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 September 9, 2010 Jump to: Sunday Service; Calendar; What's Happening; Feature Articles; External Events; Further Down the Road; Social Justice Journeys; Green Topics ; A Matter of Opinion Text only Printer Friendly Format
	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 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 One Service 10:30 AM Sunday 12 September: Ingathering Sunday - Though anachronistic since we now worship together year round, the ceremonial intergenerational Sunday after Labor Day, ingathering of the flock, continues to be a joyful reminder of the living water that we bring and share with each other Sunday to Sunday through the year. What has watered your soul through the hot days of summer? Bring a small vial of water symbolizing a place or project or person or program that has inspired you this summer, and mingle it with waters brought by others as we create together the cistern whose rich liquid will carry us through another year together. If you like, bring along a card on which you have written (in 20 words or less) the source and meaning of the water you share, and it will be read aloud. REflections on Children's Programming Multigenerational Worship This Sunday, September 12th we will be celebrating our annual Multigenerational Ingathering Sunday!  All children are welcome in the Sanctuary for this lively service.   Nursery Care is available downstairs after the start of the service as well.    Religious Education Registration All children from nursery through youth group need to register for the Religious Education program.  Please check your email this week for the opportunity to update your family information and register your children and youth for classes.  If you have questions or are new to the program, please contact Gail at: dre@ushartford.com.   Gail M. Syring, DRE What Else is Happening Topic for Meditation and Dharma Gathering - Come listen to Pema Chodron read her well known book, "When Things Fall Apart, Heart Advice for Difficult Times," presented six Wednesday nights beginning Sept 15. Join us for a combination of sitting and walking meditations, and listening to Pema offer techniques and philosophy that work to bring peace into our hearts. We begin at 5:45PM and end by 7PM. You are welcome to come to any or all of these presentations. No sign up, no fee, just come as you are. See you there! - Jan Bennett Crabapple Glory by Carole Day On Sunday, September 12, a talented Connecticut artist, Carole Day, will ease our farewell to summer with an exhibit of original watercolors of local landscape scenes. The exhibit will continue through October 10th. - Sara Sturges Adult Programs - Programs Table reopens Sunday, September  12! The new 2010  Fall Programs for Adults and Families Notebooks are ready for you to review during coffee hour this Sunday. Along with any questions you may have about the programs, you will be able to register for Small Group  Ministry, Friday Dinner and Movie, Small Dinner Parties  and the Women's Alliance Fall Retreat. Copies of A Chosen Faith will also be available to purchase at the Book Cart  located next to the Programs Table ($16). In September: Ember Days - Autumnal Equinox Session, Wednesday, September 15, 12 -2 PM, Friday and Saturday, September 17 and 18, 6  - 8 PM. The Art of Nourishment, Fridays, September 17 to November 19, 10:30 - 11:30.   Our Chosen Faith:  Reflections and Dialogue on UUism, Introduction and Chapters  1 and 2. Wednesday, September 22, 7 PM.   Nonviolent Communication Practice  Group, Wednesday, September 22, 7:15 - 9 PM.   Meditation and Dharma Gathering, Wednesdays ongoing, 5:45 - 7 PM. Announcing Small Group Ministry for Fall of 2010 - The success of SGM continues for good reason! Get to know other members and friends better while discussing spiritual and life topics openly and in depth. Share insights you have gained and concerns you have been struggling with, and explore the spiritual dimension to your life in a non-judgmental atmosphere.   Groups of 7-10 people follow a common format at each meeting: check-in, chalice lighting, reading on a meaningful topic, questions and sharing of personal experiences following a covenant of close listening and right relationship. The session ends with a closing reading. Groups are scheduled for different days of the week in various locations and at different times, and normally meet eight times. Interested persons are encouraged to report accessibility concerns (including assisted listening devices or allergies) to Mike Roy so we can address these concerns to the best of our ability.   Pre-registration is required.  