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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 April 30, 2009
Jump to: Calendar; What's happening; A matter of opinion; External events; Further down the road; Social justice journeys; Did you know?
Photo by Carol CooperUSH-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.
Leadership Update
As some of you may know, Mike Roy has resigned as President-Elect due to health reasons. At the April Board meeting, the Board appointed Carolyn Cartland to serve the remainder of his term. We are very grateful to both of them for their service.
In addition, Joe Rubin was appointed this month as the new chair for the Council on Administration. Thank you, Joe!
The Nominating Committee has been instrumental in assisting the Board in filling vacancies this year, and is also hard at work preparing the slate of nominees for this year's annual meeting. This slate will be announced shortly.
We look forward to seeing you all at the Annual Meeting on May 31st.
Nina Elgo Board Secretary
Surviving the Current Economy/ Support Group/Networking
Are you interested in joining a career support or networking group? Would you like to explore job-seeking skills with like-minded folks from the Fern Street & Manchester UU churches & the Hartford community beyond USH?
If you are interested in any of the above, please come to an organizational/brainstorming meeting on May 6th at USH at 4:30 PM in Servetus. Can't make it on May 6th? There will be another meeting on Wednesday, May 13 at 4 PM. Please contact me, Esther McKone at ESTMCKONE@aol.com or call 860-677-6682 in Avon to let me know if you will be coming to either of these meetings. If you can't come at these times, call me anyway to let me know of your interest.Any and all ideas are welcome. Also, if you have any experience in career development & networking skills, please contact me - Esther McKone
Worshipping Together Since 1830
Sunday, 9:45 AM and 11:15 AMSunday - 3 May Music Sunday - Choral Ecstasy Featuring two ecstatically marvelous pieces of music. Francis Poulenc was both the “bad boy” of Parisian music and a deeply devout composer of Catholic music. Even his most sacred pieces, such as the “Gloria” we’ll excerpt, still occasionally reveal the flavor of the music hall while aspiring to heavenly sounds.
By contrast, Benjamin Britten, who is well known for serious pieces like the “War Requiem” and the exquisite songs he composed for his partner, tenor Peter Pears, sometimes branched into wit and whimsy. In his “Rejoice in the Lamb” Britten set a long, crazy poem by the 17th century poet Christopher Smart, who wrote it while in an insane asylum. Britten’s music brilliantly reveals the connection between Smart’s lunacy and his fervent faith, two forms of ecstasy. Note: both pieces feature our fantastic soprano soloist, Katie LaPorta, in one of her last solo appearances for us. More
Be prepared, the Alliance will be holding their Bake Sale this Sunday.
Music - (see above)
REflections on Children's Programming -
Religious Education Classes
Spirit Play: Norbert Capek and the Flower Festival
Second & Third Grade: Mother's Peace Day
Fourth & Fifth Grade: We Believe: Everyone Has a Vote
Sixth & Seventh Grade: The Simpsons: Bart Gets an F
Eighth Grade: Coming of Age: Social Action
Youth Group Activities: Discussion and Service Planning
- Gail M. Syring, DRE
What Else is Happening & Announcements
Unitarians can "Talk the Talk," but will they "Walk the Walk"? - On Sunday May 3rd, beginning at 1:00, Foodshare will conduct its 26th annual Walk Against Hunger in Hartford. The goal this year is to raise $475,000 to support Foodshare’s heroic efforts to help feed our hungry neighbors. PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING THIS EFFORT. To sign up go to www.foodshare.org or call (860) 286-9999."
Save the date! - The Board of Directors is sponsoring Congregational Conversation as part of the assessment of the Sunday service configuration. It will be at 12:30 on May 17th, facilitated by Clara Barton District Executive Lynn Thomas. We hope to see you there!
New Sermon Posted - Given the times, Dr Heidi Hansell's sermon, Doing Dialogue; Living Life Together, dealing with the concept of hypocrisy in our society is right on target for a good read. It has just been posted on the web.
