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UUS:E Newsletter Cover
Unitarian Universalist Society: East
Member of the Clara Barton District of the
Unitarian Universalist Association
May 2015
NEWSLETTER
Unitarian Universalist Society: East is a
welcoming, open-minded, spiritual community
seeking truth and meaning in its many forms.
We share responsibility for building a more
equitable, peaceful, and sustainable world.
Table of Contents
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 2 of 22
Table of Contents
UUS:E Newsletter Cover ......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Sunday Services Section ........................................................................................................................................................ 3 Sunday Services Schedule ................................................................................................................................................. 3 2014-2015 Ministry Themes ................................................................................................................................................ 3 Community Outreach Ministry ............................................................................................................................................. 4 Sunday Service Flowers ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 DVD / Audio CD Loan Services Available in Office ............................................................................................................ 4
Commentary Section ............................................................................................................................................................... 5 The Minister’s Column: Hallelujah ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Enter, rejoice, and come in! A Religious Education Message from Gina ........................................................................... 6 A Buddhist Perspective ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Service and Growth Section .................................................................................................................................................... 9 Books, Classes and Discussions ........................................................................................................................................ 9
UU Buddhists ...for May .................................................................................................................................................. 9 Book Lovers .................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Women’s Sacred Singing Circle .................................................................................................................................. 9 UUA Common Read 2014-2015 ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Walk with Me ................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Adult Religious Education Plans for Fall 2015 .............................................................................................................. 10 UU Parenting ................................................................................................................................................................. 10
UUS:E Spring Cleanup...................................................................................................................................................... 11 Circle Groups Have Arrived at UUS:E .............................................................................................................................. 11 Programs for Off-Site Registrants ..................................................................................................................................... 11
News and Events Section ..................................................................................................................................................... 12 UUS:E Calendar of Events for May ................................................................................................................................... 12 May is Mental Health Awareness Month ........................................................................................................................... 13
Free at Last Players ...................................................................................................................................................... 13 Spring UUS:E Mental Health Ministry Summit ......................................................................................................... 13 NAMI Walk .................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Piano Bash—New Date .................................................................................................................................................... 14 Disparities—New Haven (Hartford? Manchester?) Rising ................................................................................................ 14 Annual Appeal Results ...................................................................................................................................................... 15 Annual Meeting ............................................................................................................................................................... 15 2015 UUSE Spring Fling Auction ..................................................................................................................................... 15 Green Sanctuary News .................................................................................................................................................. 16 Climate Change Could Be Affecting Your Morning “Cuppa Joe” ...................................................................................... 16 Disparities ......................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Congrats to Gina ............................................................................................................................................................... 17 Mother’s Day Celebration .................................................................................................................................................. 18 Plant Sale .......................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Member Connections Section ............................................................................................................................................... 20 House Sitter Wanted ......................................................................................................................................................... 20 UUS:E Couples ................................................................................................................................................................. 20 Rainbow Alliance ............................................................................................................................................................... 20 Equal Exchange ................................................................................................................................................................ 20 Stop and Shop Fundraiser ................................................................................................................................................ 20 Mentor Program ................................................................................................................................................................ 20 Coffee Volunteers .............................................................................................................................................................. 20 Visitors and Newcomers ................................................................................................................................................... 21 UUS:E recycles! ................................................................................................................................................................ 21 UUS:E on the Web ............................................................................................................................................................ 21
Address and Contacts Page ................................................................................................................................................. 22
Sunday Services
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 3 of 22
Sunday Services Section
Sunday Services Schedule
May 2015 Ministry Theme: Compassion
Sunday Services at 9:00 and 11:00 AM (except May 17)
May 3: “Returning Home.” Our guest preacher this morning is Tom Bozeman, who grew up at
UUS:E and will be ordained into UU ministry later this spring. He will reflect on how growing up at
UUS:E has informed his life and what is special about the faith context of UUism.
Coordinator: Lynn Dove
May 10: “Why Religion Needs Science / Why Science Needs Religion.” Rev. Josh looks for a new
truce in the age-old struggle between science and religion. This sermon was purchased at last year’s
goods and services auction by Stan and Sue McMillen. We will also conduct a child dedication
ceremony today!
Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek
MAY 17: ONE SERVICE ONLY, AT 10:00 AM
May 17: “Affirmation.” We continue our tradition of affirming our coming-of-age youth who plan
this service with their mentors and will share their credo statements with the congregation. This is
always one of our most rewarding services.
Coordinator: Gina Campellone, DRE
May 24: “On Ancestors, Slavery and Religious Dissent.” This service explores a little-known sect of
religious dissenters from colonial New London, CT, the Rogerenes. What lessons might they bequeath
to modern day UUs? Today’s sermon was purchased at last year’s goods and services auction by Fred
and Phil Sawyer.
Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek
May 31: “UUS:E In My Life: Reflections On The Commitment Of Membership.” Come celebrate
the joy and value of membership in a religious community. Members from Charter to recent
Affirmation graduates will reflect on how making the commitment to join UUS:E has affected each of
their lives.
Coordinator: Nancy Madar
June 7: “How to Encourage a Restless Soul.” Our June ministry theme is restlessness. For our
spiritual growth to proceed apace, might a restless soul be just what we need?
Coordinator: Rev. Josh Pawelek
2014-2015 Ministry Themes
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Sunday Services
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 4 of 22
Community Outreach Ministry
Charitable Giving for May 2015
As always, thank you for your generosity.
“We do not gather our gifts only for ourselves but to share with the larger community.”
Continuing our practice of sharing our gifts with the community
beyond our walls, for the month of May the recipients of 50%
of our Sunday plate collections not otherwise designated will be
split between Interval House East and Covenant to Care.
For more than twenty-five years Interval House has been the
region’s primary provider of domestic violence services. The
Manchester office opened in 1994 to serve east of the river
towns. Interval House East offers counseling, advocacy, and
basic support to clients from Manchester, Vernon, East Hartford
and other nearby towns.
We have participated in the Covenant to Care program for many years and a portion of this month’s
collection will support the special emergency needs of this program, assisting families, children, teens,
and young adults..
The committee overseeing our community outreach efforts welcomes your comments and suggestions.
Please contact Louisa Graver at [email protected], David Lacoss, or Nancy Madar at
Sunday Service Flowers
The signup sheet for flowers is in a binder in Annie’s office. Please make sure
you check off the box that you want the flowers donated or that you will take
them back home with you. The contact person for delivering donated flowers
is Gailynn Willett, (860) 798-1441, [email protected].
DVD / Audio CD Loan Services Available in Office
Many of the Sunday Services at UUS:E run on the three community access
channels (Cox in Manchester, Community Voice Channel in Bolton and Charter
Communications in Windham). The DVDs are available at UUS:E and you can sign
out the programs you were unable to see. Audio CDs are available one week after
each service and as a download from Jane, our sexton, if you provide a flash drive
(USB port).
Checks made out to UUS:E will be
treated as follows: If the memo line:
is blank or “pledge” is written,
all will go toward your pledge.
has “COM” or the name of the
charity is on the memo line, all
will go to the charity.
has “1/2 pledge, 1/2 COM,” it
will be divided equally.
Commentary
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 5 of 22
Commentary Section
The Minister’s Column:
Hallelujah
Dear Ones:
Our May ministry theme is compassion. I realize I’m not going to be preaching about compassion
this month as it is time to preach my auction sermons! (See the worship calendar in this newsletter for
brief descriptions of those sermons.) The last time compassion was our ministry theme was November,
2011. At that time, I quoted from the Zen Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh: “Please call me by my
true names, / so I can wake up, / and so the door of my heart can be left open, / the door of
compassion.” These words come from his 1991 book, Peace is Every Step. The story Thich Nhat Hanh
gives as background to this quote is still, for me, one of the most powerful descriptions of the source of
compassion in human beings I’ve ever encountered. What follows is an excerpt adapted from my
sermon on compassion in 2011.
