USH-Enews for September 18, 2008 Print Only Edition

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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.

Please note, the USH-Enews next week will cover two weeks in the single issue posted Thursday 9/25 (information also for the following week 10/2).

Sunday - 21 Sept. – The Wisdom of Eid al Fitr - Eid al Fitr is the Muslim holiday signaling the end of the fast of Ramadan, when the faithful celebrate their obedience to this discipline of spirit and body. As we learn more about this happy and holy observance, we may learn more of the important connection between discipline and celebration for all people of faith. BJ

Music - Some very special music in celebration of Eid al Fitr, the Muslim holiday ending the fast of Ramadan, including a Zikr chant from the Arabic musical tradition.

Religious Education Classes: September 21st
This Sunday, the Spirit Play class will have a lesson that introduces the seven Rainbow Promises of Unitarian Universalism. Second and Third Grade will explore Ramadan traditions, Fourth and Fifth Grade will discuss loneliness through the lens of Adam and Eve, and the Middle School will consider the value of creative arts Duet Drawings and T.S. Eliot. Please join the Youth Group for soup in Fellowship Hall after the service.

Classroom and Youth Group Registration
All children and youth must be registered for Religious Education and Youth Group. Please contact Gail at: dre@ushartford.com if your child is not registered. - Gail, DRE

From the Editor: Please note, the USH-Enews next week will cover two weeks in the single issue posted Thursday 9/25 (information also for the following week 10/2).

Musical Chairs, Part III: Go Now in Peace, to Religious Education Classes

“Go now in peace and let your light shine before you, the light of liberty, justice and peace.”

Each week we sing the departing blessing to our children, offering prayers of lives filled with liberty, justice and peace, the seeds of which are planted during the Religious Education hour. Waiting at the end of the aisle each Sunday, prepared to offer the best of themselves to the children, are eight adult volunteers and two nursery staff members. Thirty-two members of the congregation have volunteered to start their Sunday mornings early enough to teach or assist at the 9:45 service, and I am profoundly grateful for each of them.

The first meeting of RE classes at the 9:45 service was this past Sunday. Thanks to our fine team of volunteers, and to the families who reorganized their lives to be with us more than an hour earlier, classes went well. The shorter interval between services leaves less time for discussions with parents after class, but it was a pleasure to see a balance in the attendance of both services.

The new time of classes and the rotating Youth Group schedule is a continuing challenge to the families who have children in both age ranges, often in addition to other responsibilities and leadership positions within the congregation. I am hopeful that car-pooling efforts will help to ease the strain on these families as we grow into our new schedule as a congregation.

Families with Sunday afternoon activities like sports or scouting are finding that the earlier time allows them to attend service while creating more ease in their family schedule. The secondary program offered at the 11:15 service, primarily for visiting children is still a work in progress. Volunteers to assist with this project will be appreciated.

The dedication and commitment of our congregation to our children and their Religious Education program has been apparent since the start of this transitional process. This same dedication will help us to resolve the challenges and reap the rewards of our new Sunday programming schedule. - Gail Syring

Moyers Show on Knoxville - If you follow this link and read the transcript for the September 12, 2008 show, you will read a revealing document about the cultivation of hate in our society. Here is the link as long as it is good.

On Hurricanes and the Wisdom of Uncertainty - We heard a lot about uncertainty Sunday. We heard it as we learned a new hymn and sang along with Mattie the lines “Life is a riddle and a mystery.” We heard it from RE Director Gail Syring as she showed the children clustered around her on the chancel her new pink and white cat lunch box and agreed that starting new RE classes can make you nervous and excited and scared (RE teachers in the congregation agreed…)

We heard it in a reading from Alexander Maclaren’s Watchfulness: “We need to be ready to fold our tents and take to the road…We need to meet change as cheerfully as we can…” (Your reporter couldn’t help but flash back to a poster that once hung in her home—“But we’ve always done it this way.”)

And we heard it in a couple of Pastoral Reflections by Reverend BJ who decided, after half a dozen Florida hurricanes, to stay at home in Key West because “whatever you do, you cannot predict what will happen.”

For most of us who have only seen them on television, Reverend BJ’s description of her various hurricanes gave us an up close and personal look. During her first hurricanes, she recalled, she refused to cancel services and six brave souls came to church. During her second and third storms, 100 people came, held flashlights for the minister and choir when the power went out, and had a sleep over. During hurricanes four and five, Reverend BJ evacuated, stayed with strangers and made new friends. She was at a conference in Washington, DC during hurricane six and had to stay there an extra week.

