USH-Enews for May 7, 2009 Print Only Edition

THIS WEEK ONE SERVICE ONLY 9:45 AM
Sunday - May10 - Annual Flower Festival and Celebration of Mother's Day (Remember to bring flowers to the service) - Rev BJ More

Music - For Mothers’ Day/Flower Sunday, our tenor Brian Webster will reprise the flower solo from Britten’s “Rejoice in the Lamb,” and the choir will sing a simple song about flowers by Connecticut composer Charles Ives.

Multigenerational Worship
On Sunday, May 10th, we will be celebrating Mother's Day and Flower Communion with a single multigenerational service at 9:45. There will be child care offered, but no individual classes.

Coming of Age Celebration
Our eighth grade students have been participating in the Coming of Age program since January, and will celebrate their rite of passage in a Chapel service at 2 PM on Saturday, May 30th. Everyone is welcome to celebrate with them on that special day!

Coming of Age Classes
The final two classes of the COA program will be on May 17th and 24th. Class will begin at 9:45 on those two days to allow the eighth grade students the opportunity to work on their pieces for the May 30th worship service.

Registration for 2009-2010
In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, the Religious Education registration process will be electronic this year! In the next few weeks, families will receive an email document to be filled out and returned electronically to register their children for classes next year. If you are concerned that the office does not have your most updated email address, please email Gail at: DRE@ushartford.com.

Honoring John Currie's Memory - May 10, 1 PM, USH Chapel - Gather for a simple service honoring the memory of this friend of our congregation and of the causes she champions. Celebrant is Rev. Jamestone. (Feel free to invite friends from other organizations he befriended.)

USH Response to Economic Crisis

As you know, in this economic downturn people everywhere are affected and this includes the people in the pews next to you at the Meeting House.

Recognizing that in times like these, charity begins at home, the USH Board has decided to take several actions to aid our distressed members and friends. Among these are:

The Circle of Caring Fund: How it Works

Members and friends may approach Rev BJ with a defined need. After explaining the nature of their distress, she will provide counsel and discuss their personal situation in a confidential manner. If she believes limited help from the Circle of Caring Fund is appropriate in the situation, she will refer the matter to the Circle of Caring Fund Task Force. The purpose of this Task Force is to seek and dispense funds over and above stewardship and normal pledge contributions to be channeled to our fellow members and friends to aid as we can to help them during this period of economic adversity.

Where do you fit? If you are blessed with continuing employment and income during these difficult times, we hope you will voluntarily support these efforts to support fellow members of our community.

The time is now! – When I was a child in the 1940s, a neighbor, I will call him Mr. X, always appeared on significant holidays at our table. I knew he lived on the edge of our farm, had been wounded in WWI, had lost his wife and raised a daughter much older than me. One interesting thing about these events was Mr. X always left a dollar under the plates of all children at the dinner table. This made Thanksgiving dinner a really special occasion seen through a child's eyes. It was exciting as that dollar would be something like a 20 dollar bill under the dinner plate of a child these days. And, one must add, in those days around the farm there was, given scarce family resources, nothing of the nature of an allowance. Mr. X dressed well and was said to have a very excellent job in Hartford with one of the large companies.

Many years passed. Eventually my parents passed away as did the visitor who had been a kind of part of the family many years ago.

A few years ago, when I discussed Mr. X with a cousin somewhat older than I, we reminisced about our childhood. I mentioned the dollar under the plate and expressed my puzzlement about it.

“Didn’t you know,” My cousin said. “ Mr. X lost is job in the crash of 1929 and your father fed him and the family for a year or so from the farm. I guess by the time you were aware of things he was working again in Hartford.”

Fellow UUs, this is our time.

Flower Festival, Sunday, May 10, 9:45 - On Sunday we celebrate a religious ritual that is uniquely UU, that is, we did not borrow and adapt it from any other religion! It was created in 1923 by Dr. Norbert Capek, who called it a “Flower Festival.”

Raised Roman Catholic, Capek converted to Baptist, and after years of study and work at home
and in the United States, became head of all the Baptist churches in Bohemia. At age 49, with an evolving theology, Capek left the Baptists and founded the Unitarian Church in Czechoslovakia.

He and many with him felt that their spiritual needs could not be met by the Catholic or Baptist
ceremonies they had left behind; they yearned for new rituals to speak to their new understandings, so Capek composed hymns and developed new rituals. His flower festival was celebrated in the US for the first time in 1940, by his wife Maja, who was also a Unitarian minister. Capek had by that time been taken by the Nazis, and was martyred for our liberal faith.