Art News - Sunday May 10 at 11:30 AM, you will have the very special opportunity to meet and talk with Joe Sam, whose extraordinary paintings have caught the attention of anyone who has been in the Meeting House recently. It has been an honor and privilege to have the bold and colorful work of this nationally exhibited artist and activist grace the walls of the Ambulatory. Come and meet him and hear him discuss his work, following the single service on May 10.
Reminder: Member-owned, framed, posters for the May 17 to June 7 Exhibit can be taken to the Meeting House on Sunday, May 10th, Monday May 11, Tuesday May 12 or Wednesday May 13th. Brian or Rosie will direct deposit location.
Please call Sara Sturges, or leave a message at 860.658.0577 if you have a poster to contribute. - Sara Sturges
Lay Listeners: Strengthening Our Web of Care
Would you like to get acquainted with all kinds of people at the Meeting House, and to help strengthen our congregation's web of caring relationships? Do you have a yearning to be available to others as a listening presence as they seek discernment, or experience some life passage? If so, please consider applying to become a Lay Listener. Learn more about us, then call the church office about an application. Deadline for application is May 10.Interweave - (formerly called the Welcoming Congregation) will host a USH booth at CT Pride 2009. Pride will be on June 6th from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM. at Bushnell Park. If you'd like to help staff the booth, and haven't already signed up, please join us at our planning meeting on May 3 at 1:00, or call Ann Carnevale at 860-651-0369 or email to: annmarycarnevale(at symbol)gmail.com.
Interweave is Celebrating - spring with a potluck brunch on Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 a.m.! Whether you're a member of Interweave or want to know more, you're welcome to join us! The brunch will be held at Ann and Fran Carnevale's. Please call Ann at 860-651-0369 or email to annmarycarnevale(at symbol)gmail.com for more information or to RSVP.
Educational Grant for Women - Applications due by May 24. More
Photo opportunity: Is your photo missing from the USH Photo Directory? More
Adult Programs - This Sunday, during coffee, stop by the Programs Table to register for the following programs. Also, we'd like to hear your comments and suggestions about the programs that have been offered during the 2008 fall and 2009 winter/spring terms - timing, content, etc. Alternatively, please send your comments, suggestions, etc. by e mail to Janice Newton: dcnewton@snet.net or Nancy Reed: ndreed35@comacast.net.
Now available for purchase at the Book Cart is Greg Levoy's book Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life.
Friday Dinner and Movie, May 8. Come to the friendly movie night and enjoy a catered dinner, dessert, and coffee. The featured movie will be "Michael Clayton," the 2007 legal-thriller hit starring George Clooney. Fee is $18.00. Please register by Monday, May 4. (More)
Water Color Painting, 3 Saturdays, May 9, 16, 23, 2 PM - 5 PM. Have you always wanted to try water color painting? USH member Roy Cook will teach the basic techniques of painting in the open air at lovely Elizabeth Park, weather permitting. There is a $5.00 fee and a materials list is available at the Registration Table.
Callings, Sunday, June 7, 1 PM - 2:30 PM. Greg Levoy will be speaking during the worship service and will conduct a workshop on Callings in the afternoon. Mr. Levoy is the author of Callings, that he writes, may refer to work, to relationships, to lifestyle, and to service. $30.00 fee. The book, Callings, is available for $15 at the Programs Table or from the Office. It is not required for the workshop.
You can also register by calling the office (860 233-9897) and paying with a credit card. 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 Programs and Activities - Adult Programs - 2009 catalog.
Friday Dinner/Movie "Michael Clayton" - May 8 -The pieces come together into a stirring portrait of a man reclaiming his soul from a scrap heap of discarded principles. " Wall Street Journal more
"...a top-notch film that entertains, thrills, and - if you'll let it - makes you think." Worcester Telegram & Gazette
On May 6, the USH Dinner and Movie will present "Michael Clayton", the 2007 legal-thriller hit starring George Clooney. Reservations may be made at the programs table during coffee hours or by calling the office at 233-9897 with credit card. Please make reservations by Monday, May 3. If you desire a vegetarian meal, please indicate this when reserving.
