|
50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
Tel: (860) 233-9897 / FAX 233-1333
Email: firstunitarian@ushartford.com
Reverend Barbara Jamestone, PhD
USH-Enews For May 1, 2008
Jump to: Calendar; What's happening; A matter of opinion; External events; Further Down the Road; Did You Know?
Photo by Carol Cooper
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 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 - May 4th - Disabilities Sunday - Enjoy the Worship Arts Sub-Council’s first "theme team" worship experience. Three members of the congregation with different forms of brain disorders will share their experiences as members of USH and as consumers of the mental health care system. Collection goes to.. More
Youth group will be making soup to be available after the 11 AM service.
Music -The Meeting House Quartet sings Moses Hogan's stirring anthem "Hear My Prayer." One of the most accomplished and deeply communicative of all gospel composers and arrangers, Moses Hogan is revered among gospel choirs. The full Choir sings this beautiful piece at 11 AM.
Flower Festival: May 11
Join us next Sunday for the celebration of Mother's Day and our annual Flower Festival. Please bring a flower or two to be placed in a common vase as a symbol of our uniqueness and our unity. Flowers may be placed in a vase on the chancel before the start of the service.REflections on Children's Programming
Intergenerational Service
Next Sunday, May 11th will be our annual intergenerational Flower Festival. There will be child care, but no regular classes.
Registration for Fall/RE Assistance
As the summer rapidly approaches, registration for Fall religious education classes is upon us. Please visit the table in the lobby for your family's registration form.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.
What Else is Happening & AnnouncementsThe May PDF Meetinghouse Messenger has been posted on the web. In addition, four new sermons have been posted.
Hindu Thought and Ritual as Exemplified in the Hindu Wedding Ceremony - 4/6/08
Prayer - A Reasonable Thing to Do - 2/17/ 08
The Point of Prayer - 2/10/08
A Wintry Spirituality - 1/27/08
Cabinet Needed - Are you downsizing or just having a tag sale? We are looking for a donation of a cabinet to house our aprons and tablecloths in the space left of the fridge. Something between 16”-24” wide and 5’-6’ tall would save us $75 for a similar one at a local home center. Please contact Peter Magistri if you can help.
Our USH Photo Directory – Is your Photo missing from the USH Photo Directory? Are you unhappy with the photo that is there now? More
Disabilities Sunday Collection to go to the Chrysalis Center, Inc. - In celebration of our annual Disabilities Sunday service this week (May 4th), led by Rev. Jamestone and during which three members of our congregation will speak about their experiences with mental health disorders, our offering of gifts will be donated to the Chrysalis Center, Inc. The Chrysalis Center is a private, non-profit healthcare agency providing rehabilitation and health care supports to individuals and families confronting homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and/or poverty in the Hartford and the Greater Hartford area.
The Chrysalis Center provides services that empower individuals and families to reintegrate successfully into the community and to foster positive change. Please give generously to this agency, which echoes our commitment to the values of equity, dignity, respect, and interdependence. - Carolyn Cartland
Taize service Friday, May 9 at 6 PM in the Chapel.
Women's Alliance 2008 Education Grant Applications Due June 1st - The UAMW of USH is pleased to announce that their Educational Grant applications are available during the month of May. More
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 1. The group will be facilitated by RE Director Gail Syring 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.
You may consult the Adult Programs Catalogue for more information. Please sign up in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, May 4, or by contacting the church office. - Mike Roy
From the Adult Programs Sub-Council: A Walk in Old Wethersfield, planned for this Sunday, will be held May 18 in case of rain. Have you given some thought to a topic or interest that you would like to offer or suggest be part of the Adult Programs curriculum next fall? Proposal forms are available in the office, at the USH website (click on Spiritual Life and then Adult Programs), or at the Programs table on Sunday. Please share your ideas with an AP committee member - Janice Newton, Chair, Ginny Berrien, Helen David, Virginia de Lima, Nita Hansen, Barbara Hellenga, Mary Leonard, Nancy Reed or Beverly Spence.
Copies of Nonviolent Communication - A Language of Life and Respectful Parents Respectful Kids, 7 keys to Turn Family Conflict Into Cooperation are available at the Book Cart on Sundays for $15 each. These books were used in conjunction with recent USH Nonviolent Communication programs.
A Walk in Old Wethersfield, this Sunday May 4, 3-4:30 PM (rain date, Sunday, May 18). Meet in front of the Keeney Center, Main Street, Wethersfield. 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 on Sunday or by calling the office at 233-9897 so we'll know how many will be attending.