Thich Nhat Hanh received a letter telling a tragic story about a young girl—a boat person, a refugee
—who, having been raped by pirates, threw herself into the ocean and drowned. In Peace is Every Step
he writes, “When you first learn of something like that, you get angry at the pirate. You naturally take
the side of the girl. As you look more deeply you will see it differently. If you take the side of the little
girl, then it is easy. You only have to take a gun and shoot the pirate. But we cannot do that. In my
meditation I saw that if I had been born in the village of the pirate and raised in the same conditions as
he was, there is a great likelihood that I would become a pirate…. If you or I were born today in those
fishing villages, we may become sea pirates in twenty-five years. If you take a gun and shoot the pirate,
you shoot all of us, because all of us are to some extent responsible for this state of affairs.” When
Thich Nhat Hanh says “call me by my true names,” he is saying, essentially, not only am I me, I am
also the young girl. And not only am I the young girl, I am also the pirate. He asks: “Can we look at
each other and recognize ourselves in each other?” Can we look at a tragic situation half-way around
the planet and recognize the people in that situation in ourselves?
We are interconnected—with each other, with the entire mass of humanity, past, present and future.
Thich Nhat Hanh would add we are each interconnected with all there is, past, present and future. He
uses the term “interbeing” to express this fundamental condition of interconnectedness. We have many
true names. This is not just something Buddhists teach, nor is it just abstract liberal religious language.
It’s a truth claim. We are interconnected. I remind us of this truth in part because it’s easy to forget;
because we wake up to it from time to time, but then fall back to sleep; because we learn it but then
quickly unlearn it; because even though we know it in our heads, we don’t always live it. I remind us of
this truth because our capacity to be compassionate people ultimately depends on
our ability to remember it, to wake up to it, to relearn it, to feel it in our hearts.
“Please call me by my true names, / so I can wake up, / and so the door of my
heart can be left open, / the door of compassion.” May we all learn to call each
other by our true names!
With love,
Rev. Josh
Commentary
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 6 of 22
Enter, rejoice, and come in!
A Religious Education Message from Gina
Dear Friends,
Recently, while perusing the children’s room at the public library, I happened upon a book called
Papa, Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joosse and Barbara Lavallee. I was struck by the beautiful
watercolor illustrations, and touched by the book’s enduring message of love. The story is set in Africa
and features the Masai culture. One of the most accomplished and mighty tribes in Africa, the
traditional greeting amongst the Masai is “Kasserian Ingera.” It means “And how are the children?”
And how are the children? This greeting acknowledges the high value that the Masai place on the
well-being of their children. Even those with no children of their own are greeted in this way. And the
hoped-for response is “All the children are well,” which means peace prevails, the young and
powerless are protected, and society continues to prioritize the importance of caring for all its children.
And how are the children? As Director of Religious Education, this is a question I ask frequently.
Sometimes I ask this question to parents and other times to the teachers. And, of course, I also ask the
children themselves. I must admit, it’s not something I’ve always done. I’ve worked with children for
all of my adult life, and for many of those years I assumed I could tell how the children were doing just
by observing them. I had training! I had experience! I had an expensive degree! But I was wrong. Sure,
much can be learned about children by observing them, but a whole lot more can be learned by
listening to them. And now I make sure that I do. In fact, intentionally asking our young people
questions and truly listening to their responses is, in my opinion, one of the most important roles and
sacred responsibilities of a DRE.
Although Sunday mornings on the Garden Level are typically filled with the noise and energy
Reverend Josh has dubbed “Holy Hubbub”, I try to create as many opportunities as possible for
children to be heard. One such opportunity is during Children’s Worship, when the children are asked
if they have a joy or concern they would like to share. There are always several slips of paper in the
Joys & Concerns basket, as well as a few hands in the air, waving anxiously, lest I forget to give them a
chance to share. I learn a great deal during the 5 minutes it takes to hear from all those who choose to
share. I learn about new pet cats, deceased pet hamsters, and allergies that make it impossible to have a
pet in the house. I hear about birthdays and visits with grandparents, about friends who’ve moved far
away, friends who aren’t being very nice, and friends who share their pretzels and Pokemon cards.
