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50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
Tel: (860) 233-9897 / FAX 233-1333
Email: firstunitarian@ushartford.com
Reverend Barbara Jamestone, PhD
USH-Enews November 20 & 27, 2008
Jump to: Calendar; What's happening; A matter of opinion; External events; Further down the road; Did you know?
Last year's Festival of the Season's (FOS) potluck. A great time was had by all! Help in the planning by signing up promptly, this Sunday Nov. 23rd or next Sunday, Nov. 30th. Tickets are being sold in advance to help with the planning, purchasing and set up of Fellowship Hall. See you there! (More)
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.
Office hours: Rev. Jamestone: Phone: 860 233-9897; Email: RevBJ@USHartford.com - Rev. BJ office hours by appointment.
Worshipping Together Since 1830
Sunday, 9:45 AM and 11:15 AM(This issue covers Two Weeks)
Sunday 23 November - Thanksgiving Service: Come Ye Thankful People, Come - We gather to offer thanks, as the holiday season of giving begins.
30 November - The First Sunday of Advent: Waiting for Godot?
Music - Nov. 23 - Children and adults will sing songs of Thanksgiving for this family Thanksgiving Service.
Nov. 30 - The entire congregation is invited to join in the singing on this day, the end of the Thanksgiving weekend and the beginning of Advent.
Music Sunday Info Read all about it!
REflections on Children's Programming -
Multigenerational Service/Guest at Your Table
Both services on Sunday, November 23rd will be multigenerational Thanksgiving services. There will be childcare available, but no individual classes.The annual Guest at Your Table program will begin at this service, and end on Christmas Eve. - Gail M. Syring, DRE
We hesitate to mention it again, but the youth will now be sleeping out in the cold on Saturday night for My Sister's Place. If this is new to you, see the prior issues of the USH-Enews.
What Else is Happening &Announcements
Saturday 11/22 Energy, Blood and Oil
Welcome Training Sessions Coming Up - Do you enjoy reaching out and talking to newcomers?
Serving as a greeter, usher or welcome table host is a great way to contribute to our religious community! And, it only requires that you show up a half hour early for the occasional service in which you are scheduled. We are grateful to many of you who are already helping with this work each week, and would love to have even more folks on our Welcome Teams!
If you do take pleasure in reaching out to new folks, we invite you to participate in this important training effort and try to attend the training session scheduled this 11/23 Sunday. We hope this session will be of help to both experienced welcomers, as well as new or future members of our Welcome Teams.November 23, prior to the first service
Gather in Fellowship Hall at 8:15 for coffee and light ‘goodies’
Training session to start at 8:30 sharp.Childcare will be available.
If you are interested in taking part in one of this, please contact Anne Bailey, or just come at the last minute: annebailey713@yahoo.com or 860-379-7740 to get additional details.Thanksgiving Dinner at the Meeting House - Join us for dinner at the Meeting House on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, at 3 PM. Come alone or bring your friends and family.
Turkey and beverages will be supplied, but you have to bring that one dish that means Thanksgiving to you - stuffing made from an old family recipe, creamed onions, sweet potatoes, green beans, squash, or cranberry sauce cooked up the way your mother made it. Whatever dish it is that means Thanksgiving for you, bring enough to share with others.
Desserts? Apple pie, pumpkin pie, berry pie, mincemeat, or chocolate cake - there's never too many on Thanksgiving. And, of course, fresh whipped cream in large quantities.
If everyone brings enough, we'll send you home with enough food for that holiday tradition, the late night snack.
Just so we have enough turkey, call or email Nita at 693-4269 or Ron Friedman at 523-1105 (ronfriedman1@comcast.net and let us know what you'll be bringing to the dinner. Also let us know how many of you will be coming, so we know how many places to set. Let us know as soon as you can, so we can plan - last day will be Sunday, November 23.Attention all armchair travelers - For those of you who missed the two travel videos that have been presented by Anne Bailey (Paddling in France and Hiking in Patagonia), she has produced DVD copies of these that you can watch on your own TV at home. These can be purchased for $5.00 each at the calendar sale table in Fellowship Hall.. Proceeds will benefit projects supported by the Alliance Ministry to Women. Thank you Anne!
