USH-Enews April 29, 2010 Print Only Edition

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 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.

Contributors please take note. For next week the deadline will be Tuesday at 4:30 PM for USH-Enews articles and announcements. The newsletter will be posted on Thursday, perhaps somewhat later than normal.

Sunday 2 May - Radical Amazement: The Marriage of Reason and Wonder - Pulpit Guest, Gail M. Syring, Director of Religious Education - Even in childhood, our basic human need to understand is deeply embedded in our collective psyche. As anyone who has spent the afternoon with a four year old can attest, "But why?" is a fundamental and universal refrain. As adults, we need to be mindful of the power of wonder as well as information. The things we know but cannot articulate, the truths that define us but defy explanation, these are our experiences of radical amazement. As Abraham J. Heschel asks us to consider: "What formula could explain and solve the enigma of the very act of thinking?"

Economic Conversation - We will have an Economic Conversation this Sunday after the service, to talk about the development of the 2010-2011 budget. Please join us to learn more and to provide feedback on the process.

Any visitors or newcomers are invited to come to the First Sunday USH Connections session held after the service this coming Sunday at 11:45. No need to register – just come! You will have the opportunity to share your thoughts about what you are looking for in a religious community and explore ways to become more connected here at USH. Interested members/friends are welcome to drop in, as well.

Bring your coffee and join us between the stairs in the lower lobby lounge area. Childcare will be available, if needed, and light snacks as well. We will plan to wrap up by 1:00 at the latest.

Music - On the 1st Sunday of (nearly) every month our organist Mark Child reveals his artistry on our wonderful Austin/Walker organ. Many of us find depth of understanding and spiritual experience through the uplifting sounds of this magnificent instrument.

Spirit Play: Maria Mitchell
Second & Third Grade: UU Superheroes: Pete Seeger
Fourth & Fifth Grade: Spirit of Adventure: Peter Cooper: Jell-O Creations
Sixth & Seventh Grade: Buddhism
Eighth Grade: Coming of Age
Youth Group Activities: Discussion and Worship Planning

Invitation to the Coming of Age Worship Service

On Saturday, May 15th at 2PM, three of our eighth grade students will complete their Coming of Age program by offering a worship service in the Chapel. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. The students will be offering music and dramatic presentations that illustrate their personal experience of Unitarian Universalism. These rising ninth graders will then be bridged into the High School Youth Group at the youth service on Sunday, May 16th.

What You Can Do For USH

Attend the Coming of Age Service in the Chapel on Saturday, May 15th at 2 PM and the Youth Service, Sunday, May 16th at 10:30 AM

From the Editor: Suggestions for Contributors.

This Week’s Feature Articles

Food Bank Needs Continue at High Level
Annual Meeting Planned
Stewardship Drive Concluded
All Those Needs
Music Sunday Coming Soon
Rev. Cooley Moves to New Job
A Sunday for Everyone
An Opinion

Photo

Let's not forget - how easy it is to help the needy in our communities. Please make it a habit to bring food on Sunday or a check that buys fresh meat and produce. (Made out to USH, memo Horace Bushnell Food Pantry). Above food put out for bagging for a recipient. Not shown is meat and fruit bought with money donations as were the potatoes and yams shown above. For each of the first three months of 2010, an average of 741 families were served, 1,156 children, 707 adults, 548 seniors - 2,1000 + meals.

We have a long relationship with this food pantry; we hope we do not falter. Some hints: talk to your children about this & get them to be responsible for remembering to take items each Sunday. With warmer weather you can keep a supply of cans in your trunk and deal them out each Sunday. - Peter Magistri & Joan Kemble IASC

27th Annual Walk Against Hunger - Sunday, May 2 Sponsored by Foodshare. Take a sandwich to church, then drive to The Hartford, to join all the walkers (around Asylum Hill). In 2009 Foodshare saw an increase of 30% in the need for food assistance.

Two ways you can help: bring food items for Horace Bushnell Food Pantry on Sundays, and get sponsors for the walk with hundreds of others who want to help. See www.foodshare.org for a form. - IASC

Annual Meeting, Elections, Constitutional Changes set for Sunday May 23rd. Here is the Agenda

The Stewardship Drive - for the upcoming fiscal year has officially ended and we have raised $310,967 toward our goal of $345,000 . While we anticipate that a few more pledges may continue to come into the office, we have given this final pledge drive result to the Board and the Finance Sub-Council for them to use as they craft a budget for the upcoming year. The impact of the reduced pledge total will be reflected in the budget that will be presented to the congregation shortly.