Participants are notified of details before sessions begin. Register on Sunday or by calling Janice Newton at 860-677-1121 or e-mailing Janice at dcnewton(at sign)snet.net. These seven new groups will begin in October 2010.   Start Dates/Locations:              1.  Monday evenings (7:00-9:00 PM), October 18, USH Meeting House - Facilitators Marye Gail Harrison and Diane Cadrain, Host TBA This special offering is a Creativity Based SGM. Come and explore your personal connection between your creative self and your spiritual self. Using the 8-week SGM format of practicing right relationship in a sacred space, this group will tap into the creative spirit with four arts and crafts experiences, rotated with four more traditional meetings for reflection and discussion. This group will be a nice follow-up for those who have participated in the Artists Way program.  NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Materials fee of $5.00 per person. Depending on the final selection of projects, there may be a small additional cost for materials.   2.  Tuesday evenings (7:00-9:00 PM), October 19, Bloomfield - Facilitator Martha Bradley, Hosts Kayla and Earl Costenoble   3. Tuesday evenings (7:00-9:00 PM), October 19, Farmington - Facilitator Mike Roy, Hosts Janice and David Newton   4. Wednesday evenings (7:00-9:00 PM), October 20, Hartford - Facilitator Reverend Barbara Jamestone, Host Carol Davidson This SGM will focus its readings and reflections on “faith.” Newcomers to SGM (or to the Meeting House) are welcome!   5. Thursday afternoons (1:00-3:00 PM), October 21, USH Meeting House - Facilitator RE Director Gail Syring, Host TBA   6. Thursday evenings (7:00-9:00 PM), October 14, USH Meeting House - Facilitator Julie Smith, Host Deb Nardi - This SGM is an LGBT affinity group, with straight and supportive friends welcome.   7.  Friday evenings (5:30-8:00 PM), October 15, USH Meeting House - Facilitator David Principe, Host TBA - This Family-Friendly group is open to everyone, but will especially accommodate adult members and friends with younger children.  Format changes are: • Dinner of pizza and salad (or pot-luck) for adults and kids, costs shared by all • USH provides childcare at no charge • Dinner from 5:30-6:30 PM; SGM from 6:30-8:00 PM • Meet on Friday evening (no school next day!) We welcome participation by parents, whether single or partnered.  Both spouses or partners can choose to participate, or just one spouse or partner may participate.     Fee     none (except $5.00 materials fee for Creativity SGM) - Mike Roy Free Concert at the Meeting House - The second event on this year's impromptu concert series will be "Westering Home," a program of music of Scotland and Ireland, old and new. The band is "Ten Penny Bit," three local musicians on leave from playing contradance music.  Laura Mazza-Dixon plays viola da gamba and guitar; Linne Landgraf plays concertina, flute and pennywhistle; and Mattie Banzhaf plays piano on these engaging tunes. The trio formed for a concert this summer in Jonesport, Maine, and were enthusiastically received by a full house.  Interspersed with history, anecdotes and poems, the music is evocative of the moors and mountains of lowlands and highlands, and follows the songs' migration to America.   "Westering Home" will be in the Chapel on Sunday evening, September 26th, at 7:00. Admission is free, though donations for the USH music program are welcome. - Mattie Banzhaf Caring Network - A man is not idle because he is absorbed in thought. There is a visible labor and there is an invisible labor. Victor Hugo - 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.- before 10:30 on Sunday. 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. Social Justice Journeys (From the UUA) And from USH Green Topics - Did You Know? Always wanted to ride a bike to the Meeting House? Check out our bicycle rack next to the office door! Thanks to Peter Magistri and Stu Spence for installing it. Now let's put it to use! See external events.   Further Down The Road (About 30 Days) Women's Alliance Fall Retreat October 22- 24 Reading one Book Together - The Unitarian Alliance Ministry to Women is happy to announce its R & R weekend on October 22 - 24, returning to the Victorian retreat house called Senexet in northeastern CT. More  A Matter of Opinion - It was wonderful to have members of the Youth Group help on the Building and Grounds Workday this year. Thanks, you did a great job! And, thank you, Denise - Janice Newton External Events and Educational Notes Jacques Lamarre's play, Gray Matters premiered at the New York Midtown International Theatre Festival.  