Up for a challenge? Consider the USH Stewardship Sub-council - The USH Stewardship Sub-Council seeks new members to join in the 2009 Stewardship Campaign. Of all the USH sub-councils, Stewardship has among the most concrete and important of goals. The success of virtually every other activity at the Meetinghouse depends on the work of the Stewardship Sub-council.
While raising money might sound like the most worldly of endeavors, what that money accomplishes is measured in terms of the spiritual growth of everyone touched by the multitude of USH activities. Members of the Stewardship Sub-council are guaranteed to have a meaningful experience. In recent years the Sub-council has developed a winning formula for meeting its financial target. However, new ideas are always needed. The sub-council is characterized by close teamwork of individual members who possess a wide variety of talents: people who thrive on making the trains run on-time as well as those like nothing more than unconstrained creativity. New members and those who have never before served on a sub-council at the Meeting House are especially encouraged to join. Meetings occur once and occasionally twice a month on a weekday evening and usually last no more than an hour.
The first meeting of the Stewardship Sub-council for the current church year will take place on Thursday, December 4, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at the Meeting House. If you have been looking for an opportunity to give back to the USH for all that you get from it, the Stewardship Sub-Council is just that opportunity. Please contact Charles Huntington, Stewardship Sub-council Chair at 860-651-6485 or c.huntington@comcast.net.
Holiday Poinsettias - It is our holiday tradition to decorate the chancel with poinsettias for our Multigenerational Holiday Services on Sunday, December 21 and Wednesday, December 24!
Plants will then be distributed during Christmas week to our members and friends unable to join us for services at the Meeting House. Please consider "sponsoring" one or more of these plants.
Large, single plants will be $11 each. If you prefer to take your plant with you, please make note of that when ordering. Prepaid orders must be received in the office no later than Tuesday, December 9. Checks may be made out to “USH” with “POINS” designated in the memo line. Send to USH, 50 Bloomfield Ave, Hartford 06105. You may also order by phone with a credit card. Thank you for helping to spread good cheer! - RR
Hear Ye! New This Week - Do your holiday Shopping at the Meeting House Here is a special page of packages, contents and an order form. Click on it now! Order your earth-friendly christmas presents today. Also, remember to order green products at the table in Fellowship Hall and on the web.
Neighborhood Captains Needed! - You are invited to be part of a great opportunity to help build community in our Unitarian Society. We are developing additional ways for our community members and friends to get acquainted with one another, help each other, play together, and share connection generally. A planning meeting will be held after services on Sunday December 21 for interested potential Neighborhood Network Captains . You can find your region listed in the back of the 2008 -2009 Directory. Contact Amy Hines at amyhines92@msn.com for more information.
Remembering Our Neighbors - Large bins in our front lobby hold our ongoing collections for the HORACE BUSHNELL CHILDREN’S FOOD PANTRY and SOUTH PARK INN. For the Food Pantry, our goal is for each person to bring one nutritious non-perishable food item each week to help alleviate the growing disparity in Connecticut between the wealthy and the poor. More
Last week your editor saw many folks dropping off canned foods in the bins. Thank you for remembering and upholding the good old USH generous tradition!
Two Year Calendars - will are avilable for purchase. These handy pocket sized calendars are still just $2 each or 3 for
$5. Look for the sales table in Fellowship Hall beginning November 9.
Purple Dot Season: Thanks to Giving - I’m tickled to announce the USH communal spiritual discipline of expressing gratitude with purple dots will continue in the 2008 holiday season, between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. More
It's not too early to think about possible programs to offer in the winter/spring term. Perhaps you or someone you know has an idea for a course, workshop, or Sunday afternoon program that you would like to see included. Program Proposal forms will be available at the Registration Table on Sunday, November 20 during coffee in Fellowship Hall. The forms are also available in the office or at the USH Website under Spiritual Life - Adult Programs.
