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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 28, 2009
Jump to: Calendar; What's happening; A matter of opinion; External events; Further down the road; Social justice journeys; Did you know?
Yellow Rose
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
Summer Schedule one Service 10 AM
Sunday - 24 May - This Sunday our youth will lead us in worship, reflecting on the theme of Hopes and Dreams for the Community.
Annual Meeting to be held after the service on May 31st - Annual Meeting will be held in Fellowship Hall, shortly after the service (so people can get coffee), and we'll be serving ice cream sundaes after the meeting.
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the Nominating Committee has proposed the following slate of candidates for the 2009-2010 Board. The names marked with an asterisk will be voted on at the Annual Meeting.
We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting. Refreshments will be served!President - Carolyn Cartland *
President-Elect - Sue Kinney *
Treasurer - Martha Page
Secretary - Fran Carnevale *
At-Large Community Within - Amy Hines
At-Large Spiritual Life- Jim Venneman*
At-Large Social Justice - Bill LaPorte-Bryan *Music - Alan Kramer is one of the newest members of USH and the choir. In addition to being a valuable addition to our bass section, he is also a most interesting composer. He has set the Langston Hughes poem “Hold Fast to Dreams” in a lively and challenging way…. so challenging that the choir can’t quite manage all the parts! We’ve enlisted the Youth group to learn the rhythmic clapping part in this anthem for their Youth service.
REflections on Children's Programming -
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!Recognition of Transitions: Youth Service Highlights
This Sunday our youth will lead us in worship, reflecting on the theme of Hopes and Dreams for the Community. During the service, these eighth grade students, having completed the Coming of Age program, will be bridged into the youth group:
Olivia Cohen
Margaret Czepiel
Zachary Dayner
Evan Ferguson-Hull
Cassandra Fulop
Conor Lyman
Alec Nelson
Dana Reichler
Abigail Ward
These high school seniors, about to embark on the next stage of their adult journey, will be bridged out of the youth group:
Nora Berg
Max Elish
Aaron Greenbaum
Olivia Meny
Kira Philips
Lucia Rubin Cadrain
Dan WuertzPlease join the Religious Education team in congratulating these young people on their transitions!
Harry Potter Summer Program
Beginning this Sunday, May 31st, we will be moving to our summer class schedule. Worship will begin at 10 AM, and after the Time for All Ages, all children will be invited downstairs to Classroom D for Mythology of Muggles class! This week we will have opening ceremonies and be sorted into houses by the sorting hat! Come experience the magic!
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. - Gail M. Syring, DRE
What Else is Happening & Announcements
New Sermons posted on the Web - Wondering about the difference between a Unitarian and a Universalist? See the new sermon posted for 3-22-09. Also, read the Power of Wishing 3-08-09 for a discussion of what various folks receive at USH. Go to the source!
Lamps & Linens Needed for My Sister's Place - Collection will be May 31, June 7 and 14.
My Sister’s Place aids homeless women and children and when the Women’s Alliance asked recently what they might always need, their executive director said, “lamps and linens.”
Check your basement and closets to see if you have things to donate. For the next three Sundays you can bring them to the Meeting House and put them in Murray, the room to the right of the elevator. The Alliance will arrange delivery.
Blankets, pillows, sheets & towels must be clean and ready to use; and floor, table or plug in wall lamps must be in working order. Thanks for helping. - Louise Schmoll
New NVC Practice Group Forming - Sign up by May 31st. More
From Green Sanctuary: Last week to buy from the green table before we go to our monthly schedule for the summer - 1st sunday of the month. Stock up on your green cleaning and paper products for the good of us all.
There will be a meeting on Sunday 5/31st at 12:00 for everyone interested in participating in the garden collaboration with The Village for Children and Families. Come and find out more.
Everyone involved in the adopt-a-bay greening project at USH can begin weeding, taking care of your bay. Any ideas to enhance your bay to go to Barbara Prine. - Enjoy the spring!Prints Available - Full size prints of four of Joe Sam's extraordinary paintings are in the USH office for viewing and purchase. These are on loan for several weeks. A percentage of any sales will go to USH. - Sara Sturges
A Congregational Opportunity - COMING NEXT WEEK, ON SUNDAY, JUNE 7. Gregg Levoy, author of Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life, will join Rev BJ in the pulpit at the 10:00 AM worship service, and offer an afternoon workshop beginning at 12:00 noon. Please register in advance for the “Callings” Workshop on Sunday or by calling the office (860 233-9897). (pdf flyer), MORE
Employment Support Network News - June 10 - 7:00 - 9:00 PM Network Potluck Supper - Meet to eat and talk about careers, jobs, and your experiences. Help design a small support group to continue through the summer months. Contact Esther McKone for information and the "green meal" suggestions. 860-677-6682
May Ember Days - Looking for a serene and reflective break, for some space to sanctify time and community, for moments of soul healing and vision bearing? Join Rev BJ at ember days on Weds May 27 from 12-2 PM, or May 29th or 30th from 6-8 PM, in the Meditation Sanctuary. The theme is “Wailing for a Vision” and the native spirituality of vision quest is the method.
