USH-Enews November 16, 2006

USH-Enews For November 16 & 23, 2006
Jump to: Calendar; What's happening; A matter of opinion; External events; Further down the road; Our roots

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Sleeping out in boxes fundraiser for My Sister's Place. See related stories. Photos by J. Rubin

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

Sunday 19 November - The Gift of Thanks….and Giving - We’ll sing it again—the intergenerational sing-along-song Tom Schmutzler wrote for us in 1981, which lists ALL those things we are thankful for! And we’ll kick off the season of gifting: Children will be given their ‘Guests at your Table’ boxes for collecting dinner table change every evening until the Christmas Eve Service, when they will return their boxes of jingling coins as their gift to the charitable work of our UU Service Committee around the world.

Sunday 26 November - Singing the Living Tradition: A Stroll Through the UU Hymnal - Are there songs in our hymnal that you treasure and wish to hear more often? Send Rev BJ an email with the name of that hymn and what you love about it…or what it reminds you of…or who. And it’s likely that we’ll get around to singing it!

Music: Sun. Nov. 19th marks the debut of the Young Children's Choir, led by Aubrie Nelson. On this Sunday we'll have three choirs singing songs of thanksgiving at 11:00 (and two choirs combined at 9:00).

Sun. Nov. 26th - Joyful Noise choir singing favorite hymns.

RE: From Nina Binin, RE Administrator - This Sunday, children of all ages from pre-K up through the Youth Group are invited to join the congregation in the Sanctuary for our intergenerational service. No RE classes have been scheduled. However, the nursery room will be open as usual for infants through children to age three.

Also, no RE classes will be held the Sunday after Thanksgiving. However, once again, the nursery room will be available for infants through children up to age 3.

RE classes will resume on December 3rd.

What Else is Happening & Announcements

Financials Through October are Posted.

Two Year Calendars are on sale now by the Women's Alliance. Stop in Fellowship Hall after services each Sunday through Jan. 7, still just $2 each or three for $5.

Excellence in RE Conference This Saturday - 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

SOLUTIONS TO “AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH”-----Nov. 18 People’s Action for Clean Energy (PACE) will host an event at the Unitarian Society of Hartford which will consist of environmental exhibits, solar energy installers, pizza, dessert & coffee, from 5PM - 7PM; The annual PACE meeting from 7PM - 7:30PM; and a panel discussion with audience participation and awards starting at 7:30PM. This event is co-sponsored by Clean Water Action, Conn PIRG, Ct Coalition for Environmental Justice, Ct Fund for the Environment, USH Council on Social Justice and the Inter-religious Eco-Justice Network.

St. Petersburg Men's Ensemble in Concert Reserve the date on your calendar - Friday Dec. 1, 7:30 PM at the Meeting House, Tickets are $15 in advance /$20 at the door. to be available for purchase Sunday. To order tickets, call (860) 233-9897. More information including musical selection.

Hospitality Sub-Council looking for Feedback on Supper and Games Night - As many of you know, several times a year the Hospitality Sub-council serves themed suppers followed by an evening of games and fun for adults and families. Last year our attendance was great for all five evenings.

However, our attendance and ticket sales for these events are down significantly from last year, when between 35 and 40 folks came regularly to enjoy delicious food and an evening of interaction during game playing.

We are looking for feedback from the folks who have attended or would like to attend (but haven’t for some reason). We want to make the evening so positive that you just won’t be able to resist coming. If there is anything about the evening that you believe could and should be improved or changed, please let us know. We too have on our thinking caps and will get back to you before the next scheduled Supper in January with information on what feedback we have received and what changes we have instituted.

Please call or email your comments and suggestions to the following: Edith Savage, esavage (at symbol)snet.net, 232-5603; Esther McKone, estmckone(at symbol)aol.com, 677 - 6682. Thanks in advance for your help.

Invite Someone New to Sunday Services - With our new minister and our thought-provoking Sunday services, this fall is an exciting time here at the Meeting House. In days laced with fear and anxiety, we have so much to offer to people who seek the kind of comfort and inspiration we have in our liberal spiritual congregation. But how do visitors and new members find their way to us? Your personal invitation to accompany you to a Sunday service is by far the most effective way. You may even have someone in mind that you could invite to join you on Sunday morning or at some other activity.

While many of you want to share your enthusiasm with others, you may also want some help getting started. To make the invitation easier, the Growth and Renewal Task Force has mailed USH "calling cards" to all Meeting House members and friends. Designed by Carolyn Soutter, these cards give basic information about our services and fit easily in your wallet. To help with getting started, several members have created a short list of “Reach Out” ideas to help us share our good news.