The next Friday Dinner and Movie night will be December 12. The featured movie will be "The Grapes of Wrath". "What really solidifies the greatness of The Grapes of Wrath is Ford’s ability to blend the personal and political without causing damage to either characters or themes...one of the most powerful films Hollywood ever made, and just as moving today as it was all those years ago." per Rotten Tomatoes
We just might have the book you're looking for to give during holiday time. Stop by and look at the offerings in the Book Cart located next to the Registration Table.Respectful Parents Respect for Kids by Sura Hart and Victoria Kindle Hudson.
Dancing with the Sacred by Karl Peters.
Old School by Tobias Wolff.
The Gift of Faith by J. H. Nieuweharr.
Caring Network - When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. - Thomas Jefferson - 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.
On the CalendarThursday, November 20
9:30 am International Women’s Circle, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am ICEJ, Library
12:30 pm Chernock Funeral, Chapel
7:00 pm NVC Gathering, Servetus
7:00 pm SGM Steering Committee, Murray
Friday, November 21
5:30 pm Family SGM, Fellowship Hall
Saturday, November 22
10:30 am Rental, Chapel
5:00 pm PACE, Fellowship Hall
Sunday, November 23
8:30 am Welcome Team Training, Chapel
9:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:45 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
10:45 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:45 am Coffee, Fellowship Hall
11:15 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
12:15 pm Coffee, Fellowship Hall
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
Monday, November 24
7:00 pm Artist’s Way, Servetus
Tuesday, November 25
7:00 pm Religious Education, Servetus
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, November 26
7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Thursday, November 27, THANKSGIVING
Office CLOSED
3:00 pm Thanksgiving Dinner, Fellowship Hall
Friday, November 28
Office CLOSED
6:00 pm Wedding, Chapel
Sunday, November 30
9:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:45 am WORSHIP SERVICE, SANCTUARY
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
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
Monday, December 1
7:00 pm Artist’s Way, Servetus
Tuesday, December 2
6:00 pm IASC Potluck & Mtg, Library
7:00 pm Noah Webster Reflection, Emerson
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, December 3
10:00 - 11:30 am Staff Meeting, Office Closed
5:00 pm Green Sanctuary Sub-council, Library
5:45 pm Meditation & Dharma Gathering, Emerson
6:30 pm Tai Chi, Fellowship Hall
7:15 pm NVC Practice Group, Emerson
7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Thursday, December 4
9:30 am International Women’s Circle, Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm Stewardship Sub-council, Murray
7:00 pm BTWWDA Facilitators, Library
7:00 pm NVC Gathering, Servetus
Friday, December 5
1:00 pm Transitions Group, David
Circle Dinners, various sites
Festival of the Season Set-up, building wide
Saturday, December 6
3:00 -8:00 pm Festival of the Season, building wide Family Event
Sunday, December 7
9:00 am Music rehearsal, Sanctuary
9:45 am WORSHIP SERVICE W/SPECIAL MUSIC, SANCTUARY
10:45 am Coffee, Fellowship Hall
10:45 am Music rehearsal, Chapel
11:15 am WORSHIP SERVICE W/SPECIAL MUSIC, SANCTUARY
12:15 pm Coffee, Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm BTWWDA, Emerson
3:00 pm Rental, ChapelItalicized entries are non-USH events.
Please notify Brian Mullen of all additions or changes to the calendar. Follow this Link to all our scheduled events!
External Events and Educational Notes
Do you dream of inexpensive vacation travel to interesting destinations where you can stay in the homes of friendly people who share your ideals and are happy to provide directions and advice for their area?
The UU bed and breakfast directory UU’re Home (formerly Homecomings) can fulfill your dream. For 29 years, we’ve provided a network of hosts in the United States (and a few abroad) who enjoy meeting new friends and who are happy to open their home to like-minded people.
