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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 For August 30, 2007
Jump to: Calendar; What's happening; A matter of opinion; External events; Further down the road; Did You Know?
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 line, or past issues of the weekly USH-Enews click here.
Office hours: M-F 9-3 (excluding W 10 -11); Rev. Jamestone: Phone: 860 233-9897; Email: RevBJ@USHartford.com - Rev. BJ office hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday by appointment.
Renovation and "siding" may be necessary to make a house your home. Here, vespid wasps have taken over a vacant blue bird house and made improvements. Photo by C. Cooper
Worshipping Together Since 1830
Sunday - 2 September - Poetry Service (10 AM Service) - We celebrate the end of the traditional summer season with a service including poetry, music and words about love and joy -- and how they are essential to our spiritual lives. - Patrice Fitzgerald
On Ingathering Sunday, September 9, we celebrate “Ingathering” when we welcome home all who have been away. This day will mark the resumption of our schedule of two services at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. The Water Communion ritual will be part of each service, as has been our recent tradition. Remember to bring a sample of water from your summer travels, or from a favorite place, to contribute to our “community solution”.
Music - Service includes poetry, music and words about love and joy.
Name a Hymn - One "transition" you’ll notice during worship this year will be that the first hymn will be the same hymn every week for an entire month. This is a way of teaching our children our great hymns. Please examine your heart and our hymnal for hymns that seem to you to reflect the core of our faith, and which our children should know. Then, email me the name/number of that hymn for consideration!
Following the benediction, please feel free to exit, or to sit and enjoy the postlude.
REflections - This week, September 2nd will be our last summer church camp day. We will be playing outside for a Field Day. If the weather is unpleasant, we will revisit Cat in the Hat day! With luck, the cat will have the house clean before the service is over!
September 9th will be Ingathering Sunday, an intergenerational service at both 9 and 11, and regular classes will begin on September 16th at 11AM.
Teacher Training for the 2007-08 school year will be held on Saturday, September 8th from 9-1 with lunch included. Please R.S.V.P. with dietary requirements or requests to Gail. There are still openings on our teaching team for the fall, so please consider making religious education a part of your personal ministry for the coming year. - Gail M. Syring DRE
Last Week's sermon published - Who Are We ... Really?
What Else is Happening & AnnouncementsEverett James Collin was born Aug. 28, at 12:37 PM. He is 7lbs. 10oz. and 20 inches. Mommy and baby are doing very, very well.
Wes Christensen Memorial Golf Classic 9/1/07 More information)
About the Messenger - It's time to read the September Messenger, which is currently available. The production procedures for this fall have been changed and we are working out process wrinkles before the next issue in October. For this issue, the edited copy was provided to Brian Mullen. He has created a very nice new Messenger format and organizes the copy and layout for each issue. Once the master sheets are prepared, printing, collating and preparation for bulk mailing occurs.
Because of the mechanics of software being used, the polished document lends itself most easily to reproduction on the web as a download in PDF format. This should not be too much of hassle for readers as it looks exactly like the original document and can be retained in your computer for reference or printed. We did notice a bit of gray leaking through from print on back sides of pages that will be eliminated in the October issue.
It would still be possible to run the original edited unformatted copy as html, but it would not be an exact copy of the finished product, which necessarily contains changes. Perhaps it would still be desirable for some readers.
Comments are welcome as, like all worthwhile changes, this one will benefit from "smoothing the edges." - DCN
The Sixth Annual Hope Out Loud Peace and Music Festival sponsored by the Connecticut Coalition for Peace and Justice and the American Friends Service Committee will be held from 12:00 to 5:00 on September 9, 2007 in Bushnell Park. You can learn more about the festival at Hope Out Loud festival.
The Social Justice Council and the children in our RE classes are co-sponsoring our participation in this event. There will be a USH information table at the festival.
Hope Out Loud began as a response to 9/11 - a shared call for peaceful and sustainable resolution of conflict in our towns and in our world; a celebration of the creativity and vibrancy of Connecticut’s advocacy, service, activist and arts communities, committed to peace and social justice. The theme – Conflict Transformation - is intended to provide inspiration for renewal and recommitment. On September 9th we will all Hope Out Loud that a peaceful world is possible.