It will play at the Charter Oak Cultural Center Wednesday through Sunday.  $25, $23 for seniors and students.  Information:  860 705-9711. - Joan Kemble Production of Peter and the Wolf - September 19th at 4 PM Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland St., Hartford, CT. A benefit of the Hartford Catholic Worker and Camp Ahisma of the Voluntown Peace Trust. There is a poster outside of Fellowship Hall. See Joan Kemble for tickets and further information. ALS Walk Saturday 25th September More Columbus Day Weekend at Martha’s Vineyard - The UU Society of Martha’s Vineyard is hosting a B&B weekend as a fund-raiser October 9, 10 11.  Fall is the best season of all on the Vineyard. Crowds are gone, the air is crisp and the water is still warm enough for a swim.  Two nights, three days, breakfasts with your host, seafood dinner Saturday, light lunch after Sunday service, optional island tours Sunday afternoon, transportation between ferry and host home.  Miles and miles of beaches, kayaking, sailing, biking, nature trails, dancing and more.  All this for $400 for a well acquainted party of two, $250 for a single. Stay can be extended either Friday or Monday @ $75 per person, per night. There are taxis, car rentals and good public transportation available, but if you choose to bring a car, advance ferry reservations from Woods Hole are necessary.  www.steamshipauthority.com for schedule.  Contact Johanna Kobran at jhkobran@yahoo.com or (508) 693-7083 to reserve your place.  Ellie Revill     Columbus Day Farm Experience! Monday October 11, 2010 More	From the Editor: Suggestions for Contributors. This Week’s Feature Articles Welcome from our President Would You, Could You, Teach RE? About our Chapel Art; Web Explained B and G Workday Makes Improvements RE Classrooms Prepared for Service Youth Thanked for Participation Poetry the Skeleton of Religion Adult Programs SGM Movie List New Art Show Coming Free Concert Planned From Our President - As we come together this Sunday to begin another year, I am mindful of all that has come before to bring us to this place and time.  The hard work of last year’s leaders and staff has created a space of good orderly direction from which we can build for the future. The fabulous series of worship services this summer created by our Minister, Director of Religious Education and Worship Associates has reminded us of the gifts of inspiring worship. The courageous commitment and dedication of our staff that kept us together in our time of grief and pain over the loss of our cherished member, friend and Administrative Assistant Rosie Rindfleisch is a testament to the true meaning of ministry that we all share with each other.  We have much to be thankful for as we renew our commitment to each other and to our cherished faith. The Board held a spirited retreat this week as we looked forward to our year together.  We relished in those things that are going well, in our collective congregational life, and thought deeply about those areas where we think “better days are coming.”  We talked about our hopes and dreams for our work and how we will know if we are successful at the end of the year. I know I speak for the full Board when I say that we are eager to hear your hopes and dreams, your concerns, your ideas.  Your talents and treasures are welcome here.     Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday - Sue Kinney, President Would you, could you, teach RE? - One of the lovely things about being part of a lively community of colleagues is their willingness to share their creativity and passion.  This brilliant request for help in our Religious Education program was originally written by Julie Enersen, RE Committee, Unitarian Church, Lincoln, NE, and we thank her for her generosity.     Our Religious Education program needs more volunteers than ever before as staff hours are reduced this year.  If you cannot commit to teach, there are ample opportunities to help in other parts of the program.  If you have an hour to offer to our family ministry, please contact Gail at: dre@ushartford.com. Would you like to teach UUs? Tell me, tell me which you'd choose. Would you like fifth grade or first? Choosing none would be the worst. I would not, could not teach UUs. That is not something I would choose. I can't imagine where I'd start. I've no great knowledge to impart. Would you, could you with a guide? Our DRE is at your side And she'll provide curriculum So you'll look smart instead of dumb. Well, possibly if there's a guide If Gail will be there at my side And she'll provide curriculum So I look smart instead of dumb. But would she stay in class with me? Just think how nervous I would be. Would