USH-Enews Apiril 19, 2007 Print Only Edition

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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.

This banner, first hung on Easter Sunday, honors Easter, Passover, and Spring. The squares were constructed by children in the Spirit Play Class, with help from David Principe, Janine Chapdelaine, Stu Garmise and Diane Cadrain. They were assembled by Diane and Hannah Roditi. “May our congregation continue to embrace its members as branches and leaves shelter a nest and a nest shelters its eggs.”

Sunday - 22 April - What’s a pulpit for? - UUs are proud of our "free pulpit" and "free pew.” What do these terms mean? Is there a unique role played by our "free pulpit," in creating an experience not available through other communication venues?

UU preacher John Nichols wrote, “The worship hour is the single most important pastoral care experience for most parishioners. The pulpit sets a tone for celebration of faith and challenge to act it out within the congregation, and in the wider world.” How can we use the worship hour to honor both the inwardness of faith, and the outwardness of its expression in justice and kindness?

Music: Music for Earth Day includes a preview of the Installation music: David L. Brunner’s beautiful “Song of the Earth Spirit” and a most unusual selection from our hymnal. “The Earth Is Home” by William Albright is not your usual hymn, but it has a haunting effect with chord clusters in the organ under a chant-like melody. It’s Hymn #310 – try humming along!

We have been very fortunate this year to enjoy the talents of Vaughn Mauren at the organ each Sunday, and especially in the splendid concert he gave in February inaugurating our newly refurbished organ.

We are both happy and sad to report Vaughn will be graduating from Trinity College in May, and so May 6th (Music Sunday) will be his last Sunday with us as he will be heading off to Yale next year for graduate work in organ studies. We’ll relish this last chance to hear him play the Meeting House’s Austin-Walker organ. We wish him well as he pursues his career as an organist, and we know he'll find great success.

And, please note, Vaughn Mauren is the featured organist at a Trinity College concert on Friday, April 20 at 7:30 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear our organist playing some of his favorite works on another of the Hartford area's magnificent organs in an acoustically perfect setting.

Please read on further - see the announcement of the appointment of our new Music Associate.

RE - Middle School Parents! A reminder that our youth will be going to Windsor on April 29th to visit the Islamic Center of CT. More

RE Family Registration is coming up soon! To properly plan for next year's Religious Education program, the Religious Education Sub-Council will be requesting that families with children complete and return registration sheets. Your cooperation and timely response will be greatly appreciated. THANKS!

From the Editor: If I had the time for further preparation this week, when you clicked on this USH-Enews you would be greeted with a "blast" of organ music, or some super vocal singing. We have big news of music personnel changes and happy news at that!

A Word from Rev BJ: A bit of history please? - I’d like to hear how you’ve traditionally "wrapped up" the church year.

I inherited from Arline the line, “Celebration Sunday with picnic and flower communion,” for the second Sunday in June. Is Celebration Sunday and the observance of flower communion a long standing practice for the last Sunday of the church year, back when yall did not have church during the summer? Arline reminded me it’s nice to say thank you for jobs well done, and said I might do a "recognition and appreciation" ritual for leaders on that Sunday.

What do you recall about rituals for beginning summer, for showing gratitude? Do you come to church in summer? I understand we do not have regular RE classes in the summer, but that we provide a summer enrichment program. What might we include in that program that would make you and your kids want to come? If you are an adult who typically stays home in summer, what would entice you to come to Sunday worship? Are there valid reasons for not having Sunday worship in summer?

Please email me, and David Newton as well if you’d be willing to have your comments published in the USH-Enews. I’m dreaming up new traditions and want to root them deeply in the old ones! - BJ

Music Associate Appointed - We are delighted to announce a new appointment to our Music Department.

The Music Associate for USH will be John Jesensky, who is currently our tenor section leader. The Music Associate position will incorporate playing organ and piano for Worship services and accompanying the Choir and soloists. And, John will also develop ways to lead congregational singing, in conjunction with Mattie. Most exciting, John will create a new Celebration Choir specifically designed for those who love to lift their voices and spirits in song but who don't yet feel like confident singers.

