USH-Enews for December 17 & 24 , 2009 Print Only Edition

Office hours: Rev. Jamestone: Phone: 860 233-9897; Email: RevBJ@USHartford.com - Rev. BJ office hours by appointment.

Sunday 20 December - Hilaritas: Goddess of Good Cheer - Our annual commemoration of the happy and familial spirit of the winter holidays. Wear your holiday garb and enjoy the musical gifts among us, as we celebrate our human potential to create light in darkness. - Rev BJ

24 December (4 PM) Our family Christmas Eve CHAPEL Service highlights the gifts of our young musicians and a congregational candle lighting ceremony along with reflections on the reason for the reasons for this season - Rev BJ

10 PM CHAPEL Lessons, Carols, and Candles - A meditative candle lighting service after the Anglican tradition of musical gifts interspersed with numinous texts—Rev BJ

Sunday 27 December - Traveling with Elvis: What Should I Bring? - What are we bringing with us into the new year, intentionally and not so intentionally? Jen ruminates on the objects and ideas about the world she brought with her on a trip to India, which included a bust of Elvis, rain gear, and knowing which side of the street traffic should travel on. As we prepare for adventures large and small for the new year, what objects and ideas can we pack to help us along? - Jen Cook

Jen Cook grew up in the Unitarian Society of Hartford, attending RE classes, and youth group here. She graduated from the Hartford College for Women (twice) and the University of Hartford (once.) She lived in DC for close to a decade where she was a member of All Souls Church, Unitarian. Professionally, she is a Jen of many trades, including book seller, dog walker, teacher, writer, editor, gift shop manager, and scooter sales person, but she is currently working with adults with intellectual and other disabilities at a day program with FAVARH. She has also crossed India in an autorickshaw.

3 January - Identity and Epiphany - A celebration of all that has never happened before, in the context of a conviction that there is nothing new under the sun. - Rev BJ

Music - The music for 20 December Sunday fits in with the lighter mood of Hilaritas, and features the musical gifts of two very good musical friends of the Meeting House. USH member/friend Patrice Fitzgerald and her husband Richard Leslie bring a variety of talents to the service. They both will sing; Richard will play trumpet; and they’ll even do a dramatic reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Songs include “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Children Go Where I Send Thee,” and a melding of “The Little Drummer Boy” with “Peace on Earth.”

A special treat will be Evan and Alec Ferguson-Hull playing a saxophone duet on “Deck the Halls.” Hearing our youngest generation of musicians grow and progress is an exceptional reward in our services.

While you “don your gay apparel,” be sure to warm up your vocal cords too in preparation for joining in the holiday carols in this warm service for the season.

Multigenerational Worship Service

This Sunday, December 20th, we will gather together to celebrate the spirit of Hilaritas! Please come dressed in your finest holiday apparel, or as your favorite Christmas character. Joyful singing and stories will be shared by all.

There will be no individual classes this week as all children are invited to participate in the worship service. There will be childcare for children under three in the nursery.

Service Project for Children

Next Sunday, December 27th in lieu of Religious Education classes, we will gather in the second and third grade classroom to participate in a group project. There will be no individual classes this week as all children are invited to participate. There will be childcare for children under three in the nursery. - Gail M. Syring, DRE

Neapolitan Presepio Unveiled at the Unitarian Society of Hartford

With its vibrant profusion of colors and textures, the newest piece of art installed in the Payson Miller Chapel forces even the most harried to stop and consider its beauty. Created by Artist and Iconographer Seraphim Seskevich in the Neapolitan style, this Presepio, or crèche explores not only the gospel story of the birth of Jesus, but the essential human need for connection, sustenance and inspiration.

St. Francis of Assisi is credited for creating the first Nativity scene by filling a manger with hay, surrounding it with an ox, an ass and the people from the neighboring countryside and celebrating mass outside. This tradition evolved over five centuries to the birth of the Neapolitan Presepio in Italy.