Another opportunity for children to be heard is through impromptu brainstorming sessions and
informal “focus groups”. Sometimes while children’s choir is rehearsing I invite those kids who aren’t
in the choir to come to my office and talk to me about how they think RE is going. I’ve also sent kids
home with notebooks and asked them to jot down their thoughts and ideas about RE, and then report
back to me the following Sunday. The afternoon activity workshops we offered in March were a result
of those notebooks.
(continued next page)
Commentary
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 7 of 22
(continued from previous page)
In April all the children were invited to complete a survey, which asked them about their experiences
this year in RE. Their answers were detailed and thoughtful, and have provided me with valuable
information that will indeed help me in choosing next year’s curriculum. As I read through the surveys,
there was one particular response that I saw over and over again. The question was, “What is the most
important thing you learned in RE this year?” The response from at least a half dozen children was, “I
am loved here”, or some variation of that sentiment. And all alone in my office I shouted, “Yes!”
Because I couldn’t agree more. I hope they have learned many important things this year, but what
could possibly be more important than the certain knowledge that UUS:E is a place where they are
loved? I say nothing. Nothing is more important than knowing that one is loved.
Our children have amazing things to say, and they very much want to be heard. I encourage you to
get to know them, to talk to them, to listen. And then, if by chance someone should greet you in the
traditional Masai way with the words, “And how are the children?”, I hope you will be able to respond,
“All the children are well.”
Happy spring!
Be well and be loved,
Gina
Commentary
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 8 of 22
A Buddhist Perspective
By Nancy Thompson
Ministry Theme for May is Compassion
Compassion is the heart of the Buddhist teachings. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, head of one of the
lineages of Tibetan Buddhism and the face of Buddhism to much of the world, says that the purpose of life
is to be happy, and the way to attain that is to develop compassion.
“The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater our own sense of well-being becomes.
Cultivating a close, warm-hearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. This helps remove
whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we
encounter. It is the ultimate source of success in life,” he says.
Compassion is listed as one of the Brahma Viharas, or Divine Abodes, along with lovingkindness,
empathetic joy, and equanimity. While lovingkindness is defined as the wish for all beings—ourselves and
others—to be happy, compassion goes a step further, seeing suffering and aspiring to end it.
Looking deeply at others’ suffering may sound depressing, but the Dalai Lama says it’s what gives us the
ability to face our difficulties without getting swamped:
As long as we live in this world we are bound to encounter problems. If, at such times, we lose hope
and become discouraged, we diminish our ability to face difficulties. If, on the other hand, we
remember that it is not just ourselves but every one who has to undergo suffering, this more realistic
perspective will increase our determination and capacity to overcome troubles. Indeed, with this
attitude, each new obstacle can be seen as yet another valuable opportunity to improve our mind!
Thus we can strive gradually to become more compassionate, that is we can develop both genuine
sympathy for others’ suffering and the will to help remove their pain. As a result, our own serenity
and inner strength will increase.
Compassion develops on three levels: aspiring (we see others’ suffering and wish it could be removed);
active (we take action to alleviate the suffering); and absolute (we see no difference between ourselves and
others, and every action we take is for the benefit of beings).
How do we develop compassion? We allow our hearts to be touched. Compassion is sometimes described
as being tender-hearted—it’s the “aw” we feel watching cat videos on the Internet or looking at pictures of
babies; the tears that fall when we hear another’s pain; even the anger at injustice. (Using anger as skillful
means is a topic all its own.) There are specific practices in which we imagine exchanging places with
another person or taking their suffering into our own hearts and transforming it.
By developing an attitude of compassion—of seeing suffering rather than ignoring or denying it or blaming
the person who is suffering—we behave differently in the world. That’s important. That’s world-changing.
The 17th Karmapa, head of another of the Tibetan Buddhist lineages, speaks frequently about the need to
act to protect the environment. Intellectual knowledge of the threat to the planet has not produced action
because our heartfelt awareness, known as bodhicitta, hasn’t kept pace. We care more for consumer goods
than the Earth.