you, could you if you thought You'd have some help each time you taught? Your worries should be non-existent. Every class has an assistant. Well, I could do it if I thought That I'd have help each time I taught. I know that I should volunteer But would I have to give a year? Would you, could you once in four weeks? Sure you'll miss when BJ speaks But you'll contribute more, it’s true Than sitting in that hard, hard pew. Well, possibly if just those weeks. I could get copies when BJ speaks. But tell me, if I thought I could, Are there reasons why I should? Would you like it if I say That you'll come into church one day A smiling kid will wave and that you'll be the one she's waving at? You'll connect with parents too And learn what's what and who's with who. They'll thank you for the job you did In working hard to teach their kid And if those reasons aren't ideal Here is one that could appeal: When you teach you just might find Your own beliefs get more refined. It might be fun if like you say Kids wave at me at church some day And I connect with parents while Refining my believing style But in my real life I don't teach. Won't these kids be hard to reach? Would you, could you, if you knew About the kids who'll be with you? They value interest over skill They look for patience, heart, and will They just want folks who'll help them learn Sign up, sign up, and take your turn. All right, if you will let me be I'll sign up and then we'll see... Say! I like this teaching stuff. I don't think I can get enough. Sign me up for eight weeks more. I should have done this years before Everything you said is true. I've met some kids and parents, too. I do so like to teach UUs. I am so glad you helped me choose - Gail M. Syring Remarkable Chapel Art - Many of us have attended events in the Chapel from time to time. Have your eyes wandered to the art hanging on the walls and looked at some of the other objects in that space? Have you wondered about the symbolism of the art and how it might relate to Unitarianism and its open approach to the lessons taught by various other religions and religious teachings? This week, for the first time, you can take a close look at each object on your computer and learn a little of its symbolism and origin as well as reading about one of the major creators of the art objects, Seraphim Seskevich. A new link is to Chapel Art found on the home page under Spiritual Life on the left side of the page listed on the pull down menu. Take a look right now and do not neglect to look at the enlarged pictures as well because they give a more detailed viewing experience. - David Newton B and G Workday Makes Improvements - The weekend of Hurricane Earl turned out to be pleasant & sunny with light winds as folks gathered on Saturday to clean up, fix up and improve.   Much of the work was centered around the Memorial Garden,  where the Newtons, Barbara Prine and Cyprian Martin continued their magic, the latest of which was treatment of the paving blocks with a filler that eliminates weed growth between the cracks. There were also remnants of a dead birch tree to remove.   Helping were Anne Bailey, Betty Palmer, Shai Cassell, Harriet Elish, Bev Prager, Denise Ackeifi, Abby Ward, Zach Dayner, Marissa Elish, and Hannah Phillips.   Stu Spence and Peter Magistri capped the old chimney base,  filling it with sand and poured concrete. In addition, they installed a bike rack in front of the church.   Jim Venneman brought his glass cleaning tools and removed from the interior glazing the tarry material that sometimes accumulates.   Roy Cook replaced a dead young tree among those in front of the building.   He also watered these trees insofar as the last week has been fairly dry.   Ed Sax picked up debris along the street and front lawn (which included a Brooks Brothers box cover and a large slab of neoprene from a truck.) He also raked up stones and crabgrass, That were picked up by Hannah, Marissa and Abby and taken to an appropriate spot in the woods.   Several tasks remain: grass seeding of bare patches along Sanctuary entry path; paint for the rusted outside faces on balcony railing over lower entry; and fixing subsidence of Chapel Roof Drain - Ed Sax  /  Work-party coordinator AND, in a related Saturday effort, Sheila Ward, Shai Cassell, Harriet Elish, Briana Bittel,Tony Griffith, Jesse and Willa Kulynych-Griffith, Janis Milroy, and our busy teenagers Abby, Zach, Hannah and Marissa assisted Gail M. Syring in preparing the RE classrooms for the new year. Poetry: The Skeleton of Religion - I confess; I am no expert in poetry or music, although I enjoy both, so I didn’t expect to be able to write much about the Sunday, September 5 service, billed as a poetic approach to the skeleton of religion.  