The basic ritual is now as it was then--each congregant brings a flower (or 2) to church and places it in vases near the Chancel as the service begins. Each flower, like each of us, is an individual, making a unique contribution to this place. Yet, together in bouquets, we create something more enduring and beautiful than any individual could be on its own. At the end of the service each person takes home a flower different from the one they brought, as a symbol that in this place, each person gives, and each person receives.

Extra flowers are provided, so please retrieve one, if you are a guest today or forgot to bring one!
Yours, Rev BJ

A Community of Friends - Almost 14 years ago, I sat with my husband and our baby, Evan, in a UU church in Massachusetts. At that service, there was another family of three in the pew in front of us. They had a baby boy, too, who seemed a few months older than Evan. At the time, a few months’ age difference seemed enormous, and I was enthralled to watch this older child, imagining I was seeing a possible preview of things to come. I smiled at them all, and we introduced ourselves to each other. In this way, I met one of my dearest friends, Danielle.

Even though Danielle and I both had baby boys, and were members of a mid-size congregation, we did not immediately become friends. I don’t know if it was that infamous New England reserve, but it took some months before Danielle and I started talking more, and even longer before we eventually began to spend time together outside of church. In time, we did become very close, so much so that it was a huge loss for me when she and her family moved to Maryland three years later. Yet somehow, our friendship has grown stronger over the years, despite the physical separation. Fortunately, we are able to see each other from time to time, and I am very much looking forward to a “girls weekend” with her later this month.

Every one of us encounters many people in our lives, including people we meet at the Meeting House. (I often focus on the noun “Meeting” instead of the verb “Meet” when thinking about the significance of our building’s name. However, upon further reflection, it seems to me that the verb is much more central to our identity and purpose than the noun!) I have wondered many times what makes for an enduring friendship. I am sure that a shared value system and similar life circumstances play a large part. However, I think there is some element of what binds people together that is truly a mystery. I have no way of knowing which people I meet may become friends, or which friendships will last over time,

With increased connection, however, comes increased risk for hurt. We experience disagreements and misunderstandings. We feel pain when people we care about struggle financially, become ill, or leave our community. We often feel powerless when we cannot do anything to keep another from suffering. But we do our best to be there for one another. We learn how to communicate with more love and care through NVC (Non-Violent Communication.) We help each other in tangible ways when we can, such as through our Pay-It-Forward efforts and through the Caring Network.

All these indicators of our commitment to one another do not eliminate the pain, but each little thing we do for one another can ease it somewhat. And I think these are my primary reasons for being a member of this faith community: to meet and be met, to see and be seen, to hear and be heard, to help and be helped, to love and be loved. I can’t predict how my USH friendships will grow and change over time, but I delight in thinking about what they might be like fourteen years from now. Heather Ferguson-Hull

Benefits of Giving a Sermon - Ever wondered about those members of the congregation who give us their gift of a sermon? What motivates them? What does the experience bring to them?

Over the past three years we have had over 20 members give sermons or participate in theme teams that have come together to create a service. Since coming here, BJ has encouraged increased lay participation in worship on many levels, including the writing and delivering of sermons. We recently asked those congregational members who have written sermons over the past few years to tell us about their experience. Below are some of their comments.

“As I think over the past year, I truly believe that the preparation of my sermon was one of my most rewarding experiences. I drew from what was happening in my life at the time, and tried to make it "personal" (something that does not come naturally to me, especially in public). I was also determined to be as ego-less as possible and avoid thinking of the experience as analogous to preparing for an important presentation at work. Once I had settled on the broad outlines of the topic, I actually enjoyed the final stages of preparation, including polishing and practicing and the times of introspection. In a strange sort of way, the actual delivery of the sermon was anticlimactic from my own perspective. As I look back on the experience, I think of it as a gift, albeit a gift that came with some significant responsibility to the members and guests who arrived on that Sunday.”

Another member wrote:

“I suggest THREE TIPS to consider when a layperson writes and delivers a sermon.
First: Strive to make every word and every phrase count. Aim for brevity. A sparkling sermon of 12-15 minutes will be of more help to the listeners than a lengthy sermon of 20-30 minutes.

Second: Pick a theme/topic that is close to your heart. Speak about something that matters dearly to you.

Third: Speak your sermon aloud, numerous times. Have a pencil with you as you speak your sermon and make revisions while the thoughts are fresh. Even better, speak your sermon aloud in the pulpit at the Unitarian Society of Hartford. You will find that a well-written sentence may not translate well to a spoken sentence. Lengthy written sentences are the bailiwick of lawyers, but short sentences often work best for the spoken word. Think of jazz music as you speak and vary your cadences.