Friday Dinner and Movie, May 9. More
Ember Days will be celebrated Wednesday, May 14,12- 2 PM, Friday and Saturday, May 16, 17, 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Led by Rev. Jamestone, this fourth seasonal observance will include spiritual exercises and time for personal introspection in silence. Come to any or all of the sessions. No registration needed.At the Movies - After spending April in Paris, on Friday, May 9 the Dinner and Movie crowd will travel to Algeria in the late 50's for this powerful movie, The Battle of Algiers. “The greatness of The Battle of Algiers lies in its ability to embrace moral ambiguity without succumbing to it.” Ann Hornaday Washington Post “If any movie squeezes you into the shoes of grassroots combatants fighting a monstrous colonialist power for the right to their own neighborhoods, this is it.” Michael Atkinson Village Voice. "Consensus: A powerful, almost documentary-like examination of the response to an occupying force, "The Battle of Algiers hasn’t aged a bit since its release in 1966.
We expect to dine on shrimp scampi, but will of course have a vegetarian meal available for those requesting it (upon making your reservation, please).
Reserve at the registration table during Sunday coffee hours or by calling the USH office at 233-9897 with your credit card. Please reserve by May 5.
As usual, we will begin the evening at 5:30 PM, with dinner at 6, movie at 7, and optional discussion following. Help at 5 PM for set-up is always appreciated.
See ya at the movies!Caring Network - "The world asks of us
only the strength we have and we give it.
Then it asks more, and we give it." The Weighing, Jane Hirshfield
- 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.
Further Down The Road (About 30 Days)
On the CalendarThursday, May 1
3:30 pm Fitzgerald rehearsal, SanctuaryFriday, May 2
1:00 pm Transitional Group, Library
5:30 pm SGM for Families, Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm Round Table with Rev. BJ, ChapelSaturday, May 3
10:00 am Richard Woodhull Memorial Service, Sanctuary\
2:00 pm Round Table with Rev. BJ, Chapel
Evening Circle Dinners, various homesSunday, May 4
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 Youth Soup Making, Kitchen
10:00 am Youth Choir, Chapel
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm Worship Associates Training, Emerson
1:30 pm Eat by Choice, Not by Habit, Servetus
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
5:30 pm UU Singles potluck, Library
6:00 pm Round Table with Rev BJ, ChapelMonday, May 5
2:45 pm Rental, Library
Tuesday, May 6
6:00 pm Information and Advocacy Sub-council potluck & meeting, Library
7:00 pm Religious Education Sub-council, Servetus
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship HallWednesday, May 7
12:00 pm Unitarian Alliance Ministry to Women Luncheon, Library
6:00 pm Dharma Gathering, Emerson
7:30 pm Choir rehearsal, Sanctuary
7:30 pm NVC practice group, EmersonThursday, May 8
3:30 pm Fitzgerald rehearsal, Sanctuary
6:30 pm Performing Arts Sub-council, LibraryFriday, May 9
5:30 pm Dinner and Movie, Fellowship Hall
6:00 pm Taize Service, Chapel
Saturday, May 10
10:00 am Rental, Chapel10:00 am Worship Arts Training, Emerson
7:00 pm Fitzgerald Graduate Vocal Recital, SanctuarySunday, May 11
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, CHAPEL
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Coming of Age, Fuller
10:00 am Children’s Choir, Chapel
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
Italicized entries are non-USH events.
Please notify Brian Mullen of all additions or changes to the calendar. Follow this Link to all our scheduled events!External Events and Educational Notes
Universalists of West Hartford present a Concert featuring Paul Winter's Missa Gaia (Earth Mass) May 3rd. - More
A COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP will take place in the Hartford area on May 10 & 17. Pan Vera, our facilitator supreme who led our workshop last February, will be returning to CT to help us learn the "new language" of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). NVC was developed by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D., author of the internationally acclaimed Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life. In a world with so much violence we can become more effective agents for tolerance, understanding and peace. Please join us as we strive to become the change we want to see in the world! This will be a 14-hour Workshop meeting 2 Saturdays: Session 1: Sat, May 10, 9.30 - 12 & 1 - 6. a week to think and practice, then Session 2: Sat, May 17, 9.30 - 12 & 1-5.
WHERE: Central CT State University Student Center in New Britain.