Socializing begins at 5:30 with libations and popcorn; dinner at 6, movie at 7, followed by optional discussion.
We're also looking ahead for nominations for next year's series; titles may be sent by email or delivered in person. Please limit nominations to your top five favorites. Voting will be during the summer.
Caring Network - Each moment is a place you've never been. - Mark Strand - 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.
Thursday, April 30
9:30 am International Women’s Circle, Fellowship Hall
12:00 pm Worship Dialogue with Rev. BJ, Servetus
1:30 pm Eldering Group, David
5:30 PM CALM, DRE Office
7:00 pm BTWWDA, Emerson
7:00 pm Willett Woodwind Rehearsal
Friday, May 1
5:30 pm Family SGM, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, May 2
10:00 am Painting on Fabric, Servetus
Sunday, May 3
9:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:45 am WORSHIP w/Special Music, SANCTUARY
9:45 am Coming of Age, Fuller
10:45 am Coffee, Fellowship Hall
10:45 am Music rehearsal, Chapel
11:15 am WORSHIP w/Special Music, SANCTUARY
12:15 pm Coffee, Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm Joyfuul Noise, Library/Sanctuary
1:00 pm USH Ct Pride planning, Library
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
Monday, May 4
7:00 pm Rental, Ballou
Tuesday, May 5
5:30 pm Finance, Library
5:30 pm NVC Gathering, Minister’s Study
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, May 6
10:00 am Unitarian Alliance for Ministry to Women, Library
4:00 pm Surviving the Economy, Servetus
5:00 pm Green Sanctuary, Library
5:45 pm Meditation and Dharma Gathering, Emerson
6:30 pm Tai Chi, Fellowship Hall
7:15 pm NVC Practice Group, Emerson
7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal, SanctuaryThursday, May 7
6:00 pm Worship Dialogue w/Rev BJ , Servetus
Friday, May 8
5:30 pm Dinner & Movie, “Michael Clayton”, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, May 9
10:00 am Rental, Chapel
2:00 pm Water Color Workshop, Emerson
2:30 pm Oboe Recital, Chapel
7:00 pm Trumpet Recital, Sanctuary
Sunday, May 10 ~ ONE SERVICE ONLY!
9:00 am Music rehearsal,
9:45 am WORSHIP, SANCTUARY
10:45 am Coffee, Fellowship Hall
11:30 am Guest Artist, Joe Sam, Ambulatory
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
6:00 pm Worship Dialogue w/Rev BJ, Sevetus
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!
Social Justice Journeys (From the UUA) And from USH
Did You Know? - Green Sanctuary Sub-Council - New Display, April 26 Organic Land Care.
CARPOOLING & LENDING NEIGHBORS- look on the new blue bulletin board at bottom of stairs who in your neighborhood is interested and then contact them; add your name/item if you haven't already. The earth thanks you!
While you're there, check out the Green Sanctuary Bulletin Board, the assessment, action plan and survey results and sign up to Adopt-A-Bay and/or receive occasional emails about green happenings.
From the Editor: Suggestions for Contributors.
This Week’s Feature Articles
Leadership Update
Surviving the Current Economy - Networking
Weigh in on Worship
Where is the Meeting?
Good Neighbor Offerings - Your Opinion
What is Working in Worship - Your Opinion
Commitment and Community
Callings OpportunityThree Chances to Weigh in On Worship - Seems like we’ve been getting your feedback on worship services forever, huh? And now in Spring of 2009, there were four more times for you to talk with me about what works and doesn’t work for you in worship, three of which remain:
(All in Servetus)
Thursday May 7 from 6 to 7:30 PM;Thursday April 30, noon to 1:30, brown bag lunch; Sunday, May 10, 6 to 8 PM.
Finally, on May 17 at 12:30 our district exec will be guiding a congregation wide dialogue with you about the current configuration of worship time and number.Do you wonder what in the world we want to hear from you?
Those of you who were here before my tenure know that the proportions of "horizontal" to "vertical" elements have shifted.
The service was mostly "vertical" - the chief congregational participation was singing hymns, then observing and appreciating the efforts of musicians and minister to assist you in turning inward for a private experience of the transcendent.
