50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105 Tel: (860) 233-9897 / FAX 233-1333 Email: firstunitarian@ushartford.com Reverend Barbara Jamestone, PhD

Home Page- Link Central Questions and Comments	USH-Enews For June 26, 2008 Jump to: Calendar; What's happening; A matter of opinion; External events; Further Down the Road; Did You Know? Text only Printer Friendly Format
	At play or away, remember to visit USH on Sundays whenever you are back home. Sailboat  Bar Harbor, ME The 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.
	Lobelia ‘Monet’s Moment’ (Campanulaceae) Worshipping Together Since 1830 Summer Services at 10 AM Sunday - 29 June -   Who Will I Be When I Grow Up? - Exploring ideas from Eckhart Tolle’s book, The New Earth –Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose. Tolle, also author of The Power of Now, recently appeared in 10 web casts sponsored and co-hosted by Oprah Winfrey. Seeing this web cast program along with millions of people all over the world while working with our own USH Coming of Age program inspired Marye Gail with a number of life questions and a few insights that she will share.  About the Speaker: Marye Gail is a 12-year USH member and retiring BOD member (At Large for Spiritual Life). In 1971, she became a UU when she was 30. She reports she was wondering who she would be when she grew up then too. Music - For the remainder of the summer, John Jesensky provides keyboard wizardry on piano, organ, perhaps even harpsichord. He may sometimes be joined by a vocal or instrumental soloist....possibly you? Please contact John if you'd like to contribute your musical gifts on a Sunday. REflections on Children's Programming Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.  ~John W. Whitehead Perennial Wisdom Jane Torey, story teller extraordinaire, will join us in RE this Sunday.  Following Jane's tale, we will make tissue paper crafts! What Else is Happening  & Announcements The June-August Meetinghouse Messenger is available. UU Singles group is going to the fireworks - We will start with a dinner at the Prospect Cafe. Then to Trinity College for a patriotic carillon concert, ending with the fireworks. We also avoid the downtown crowds there. Saturday July 5, starting at 6:00 PM. (Rain date July 6) RSVP to Larry Lunden, bigcheese636 (at) yahoo (dot) com, 232-2416, before July 2 to get in on the fun. All singles are invited. Caring Network - When you carry out acts of kindness you get a wonderful feeling inside. It is as though something inside your body responds and says, yes, this is how I ought to feel. - by Harold Kushner - 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. Calling All Movie Fans! - Nominations for 2008-9 Dinner and Movie Series Why don’t they ever show any movies I like at the Dinner and Movie Series?   Here’s your chance: nominate titles you would like to see next year! Classic?  Recent?  Independent?  Foreign?  Documentaries?  Star vehicles?  What movies do you want to see and discuss?   Email titles to Nita (pickmovies(at symbol)ushartford.com) or contact Nita by phone before June 30. Be sure to include your name and email/address so you can participate in the summer voting.  Films in the series are the result of this voting! Further Down The Road (About 30 Days) Painters Needed - In August a team of painters, not necessarily the artistic type, will enhance the appearance of another classroom. More Alerting ALL Women-Folk at USH - Save the Date: October 24-26. More External Events and Educational Notes Looking for Reasonable Rent - A dear friend of Leona Mae's is looking for a place to call home.  Ideally it will be a carriage- or cottage-type house with a reasonable rent and easy access to the area of Farmington where Routes 4 & 10 intersect.  She is a responsible, professional, non-smoking, non-'partying', quiet type for whom Leona Mae is happy to provide a reference.  If you know of any possibilities, or have any 'inside scoop' on finding something in that area, please contact Leona Mae at 655-1520 or leonaturtle (at symbol) yahoo.com. Window To Islam - An Interactive Symposium - Saturday, July 5, 2008 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - CT Convention Center - 100 Columbus Boulevard - Hartford, 06103    Free - Lunch served - info@whyislam.org 877-Why-Islam - www.WhyIslam.org    "...a diverse interactive gathering providing a forum for people of all faiths and backgrounds to discuss a range of socio-religious issues pertaining to Islam and America.  This entire day program features Informative Sessions, Extensive Q&A Sessions, Cultural Bazaar, Art Exhibitions, Cross Culture Interaction, and much more!" - (feature story) The Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice(GHICEJ) - “A Faith Movement Acting for a Just Society” The GHICEJ Approach to our Issues, Goal Setting and Measuring our Success (June 2008 Report from the Executive Director) Introduction GHICEJ (a regional coalition of over 30 interfaith congregations) has for the first 3½ years of its inception primarily been an advocacy organization, joining other partner institutions in CT in its efforts to advocate for our issues at the legislative level. These issues included universal health care, early childhood education, tax equity and immigration reform. Two years ago we voted on public safety/ urban violence as the fifth issue. Goal Setting and Measuring of Success Incremental wins at Legislative level:  A typical advocacy approach links goal setting and success with other partner institutions’ legislative expectations and with ongoing conversations with individual legislators related to specific issues. It is never expected that issues would be won in the short term. For example, GHICEJ participated for four years with numerous organizations in expanding pre-k slots in urban schools, before the governor during the 2006 legislative session passed legislation to fund early childhood education in a substantial way.  