USH-Enews May 13, 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.

Sunday - 16 May - Annual Youth Service: Equality - Pulpit Guests, Members of the Unitarian Society of Hartford High School Youth Group - Each year, our youth group members offer an example of living the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism in full color. This service embodies our youth's passionate desire to help create a fair and peaceful world. During the service, the rising ninth graders will be welcomed into the youth group, while our graduating seniors are bridged into young adulthood.

REflections on Children's Programming
Invitation to the Coming of Age Worship Service

On Saturday, May 15th at 3 PM, 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.

Multigenerational Worship Service

On Sunday, May 16th, the High School Youth Group will be offering their annual Youth Service. The theme is Equality. Each year, our youth group members offer an example of living the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism in full color. This service embodies our youth's passionate desire to help create a fair and peaceful world. During the service, the rising ninth graders will be welcomed into the youth group, while our graduating seniors are bridged into young adulthood.

Children of all ages are invited to attend the service as there are no Religious Education classes today. There will be childcare offered for children aged three and under.

Andrew Millard Accepts Ministerial Assignment - Good news, our own Andrew Millard has accepted a call to be minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula, Newport News, VA. He will begin officially in August. You can see pictures of Andrew and his new "flock" here.

Getting Down to Good Eating - The Green Sanctuary folks have found a dandy graph showing the availability of various crops by season for CT. Vegetables you can buy locally from Connecticut Farmers. - "Green" because they are grown locally and require little transportation diesel to arrive at our markets, less global warming and all of that, plus it helps the local economy, namely your neighbors in state. Here is the link to the pdf.

The kitchen in my childhood home was aggressively yellow. The wallpaper that was hanging when we moved in was brand new and covered with huge lemon trees. We hated to tear down perfectly serviceable wallpaper, so for more than a decade the kitchen served as a giant yellow Rorschach test that one could consider over breakfast.

In the center of a collage of collectable plates and a purely decorative spice rack sat a plaque with a white and yellow daisy decoupaged to its surface. Surrounding the flower were the words of e. e. cummings. Long before Google existed to answer my every query, I wondered over those words. Why would daisies be aligned with craziness? What is crazy about giving a flower to someone? Why are we still looking at this hideous wallpaper?

Only in adulthood could I begin to understand the difference a small gesture of kindness can make. Only now can I fathom the challenge of reaching beyond one’s own suffering or simple busyness to pick a daisy and offer it to someone else. Only when trying to balance what seems impossible in my own mind with my heart’s desire to connect with others do I see the brilliant sanity in a daisy.

One of our USH children once put a felt daisy into the collection basket I was holding. A shiny button served as the center of the flower she had made. She brought the daisy to the Meeting House and asked me how she could get it to someone who really needed it, and I held out the basket for her heart-felt offering. It did not matter to her who received the daisy, or if they knew that it was from her. She simply trusted that it would be exactly what someone needed, and it was.

I kept that daisy as a reminder of the precious act of selflessness I witnessed that day. And I thank heaven that I am in a place that makes gifts of daisies of all kinds possible.- Gail M. Syring, DRE

Podcast season is open! - We now have six stories on the internet; just GOOGLE "Hartford Unitarian podcast" to access four selections from Rev BJ's services as well as Roy Cook and Diane Cadrain's talks. Next up will be Gail Syring's "Radical Amazement," just in case you missed it. (the written version was just posted on the web) Of course, if you were inspired by any of these worship experiences, please share them with friends and family! We hope that this effort will intrigue a few folks now and then to poke their heads into our door and get caught up in the Meeting House spirit. If you have questions about the podcasting, you may contact Ed Savage at ESavage1@gmail.com with your comments and requests.

Up and Down, Side to Side - Some of you were lucky enough to see a wonderfully whimsical parody of a “typical” worship service at USH, authored by Gail Syring, presented at our annual pledge drive dinner. At one point, Marye Gail Harrison, acting as the minister, said, “And on the 2nd Sunday each month we worship ONLY vertically, AND don’t you even THINK about doing anything horizontal that day — like greeting your neighbor or singing too loud!”