Most importantly, Hope Out Loud is a day of relaxation and enjoyment for the whole family. The gathering features live music, speakers, children’s activities, information tables and great people to just sit down and talk with.
So bring your family and join other USH members and friends after the worship service on Ingathering Sunday. You’ll have a good time while you Hope Out Loud for peace and social justice.
Vehicles and Drivers Needed for a Few Bulky Items - Give Gail Syring a call now (233-9897) if you can transport cabinetry, a crib and/or 4 x 8' panels.
From the Adult Programs Sub-Council - Mark your calendars for the Fall Programs Fair! On Sunday, September 16, at 10 AM and Noon, you will have a chance to pick up the new Fall Programs Catalog, meet some of the presenters, and register for spiritual, intellectual, fun and community building programs.
Programs that will be starting in September:
Tai Chi, begins Wednesday, September 12, 6:30 - 7:30 PM for eight weeks. This gentle martial art improves your flexibility, balance, endurance, concentration , and inner peace. Movements are slow, rhythmic, and gentle. Monika Forstner has taught various form of Tai Chi for ten years and is a nationally licensed AMTA Member. Please contact Ginny Hedrick (577-9272) for additional information. You may register by calling the USH office at 233-9897.
Ember Days, Wednesday, September 19, 12:00 - 2:00 PM, Friday and Saturday, September 21, 22, 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Led by Rev. Jamestone, this first of four seasonal observances will include spiritual exercises and time for personal introspection in silence.
"Tai Chi for Health," Saturday, September 22, 10:30 - 11:30 AM.
"The Six Healing Sounds," Saturday, 22, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
"The Artist's Way," begins Monday, September, 24.
"View from the Center of the Universe," begins Tuesday, September 25.
"Ongoing Meditation and Dharma Gathering," starting Wednesday, September 26."Nonviolent Communication: Toward an 8th UU Principle" begins Wednesday, Sepember 26 (intro lecture), October 3, 10, 17 & 24 - You may attend the intro lecture and not the course or the course and not the lecture or attend both.
"Mindfulness in Every Day Living," begins Thursday, September 27.
Read more about each of these and the other programs in the Fall Catalog that will be available at the Programs Fair.Good Books Available -The Official USH Used Book Sale will be starting up again September 9. More
Caring Network - Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. - You are the ears of the Caring Network. Diana Heymann is the Chair of the Caring Network. Please tell Diana (heydiana(at symbol)comcast.net) 860.461.0908, or call the office when you learn of any of our members enduring the stresses of life so we can reach out to those in need. - Offer your services. A wide range of community services are available to help you. Call InfoLine at 211.
ON THE CALENDAR:
Thursday, August 30
7:00 pm “A Meeting with Bo Lozoff”, Sanctuary
Sunday, September 2
9:00 am Music Rehearsal, Chapel
10:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
11:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
Monday, September 3
Labor Day Holiday, Office/Building Closed
Tuesday, September 4
5:30 pm Religious Education Sub-council, Servetus
6:00 pm Human Resources, Library
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, September 5
6:00 pm Choir Potluck, Fellowship Hall
6:00 pm Dharma Gathering, Emerson
7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Thursday, September 6
9:30 pm International Women’s Circle, Fellowship Hall
4:00 pm Voice recital rehearsal, Sanctuary
7:00 pm Rental, Chapel
Saturday, September 8
9:00 am RE Teacher Training, Fellowship Hall, classrooms
9:00 am - 12 Work Day, Building-wide/grounds
9:30 am Rental, Chapel
Sunday, September 9
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Chapel
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, CHAPEL
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Adult Programs, Library
10:00 am Building and Grounds, Murray
10:00 am Youth Group Soup Making, Kitchen
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
Italicized entries are non-USH events. - Please notify Brian Mullen (233.9897) of all additions or changes to the calendar. More general calendar information covering several months may be found here.Further Down The Road (About 30 Days Max)
Family Fun-Raising Event for LGBT Families & Allies - Friday, September 7th 6 PM - 8 PM at the Carousel at Bushnell Park, Hartford More
Fool for Christ - A One-Woman Play Portraying the Life of Dorothy Day - September 27 More
Artist and Activist Holly Near in Concert - co-presented by The Unitarian Society of Hartford, and Love Makes A Family, Saturday, October 20, at 7:30 PM at the Unitarian Meeting House, 50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT. More information and ticket details.