In her second Pastoral Reflection, Reverend BJ asked us to “dare to challenge the fear of insecurity.” Suggesting that we are “always one step away from a life-changing event,” she asked us to think about the “energy we use to try to keep security.” Then she described the “mini-second of self awareness” that comes right before all kinds of thoughts, emotions, actions. In this mini-moment, there are an infinite number of possibilities concerning which direction to take. “Wisdom, “ Reverend BJ suggested, “lies in these mini-moments of insecurity and awareness.”

If we could recognize and prolong these moments, she said, we would end up with a new church or home or work. Reverend BJ invited her congregation to “watch your inner processes this week” and suggested we “might notice a wide range of responses.” - Kayla Costenobl

Diane Cadrain tells me, "thank you for noticing the new welcome banner I made. I wanted to give full credit to Rich Ferguson-Hull, who made me a full-size pattern for each of the letters. He and I are also collaborating on an upcoming new banner marking the Muslim holiday of eid al fitr, which we are observing on September 21. I couldn't do it without him." Thanks folks, keep up the good artistic work! - DCN

UPA 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. More

Taxpayers in Hartford will pay $263.2 million for total Iraq war spending approved to date. For the same amount of money the following could have been provided: 86,971 people with health care for one year. - Joan Kemble IASC

Fall Small Group Ministry - Sign Up Sunday for Fall Small Group Ministry where small groups meet for “intimacy and ultimacy.” 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 or by contacting the church office. - Mike Roy

The Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice (GHICEJ) To Launch a Healthcare Disparities Project - GHICEJ is launching a healthcare disparities project with interested member congregations. So far, 10 GHICEJ congregations have signed on. This project is primarily an opportunity for those interested in the topic to gain more information and understanding about the racial disparities in healthcare access, treatment and delivery in Connecticut. It will also be an opportunity to meet and dialogue with members from other area congregations interested in the topic. If you would like to learn more about this project and how you might get involved, please email or call Shai Cassell at 930-4278 or shaileen@sbcglobal.net Thanks.

The FALL PROGRAMS FAIR will be this Sunday, September 21 during coffee hours in Fellowship Hall. Come and meet some of the presenters, ask questions about the offered programs, and register for the programs listed below plus many more including SGM, Circle Dinners, Friday Dinner and Movie.

If you haven't picked up your copy of "The Fall 2008 Programs for Adults and Families" catalog (also on the web), be sure to do so this Sunday at the Welcome table in the front lobby or at the Fair during Coffee Hours in Fellowship Hall. One catalog per family please.

Starting soon:

The popular Artist's Way will begin Monday, September 22, 7-8:30 PM for 13 weeks. Using the highly regarded, widely used text, The Artist's Way, A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, by Julia Cameron, this course will take you through a progression of exercises to help you reach and live by your inner artist. You will find that creating and admiring art can be an intensely spiritual experience. Diane Cadrain and Maggie Greene will serve as facilitators.

NEW! An Exploration of Ragtime, Blues, Tim Pan Alley, and Jazz, 3 Sundays, September 28, October 5, 12, 1 PM. Sit back and enjoy an exploration of these four distinct musical styles on three Sunday afternoons. Dick Edwards will narrate the tour with the help of Sid Garvais at the keyboard. Come and hear the music "we grew up on and learned to love."

NEW! Dream Work, Your Mirror, This four session program will start Wednesday, October 1, 7-9 PM. Dream analysis allows us to discover some of our hidden talents, wishes, and fears. With facilitator Carol Davidson who has experience with a number of dream work seminars, you will tell, discuss, and explore your dreams in a small, confidential group.

NEW! Iconography, Saturday, November 1, 9-10 AM. An introduction and informal session to iconography is being offered by USH member Ser Seskevich at no charge. Ser is a former Franciscan Monk of the Byzantine Rite and an experienced artist. At the introduction, Ser will display some of his work and answer questions about the process of iconographic painting and the 7 week course to follow.

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! More - IASC

Heating Assistance Needed - Below is the link to the Winter Heating Assistance Program Homepage for the ST of CT. Please click on this link and you will be sent to the proper website to get information on how and where people can apply. There are no forms available - they must be completed at Community Action Agencies. Applications should be made as soon as possible since it can take up to 45 days to process. If you are unable to access this link, a copy of the needed information is available in the Meeting House office.

Caring Network - The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green. -- Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) Scottish Writer - 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.

