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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 May 20, 2010
Jump to: Sunday Service; Calendar; What's Happening; Feature Articles; External Events; Further Down the Road; Social Justice Journeys; Green Topics ; A Matter of Opinion;
White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Jamestown, VA
USH-Enews is a weekly email newsletter produced for members and friends of the Unitarian Society of Hartford. The USH web address is: http://www.ushartford.com/ Check at the end of this USH-Enews for information on submissions, subscriptions and escape from the mailing list or to find past issues of the weekly USH-Enews click here.
Office hours: Rev. Jamestone: Phone: 860 233-9897; Email: RevBJ@USHartford.com - Rev. BJ office hours by appointment.
Worshipping Together Since 1830
One Service 10:30 AMSunday - 23, May 30 May - Speaking of Faith: Religious Understandings Beyond the Limits of Politics - two part series - What understandings are hidden inside of ancient religions around the world, and why should they matter to us today?
We will explore this question through the eyes of Christa Tippett, as she explores the "limits of politics" in addressing current global dramas through interviews with scientists, scholars, musicians, and activists whose religious persuasions range from Pentecostal to Catholic to Hindu to atheist to "other."
Following the service the Annual Meeting will be in Fellowship Hall. Here is relevant information.
Music
REflections on Children's Programming
Rites of Passage
Last weekend, several of our Religious Education students bridged into the next leg of their journey seeking truth and meaning. Please take a moment to congratulate our high school seniors who are graduating:
Christian Hansen
Aubrie Nelson
Daniel Olguin
And our eighth graders who are entering high school:
Sage Gentry
Amy Gilligan
Maggie Lyman
Celeste Smith
We are so proud of each of you!Coming of Age:
COMING OF AGE HAIKU
A rare trillium
Springs like three girls to beauty
And wisdom profound.
by Brian Smith
Religious Education Classes
Spirit Play: The Butterfly Friends
Second & Third Grade: UU Superheroes: Lewis Latimer
Fourth & Fifth Grade: Spirit of Adventure: Comets and Constellations-Maria Mitchell
Sixth & Seventh Grade: World Religions Review
Youth Group Activities: Soup Making
Gail Syring, DRE
What You Can Do For USH You can ask anyone in your neighborhood network if they want to carpool by emailing your network, for example - nn3@ushartford.com (if your network is 3) and help save our planet.
Annual Meeting, Elections, Constitutional Changes set for Sunday May 23rd Also, BJ's Q and A on Ministerial compensation. Here is the Agenda
Art News - Our guest artist for the final spring exhibit is Diana Lemcoff offering a sample of her fine innovative work on display following the May 23rd service. Diane will be available in Fellowship Hall after the service on June 6th to meet us and answer questions about her creative process. - Sara SturgesWomen's Alliance 2010 Education Grant Applications remain available - more
Adult Programs
At the Programs Table this Sunday, May 23, you may register for the Summer Small Group Ministry, the last Friday Dinner and Movie for the 2009 - 2010 season, and Guided Mediations - Six Essential Practices. Alternatively, you may 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.
Friday Dinner and Movie, June 11. The featured movie will be Raging Bull.
Guided Mediations - Six Essential Practices to Cultivate Love, Awareness, Wisdom. Saturday, June 19th, 12 Noon to 3:30 PM More
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 RoyAbout next Fall's Programs - More
Social Justice Journeys (From the UUA) And from USH
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
GHICEJ Fundraiser - The Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition For Equity & Justice Announces its Third Annual Education Fundraiser - The Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition for Equity & Justice (GHICEJ) cordially invites you to celebrate Hartford Children by attending an Open House Fundraiser for the students and families at Noah Webster and Rawson Schools and the GHICEJ Education Partnership Project on Sunday, June 6th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Featuring an art sale, gift baskets and a chance to bid on a week in Spain!! Fine wines and appetizers will be served. Ticket prices: $25 in advance or at the door.
For more information, please contact: Shai Cassell, Community Organizer - The Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition for Equity & Justice - Call: (860) 930-4278 or email scassell54(at sign)comcast.net
Caring Network -Sooner or later every one of us breathes an atom that has been breathed before by anyone you can think of who has lived before us - Michel Angelo or George Washington or Moses - Jacob Bronowski - 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.
From the Editor: Suggestions for Contributors.
Boycott of Arizona Proposed
Reflections on Membership
Annual Meeting May 23rd
Health Race and Justice for All
Tree Walk Planned
Coming of Age Group
SGM Signup for Summer Session
May 11 Board MeetingUUA Board of Trustees Proposes Boycotting Arizona for 2012 General Assembly - Over recent weeks there has been much discussion within our denomination (and within USH) concerning the recently enacted immigrant legislation in Arizona. In addition, there have been a number of public gatherings concerning the situation that have either been led by UU’s or have had a strong UU participation. There are additional protests scheduled over the coming weeks, including one scheduled for May 29 in Phoenix to be attended by UUA President Rev. Morales and other UU leaders.
The 2012 General Assembly is scheduled to be held in Phoenix. The UUA Board of Trustees met on May 6 to discuss the situation. After much consideration, the recommendation by the Board is to take steps to move the meeting to a location outside of Arizona.Given the timing and commitments made in advance to facilities for a meeting this large, it is estimated that the cost to relocate the meeting could be approximately an additional $600,000. The Board developed a Business Resolution concerning the move for consideration by the 2010 General Assembly next month in Minneapolis. The Business Resolution can be read on the UUA web site (www.uua.org) Both Sue Kinney and Gail Syring will be going to Minneapolis this year as the USH delegates;
if you have any comments about the resolution, please let them know.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please call me or send me an email.