We are a truly blessed community. Overall, all those who were able to pledge this year increased their pledges by 9%, with some increasing their giving by as much as 167%. We also know that for some, this has been a difficult year financially and they were not able to pledge. It speaks to us as a spiritual community that we know and recognize that not all gifts are financial, and that the way we survive and flourish is to work together to provide all that we need for each other, each in whatever way we can.

Thank you to all who were able to pledge, to all those who opened their hearts to us when we called and to all those who come here and bring their gifts of time and treasures beyond money. - Sue Kinney

Important IASC Survey Now Available - Please take a minute or two for the Information and Advocacy Sub-Council Survey. Its purpose is to prioritize the issues that will be presented at GA this year, and your input will help our delegates in voting on the resolution. Thank you in advance for your opinions.

Just click on the link below; there are just six questions (plus some room for your unique input). If you have other questions or longer comments, you may forward them to us at : ia@ushartford.com Here it is the survey.

Highlights of April 13, 2010 Board Meeting - The Board of Directors conducted the following business at the April meeting:

Confirmed the final slate of nominations for the Annual Meeting.
Confirmed the proposed changes to the USH Constitution to be presented and voted upon at the Annual Meeting.
Voted to restore the reductions to Rev. Jamestone’s compensation package ($2,000), the Endowment ($1,000), and Clara Barton District dues ($2,000), as recommended by the Finance Sub-Council.
Received an update on the Stewardship Campaign’s results.
Agreed to review and vote via email the proposed policy regarding Bequests. (Vote since completed and policy now on website.)
Discussed the Capital requests from the Building and Grounds Sub-Council to withdraw $65,000 from the Endowment to pay for roof repairs, sidewalk repairs, and new carpeting for the Ambulatory, Sanctuary, and downstairs lobby. Asked Joe Rubin, as Chair of Administration, to review the requests in more detail with B&G for further discussion at May Board meeting.
Discussed plans for May 2 Economic Conversation #3 with congregation following the worship service.
Reviewed excellent report prepared by Minister’s Outreach Team summarizing “exit interviews” of those who no longer attend USH. Many thanks to those who worked on the informative and well-documented report; it will be of great use by USH leaders.
Discussed proposal to create a two year initiative focusing on “mission and membership”; agreed that Sue Kinney, Bill LaPorte-Bryan, and Carolyn Cartland would meet with Rev. Jamestone to refine details for presentation at May Board meeting. - Carolyn Cartland, President

All Those Needs! - Our Spiritual Life theme for this year has been “Tending Our Circle of Care” and in worship, we have explored the things that need tending when caring is the goal — caring as in affection and caring as in being of service. The word ministry encompasses each of those definitions of care, as its core meaning is to be of service to that which one values.

We have explored the individual and communal needs for participation, self-determination, creativity, and others that are considered to be among the nine core human needs or values sets. This month we come to the need for understanding, which may be synonymous with wisdom about any number of things or it may be about our yearning to be known, accepted….understood!

The religious enterprise survives across time and all cultures, in part, because it addresses both of those aspects of the core human drive and yearning for understanding. Krista Tippett is a journalist whose NPR program “Speaking of Faith” has become a favorite for many UUs. She explores the ways that religion impacts and is impacted by contemporary cultural and political realities around the world through interviews with, not only professional religious, but scientists, poets, engineers, politicians and others whose occupational focus is, on the surface, far from religious.

Over the years she has made contribution to the lives of her listeners in that she offers the ingredients for growing in wisdom, if one is willing to stay in the kitchen even when it gets hot. Further, she suggests in subtle ways that kindness toward others and being the recipient of compassionate understanding may actually save us, and the world, step by step. Her work will be the focus on two sermons in May (23 and 30).

We will complete this exploration of human needs and how we may be in ministry to those needs in June, when the need is "leisure."

I have a dozen copies of Tippett’s first book, “Speaking of Faith” for sale to those who would like to join me for an informal study for three evenings in late June and early July. (Revbj@ushartford.com) - Rev BJ

Rev. Cooley Moving on -
April 20, 2010
Dear Friends,

It is with great excitement as well as some regret that I announce to you that I have been asked to become the Director of Congregational Life at the UUA. This is the department that oversees all of district and congregational resource services.

It is very difficult to contemplate leaving the Mass Bay and Clara Barton Districts at this incredibly exciting time of shared staffing and re-envisioning of our district services. I feel, though, that this opportunity gives us a chance to bring our model and experience to the larger UUA and can help inform and influence our whole movement toward innovation and new concepts of serving congregations.