“The weakness of our compassion, and the weakness or outright lack of our bodhicitta has placed this
world in grave danger,” he said. “We know this, it is all around us and we are responsible for it. And yet we
lack enough compassion to care. We lack enough bodhicitta to do anything about it. We need to work on
that.”
Compassion depends on a personal, felt connection. When we act from that deep level, we respect the
interdependent web of existence, cherishing all life as much as our own.
Service and Growth Opportunities
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 9 of 22
Service and Growth Section
Books, Classes and Discussions
UU Buddhists ...for May
The Buddhist Group will meet at 7:00
PM Tuesday, May 5, in Room 2.
We’ll meditate and discuss
Compassion, which is the ministry
theme for May and a core concept in Buddhism.
Contact Nancy Thompson,
mailto:[email protected], with any
questions.
Book Lovers
The Book Lovers will be meeting on Tuesday, May
12 (as always, the second Tuesday of the
month), from 3:30-5:00 PM, in the chapel
area.
We will be discussing Washington Square, by
Henry James.
All are welcome, even if you haven’t read the
book!
Future selections:
June 9 ........ The Aviator’s Wife,
by Melanie Benjamin (Pulitzer
Prizewinner!)
July 14 ....... Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt
Questions? Call Mary Heaney at (860) 432-1377
Women’s Sacred Singing Circle
Every Thursday from 7:00-9:00 PM, we will be
singing in the sanctuary. All women and girls eight
years and older are welcome to join our circle
regardless of musical training or ability. Come
when you are able, stay as long as you wish.
We sing chants, songs and rounds as we remember
them. Through song we intend to
honor the consciousness of Mother
Earth, express love for the
environment, and celebrate
traditions from many cultures. Sing,
laugh, and be in community.
For more information, contact Jane
Osborn: [email protected]
UUA Common Read 2014-2015
Each year the Unitarian Universalist Association
suggests a timely book for members and friends of
all congregations to read and discuss. This year’s
Common Read is Reclaiming Prophetic Witness:
Liberal Religion in the Public Square by Paul Rasor
(Skinner House Books, 2013). In this clarion call to
action, Rasor dispels the myth that conservative
Christianity is the only valid religious voice in our
national social policy, and invites Unitarian
Universalists to explore and claim our contribution,
as religious liberals, to the pressing moral and
ethical debates of our contemporary world.
There will be a 90-minute discussion of the
book on Sunday, June 7, at 1:00 PM in the
Meeting Room. Rev. Josh will be the resource
person and Hal Reed, a member of the
Denominational Affairs Committee, will be the
facilitator. This promises to be an interesting
and lively session and light refreshments will be
served. The book can be obtained through the UUA
Bookstore (uuabookstore.org) and most other
booksellers or your local library. It is also available
as an eBook. The discussion is open to all even if
you don’t get a chance to read the book. Contact
Hal Reed if you have questions.
Walk with Me
Intergenerational Poetry Walks
Join us for short walks that bring together body,
mind, and spirit.
Meet in the UUS:E lobby at 10:25 AM. Walks last
about an hour.
May 17, 2015, Emerson poetry. At Salter’s
Pond
Watch the newsletter or weekly eblast for additional
walks.
Leader: Susan Barlow
Books, Classes and Discussions
brought to you by… The Adult Religious Education Committee
(Youth are welcome at all workshops. Childcare is available with one week’s notice)
Service and Growth Opportunities
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 10 of 22
Adult Religious Education Plans for Fall
2015
Whatever your interests, there is something to learn
– whatever your passions, there is something to
share.
The Adult Religious Education (ARE) Committee
strives to offer one or more progrms a year in each
of the following areas:
UU History and Theology
UU and liberal religious themes in literature,
film, and the arts
Religions of the World
UU principles and local, national, and world
issues
Health and Wellness
We would love to hear from you on any topics or
programs you would like to see this fall and beyond.
And if there is something you would like to offer,
we are especially interested in hearing from you!
Please contact Josh at [email protected] or
(860) 646-5151 or any ARE Committee member:
Louisa Graver (Chair): [email protected]
David Garnes: [email protected]
June Bray: [email protected]
Crystal Ross: [email protected]
Lorry King: [email protected]
Larry Lunden: [email protected]
Tammy Stolzman:
All suggestions and comments about Adult
Religious Education programs at UUS:E are
welcome!