John Jesensky lives in Cheshire and is completing his senior year as a Music Theory & Composition Major at The Hartt School of the University of Hartford. John is an accomplished pianist and (encouraged by Tom Schmutzler) has been energetically studying organ all this year. He has a strong background in gospel-style piano, a cappella singing, euphonium (like a miniature tuba) and many other musical pursuits, although his first love is composition. He has composed a symphony, a cello concerto, and incidental pieces for brass band and Wind Ensemble, including one performed at the CMEA Festival and also by the CT Symphony Band. He is currently working on an organ and choir piece as well as a concerto for rock band and orchestra.

John’s vision for the Celebration Choir and the expansion of music at USH includes a bridging of musical worlds between both Celebration and Chancel Choirs and the Congregation. Through the exploration of contemporary and traditional music, as well as the joining of music-making among all members of the USH, he hopes to broaden the musical perspectives of our community and empower everyone to sing out with spirit!

Quaker Leader Explains How Things Get Done - Debbie Humphries, a leader in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), discussed a variety of topics—from the value of work to the decision-making process—during her sermon and after-sermon forum at the Meeting House last Sunday.

The congregation’s first task, as part of the Sunday service, was to sit in silence and consider two questions: What work are you called to do? And what work are you called not to do? Ms. Humphries used a passage from Luke, where Jesus comes to visit and one sister, Martha, is disgruntled at having to do all the mundane work while her sister Mary sits and listens to him, to illustrate two kinds of work—the physical and the spiritual.

Ms. Humphries bemoaned the fact that our society considers certain kinds of work “better” than others, so we treat the mundane jobs less respectfully. She suggested it would cause less havoc for a professor to be absent a few days than it would if the janitor who works in the same place was gone. Those of us who think we have bit parts in the play that is life may turn out to have important roles.

We have to accept and honor the value of our own work, she said. There are many different kinds of work that need to be done. We must change the system so there are fewer homeless, poor, hungry and sick. “All of us need to do our work in tune with the unity of creation," she said.

About 25 persons attended the talkback sponsored by the USH Task Force on Public Policy, a group formed to develop a process for bringing important social justice issues before the congregation. Ms. Humphries’ “advertised” subject for the talkback was the Quaker process for making decisions on social justice issues, but it became clear that the four-step process the Quakers use is the same for all issues.

The participants’ first task was to get out of the regular seats in the Chapel and form a circle. Ms. Humphries, a long-time friend of Society President Charles Huntington, who is also chair of the Public Policy Task Force, listed and discussed the Quaker four-step process.

It is grounded in worship. The opening silence lets the members be guided by the spirit and, when discussions become heated, silence is often requested.

There is the role of the clerk. This important person has to hear what is being said and what is not being said. All conversation is directed to the clerk; there is no face-to-face confrontation between individuals. Ms. Humphries stressed that the Quaker method allows one to speak openly and from the heart, to build relationships and trust. It is a way to honor someone else who makes a decision different from you. Trust is fundamental. One has to listen to and be open to opposing opinion. One has to be willing to accept and release one’s own opinion. Quakers surrender to the possibility of change.

The process takes time. “Making decisions this way takes forever—sometimes,” Ms. Humphries said. It’s hard to do if there is a time pressure. There is a need for space so people can voice their opinions, hopes and fears, and can hear different perspectives. This space allows people to bridge their differences and listen deeper. Because of the long time allowed, Ms. Humphries said, “Quakers very often don’t sign on to things because of the time issue.”

Decisions are always a sense of the meeting rather than a consensus. A member can choose to stand aside OR stand in the way of a decision. One individual can block the “sense of the meeting.” Ms. Humphries was questioned about how people felt about this. She replied that, if we (Quakers) have done all we can, we feel okay. We are interested in opposing views and how others think, she explained. We have trust, and we respect those who disagree.

One attendee felt that UUs have a passionate determination to win. Ms. Humphries responded, “If this is the goal, no one wins.” Another attendee noted that Quakers, like Unitarians, have atheists and agnostics in their congregations and are primarily religious liberals, but some religious liberals are moderate or even of a rightist political persuasion. How would Quakers react to a political controversy over endorsing an anti-way rally, as we had recently at the Meeting House? Ms. Humphries explained that although Quakers have always been against war, they try to avoid such issues. - Kayla Costenoble

Calling for Nominations - Each year the Nominating Committee of the Board puts forth a request for anyone interested in serving in an elected position on the Board. This is one of the most important and rewarding roles that a member can experience. Each of the positions is a two-year term with the exception of the President Elect, which is a one year term leading to a subsequent one-year term as President of the Board. The Board meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 7:00 – 9:00 PM.

