USH-Enews June 18, 2009

USH-Enews June 18, 2009

Jump to: Calendar; What's happening; A matter of opinion; External events; Further down the road; Social justice journeys; Did you know?

Text only Printer Friendly Format

Lupine
Lupine - Photo by Carol Cooper

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.

Music Staff Completed - Great news: our Music staff for next year is complete. Our new Associate Music Director (aka Pianist/Organist/Keyboardist/Assistant Choir Director/associate musician) is Sebestyén Nyírö. At the moment Sebestyén (pronounced Sebastian) is home in Budapest, Hungary, visiting his family whom he hasn’t seen in a year and a half. But in July, he’ll be back in Connecticut, getting ready for a new year while finishing up graduate work in Organ at Hartt and starting a doctoral program in Piano at Uconn while joining the music department at the Unitarian Society of Hartford.

Our new Cantor and soprano soloist, Melissa Paul, is already preparing to take on her new (for us) and prominent musical role. The title Cantor is an ancient one, with several meanings. The most ancient meaning comes from Jewish traditions.

In Judaism, the cantor, or hazzan, is the official of a synagogue who conducts the liturgical part of the service and sings or chants the prayers intended to be performed as solos. There are particular styles of singing associated with cantorial performance, particularly certain types of ornamentation and a kind of sob that heightens the emotional impact of this musical praying. In the 1900s Richard Tucker was renowned as both a cantor and an opera singer, excelling at both because of his exceptional musical communication. Jewish cantors are also spiritual leaders in the synagogue.

In our case the meaning of cantor in the Catholic church is closer to what Melissa will be doing. The history of this role is intriguing. In Christian churches the cantor is the chief singer (and sometimes instructor) of the ecclesiastical choir, also called precentor. (The chief precentor was the highest position in many ancient Mesopotamian cities.) The cantor’s duties and qualifications have varied considerably according to time and place; but generally s/he must be ready to lead all the singing in church, to start any chant, and be watchful to prevent or correct mistakes of singers. S/he may be responsible for the immediate rendering of the music, showing the course of the melody by movements of the hand.

In medieval cathedrals the cantor was master of music and chant, but also commonly one of the dignitaries of the chapter. In the fourteenth century the cantor in many churches began to delegate the instruction of the singers to a master of music. After the introduction of harmonized music some duties naturally fell to the conductor or choir-master, who might be a layman. The cantor's place in church was on the right of the choir, and immediately on his left stood the assistant, formerly called the "Succentor." In ruling the choir the cantor very commonly carried a staff as the mark of dignity. This custom still survives in some places. (It proved fatal to the French Baroque composer Jean-Baptiste Lully, who ostentatiously conducted his operas by banging on the floor with a decorated staff until one performance when he dramatically banged extra hard and ran the staff right through his foot. He died of gangrenous infection shortly afterwards.)

Anciently, the precentor had various duties: he was the first or leading chanter who, on Sundays and greater feasts, intoned certain psalms, hymns, etc.; gave the pitch or tone at Mass; recruited and taught the choir, directed its rehearsals and supervised its official functions; interpreted the rubrics and explained the ceremonies, and sometimes composed desired hymns, sequences, and lessons of saints. In the Middle Ages the precentor was assigned a place near the bishop and high in prestige. His office was obviously one demanding much learning and executive ability, and his dignity corresponded with his duties.

In Presbyterian churches that worship in the historical fashion, a cantor or precentor is a person (man or woman, not necessarily clergy) who leads the singing, often by means of conducting techniques, but sometimes just by singing from among the congregation.

Churches that used a repeat-after-me manner of singing called lining out (used primarily when sufficient numbers of psalm books were unavailable, or the congregation unable to read music) would usually be led by the precentor or cantor, much as with other non-instrumental churches. Lining out was standard for hymn singing by the Mayflower Pilgrims and other early colonists in America.

Melissa Paul will not carry a staff or follow ancient rules, but she will take the lead in teaching and guiding the congregation in singing, both during the services and also, on certain Sundays, before and/or after the service. We will enjoy singing with Melissa as she develops congregational musical skills and confidence.