REGISTRATION: Deadline -- May 2. Suggested donation, $79 (before April 25, $74). Fill out attached registration form and mail it along with your check or money order payable to COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION TRAINING to Herb Gerjuoy, 8 Lexington Road, West Hartford, CT 06119-1747SPONSORS: Central CT State University Peace Studies Program, Congregation Kehilat Chaverim and Network of Spiritual Progressives (CT) - Cyprian Martin
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? - Recycle - During World War I, enough metal was salvaged from corset stays to build two warships.
From the Editor:
This Week’s Feature Articles
Evolution and Emergence IV—our next steps - Dear friends, I appreciate your replies regarding our Fall Sunday programming plan. With such trusting communication, we will soon find ourselves at the next level in our evolution as a religious community transforming lives.So far, the Choir has found strategies to meet the needs choir members and the need for two vibrant and representative worship services. Yeah, musicians!
However, if we meet the congregational need for two representative services by moving children’s RE to the earlier service, that will leave some of the needs of some parents and teachers unmet.
A 9:30 RE program leaves the family need for ease on Sunday mornings unmet, especially for those families who live far away. An 11:15 youth RE leaves the need for family bonding unmet, for those families who have both youth, and small children in RE at 9:30.
Children’s choir rehearsals at any time except Sunday morning leaves family needs for convenience unmet.
We need to find strategies for recognizing both congregational need and needs of some families, and to be able to move ahead with our mission and vision by announcing a plan no later than mid May.
Let me review our congregational needs, as we prepare for congregational conversations this weekend. (See prior communications - Evolution and Emergence I, II and III)
I Spiritual and Physical Space: Our Needs for Rest, for Spiritual Connection, and for Companionship.
In my first post I addressed our shared and individual busyness, and the "time" space needed by nearly everyone-- From you with whom I meet at Seabury to our "overbooked" children, to your amazing staff and "volunteer staff." The plan under consideration provides a framework for a Sunday space for rest, contemplation, and intentional fellowship toward building intimacy and supporting ultimacy-- a foundation which we’ll flesh out with experience.
I also mentioned the physical space needs required for our vibrant community to live out our values in the world: two equally well attended worship services with the quality of experience we are accustomed to, while considering our staff and facility. I asked for your suggestions in how to ‘equalize’ attendance, which is now skewed to the 11 AM service.
II Direction and Vision: Our Needs for Integrity, Purpose, Shared Reality, Autonomy, and Celebration
In my second post I invited you to read the Charette report: Envisioning the Future—50 voices bringing shape, color, and life to our emerging vision of USH and our denomination in the 21st century. Individual views were represented, such that the emerging vision has integrity and shared purpose. The report records possibilities for a church calendar full of joyful celebration and creativity—a dreamscape for what we might become. My heart felt thanks to planners and participants who painted the future, which is pulling us toward herself.
Also, I invited you to one (or all!) of three congregational conversations this coming weekend. We will review our USH vision of growing in spirit, in service, and in transforming lives; we will explore next steps together; we will share our needs, feelings and concerns.
Complexity theory points toward a common sense truth. At some point in our evolution, stagnation sets in and dissipation begins. It never feels good, and is a necessary dis-ordering and leaving the comfort zone, TOWARD a higher evolutionary level of emergent capacity to thrive in the environment of the next phase. After my first year of thorough immersion into your lives, my second year has been one of subtle transitioning-- asking questions, suggesting strategies, and mixing things up in a “dissipationing” way. You have been gracious and patient. And now, we are ready for year three.
III. USH Mission: Our Need for Honesty, Clarity, and Interdependence
In post number three, I gave three important pieces of information. The first is the plan I purpose. The second is the congregational needs that the plan is designed to meet. The third is the direction in which the plan takes us, as you voiced it at the Charette — a USH of deepening spirituality and of expanding service to others, of living at full stretch, and what that will look like in ourselves, our programs and our facility.
The mission of any religious organization is in short, to change lives for the better. Which lives? I see our lives as USH folk and as UUs, and the lives of those who will join our church family in the future. I see the lives of people who will never join us but whose lives will be changed by our influence. The plan I propose addresses that mission.
IV. The View from the Little Red Fire Engine.
Imagine a long train going over hill and vale. The view from the engine is different from the view from the middle cars and the caboose.
Some of you are in the engine. You have participated in events and emails in the past two years, and you can see the vision and mission of USH clearly.
Others of you are in the middle cars, and have been more involved in the scenery from the window, the present moment, than in the tracks ahead and the future that is pulling us forward.
