USH-Enews October 12, 2006 Print Only Edition

Home Page for the website of the Unitarian Society of Hartford.
Word Version of this document in color with photographs, which will print nicely for those who use Microsoft Word.

This is the print only edition of the USH-Enews. Photos and other graphical elements have been removed. Print is mostly black on white.

The USH-Enews is a weekly email newsletter sent to 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 USH-Enews click here.

Office hours: M-F 9-3 (excluding W 10 -11); Rev. Jamestone: Phone: 860 233-9897; Email: RevBJ@USHartford.com - Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday - Available at the noon hour and at other times by appointment.

Sunday 15 October - God is the Problem - Carl Dudley - In mixing faith and politics, "God" is a problem. This is especially true for Liberals and Moderates coping with, "true believers," of any sort - Christian, Muslim, Jew, or even "radical UU's." How should our faith make a difference in this or any highly charged political season? Carl S.Dudley is Faculty Emeritus, Hartford Seminary, Hartford Institute for Religion Research.

Music: The music this Sunday Oct. 15th is very special. Ann Stowe brings the artistry of her violin to our chancel. A highly skilled soloist, chamber musician and principal orchestral player, Ann is well known around Hartford as a consummate and brilliant advocate of string music. She will play two movements of a violin sonata by J.S. Bach, accompanied by our organist Vaughn Mauren, and then a Spanish Lullaby by Manuel de Falla. This music is not to be missed.

And, while we are on the subject, here is a quick look at the Soloist/Section Leaders in our Choir with information Mattie Banzhaf, Music Director, sent along:

Katie LaPorta (L2), soprano, is a senior Vocal Performance Major at the University of Connecticut. She grew up in her mother’s church choir and feels very comfortable at both the adult and children’s levels….luckily, because she also directs our Children’s Choir. Through serious vocal study her voice is becoming stronger and more agile. What we usually don’t hear, however, is her amazing high coloratura range! Katie has sung lead roles in musicals as well as operas and plans to pursue a career in opera performance. She is currently working on the role of Norina in “Don Pasquale” with UConn’s Opera Theater.

Patrice Fitzgerald (L3), contralto, has gone back to The Hartt School at the University of Hartford for graduate study in voice. Her background is in law, but her passion is singing and she also sings with CONCORA and the Connecticut Opera. The other side to her musicianship is Broadway and torch songs, and she’s performed cabaret songs for our Festival of the Season. A member of our congregation for nearly a decade, Patrice periodically organizes Poetry-and-Music services – the next will be Sunday, Dec. 31st.

John Jesensky (L4), tenor, is a senior Music Theory & Composition major at The Hartt School. While he blends in well with our tenor section, he has additional talents: he plays baritone horn and a mean jazz-influenced piano, which comes in helpful as he accompanies the children’s choir. John began his composition career at the age of 13, and since then has had several works commissioned by various ensembles throughout the area. He has also worked on various film scores. After graduation his plans include pursuing a career in film scoring as well as film production.

David Kennedy (L1), baritone, is our newest soloist/section leader. With an interesting background in computer science and business, David is now well known in the Greater Hartford area as an accomplished soloist and choral singer. He is a long-time member of CONCORA, and has an extensive repertoire of lead roles in Gilbert & Sullivan operas. He’s been the baritone soloist for a number of churches in town including Asylum Hill Congregational Church and First Church of Christ Scientist.

We are fortunate to have these exceptionally talented singers in our services on Sundays, and as they support, lead and complement the choir, we appreciate all our musicians in elevating our worship.

From the Editor: These are busy times and we could use some reinforcements in the reporting department. More info..

A Word from Rev. BJ - What would you pay to see a world in a grain of sand? To recapture the vigor, vision, freshness, and focus of building a sand castle? To experience moments of magic that were possible when we knew less, feared less, faced fewer chores and critical decisions? To glimpse briefly the mystery of core contentment, acceptance of what is, pleasure in and curiosity about one’s own body and the touch of others? To laugh and leap with abandon?

