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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 September 4, 2008
Jump to: Calendar; What's happening; A matter of opinion; External events; Further down the road; Did you know?
Schooner Head, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, MaineThe 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.
The Bubbles - Jordan Pond
Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, MaineWorshipping Together Since 1830
Sunday, 9:45 AM and 11:15 AMSunday - 7 Sept. - Service of Ingathering with ‘Mingling of Waters’ Ritual -We will be joining many congregations commemorating “ingathering” with a “Mingling of Waters.” Please bring a small vial of water from someplace you visited this summer, or from the tap at home, and we will create a ritual that reflects and strengthens the unity of our faith and the fellowship of our religious community at USH. - BJ
Music - Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008 Offertory Anthem: Let their celestial concerts all unite, from “Samson” – G. F. Handel
"Let their celestial concerts all unite, Ever to sound his praise in endless morn of light."
As our congregation gathers to begin a new year, we unite our voices each Sunday morning in “celestial concerts” – in thankfulness that we are together again, singing in spirit and harmony. This Sunday, as we mingle our collected waters, our mingled voices will join in a Macedonian folk song: "I am a fountain, you are my water, I flow from you to you. I am a traveler, you are my road; I go from you to you. I am an eye, you are my light; I see from you to you."
REflections on Children's Programming -
Intergenerational Services - This Sunday, September 7, 2008, is Ingathering Sunday. Both the 9:45 and 11:15 services will be intergenerational services. Childcare will be provided.
Volunteers Urgently Needed in Religious Education - Please take a moment to consider this impassioned plea for assistance in RE for the Fall. With 10 days remaining before the start of the church school year, we have only half of the volunteers necessary to maintain our classrooms. For each of the four Pre-K through Eighth Grade classrooms, we need two adults each Sunday to supervise and lead the lessons. In the past, we have relied too heavily on a small number of dedicated volunteers to teach our children, and it is my fervent hope that the work can be more evenly distributed this year.
If you can offer just one hour a month, no one will be burdened with more than their share. - Teachers and Classroom Assistants are provided with complete lesson plans in advance, all necessary materials, and enthusiastic staff support. Please consider the value of religious education for your family, and volunteer for one hour by contacting me at: dre@hartford.com.
My sincere thanks to those who have already volunteered their time, and to those who will do so in the future.
In Peace,
Gail, DRE
What Else is Happening & Announcements
Building and Grounds Work Day Scheduled - Come one come all on Saturday September 6th 9AM - 1 PM. Hands are needed to remove weeds, clean up the outside of the Meeting House and do some internal work prior to "opening day." - Many thanks!
Peace Pole Project Comes to Fruition - This Sunday, September 7, we will dedicate a Peace Pole by way of pledging our USH community to world peace, demonstrating that we wish to transcend barriers of nationality, race and religion to unite humanity in common good.
A Peace Pole is an internationally-recognized symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family standing vigil in silent prayer for peace on earth. Prehistoric people stood stones on end as testaments or memorials. The first modern Peace Pole was planted in Japan in 1955 with a statement of peace. “May Peace Prevail on Earth”. Now there are more than 250,000 poles in nearly every country dedicated as monuments to peace.
Our Peace Pole project was conceived and planned by the IASC Sub-Council and has been crafted by John Bengtson and helpers. “May Peace Prevail on Earth” appears in six languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, Hebrew, Spanish and Swahili. It will be planted in front of the Meeting House.
Come join us for the dedication. In the words of M. Saionji, “Pray for the peace and happiness of people in other lands and cultures. Make a commitment to world peace by honoring the earth, honoring its people and celebrating the unity of the human spirit.” - Joan KembleUPA presents (poster)....the electrifying women's singing/dancing troupe LIBANA on Saturday, September 20th at 7:30. Libana has been wildly popular in appearances across this country and around the world, and has attracted big crowds to their performances. We invite the entire USH community to support this performance, which benefits our Society and reaches out to Greater Hartford. Several Friends of UPA are volunteering dinner for the women of Libana, and UPA members are actively working on producing the show. We ask for your help in several ways:
*Ushers/Greeters are needed that evening. Please contact UPA (see below) if you can help with this pleasurable task that evening.
* Help is also needed with the Concessions table at intermission.