There is a benefit to writing/delivering a sermon as a layperson. That experience makes one much more appreciative and sympathetic toward those who regularly deliver sermons!”

Another wrote:

“The challenge was to deliver it as though I was talking with each person in the congregation personally. I think I managed to do that pretty well and was pleased with myself. When people told me they really liked my sermon, I realized that I had given them a gift … the icing on my cake.”

Another wrote:

“Delivery of the sermon was the easy part for me: in retrospect, the difficulty came as I worked to create for myself and others a memorable spiritual experience. Having accomplished this, my spiritual awareness has become much keener.”

These are just some of the ways that writing and delivering a sermon have been meaningful experiences for our members. At this moment, ask yourself “What would I talk about if given the chance to deliver a sermon? What is close to my heart these days?”

The Worship Arts Sub-Council is always looking for members who would like to add their views and their service to worship. Perhaps you have thought about writing a sermon, but have never gotten past the point of idle contemplation. Now may be the time to fulfill that calling. The members of the sub-council and BJ are here to support and guide you on the path – and who knows what spiritual surprises you might meet along the way. Or get an application to be a lay speaker or to give a testimonial from the office.

You may also take an application to serve on Worships Arts Sub-Council - our monthly reflection and planning group. Members of that group may become worship associates who moderate services or do children’s stories, or you may choose just to be a thinking partner who has input into our worship structure. Finally we enjoy having members who want to do their own creative work, such as creating a chapel service or musical experience, or something like the art installation in our Chapel!

Please contact me with your ideas or interest in the rewarding work of creating the worship experience. - Sue Kinney, Chair, Worship Arts Sub-Council

Ecstasy at the Meeting House? - I am not a music critic. Never was. Never will be. As a matter of fact, I usually mouth the words of the hymns to spare my on-key neighbors. But I know what sounds great. And the eagerly-awaited annual Music Sunday on May 3—Ecstatic Choir—was a great and glorious sound indeed.

In her first Reflection, Reverend BJ commented, “Ecstatic utterings are not something ordinarily associated with UUs.” She asked the congregation, “Have you ever been in ecstasy about our UU religion?” Reverend BJ defined ecstasy as “to be placed outside.” She mentioned prophets, mystics and shamans as practitioners of ecstasy, rapture and bliss beyond the body, and commented, “Perhaps there is room for us.”

And then came the incredible music—selections from Francis Poulenc’s “Gloria” featuring our about-to-leave-us soprano Katherine LaPorta. Although it was written for soprano solo, chorus and orchestra, we found the piano accompaniment of our about-to leave-us Music Associate John Jesensky a powerful substitute for the orchestra.

In her second Reflection, Reverend BJ recalled the Sufi poet Rumi’s poem describing a field of wonder, “where the soul lies down in that grass…” and wonder and ecstasy await us. She said worship creates this field and there will come a day when the, “rich soil of that field can be harnessed for human good.” Meanwhile, she commented wryly, “We know ecstasy, you and I, by its absence.”

And then came our Ecstatic Choir’s second major presentation, Benjamin Britten’s “Rejoice in the Lamb.” The words in the Order of Service helped us follow this “worship of God by all things great and small, each in its own way.” Section leaders soprano Katherine LaPorta, mezzo-soprano Shannen Hofheimer, tenor Brian Webster and baritone Miguel Vasquez dazzled. We were also pleased to see the USH’s former bass section leader Chai-lun Yueh joining the chorus as a guest artist. For this piece, John Jenensky switched to the organ.

We all know that none of us is irreplaceable, but Katherine and John, who will be leaving soon to start their musical life together in New York City, will be a hard act to follow. Reverend BJ presented them a gift from the congregation plus a big hug. John said, “The way we say thank you is through music.” And so the postlude was Katherine’s singing Mozart’s aria “Queen for the Night” which was the piece she sang for her graduation recital at the Hartt School of Music with, of course, John at the piano. This earned a second standing ovation—the first was for the Ecstatic Choir. And no one seemed concerned about applauding in church—how could you not? - Kayla Costenoble

What’s Working or Not Working at USH? - Comments from Rev BJ: - I do not recall a more congenial AND completely direct meeting than the gathering last week where a bunch of women gave their observations and opinions regarding our current worship practice.

My favorite line was something like, "Well I'm not into all that 'vain repetition like the heathen' and lifting those candles to whoever, but I never get nothing out of our worship services and none of them are awful. I remember how tired I got of hearing our minister Nat talk about the homeless and hungry for all those years too. But I’m still here. This is my church.”