Well, have I got a deal for you! Our precious children at USH are here to give you each of those priceless gifts, every single Sunday. Will you send me an email, today, volunteering to fast a few hours of your Sunday leisure this Fall? You can rock somebody in the nursery, play in sand, hear a profound story, talk about a UU faith hero, maybe ever take a field trip!

You can go with me to religious education training on October 28 or on November 18, and enjoy the good company of people who care and are committed to quality spiritual formation for our children, our future. You can help us envision a transformed RE program here that will enhance our lives and the lives of our children in ways we cannot now imagine.

I will help you find a place just right, where you can receive a glimpse of life’s wonder, which you may have forgotten or never known. As you notice the protective tightness inside about yet another commitment, breathe ‘and one’ into that place. As you think this message is not for you, ask yourself who is thinking that, and why? Dare to trust that no more will be required than you can joyfully give. Email me, revbj@ushartford.com and let’s talk.- Rev BJ

Committee on Ministry Reports - Up and functioning, the COM has issued is first report and has explained what it does. Because this important group will be checking in from time to time, a web page has been established for their communications to you. Read the first installment now!

Reverend BJ Talks on Redemption, Repentance, Reconciliation - UUs tend to turn from repentance and forgiveness, suggested Reverend Barbara Jamestone during her October 1 sermon on the Jewish High Holy days. We need time to inject humility into our “original perfection” theology, she said. We need to admit error and ignorance, forgive others and ourselves and begin again. “We (UUs) don’t have much practice in being ordinary,” she suggested.

This sermon concluded a three-part series based on important and significant religious holidays. It began with Ember Days (special prayers and recognition of religious vocation), continued with Ramadan (submission, solidarity and the spiritual practice of fasting) and concluded with the Jewish High Holy days’ themes - redemption, repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Reverend BJ reminded us, “We are ever only whole in moments…moments of enlightenment, moments of transformation.” “Turning,” she suggested is not easy; it takes an act of will, a breaking of habits to admit we were wrong, but saying “I am sorry” or “I forgive you” helps us forgive ourselves and each other. This theme (turning) was introduced in the service’s first hymn, ‘Tis a Gift to be Simple, as we sang, “To turn, turn will be our delight, ‘till by turning, turning we come ‘round right.”

The Jewish Holy Days of Atonement, Reverend BJ explained, are also called Days of Awe. “There is merit in a faith that incorporates confession,” she said She suggested we need a faith that allows us to repent and repair so that we can translate life into something meaningful. These special days acknowledge brokenness, falling short and beginning again. - Kayla Costenoble - (This sermon has now been posted on the web.)

Supporters Urged to Sign Petitions to Get EITC in State Passed - “There is no reason Connecticut can’t be the 22nd state in the Union to pass EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) this season,” Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez told an enthusiastic crowd of some 300 during A Call to Action rally Thursday evening, October 5 at the First Church of the Living God in Hartford.

The event was co-sponsored by the Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice (GHICEJ) and The Connecticut Association for Human Services, together with dozens of other co-sponsors. Unitarian members of GHICEJ—Shai Cassel, Carol Shoemaker and Mike Winterfield - were instrumental in arranging the program. Goal of the sponsoring groups is to obtain 25,000 signatures on petitions throughout the state to deliver to the Governor and the state legislature to show citizen support of EITC. Soul-stirring exhortations and impassioned pleas were made to those attending to take petitions back and get signatures from their separate faith communities.

What is EITC? It is a Federal program to alleviate poverty of working, low-income families. Twenty-one states already have their own EITC, piggybacking on the Federal grants. Connecticut is the only New England state with an income tax that does not have a state EITC. The bill under consideration would provide these families with a refund matching 25% of their Federal EITC return. Mayor Perez said last year 16, 000 households in Connecticut claimed more than $29 million in Federal credit. EITC, he said, offers “an opportunity, a little hope, a dream realized.”

Working families with incomes up to $38,348 qualify for the Federal EITC; this would be the same for a Connecticut EITC. In Connecticut, the average Federal credit is $1,565; the average credit projected for a 25% refundable state EITC would be $391. Estimated cost to the state is about $66 million annually.

