USH-Enews October 26, 2006

USH-Enews For October 26, 2006
Jump to: Calendar; What's happening; A matter of opinion; External events; Further down the road; Our roots

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USH Members and friends attending, Spiritual Transformations: Science, Religion, and Human Becoming, facilitated by Karl Peters, member of USH and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Religion at Rollins College. One of the splendid Fall Programs for Adults and Families offered at USH.

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.

Worshipping Together Since 1830
Services held at 9 and 11 AM

Remember to turn you clock back one hour Saturday NIGHT. More

Sunday 29 October - An All Souls Day Service – Rev. BJ - The practice of recognizing the dead in the Fall of the year has roots in ancient paganism, particularly the October 31 celebration of “Samhain”, by the Celts. Later the Christian church claimed Samhain as “All Hallows Eve”, and the following day as “All Saints Day,” a time to honor all minor Christian saints who did not have their own named feast days. Still later, the church created “All Souls Day” on November 2, a feast for hallowing the memory of all those who have died.

In the Universalist churches, which once dotted our American landscapes, folk gathered on the Sunday afternoon nearest November 2, lit candles and named those who had died during that year, and proclaimed their faith that in some way the dead are with us still, and we with them.

We continue this proud tradition of the human family on October 29. Please bring a photograph or other memorial object to the worship service to honor the blessed memory of a loved one who has died. As you enter the Sanctuary, place your memorial object on the altar at the front, and retrieve it after the service.

Music: Mozart composed a beautiful soprano aria that emerges into the choral masterpiece, ‘Laudate Dominum.’ Our soloist and children’s choir director Katie LaPorta is the soprano of the day.

Religious Education Talkback - following each service - Location: 10AM Library, 12 Noon Chapel

Join 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.

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 PM, in her study, OR send your ideas to Carol Sexton carollee51(at symbol)yahoo.com or Mary-Anne Mulholland skeeterreeder(at symbol)aol.com

What Else is Happening & Announcements

Carl Dudley's and Joyce Milliken's sermons are now on the web. There is a good deal of discussion going on over quality of services and what makes a very good sermon. Read these two sermons and consider how they meet your definition of good sermons. If you wish to email an opinion, you may direct it to worship(at symbol)ushartford.com and your comments will be distributed to the members of the Worship Sub-Council, the group considering such issues.

Clara Barton Fall Rally This Saturday October 28th (Download Your Brochure) - Further details

Fellowship Hall Sound Panels are being installed. Please note, Fellowship Hall is a multi use space being upgraded with aesthetics in mind. Planned use might be a wedding reception one day and a memorial reception the next. At the end of any particular event, the space must be left in good order for the next.

The sound panels are not tack boards and anything tacked on them will be immediately removed. Some art displays will be suspended in front of them from time to time either for a single event or for a longer periods similar to the displays of art around the ambulatory.

Mobile bulletin boards are available for display purposes for particular events including coffee hours and are stored elsewhere between events. If you have bulletin board needs, please see Anne Bailey, Nancy Reed or check with office personnel. Your help in propagating this information to others who do not read this splendid publication will be deeply appreciated. - DCN

Church Growth: Strategies for the Liberal Church at the Hartford Seminary With the Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, Dr. Scott Thumma, and the Rev. Dr. Benjamin K. Watts Thursday, November 2 - 9 AM to 1 PM

The recently published “Why Liberal Churches Are Growing” challenges the myth that only conservative churches grow. In this workshop, three of the authors of the book offer their perspective on growing churches, using reflective theological analysis and case studies.

Terasa Cooley will examine "liberal evangelizing": providing sustenance for living in a confusing, unstable and pluralistic world. Scott Thumma will explore the idea that "standing up for what you believe: loudly speaking a liberal vision" is essential to preserve congregations as places of inclusion. Ben Watts will focus on what has contributed to growth of African-American churches, particularly their message of self-help, self-improvement, and spiritual support, and their connection to their community through social justice ministry.

During the workshop, the panel will discuss contemporary worship and other factors contributing to church growth. This is an essential program for all pastors and other religious leaders seeking guidance based on successful congregations.

“Why Liberal Churches Are Growing” is available at the Hartford Seminary Bookstore. Please visit the bookstore or call 860-509-9527 if you would like a copy shipped to you.

The Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley is District Executive of the Massachusetts Bay District of Unitarian Universalist Congregations. She is former pastor of the Unitarian Society of Hartford. Dr. Scott Thumma is Professor of Sociology of Religion at Hartford Seminary and editor of “Gay Religion.” The Rev. Dr. Benjamin K. Watts is Faculty Associate in Arts of Ministry at Hartford Seminary and Senior Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, New London, CT

Board Meeting Minutes for October are posted on the web

Your Signature Wanted - Starting Sunday, October 29th and continuing through the end of December, members of GHICEJ and the Council of Social Justice will have a table in Fellowship Hall, during coffee hour, where they will be collecting signatures to deliver to the State Capitol in support of State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for the working poor.