Lest anybody forget what those references mean, I’d like to offer, for a limited time, a chance for you to read an article by an esteemed scientist and theologian, Ursula Goodenough, on the subject of "horizontal and vertical transcendence." (If you would like to read the article request a pdf copy from dcnewton@ushartford.com )Writing more like a poet than either a scientist OR a theologian, Goodenough posits:

“Happily, horizontal and vertical transcendence are not either/or orientations. We can have both, and indeed, to aspire to both is to be fully sentient. We can learn—or rather, re-access — our childhood exaltation in the messy contingency of the horizontal, seeking not to order it but to experience it. Horizontal transcendence is not about hierarchy; it is about being part of the whole, being alive at all. It is infused with humility.

Vertical transcendence is all about hierarchy, but interestingly, it also generates humility, albeit by a different path. As we are up-lifted, be it by a magnificent mountain or a choral performance or an encounter with the divine, so too are we humbled, overwhelmed with gratitude.

So, if we are to envision a planet infused with horizontal transcendence, that dream is best realized, I believe, if we insist that our planet be immersed as well in vertical aesthetics… access to the arts should be a birthright, just like the walks in the woods….We can and should be thrilled by vertical aesthetic consciousness, not because it represents the highest achievement in our world but
because we are blessed to have it. Whether we go on to attribute these “higher” orientations to the plan of God or the luck of the evolutionary draw is an individual choice, about which there need be no acrimony once we realize that such matters of belief spring forth from common states of grace.”

As you know, our third Sunday services typically include plenty of opportunities to experience the holy through interaction with the beloved community all around you. Goodenough’s phrase "childhood exaltation" makes me think of the happy chatter as the congregation greets those sitting around them on those days, and it holds the precise meaning of our Hilaritas services (which don’t ALWAYS happen on a third Sunday — you have to watch out for those holidays!) for me — to live with joy, and childhood exaltation is a gift to experience, AND to observe in others.

And as for the vertical sensibilities, what about that Spring music Sunday on the 9th??? Further, you may have already enjoyed our current art installation (thank you Sara Sturges!) lining the ambulatory. If you haven’t had a chance to speak with the artist and USH member Seraphim Seskivitch yet, plan to come to church this Sunday the 15th and stay after for the reception thanking Ser for sharing his splendid paintings. These pieces from his huge collection celebrate the presence of the holy in both the natural world and in the world of imaginative sacred iconography. Ser’s work is also displayed in the permanent installation in our Chapel.

Worship Arts Sub-Council Taking Applications!

After reading the article referenced above , if YOU’D like a chance to help put feet to such lofty ideas, please consider making application to serve on the Worship Arts Sub-Council at USH, where:

Contact the church office for an application. Deadline is June 15! - Rev. BJ

May Ember Days - On May 23 and 30 in worship we’ll be exploring "understanding" as a core human need, not in the sense of "being understood," but of understanding--knowing the meaning or significance or purpose, having wisdom. I invite you to share an Ember Days session with me (May 26 Noon-1:30, May 28 and 29 6-7:30 PM) for further reflection on questions like these:

What have you consistently sought to understand across the years? How is seeking to understand different from seeking to know? What forms have your own search for "understanding" taken? What have you learned, both about some specific things you’ve sought to understand, AND about your own core need to understand or gather wisdom? Have any of the world’s great "wisdom traditions" been a resource for you?

It is always a joy for me to have the opportunity to meet with you in the small and reflective setting of Ember Days, and to share this personal spiritual discipline of my own with you. - Rev BJ

Join the Alliance on May 20th - The Alliance invites you to join us for a special outing on Thursday, May 20. Gather at the Meeting House at 10:00 a.m. to car pool to Riverton where we will browse through the Peter Greenwood Glass Blowing Studio and Gallery. In addition to art glass the gallery also shows paintings by Christine Greenwood. After our visit we will continue to New Hartford for lunch (Dutch treat) at Chatterley's. Earlier this year the New York Times gave this restaurant a glowing review.