During our informal and free flowing conversation, we all got to know each other better, and some of the many needs that folks bring to our worship services were articulated. We had laughs, surprises, and not a little insight. A good time was had by all as ideas flowed freely. My only wish was that all of you had been there! (remaining sessions are May 7 or 10, 6 to 7:30 PM, in Servetus)

Comments from Kayla Costenoble:
A wise man said to me, “How ironic. We hire a minister to bring in new members, not realizing that these new members might not want to do things the way we’ve always done.”

Acknowledging rumblings of discontent, Reverend BJ scheduled five highly-publicized sessions asking members to join her to discuss worship at USH. But attendance has been disappointingly low. Is it because members would rather voice their concerns to each other, rather than to the minister? There were six of us at the session I attended, and we were one of the larger groups.

We talked very openly and honestly about many parts of the current Sunday service—greeting one another, candle lighting, the sermon, number of hymns, worship associates, testimonials, the sermon, applause, children’s story, the sermon, type of music performed, the sermon and on and on.

Another wise man said, when I was discussing this meeting with him, “Why are we sweating the small stuff?” And I have come to realize how right he was. Much of the current mumbling is coming from us long-time members whose mantra may be, unfortunately, “But we’ve always done it this way.”

So. Have I learned anything from my talking to friends, meeting with BJ (it takes a strong person to maintain equanimity while being bombarded with criticism) and doing a lot of introspection? I think so. I hope so. I’m going to try to:

Comments from Anne Bailey: There were a few magic moments last week, when this small group of VERY long-time UUs - of rather advanced age - joined BJ for “her brown bag lunch,” addressing What’s working or not working for you at USH? BJ modeled NVC practice with her usual skill and invited us to openly and honestly respond to that question.

As we talked, she helped us identify needs that we’d each like to have met in worship services, as well as our needs that weren’t being met. BJ and Kayla have captured the content of that discussion in their comments above. For me it was a WOW! experience – "awesome" in the vernacular of the younger generation, or even "cool," although that doesn’t seem an apt word to describe a dialogue so active, energized, open, and honest. One could sense the learning and shifting of perceptions that occurred in this bunch of “old-timers” as the time flew by - and our focus never drifted! It was a powerful experience that helped us see things with new eyes, not always that easy a feat for folks our age!

DO try to avail yourself of the opportunity to share your thoughts and needs with BJ in response to the question of What’s working or not working for you at USH?. You may find your own "magic moments” – they are available to us all, young or old, "newbie" or long-time UU!

Read on below about another recent magic moment with some of the newer members of our USH community.

Another magic moment of sharing at USH

Within a few days of each other, I had two of my most special experiences of sharing in all my many years at USH. A few days before the wondrous “What’s Working…” session with BJ, detailed above, we held a Potluck dinner for members who have joined in the past five years, as well as recent visitors. Forty people gathered, representing a cross-section of these folks and the longer-term members from the Membership SC who put on the affair.

Fellowship Hall was abuzz with the energy and enthusiasm of those who have found us more recently and who will help bring us into the future.

Everyone engaged with each other quickly in the ice-breaker activity preceding dinner and it took several signals to get us all to quiet down and finally get to the food tables! “Table Talk Topics” available at each table were totally unnecessary, as we got to know each other a bit better over dinner, in true UU fashion - with ample and animated talk. The “newbies” also had the opportunity to jot down their responses to topics, posted around the room, related to their experiences at USH. Click here to see a summary of their responses.

Gail Syring and BJ wrapped up the event, gathering us in a circle where we shared our thoughts about our experience there that evening. The sense of community felt by these folks came across clearly. One very young man, still a teen and visitor along with his parents, offered a comment that made an impact on us all, telling us that he felt that people here were interested in what he had to say and that he felt free to say what he thought – a WOW moment for me, hearing someone of that age speak up so earnestly! From the sharing of us “older, old-time folks” at BJ’s session to that of the young and new at the Potluck dinner - magic moments indeed! - Anne Bailey

Portable Ramp Purchased for USH Use - The Unitarian Alliance Ministry to Women and the Equual Access Sub-Councils have jointly purchased a portable ramp. This 6-ft. long ramp folds in half lengthwise. It is light-weight and can be transported in any vehicle with a 6-ft. long storage area available. The ramp will provide our members and friends who use wheelchairs or walkers access to homes with two-to-three steps (up to 20 inches in height).

The ramp will enable us to hold USH functions in homes that can accommodate a ramp this length and which would otherwise not be accessible to our members and friends with mobility impairments. For example, it may now be possible to schedule a SGM session in a home with a few steps at the entryway, something we were previously unable to do. Should that need arise, arrangements could be made to keep the ramp at the host’s home for the duration of the SGM schedule

The ramp will be kept at the Meeting House. To arrange for the loan of the ramp, contact Brian Mullen in the office. Please be sure to return it to him promptly when you are through using it.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is very important that that folks stand by when the ramp is in use to assure that it “stays put” and doesn’t slip as the person using the ramp ascends and descends. The ramp will simply rest on the doorsill and not be secured by pins, as would be the case if it were in permanent use. - Anne Bailey

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.