What's GUSHING in Fellowship Hall? Our new homemade (Meeting House made) all purpose cleaner. Bring in an empty spray bottle for a filling for $2 or buy a 32 oz spray bottle of it for $4. Earth-friendly. Proceeds of all green table sales to support earth-friendly product use at the Meeting House.

Green Sanctuary Program Continues - We began the process of becoming accredited through the UUA as a Green Sanctuary this year. The mission is "To help our congregation live in harmony with and help create a healthier world environment by spearheading activities that will create greater education and awareness of our impact on the environment and how we can bring forth positive change in personal lifestyle choices, congregational activities and the broader community." More

Friday, September 19
1:00 pm Transitions Group
6:00 pm Ember Days, Chapel

Saturday, September 20
9:00 am Clara Barton District of UUA Leadership Conference, Dudley, Mass.
6:00 pm Ember Days, Emerson
7:30 pm Libana Concert, Sanctuary

Sunday, September 21
9:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:45 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
10:30 am Music rehearsal, Fellowship Hall
10:45 am Coffee, Fellowship Hall
10:45 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:45 am Programs Fair, Fellowship Hall
11:15 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:15 pm Coffee, Fellowship Hall
12:15 pm Programs Fair, Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm Disabilities, Library
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel

Monday, September 22
7:00 pm Artist’s Way, Servetus
7:00 pm Rental

Tuesday, September 23
5:30 pm Lay Listeners, Emerson
7:00 pm Council on Social Justice, Library
7:00 pm Religious Education, Servetus
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, September 24
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 25
9:30 am International Women’s Circle, Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm BTWWDA, Emerson
7:00 pm Willett Woodwind Rehearsal, Fellowship Hall

Friday, September 26
7:00 pm Concert, Chapel

Saturday, September 27
10:30 am Rental, Chapel

Sunday, September 28
9:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:45 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
10:30 am Music rehearsal, Fellowship Hall
10:45 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:45 am Coffee, Fellowship Hall
11:15 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:15 pm Coffee, Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm Council on Social Justice, Library
1:00 pm Exploration of Ragtime, Blues, Tin Pan Alley & Jazz, Chapel
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
5:30 pm UU Singles Potluck, Manchester

External Events and Educational Notes

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. More

The Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice (GHICEJ) and the Noah Webster Partnership Program are seeking volunteers for the following areas:

1. MORNING TUTORING PROGRAM: Currently, there is a need at the Noah Webster Micro-Society Magnet School (NW) in the west-end of Hartford, for more morning volunteer tutors for students in need of extra reading instruction. The program runs five days a week from 8:30a.m. to 10:00a.m. Each volunteer meets one-on-one for about 25 minutes with each student, so the tutor sees three children within that time period and works with those same three students weekly. The program has been quite successful and most students have seen solid improvement. There are still openings for tutors. The commitment is for one morning a week. Please email or call Annelieke Schauer (Annigje22@yahoo.com or 233-8978) or Bette Marafino (bettemarafino@sbcglobal.net or 233-1989) for more details.

2. MENTORING and TUTORING PROGRAM at First Church of the Living God: The HOPE CDC of First Church of the Living God – located directly right across the street from Noah Webster School – runs an after school tutoring and mentoring program for the students at Noah Webster School. This program needs volunteers to work with small groups of children on their homework assignments and/or volunteers for mentoring. They offer training and support for both. This program runs from 3 pm to 5:30 pm, Monday through Thursday. The commitment would be for one (or more, if willing and available) afternoon a week. **If you are interested in volunteering for the after school tutoring or mentoring program at First Church of the Living God, please call 860-232-4461.

3. ASSISTING with the MICRO-SOCIETY MAGNET SCHOOL THEME PROGRAMS: From the Noah Webster School website: “In the MicroSociety program, students collaborate with parents, community members, and teachers to build a miniature community in the school and establish a center of commerce and governance in which every child and adult participates. Children create and manage business ventures that produce goods and services. They also run agencies that handle governmental functions and lay the groundwork for organized accountability. This program allows children to create a miniature society in the school; adapts instruction to real world experience. It also allows teachers to draw connections between academic learning and the “micro” activities and creates many opportunities for substantive parent and community involvement.

The program thrives from the expertise of volunteers who have real life work experience reflecting some of the student run “micro” businesses and enterprises. Please call or email Heather Zottola if you are interested in volunteering one or more afternoons a week (or doing a one-time workshop) for this program. Email: zotth001@hartfordschools.org or call and ask for Heather at 695-5380

Further Down The Road (About 30 Days)

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 symbol)yahoo.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

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