* Would you enjoy doing a little shopping? We'll need someone to purchase bottled water, fresh fruits and snacks for that Concessions table! (no cost to you)
* Loading crew is needed at end of performance, to help move Libana's instruments into their cars and to restore the chancel to readiness for Sunday morning's services. Many hands make the work go quickly!
* Frugal UPA will be providing homestays for the members of Libana. Can you offer one or two beds in your home Saturday evening 9/20 after the show?
* Please mention it to your friends! (Post flyers if that's a possibility for you.)
* Above all, please buy tickets (only $15) and
* enjoy the show!
Please email UPA at <perform@ushartford.com> if you can help with any of these enjoyable tasks. Thank you so much, and -- enjoy Libana!
The September Meetinghouse Messenger is available.
Announcing Fall Small Group Ministry - We are happy to announce our program for fall Small Group Ministry, where small groups meet to share meaningful readings and life experiences. New this fall is a Social Justice Small Group Ministry. This group is open to everyone and will combine social justice themed SGM sessions and actual social justice work. The themed sessions will explore issues such as why we do social justice work and what is the connection between social justice and spirituality. This group will convene at the USH Meeting House on Monday evenings starting October 20, and is facilitated by Mike Roy and hosted by Fred Louis.
Back by popular demand is a family-friendly SGM. This group is open to everyone, but will especially accommodate adult members and friends with younger children. It will meet on Friday evenings at the Meeting House starting October 17, facilitated by Greg Berg. This group will accommodate families by meeting only six times (from 5:30 to 8:00 pm) and providing dinner (cost shared by participants) and childcare. You may also choose a Tuesday evening group in West Hartford starting October 21, facilitated by Jeff Blanchette and hosted by Kathie Ferguson, or a Thursday evening group in Farmington starting October 16, facilitated by Charles Huntington and hosted by Janice and David Newton. An afternoon group will meet on Wednesdays in West Hartford starting October 15, facilitated by Bruce Robbins and hosted by Linda Ericson-Ebel. Each group at the first meeting sets the seven future meeting dates.
Interested persons are encouraged to identify accessibility concerns (including assisted listening devices or allergies) to Mike Roy so we can address these concerns to the best of our ability. You may consult the upcoming Adult Programs Catalogue for more information. Please sign up at the Adult Programs Fair on Sunday, September 21, or by contacting the church office. - Mike Roy
The Fall 2008 Programs for Adults and Families Catalog, now available on the web, will be available Sunday during Coffee Hours at the welcome table in the front lobby and programs table in Fellowship Hall. In order to be as green as possible, please take just one catalog per family. You may register for courses in the catalog beginning this Sunday, September 7th.
- New Tai Chi session begins September 10. When I'm in Tai Chi class I'm completely in the moment, my mind cleared of everything but the very simple yet very concentrated task of shifting my weight or coordinating my movements. How different from when I'm conducting or teaching, when my mind is racing in a thousand directions and I'm thinking on several levels at once. Tai Chi focuses the attention completely. It also helps balance, breathing, coordination and strength. - Mattie
It also promotes health, our series of classes called TAI CHI FOR HEALTh, an exercise program based on Tai Chi principals, is offered. TAI CHI is an ancient Chinese art that medical studies have shown to be a complete healing art consisting of slow, relaxed movements for total self-development.
For the body it is an exercise
For the mind it is a study in concentration and visualization
For the soul it is a system of meditation and breathing
The TAI CHI FOR HEALTH program allows anyone to “play” Tai Chi no matter what age and physical ability. Each movement can be modified to meet the student’s specific need. This program can also be done in a sitting position.
Benefits of the TAI CHI FOR HEALTH program are overall well being, improved balance, better coordination and agility.
Monika Forstner is certified by Dr. Paul Lam to teach this medically safe and effective program. Monika is a Licensed Massage Therapist, a Feldenkrais Practitioner, and has years of experience performing many forms of Tai Chi.
All are welcome to our classes held at 6:30 PM on Wednesdays in Fellowship Hall. Classes run for 1 hr. Cost: $95.00 per person for an 8 week session.
