2:45 pm Rental, Library
7:00 pm Interweave, Servetus
7:00 pm NVC 4 Practice, Emerson
7:00 pm Pathways to Membership, Library
Tuesday, April 22
7:00 pm Working with Nonviolence, Library
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, April 23
5:15 pm Tai Chi for Health, Fellowship Hall
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, April 24
3:30 pm Fitzgerald rehearsal, Sanctuary
7:00 pm BTWWDA, Fellowship Hall
Friday, April 25
5:30 pm Family Friendly SGM, Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm Fitzgerald rehearsal, Sanctuary
Saturday, April 26
10:30 am Rental, Chapel
7:00 pm Sankofa Kuumba Dance and Drumming, Sanctuary
Sunday, April 27
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, CHAPEL
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Youth Choir, Chapel
10:00 am Coming of Age, Fuller
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
12:00 pm Photo Directory Pictures Taken, Fellowship Hall
12:30 pm SGM Facilitators, Servetus
1:00 pm Council on Social Justice, Library
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
4:00 pm Worship Associates Training, Emerson
7:00 pm UPA Capella, Sanctuary
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!Our USH Photo Directory – Is your photo missing from the Directory? Your next opportunity will be April 27th. See the man with the camera after the service. More
External Events and Educational Notes
Unnatural Causes - The CT Women's Health Campaign is holding a community conversation on the PBS documentary "Unnatural Causes" on April 29th. It deals with the social determinants of health including race, class, ethnicity, income.
A Benefit Concert Cynthia Alan Wolcott & Guests Featuring roots music to Rogers & Hart, Fiddle tunes to 4-part harmony - Sunday April 30, 2008 at 4PM Universalist Unitarian Church 433 Fern Street West Hartford, CT 860-233-3669 Donation $10/adult $5/students. (Proceeds Benefit the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN))
Getting to Know the Lay Listeners
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? - A Green Sanctuary committee has recently been formed under the Social Justice Information & Advocacy Sub-Council in order to help shepherd our congregation through the process of becoming accredited as a Green Sanctuary through the UUA.
"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 (though these choices are an important part of the overall life style); it is about choosing to live in a way that nurtures life, builds relationships, and rejects material consumption as the sole determinant of happiness."
Touching on all aspects of congregational life, we will begin with an assessment of where we are now in terms of sustainability and then develop an action plan of projects we would like to undertake to reach these program goals:
If you are interested in joining us, please email Bev Prager at bev_prager(at symbol)hotmail.com.
- To build awareness of societal environmental issues among UUs.
- To generate commitment for personal lifestyle changes.
- To motivate UUs to community action on environmental issues.
- To build a connection between spiritual practice and environmental consciousness.
- To build awareness of and rectify environmental injustices.
From the Editor: There is a constant need to make known various USH events to members and friends who would attend, join, participate or become part of the planning for the event. This publication is a good vehicle for accomplishing the desired end. To successfully carry out the communication role, however, two things must be done. You need to consistently read it yourself and submit items for publication by Wednesday by 4:30 PM for inclusion in the overnight publication available for members and friends' internet browsers the next day.
For those who favor paper publications, items for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the prior month for inclusion in the Meetinghouse Messenger issued around the first of each month, except July and August. DCN
This Week’s Feature Articles
Our Critic Reports Back!
Ministry in the Border Lands
Connecticut Activist (& USH Member) Wins National Award
USH and Noah Webster Partnership Program Update
Becoming Accredited as a Green SanctuaryOur Critic Reports Back! - This morning I had a lovely experience, which can be your experience too. I sat in at a rehearsal of the Sankofa Kuumba Cultural Heritage group, as the dancers, drummers and story tellers prepared for their performance here at the Meeting House to take place at 7 P.M. on Saturday evening, April 26.
The spirit and energy of this group are contagious and their talent is abundant, right down to that of the three delightful little girls, who are an integral part of the performance and who will prompt you to join right in.The first part of this hour long performance will be in the Sanctuary. There will be a special honor bestowed on the eldest person in the audience during the first part of the performance. The second half will begin with a procession, which will lead the audience down to Fellowship Hall, where a major participatory event will happen as folks of all ages will be encouraged to come up and dance with the troop.