UU Parenting
Spring UU Parenting Discussion
Sunday June 7th
, after the 11:00 AM service
Our Spring UU Parenting Discussion will focus on
the 7th
UU Principle: Respect for the Interdependent
Web of All Existence of Which We Are a Part. The
Earth is our home and as such it is an important part
of the Interdependent Web in which we exist. As
parents we want to encourage our children to
respect our home planet and teach them how they
can help take care of it. There are many ways to
pitch in. For example we can conserve the energy
resources we “borrow” from the Earth, or chose
clean or renewable energy sources instead of so
called “dirty” energy. Kathy Ayers, our very own
resident expert on alternative energy, will lead us in
a discussion on how we can help our children
understand the differences between the energy
resources we have to choose from and encourage
them to conserve energy. Please join us at the
garden level after the service for lunch at 12:30. Our
discussion will begin at 1:00 PM. We hope to sit
outside if the weather is good so bring a lawn chair!
In order to arrange childcare and have a head count
for lunch we ask that you register as soon as
possible by contacting the church office at (860)
646-5151 or [email protected].
Books, Classes and Discussions
brought to you by… The Adult Religious Education Committee
(Youth are welcome at all workshops. Childcare is available with one week’s notice)
Service and Growth Opportunities
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 11 of 22
UUS:E Spring Cleanup
Saturday, May 2, and we need you! Now that one of the toughest winters in
recent memory is over, come out and
enjoy the spring season and help UUS:E
get the grounds back into shape. There are
numerous simple tasks that you can help with, and
you’ll get to work with lots of wonderful people,
too. The cleanup will run from 9:00 AM to noon
and consist primarily of raking, clearing, trimming,
spreading mulch, etc. Stop by anytime, even for an
hour or two, and the congregation will be so
thankful.
Questions about the event, contact Jim
Adams at [email protected] or
(860) 649-8644.
Circle Groups Have Arrived at UUS:E
To further our mission of maintaining a caring,
connected community for UUS:E members and
friends, the Pastoral Care Committee is re-
establishing Circle Groups. Some of you will
remember that Circle Groups were a feature of
UUS:E congregational life in the 1990s. A Circle
Group is a group of UUS:E members and friends
who live in the same geographic region. Each group
has a coordinator who will organize occasional
social activities (picnics, outings, etc.) and, in
certain circumstances, the members of each group
may be able to offer each other hands-on support
during difficult times. We understand that not
everyone is able or free to participate in Circle
Group activities. Participation is voluntary. In the
coming weeks, your coordinator will contact you
with an introduction. We hope that the Circle
Groups will create new connections between
members and friends of UUS:E who live in the
same geographical area. Any questions, contact
Rev. Josh or Pastoral Friends Chairperson, Gailynn
Willett, at UUS:E.
Programs for Off-Site Registrants
GA June 24-28, 2015 UUS:E members can participate in the Portland, OR
General Assembly without ever leaving
Connecticut! Using a telephone and a computer
with high-speed Internet, off-site delegates
participate in the business sessions and mini-
assemblies right along with the delegates who are
on-site, and can enjoy nine of the workshops
streamed in real time.
This is a thrifty way to be part of the action, but
avoid the air fare, housing costs, etc. The cost for an
off-site participant OR delegate is $135 until May 1,
$160 thereafter. Tech support will be available from
UUA. Some participants may wish to gather at
UUS:E for a sense of camaraderie.
All off-site registrants can:
Watch live webcasts of nine workshops and
type in questions to presenters.
Listen to the mini-assemblies on the proposed
bylaw amendments and the proposed Statement
of Conscience on Reproductive Justice. Only
delegates will be able to propose amendments.
Observe/participate in many of the worship
services (11 AM EDT Thurs-Sat and noon Sun.)
Enjoy a chat room to build community and
share ideas with other offsite registrants.