A Chosen Faith - May 20, 27, and June 3, from 7 to 8:30 PM Rev BJ continues the study of the classic UU text, “A Chosen Faith.” You are very welcome to purchase the book from Rosie ($16) and to join us in progress at the Meeting House.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 Nicket
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.
Adult Programs - Stop by the Programs Table in Fellowship Hall to register for the June Friday Dinner & Movie after the service next Sunday. Call the office to register for "Callings." There will be no Programs Table this week because of the Annual Meeting.
There will be copies of Greg Levoy's book Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life ($15) and A Chosen Faith by John Buehrens and Forrest Church ($16) available to purchase along with the other offerings in the Book Cart.
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. Please stop by the Programs Table to discuss it. Proposal forms are available on Sunday at the Programs Table, 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 e mailed 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.
Ember Days, continue 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.
Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life, Sunday, June 7. (more)
Friday Night Dinner and Movie, June 12. The featured movie for the final 2008-2009 dinner and movie evening will be "Field of Dreams". (more)
Field of Dreams - 1989 hit celebrating the love of baseball, starring Kevin Costner, based on W. P. Kinsella’s novel, Shoeless Joe.
An engaging film that uses baseball as a launch pad for musings on human aspirations, righting old wrongs, and going the distance." (review in Spirituality and Practice)
Roy Cook, who's read the book and calls the movie a favorite, will lead the post-film discussion. Our caterer Dave (of Kane's Catering) has decided to provide both seafood lasagna and sirloin tips over rice, since folks at the last movie were in favor of both! As usual, a vegetarian option will be available if you mention that preference when making your reservation.
Reservations may be made during Sunday coffee hours at the Programs table or by calling the USH office, 233-9897 with your credit card. Please reserve by Monday, June 8.
Social time with libations and popcorn at 5:30, dinner at 6, film at 7; if you have some extra time to help set-up, arrive earlier (with our thanks).
Don't forget to bring/email/phone your 5 nominations for next year's titles ASAP. We will vote during the summer.
Caring Network - Every success starts with an opportunity begun. - Anonymous - 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.
From the Editor: Suggestions for Contributors.
This Week’s Feature Articles
Why the SGM Success?
Can You Help the Budget Pain?
Minister's Annual Report
Memorial Day Service Recap
Thanks Are in Order!
Lamps and Linens Needed
June Music Plans UpdateBudget Developments - As you may be aware, the Finance Sub-Council, along with the Staff, the Council Chairs and the Board, have been working hard to complete the budget for the 2009-2010 church year that begins on July 1.
It will come as no surprise that it is a very challenging budget year. The current Stewardship results reflect a very large fall-off from last year's results, such that, even with efforts to reduce or keep expenses flat, our current projected deficit is approximately $25,000. Please note that the proposal already includes a planned-for infusion of funds into the operating budget from the Endowment, which has been subject to the same major downturn that has impacted investment accounts everywhere.
The Board plans to vote on the new budget at its meeting on June 23. Before then, the Finance Sub-Council will continue work to balance the budget. As members and friends of USH, you can help by offering suggestions for expense savings or revenue generation to me or to any member of Finance. Most of all, if you have not yet pledged your support and can do so, it is critical that you do so now. For those of you who have pledged, if you can increase the pledge amount already submitted, that would be wonderful.
Please call Brian at 233-9897 as soon as possible so that we can have an accurate indication of expected revenue as we complete the budget.
Finally, we are planning to
hold a budget briefing for the congregation on Sunday, June 21 after the 10AM service. (Please note this was previously scheduled for June 18th and has been rescheduled)
At that time, we will provide specific details on the Stewardship results, the current state of the Endowment and its relationship to our Operating Budget, as well as our constitutional and fiduciary responsibilities relative to both. We welcome questions about the budget process and content and look forward to a lively discussion.