During my five years in serving the Mass Bay District as District Executive, and my few months in getting to know the communities in Clara Barton, my faith in our movement has grown. Witnessing your willingness to deepen your relationships, commitment and relevance to the surrounding communities has been profoundly moving to me, and I have been gratified to play a small part in assisting your dedication. Working with our lay leaders, ministers, religious educators and other religious professionals has been inspirational, and I am thankful every day for your service to our movement.

The work of bringing together the staffs of both Districts will continue, and shortly the Board Presidents will be in touch with you about plans for the future. I will continue with you until September 1, assuring a smooth transition. In the meantime, I, and our fabulous staff - Rev. Sue Phillips, Deb Levering, Judy Murray and Meck Groot - will be available to you for whatever need you may have.

I am especially grateful to our District Boards, and their Presidents - Maris Cornell and Pat Manley - for their visionary leadership. I know you can continue to depend upon them for moving us forward.

Please be in touch with me about any questions or concerns you may have.

Yours in faith,
The Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley

A Sunday for Everyone - It was one of those days at the Meeting House on Sunday, April 18 when there was something for everyone—sermon, singing, celebration, soup, travelogue and lots of togetherness.

Reverend BJ’s SERMON title was a long one: Religious Naturalism: Loving Pachamama, Our Mother the Earth. Its message: religious naturalism informs our minds, inspires our hearts and moves our feet. It asks us to locate feelings of awe, wonder and reverence and to find meaning in the natural world. Our religious quest is informed and guided by our deep involvement in the natural world. Also by a mindful understanding inherent in our human traditions and in our community.

We need a set of human values and concerns relating to peace, justice, divinity, dignity and sustainability, Reverend BJ said. The principles that govern the natural world also govern our lives. We are committed to the scientific method, which rules out the supernatural and God as traditionally understood. Reverend BJ quoted one religious naturalist as saying, “We are free to do what we want but not free to want what we want.” Religious naturalism has the potential to be a unifying ideology.

At a recent workshop Reverend BJ attended, a Hartford city minister was describing how narrow the world is for many city kids. Many have never been downtown, or more than a few blocks from their home, or across the river or to many places we take for granted. When he took a group of youngsters to a large church in Hartford, filled with multiple church symbols, one youngster shouted out to the minister, “Whatcha all do up in here?”

Reverend BJ suggested that what we do up in here at the Meeting House are the things that matter most. This calls for our time, energy and money. And we hold up in here the candles of memory and hope to mark the joys and sorrows of our lives. We lift up in here words and music. There is “some solidarity and spirit created when we sing together,” she said. We lift up wisdom and justice as we tell our stories.

To describe where we live, Reverend BJ prefers the word “earth” rather than “planet,” which she finds flat and uncomfortable to say. Earth is seen as home, a place where you are comfortable and free to explore. Home reminds you of “mother,” and “motherness is a powerful thing.”

SINGING was an important part of the service. Since it was the third Sunday of the month, we began with the pre-service sing-along as Cantor Melissa Paul led us through two unfamiliar hymns from the hymnal supplement. We were also treated to her solo rendition of Song of the Earth Spirit (Reverend BJ’s favorite song, we learned) during the offering of gifts and music. As always, the music for the service augmented the service theme. Hymn 163, For the Earth Forever Turning, was a paean of praise for skies, seas, mountains, hills, pastures, sun, rain, thunder, seasons, world, home, lives and all creation.

We CELEBRATED the 40 th anniversary of Earth Day listening to Bev Prager’s testimonial recounting what she (Chair of the Green Sanctuary Sub-Council) and the council members have done and are doing to make the Meeting House an official green sanctuary. They include changing lights in church and selling large numbers of green products each Sunday. And she reminded us everyone needs to be part of the change, inch by inch. She asked us to be aware, to make choices and to take small steps. And, to make it easier, we were each given a list of ten changes we could make, both at home and at the Meeting House. This included signing up to learn how to use the Meeting House dishwasher.

SOUP AND A TRAVELOGUE were offered in Fellowship Hall after the service, The vegetable-lentil soup (yum!) was made and sold by the youth group to donate to a soup kitchen. The money they make by selling us some of it is used to buy the ingredients for the next soup.