This is a refundable tax credit that piggy backs the federal earned income tax credit that has been in place for over 25 years. Currently, 19 other states have a state EITC including most of our neighboring New England states. It is time for Connecticut to add its name to that list...A state earned income tax credit would simply provide 25% of whatever a working person currently receives from the federal EITC. It has been proven to help lift people out of poverty. It is simple to administer. For more information, please visit the following web site:

We hope you will stop by and sign the Petition!!!!!!!!!! Thank you.

Bring a Food Item Every Sunday - "At the end of the day," it is difficult to do most anything else if you are hungry and have no money to buy food. Horace Bushnell Food Pantry box just inside the west Meeting House door awaits you contribution. Just make it a practice to drop a few canned goods in the box each week. As they say in sports, just do it!

UU Singles - Potluck and Discussion
The UU Singles group will be having a Potluck Supper & Discussion, at UUSE in Manchester. Saturday, November 11, at 5:30 PM. We will be having a discussion on
singleness lead by Rev. Barbara “BJ” Jamestone, PhD. BJ is the new minister of the Hartford Church. Let’s all give her a warm welcome to the area. Bring a dish
to share, and your events for the calendar. RSVP to Larry Lunden, 232-2416 or bigcheese636 (at) yahoo(dot) com.

Directions: Unitarian Universalist Society: East, 153 West Vernon St, Manchester. From I-84 east take exit 63 to route 83. Turn left onto route 83 east. At the second light turn right onto Taylor St. At the second stop sign turn right onto West Vernon St. The church is 250 yards ahead on the left.

The UU Singles group is a program of social activities sponsored by the three area UU churches. All singles are welcome to join and participate in our activities. There is no charge. To get on the mailing list contact Larry.

From Adult Programs - Planning for the winter/spring session is now underway. Do you have an idea for a program that you would like to present during the winter/spring term? If you do, proposal forms are available in the office or at the registration table in Fellowship Hall on Sundays.

You might want to check out the Book Cart (located near the registration table) during coffee hour following both the 9:00 and 11:00 AM services.The registration table is open 10-10:30 AM and 12-12:30 PM. Some of the books available for purchase are:
The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide, edited by John Buehrens. It contains essays on our faith, heritage, ministry, worship, and has important historical dates. It has been called a "classic resource for visitors and new members".
Old School by Tobias Wolff. From one reviewer: "If you're a lover of literature and dedicated to the principal of 'know thyself,' you cannot help but be changed by this book".
A Chosen Faith by John Buehrens and Forrest Church - an introduction to Unitarian Universalism. A review called it "a thought-provoking, readable source-book for searchers, newcomers, and lifelong learners".

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: THANK YOU! - Thank you for your support for our Small Group Ministry. Sixty people have registered for six groups. All began meeting last week. The first topic was “Delightful Places”—those geographic locations so special that being there has a spiritual component.

Approximately ten more people will participate in a special four-week Small Group Ministry experience that is part of our new Pathways to Membership program. These will be facilitated by Margaret Leicach. - Bev Spence

Supper & Games Night - Get your tickets now for the November 17 Tex-Mex Supper & Games Night.

Caring Network: "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - AESOP - The Lion and the Mouse
You are the ears of the Caring Network. Tell Janice Newton 677-1121 when you learn of our members enduring the stresses of life so we can reach out to those in need. - Offer your services.

ON THE CALENDAR:

Thursday, October 26
6:00 pm Rental, Fellowship Hall

Friday, October 27
10:30 am Disabilities, Library
6:00 pm Butkovich Art Exhibit Reception, Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm Rental (CDL), Chapel

Sunday, October 29
8:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE I, Sanctuary
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Council on Social Justice, Murray
10:00 am RE Talk Back, Library
10:00 am Children's Choir, Chapel
10:15 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE II, Sanctuary
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
12:15 pm RE Talk Back, Chapel
3:00 - 7:00 pm Rental (CDL), Fellowship Hall
4:30 pm Installation Task Force, Minister's Study

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

Tuesday, October 31
2:00 pm Knitting with Purpose, Library
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, November 1
10:00 - 11:00 am Staff, Minister's Study (office closed)
7:00 pm Pathways SGM, Library
7:30 pm Choir, Sanctuary

Thursday, November 2
9:30 am International Women's Circle, Fellowship Hall
3:45 pm Hospitality, Library

Friday, November 3
1:00 pm Lighting Consultant, Sanctuary
6:00 pm Leadership Retreat, Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm Rental (CDL), Chapel

Saturday, November 4
9:00 - 4:00 pm Leadership Retreat, Fellowship Hall
Eve. Circle Dinners, various homes

Sunday, November 5
8:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE I, Sanctuary
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Youth Group soup making, Kitchen
10:00 am Growth Task Force, Library
10:00 am 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 on the calendar, call 233.9897

Further Down The Road (About 30 Days Max)

Sleep Out As Fund Raiser Approaching - Sponsor a cold kid sleeping in a box learning about homelessness and generating money for a good cause.