Minister's Annual Report 2009
Mission - My mission is to champion your discernment of dreams, to care for your souls, and to maintain the greenhouse in which you grow in spirit and in joyful service.Accomplishments - 2008-2009 has been the third in my first “three year plan” of immersion, transition, and emergence. We have as minister and congregation safely navigated the first blush of infatuation, the transition as my ways have merged with your ways, and the emergence of a whole garden of tiny seedlings—new programmatic varieties and hybrids, standard perennials, and a whole array of "‘wheat and tares" to quote the bible!
Plans for coming year - The coming year begins another three year cycle, should we be granted that time together: tending, extending, befriending. In 2009-2010 we will “ tend” this year’s explosion of seedlings in such a way that our communal garden is both beautiful and nurturing in years to come. As disciplined and joyful gardeners of the spirit, we will simplify and downsize so that a few hardy strands will have plenty of sunshine and attention. At the same time we will cultivate some of the newer plant types which are designed to thrive in the conditions created at USH.
My own "tending" will continue to focus on supervising pastoral care thorough Lay Listeners, overseeing worship with Worship Associates, and on creating assimilation pathways for those who are still "learning the ropes" at USH. The staff and I will continue defining and articulating the roles and relationships between ourselves and lay leadership. I will be supporting USH Board leadership as spiritual and relational counselor more than as organizational consultant.
Thank you all for your ongoing regard and support as we share experiences described by the skin horse in “The Velveteen Rabbit”—the kind of loving and committed encounter that can make us ‘real’ over time. - BJ
June Music - June marks the end of this year’s season of music at the Meeting House, and the start of preparing for many changes next year. The biggest change will be figuring out how to survive musically without John at the organ & piano, and Katie as the senior soloist in the choir. We have benefited from their presence among us in countless ways, and we’ll miss them. The choir is having a farewell potluck-picnic-rehearsal in June, our last party with these good friends and wonderful musicians.
The choir always gets a little smaller in June, but the anthems are just as varied and interesting as ever.
June 7 – For Buddha’s birthday, the choir sings another of Alan Kramer’s fascinating pieces, a setting of the well-known text by Lao-Tse, "If there is to be peace." The choir will also sing "Drink Your Tea Slowly," music by UU composer Wally Kleucker and text by Thich Nhat Hahn: Drink your tea slowly, slowly and reverently as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves. Slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life.
June 14 –"Everything Possible" is the Chancel Choir’s offering, a wonderful anthem by UU minister and singer-songwriter Fred Small. His songs often make a political or ethical statement. Among his best-known songs are "Heart of the Appaloosa," "Everything Possible," "Peace Is", and "Cranes Over Hiroshima.” He is hailed by Pete Seeger as “one of America’s best songwriters.” In 2008 he left his ministry at First Church Unitarian in Littleton, MA to become Senior Minister at the First Parish Church in Cambridge, MA. “Everything Possible” has a number of solos along with the choral parts. Also sung at this service will be the hymn “Standing on the side of love” which has become an anthem honoring the GLBT community.
June 21 - Madrigals are enchanting, light pieces for several unaccompanied voices, extremely popular in the Renaissance and perfect for our choir’s last Sunday of the year. While most madrigals are secular, often about love with a “fa la la la” refrain, some are deep explorations of emotional and even spiritual themes.
June 28 - Healing chants are part of this meditative healing service led by Susan Huntington. Deep involvement with other people in singing may lead to letting go of oneself, giving yourself over to the spirit of the chant.Memorial Day 2009 - Words not often heard around the Meeting House—words such as sacrifice, death, war, choice, survival - were heard loudly and clearly during Sunday’s 10 AM service in the Sanctuary and during a memorial service in the Chapel for John xxxxxxx.
Reverend BJ lit a memorial candle and asked the congregation to observe a moment of silence to honor and remember all those who fought or gave their lives in war. She said, “We remember and we honor those who made this sacrifice.” However, she said, “Sacrifice is not a popular Unitarian word.” Ultimately, it is the language for the common good. For her, the word captures the “profound wisdom from the natural world.” Sacrifice leads to making choices in search for the good. We have to make daily choices.
She told a story of Michael, a neighbor in her childhood, who suffered seizures, sometimes when he and Reverend BJ’s mother were watching cartoons together. Her mother, she said, made the choice to sacrifice her private time before she left for work to share those precious moments with Michael. And Michael, well aware of his physical problems, trusted her enough to ask, “If I go away, will you tell me what happened when I come back?”