For us more stay-at-home types, Jen Cook’s computer slide show and commentary on her trip through India driving an autorickshaw was scary and amazing. These brightly-painted contraptions run on gas, have no dashboard, are manually shifted and are started by a crank outside the vehicle—whoever turns the crank then has to hop quickly inside. Jen’s group was among many who had raised money to build schools in rural parts of India. The trip was sponsored by Rotary clubs. Jen allowed that, as a blonde, white woman driving a “car,” she was a most unusual sight and was constantly being photographed. Jen’s presentation was sponsored by the USH’s Alliance for Women. Popcorn and juice were provided. - Kayla Costenoble

Music Sunday - is coming May 9th! By special request of the choir members, this Spring Music Sunday combines some of the best American choral anthems with related American poems, giving us a stirring picture of our country through its words and music. Colonial music by William Billings is paired with poetry of Vermonter Jeremiah Ingalls and brought up to date by Neely Bruce's "First Amendment." Spirituals are linked to Ntozake Shange's marvelous poem "i live in music." May Sarton's lyrics lead to anthems by Emma Lou Diemer and Leonard Bernstein. Aaron Copland's stirring "The Promise of Living" is perfectly set up by Walt Whitman's words. And more! Look at this gorgeous work!

And then, introduced by a reading about the power of choirs, our hugely talented organist Mark Child plays a piece he's been waiting to play ever since he came to the Meeting House: the magnificent "Prelude and Fugue on the name of Jehan Alain" by Maurice Durufle. True, this isn't exactly American music. One could call it compatible, or you could look at the historic friendship between France and the United States. We decided to notice the colors of the two flags, and call the music universal. Whatever you call it, it's wonderful and uplifting, and we hope you'll join us Sunday morning May 9th.

What Else is Happening

ICEJ Covenanting Service - The annual service to recommit to the Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice will be on April 29 at 7 PM, held at the First Presbyterian Church, 136 Capitol Ave. (next to the Bushnell). The Rev. Charles Turner, a dynamic speaker, will give the keynote; He is from Shiloh Baptist Church on Albany Ave. Josh Pawlek, a UU minister jazz drummer, has organized a band for entertainment. Please come and help in having a good turn-out from USH. - Tom & Joan Kemble

Marion Wright Edelman - will give a talk at the State Capitol on April 30 at 1:30 PM in the Old Judiciary Room, 3rd Floor. The talk is entitled Children In The Economic Downturn. - IASC

Hartford has a new Antiques Fair! - We have been very busy establishing our website (thanks to David Newton), creating graphic advertising (courtesy of expert Sarah Gilligan), and utilizing the special logo Rich Ferguson-Hull created. Nita Hansen has does yeoman work on the phone to establish our advertising needs and the first ads will be published in the trade papers this week to entice dealers to join our venture.

Ellie and Jim Venneman are chairing the food committee and gearing up to serve snacks and lunches on the patio of the Memorial Garden (newly christened the Garden Cafe). Please go to the USH home page and click on the "antiques box" to enjoy the display, and reserve the weekend of September 25 - 26 to attend the Fair. - Jean and Richard Groothuis

More Jazz at Church! - Former choir member at USH, our own Patrice Fitzgerald and Richard Leslie invite us to Stratford: Come join us for a night of hot jazz on Friday, May 7, at 8:00 in the First Congregational Church of Stratford, 2301 Main Street, just off I-95 at Exit 32.

Patrice and Richard will sing solos and duets as part of a benefit concert for the church -- featuring the inimitable Dr. Joe Utterback and his fantastic piano stylings. Richard will also throw in some trumpet riffs, our UU friend Ruth Ahlers will be on sax, and we’ll have drums and a bass player to back us up. The night will be full of classic standards along the lines of Summertime, Fever, Cry Me A River, Makin’ Whoopee, and Blues in the Night.

No admission charge — just whatever you can contribute when they come around with the baskets. It’s “Jazz with Dr. Joe!” and we’re really going to loosen up and let our hair down...Don’t miss this sizzling evening! - BJ

Women's Alliance 2010 Education Grant Applications - more

Adult Programs
photo

At the Programs Table this Sunday, you can find out about the new Tai Chi/QiGong program that is being offered starting Wednesday, May 5. You may also register for Painting In The Park With Watercolors, beginning Saturdays, May 8, and the Friday Dinner & Movie, May 14. Refer to the complete description of classes, programs, and events on the web for additional information.

Announcing Summer Small Group Ministry - We are happy to begin registration for summer Small Group Ministry, where small groups meet to share meaningful readings and life experiences. This summer we are offering just one program in July, so you should sign up soon to reserve your place. The group will meet on four Tuesday evenings in July, beginning on July 6. The group will be facilitated by Ginny Allen and hosted by Janice and David Newton. It will meet at the USH Meeting House in air-conditioned space.

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 in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, May 2. If there is no Programs Table at the Coffee Hour on Sunday, please call Janice Newton at 860-677-1121 or email her at dcnewton(at sign)snet.net to register for the Summer SGM. - Mike Roy

May Programs:

New Tai Chi/Qigong class - Both of these practices come from China and are done around the world by millions people each day. They consist of slow gentle movements combined with breath, relaxation and mind intent.