Sign up will be necessary for lunch reservations and to arrange a car pool. Sign up on the Alliance board on May 9 or 16, or email Louise Schmoll (rdschmoll @comcast.net) and say you are coming. If you choose to meet us there at about 11:00, the Gallery is at 3 Robertsville Road in Riverton and the restaurant for lunch at 12:30 is at 2 Bridge Street in New Hartford.

Guided Meditations - Six Essential Practices to Cultivate Love, Awareness, Wisdom. Saturday, June 19th, 12 Noon to 3:30 PM More

Annual Meeting, Elections, Constitutional Changes set for Sunday May 23rd Also, BJ's Q and A on Ministerial compensation. Here is the Agenda

You can help keep our grounds beautiful - by adopting a bay (the area between 2 buttresses outside) and take care (weeding/planting) of that little slice of our Meeting House. Sign up on the Green Sanctuary bulletin board on the way into Fellowship Hall.

There will be no Programs Table this Sunday, May 16. To register for the Summer Small Group Ministry, 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.

Coming Events:

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.

Sign Up Now For Summer Small Group Ministry - We have begun 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. There are six openings left. 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 (860-561-4061) so we can address them to the best of our ability. 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

About next Fall's Programs - We welcome comments or suggestions about the programs that have been offered during the 2009 fall and 2010 winter/spring terms - timing, content, etc. Please send them to Janice Newton: or Nancy Reed.

The spring programs are winding down and it's not too early to think about possible programs to offer in the fall term. Perhaps you or someone you know has an idea for a course, workshop, or Sunday afternoon program that you would like to see included.

To obtain a Program Proposal Form, you may go to the home page. Then, From the Spiritual Life pull down menu (on the left side of the home page), click on Adult Programs. In the first paragraph, click on download the form in Microsoft Word. The form is also available at the USH office. Please attach a detailed paragraph in Microsoft Word (if possible) about the program to the completed Proposal Form that can be used for promotion. Please email the completed Proposal to Nancy Reed (ndreed35(at sign)comcast.net or Janice Newton (dcnewton(at sign)snet.net no later than Monday, August 9 so that your proposed program can be reviewed and included with the other 2010 Fall Programs for Adults and Families.

Health and Race - Justice for All - Exploring the film : Unnatural Causes "Place" matters - Where you live predicts your health!

Tuesday, May 25, 6:30-8:30 PM - Hartford Seminary, 77 Sherman Street, Hartford, CT Presented by GHICEJ, The Christian Activities Council and Hartford Seminary.

Join us at this FREE program to learn and discuss our health as it relates to: Racial and ethnic health disparities in CT: Share what others are doing to address health disparities; and Explore the role of Faith Communities in eliminating health disparities.

RSVP - Yvette Law at Hartford Seminary 860.509.9555, or Margaret Steinegger-Keyser at GHICEJ 860.548.1744, or Damaris Whittaker at CAC 860.527-9860 by Friday, May 21

Caring Network - In the darkest hour the soul is replenished and given strength to continue again. - Heart Warrior Chosa - 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? - We now have a picnic table to be used to enjoy the beauty of nature outside in the library bay! Thanks to Peter Magistri, Bev Prager, David and Janice Newton, Barbara Prine and Cyprian Martin. Enjoy!

Ferry Beach, a UU Camp is offering Exploring the Maine Coast, a week of coastal ecology adventures for the entire family. Enjoy hands-on discovery, nature exploration and green living ideas along with fun, entertaining (songs/skits galore) and memorable time for the entire family. See www.ferrybeach.org for more information.

Dishwasher Training - The next dishwasher training is scheduled for June 6 (not May 10 as mistakenly advertised last week). Please meet in the kitchen after the service for a 10 minute training on how to use the dishwasher so we can all help keep disposable dishes from polluting our earth. Many hands make light work

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