The characteristics that make this artistic tradition unique are the elements of daily village life that are represented along with the Nativity. While the three kings are traveling across the bridge to bring gifts to the Christ child, the inhabitants of the town are going about their daily tasks: tending animals, making music, selling fruit. The spectacle intends to portray a particular moment in time, but like theatre cannot be separated from its scenery. The distinctive facets of the scene are set in dichotomy: the rich and the poor, the artisan and the shepherd, one man sleeping while another toils. Yet somehow the differences create a rare harmony; a balance is maintained. The sacred and the mundane are intertwined, each dependent on the other for their existence.

Seskevich collected the Presepio statues for thirteen years and then spent six months creating the crèche. He began with the three kings, dressing them in resplendent brocades, furs and pearls. He wanted that level of detail in each element of the crèche, from the inn where Mary and Joseph were turned away to the traditional fruit market. For Seraphim, the heart of the Presepio is the footbridge that spans the river filled with frolicking animals. On that bridge stand a lion and a lamb in peaceful companionship. They are the epitome of contradiction, symbols of the differences among people, among religions. In Seraphim’s interpretation, the miracle of the Nativity is that those who are so different can find common ground.

This theme of peaceful co-existence is reflected in the other art installation in the Chapel, “Via Affirmativa,” also conceived and created by Seskevich. The installation employs representations of seven major religious traditions, which the artist describes in these words: “Both the crèche and the art installation show that all people can live together. The essence of every religion is the same, and so are we at our core.” The text is not finished, but you may see Via Affirmativa here.

In the Orthodox tradition, The Seraphim are the highest choir of angels, continuously shouting praises to God. It is said that such a bright light emanates from them that nothing, not even other divine beings, can look upon them as they burn eternally with love and zeal for God. Seraphim Seskevich may be robed less brilliantly, but the soul in his artwork burns with equal love and zeal.

The installation may be seen from the east side of the Ambulatory in the Chapel - Gail M. Syring

Small Group Ministry: Coming Attractions - Green SGM, our innovation for 2010, will start in February on Monday nights. Bev Prager, one of our most experienced facilitators—and certainly the greenest—will serve as facilitator. Janice and David Newton will host, and—with their heating with wood, generating their own electricity through solar panels and driving a hybrid car—they are the greenest of hosts.

This SGM will follow the usual format—check-in periods followed by times of sharing personal experiences, accompanied by candles and refreshments. Readings, however, will be specially selected for the Green SGM. Although final selections have not been made, possibilities include readings by Thoreau, Walt Whitman, Hitch Nh at Ha nh and Mary Oliver. Materials from the Northwest Earth Institute and the Institute of Notice Sciences are also under consideration, as are various books and magazines. Expect at least one reading from the 2009 book Less is More: Embracing Simplicity for a Healthy Planet, a Caring Economy and Lasting Happiness.

Our intent is not to make ourselves feel bad or guilty but to increase our awareness and tap into our compassion. As we share experiences from early and later parts of our lives, we can grow in understanding and motivate ourselves to make changes we deem important and necessary. Come learn with us. Mark your calendar for Monday nights in Farmington. - Bevy Spence

Hilaritas on Christmas Sunday - Why bring silliness, whimsy, childish things to Sunday worship, especially as Christmas approaches? Why would any self-respecting adult wear earrings that light up, a green vest, red socks, a red cap, or keep a festive scarf around one’s neck for an entire worship service….much less dress up like Santa, an elf, a drummer drumming, Frostier, Charlie Brown, Rudolph, Father Christmas, a caroler with ear muffs, a “Nutcracker Suite” character, or….masquerade as a partridge in a pear tree?

If you are especially resistant to our “Hilaritas” Christmas Sunday, it may be that your family came over on the Mayflower or….the Fortune, the Mary and John, the TrueLove, the Hercules, the Planter, the Hope well, or even that late coming ship bearing New England ancestors, the Pied Cow.

The truly devout had come to eschew happiness at Christmas long before coming to America. They had been taught by their ancestors that there was no place for feast days, frivolity, or any display of toe tickling joy at Christmas time, but rather it was to be celebrated solemnly and cautiously as those heathen pagans could slip through a crack in one’s stern, sober, aloof, righteous (and rigid) world view, in a flash. It was obvious that humankind was fatally flawed, could not be trusted to mature or evolve into caring and responsible people without a big dose of dourness on a daily basis.