You can also become a host and be listed in the directory. Contact us at info@uurehome.com, or at 828-281-3253, and we will gladly send you information about listing your accommodations.
Host listings on the UU’re Home website at www.UUreHome.com are updated whenever changes are made or new hosts are added. The paper edition is published once a year in April. For a copy of the 2009 directory and a year’s access to the website listings, please click on “become a member” to pay by credit card or send a check for $25 and your e-mail address to UU’re Home, 43 Vermont Court, Asheville, NC 28806.Hartford Seminary is offering a January intersession class that may be of interest -
Traditions of Change: American Literature of Reform (HI-676)
Monday, Jan. 12 through Friday, Jan. 16 - 9 AM. to 4 PM (Make-up day: Jan. 17) MoreJanuary 4th is Justice Sunday at USH … Save the Date - More
A Matter of Opinion: (space for comment on USH issues from members and friends) - Editor retains the right to make minor changes – letters should be issue oriented -
From the Editor:
This Week’s Feature Articles
Board in Brief
Remind Me, Who are Lay Listeners?
Hanging of the Greens
Bard-Nicaragua Exchange Seeks Support
The American Flag
Come to Festival of the Season
Meet New Members
Energy, Blood and Oil
Preaching without a PulpitBoard in Brief - Starting this month, there will be a very brief summary of the most recent Board meeting, along with a link to the minutes. We hope this will help to keep the congregation better informed of the board’s work.
The board has met three times in the last month. At our November meeting, Bill Young provided an update of the board-initiated program, “Building the World We Dream About.” We also discussed budgetary concerns. In light of the current financial situation, it was decided that the proposed Volunteer Coordinator position would have to be put on hold. You can read the minutes in their entirety as they become available here.
In October, we had a productive all-day leadership retreat, and we had a follow-up planning meeting last Sunday. The result is we have articulated goals for the program year:(1) Improving our governance structure
(2) Continuing visioning the future
(3) Developing a “dashboard” of objective indicators of the current health of the Society.
The leadership of each of the councils is embarking on a thorough review and update of the Strategic Plan. We are very excited about these initiatives, and we welcome your feedback. -Heather Ferguson-Hull, President
Remind me who Lay Listeners are again? - If you attended services last Sunday you were introduced to our team of USH lay listeners. They stood before you, some linking arms, and gave an enthusiastic ‘YES’ to this covenantal questions asked of them?
“Will you honor the words and needs of those you visit, appreciate their hospitality and trust, listen without judgment, with the intention of strengthening our beloved community as well as creating a caring relationship? Will you respect and hold as sacred the confidential sharing of thoughts and emotions, And bring an open mind, a warm heart, and an inclusive message to those whom you visit?”
In return, the congregation gave a resounding “YES” when asked:
“Will you bear witness to the loving intentions of these Lay Listeners, by honoring and supporting their ministry among us? If they call, Will you welcome them into your home and heart, trusting that your visit with them will broaden our congregation’s sense of community?” As we hope you know by now, The USH Lay Listener Program’s mission is to extend a caring net to all church members, enhancing relationships and fostering interpersonal connections throughout the USH community. To ensure that no congregation member ever feels isolated and alone, lay listeners will reach out to provide spiritual support and comfort, extending their hearts to individuals and their families in good times and in bad, listening without passing judgment, with complete respect and confidentiality.
For this year the priority focus is contacting our visitors, providing pastoral care in a time of disjuncture for members, checking in with the honored elders at the Meeting House who have given us so much, and lastly, making connection with any other members for the sake of strengthening our congregational relational network.