The Task Force hopes you will find these cards and suggestions helpful when you wish to share the news about USH and our religion of reason and affirmation of the human spirit. Chances are that is how you learned about us! - Sarah H. Gilligan

The Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice is pleased to announce a "FIRST EVER" interdenominational social justice service in which USH is involved. Through the efforts of GHICEJ, a series of clustered interdenominational services are being held all over the greater Hartford area. Ours (USH) is scheduled for Dec 7th at the Hartford Seminary at 6PM. This will be an inspiring evening of song, shared reflection, drums and more. Along with USH, the following congregations and groups will be present: Please come and be part of this inspiring evening! A Collaboration of ~

Programa de Ministerios Hispanos of Hartford Seminary; Unitarian Society of Hartford; Sisters of Notre Dame; Sisters of Mercy; St. Anne Immaculate Conception Catholic Church; New Africa Learning Center; Jahwuks Kids International; First Church of Christ, UCC - Windsor; Christian Activities Council.

GHICEJ PUBLIC MEETING: JANUARY 23rd, 2007*** SAVE THE DATE!! - Shai Cassell, Organizer

This year’s Festival of the Season (FOS) on Saturday December 9th will include traditional popular activities including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, craft activities, coffeehouse in the Chapel, worship service, a pot luck dinner featuring Sid Garvais on the piano, and the ever popular Twelve Days of Christmas. FOS is an intergenerational event. All members and friends of USH are encouraged to attend.

This year no tickets will be required and there will be no costs assessed through ticket sales. There will be a free will donation to defray some expenses associated with craft activities and the potluck.

There will be sign-up sheets for the Festival of the Season Potluck Dinner in the front lobby and downstairs in Fellowship Hall this Sunday and the next two Sundays. It is important to sign up for the potluck before or after Sunday services indicating what you plan to bring to the potluck and the number of people in your party. Knowing the total number attending will be essential for adequate planning. If you have any questions, please call Janice Newton at 677-1121 or email at dcnewton(at ssymbol)snet.net

Success of this event is directly related to the USH members and friends habit of pitching in to help out in various areas. As Rev. BJ noted recently, helping out each other is just what we do at USH. Please contact those who are coordinating the activities close to your heart: crafts, Ann LaPorte-Bryan; Coffeehouse, Mattie Banzhaf & Patrice Fitzgerald; Worship Service, Patrice Fitzgerald; Pot Luck Dinner, Janice Newton. If you suspect you lack expertise, no problem.

There is considerable setup and cleanup and there will be people who can direct your activities. If you have been involved in the past, and know full well there are items not yet listed above requiring arranging and preparation, you know what to do! Just communicate and do it!

Parents, we have been assured Santa will be available for photos with children during the crafts time. Remember to bring your cameras.

This year, our Spirit Play classes have teamed up with the Festival of the Season to reinforce the intergenerational and social action component of this terrific event! On December 3, the Sunday before FOS, each child in our Spirit Play classes will create a mitten shaped invitation asking for the donation of warm purchased mittens, gloves and hats to hang on our tree. During coffee hour, each child will hand their invitation to someone in the congregation, other than their parents. SO keep your eyes out for friendly face! Donations will continue past FOS, and mittens, etc., will be distributed the week before Christmas.

Once again, we're planning on including wreath decorating as one of our crafts! We welcome any donation of new or used ribbons, ornaments, or and other materials we can use for this popular project. Donations can be dropped of in a large marked box in the lobby.

From Adult Programs - When you stop by the Registration Table during coffee hour (10 AM & 12 noon) this Sunday, November 19th, be sure to check out the offerings in the Book Cart. The Registration table will not be open the Sunday following Thanksgiving, November 26th, but you may register by calling the office at 233-9897. Remember you can make payment by using your charge card for the movie.

Ember days: Practicing the Establishment of Peace on Earth - During Winter Ember days at USH, we will reflect on the practice of peace, as it is experienced in lectio divina, the prayful reading of texts. Using the words of Thich Nhat Hahn and Jesus, men known for bringing peace to the hearts of many, we will practice establishing peace of mind, heart, and body during the busy holiday season.

There is no cost for these sessions, but please do contact the office to register. Bring your journal, and a blanket or cushion if you like as we will be ‘sitting.’ In the Chapel. December 13 Noon to 2 PM December 15 and 16 - 6 to 8 PM.