Now, while retaining clear elements of vertical, there is more horizontal —embodied experience of and participation in the natural world around you.
We have more interactive rituals and singing that allows us to experience the sacred as it exists and is created in the gathered community.
The order of service elements both vertical and horizontal is now more flexible because we know that evolution and maturation occur only with cycles of variation (Darwin!) and creative interchange (H.N Weiman) in addition to selection (the choice of some order or form which is most hardy for that era.) The cycles necessary for procreative experience and maturation can be by turns disturbing and boring.
I’ve heard you say that you feel unhappy or angry when an element changes one Sunday, and I’ve heard you you say that you can’t WAIT to come to church and see what will happen to energize you today.
I welcome such perspectives, we as come to the end of the 08-09 church year, which completes a season of variation and transition of three years. Another season is emerging with the form or ordering of horizontal and vertical which, like new life forms which nature selects, will have endurance and vitality for accommodation to conditions in the culture and world around us today. - Rev BJ
Where is the Meeting? On Sunday mornings, you will notice the absence of the large white board listing times and locations of Sunday meetings/events at the Meeting House. These will be posted, instead, on the bulletin board next to the office - so look for any information you need there. It was felt that the white board was not an attractive addition to the look of our lovely lobby as we arrive for Sunday services and it was also in the way of traffic flow.
The large bulletin board by the office door will also be used for publicity posters and information about future events at the Meetinghouse, eliminating the need for posting such material on easels in the lobby.
Hopefully, these changes will contribute to an atmosphere of worship on Sundays. The white board will continue to be posted in the lobby during the other days of the week, for the convenience of folks attending meetings and functions in the building. - Anne Bailey
How Are You a Good Neighbor? - The "good neighbor" offerings for next year are being selected. Is there a cause near to your heart, and an organization that supports a cause with which you have a current and "hands on" volunteer connection? Would you like it to be featured in a worship service (and receive an offering) next year?
If so, and if you are willing to work as a consultant in planning that worship service, please submit your request to Carolyn Cartland by Sunday, May 3.
What's Working and Not Working for You? - The Worship Arts Sub-Council is planning for worship services for next year, looking for Hilaritas wherever we can find it!
We welcome your input regarding what is working and what is not working for you. Thank you to those of you who joined me for our first two feedback sessions last week. The remaining sessions are:
Thursday, May 7 from 6 to 7:30 PM and Sunday, May 10, 6 to 8 PM. in Servetus.AND don't forget that we are receiving applications (see the office) for serving on Worship Arts Sub-Council and for giving a lay sermon in the coming year. - Rev. BJ
Commitment and Community - “We bring passion and power here every Sunday,” Reverend BJ said in her sermon on April 26. These two “can intercept and we can use them for worship and for reaching out to the sacred.”
In the “old” Unitarian thinking, Reverend BJ said, the gifts of science and skepticism were viewed as obstacles to accomplishing what needs to be met in life, and a sense of mysticism and wonder were needed. More recently, Unitarians believe we can connect more deeply to the natural world. But we also feel that we must be inclusive, no matter how destructive others can be. Our drive to survive at all cost can be an obstacle to finding a deep place in the natural world. Our needs include the material, the aesthetic, and the deeper, bedrock need where the “more” reveals itself.
To illustrate her point, Reverend BJ quoted from Runi, Ursula Goodenough and our own Karl Peters. Runi, called the Sufi poet of love, describes a field “out beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing…when the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about. Ideas, language, even the phrase each other doesn’t make any sense.”
Goodenough, whose work links science with religion and philosophy, wrote, in The Sacred Depths of Nature, “…we should be able to figure out…how to share the earth with one another and with other creatures, how to restore and preserve its elegance and grace, and how to commit ourselves to each other with love and joy and laughter and hope.” Peters’ work suggests that what is true in science can also be true in religion. A new structure emerges, we have new choices and “religion captures the truth of science.” And the service’s closing hymn, “We are Not Our Own,” also captures this theme with its words, “…earth forms us, human leaves on nature’s growing vine.”