Keynote speaker Reverend James B. Walker (Phillips Metropolitan CME Church) called EITC “something that actually works, something that touches on what it is to be an American.” Mentioning Connecticut’s rainy-day fund, Reverend Walker noted that “for some folks, it rains every day.” He urged his listeners to be “workers for the miracle of compassion”—and get EITC passed.

During the program, two working mothers testified on how the Federal EITC impacted their lives. Yairaliz Arroyo works part-time, has two young daughters, lives with her mother and sisters, uses her wages to provide the basics for her family and used her EITC money for clothes, to pay off loans and to help get a car so she could get to work. Dorothy DelValle, mother of a 12 year-old son, paid off medical bills (she can’t afford insurance), bought her first home (with help from other agencies) and said, “For the first time in my life, I feel as if I’m on solid ground.” - Kayla Costenoble

On the weekend of September 30/October 1, the University Unitarian Church (UUC) celebrated a milestone for our former minister Jon Luopa, who was with us at the USH for thirteen years before leaving for Seattle to serve at the UUC. USH members Al and Kathy Herzog, representatives of the USH, were honored to have been invited to attend the celebration, as were Jon and Annie’s family members and others from past churches where Jon had served. The celebratory weekend consisted of two main events.

On Saturday evening a gala, plated dinner was held at the church during which the Seattle Labor Chorus sang, a retrospective slide show was shown and various people spoke about Jon. Among the speakers, were Al Herzog, on behalf of the USH, and Phyllis Farley-Rippey, a former member of the USH. The dinner also launched a successful fund raising effort on behalf of the UUC’s social justice ministry, as a UUC donor was thanked for her initial generous funding and donation-matching offer, and plans were noted to hire a half time staff person in that area. The UUC intends to “walk the talk” in social justice.

After the second service on Sunday morning, a celebratory church program followed. More guest speakers talked, church choirs sang, a humorous song was sung, and various special gifts were presented. Among those gifts was a new stole. It had been designed by USH member Carolyn Soutter and embroidered by Jon’s wife Annie. Jon’s daughter Julika read a congratulatory letter to her father from her sister Laila, who could not be there because she is attending a college semester in Africa.

Jon and Annie return your warm greetings and congratulations—including the hugs from various USH members who asked Kathy to hug Jon for them! He enjoyed your thoughtful messages that were included in a special scrap book. The Luopas hold fond memories of their years in Hartford at the USH. Congratulations to the Reverend Jon Luopa on twenty-five years in ministry! - Herzogs

Keeping up with BJ 's First Week in October -This week I found Avery Heights, and the profound company of people in a nursing facility for whom most “productive” function has been lost, and who grapple with meaning making in ways that move me.

I found the home of Rev. Jan Neilsen, of the Fern Street Universalist Church, where I basked in the excitement of a family birthday, and was challenged by collegial conversation about our UU vision and purpose here.

I (and three other UUs!) found the University of Hartford’s Ramadan Break-fast where 150 Jewish and Muslim students jostled against each other and enjoyed good food together.

I found a gathering of great minds at the first session of “Spiritual Transformations” led by Karl Peters—a Tuesday night which might transform you! Take my seat next week.

I found a growing family of Gay and lesbian friends in several interviews in my study.

I found church leaders who, having planned a great work in recent years, are now yoking with me to work a great plan.

I am seeing new faces and finding new places, thanks to your having made a place in your hearts for me. Thank you. - Rev BJ

Many Participate in “National Coming Out Day” Sunday Service - Reverend Barbara Jamestone shared her pulpit with many members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community during the Sunday October 8 celebration of “National Coming Out Day.”

Speaking in front of a chancel festooned with bright red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet balloons, Rev. B.J. said, “I am honored to lead this service today,” and reminded us “when we enter a door of a UU congregation, we may not lock that door behind us.” She insisted that UUs must be vigilant against oppression of all kinds. Even though we are an official Welcoming Congregation, she maintained, we must be living the Welcoming Congregation.