Ministry Matters: Strengthening Lay & Professional Leadership - A program presented by the UU New England Conference - Saturday October 27, 2007 Beechwood Hotel, Worcester MA 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM ($90 per person). You can download the pdf brochure that is available on this web page.
From the Editor: As you will note, the Messenger is now available in PDF format for our electronic subscribers. It is very important that we receive feedback on this means of publication as you electronic subscribers save USH money. We want to meet your needs both efficiently and with quality electronic publications. Tell us how the PDF September Meetinghouse Messenger issue fits your needs.
This Week’s Feature Articles
Getting to Know You - Kelly Lyman - Chair, Council on Spiritual Life - As a school principal, Kelly Lyman is used to providing leadership and working with diverse individuals, all to create a healthy community that functions smoothly. Here at USH, Kelly puts those unique skills to work as chair of the Council on Spiritual Life.
Kelly says, “Serving as chair for COSL allows me to share what I know about building community, organizational management and supporting change, while at the same time receiving the advantages that come from being involved in the life and direction of our church.”
Kelly has been principal at an elementary and most recently a middle school. She and her husband, Ed Lyman, have three children: Conor, age 12; Maggie, age 11; and Patrick, age 9. Not surprisingly, there are a lot of demands on her time.
“I enjoy family time the most. As a working mother I look forward to the activities and time spent with my children,” says Kelly. “Little time is left to cultivate my own hobbies at this time in my life, but I know that I will return to that. I do enjoy reading and the social companionship of a book club.”
Like many in our Society, Kelly and Ed were both raised Catholic, and each attended a Catholic university. (Kelly earned a BA from Boston College and a MA and 6th-year degree from UConn.) However, they sought a more liberal religious experience in adulthood.
“Once we had children, we wanted to ensure that we were providing them with a “church” experience that allowed them to develop an understanding of a variety of spiritual beliefs, to develop acceptance of others, and to feel part of a religious community. We also wanted to be sure they developed the disposition to know that it is okay to explore your own beliefs.”
Kelly describes the Lymans’ experiences here at USH: “We have always been involved in this congregation through RE, as a member of the Board, as teachers and as a participant in Small Group Ministry and other Society programs. In so doing we get much more from our own experience as members of USH.”
In terms of what members may expect from her leadership of the COSL, Kelly explains, “I am interested in supporting strong connections between services and programs offered for the membership — those that support our main mission as a spiritual congregation, allowing us to both fulfill our own hopes and dreams and reach out to others.” – Sarah Gilligan
Getting to Know You – Patrice Fitzgerald - Look for the place where groups of USH members and friends are singing, listen closely, and there you will most likely hear the voice of Patrice Fitzgerald.
She is the Chair of the USH Performing Arts Sub-Council, looks forward to Chairing the Festival of the Season this December, and is the Alto Section leader and a soloist with our Choir.
Photo by Anne BaileyPatrice was an English Major at Tufts, earned a law degree from the Washington College of aw at American University, and has returned to school after 25 years to pursue a graduate degree in vocal performance from the Hartt School at the University of Hartford. As Patrice says, “A former lawyer, I now primarily write and sing. I am poorer, but happier.
“I’m big into musical theatre and opera, I am writing a book about the computerized dating life of a woman of “a certain age,” and I am half of a duo that gives concerts under the name “Torch & Tango.” I sing torch songs, and my partner does tangos in Spanish.”
Patrice is now happily engaged to Richard Leslie, who joins her in making music at the Meeting House and occasionally helps her put on services. She has two daughters, Kathleen, 20, a junior year film major at Emerson in Boston, and Laurie, 17, a senior at Miss Porter’s School in Farmington.