Off-site delegates—officially chosen by our
congregation—can:
o Watch live streaming video of all
Plenary Sessions online.
o Vote online and speak during debate in
General Assembly business sessions
from home, office, or congregation, or as
part of a congregational cluster.
o Listen to discussion and vote during
business mini-assemblies.
Key topics at this year’s GA include ratifying the
Draft Statement of Conscience on Reproductive
Justice and continuing the work on Economic
Inequality, which was the study topic chosen in
2014.
For more information, go to uua.org/GA-offsite or
e-mail Nancy Pappas at [email protected]. The
Denominational Affairs Committee is committed to
providing support for UUS:E members and friends
who are interested in this off-site participation
option!
News and Events
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 12 of 22
News and Events Section
UUS:E Calendar of Events for May For details, please go to http://uuse.org/events/calendar-2/#.VB9etWd0y71
News and Events
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 13 of 22
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Free at Last Players
Special One-Time Performance
Tuesday, May 19th
, 7:00 PM at UUS:E
The Free at Last Players is a not-for-profit theater group dedicated to dispelling the myths and misconceptions
that surround mental illness. Founded in 1989, the group has performed all over Connecticut and the United
States with shows consisting of songs, poems and skits created by the group’s members. The group consists of
members who—whether they are mentally ill or not—recognize that every person deserves to be seen as just
that: a person with strengths and weaknesses just like anyone else. We warmly welcome the Free at Last Players
back to UUS:E. For more information, contact Rev. Josh Pawelek at (860) 646-5151 or
[email protected]. A question-and-answer period and reception will follow the performance. A free-
will offering will be taken.
Spring UUS:E Mental Health Ministry Summit
Saturday, June 6th at UUS:E, 9:00 to Noon
All are welcome to attend UUS:E’s spring, 2015 Mental Health Ministry Summit. This is an opportunity for
anyone who lives with a mental illness, is in recovery from a mental illness, lives with and/or cares for someone
with a mental illness, has a family member or friend with a mental illness, works as a health care provider to
people with mental illness, or is just interested in the Mental Health Ministry, to meet with a committed, fun-
loving group of people for fellowship, food and activities. More information to come. Questions? Contact Rev.
Josh Pawelek at (860) 646-5151 or [email protected].
NAMI Walk
Join Us for the Connecticut NAMI Walk on May 16
The UUS:E Team for this year’s NAMI walk is You U Us We all 4 NAMI. You can link to the walk page at
http://www.classy.org/UYouUsWeall4NAMI and sign up for the walk and also make a donation online.
Christine Joyner and Sarah Karstaedt will be available in the UUS:E foyer between services to sign you up for
the walk, if you prefer doing things the old-school way. The walk is held in Bushnell Park on Saturday, May 16.
Check-in is at 9:00 AM and the walk begins at 10:00 AM. The walk just involves walking the loop around the
park, so is not terribly strenuous. However, virtual walkers are also welcome—you can donate to the walk,
whether or not you are free to be there for it.
We encourage UUS:E folks to meet up near the park bandstand, which is where the walk begins. If you sign up
for the walk in advance, we can arrange to meet at UUS:E and carpool into Hartford together.
Please contact Sarah or Christine if you have questions about the walk. This team is part of our mental health
ministry at UUS:E. Everyone is welcome to participate in the walk. Come out and show your support for people
in recovery from mental illness .
News and Events
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 14 of 22
Piano Bash—New Date
June 21, 2015 at 3:00 PM at the Meetinghouse
The Music Committee has sponsored an annual piano event at this time for several years,
but this year we want it to be open to anyone who would like to play a relatively short
piece on one of our two wonderful pianos. Anyone interested in participating in the Piano
Bash, please get in touch with Sue McMillen for details, as soon as possible. (Telephone:
(860) 742-8447; E-mail: [email protected])
Disparities—New Haven (Hartford? Manchester?) Rising The Social Justice Anti-Oppression Committee met Tuesday evening, April 7 with Renae Reese of the
Connecticut Center for a New Economy, and Rhona Cohen who worked with Renae to develop the Sustinet
Health Care program in Connecticut. On this night they were here to describe a program CCNE has initiated in
New Haven to remedy the huge racial disparities in employment and income.