North by Northwest (1959) is an Alfred Hitchcock classic, suspenseful comic thriller - one of the most entertaining movies ever made and one of his most famous.”

Join about 20 USH members and friends on Friday, December 8, for the Dinner and a Movie showing of “North by Northwest” at the Meeting House. The film fans gather about 5:30 PM for soda, wine, and popcorn, begin to socialize and enter weekend relaxation mode.

Around 6 PM, folks take plates from tables set with seasonal decorations, tablecloths, and candles, then head to the buffet table. Kane’s of Simsbury has been the long-time preferred caterer. Seconds are common, as are expressions of gustatory satisfaction. Tasty vegan and vegetarian pasta dishes are available for those who requested them when reserving. The coffee and tea table also holds the dessert buffet. There’s always a large fresh fruit bowl accompanied by chocolate pastries.

Folks reluctantly end their dinner table conversations to watch the evening’s movie on the big screen TV about 7 PM. The optional discussion afterwards is often wide-ranging, maybe impassioned, even a bit heated; most people contribute reactions or comments.

So, consider gathering with other movie lovers on December 8 to see “North by Northwest.” You can bring a friend, co-worker, or neighbor, too, if you like. Reserve by calling the USH office (233-9897) with your credit card; reservations are due by Monday, December 4.

“It is at once a cool romance and a cool comedy, a hot thriller and a hot adventure.”
- Thanks to Rotten Tomatoes for review quotes.

Your Signature Still Wanted - for (EITC) More information

Caring Network: The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all. ~Leo Rosten - 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, November 16
9:30 am International Women's Circle, Fellowship Hall

Friday, November 17
7:00 pm Rental (CDL), Chapel

Saturday, November 18
4:00 - 10:00 pm People's Action for Clean Energy, Fellowship Hall

Sunday, November 19
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:00 am Worship Service I, Sanctuary
10:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Children's Choir, Chapel
10:15 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:30 am Chalice Choir, Emerson
11:00 am Worship Service II, Sanctuary
12:00 pm Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
12:15 pm Coffee, Carrots, and Conversation w/Minister, Minister's Study

Monday, November 20
6:30 pm SIA, Murray
7:00 pm Artist's Way, Servetus
7:00 pm SGM, David

Tuesday, November 21
7:00 pm Committee on Ministry, Minister's Study
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, November 22
10:00 am Staff Meeting, Minister's Study (Office Closed)

Thursday, November 23
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Friday, November 24
OFFICE CLOSED

Sunday, November 26
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:00 am Worship Service I, Sanctuary
10:00 am Coffee Hour I, Fellowship Hall
10:15 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
11:00 am Worship Service II, Sanctuary
12:00 pm Coffee Hour II, Fellowship Hall
12:15 pm Coffee, Carrots, and Conversation w/Minister, Minister's Study

To get on the calendar, call 233.9897

Further Down The Road (About 30 Days Max)

Note for Your Busy December Calendars:

Dec 17, the standard 2 services at 9 and 11AM --Many thanks to you the choir and Mattie for doing the huge labor of love in providing us with our holiday music program TWICE.

Dec 24, one morning service 10 AM, plus the late evening service at 10 PM

Dec 31, one service 10 AM--thanks Patrice Fitzgerald

From the Editor: This is a special double edition. We will next publish on November 30th.

***

This Week’s Feature Articles

A Reflection on Sleeping in Boxes—a Teen Fundraiser For a Local Shelter - One of the things for which I am most grateful during this Thanksgiving Season is the opportunity I had to interact with our fine youth and their leaders recently.

First, let me raise high kudos to Denise Ackeifi, who has been our youth counselor and champion for MANY years, some of them pretty much single handed. Denise is funny—you should see her playing, “Apples to Apples!” She is direct and firm about important matters, like how many people sleep in a box, and is relaxed on such matters as ‘pre-feeding.’ She gets the forms in on time, lets me know about the big things (like the alarm to the building going off in the middle of the night!) and takes personal initiative on almost everything else. She makes a mean pot of soup (try a bowl some Sunday!) and must be a fabulous mom if her two girls are any indication of that trait! Denise has touched the lives of our precious children at USH, year after year after year. Give her a hug when you see her, as I understand that the salary and benefits package doesn’t begin to approach fair compensation for her firm and fair and funny contribution to our kids’ lives!

Then there is John Bengtson, who zoomed in from a day in the Big Apple on Saturday night and provided oversight of a long damp night on our USH lawn. Father to two children, recovering from serious surgery, running his own business AND making space to provide a male model of caring presence for our teens Sunday after Sunday, no small feat.