A testimonial by Membership Sub-Council member Bill Barrnett followed the theme of Sunday’s service, “ A Celebration of Commitment and Community.” Calling himself a “dropout from organized religion,” Barnett says he finds at the USH an “active and involved community” and that he can now “make a difference” here.
If you noticed slightly torn Orders of Service as attendees left the service, it was because Reverend BJ had asked us, during the service, to tear off a small piece of the OOS and vote our preference for the number of Sunday services we would like to have. These were collected to be counted.
And, of course, there was the music. The Nutmeg Woodwind Quintet (flute, clarinet, oboe, French horn and our own Bill Willett on bassoon) provided wonderful sounds before, during and after the service favoring us with selections from Handel, Tchaikovsky and Mozart. - Kayla Costenoble
A Congregational Opportunity, June 7:
“Callings” Worship Service and Workshop with author Gregg Levoy - Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life, a book published by Random House and the subject of Gregg Levoy’s workshop, is a passionate exploration of the search for authenticity, whether at work or at home, in our relationships or in service. In a style that is poetic, exuberant and keenly insightful, Gregg Levoy breathes contemporary life into the ancient subject of callings, presenting an illuminating and practical inquiry into how we listen and respond to our calls, and translate them into action.Would you like to have clarity of purpose and plan, and the passion and determination to create your life? Would you like to help our congregation do the same?
Gregg Levoy will preach at the morning worship service on Sunday June 7 and then conduct an afternoon workshop open to all. Reserve your spot in advance for the workshop during coffee time or by sending your name and contact information to the office with $30 registration fee. Scholarship donations allowing others to attend are also welcome! Additionally, the book is now available at the Book Cart or through the office ($15).
To learn more about the work of this nationally known speaker, please visit www.gregglevoy.comExternal Events and Educational Notes
Unitarian Universalist Society of Martha's Vineyard (UUSMV) has informed its members as follows:
Hi fellow UU's,
Pete Seeger is a UU.
See following info about his 90th birthday party.
CONTACT: Richard Skidmore: barebone@gis.net
PETE SEEGER'S 90TH BIRTHDAY PARTY Concert @ FEATHERSTONE
MAY 3, 2009 @ 4PM * FREE * Rain or Shine
As part of a world-wide celebration of his music, Tristan Israel, Nancy Jephcote, Mark Lovewell, and Paul Thurlow will be singing the songs written, and made famous by environmentalist, civil rights activist, and folk singer, Pete Seeger on his 90th birthday.
Songs such as IF I HAD A HAMMER, TURN TURN TURN, WE SHALL OVERCOME, and WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE, will be sung, and you can join in too!
These are some of the best-known American folk songs ever written. Songs that have played a part in the history of both civil rights, and the anti-war movement. Songs that have energized and united the oppressed. Songs that have given hope and joy to many. Pete Seeger's birthday is a time to celebrate both the man himself, and his monumental achievement in song for humanity.
Richard Knabel will speak about working and canoeing with Pete--- their relationship began in the mid-70s.
Any one with a personal reminiscence of Pete will be invited up to the mike.
Cake will be served, and happy birthday will be sung for the 90th time!
Richard Skidmore will read a few passages from THE PROTEST SINGER, the wonderful new biography of Pete by Alec Wilkinson, during the eating of the cake.
It's free on the outdoor stage at FEATHERSTONE, so bring a blanket or cushion.
The party will be indoors, if raining.
FEATHERSTONE is 1/2 mile towards Oak Bluffs from the blinker.
Further Down The Road (About 30 Days)
Special Service Planned for June 14th The June 14th worship service with have a special focus on welcoming GLBT folks at Unitarian Society Hartford.
Our special collection will benefit True Colors (www.ourtruecolors.org)
True Colors works to create a world where youth, adults and families of all sexual orientations and gender identities are valued and affirmed. They challenge all forms of oppression through education, training, advocacy, youth leadership development, mentoring and direct services to
youth and those responsible for their well-being. - Greg Nickett
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 04/29/09 8:30 PM)