The new music schedule will highlight Melissa’s cantorial leadership once each month; Sebestyén’s musical artistry (sometimes with guest musicians – maybe you?) once or twice each month; and our beloved Chancel Choir twice each month. There will be two Hilaritas Sundays at Christmas and Easter, and two Special Music Sundays, in December and May. Whether through singing, playing an instrument, encouraging your children’s music or just listening, your involvement in the musical life of the Meeting House is paramount. - Mattie

Worshipping Together Since 1830
Summer Schedule One Service 10 AM

Sunday - 21 June - The Other Side of Sacrifice: An Authentic Life - Authenticity is perhaps a core value for UUs. We yearn for it, fear it, deny it, are seduced and betrayed by it. What must we release from our very crowded hands, hearts, minds, and lives, in order to be wed to authenticity?

A Budget Briefing - for the congregation on Sunday, June 21 after the 10AM service and the memorial service for Jane Willits,probably by approximately 12:30 PM. (Please note this hearing was previously scheduled for June 18th and has been rescheduled)

Music – 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.

From time to time we learn about some intriguing musical performers. Mattie and BJ invite you to hear some inspiring children singing online. Try this out:

REflections on Children's Programming -

Harry Potter Summer Program - This Sunday, June 21st, we will explore the wizard and witchcraft tools of wands, brooms and cauldrons. Harry's wand has a phoenix feather in it, what will your wand contain? Come experience the magic! - Gail M. Syring, DRE

What Else is Happening & Announcements

Nearing The Finish Line - With a little more than two weeks left to our fiscal year (which ends June 30, 2009) we need your help.

My calculations show that we'll need to collect $10,000 in pledge revenue between now and the end of June to be able to pay our remaining bills for the fiscal year (including one more payroll) and end the fiscal year with a balanced budget.

Every bit truly helps, so please try your very best to pay the remainder of your 2008-2009 pledge by June 30, 2009 - over payments are allowed too!

Thank you so much for your continued financial support of our Society. You've kept us afloat during this difficult economic time and for that we very grateful! - Brian Mullen - USH Business Manager

New Sermons posted on the Web. Go to the source! Gail M. Syring's Sermon from Last Week.

Where is it? There is a large-type, spiral-bound edition of the teal-colored hymnal supplement, "Singing the Journey," that has disappeared from its place on the organ console (where John sits). If anyone has seen it, could you please let someone know where it is? It's an essential piece of our musical equipment. - Thank you!

Callings Further Steps - Our member, Joshua Schreier, is considering creating a Callings Support Group. If you would be interested in this having read the book, attended the workshop, or simply heard about these events, (and we all have a calling after all) please contact Josh - schreier.joshua(at symbol)gmail.com

Making Melody in Our Hearts - On June 28, here's your chance to join Joyfuul Noise in singing several simple meditative chants during worship. We will gather as an "instant choir" at 9:15 that morning and learn several short pieces which we will sing as repetitive meditations during worship, as an experience of some of the dynamics which our speaker, Susan Huntington, will mention in discussing healing arts.

We hope to see you there!

Announcing Summer Small Group Ministry - beginning July 1st More

Adult Programs - Even though there will not be a Programs Registration Table during the summer, we would like to hear from you! Looking ahead to programming for the fall, perhaps you or someone you know has a special interest and would like to offer a class or workshop.

To obtain a Program Proposal Form, you may go to http://www.ushartford.com./ 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. The Proposal Form should include a detailed paragraph about the program that can be used for promotion. Please email the completed Proposal to Nancy Reed or Janice Newton by Monday, August 10 so that your proposed program can be reviewed and included with the other 2009 Fall Programs for Adults and Families.

To register for the Summer Small Group Ministry (SGM), please call the church office at 860 233-9897.

Many thanks to all of you who planned and participated in the 2008-2009 Fall and Winter/Spring Programs for Adults and Families.