Also present as adult companions for the Saturday night seasonal event were Leona Mae Page and Seth Shaw. Leona Mae is a member who you may have seen rocking our infants from time to time, who has an infectious smile, and who can shepherd teens to doing tasks without the least tension or discord—amazing! Seth is on temporary loan to us, and what an asset! He grew up as a UU and while in Hartford on a college internship this year is an active part of our life at USH. Seth told me around the fire that he had wonderful memories of being a UU youth, and just wanted to ‘give back’ a little bit.

Last but not least, what about our fabulous teens? I had seen them all too briefly on a side pew at the beginning of 11 AM services, and found it a deep pleasure to just sit and watch them for a few hours on Saturday evening. I was moved at their respectful treatment of each other and their leaders, and at their candor and their care. The two ‘testimonials’ given during worship on Sunday morning (see below) were as polished and profound as any sermon I’ve ever delivered. And a little bird told me this tale about Aubrie Nelson: Aubrie first saw teens ‘sleeping in boxes’ when she was just a tiny girl and looked forward to getting to do it herself when she got big…now she IS big, is sleeping in boxes….and is setting an example for those who will come after HER by organizing a choir for our tiniest children at USH.

Thank you teens, and leaders, and parents. This is good stuff we are doing. - Rev. BJ (Editor's note: the event raised at least $2,489)

Nora Berg Speaks - Hello my name is Nora Berg and I am part of the Youth Group. I have been coming to this Meeting House my whole life, which is about 15 years. A few years ago, I realized that I wanted to come here and that if my parents stopped coming I would continue anyway. I enjoy coming here because I feel accepted and loved. The youth that I have grown up with mean a lot to me. The adults in this community have always been caring and helpful. It means a lot to me to have people I can turn to.

The homeless don’t have such a loving community watching out for them. They don’t always have the help they need. They don’t have the fellowship that I have grown up with. Last night we honored those people who aren’t as lucky as us to have a supportive friend. We didn’t even experience the worst part of being homeless because we had friends to keep us company; we had a full belly; we had warmth, and we knew we had someplace to go to when it rained.

My Sisters’ Place gives hope to women and their children who don’t have a safe place to go. They provide emergency shelter, a safe haven to those dealing with domestic violence, and empowerment and guidance to those who are willing to work for a common goal.

The collection this morning will be going to help My Sisters’ Place. Please think about how hard it must be to live out in the streets, to have no place to turn, and to not feel loved or supported. - Nora Berg

Lucia Rubin-Cadrain Speaks - Hello my name is Lucia Rubin-Cadrain and I am a member of the youth group. I have been coming to this Meeting House since long before I can remember, but I never really knew why. As I grow spiritually and intellectually, it’s beginning to dawn on me. I have a profound respect for nature and humankind. I want to do everything I can, to make this world a better place. Sometimes I am at a loss as to how to do this and it seems like the problems of the world are too overwhelming for one person to make a difference. I have discovered that in working with others a person can make at least a small difference even if the improvement is in the life of one person. This community has given me the opportunities to learn, grow and help. This Meeting House is my safety net, I can put myself out there and the congregation supports my efforts, and ideas with love and without judgment. The youth group is very focused on bettering ourselves through helping others.

Last night we all participated in the sleep out in boxes. I could lie and say we had a truly homeless experience, but I know we still had luxuries that many people never have. We had cell phones, a fire, and access to bathrooms in the Meeting House. The big difference is that we knew we could go home to sleep in our own beds. We have fellowship and the support of a loving community. The homeless are not so blessed. Regardless, as I sat outside and started to feel my feet go numb, I knew I was getting a taste of what some people get every night.

My Sisters’ Place is a community that aids, protects and empowers homeless and battered women and their children. The Shelter provides housing, electricity, diapers, childcare and a safe roof over the heads of families in need. For the women sheltered, they provide the loving support that I naturally get from this Meeting House. Without My Sister’s Place, these women won’t have the basic necessities of life let alone the opportunity to grow spiritually and intellectually. Without the help of the outside community, My Sister’s Place will no longer be.