Some of you feel like you are in the caboose, without a clear sense of where we are going and feeling generally pulled along. Your view of the rails receding into where we’ve been is a valuable part of our life together, and your input is important. Every memory of our precious human lives as individuals and as a church family is valuable, as we are only as strong as the tradition and roots that hold us close.
Whether you are in the caboose, the middle cars, or the little engine that can, feel free to stroll to other parts of the train, and join the song: “We are going. Heaven knows where or how, but we’re going, and we’ll get there. It will be hard we know, and the way will be muddy and rough, and we’ll get there. We know we will.”
The hill we are chugged up at this moment is about insuring two equally well attended worship services on Sunday morning, with space for hospitable communing and spiritual reflection.
I look forward to being with you all at one of three congregational conversations with me on May 2-7PM, May 3-2 PM, and May 4, 6-8 PM. At least one Board member, a Committee on Ministry member, and Nonviolent Communication facilitators will join us at each meeting. - Rev. BJ
A Matter of Principles - Our UU principle for May is interdependence.
Let’s take a look at what the UUA website says interdependence means, in words that adults and children can understand.
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
We care for Earth’s lifeboat.
What does that mean to you? When you think of “all existence” what are you thinking about, just we human beings or all animals as well? What about plants? OK, you say. All existence includes every living thing on earth. But almost everything on our planet isn’t alive. What about those things? Are we interdependent with the entire earth and everything in it and on it? If you agree that we are, why stop at the earth? Why can’t we extend our interdependence to our solar system, our galaxy and, if you’re wiling to go that far, the entire universe? Certainly it exists too.
And interdependence means a two-way street. We’re dependent on all existence but does that mean that all existence is dependent on us too? It’s a good question.
While we’re talking about interdependence, are you aware that there’s an effort underway to have our church designated a “green sanctuary?” If you’re not, Bev Prager, the Chair of that committee, can tell you more about what’s going on.
By the way, do you remember our first six principles? Here they are again with a sentence after each one that expresses a related belief that was part of the precept, which guided my life and my behavior even before I became a Unitarian. Frankly, I was amazed when I first came to our Meetinghouse and discovered that our seven principles and my beliefs were essentially the same. I had found my spiritual home!
- December - Respect - I assume that everybody has a deep and beautiful soul.
- January - Compassion - I feel for everyone else.
- February - Acceptance - I do not assume that everyone else thinks the same way I do.
- March - Justice -When someone feels that they’ve been treated unjustly, it tends to separate their words and actions from their deep and beautiful soul.
- April - Truth -I assume that finding the truth and meaning of everything is an essential part of living.
- May - Interdependence - The collective behavior of a community of any size (from two people to every living being) is largely dependent on the relationships between its members.
Next month I’ll share our last principle, democracy and my belief related to it with you, so stay tuned. You might be surprised when you read what I say about democracy and my role in it.
It seems to me that the more we think about and practice our principles, the more meaningful they become. They become real. They become part of us. So, join me. In May, let’s practice being interdependent together. It’s fun! - Bill LaPorte-Bryan, Social Justice Chair
WHY - SGM? - Why is it that people who sign up for the eight sessions of Small Group Ministry tend to sign up for another eight sessions when its offered again?
It could be the cost – There is no fee for signing up for SGMT
It could be the people – Although the members of the group varies each eight week session, they are all members of our congregation.
It could be that in SGM, a person gets to think abut and reflect on issues and questions that one rarely has the opportunity to do in our busy lives.
For example, two of the recent topics that were shared in the current SGM that I facilitate engendered some of the best "discussions" we have experienced.
Specifically, Topic 4, Doing Good and Topic 5, Karma both touched upon inner feelings that have little opportunity to be verbalized. In Doing Good, the reading mentioned three paths in our lives, one that the "perpetrators of evil" would take. One of the questions asks "What does evil mean to you?" and refers to the battle of good and evil. In Karma, the reading mentions the Hindu belief that one has the opportunity to come back in another life. Accordingly, one question was "What do you really think will happen to you after you die from this life".
These questions allow members to think about deep-seated beliefs and feelings that are not often "dredged up". Although I think our group mostly has enjoyable sessions, the reflections on these topics were different from what we experience during the usual SGM session. I think that such sessions are what drive people to sign up for SGM again and again. It's hard to get this experience anywhere else. - Bill Shoemaker
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 05/03/08 7:50 AM)