Chalice lighting and extinguishing, invocations, testimonials and benedictions were all done by GLBT members. The music was, as usual, particularly appropriate. It included “Would You Harbor Me” (with its long list including Christian, Muslims, Jews, slaves, runaways, lesbians, gays…) and “We Are a Gentle, Angry People” (with its “We are gay and straight together”).

New member Jennifer Freese told of her delight in “the positive energy of this space,” and announced that she will be having a Civil Union performed by Rev. B.J. here in May. Misha Hardison said our UU web site with its notice that this is a Welcoming Congregation plus the symbol on our outdoor sign brought her here. Old-time member John Barlow said in the world he grew up in words like divorce, cancer and sexuality were not to be mentioned, and he praised the “special reassurance” being a UU here gives him.

Cynara Cooper-Silvey outlined the daily exhausting schedule she, her wife and her kids maintain and said, “We are not a gay family; we are a family.” Cole Willard shared her emotional coming-out experience, which included parents who accepted her. She said, “Coming out is an ongoing process.”

Robin McHaelen riveted her audience with her strongly-proclaimed, “I am a woman, a wife, a mother, an activist, a queer!” She said, “I wake up each morning and put on a face for strangers.” Ms. McHaelen takes justifiable pride in the on-going organization she started 14 years ago to work with young GLBT persons. - Kayla Costenoble

Installing a New....Minister!! - If you have ideas, opinions, or energy for the installation service celebrating our new relationship with Rev. BJ, please come to an organizational brainstorming session on Sunday afternoon October 29 at 4:30, in her study, OR send your ideas to Carol Sexton carollee51(at symbol)yahoo.com or Mary-Anne Mulholland skeeterreeder(at symbol)aol.com

Acting Director of RE Sought - The Board is accepting applications for an acting director of religious education, a volunteer position until at least January 1, 2007, whose primary responsibility will be coordinating the work of RE leaders. Applications may be picked up from the office.

Fix Up Your Name Tag - Self-adhesive clips for use on our new name tags are now available - look for them on the ledge in the lobby near the tape sign-up. These clips can be placed directly below the pin clip, giving those of you who may prefer a clip, the choice of using either. - Anne Bailey

Men’s Luncheon Group Will Meet Next Tuesday, October 17 - The group, which has been active since 1984, meets at noon on the third Tuesday of every month at the Carmon Anthony Fishhouse in Avon. The October 17 meeting will feature a talk on energy led by Ed Sax.

All meetings begin with lunch at noon, followed by a presentation and discussion starting at 1 PM. All men in the Society are welcome to attend.

AND THE SOUTH SHALL RISE AGAIN – COME ON Y’ALL - TO THE SUPPER AND GAMES NIGHT, OCTOBER 20, 2006 IN HONOR OF REV. B.J.’S CULINARY HERITAGE - You have only until this Sunday left to buy tickets to partake of the following FABULOUS MENU. Buy tickets by phone (233-9897) or at Coffee Hour.

Fried Chicken
Baked Ham
Macaroni and Cheese
Collard Greens
Cole Slaw
Sweet Potato Casserole
Mashed Potatoes and Yellow Turnips with Parmesan
Hoppin” John (black eyed peas and rice)
Cheese Grits
Corn Bread

Pecan Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream

Iced Tea
Hot Coffee and Tea
Juice

Rev. B.J. certifies that this menu reflects the typical Sunday dinners she had at home.

This feast is a BARGAIN at $9 per adult and $5 per child under 12. - NOW, Y’ALL COME ON FRAHDAY, OCTOBER 20 AND HAVE A FAHN TAHM.

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: Last Week to Sign Up - Yes, we have a few spots left. Five to be exact.

The places available are in the Monday night group scheduled for the Meeting House (4), and in the Wednesday night group scheduled for Collinsville (1).

Yes, 56 people have signed up already (including the facilitators and hosts). And what a good time we are going to have.

Eight exciting topics have been chosen, each with a set of provocative questions to encourage sharing.