Tai Chi (Taijiquan) is one of the finest products of Chinese philosophy and culture. It is a martial art based on the flow of CHI (life force). Tai Chi is often described as moving meditation that promotes physical wellness, balance and self discipline. Qigong (Chi Gong) works with the fundamental life force that permeates all things. The goal is to remove blockages in the body and mind so that the Chi flows easily and allows the body to heal and balance.

A new class will begin on May 5, 2010 from 5-6 PM to run for four consecutive weeks. The fee is $32.00 per student for the four weeks. You may register any time prior to May 5, 2010. You are welcome to call Ginny Hedrick at 860-677-9272 with any questions.

photo

Painting in the Park with Watercolors

Saturdays, May 8, 15, 22, 29.
Time: 1:30 - 4:00 PM.
Fee: $5.00. More

Ember Days, Wednesday, May 26, 12:00 - 2:00 PM and Friday and Saturday, May 28, 29, 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Led by Rev. Jamestone, these contemplative gatherings to celebrate the wondrous cycles of nature include spiritual exercises and time for personal introspection in silence. Come to any or all of the sessions. No registration needed.

May 14 Dinner and Movie ~ "The Soloist"

photo

"A captivating, inspirational and extraordinary story about the power of friendship and music."*

"Hollywood loves the heroics of good intentions, but this is that rare movie that is just as interested in the road to hell."*

"The Soloist", our next presentation on Friday, May 14, is the moving, true story of an L A Times reporter who becomes acquainted with a homeless, mentally ill man who is a talented musician. The film focuses on the developing relationship between the two men and also on the harsh realities of living on the streets and living with mental illness. Both Jamie Foxx as the musician and Robert Downey Jr. as the columnist give outstanding performances. The 2009 movie is rated PG-13. You can see a trailer here.

We gather for popcorn and libations at 5:30, dinner at 6, movie at 7, followed by optional conversation about the film. Violinist Ginny Allen will lead the discussion and share some recent news about the movie's stars.

Please, if at all possible, register for programs in person during coffee hours on most Sundays. If you cannot register in person, please email Janice Newton dcnewton(at symbol)snet.net and note registration in the subject line, or call 860.677.1121 and leave a message (if we are not home) rather than calling the office. This procedure will be followed for all programs including Small Group Ministry. Your cooperation is deeply appreciated.

Social Justice Journeys (From the UUA) And from USH

Jean Petty Memorial Fund Grants - The Information and Advocacy Sub-Council is seeking potential grant recipients to aid their goals towards peace, justice and environmental well being. In keeping with her tireless work in these areas, the Fund makes it possible to honor Jean’s memory in the best way.

If you think you may qualify for funding, please send your proposal to IASC, c/o Joan Kemble at the Meeting House.

Sign up early for the Peace Train going to the May 2nd NYC Rally for disarmament ! This will be an international rally for disarmament. More

In May, the UN will review the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The nuclear weapons states have failed to meet their obligation to negotiate destroying the weapons under the NPT.

To stop this madness, many political leaders are calling for nuclear abolition now. There is no time to delay.

Sign the global petition to abolish nuclear weapons to be presented in May to the United Nations: Click here - Joan Kemble

Caring Network - I was thrown out of college for cheating on the metaphysics exam; I looked into the soul of the boy next to me. Woody Allen Ward Cleaver "Leave it to Beaver" - 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.- before 10:30 on Sunday. 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.

Green Topics - Did You Know? -

Dishwasher Training - help make light work for all by taking 10 minutes after the service on May 10th to learn how to operate the dishwasher so you can pitch in sometime if needed to wash reusable dishes after an event. Bill (our sunday sexton) will teach a group in the kitchen after the service. This will help reduce using disposable dishes and utensils which use our natural resources and pollute the earth.

We can trust you right? - If you don't see someone at the Green Table some Sunday please just put the money for your purchase in the locked box. Not the right change? Fill out an IOU (provided) stating what you owe us or we owe you and put in the box. Thanks.

Anyone have a fishing tackle box or similar box that can be locked? Please email Bev_prager@hotmail.com.

Further Down The Road (About 30 Days)

On the Calendar - Please notify Brian Mullen of all additions or changes to the calendar. Follow this link to all our scheduled events

A Matter of Opinion

We miss seeing the UU Seven Principles printed on the Sunday Bulletin cover. It is a good reminder of guidelines for us members. It also is valuable for visitors and newcomers to learn about the grounding of Unitarian Universalism. Further, it ties us to the larger UU community - an international organization. Let's bring back these principles.-
Tom and Joan Kemble