“The seizures that interrupt our lives can hold us together,” Reverend BJ said. Sacrifice can be seen as a counterpart of natural selection. She compared the pressures and heat of the sacrifices required of us to a lump of coal, which, with enough pressure, might become a diamond. “Our deaths are certain; we are not meant to survive.” Reverend BJ compared our lives to a situation where a man finds himself hanging on to a single vine with tigers above and tigers below him, but still finds, eats and enjoys a single delicious purple berry he manages to reach.
Sunday’s service also recognized USH volunteers for 2008-2009. The interesting cover of the Order of Service listed 35 activities (yes, I counted them) made possible thanks to volunteers.
Sunday’s service also included a testimonial by Bill Shoemaker, who praised our Small Group Ministries (SGM) for their “intimacy and ultimacy.” A long-time SGM facilitator, Bill said these ministries have been successful because they allow opportunities for friendship and face-to-face social intimacy not possible in texting or twittering. People talk about subjects that come from their deep emotional core. Ultimately, the SGM experience “fosters a deep spiritual experience in the search for meaning in life.”
A memorial service for long-time USH member John xxxxxx was held in the Chapel, attended mostly by long-time USH members. Reverend BJ called John “one of the bricks in the foundation of the Meeting House” and suggested it was “up to us to shift a little to carry that weight that John did.”
Reverend BJ read an Emily Dickinson poem:
“We never know we go ,-- when we are going
We jest and shut the door;
Fate following behind us bolts it,
And we accost no more.”
Reverend BJ said we honor someone among us by “sitting and remembering…We are strengthened by remembering the lives of those who have gone. They are with us still… We, the living, carry them with us. We are their voices. We choose the deeper path of living.” - Kayla Costenoble
Many Thanks In Order - A tip o' the hat to the following kind folks who, on many Sundays and other days this past year, provided rides and companionship to USH non-drivers:
John Barlow, Gail Bogossian, Roy Cook, Dick Edwards, Ron Friedman, Maggie Greene, Nita Hansen, Diana Heymann, Marion Kelliher, Joan Kemble, Tom Kemble, Ann LaPorte-Bryan, Bill LaPorte-Bryan, Fred Louis, Sue Machol, Deb Meny, Peter Meny, Deb Nardi, David Newton, Janice Newton, Nancy Reed, Tom Reed, Laurie Rollins, Mike Roy, Julie Smith, Jane Stone, Ed Stubbs, and the countless others who have so often joyfully and sometimes spontaneously provided rides to those in need. - Caring Network Sub-Council
On the Calendar
Thursday, May 28
10:00 am Adult Programs, Servetus
6:00 pm 09-10 Calendar Planning, Fellowship Hall
Friday, May 29
6:00 pm Ember Days, Meditation Space
Saturday, May 30
2:00 pm Coming of Age Ceremony, Chapel
2:00 pm Watercolor Class, Elizabeth Park/or Servetus
3:00 pm Coming of Age Reception, Lyman Home
6:00 pm Ember Days, Meditation Space
Sunday, May 31
9:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:00 am WORSHIP, SANCTUARY
11:00 am Annual Meeting, Sanctuary
11:00 am Coffee, Fellowship Hall
11:30 am Green Sanctuary, Library
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
Monday, June 1
7:00 pm Rental, Ballou
Tuesday, June 2
5:30 pm NVC Gathering, Minister’s Study
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, June 3
10:00 am UAMW, Library
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, A Chosen Faith, Servetus
7:15 pm NVC Practice Group, Emerson
7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Thursday, June 4
3:30 pm Seabury UU Gathering, Bloomfield
Friday, June 5
5:30 pm Family SGM, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, June 6
9:45 am Heublein Tower Youth hike, Simsbury
4:00 pm Wedding, Sanctuary
Sunday, June 7
9:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:00 am WORSHIP, SANCTUARY
11:00 am Coffee, Fellowship Hall
12:00 - 4:00 pm “Callings” Workshop, Emerson
1:00 pm Joyfuul Noise, Library/Sanctuary
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
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)
Reminder: Retreat Scheduled in October - LADIES, mark your calendar now and save October 23-25, 2009 for a retreat to Senexet House in Woodstock, CT. The Unitarian Alliance Ministry to Women will host the event and all women are invited. Details will be published in September.
Social Justice Journeys (From the UUA) And from USH
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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 07/02/09 7:12 pm)
Did
You Know? - Green
Sanctuary Sub-Council -