Surely there are five more people who want to benefit from our trained facilitators, our hospitable hosts, and our excellent listeners. Come on and share your experiences with us. We invite you to join us, and we promise no one will ever be forced to talk! This is an opportunity to share what you would like to share, with responses related to our topics.

Clara Barton Fall Rally Saturday October 28th (Download Your Brochure) - The annual District Fall Meeting will host as its keynote speaker the dynamic moderator of the national General Assembly of the UUA, Gini Courter. The Dudley, MA gathering will offer a number of workshops including: Spiritual Activism, The Call of the 21st Century, The Green Sanctuary Forum; RE – Administration and Curricula & the Four Covenants (tools for congregational decision making).

The conference runs from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. More information is available in the front lobby and registrations forms are due by October 19th for the reduced fee of $35; more at the door. Join others in helping to represent USH at the CBD Fall Rally!

Thursday, October 12
7:00 pm CDL rental, Chapel

Friday, October 13
10:00 am Art exhibit hanging, Ambulatory
5:30 pm Dinner & Movie, Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm CDL rental, Chapel

Saturday, October 14
9:00 am - 5:00 pm CDL rental, Fellowship Hall
5:30 pm UU Singles, Library

Sunday, October 15
8:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE I, Sanctuary
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Building & Grounds, Murray
10:00 am Comfort Shawl, Library
10:00 am Growth Task Force, Dix
10:15 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE II, Sanctuary
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
12:00 pm Adult Programs, Fellowship Hall

Monday, October 16
6:30 pm SIA, Library
7:00 pm Artist's Way, Servetus

Tuesday, October 17
12:00 pm ICEJ Clergy, Library
12:00 pm Men Luncheon Group, Avon
1:00 pm Knitting with Purpose, Servetus
7:00 pm Spiritual Transformations, Library
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, October 18
10:00 am Staff Meeting, Minister's Study (Office closed)
5:15 pm Feldenkrais, Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm Tai Chi, Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm Pathways to Membership, Library
7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Thursday, October 19
9:30 am Intrn'l Women's Group, Fellowship Hall
10:30 am Disabilities, Library
3:30 - 6:30 pm UHa parking lot usage

Friday, October 20
6:00 pm Supper and Games night, Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm CDL rental, Chapel

Saturday, October 21
9:30 am - 3:30 pm Rental, Chapel

Sunday, October 22
8:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE I, Sanctuary
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Disabilities, Library
10:00 Children's Choir, Chapel
10:15 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE II, Sanctuary
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall

To get your event on the calendar, call 233.9897 To look over the month as projected at the start, follow this link.

Inform the Caring Network of needs - Volunteer your services Janice Newton, CN Chair, 860-677-1121, USH Office, 860-233-9897

Religious Education Talkback Scheduled - October 29, 2006 following each service Location: 9AM TBA, 11AM chapel

Join Reverend Jamestone and the RE Sub-Council for a talkback on the state of RE. Share hopes, dreams, concerns and ideas.

Find out about new programming, the DRE position and volunteer opportunities. All are welcome. You do not need to have a child in RE to be involved in RE, only an interest in creating a UU essence that enters the heart and mind of every one of our children.

Sleep Out As Fund Raiser Approaching - From the High School Youth Group - It's that time of year again! Time for the annual Youth Group's Sleep Outside In Boxes fund raiser. For those of you who never heard of the annual event, the High School Youth Group sleeps outside in cardboard refrigerator boxes to experience homelessness and poverty that the poor live with every day.

The sleep out is planned for November 11th and 12th. Members of the Youth Group will be at coffee hour asking the sponsorship by church members all Sundays including Nov. 12th. Please give generously because all of the money raised will be donated to My Sister's Place, a home for battered women in Hartford. Peace be with you!

Excellence in RE Conference Planned - Plans are in progress for workshops and related activities to be offered at the Excellence in RE Conference on Saturday, November 18th , 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The conference includes workshops especially tailored for members of RE committees, teachers, parents and other advocates of quality religious education.