Because of that particular win, GHICEJ shifted its focus from early childhood education to the concept of community schools for the City of Hartford. On the other hand, during this last legislative session, due to a very conservative budget, the governor vetoed all proposed bills with any cost attached to them, including: health care, with specific proposals set by the Universal Health Care Foundation, our funder and partner in the campaign for universal health care the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), with our goal of a 20% EITC the Minimum Wage proposals, Paid Sick Days proposals. This means that GHICEJ together with partners need to regroup and strategize how to move forward and prepare for the next legislative session Note:  GHICEJ is reconsidering its advocacy-only approach, and broadening it to include social action as a creative organic approach that will include advocacy as well as other approaches identified by all sectors in GHICEJ. The following initiatives are examples of the shift GHICEJ is making to expand the agenda of social justice: Health Disparities:  Due to the end of our funding cycle with the Universal Health Care Foundation, we have made a shift to work on health disparities. This will not exclude some involvement on the issue of universal health care.  GHICEJ submitted and was awarded an 18 month grant from the CT Health Foundation to work on health disparities in CT. This is a $133,375 grant, which will include the participation of 18 congregations, and will be an awareness raising, intense dialogue - and action- oriented approach with the following goals and outcomes in mind: Approximately 56% (18 congregations) of GHICEJ congregations from both urban and suburban settings will be educated on this issue(s) of racial disparity in health care. Individual congregational members will be empowered to engage in healthcare advocacy work. GHICEJ will become an effective voice of justice and accountability on this issue(s) inside its congregations, but also with legislators and the general public. Public exposure of racially unjust health practices: bringing important information to congregations, surrounding communities and the media. Individuals, families and neighborhoods affected by racially discriminatory practices will open up to the faith community with their stories, and participate in this democratic process. Identification and partnering with emerging social networks. Concrete actions and proposals for policy change from a faith perspective to all important stakeholders. Note:    At the June 17th Clergy Caucus Meeting, 6 clergy signed up their congregations for this purpose.  Community-based Schools:  Following our successful win with the early education issue, we are now making a shift to address the issue of community-based schools in Hartford.  We are pursuing a grant of $100,000 from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for a three-year project to develop the community-based school concept with two schools in Hartford: the Noah Webster Micro Society Magnet School (NWS) in the West End of Hartford, and one additional school to be identified in conjunction with the superintendent’s office, in the North End of Hartford.  Some groundwork has already started at NW, which has been well-received by the school and the superintendent. The project for both schools can be divided into the following components: Development of a complete profile of the schools and communities  Planning of a Community-Wide Forum for each school Development of a Detailed Plan: From the vision, ideas and knowledge generated and shared at the forum, a plan will be developed to guide the development of the two schools into community-based schools Providing of Services:  GHICEJ will facilitate a process of engaging a contingent of organizations, in providing a variety of services as part of the implementation of the community-based schools, including tutoring, mentoring, after school programs, and enrichment programs. The projected outcomes for this project are as follows: Meeting a full range of tutoring needs, from grades K-8 Providing additional enrichment experiences for the students. This might include field trips, bringing in arts and science groups that augment the in-class curriculum Providing after school and evening programs for students, teachers, parents and community. Providing one on one mentoring to those students that could use an extra layer of support Engaging parents and community leaders into the life of the school. For example, the theme of this school (a micro-society magnet school) lends itself to enlisting community professionals to come in and share their work experience. Making this school, ultimately, the hub of its surrounding community. This school might one day provide before and after school programs, counseling, health services, parent involvement opportunities, arts and recreation, perhaps a community health clinic and more. At this time 6 GHICEJ congregations are involved with this project.  It is expected that more congregations will be approached to participate in this effort. Urban Violence:  GHICEJ clergy will join other area clergy in Hartford and surrounding towns during the month of July, 2008, to develop a comprehensive strategy to deal with urban violence in Hartford.  Once this meeting occurred, GHICEJ congregations and task force will be included in the way forward. Respectfully submitted - Margaret Steinegger-Keyser, Executive Director (860) 548-1744; (860) 670-0706 www.ghicej.org	From the Editor: This Week’s Feature Articles Of Hospitality, Visitors and Neighborhoods USH Blog Created Assistance Required New Web Page Listing Famous Unitarians GHICEJ Reports   Of Hospitality, Visitors and Neighborhoods - Gathering the Hospitality Wagon:  Sunday evening June 29, 6 PM, BJ’s study.   I’m excited to focus my attention in the coming church year on hospitality for our honored guests and  new members.  