I was wrong. Through Reverend BJ’ s speaking words and reading poetry and our own Mark Child’s singing poems put to music, lots of thought-provoking stuff emerged.   Reverend BJ called poetry—a word or two splashed here and there—the “last artistic expression” where there is no voice, no song, no  picture.  She acknowledged that  “some of you may be among the folks who just don’t get it (poetry).”  She described an anti-poetry person who said the only good thing about Emily Dickinson’s poems was that they were short.  (Among the poems that Mark sang was Dickinson’s “I’m nobody!  Who are you?”)   In a poem, the story is always told by someone subjective.  It is based in the heart, not the head.  Reverend BJ said poetry equals the “skeleton of religion.”  For her, religion is a “profound, personal address to the sense of incompletion.”  Poetry can lend shape to a yearning for something more.   Poetry speaks to the “four basic desires of the human heart,” Reverend BJ said:  love, song, blood (passion) and travel (imagination).  When these four desires are embraced, we “experience religion at its best.”   Poetry, unlike a book, is often read, re-read, recited, shared, memorized.  It improves as we return to it, again and again.  It embodies resonance and response.  Repetition of poetry can deepen pleasurable sensations and cause us to reflect on the profound human condition.  Poetry also helps to erase sorrow.  “We are inexplicably bound to one another by sorrow,” Reverend BJ said.   Toward the end of the service, Reverend BJ asked, ”Is there a poem, a line or a few lines of a poem you have memorized or returned to again and again?” Almost two dozen members of the congregation responded to her request to come forward and recite their bits and pieces of poems.  Poor Anne Bailey. By the time she got to the mike, the two poems she had been thinking of had already been said by others. Reverend BJ saluted the poetry readers and ended the service with, “Oh brave new world that has such people in it.” -  Kayla Costenoble Small Dinner Parties - Fall dates: Oct. 16, Nov. 13, and Dec. 11.   The purpose of these Dinner Parties is social camaraderie among new and old members of USH. Six to ten adults are randomly assigned in different groupings for each dinner.  The host furnishes the entrée, beverage and bread.  Guests are assigned to bring appetizers, salad, side dish or dessert. With advance notice, a substitute can be found if the registrant must miss a date.  Also, we will try to accommodate anyone who is handicapped. Not everyone can host, but we do need hosts, so participants whose homes can seat six may be asked to host one dinner. Registrations will be taken in Fellowship Hall during Coffee Hour on September 12th , 19th , and 26th . Dates: Oct.16th, Nov. 13th, and Dec. 11th Fee: $2.00 per household for paper/mailing expenses. Registration Deadline: September 26! Winning Titles ~ Dinner & Movie Series 2010-2011 Established - Ladies and Gentlemen:  Announcing, with pleasure, the winning titles for the 2010-2011 Friday Night Dinner and Movie Series! From a record number of nominations, followed by a record number of votes this summer, the following are winners:   “The Most Dangerous Man in America”  October 8 - Catered Dinner   “Cinema Paradiso” November 12 - Pizza   “Single Man”  December 10 - Catered Dinner   “Winter’s Bone” January 14 - Pizza   “Invitus” February 11       “The Secret in Their Eyes” March 11   “Sneakers” April 8   “The Last Station”  May 13   “Tender Mercies” June 10   This list is also available through the USH home page under Programs and Activities, Adult Programs. Since there was a good response to the trial $10 Pizza Movie Night on August 27, the same procedure will be used for the November and January Movie Nights.  Participants can choose between vegetable or meat pizza, soda or beer.  These will alternate in October and December with the more complete catered dinners from Kane’s, our supplier for many years.  Plans for the future meals will be determined over time. Please reserve by the Monday prior to the Friday movie, by October 4 for the October 8 event. Reservations can be made during Sunday coffee hours at the Programs Table or by calling Janice at 860-677-1121 and leaving a message.  Please do not call the office for reservations.  Call Nita with questions or concerns:  860-693-4269. - Nita On the Calendar - Please notify Brian Mullen of all additions or changes to the calendar. Follow this link to all our scheduled events
	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 09/09/10 2:20 AM)