UU and YOU: A Book Study - Join Rev BJ and Keith Robichaud on Wednesday nights May 13,20,27, and June 3 from 7-9 PM for a study of "A Chosen Faith," a readable and provocative text on ancient roots and contemporary practice of UUism. To reserve your copy, speak with or email the office, and you'll be contacted when they arrive. (Childcare available upon request.- BJ

Plan to Attend A Congregational Conversation, which is part of the Board assessment of the Sunday service configuration, is taking place in Fellowship Hall on May 17, at 12:30. We expect to be finished no later than 3:00. Lynn Thomas, Clara Barton District Executive, will be facilitating our conversation. We will be talking about the current configuration of two services on Sundays, and sharing our own experiences regarding this schedule. In preparation for the 17th, we encourage you to read some of the background documents, all available in the Spiritual Life section of the USH website, or by clicking here.

Childcare will be available, and there will be desserts and beverages provided. In addition, the Youth Group will be selling soup and sandwiches. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch. Whatever you choose to eat, we hope to see you there! Your input is most important to the Board in making its plans for the service schedule for 2009-2010.

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

A Congregational Opportunity, June 7:
“Callings” Worship Service and Workshop with author Gregg Levoy - Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life, MORE

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 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.

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.

Photo opportunity: Is your photo missing from the USH Photo Directory? More

Adult Programs - There will not be a Programs Table this Sunday.

Ember Days, Wednesday, May 27, 12:00 - 2:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday, May 29, 30, 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.

We welcome comments or suggestions about the programs that have been offered during the 2008 fall and 2009 winter/spring terms - timing, content, etc. Please send them to Janice Newton: or Nancy Reed.

Looking ahead to programming for this fall, perhaps you or someone you know has a special interest and would like to offer a class or workshop. We'd be happy to talk with you about your ideas. Proposal forms are available in the office or you can go to the USH website Home page and click on Programs and Activities - Adult Programs - Proposal Form. The form can be left in the Adult Programs mailbox in the office or can be emailed to Nancy Reed or Janice Newton. Please do not leave completed proposal forms with Brian or Rosie as we need to review and schedule them before they are submitted for publication in the catalog.

Caring Network - No mistake's made once: that's an adventure. David Mus - 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, 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, Servetus
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
1:00 pm John Currie Memorial, Chapel
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
6:00 pm Worship Dialogue w/Rev BJ, Servetus

Monday, May 11
7:00 pm Artist’s Way, Servetus
7:00 pm Rental, Ballou

Tuesday, May 12
5:30 pm Lay Listeners, Servetus
7:00 pm Board of Directors, Library
7:00 pm Willett Woodwind rehearsal, Chapel
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, May 13
4:30 pm Employment Support, Servetus
5:45 pm Meditation and Dharma Gathering, Emerson
6:30 pm Tai Chi, Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm Small Group Ministry, David
7:00 pm UU and You Book Study, Servetus
7:15 pm NVC Practice Group, Emerson
7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Thursday, May 14
9:30 am International Women’s Circle, Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm Rental, Ballou

Friday, May 15
5:30 pm Family SGM, Fellowship Hall

Saturday, May 16
9:30 am Interweave Brunch, Carnevale Home
2:00 pm Watercolor Class, Elizabeth Park/or Servetus
10:00 pm Overnight Youth Group Throne-a-Thon

Sunday, May 17
Youth Group Throne-a-Thon con’d
10:00 am Soup Making, Kitchen
8:45 am B&G, Murray
8:45 am Comfort Shawl Knitters, Lower Lobby
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
12:30 pm Sunday Service Configuration, Fellowship Hall
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
4:00 pm American Baptists (neighbors), parking lot usage

External Events and Educational Notes

A Celebration of the Human Spirit, Sunday May 31st, 7 PM Beth El Temple - the final concert of the 2008-09 Music Series at Beth El Temple, promises to be a memorable community event. "A German Requiem" by Johannes Brahms will be performed by the Beth El Orchestra, Community Chorale, and soloists. Additionally, George Gershwin's "Piano Concerto in F" will be performed by Hartt School Of Music pianist, Corbin Beisner. Cantor Joseph Ness, Conductor/Artistic Director would like to provide you and your Unitarian Society Of Hartford choir members with concert tickets. Flyers available at USH

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

A Matter of Opinion:

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