I’m asking myself questions like: In what ways are we home makers and home builders here at USH? What are guests looking for when they walk through our door How can we best let them know that we welcome the novelty, diversity, and new views they bring, and that in fact we NEED their perspective and presence in order to fulfill our theological vision of being one? I’m also looking for ways to encourage you existing members to get to know better the other folks who live in your neighborhood region (the listings you see below in this enews) and to create a caring neighborhood into which you might invite new members when they join us.   Plan to join us if you’d like to brainstorm ways in which I can help organize a home makers guild or a home builders alliance or a nest building society at USH! - My best - Rev    BJ Oh, who are the people in your neighborhood? In your neighborhood? In your neighborhood? Say, who are the people in your neighborhood? The people that you meet each day! Do you think there is a meeting house on Sesame Street?  If so, Mr. Hooper had to be a UU.  Here at USH, our members and friends stretch beyond Bloomfield Avenue to encompass nearly 50 cities and towns.  In an effort to create connection and ease for our community,  Neighborhood Networks have been created by grouping the congregation into nine regions based on zip code and proximity.  In the next few weeks, these regions and their members will be distributed electronically, in mailings and through postings at the Meeting House.  It is hoped that these networks will promote car pools, circle dinners, small group ministries and other endless possibilities.  Look for a "housewarming" notice in your mailbox, and take this opportunity to get to know  the people that you meet, as you are walking down the street, the people that you meet each day! - Gail Syring, DRE Neighborhood Network Areas Defined - Region 1 - Bloomfield/Windsor Bloomfield, Windsor   Region 2 - Hartford Hartford   Region 3 - North East Granby, Enfield, Granby, Simsbury, Weatogue, West Simsbury, West Suffield   Region 4 - East of the River Coventry, East Hartford, Glastonbury, Marlborough, Manchester, South Windsor, Salem, South Glastonbury, Tolland   Region 5 - Northwest Canton, Collinsville, New Hartford, North Canton, Riverton, Tariffville, Torrington, Winsted   Region 6 - South Berlin, Cromwell, East Haven, New Britain, Newington, Middletown, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield   Region 7 - West Avon, Bristol, Burlington, Farmington, Plainville, Terryville, Unionville   Region 8 - West Hartford 06107, 06110   Region 9 - West Hartford 06117, 06119 USH Blog Created - Each year the Communications Sub-Council seeks feedback and comments on our efforts to communicate effectively with our members and friends of USH. This year it is especially important for you, the electronic part of our community, to follow the link below and enter a very short comment on our efforts to communicate with you. This is so because we herewith announce our new USH blog capability being put to use for you to express opinions, as will others, and everyone can read the accumulated comments. As we work out the details, your ability to try it out and leave a brief comment or even just your name will help assess the interest and number of our members and friends in the electronic community who might use this new instrument of communication. Simply follow the link below. After you read the text click on the, leave a comment, choice. The blog can be put to use for a variety of purposes. These might include reflections on any number of governance issues, or simply a discussion within a special interest group such as the Choir or Alliance. More than one blog may be created for various purposes as they are identified. The administrative end of this activity is all part of the editor's learning curve, so please give it a try. Here is the link to the blog. You might find it useful to preserve the URL in your browser bookmarks for future reference. Thanks - DCN and Communications Sub-Council Members Assistance Required - Each fiscal year we attempt to list all the officers and members of various governance bodies, including Councils and Sub-Councils. Please see the current listing and write to dcnewton@ushartford.com to correct errors, make necessary additions and otherwise make the page as accurate as possible. Current listing. New Web Page Created - Sometimes visitors think the Unitarians are some kind of new age religion of recent development. To address this sort of view, Gail Bogossian has just created a new web page prominently linked to the home page, famous Unitarians. You too may be surprised to read the names of some of our prominent Unitarians. This addition is part of our efforts to make the website informative for potential members before they reach our doors. When they arrive, making them welcome is critical, a job for all of us. DCN On the Calendar Friday, June 27 1:00 pm  Transitional Group, Library Sunday, June 29 10:00 am  WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY 11:00 am  Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall 3:00 pm  Rental, Chapel   Monday, June 30 7:00 pm  Pathways to Membership, Library   Tuesday, July 1 8:00 pm  AA, Fellowship Hall Wednesday, July 2 6:00 pm  Dharma Gathering, Emerson 6:30 pm  Tai Chi, Fellowship Hall   Friday, July 4, Independence Day OFFICE & BUILDING CLOSED   Sunday, July 6 10:00 am  WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY 11:00 pm  Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall 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! A Matter of Opinion: (space for comment on USH issues from members and friends) - Editor retains the right to make minor changes – letters should be issue oriented Did You Know? - Home Depot Offers Recycling for Compact Fluorescent Bulbs On Tuesday 5/24/08 Home Depot announced a recycling program for CFLs. This program will create a convenient way to recycle these highly energy efficient bulbs containing small amounts of toxic mercury. This is great progress because before this time recycling programs have been inconvenient. CFLs. from various manufacturers will be accepted for recycling. The program was undertaken in part as a service to the surrounding communities. - DCN
	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
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