If you would like a visit, or want to make a referral of someone you think might enjoy a visit, please contact Meredith Vasta, whose information is in the photo directory. - Rev. BJ
Hanging of the Greens November 30, 5PM - You are welcome to participate in this our second annual gathering to hang greenery in our Sanctuary, and to enjoy the company of others in an informal worship experience in the Meditation Sanctuary. We will explore the tradition of bringing evergreens into our homes and religious places in mid-winter, and will participate in an ancient Druid ritual of casting off anything which impedes the coming of light and warmth into the winter of our hearts. - Rev. BJ
THE AMERCAN FLAG - Things were a little different during services at the Meeting House on Sunday, November 16. First, the American flag was prominently displayed on the Chancel; we old-timers haven’t seen it there for many years. Second, Reverend BJ’s sermon was, she allowed, the first sermon she has ever given without notes.
She stood in the middle of the Chancel (far from the podium) and spoke “from my heart rather than from paper.” We welcomed both of these events. Reverend BJ reminded us that, “we must be willing to change our worship practices,” and, she told us after the service, she might keep the flag on the Chancel as part of her goal/promise to “keep mixing things up.”
“Today we recognize Veterans’ Day,” were her opening words. She asked us to remember and give thanks to those who have paid for our freedom. Reverend BJ asked veterans and relatives of veterans to stand during a moment of silence. In addition to and at the same time as the weekly lighting of candles of memory and hope, members were invited to attach labels with names of current or past military veterans to a special easel. It was quickly filled to overflowing.
As she looked at the crowded easel, Reverend BJ asked, “How in the world can we not be patriotic?” She said she realized that, to some, the presence of a flag on the Chancel might signify exclusivity, might be nationalistic, might represent war and violence and would be against the separation of church and state.
Reverend BJ countered these positions by suggesting the flag is a profound and personal symbol representing the human condition, in several ways. We are still closely related to our primal roots where survival depended on loyalty to a small tribe, and the flag is for her, a symbol of, not exclusivity, but of her inclusion as a citizen. We do have violent thoughts, she admitted; young children hear one “yes” to every three “no’s.” The flag, for her, symbolizes the protection of peace which our country’s military provide, and the preservation of peace through federally funded programs such as Americorp and the Peace Corp.And as far as separating church and state are concerned, Reverend BJ suggested it might be good in theory but that, in fact, the inner world which holds our ultimate values is generally reflected in the governance structures we build, and vice versa.
“Times are tough,” she said. How can we seek some guidance in the world, at home and in our hearts? Reverend BJ read Robert Frost’s poem,
Oh Star
It asks a little of us here.
It asks of us a certain height,
So when at times the mob is swayed
To carry praise or blame too far,
We may choose something like a star
To stay our minds on and be staid.”
She suggested that first we choose something (a symbol like a star) that we can grasp and utilize. Next, we become fiery and passionate about it. Then, we get to a high place from which we can see the whole system. From that vantage point, we might realize there might be a great communal plan. Reverend BJ then gave some examples, such as the institution of marriage. The wedding band symbolizes fire, passion, awareness. In marriage, we are part of something bigger than us. Her conclusion, “A certain degree of monogamy can be helpful,” earned an appreciative chuckle from the congregation.During the service, new Lay Listeners were installed, and both current and new members were honored as persons working to “strengthen our network of mutuality” as they make pastoral care contacts and connections with members of the USH community.
Mattie’s Moms & Kids Choir made its debut during the first service, and what a joy it was to hear the wonderful voices of the dozen or so moms and their kids sing “Peace on Earth, a Jazz Prayer” and “Dona Nobis Pacem.” More moms and kids are welcome.Rev BJ concluded the service by saying:
Today we have remembered Veterans,
Have protested, as people of faith, that in each human heart
And in many human systems which continues to
create war veterans.
We have turned the energy of protest into the positive consideration of
A spiritual practice which can bring peace,
The possibility that we may each choose something, some ritual object or symbol,
To stay our minds on, so that in time of trouble,
We may be staid… instead of swayed.
Go in consideration of such peace. amen -Kayla Costenoble
Have you made your plans to come to the Meetinghouse on Saturday, December 6th for the Festival of the Season?