Please contact Monika Forstner (860-643-1425) with questions.Dinner & Movies Series List to be Released at Programs Fair September 21 - This year we received the largest number of movie nominations ever and had the largest number of folks voting ever! Want to know if your favorite(s) made the list?
The final list of movies will be released at the USH Programs Fair on Sunday, September 21. After that, it will available on line all season through the USH homepage. There's a real assortment, old and new, borrowed, and a bit "blue", too. The first movie will be held October 10, then every second Friday through June.
Keywords: big business, divorce, thriller, morality, mental illness - and that's just one of the movies!
Menus are being coordinated with the films; ask last year's filmgoers about the bouillabaisse, paella, or coq au vin.Recession Creates Greater Need for Food - The cost of food has increased, as has the cost of fuel, and more folks need the food pantries today. Many grocers now charge discount prices for items formerly donated. Donations from the communities are down. Let's not be one of those communities with lower donations!
Bring a non-perishable item per person every Sunday. Here are some suggestions to help you be a regular donor: Leave canned items in the car trunk, then draw on the supply each Sunday. Give a child the responsibility of taking the cans regularly. Buy a "flat" of cans and deposit them once a month. Buy "2 fer" items and donate one. The folks who benefit are our neighbors on Albany Ave. and Vine St. The pantry opens at 10 AM each Thursday. We take day-old bread that morning. We would welcome others to do the same. - IASC
Basses - Tenors - Altos - Sopranos -- Join the Choir! Come sing with the liveliest group of music-makers in town. We have fun encountering, learning and polishing a wide variety of choral pieces to deepen and enrich our Sunday services. If you were once in Madrigals, if your high school chorus was the highlight of your day, if you went on tour with your college glee club -- or if you simply enjoy singing -- join us and share your musical gifts with the congregation. More
Tutors Wanted - MoreCalling all Chalice Lighters! - Have you ever wondered how the people who light the chalice on Sunday mornings are selected? It starts with volunteering and if we don’t have volunteers, then we “put the touch” on some unsuspecting souls. More
Caring Network - Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are... Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in my pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.-- Mary Jean Iron - 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.
Did You Know? - Green Sanctuary Sub-Council - will be meeting the first Wednesday of the month. All are encouraged to come to add their ideas and help create a greener USH and community.
Recycle gently used running shoes distributed gently used running shoes to athletes in African and Latin America.
From the Editor: Please take note, this year the Messenger deadline for receiving articles for the following month's publication will be the 12th of the month.
This Week’s Feature Articles
From the Four Winds Gathered Hither
Sunday Morning Musical Chairs!
What's a Neighborhood Network?
PFLAG Speakers from USH
NEW from Adult Programs
Peace Pole Dedication Sunday - 12:30 PM
Performing Arts Presents "Libana"From the Four Winds Gathered Hither - In the old days, folks in New England returned to religious community after summer vacation from church, for the annual “Ingathering” service. This struck me as odd when I first read about it because in my Southern experience, we never called off church. I figured that God must trust that Unitarians would come back after such freedom, whereas we Baptists needed constant oversight! Well, New England has either back slid in God’s sight, or, she has learned something from other denominations, because we now have “church” year round. We do still honor that proud heritage, however, with an annual ingathering service that will be September 7 at both services.
Audubon Nature Center - Cape Cod, MA
We hope to see you and your family that day! We will be joining the many congregations commemorating ‘ingathering’ with a “Mingling of Waters.” Please bring a small vial of water from someplace you visited this summer, or from the tap at home, and we will create a ritual that reflects and strengthens the unity of our faith and the fellowship of our religious community at USH.
You might recall that last year this was an “interactive and intergenerational” service.
We will repeat that ritual in 2008 so please read the following to jog your memory.
I asked you to chat with your family members or with another single person near you in the pews, about the following: “What wind is blowing you into our community this Fall? Speaking in metaphor and symbol, we each come from one of the four winds. Do you and your family come today from the East, West, North, or South?”
I then identified the characteristics of each direction, as it is known among native peoples:
·East - direction of sunrise, where we first feel light and warmth of a new day. The East, - direction of wind stirring things up in new ways, Spring.
·South - direction of mid day zeal, busyness and abundance. The South - direction of fire, fire burning bright in passion, productivity, procreative process, summer fullness.