Caring Network - When my daughter was about seven years old, she asked me one day what I did at work. I told her I worked at the college - that my job was to teach people how to draw. She stared back at me, incredulous, and said, "You mean they forget?" - Howard Ikemoto - 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.

On the Calendar

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!

Further Down The Road (About 30 Days)

From the Editor: Suggestions for Contributors.

This Week’s Feature Articles

Please pay FY 08-09 pledges now!
Music Staff Completed
Music for You to Give and Receive at the Meeting House - This Fall!
Movie Nominations Solicited
Rev. BJ on the Home Front

Music for You to Give and Receive at the Meeting House—This Fall! More

Social Justice Journeys (From the UUA) And from USH

Placing Children a Priority - FAM, the Foster Adoptive Mission, is a federally-funded collaborative of regional organizations dedicated to placing children in safe, nurturing homes in Northwestern Connecticut (www.fosteradoptivemission.org).

Please see details below regarding informational Open Houses to provide information on opportunities for folks to become foster and adoptive parents as well as mentors for youth in foster care (including June 25th for the GLBT Community, co-sponsored with True Colors in Waterbury at St John's Episcopal Church).

6/18/09 6:00 pm Simsbury Apple Barn 60A Old Farms Road Simsbury, CT Alan Murphy Call 860-949-4061 for more information.

6/25/09 ***GLBT*** 6:00 pm St. John’s Episcopal Church 16 Church Street Waterbury, CT 06702 Deb Kelleher Call 203-706-0101 for more information and RSVP

6/30/09 6:00 pm Canton Community Center 40 Dyer Avenue (Rm E) Canton, CT Alan Murphy Call 860-949-4061 for more information.

7/9/09 6:00 pm Avon Library 281 Country Club Road Avon, CT Alan Murphy Call 860-949-4061 for more information.

Hands On Hartford’s Longest Day of Service - Hands On Hartford is hosting its largest volunteer event the weekend of the summer solstice, July 19-21. This Longest Day of Service will allow more than 400 volunteers to work at a variety of projects sites around Hartford. Individuals or families are encouraged to find their best-fit activities. The Longest Day of Service is a great chance to revisit sites you haven’t been to in a while, but could also be a chance to check out places you have not experienced. Learn about all the project sites and schedules, and register online at the website: www.handsonhartford.org <http://www.handsonhartford.org/> : Longest Day of Service event. If you have any other questions, please contact Bill Young at 233-3234.

GHICEJ Members - Please Join Us for Hartford Clean up Day - When: June 20th from 9AM to noon; More

logo Did You Know? - Green Sanctuary Sub-Council -

lunch
Alliance Picnic - Reminder: Sign-up by Sunday, June 21 - Alliance Picnic at Woodridge Lake
On Wednesday, June 24 Remember to sign-up on the list at USH or by calling Linda for our annual Alliance Picnic on Wednesday, June 24, with rain date of June 25.

The picnic will be from 11 AM to 2 PM; unfortunately, 40 people is the site limit (Woodridge Lake in WH), so sign-up by Sunday, June 21.

Handouts with full details on the picnic and carpooling, including maps, are available in the pocket on the sign-up list, which is on the Alliance standing bulletin board in the hall outside Fellowship Hall. You may also sign-up by calling Linda at (860) 561-0399. Questions? Ask Linda. - Nita Hansen

Nominations for Next Season’s Dinner and Movie Series - Nominations of titles for the October 2009 – June 2010 Dinner and Movie Series will be accepted until June 30.

You may send 5 titles by email to pickmovies@ushartford.com or by snail mail to Movies, USH, 50 Bloomfield Ave, Hartford 06105, or leave a phone message at 860-693-4269.

Voting will be done by email and mail in July. If you prefer a mailed ballot, be sure to indicate this with your nominations and include your address.

If you haven’t attended one of the evenings yet but are interested and would like to nominate movies, please do! We’ll need your contact information to send you a ballot. - Nita Hansen

External Events and Educational Notes

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

Let us know of any comments, errors and corrections - thanks (revised 06/17/09 8:10 PM)