Our live USH Holiday Tree, decorated by the Youth Group, will be up in the lobby and you’ll have an opportunity to spread Holiday Cheer to those children and youth in need this Holiday Season when you bring your donations of hats and mittens to the tree when you come to enjoy the Festival’s many treats.
Take a look at this schedule of Festival activities, decide when you want to join the party and then please, if you plan to attend the dinner, purchase dinner tickets ($5/individual - $15/family) and sign up for your potluck dish on the next two Sundays before the services and during the Coffee Hours.
3:00 to 5:30 - Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet you and your family in the lobby as you come in to join the Festival.
3:00 to 5:00 - You can play the dreidel game on the lobby floor if you want to and maybe win a prize.
3:00 to 5:30 - You and your family can make a craft or crafts of your choice to take home.
1. Make a Graham Cracker Cookie house, or
2. Decorate Holiday Cookies, or
3. Make a Holiday Wreath, or
4. Decorate Gift Wrapping Paper
3:00 to 5:30 – Learn about what USH member Jonathan Raye and his Nicaragua Exchange teammates from Bard College are doing to help their Nicaraguan friends.
3:00 to 5:00 - Share great food and listen to live performers at the Coffeehouse in the Chapel. Performers will include the Newlyweds -- diva extraordinaire Patrice Fitzgerald and her singing husband Richard Leslie -- doing Broadway tunes to amuse and amaze, along with Nearly Wed John Jesensky wailing on the Elton John and Beatles songs he loves to share, and even a taste of our own Family Choir (aka Moms & Kids). Don't miss this!
5:00 to 5:30 - The Meetinghouse Carolers will be caroling their way around the ambulatory, visiting the crafts rooms with musical holiday cheer. Join the singing! or just listen and enjoy the familiar songs of the season.
5::30 to 6:00 – Participate in a multigenerational worship moment in the Sanctuary.
6:00 to 7:30 - Enjoy the traditional USH potluck dinner in Fellowship Hall accompanied by Sid Garvais on the piano and then end the festivities by enthusiastically singing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” conducted by John Stowe. - Bill Laporte-BryanUpdate to New Member bulletin board: Please take a look at the new photos and 'bios' posted on the bulletin board in the lower lobby - our latest new members. If you don't already know them, you might look for them and get acquainted!
Renewable Energy = Peace, A Free Event except for food - At the Meeting House Saturday, November 22, 2008 Sponsored by PACE, Inc., (People's Action for Clean Energy - A non-profit public health organization) Featuring Michael T Klare ( Five College Professor of Peace and World Security Studies, and author of Shrinking Planet, The Geopolitics of Energy: Blood and Oil and other energy related books and articles.
Film presentation "Blood and oil," Panel discussion and Questions, Fantastic Exhibits including solar installers and green energy companies, energy efficient information, Major environmental organizations;4:45 PM - 6:45 Exhibits and Dinner; 6:45 Program.
Green Survey Please Fill it Out Now - If you haven't filled out the green survey either on-line or on-paper please do so. This let's us get a baseline of congregants current practices with which to compare in a year or two. We hope the info will also give you some new information and inspiration. Paper copies can be picked up at the green table. Thanks, The Green Sanctuary Sub-Council.
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Meeting House
Presentation to Occur on December 6th at FOS Sponsored by the Information and Advocacy Sub-Council - Dear Fellow Unitarian, I'm a 6th generation Unitarian, a proud graduate of the USH Religious Education Program, and also a senior at Bard College.
For the past two years I've been the Co-Director of a service project called the Bard-Nicaragua Exchange, a student-run group comprising Bard students and Chacraseca community leaders. Since 2001, the Exchange has brought dozens of volunteers to the rural town of Chacraseca, Nicaragua, and the mayor of Chacraseca to the US.Students' relationship with the people of Chacraseca began following a housing crisis brought on by a hurricane and a mudslide. These natural disasters informed the first half of the Exchange's mission: to assist in person the [re]development of the town's material resources. This has included the construction of 16 houses, purchase of medical supplies and school supplies, and the repair of a town well. The second half of our mission is to engage Bardians and Chacrasecans in an honest dialogue, one which in particular appraises the other's culture and how its individuals are affected by wealth, geography, and race.