This morning’s collection will go directly to help serve the needs of the women of My Sister’s Place. We ask that you give all that you are willing and able to give. - Lucia Rubin-Cadrain

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

Memo to USH-Enews - RE Flowers in Church

Last Friday (11/10) I was reading a book while eating lunch. When the mail arrived, I pushed the book aside to read USH-Enews. I almost choked when the words, "Flowers are so last week!" leapt out at me. Questions started racing through my mind -- Is Bach so 18th century? Are Widor and Vierne so French? Is the Sanctuary so Victor Lundy? Are our hymns so unsingable; our UU prayers so extinct; our meditations so blank? Is our congregation so old hat; or maybe, so new hat; am I so antiquated? I'm getting too carried away. Sorry.

But music, words, silence, and flowers are all important parts of Sunday morning services. Did you notice Sunday that guest speaker Connie Barlow drew our attention to the beauty of the flowers and that they were in memory of Betty Arnold's parents and her brother? The book I put aside for USH-Enews was Katharine White's Onward and Upward In the Garden. (The first three words of the title "were swiped from the Unitarian creed.") There are so many such books about flowers, and flower-inspired poets, flowers in so much art, and flower-themed music.

Flowers are memories: flowers are today; flowers are the future. Flowers are not so last week.

I will admit there is one problem with our Chancel. How or where can the flowers be placed to be visible to the whole congregation no matter where we sit? Perhaps this can be addressed at the November 29 meeting. Thanks for reading.

Marion Richardson

P. S. If it's still going to be balloons, can we bring our pop-guns?

External Events and Educational Notes

The University of Hartford Gay Theatre Festival November 16 - 19 - University of Hartford Auerbach Auditorium in Hillyer Hall - General Admission $5 per show/$15 festival pass Students $3 per show/$9 festival pass E-mail pdunn@hartford.edu for more information.

"Sisters" by Patricia Montley Thursday, Nov. 16 @ 8 pm Sister Joanna organizes a reunion of six classmates from the Novitiate. When Joanna confesses that she is a lesbian, each woman must confront her own sexuality and what to do with that knowledge.

"Looking for Normal" by Jane Anderson
Friday, Nov. 17 @ 8 pm - Roy is a family man with a normal life: a wife, two children, and a factory job. When Roy begins the transition from male to female, the
strength of his family's love is put to the ultimate test.

"I Leave Behind Me" by Hunter Lily (an original debut!) Saturday, Nov. 18 @ 8 PM When Christine loses her memory due to a car accident, she is taken in by her estranged mother. She struggles to remember who she is and who she loves through the false past that her mother has created for her.

"Bent" by Martin Sherman Sunday, Nov. 19 @ 2 pm - 1934: Hitler's rise to power reinstates a law that decrees homosexuality to be illegal. Max, a gay man living in Berlin, is seized and imprisoned in the Dauchau concentration camp. There he learns the significance of the pink triangle. Contains strong language, brief nudity, violence, and sexual content.

Proceeds benefit PFLAG and AIDs Project Hartford!

JOIN US FOR A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME CONCERT TOUR OF BRAZIL - Calling all singers and travel-enthusiasts in the Greater Hartford area! The combined choirs of Saint Patrick (Farmington), Saint James (Farmington), and Saint Alban’s (Simsbury) churches will embark on a 12-day concert tour of Brazil beginning next June 24, 2007. The group will bring a program of American choral music to the most important and historical cities of Brazil.

Tour highlights include a night on a chartered boat followed by an exploration of the Amazon by canoe; colonial Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a typical Brazilian "Churrasco Mineiro;" a samba evening; Sugarloaf and Corcovado excursions; first class hotel accommodations right on Copacabana Beach; and terrific concert venues: Candelaria Colonial Church in Rio; Municipal Theater in Cabo Frio; Ouro Preto’s Opera House, considered
the oldest theater of the Americas; and the Teatro Amazonas in Manaus, a “tropical” replica of Milan’s celebrated La Scala. The whole trip encompasses a total of five different cities and five concerts. You can be there as either a singer or a supporter. Patrice Fitzgerald and Nancy Mandly of the USH choir are going... and probably more folks you will know. Contact Gabriel Löfvall, Director of Music at Saint Patrick Church: gabilof@yahoo.com or (860) 869-5475. Cost is under $3,000 for all transportation, hotels, and most meals. Hurry: time and space are limited!

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

Maintaining a tradition that began with Unity Hall in the 1880s, the new Meeting House made itself available to outside organizations. One that has long been identified with the Society, but is in fact completely independent is Meeting House Singles. During its heyday in the 1970s, the singles group attracted hundreds of members to its programs, which seemed to be taking place every night. From time to time other religious groups have held services at the Meeting House, including the gay/lesbian Metropolitan Community Church during the 1980s.

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 11/16/06)