Bill Young, Board of Directors – Chairperson of the Council on Social JusticeHartford Tree Walk - Several members have expressed an interest in a Hartford West End Tree Walk - one of the events for Connecticut Trails Day, Saturday June 5th.
This is a 2.5 mile walk making many stops at notable specimens, including several State Champions. We'll visit the grounds of Connecticut Historical Society, UConn Law School, Hartford College for Women, and St. Francis Hospital, all former estates.
Walk starts at 10 AM, but come early to register, and to see 19th century photos of historic trees. Meet at Connecticut Historical Society (One Elizabeth Street). Thunderstorm cancels. Sponsored by Connecticut Historical Society (hs.org) and Knox Parks Foundation (knoxparks.org). Leaders: Ed Richardson, 860.633.7764, and John Kehoe.
Reflections on “Membership Measurables - Was it our own Mark Twain who said there are lies, damn lies, and statistics? Though they ARE slippery things, statistics can give a faithful accounting of trends and driving forces from which we can sometimes plan next steps. In recent months, several folks have mined our membership records of the past four years. In reviewing that data, I celebrate how our business manager Brian Mullen manages and accurately maintains a complex and confusing set of records, from which you can see details like numbers of folks who’ve joined and departed from USH, and for what causes. View these documents (three pages) - Rev BJ
Highlights from the May 11, 2010 Board of Directors Meeting - At our meeting on May 11, the Board conducted the following business of the Unitarian Society of Hartford:
- Approved a policy to cancel worship services in the event of danger to the congregation. This policy will cover storm closings and other related emergency situations such as problems with the building, etc.- Accepted the report from the Audit Committee, chaired by Jim Venneman, which found our financial controls and records are appropriate. No material weaknesses were noted, nor were any significant changes recommended.
- Work continues on the budget for 2010-11. The Finance Sub-Council will meet in early June and recommend the final budget to the Board for the June 15 BOD meeting.- Agreed to continue work on an initiative to focus on Mission and Membership. Gail Syring presented a document outlining the “Possible Membership and Outreach Initiative,” an outline of a plan that would assimilate and retain current membership; attract and recruit new members; and grow our volunteer base. For FY 2010-11, costs of the initiative can be covered by the operating budget (We will not need to use money from the Endowment); costs for FY 2011-12 will be determined by the financial situation at that time. Changes in (increased or decreased) membership, volunteer labor and financial support will be monitored and evaluated. This initiative will begin July 1st.
- Agreed to appoint a task force to work on reviewing and re-defining, if necessary, the categories of membership with expectations for a report from the task force in the early fall.
- Agreed to Building and Ground’s request to fund repairs to the sidewalk and the installation of new carpeting using the capital request dollars for this year and next. The request to fund roof repairs will be considered when cost estimates are received from vendors.- Discussed a “protocol for musical finances at USH”. The protocol was referred back to the Finance Sub-Council for their recommendation to the Board.
I hope to see you at our Annual Meeting on Sunday, May 23 following our worship service. We have several important issues to vote on, including changes to our Constitution regarding composition of our Board of Directors and deciding to become a “Green Congregation.” Your voice and your vote are important so I encourage you to take the time to make your views known.
As always, please contact any member of the Board if you have questions, suggestions, or comments on USH issues and activities. - Carolyn Cartland
President
Green Topics - Did You Know? - you can ask anyone in your neighborhood network if they want to carpool by emailing your network, for example - nn3@ushartford.com (if your network is 3) and help save our planet
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.
Further Down The Road (About 30 Days)
Looking for volunteers for Habitat for Humanity - One day in July to work on a house. Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Please contact Peter Magistri, Ed Savage or Joan Kemble if interested. We can look for a date after finding a group. Thanks, IASC
On the Calendar - 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
Food Inc. To be Shown - (This was shown earlier this spring at USH, if you missed it .... ) The Hartford Food System, The City of Hartford Department of Health and Human Services, and Hartford Public Library, in partnership with
Active Voice and Participant Media, invite you to a FREE community screening of the film, Food, Inc.
Featuring a panel discussion with community members who are making a difference by helping Hartford residents get healthier foods.
Light refreshments and fun door prizes will be provided!
For childcare or transportation needs,
please call 860-296-9325.
Thursday May 20, 5:00-7:45 p.m.
(Film starts at 5:45 p.m.)
X-Room, Main Floor
500 Main St.
Hartford, CT 06103
www.hplct.org
Come learn about our nation’s food system and what you can do to help ensure that the food you eat and provide for your family is of the highest quality possible. There is much that you can do to control the healthiness of your food. Come join us to talk and learn about this critical issue!
Food, Inc., a feature-length documentary by director Robert Kenner, lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing a system controlled by international corporations that prioritize profit over the health and safety of consumers. Please visit www.foodincmovie.com.
The Ingredients for Change Campaign includes public screening events of the film Food, Inc. in thirty lower income communities around the country in an effort to raise public awareness of the U.S. food system, and to address issues of food access, childhood obesity, and other diet-related health problems.
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 05/19/10 5:54 PM)
