USH-Enews November 30, 2006

USH-Enews For November 30, 2006
Jump to: Calendar; What's happening; A matter of opinion; External events; Further down the road; Our roots

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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 3 December - Already and Not Yet: Some lessons from Advent - Rev Jamestone - Waiting for the realization of dreams, relationships, and large and small life goals is never easy. Rev. Barbara Jamestone discusses why the season of Advent may hold some wisdom on waiting.

Our offering on Sunday will benefit the Horace Bushnell Children’s Food Pantry of Hartford. Established in the 1972, the initial mission of providing food for needy children has been expanded to include seniors and others in need. You may make checks payable to “USH” with “Food Pantry” in memo. Brochures on the organization are available in the lobby.

Music: Following the St. Petersburg Men’s Ensemble’s thrilling concert Friday night (Dec. 1st at 7:30 PM – a not-to-be-missed amazing quartet of singers), the choir sings Rachmaninoff’s beloved Ave Maria from the All-Night Vigil – in Russian!

RE: We are excited to announce a new Religious Education offering for kids in grades 3 - 5! Starting on January 7th, 3rd - 5th graders will have the option of joining the “Timeless Themes” class at the 11:00 service. Through a variety of activities, kids will become familiar with some of the best-known stories in biblical literature from a UU values perspective, and they will explore such universal human themes as jealousy, forgiveness, and healing.

Many families have expressed interest in new programming for upper elementary kids. Kids can now choose to join this new group, or they can continue with Spirit Play if they wish. In addition, some 5th graders have already joined the middle school group, and 5th graders still have the option of being part of that group. If you would like to join our teaching team, please contact either Holly McHaelen or Heather Ferguson-Hull. It’s a great time to get involved with RE at USH!

What Else is Happening & Announcements

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

Come One, Come All! - Are you between the ages of 1 and 95? If so, there’s something for you …. At the Festival of the Season at the Meeting House on Saturday, December 9th.

Take a look at this schedule of festival activities, decide when you want to join the party. This coming Sunday will be the last Sunday for sign-up for the FOS potluck, however, people may still call Janice Newton (677-1121) through Friday, December 8. Please list, on an index card or a 3 x 5 piece of paper, all the ingredients in your food contribution. We will put this information with your food on the buffet table. That will allow those with food allergies or intolerances to choose wisely.

Please remember we have limited facilities to keep incoming food hot or cold given the expected volume of arriving potluck contributions.

Joining in on the fun of the festival will be the Holiday Tree with opportunities to spread holiday cheer to those children and youth in need this Holiday Season. Bring your donations of hats, mittens, duffle bags, backpacks, and suitcases to the Holiday Tree as you enjoy the Festival’s many holiday treats.

Nina Binin, our RE Administrator, reminds everyone to keep an eye out during coffee hour this week! Our Spirit Play students will be handing out invitations to adults asking for donations of warm mittens, gloves and hats to hang on our holiday tree. Donators will be rewarded with a mitten or hat shaped ornament decorated by the children in the Spirit Play classes. Just hang up your donation and pluck one of these little beauties as a thank you gift!

3:00 to 5:00 – Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to greet you as you come in.

3:00 to 5:00 - Crafts in the rooms around the ambulatory.

Graham Cracker Cookie Houses. Favorite and most popular craft - make a house with graham crackers, icing and decorate it with an assortment of candies. Library and David
Marble Painting. Create a beautiful abstract piece of art. Suitable for very young children and anyone else. Channing
Candy Cane Ornament. Made with colored pipe cleaners and beads. It’s simple and great for very young children also. Emerson
Percussion - Drums and Tambourines. Decorate a drum or tambourine that you create and then play it as part of the worship service. Priestly/Murray
Christmas Cookie Decoration. Dix
Wreaths. Decorate a beautiful grapevine wreath for your door or room. Servetus

3:00 to 5:00 - Coffee House with live entertainment in the Chapel. See next week’s Enews to find out who will be performing and the times of the performances.

5:00 to 5:30 – Carols sung in the hallway.

5:30 to 6:00 – Worship Service in the Sanctuary.

Welcome and brief invocation; Hymn; Christmas story; Presentation of gifts as congregants sing “The Little Drummer Boy” and drum and rattle with instruments made during the craft activity; Prayer, Hymn & Benediction

6:00 to 7:30 – Potluck Dinner in Fellowship Hall. Accompanied by Sid Garvais at the piano followed by “The 12 Days of Christmas” by the diners led by John Stowe.

HELP WANTED!