Open your wallet now!

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. More information

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: further information

From the Editor: Contributors please take note. The deadline for contributions for next week's USH-Enews has been moved up one day i.e., Tuesday, 4:30PM.

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This Week’s Feature Articles

From Rev. BJ - Dear friends and members of USH, This Sunday morning October 29th we welcome our “New Member Class of Fall 2006”. Join us!

We will also celebrate All Souls Day, which was created by the Catholic church, as a day to name and honor all the dead who were not officially recognized by the church as ‘saints,’ who had THEIR day on “All Saints” day on November 1.

“In the midst of life we are in death. In the midst of death, we are in life.” Those lines are a reminder that though death ends a life, it does not end a relationship. I am convinced that the people I have loved and lost are with me still, in ways perhaps more profound than when I could touch them. I keep a few things to remind me, things to which I listen for the breath of those I’ve lost—the life bringing breath of ancestors in family or in faith, which inspire me to live as fully as I can.

This Sunday please bring some memento (photo, object) which reminds you of a loved one you have lost. Place it on our ‘altar’ table down front as you enter the Sanctuary, and at some point in the service you will have the opportunity to remember aloud the name of that person if you desire. It will be a fine ‘two for one’ Sunday! - Rev BJ

What Do They Do When Not Sleeping in Boxes? - Have you ever wondered what the youth do when they are not sleeping out in boxes or making soup?

We have discussions. Similar to Small Group Ministry we light a challis, check in with each other, present a reading and discuss a topic. We get to pick the topics at the beginning of the year.

So far we have discussed love and hate, spiritual practices and spiritual goals. In the next few months we will be discussing karma, forgiveness, sexuality, balance, water and the right to die. Denise takes notes on big paper and we keep them up.

This past week we discussed spiritual goals. We decided that spirituality was inter-related with morality but spirituality was internal where as morality was external. Spirituality was the struggle/relationship within us to the self or to the greater good and morality was how this was demonstrated in the world. This led to the discussion of long term goals and short term goals. Some of us felt that the goal was to figure out the question and others want to figure out the answer to the question. However, everyone agreed that this is a life long process that changes constantly, so none of this may be true by next week. - Denise Ackeifi
(Editor's note, one of our communication objectives is to carry information from various different "portions" of our USH. This is an excellent example, where we oldsters learn something of what the younger folks are doing. May we hear of your USH activities oh diverse and dispersed sub-councils? )

Pathways to Membership Report - Fall 2006 - On October 4th, 2006, fifteen people filled the Meeting House Library with our facilitator, Bill Laporte-Bryan. I was one of many who were excited to learn about the Unitarian Society of Hartford, Unitarian Universalism itself, and how this spiritual place could change our lives if we chose to join.

In the first meeting, I looked around at all of the different people. I found that we were young and old, straight and gay, single and coupled, from near and far “and one.” We were one because we realized, in that first meeting, that we had all come to the program because our previous religious experiences, or lack thereof, had failed to reach our hearts and our minds in some way or another. I immediately felt connected with everyone around me. I felt like we could all find a home here at USH where we could explore our spiritual beliefs and share with one another.

Everyone returned for the rest of the meetings, which I think says a lot about the Meeting House atmosphere, Bill Laporte-Bryan, Rev. B.J., and our guest speakers. We learned as much as we could in two hours a night about UU history and USH programs and activities. In addition, we had several guest speakers who spent time with us to explain the goals and accomplishments of various councils and sub-councils. Marye Gail Harrison discussed Spiritual Life at USH, Margaret Leicach invited us all to form a Small Group Ministry, and Fred Louis spoke about his new role as Social Justice Chair. Bill Laporte-Bryan elaborated on councils and sub-councils by telling us about USH traditions such as “comfort shawls,” “circle suppers,” and the pledge drive. Hugh Schweitzer, Administration Council Chair, discussed Buildings and Grounds and even taught us the meaning behind the structure and materials of the Meeting House. Wendy Avery informed us about C-cubed for new members. David Newton charmed us with his wit and spoke about the variety of ways that people communicate inside and outside of the Meeting House. I felt that I was well-informed about the ins and outs of USH. I could see how one could find themself wrapped up in the community and all there is to offer.