Looking forward to 07-08 at the Meeting House Patrice says, “I think we are at the exciting beginning of a time of growth under BJ’s leadership. It’s a challenging stage for our denomination (and for the world) because there are a lot of “big questions” out there in terms of how to be good citizens of this planet – in every sense of the word. I think UU’s can help in that quest, and I want to let folks know about our spiritual joy and inclusiveness.
And, we asked her how she came to be with USH? “I was raised as a Roman Catholic, and was exposed to Unitarianism from a young age, because our best family friends were Unitarians. In fact, the Mom was the RE Director for years. I helped with the nursery kids, sang with the choir, and attended the (infamous) LRY meetings as a teen. I thought that stood for “Liberal Religious Youth,” but I’m not positive. They had camping trips and MUCH more interesting things going on than the Catholics did at the time.
"When I married a Jewish man and had two children, we decided that the UU denomination was a good fit for us. It has turned out to be much more than I anticipated – a place and a community within which I can express my own spiritual yearnings without being dictated to; a place of support and solace which now feels very much like home." - DCN
Getting to Know You: Past profiles:
Bill Young - President
Heather Ferguson-Hull - President Elect
Nina Elgo - Board Secretary
Margaret Leicach - Treasurer
Karla Principe, Board Member - Council on Community Within Elected At-Large
Mattie Banzhaf, Music Director
Bill LaPorte-Bryan Chair Council on Social JusticeA 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)
External Events and Educational Notes
Two Rooms, by Lee Blessing - Directed by Jared Towler - (Our own Debi Freund appears)
Thought provoking. Terrifying. Realistic. Ripped from the headlines, a blindfolded and bound American professor is held by a militant faction in a room in Beirut. His grieving wife waits for his release in her room, in the States. Into their world comes a state department official who is trying to avoid a national embarrassment and a reporter looking to force the government’s hand at negotiating the husband’s release. Best Play of the Year, Time Magazine. "Makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck." (Washington Post).
Great for a discussion group, September 21, 22, 28, 29 at 8 pm 23, 30 at 2 pm. General $18 (St/Sr $16) VIP $23 (St/Sr $21) Group rates available. Call for tickets: 860-647-9824
The Christian Tug of War - On Sunday, September 16, at 3:00 p.m., theologian and historian Mark W. Harris will speak on “The Christian Tug of War in Liberal Religion: 1880-1900” at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst, 121 North Pleasant St., Amherst MA. His topic will encompass world religion, Western expansion, science and Darwinism, and the Social Gospel at the time of the Gilded Age.
This free event is the third in a series of public lectures tied to the Victorian stained glass windows by La Farge and Tiffany at the Unitarian Meetinghouse in Amherst. Stained glass restorer Nigel D. Johnson is expected to speak later this fall.
The educational series is partially funded by a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
John La Farge (1835-1910) and Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933), America’s best-known stained-glass artists, revolutionized the art of stained glass in the Gilded Age. Their windows at the meetinghouse in Amherst were commissioned circa 1889.
Harris, minister of First Parish (Unitarian Universalist) in Watertown, MA, became the Unitarian Universalist Association’s denominational historian and archivist in 1985 and is an Adjunct Professor at Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts and at Starr King School for the Ministry in California. In addition to many denominational pamphlets, Harris is the author of Among the Dry Bones, a history of rural Unitarianism, and the Historical Dictionary of Unitarian Universalism, and he was co-editor with Carl Seaburg of Celebrating Easter: An Anthology of Unitarian Universalist Readings. Harris and his wife, the Rev. Andrea Greenwood, have recently signed a contract to write Introducing the Unitarian and Universalist Traditions for Cambridge University Press.
Donations will be welcome at the door to help defray the costs of the event and to raise funds for the windows, which are in need of restoration. Refreshments will follow the presentation.Connecticut Humanists meetings schedule and newsletter available on the web.
Did You Know? - Michael Servetus was burned to death for the crime of writing a book, "On the Errors of the Trinity.
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 08/30/07 9:50 AM)