The positions for which we are currently seeking nominations include President-Elect, Secretary and one at-large member.

For more information or to submit a nomination (including for yourself!) contact Rev. BJ or Rebecca Bryan, Nominating Chairperson at Rebecca.m.bryan(at symbol)gmail.com (860) 882-9410. Nominations are due by May 2, 2007.

Want Your Event Publicized? - Please Note Proper Use of The Meeting House Weekly More

Torch & Tango comes to the Meeting House Saturday, April 28th at 7:30 PM !

Don’t miss this hot combo: Classic torch songs like “Summertime” and “Stormy Weather” along with authentic tangos (in Spanish) to warm you on a cool April evening.

The Unitarian Society of Hartford's Performing Arts Series is delighted to present “Torch & Tango,” an extravaganza of popular songs, Argentinean tango, and dance, featuring Meeting House regular Patrice Fitzgerald and Argentine native Gabriel Löfvall. Guest vocalist Richard Leslie will join the duo and add some zesty trumpet licks. Piano accompaniment will be provided by Löfvall and Daniel Pereira. Tango instructors will be standing by to encourage those who dare to dance!

Photo

Come enjoy this sizzling music and dance combination, while sipping wine and munching on mouth watering treats. Tickets are $15 and should be reserved by calling the USH Office at (860) 233-9897.

Proceeds will benefit the upcoming Brazil tour of Vallis Musicae, an area choir which includes singers from the Society.

The 2007 Torch & Tango CD (hot off the presses) will be available for sale after the performance.

Photo, (Yes we are still at it!) Opportunity - Check your name on the photo sheet posted in Fellowship Hall (or just check now) and if you are listed, see Anne Bailey or David Newton during coffee hour for a quick photo. It's a snap! What is this all about?

Walk Against Hunger Planned - Saturday May 6th - Check in 1 PM, Walk begins at 2 PM distance, about three miles. More - Also see the Brochure and finally, see John Stowe

W A Education Grant Applications Available More

Caring Network: It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference. ~Tom Brokaw - 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. A wide range of community services are available to help you. Call InfoLine at 211.

Thursday, April 19
10:00 am International Women’s Circle, Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm An Amazing Journey, Library

Friday, April 20
6:00 pm Supper and Games Night, CANCELLED

Saturday, April 21
11:00 am – 5:00 pm Rental – Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm Body Burden health event, Fellowship Hall

Sunday, April 22
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, CHAPEL
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Children’s Choir, Chapel
10:15 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:30 am Chalice Choir, Fuller
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
12:00 noon Women’s Alliance Annual Meeting, Library
12:15 pm Musical Review, Chapel

Monday, April 23
1:00 – 3:00 pm Rental, Library
6:30 pm Survivors of Incest Anonymous, Murray
7:00 pm Pathways to Membership, Library
7:00 pm Pathways childcare, Nursery

Tuesday, April 24
7:00 pm Less than 10 (IASC), Ballou
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, April 25
10:00 – 11:00 am Staff Meeting, Minister’s Study (OFFICE CLOSED)
6:00 pm Buddhism, Emerson
6:30 pm Tai Chi, Fellowship Hall
7:30 pm Choir, Sanctuary

Thursday, April 26
7:00 pm An Amazing Journey, Library

Saturday, April 28
10:30 am – 2:00 pm Rental, Chapel
7:30 pm Torch and Tango Cabaret, Fellowship Hall

Sunday, April 29
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 Disabilities, Library
10:15 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:30 am Chalice Choir, Fuller
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 noon Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
12:30 pm SGM Facilitators, Library
12:45 pm “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts”, a Spike Lee film, Fellowship Hall

Italicized entries are non-USH events.

Please notify the office of all additions or changes to the calendar. To get on the calendar, call 233.9897

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)

Preparing for military chaplaincy
Two Unitarian Universalist seminarians say many in the military are receptive to liberal religion. - By Leah Rubin-Cadrain (Yup, Leah is one of our very own! Are we proud or what?)

Please click on the following link or copy and paste it into your web browser:
and click on Leah's name for a picture)

Just bag it! What about plastic bags? Americans throw away about 1 billion plastic bags in a year; less than one percent of these are recycled. Plastic bags come from petroleum, and the manufacturing of just 14 of those plastic bags uses the same amount of oil that it would take to drive a car one mile.

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