I was “the audience” during the dress rehearsal and loved learning and doing the simple, bouncy and fun-to-do steps of African dances, taught by the three little charmers.
The tickets to this event are reasonably priced ($20 max per family, $5 for a child, and $10 for an adult), Our Unitarian Performing Arts sub-council has made a commitment to this congregation and the larger community to present at least one performance per year that will be family oriented in content and will teach us all about other cultures and serve as a bridge to the community at large. This is an opportunity to share in an enriching cultural and social experience; one that will be enjoyed by children and adults.
We have invited 21 children and 10 staff members from the Village, next door, to come as our guests to this performance. It will be a welcome respite and uplifting to the spirits of these kids, some of whom do not get to go home on weekends and whose social sorties outside the Village are limited.Due to the generosity of members of our congregation, we have collected all but $80 of the funds to cover the cost of these tickets. It is also a time when we can meet these children and the adults who care for them and begin to build relationships with these neighbors across the lawn.
So, I invite and entreat you to come with your whole family (be sure to bring Grandma and Grandpa) and, when you buy a ticket, purchase one for a child or staff member from the Village too. Also, if you are a member of this congregation and wish to attend, but your family budget constraints will prevent you from attending, contact either Brian (233-9897) or Edith (232-5603). We will make sure that you get to come and have fun.
I hope you can feel the love and connection I am sending all of you via these words. - Edith SavageMinistry in the Border Lands - If you have acrophobia, as I do, Rev. BJ's sermon on Sunday may have made you a mite dizzy-- with its frequent exhortations to “come to the edge.” Coming to the edge can be scary, she said.
Rev. BJ tied this idea to the theme of this year's General Assembly, “Ministry in the Border Lands,” which centers around reaching across religious identities both here in our own church and in the wider world to “embrace interfaith as our norm.” In creating diversity within our own church, Rev. BJ acknowledged it might be “hard to squeeze more chairs around the table when we have enjoyed so much elbow room.” But we need to be reminded as a group that we have to try going to the edge, try stepping from the known to the unknown rather than stagnating in sameness.
If we find the courage to step off that edge, Rev. BJ said, we will either find something solid to step on or we will know how to fly.
Sunday's service looked not only towards the future, but also back to Frances David, founder of the Unitarian faith. That was in then independent Transylvania, back in the sixteenth century. Now Transylvania is part of Romania and the USH and the Burlington, Vermont, UU churches are both partner churches with the Lupeny, Romania Unitarian church.
In 1997, a group from our church visited Lupeny. In 2002, Louise and Ralph Schmoll, who had been on that trip, visited Vermont and recalled their visit. About two and a half years ago, five members of the Burlington church visited Lupeny. Sunday's guest speakers Anna and Bill Klock from Burlington described their Transylvania trip. They were impressed by how the religions in the area work together and support one another, by the “constant reminder of the Unitarian presence and influence” and by the Unitarians' love and dedication to their faith.” While in Lupeny, they visited the monument to Francis David. The Klocks said the trip reinforced their roots in the Unitarian faith and gave them a feeling of “reaching across the world to show we care.”
The relationship between the USH and the Lupeny Unitarian church started in 1990. Sunday's offering will go to benefit our sister church. - Kayla Costenoble
Connecticut Activist Wins National Award (our member we note with pride!)- True Colors, Inc. is proud to announce that founder and current Executive Director, Robin Passariello McHaelen, MSW was selected by the National Education Association (NEA) to receive the 2008 Virginia Uribe* Award for Creative Leadership in Human Rights in recognition of her efforts on behalf of those lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) youth.McHaelen will join 14 other civil and human rights recipients who work tirelessly to promote social justice and dignity for all citizens at an awards ceremony in connection with NEA's Annual Meeting in July.
In announcing the award, True Colors Board President Cheryl Parks said, "Speaking on behalf of the Board and staff of True Colors, Inc., we could not be prouder that Robin has received this well deserved recognition from the NEA. As the founding director of True Colors, which celebrated its 15th year anniversary in 2008, Robin identified and responded to the needs for better information, improved professional training, advocacy and support to benefit sexual minority youth and their families in Connecticut.