Our group will be leaving on January 3rd for Chacraseca, where we’ll live and work for the next three weeks. We have three main objectives during our stay. First is the construction of four houses. Second is the renovation of an elementary school. With the remainder of our time we’ll help to dig trenches for new water mains, as potable water has only recently become available in much of Chacraseca.
Right now we have funding for 2½ houses, which is admittedly not an ideal number. We are without funding for the school renovation. However, each house costs only $1,450. This means that every dollar goes a long way: $10 can buy a window frame, $25 can buy a door, $300 can get us a whole wall! Do you think you can help? Any level of support makes a big difference.
You’ll have the chance to meet five Bard-Nicaragua Exchange members on the December 6 Festival of the Season. The group will be presenting a slide show of recent work from 3:00 to 5:30. Nicaraguan music and fried plantains also served. Here are some illustrative musical selections: Casas de Carton -- a story (in Spanish) about people in El Salvadore living in cartons after a disastrous hurricane. Si Somos Americano -- a plea for universal brotherhood in the Americas
Looking forward to meeting you, - Jonathan Raye
Donations can be sent to: Trustee Leader School Program - Bard College - 30 Campus Road
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504. For checks, the payee is Bard College, memo is Bard-Nicaragua Exchange.Preaching Without a Pulpit - Thank you for your feedback regarding my attempt at extemporaneous preaching on Veteran’s Day! It was a personal challenge in my desire to continue evolving as a worship officiant, and I appreciate your support as I experimented with one of our oldest traditions in Unitarian worship.
About the time our denomination was born in 1825, scholar and minister Henry Ware published a book on extemporaneous preaching, “Hints for Extemporaneous Preaching.” He challenged preachers to move from what he called “the constrained, cold, formal, scholastic mode of address - which follows from academic study, and keeps the preacher from immediate contact with the hearts of his (or her) hearers. We must learn to speak from our own feelings, rather than from the critical rules of a book.”
This is not to be taken as excuse for loose or lazy preparation and presentation, however, but as a challenge to take one’s own painstaking scholarly study, one’s one carefully prepared research papers, and then to go another mile—that is, to bravely step into the pulpit without those papers,trusting that the words of our mouths, spoken from our hearts rather than from paper, will convey our message more profitably. From the day our denomination was born, visionaries were saying that in order for our great freeing gospel to thrive, we must be willing to change our worship practice as the times change.
I wonder….if Mr Ware’s warning had been more broadly heeded, whether Thomas Jefferson’s prediction that by 1900 all Americans would be Unitarians, Might have come true! - Rev. BJ
Did You Know? - Green Sanctuary Sub-Council -
Let's go green! Linked is a flyer for a green company that USH has signed on with to receive 25% of every on-line purchase individuals make. Print your copy of the brochure and order now!
Did you know - that there is a new movie, titled, "FLOW" (For the Love of Water) playing at the Criterion Cinemas in New Haven? It is a documentary directed by Irena Salina, made over a five year period while Salina went all over the world and talked to an impressive list of experts on water supply. These experts discuss a number of interrelated water issues. Among them are
the distinct possibility that the planet is running out of fresh water and the fact that, as a society, we are terminally polluting what water we have.Additionally, "FLOW" examines conflicts that have erupted when major corporations have tried to privatize water in parts of the world. Another segment concerns bottled water, a liquid that turns out to be less regulated and possibly less safe than what comes through the tap. This movie may be worth a road trip or a call to local cinemas to ask them to feature this movie. - Edith Savage
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 HartfordLet us know of any comments, errors and corrections - thanks (revised 11.20.08 9:30 PM)