The Crafts portion of the Festival of the Season needs volunteers to set up crafts on Friday evening, Dec. 8th as well as to clean up from 5 - 5:30 PM on Saturday. Can you help? For set up, we will put down tarps in the crafts rooms, move tables and chairs, cover tables and put the crafts materials in their respective rooms. We’ll start at 7 PM and hopefully be done by 8:00 or 8:30.

Please contact Ann LaPorte-Bryan - ann(at symbol)laporte-bryan.com or by telephone 953-0192 if you can be part of either team.

And, if you enjoy crafts, maybe you’d like to volunteer to staff a craft for an hour. There are 2 shifts, from 3 - 4 PM and from 4-5 PM. For the 4 - 5 PM shift, we hope you can stay to help clean up the room so the shift could go until 5:30. There are a few shifts left to fill. Please contact Diane Cadrain at diane.cadrain(at symbol)snet.net

And, if you have ribbon, wide or narrow, or other items that could be used for wreath making, please leave them in the office with a note identifying them as a craft donation. THANK YOU! We appreciate your generosity.

Thank you for your help in making the Festival a wonderful event!

Invite Someone New to Sunday Services - more

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

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.

From Adult Programs - Registrations for the following programs will be taken this Sunday during coffee hour following the 9 and 11 AM services.

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.” December 8th. Further details You can register by calling the USH office (233-9897) and using your credit card no later than Monday, December 4.

Ember days: Practicing the establishment of Peace on Earth - With Rev. BJ - 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. December 13, 12 to 2 PM and December 15 and 16, 6 to 8 PM. There is no cost for these sessions. Bring your journal, and a blanket or cushion if you like as we will be "sitting." In the Chapel.

Tai Chi and Feldenkrais will be starting Wednesday, January 3, 2007 for 8 weeks.*** SPECIAL OFFER for those of you who would like to "try one session". You can come to the first class of Feldenkrais, 5:15 - 6:15 pm or Tai Chi, 6:30 - 7:30 pm on January 3.

Your Signature Still Wanted - for (EITC) More information

Caring Network: Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful. ~Author Unknown - 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 30
9:30 am International Women’s Circle, Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm CUREJ, Library

Friday, December 1
7:30 pm St. Petersburg Men’s Ensemble concert, Sanctuary

Saturday, December 2
Evening Circle Dinners, various homes

Sunday, December 3
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
10:00 am Youth Group soup making, Kitchen
10:15 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:30 am Chalice Choir, Emerson
11:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE I, Sanctuary
12:00 pm Coffee Hour II, Fellowship Hall
12:15 pm Coffee, Carrots, and Conversation w/Minister, Minister's Study

Monday, December 4
6:30 pm SIA, Emerson
7:00 pm Artist's Way, Servetus
7:00 pm SGM, David

Tuesday, December 5
7:00 pm Religious Education, Servetus
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday December 6
10:00 am Staff Meeting, Minister's Study (Office Closed)
5:15 pm Feldenkrais, Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm Tai Chi, Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm Installation, Minister’s Study
7:30 pm Choir, Sanctuary

Friday, December 8
5:30 pm Dinner and Movie, North by Northwest, Fellowship Hall

Saturday, December 9
3:00 pm Festival of the Season begins!, building wide
6:00 pm FOS Potluck Dinner, Fellowship Hall
9:00 pm Youth Group Sleepover

Sunday, December 10
8:00 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
8:15 am Adult Programs, Servetus
9:00 am Worship Service I, Sanctuary
10:00 am Coffee Hour I, Fellowship Hall
10:00 am Children’s Choir, Chapel
10:00 am Comfort Shawl, Library
10:00 am B&G, Murray
10:00 am Growth Task Force, Channing
10:15 am Music Rehearsal, Sanctuary
10:30 AM Chalice Choir, Emerson
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)

Save the Date and Plan to Join Us on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 for the 3rd Annual Public Meeting of the Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice.

All 35 member congregations will gather for a Call to Action on issues of Health Care, Tax Reform, Equity in Education, Civil Rights for Immigrants, Safe Neighborhoods - Stop by the Social Justice Table in Fellowship Hall on Sunday to Learn More and Register to Attend this important event! - Contact: Carol Shoemaker 860-231-9440,or Shai Cassell 860-930-4278

UUSC JustWorks Camp - Participate in the Katrina rebuilding effort by taking part in the JustWorks camp in New Orleans. Join Joan Kemble from February 3 to 10; a group of 30 UUs will be working together. There are only three open slots. Talk with Joan at the UUSC table in Fellowship Hall and see a booklet about this program. Or, visit this web link or call 800-388-3920.

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: November appears to be unusually moist and dismal. You editor prescribes a Friday concert December 1st followed by FOS crafts, bright colors, potluck, good friends and song on December 9th.