Her leadership - of True Colors and in addressing the ongoing and evolving issues of discrimination and harassment confronting LGBTI youth - has been critical to the greater understanding, improved awareness, and enhanced services now becoming available to these youth. Robin has been, and I'm sure will continue to be, an inspiration to all - the youth, their families, educators and service providers - who have had the good fortune to witness her enthusiasm and commitment to the work she does. She is truly a leader who has had the vision and the heart to make a real difference in the lives of LGBTI youth. "
Ms. McHaelen noted that she was "touched and honored by this recognition - and very grateful to the folks who nominated me." She went on to say "I am very aware that I do my work standing on the shoulders of giants - people like Virginia Uribe who started the world's first Gay/Straight Alliance, as well as activists across Connecticut whose activism have helped create the laws and policies that make our state a leader in human rights for LGBTI youth, adults and families."
The 2008 Award will be presented at the NEA's annual meeting in Washington,
DC on July 2, 2008.USH and Noah Webster Partnership Program Update - Ask any of the current USH volunteers at Noah Webster what their tutoring experience has been like and I will bet all of them tell you how rewarding and uplifting it has been! USH should be quite proud that it has responded with such enthusiasm and interest. One volunteer recently told me that “once you meet these kids, you fall in love with them”!!
In addition to the tutors that have volunteered in the first and second grades, plans are underway to do a “mock court”, a poetry class and a class for teachers in nonviolent communications. These are all wonderful ideas that will enrich and make a difference in the lives of students, teachers AND volunteers.
In all, 22 USH individuals have volunteered to get involved in Noah Webster School. As things evolve there will be opportunities for other kinds of involvement. For example, at a recent Noah Webster PTA meeting, parents suggested some other ideas: A “How to Stretch Your Dollar” class for Parents, or helping to find a spot to develop a Noah Webster community garden, a once a month “Math Night,” after school music lessons, foreign language enrichment classes for parents and kids. On June 7th, Noah Webster will hold their annual FUN FAIR and it would be great for USH to sponsor a few activities.
Some folks have asked why Noah Webster – a school that seems to be one of the better schools in Hartford with a brand new school and resources that other Hartford schools still lack. These are all good questions. There are several responses to that question:
- Noah Webster is a Title 1 school which means that an overwhelming majority of the students are low income and qualify for certain services. More than 95% of the kids receive free or reduced lunch. Some families cannot even afford a new uniform every year for their child.
- There are many students who should be getting additional help but “fall through the cracks” because they just miss the special education cut-off for services. These kids need both mentoring and tutoring to ensure growth and success inside and outside of the classroom.
- There are many parents in need of a parenting skills program. Recently the Assistant Principal met with our planning committee and underscored the need for more parental involvement and support programs for parents.
- The Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice (ICEJ) which is heading the effort to get six congregations involved at Noah Webster already had some informal presence at the school and wanted to build on this involvement. It made sense to develop and formalize efforts already underway.
- Because of all the restructuring going on now in the Hartford schools, under the new Superintendent, many of the other Hartford schools were “off-limits” until certain decisions were made about their future and redesign.
- It is the vision of ICEJ that once a structure is in place at Noah Webster to grow and sustain the programs, that we can turn our efforts and focus on another school, understanding that each experience will be unique and need to be sensitive to the school and neighborhood environment.
In the fall, our own Rev. Jamestone, also a tutor at Noah Webster has offered to hold a NW Reflection group. BJ feels strongly that action and reflection go hand in hand. This will be another powerful experience for volunteers that will provide a spiritual context and framework for their experience at NW. A date will be chosen for early September.
We hope to provide monthly updates about the NW and USH Partnership Program. We encourage all volunteers to share, in writing, their thoughts, reflections and experiences, as well. This is only the beginning of what will be a wonderful adventure so stay tuned!!
For more information about the program, contact Shai Cassell at 930-4278 or email her at shaileen@sbcglobal.net or Bill LaPorte-Bryan at BillLB@ushartford.com. or call him at 953-0192.
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 HartfordLet us know of any comments, errors and corrections - thanks (revised 04/17/08 10:15 PM)