· West - direction of sunset and the evening star, of twilight and evening bell, of harvesting, anticipating loss and endings, leave takings in leaves falling, Autumn. The West - direction of water, gently lapping or violently crashing, wearing away layer after layer of life, and letting it pass.
North - direction of midnight, death, completion, winter, hibernation, solitary waiting for life to begin again. The North - direction of Earth, our blue green mother who receives us at the end, in whom we gestate, seed awaiting spring.
Thanks for thinking in advance about which direction you and yours seem to be coming from at this moment in time. This can be a powerful ritual in which, as you come forward, you show your trust in your religious community in your sharing something of your inner world and soul with each other, without speaking a word. Then, as you sit in the pew watching the ritual, you may send a silent prayer of well wishing, celebration, or empathy to each person as she or he goes forward.
We hope to see you as the four winds gather us on September 7. Rev. BJ
Sunday Morning Musical Chairs! - Have you ever played “Community Musical Chairs”? It is much like the classic version, where there is one less chair than the number of players, and a mad scramble ensues when the music stops. The adaptation is that rather than being “out” if you find yourself without a chair, you simply choose a lap to sit on! The result is a swirling chaos of laughter and creative problem solving as the entire assembly attempts to sit on one chair.
As our Sunday schedule this Fall settles into its new configuration, we may all feel like we are playing game of ‘musical chairs’ for the first few weeks. The schedule will be as follows:9:45-10:45 AM: Early Service, Religious Education Classes & Child Care 10:45 to 11:15 AM: Early Coffee Hour
8-9:30 AM: Church Business Meetings11:15 am to 12:15 PM: Late Service, Perennial Wisdom for Children & Child Care
12:15 to 1 PM: Late Coffee Hour 1 PM forward: Church Business Meetings, Social & Educational Programming
The Youth Group schedule will vary from week to week to include soup making, group discussion, service projects and attendance in the worship service.
As we adapt to the new parameters of the game, experiencing the pleasures and discomforts of making room for others on our laps, we expect some changes to our usual patterns.
We expect some congestion in the ambulatory and parking lot from 10:45 AM -11:15 AM, as folks are scurrying into or out of their chosen “chairs,” whether they be pews, parking places, coffee conversation or RE classes.
We expect some confusion and surprise as we “retrain” our bodies and brains to this new pattern. We will continue to provide scheduling information in USH-Enews, the Meeting House Weekly, and the Messenger to offer support for this retraining.
We expect there will be noise during worship for a few weeks, as we practice starting and ending at the appointed time. Thank you for taking your seat quickly, and for observing silence in the entry and ambulatory.
We expect a more leisurely, hospitable, Sabbath experience as we refrain from doing church business between the hours of 9:30 AM and 1 PM. Our new and returning guests will appreciate the availability of members for attentive conversation during coffee hour.
Together we will create a community where, regardless of the number of chairs available, everyone has a seat. Rev. BJWant a reminder about what "Neighborhood Networks" are all about? - Go to BJ's new Blog page, and when the new membership directories are printed, you'll find the list of who is in YOUR neighborhood!
PFLAG Speakers from USH - Recent monthly meetings of PFLAG, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, have featured or will feature members of USH. Gail M Syring spoke in August, Paul Knierim will speak in September and Paul Quin spoke last July. Speakers give short talks about their personal life stories.