***

This Week’s Feature Articles

Eyes to See - It warmed my heart when several of you invited me to your table for Thanksgiving. I accepted the first (TWO!) invitations but knowing that so many of you would create an “empty seat for Elijah” at your holiday table, around your hearth fire, and in your hearts, made me proud to be your minister. I head about similar invitations made to other grateful ‘invitees,’ who like me, were not connected to family or friends at Thanksgiving.

With eyes to see the human need for ‘connection’ though it is often shrouded in competence and self-sufficiency, we are all brought closer to that eschatological feast where all are fed.

I’m attending an interfaith social justice worship service on Dec 7, at 6 PM, Hartford Seminary, because I want to keep expanding my awareness that there are all kinds of others with whom I can connect in all kinds of ways. And I want all kinds of others to know that the Unitarian Society of Hartford has tent flaps wide open to not only diverse religious ideas, BUT to the fabulous diversity of people holding those ideas. There will be singing, drumming, personal stories—I’d love to sit by you there! - Best, BJ

Report of Committee on Ministry -- November 21, 2006 - The Committee on Ministry held its monthly meeting on November 21, 2006. We invited Louise Schmoll, as a representative of the Women’s Alliance (WA), to speak with us about the ministry of WA and its future role at USH.

Louise gave a very informative description and history of the Alliance, and explained in detail the activities and benefits of WA. We were surprised to hear that WA is over 112 years old! It boasts about 35-40 members from USH who pay “local dues.” The USH Alliance is affiliated with the national Women’s UU Federation in Boston, which is an advocacy group for women’s issues. Many of the Alliance members pay additional dues to that national federation.

The Women’s Alliance is a vibrant ministry. Among the many ways in which it serves the needs of its members and the community are the following: “R&R” lunches, outings to museums and cultural places, scholarships for furthering education, and donations to our sister church in Lupeny, Planned Parenthood, and Interval House for battered women and children. WA provides needed companionship and support for women both within and outside its organization. The camaraderie can be especially helpful to the many elderly members who are the sole head of their household.

The Alliance is presently exploring its relationship with USH. It is difficult to pigeon-hole WA as falling solely within one of the four USH Councils since its activities concern three Council domains: Spirituality, Community Within, and Social Justice. Presently the Alliance is working with Carol Sexton, Chair of the Council on Community Within, to establish a place within that area for purposes of church organization. From a net budget standpoint, WA does not take funds from USH; rather, it voluntarily contributes a generous sum annually to more than cover office supplies and overhead.

The Committee on Ministry (COM) supports the Alliance in its efforts to cement its presence at USH under the umbrella of Community Within. As members of WA and governance structures maintain open lines of communication, we are confident that there will be a dovetailing of organizational goals for WA and the larger congregation. We were impressed with the ministry of WA and hope they will consider publicizing their organization and activities more extensively so that more persons could avail themselves of the benefits of this ministry.

At the January meeting the COM will invite members of the Religious Education Sub-council. The COM welcomes input from everyone in the congregation. We are Reverend Barbara Jamestone, Heather Ferguson-Hull, Ginny Berrien, Greg Berg, Al Herzog, Nancy Mandly, and Mike Roy. - Mike Roy

TRUSTEE TIDBITS Jackie Shanti, UUA Trustee, CBD (Clara Barton District - ours)

Every 3-4 months I travel to Boston (or in June to the site of our General Assembly) to sit at a table with my fellow trustees from across the country. We are joined by UUA President, Bill Sinkford and senior staff from the UUA. Over the course of 4 - 5 days, we gather in working groups and committees, to worship and share meals, and to sit together as Trustees of our Association.

When I began this “work” my youngest sister asked me only one thing: “Does it nourish you?” After three years I would offer a soulful “Yes!” My eyes still cross a bit at the sight of spread sheets and budgets, but my attention span for fiduciary matters has increased greatly. And my energy never wanes when issues regarding justice, growth or mission are on the table.

The Board’s focus these past three years has been to better serve our congregations by promoting less “top down” programming and more “lifting up” of grassroots efforts, showcasing and sharing the best practices that already exist in our congregations. We’ve also made major changes in our annual assembly – “GA” – so that it can be truly a gathering of congregational leaders.

We are asking our congregations to be more intentional in sending delegates to GA – not just depending on those who might be vacationing in the area – and in turn, the Board has committed to helping pay registration for congregational presidents. Top-notch speakers, workshops and networking opportunities are being provided, focused on areas of congregational life that challenge and inspire us all: leadership development, membership/hospitality, collaboration among UU congregations, and witnessing to our faith in the larger world. (visit for detailed description and resources from UU University 2006).