BUT, it’s not too late for you!!! Tear off those dark trappings that have held your spirit hostage. Give back that "life contra"’ to your ancestors. Put on those red socks, and let’s show our children this Sunday that it’s ok to laugh, be silly, and enjoy ourselves on occasion! - Best, b

Dec 24 Christmas Eve Services at USH - Lessons and Carols Have you ever seen a sheep on a stick, or lively Wise Men and Shepherds bouncing up and down like jumping beans? At our 4 PM Christmas Eve service, in the Sanctuary, we’All be led through the Christmas Story as children wave various "actors" in the air, and everyone sings “Children Go Where I Send Thee.”

At 10 PM, we gather in the Chapel to bask in the glow of the permanent art installation celebrating the diverse richness of all wisdom traditions, plus, for our holiday pleasure, a fabulous art installation depicting a "normal" evening for citizens in Bethlehem (including rabbits, pigs, and ostriches) as a miracle birth is celebrated off in one corner.

The format of both services is modeled after the Episcopal “Lessons and Carols,” the gist of which is that there is a series of words and music, where each distinct part and the movement back and forth between parts combine to suggest something of the ineffable mystery of human life—that there is a jewel hidden in the lotus.

USH is on Face book - There's a new group on Face book with a familiar name: the Unitarian Society of Hartford. If you are on Face book and haven't yet joined the group, click here and click the Join icon at the top of the page.

As a group member, you can write on the wall, add to a discussion, post links, view photos and videos, and better connect with other USH members and friends. Eventually, we hope to use the group as another way to communicate about events, services, the RE program and other activities at the Meetinghouse. - Sarah Gilligan

For so the Children Come.. I didn’t intend to write this. I came to the service on Sunday, December 13 without pen and paper. I planned to just sit and enjoy the annual choir’s Christmas music program. But there was something so very special about that day that I have to write about it.

The music, as usual, was glorious. You really had to be there and hear it to understand. The whole atmosphere at the Meeting House, however, was what moved me (at times, to tears). We were a family. Unlike some other music Sundays, there was just us—no combined choir with Fern Street, no hired orchestra, no brass band. We did have three wonderful musicians accompanying the choir: Anne Stowe and Ginny Allen on violin and Julie Hassler on cello. But they are members of the USH family. In addition to playing for the choir, the trio also treated us to a Christmas Concerto by Arcangelo Corelli.

Sunday’s music intimately involved us—the congregation—as we sang along during several selections, including a heart-felt, arms-waving chorus of hallelujahs.

Choir members went above and beyond for this program. Between musical events, they shared some personal holiday memories, important family events and fun experiences during early Christmases. These little talks increased our feeling of being a family. Heads were nodding in wry agreement as Teresa Pelham (whose three sons lit the Chancel and Advent candles) talked about “stuff” and her family’s recent acquisition of a shed (large enough to house a family of four, she said) so they could put some of the stuff already in their house there—to make room for more stuff.

Our oh-so-talented Associate Music Director Mark Child (who also, we discovered a few weeks ago, has a fine tenor voice) was kept busy shifting among organ, piano and harpsichord as the varied program pieces required. I was particularly impressed by the intricate piano accompaniment during some of the choir’s presentations.

And then, with the music still ringing in our ears, we went down to Fellowship Hall, which was more active than most of us had ever seen it. The Green Sanctuary people filled the place with the regifting stuff (i.e., items probably received as gifts but never used) for sale, and business was brisk. They also had their usual tables of “green” products. Along one wall, the Women’s Alliance was having its annual Christmas bake sale. We feel sorry for those who have not had their chocolate biscotti or pumpkin bread. Over on the other side, the youth group was selling its always-delicious soup.

It really was a special Sunday at the Unitarian Society of Hartford. - Kayla Costenoble

Still Need a Green Gift? Our new USH reusable bag (made from recycled plastic bottles), Chico bags and SKOY - 100% biodegradable reusable cloth (the equivalent of 15 paper towel rolls) are great stocking stuffers and will be sold at the Green Table in the next couple of weeks. Only $5 each! Good for mother earth and USH.