I knew that I wanted to be a member of USH when I attended my first Sunday service back in June. Pathways to Membership gave me the opportunity to do so. Each and every person now has all the necessary information to decide whether they will join as members of this congregation. Those of us who decide to join will be welcomed as members in this Sunday’s service on October 29th. I know that I speak for all members of the Fall Class of 2006 when I thank Bill-Laporte Bryan and Rev. B.J. for the dedication of their time and continued support throughout our spiritual journeys.

Congratulations Pathways Class of 2006… we’re “Falling in Together!” - Rebecca Nesbitt

Daylight Saving Time - Would you believe a British fellow, one William Willett, not the one you know here at USH, but rather a respected Chelsea home builder, wanted to turn clocks ahead and campaigned to do so in 1907. (We must interrupt ourselves to point out with a certain civic pride that Ben Franklin suggested such a thing in 1784 as a measure, among other things, to save candles.) In any event, Willett, the British one, died March 4, 1915 at age 59 never having realized his dream.

Wouldn't you know, one year later May 21, 1916 the British government approved a modified plan setting the clocks ahead one hour in one jump to save fuel for the war effort. After World War I the British adopted Daylight Saving Time permanently from April to October.

In the US, Congress approved "summer time" to take effect in 1918 to help the war effort but by 1919 it was repealed over President Wilson's veto.

For a time it became a local option widely used in the Northeast and ignored in the West and South. MA and Rhode Island had it by state law while New York City, Chicago and Philadelphia as well as other cities had it by municipal ordinance. In Seattle, at one time, only the banks were on daylight saving time. I suppose this might have been a kind of "unitarian approach" in a preliminary decision-reaching sort of way.

During WWII the chaos was temporarily ended when we were put on "war time" mostly to save electric power for the war effort. Confusion returned after the war until the passage of the Uniform Time Act of 1967, with, you guessed it, certain exceptions. Hawaii and parts of Michigan exercised local options to stay on standard time all year as well as certain places in Indiana, and...

You will remember to fall back one hour Saturday night, right? - DCN

(The above summary was based on an article by Paul Jayes appearing in some newspaper (not listed) known to Bill Willett, that is our Bill Willett, who sent along the article. - Thanks Bill)

BRASS QUINTET CONCERT FOR LOVE MAKES A FAMILY - If you weren’t at the magnificent Immanuel Congregational Church in Hartford this past Sunday afternoon, you missed an incredible brass and organ concert given to raise money for Love Makes a Family.

The free concert (a free-will offering was taken during intermission) featured the Emerson Brass quintet plus Donald Funk, organist. The theme was Music of Main Street, U.S.A. and the well-received concert featured a wide range of selections, including pieces by Aaron Copland, Henry Mancini, John Philip Sousa, George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein.

There was something special about being in the sanctuary with its high, vaulted ceiling, sitting on the padded (yes!) red seats and listening to an awe-inspiring, not-at-all-simple rendition of Copland’s “Simple Gifts.” Or smiling at the toe-tapping renditions of Mancini’s “The Pink Panther” and Sousa’s “Washington Post March.” Or getting a little sentimental with Gershwin”s “Summertime” and Bernstein’s “Tonight.” And getting quiet to enjoy “Amazing Grace,” “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and a great organ fugue on “Go Down, Moses.”

Anne Stanback, Executive Director of Love Makes a Family and a member of Immanuel Congregational Church, spoke during intermission. Ms. Stanback was one of three women inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame on October 18. She was lauded, during the induction ceremony, “for her bold beliefs and tenacity in braving the controversy that has swirled around her cause…”

Frankly, your reporter was very disappointed at the miniscule number of Unitarian Society of Hartford members in the audience. - Kayla Costenoble

LOOKING AHEAD TO SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 - On Sunday morning, November 12, our pulpit guest will be Connie Barlow, author of popular science books bridging evolution and meaning. Further information on the service and this remarkable speaker and her husband.

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

External Events and Educational Notes

Do Hungry People Have a Prayer? - Hartford Prayer breakfast scheduled for November 15th. More information. Marye Gail reports it is a great event.

UU Cat Free to a Good Home - Please adopt my beautiful, affectionate, friendly female 7 year old American longhair brown tabby cat named Random. Spayed. Has been both indoor apartment cat and outdoor cat, alone and with other cats. Excellent mouser. Very loving lap cat and playful with feather wand or paper grocery bag. Comes fully accessorized with cat care items, if desired. Only concerns are that she likes to eat plastic grocery bags and she is not up to date on vet visits.

For various reasons, I cannot continue to care for her. I need to find her a new home
before Nov. 16th. If interested, please call me at 603-568-8768 or e-mail me at rajohnson(at symbol)hartford.edu.

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

Because of our close proximity to the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, there has long been a symbiotic relationship between the organizations, with our Meeting House serving as a recital hall for many of their students, and the Society being able to draw upon the talents of their faculty and students.

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

Let us know of any comments, errors and corrections - thanks (revised 10/25/06)