Board business is rarely “as usual” these days. At our October meeting we tabled a vote on the fee structure for GA 2007. This followed a “light bulb” moment when the Board was presented with a GA budget which included a poorly attended, highly subsidized “childcare” program. In that moment we realized that our re-visioning of GA needed to include our best offering of children’s programming, not just childcare or babysitting. Why not bring together inspired UU educators and curricula to hold our children in a community of faith and love? The excitement was palpable as we planned our entry into a new era of family-friendly GAs. Stay posted for details!

During the coming months I will share other tidbits of news from the Board, and I welcome your feedback, questions, concerns and ideas. I represent ALL of the congregations in Clara Barton District, and I would love to hear from you! In fact, I could use your help: as a member of our District’s Growth Team I’m preparing an article on summer services and how many of our congregations are expanding their definition of the “church year” to include year-round, full-service programming. What does your congregation currently do in the summer? What are your dreams? Contact me at jshanti(at symbol)comcast.net or (413-788-7649).

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

From me to you,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of the many friends who sent messages of support and love...beautiful cards and meaningful phone calls....who offered help of every kind. I feel blessed to be a member of this place of worship.

Each Sunday as I pull into the driveway of the Meeting House, , I know the ragings of the world will be left behind and an hour of peace awaits me... Now that my Gil has left for his particular spot.,.wherever that may be., I am even more aware of the importance of ..our caring community.
We moved to Connecticut in 1959, Shortly thereafter, I read an ad in the Hartford Courant entitled "Are you Unitarian and do not know it?" I read the information contained therein and said "Yes, Yes, I am Unitarian...and now I know it!" Thank you Rev. Payson Miller for placing that ad. You led me to place that is now my second home.

Namaste
Ruth Holland

External Events and Educational Notes

What’s Wrong and Right with the News Media - Veteran journalist Paul Janensch, whose media critiques are heard weekly on WNPR, will lead the group in a lively conversation on the “Hot button” topic, “What’s Wrong and Right with the New Media at a forum at the Unitarian Universalist Society: East (UUS:E) on Sunday, December 10 at 6:30 PM. As a part of the Social Justice program at UUS:E, located at 153 West Vernon Street, Manchester, this forum is open to the public to come and learn about the ways in which the media functions.

Janensch is now associate professor journalism at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. He served as the top editor of three newspapers including the Courier-Journal in Louisville, KY. As a reporter, he covered crime in Chicago, civil-rights marches in the South and the Congressional debates over Vietnam. His “Professor News” column appears in the Connecticut Post twice a month. He is heard at 8:35 A.M. Thursdays on the five stations of WNPR Connecticut Public Radio, including 90.5 in Hartford. He and his wife Gail live in Rowayton, CT.

The public is urged to attend to discuss concerns such as corporate consolidation, bias in stories, lack of coverage of issues important to individuals. Janensch will tackle these issues as well as whether newspapers and TV newscasts will become obsolete with the growth of blogs, e-newsletter and other alternative sources of information. He will address the reasons why broadly disseminated new media are still vital and relevant and the ways that consumers can help to make them more accountable.

Unitarian Universalist Society, a welcoming, liberal, religious community, will welcome Mr. Janensch and invites the community to come to hear him speak. For information on accessibility, childcare and directions to UUS:E, contact the office at 646-5151.

UUrld’s 2007 WhaleCoast Alaska

Five Alaskan UU fellowships invite you to eco-cultural programs in June right after the Portland General Assembly or in July, 2007. See the REAL Alaska! With UU homestays in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward, Juneau and Sitka, UUs host parties and lead tours. We visit Tlingit and Inupiat Native Alaskans, see wildlife from bears, moose and caribou to whales, sea otters and sea lions. We visit Denali and 3 other National Parks. Led by Rev. Dick & Mary Weston-Jones 12th year. www.wuurld.org., E-mail alaska@wuurld.org or phone 1-888 - 998-8753 for a brochure. Reservation deadline: February 28.

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

Hartford's Liberal Religious Youth (LRY) - a successor to the Junior League of the 1920s and '30s - was formed during the tumultuous 1960s and '70s. The idea behind the LRY was to have Unitarian Universalist teenagers focus their attention on contemporary issues. They elected their own officers and pretty much ran their own affairs. John Raye, Jr., remembers that issues like Vietnam and women's rights were very much on members' minds. Socially, the LRY engaged in art projects, musical programs, and weekend retreats. Members attended regional conventions in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and visited other religious organizations (e.g., churches and synagogues). Two very active members of LRY were the Lauriats' daughters, Peggy and Sally.

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 11/30/06)