Gail M. Syring with co-presidents John and Becky Glezen
Thursday, September 4
3:00 pm Fellowship Hall floor maintenance
7:00 pm BTWWDA Facilitators, Library
Friday, September 5
1:00 pm Transitions Group
Saturday, September 6
9:00 am Building & Grounds Work Day
Sunday, September 7
8:45 am Peace Crane Workshop, Emerson
9:45 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
10:45 am Coffee, Fellowship Hall
11:15 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:30 pm Peace Pole Dedication, grounds
12:45 pm Coffee, Fellowship Hall
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
Monday, September 8
7:00 pm Rental, Ballou
Tuesday, September 9
7:00 pm Board of Directors, Library
7:00 pm Willett Woodwind rehearsal, Chapel
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, September 10
5:45 pm Dharma Gathering, Emerson
6:30 pm Tai Chi, Fellowship Hall
7:15 pm NVC Practice Group, Emerson
7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Thursday, September 11
10:00 am Unitarian Alliance for Ministry to Women, Library
5:30 pm Caring Network Potluck, Fellowship Hall
5:30 pm Lay Listeners, Emerson
6:30 pm Unitarian Performing Arts, Library
7:00 pm Rental, Ballou
Friday, September 12
10:00 am Univ Hartford, parking lot usage
12:00 pm Wedding decorating, Sanctuary
5:00 pm Wedding rehearsal, Sanctuary
Saturday, September 13
10:00 am Rental, Chapel
1:00 pm Wedding, Sanctuary
Sunday, September 14
8:45 am Building & Grounds, Murray
8:45 am Comfort Shawl Knitters, Lower Lobby
9:45 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
10:45 am Coffee, Fellowship Hall
11:15 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:15 pm Coffee, Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm BTWWDA, Emerson
3:00 pm Rental, ChapelItalicized 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
Taste of Ramadan this Sunday 9/7 5:30 PM at Newington High School. A free event open to the public. More information.
Elizabeth Thomas at Hill-Stead - Join us for a Poetry Reading and Book Signing - Sunday, September 7, 3-5 pm - More
Interfaith Witness Event - Hartford Seminary, 77 Sherman Street, Hartford
Friday, September 12, 2008 11AM – 12 Noon
“There is nothing new about poverty. What is new is that we now have the techniques and the resources to get rid of poverty. The real question is whether we have the will.” Dr. Martin Luther King
Poverty in the United States is worse than in the 1960s.
What is the status of ending child poverty in CT?
Everyday worldwide 40,000 persons die from easily preventable causes. A billion people live on under $1 a day.
At some point benign neglect and callous disregard of the world’s poor becomes a crime against humanity, and a sin in the Creator’s eye.
Join organizers Jon Denn-Billion Prayer March, & Dr. Carl Dudley –Hartford Seminary
Co-sponsors- Rt. Rev. Ahrens, Rt. Rev. Curry, The Rt. Rev. Andrew D. Smith, and Bishop Peter A. Rosazza; Hartford leaders Rev. Edwin Ayala, Rabbi Donna Berman, Imam Abdul Rathman, Rev. Michael Williams; social activists Michele Deegan-Hartford ONE, Flavia DeSouza-BREAD for the World, Sarah Lynch-CARE, and many others across America who want our state and national leaders to make poverty history.
Bring your fellow worshippers, next-door neighbors, and those who share with you in faith to a rally of kindred spirits who care about poverty … for face-to-face gathering with our political leaders or their staff, to let them know:
We want to end poverty in a decade –
We have resources, but do we have the will? - For further information see voteoutpoverty.org, Call 860-672-1000 x Jon DennClara Barton District leadership conference planned for Sept. 20th. A number of USH folks are already planning on going (and carpooling) so you are encouraged to join us. The registration deadline is Sept 10th, so hopefully people will get back to us soon! - Heather Ferguson-Hull
Adams Forum September 19th - The Social Justice Committee at UUS:E Manchester is pleased to host a Friday night, September 19 Forum with UU author and activist Marc Adams. We will commence with decaf and dessert at 6:30. Our formal program will commence at 7:00. MoreFurther Down The Road (About 30 Days)
Libana Performance Scheduled September 20th 7:30 PM- Libana brings its glorious singing and eclectic instrumentation to the Unitarian Meetinghouse stage, performing traditional and contemporary music and dance of the world's women. Libana has been touring nationally and internationally for 29 years, setting audiences on fire with the music and the message. Do not miss this rare appearance at the Meeting House 7:30 PM Cost $15 more
Circle Dinners Planned - Enjoy dining with friends and new acquaintances at various homes. More
Singles Potluck Planned - The UU Singles group will have a potluck supper on Sunday Sept 28 at 5:30 PM. It will be held at the UUSE Meeting House in Manchester. Let's get the year off to a fun start. Bring your good ideas for programs for the coming year. Meet your old friends and tell tall tails of summer adventures. RSVP to Larry, bigcheese636 at yahoo dot com. At least three people must RSVP for this to be held.
Alerting ALL Women-Folk at USH - Retreat Save the Date: October 24-26. More
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 -
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 09/03/08 5:31PM)