1. Lifespan Faith Development: Stages of Faith for children - UUA Children and Families LFD Director Tracey Hurd will present the developmental stages of faith.

2. Families at the center--a focus for congregations - How to assist parents/guardians in talking to their children about their faith and its significance in daily living

3. Wear Loose Clothing--fun & games for faith development - An active workshop of exercises and games that can deepen a child’s understanding of themselves and their connection to spiritual life

4. Religious Educators and Pastoral Care
- Religious educators and teachers are frequently approached by or come upon a child or family in crisis or experiencing a difficult time. How do they minister to this family and what is too much involvement?

5. Nurturing Teeny tiny UUs -
Creating a safe and loving space for our youngest UUs is a vital responsibility in our RE program. What works best in welcoming our little ones?

6. Music and Stories in the classroom
- Longtime storyteller and singer Ellen Griest will share tips and resources for incorporating stories and music in your classroom

7. Small Group Ministry for Parents and Teachers - Explore how this structured commitment to deep sharing can open up people who work with children to the intimate connection between personal values and spiritual depth in their RE work.

8. RE Committee models - what works well - How does your RE Committee share the work? What challenges do you face in offering meaningful religious education? Do you have fun at your meetings? Come and discover models that work well

The conference location is still in flux but may well be in Northborough, MA. The cost will be $15 per person with every 5th person from one congregation free.

CIRCLE DINNERS - This has been a very popular program among Unitarians elsewhere. It's a way to get to know each other in a setting more intimate than a sanctuary or committee meeting room !! More information.

Reporters needed: So - you were going to write a novel, or perhaps a short story, or at least a children’s book. And you did give it a brief try and watched your best effort vanish without a trace ... or perhaps you just thought about it.

Why not start on the bottom of the ladder? We USH-Communicators actually want you! We are not like those publishers buried in submissions and too bothered to do other than send poorly duplicated form rejection letters on your stamp!

How about becoming a reporter of sorts. You might be interested in or already part of various activities going largely unreported around the Meeting House. You could do an occasional article for the USH-Enews or perhaps the Messenger. Report on matters USH that interest you or are going on around you. As examples, we could all learn more about what the children are doing in RE, or things going on in various " silent" sub-councils, or perhaps you would want to share your personal experiences as part of various adult education opportunities.

Oh, and one more thing. Prose need not be perfect. If there are mistakes we blame the editor and if it looks very good the work is yours. No red marks and no failure around here!

The pay you ask? For this you will get published and your name will appear in print or electrons. If you would like to learn more, just drop the editor a note. We even have a listserv for USH communicators and mostly avoid any meetings.

A Matter of Opinion: (space for comment on USH issues) - Editor retains the right to make minor changes – letters should be issue oriented)

WHEN? Next Wednesday, October 18, 2006, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more complete information, please see the USH-Enews for details. Still More Information >>> (nice colorful sheet!)

Emerson Brass to Play - Music of Main Street, USA - Emerson Brass will be joined by organist Donald Funk on Sunday, October 22 at 4 pm in a concert titled Music of Main Street, USA at Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland Street, Hartford (near the Mark Twain House). The concert is a benefit for Love Makes a Family.

A free will offering will be received. Music of Bernstein, Campra, Copland, Stephen Foster, Gershwin, W.C. Handy, Mancini, a Sousa march, spirituals, New Orleans jazz and Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings transcribed for organ will be performed.

Love Makes a Family may be reached at 860-525-7777 or www.lmfct.org . Download brochure

2006 CROP WALK - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2006 1:30 PM at St. Peter Claver Church. See USH-Enews for 8/31/06 for details.

A Few Words About Our Roots From The Book, Hartford Unitarianism 1844 -1994 by Freeman Meyer:

Dr. William Willett, who served as the Society's music director during most of the 1970s, recalled William Congreve's observation that "Music hath charm to soothe the savage breast./to soften rocks or bend a knotted oak." American Unitarians, he said, have espoused this concept since the denomination's inception in 1825.

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. Only announcements for very large events will be issued as single item email distributions. 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