Tai Chi Class for Beginners Contemplated - Options for times are Wed. evenings from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. or Mon. or Tues. afternoons at a time to be determined. If you are interested please call Ginny Hedrick at 860.677. 9272. If possible classes could start in Jan. 2010.

Adult Programs - The fall programs are winding down and 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.

To obtain a Program Proposal Form, you may go here. From the Spiritual Life pull down menu (on the left side of the home page), click on Adult Programs. In the first paragraph, click on download the form in Microsoft Word. The form is also available at the USH office. Please attach a detailed paragraph in Microsoft Word (if possible) about the program to the completed Proposal Form that can be used for promotion. Please email the completed Proposal to Janice Newton or Nancy Reed no later than Monday, January 4 so that your proposed program can be reviewed and included with the other 2010 Winter/Spring Programs for Adults and Families..

Caring Network- Replacing a negative memory with a positive one heals it. The Portable Life 101 - 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.

Further Down The Road (About 30 Days)

Social Justice Journeys (From the UUA) And from USH

Light on Sudan on the Shortest Day

see also Rally and Vigil Planned December 21 More

The Connecticut Coalition to Save Darfur is sponsoring two Hartford area events on Monday, December 21. There is a morning rally near the State Capitol in Hartford and an evening candlelight vigil on the campus of St. Joseph College in West Hartford. There will also be a pasta dinner at USH in Fellowship Hall at 6:00 PM. These events together constitute a "Light on Sudan on the Shortest Day," a day of hope, awareness, and solidarity for the Darfuri victims of genocide, the enduring insecurity of three million refugees in and around Darfur, and the threat of a return to violence and civil war in southern Sudan. For additional information, please contact Joshua Schreier by email: schreier.joshua@gmail.com or by phone: 860-305-4381.

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Green Topics - Did You Know? - USH bags filled with GUSH (our homemade green cleaner) and paper towel or tissue made from recycled paper make a wonderful holiday gift for mother earth and your loved ones.

External Events and Educational Notes

Our own Maggie Greene and her daughter Nora Pasco, both superb poets, will be the featured readers at the Wintonbury Branch Poetry Series and Open Mike this month.
This event is on December 17, 2009 (Thurs) 7:00 P.M. at the Wintonbury Public Library, 1015 Blue Hills Ave (rte 187), just north of Cottage Grove Rd (rte 218), Bloomfield, CT.
Light refreshments are served and the open mike follows the featured poets. Stir your heart, soul and your creativity! For more information, call the Wintonbury Branch Library at 860- 242-0041.

The Hillstead at Christmastime - We've been offered a tour by one of the lovely docents, Patricia Carr.

The date is December 30th, the time, 1PM
The cost to seniors is $9 , for adults, $12.

Please call the office with your reservation.

On the Calendar

Thursday, December 17
5:00 pm NVC Gathering, Minister’s Study

Saturday, December 19
6:00 pm Ember Days, Jamestone Home
7:00 pm Parking lot usage (Lanouette)

Sunday, December 20
10:30 am Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
12:00 pm Chapel Sing, Chapel
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel
5:00 pm Rental, Fellowship Hall

Monday, December 21
6:00 pm Pasta Dinner for Sudan, Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, December 22
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, December 23
5:45 pm Meditation and Dharma Gathering, Emerson
7:15 pm NVC Practice Group w/ Jan Bennett, Emerson
7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Thursday, December 24
4:00 pm Christmas Eve Family Service, Sanctuary
10:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Chapel

Friday, December 25, Christmas Day
OFFICE CLOSED

Sunday, December 27
10:30 am Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel

Tuesday, December 29
8:00 pm AA, Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, December 30
5:45 pm Meditation and Dharma Gathering, Emerson
7:15 pm NVC Practice Group w/ Jan Bennett, Emerson
7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Friday, January 1, New Years Day
OFFICE CLOSED

Sunday, January 3
10:30 am Worship, Sanctuary
11:30 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
11:45 am USH Connections, Lower Lobby
3:00 pm Rental, Chapel

Please notify Brian Mullen of all additions or changes to the calendar. Follow this link to all our scheduled events

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.

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