A report from the Pew Research Center shows that in 2013 the median net worth for whites in the U.S. was
$141,900, for Hispanics $13,700, and for Blacks $11,000. CCNE’s research shows that in New Haven 7.7% of
whites are unemployed, 20.7% of Hispanics, and 18.5% of Blacks. In Hartford, the numbers are white 12.8%,
Hispanic 22.8%, and Blacks 25.2%.
It gets worse. In Connecticut, the poverty rate for children in Stamford is 18.6%, in Bridgeport 32.7% and in
Hartford 46.6%. The overall poverty rate in Stamford is 12.4%, in Bridgeport 21.7%, and in Hartford 35.2%.
The poverty line is defined as $11,670 for 1 person, $15,730 for 2, $19,790 for 3, and $23,850 for 4. The actual
need for a family of 4 in a city in order to meet basic needs would be $82,776. The disparities are worse for
women and Blacks.
We then broke into two groups to consider what we thought might be reasons for such disparities. Each group
was to come up with three explanations. What would your answers be?
1.___________________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________________
Don’t peek, but for our answers see Disparities on page 16.
In New Haven, New Haven Works has asked prospective employers to sign agreements that they will hire from
among 500 job-ready New Haven residents. Yale has signed such an agreement, as have other employers.
Union workers at Yale urged the University to sign an agreement to hire New Haven residents through New
Haven Works.
The goals are clear-cut but the racism is less visible. The goal to achieve parity in New Haven is to have 4,715
more people working by adding 1200 jobs every year for five years. Our question is what would it take to
develop such a program in Hartford? And who would organize such an effort? We need a strategy to break
down the wall between workers and jobs. The wall keeps us complicit in the disparities. Social Justice Anti-
Oppression assumes that UUS:E would at least support and probably be active in such an initiative. We’ll keep
you posted.
News and Events
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 15 of 22
Annual Appeal Results The Stewardship Committee would like to thank everyone who helped with this year’s Annual Appeal. At this
writing we have almost $400,000 committed in pledges and are waiting on a few more to come in. Our stewards
and potluck hosts (over 40 members!) deserve special thanks for their part in our campaign.
And thanks to all who have made pledges. While our results did not meet our goal and will require some budget
reductions, we are grateful for your generosity.
If you have not made your pledge yet, please respond to your steward or speak with one of the members of the
Stewardship Committee as soon as possible. You can also download a Pledge Form (and optional Electronic
Transfer Form) from our website and send it to Annie Gentile in the church office.
In spirit,
The Stewardship Committee
Bob Hewey, Louisa Graver, Lynn Kayser, Stan McMillen, Phil Sawyer, Debbie Starkel
Annual Meeting
Saturday Evening, May 30th
, 6:30 PM
Mark your calendars! The UUS:E Annual Meeting will take place on Saturday, May 30th. All voting members
are strongly encouraged to attend. In addition to a presentation on next year’s budget, thanking our outgoing
leaders and welcoming our incoming leaders, the Policy Board will be asking members to 1) vote in support of
first steps towards conducting a limited capital campaign in the fall to help pay down our mortgage; and 2)
adopt a new policy on conflict reconciliation. Watch for the formal announcement of the meeting in early May!
The annual Goods and Services auction will follow the Annual Meeting!
2015 UUSE Spring Fling Auction
Fun, Food, Goods, Services and More!
Saturday, May 30, Following Congregational Meeting
Make plans now to attend the Spring Fling auction right after the 6:30 PM
Congregational Meeting on May 30, the Saturday after Memorial Day.
You’ll find a great array of items, including extraordinary dinners, attractive and useful goods, and superb
services—ranging from low cost to priceless! And, importantly, proceeds will help balance UUSE’s budget as
we approach the fiscal year end. Admission is FREE and tasty refreshments, wine, and soft drinks will be
served. Free childcare is available by registering with the church office no later than May 27. The Spring Fling
will be great fun even if you don’t buy anything!
Auction item contributions are needed. Please use the interactive form on UUSE’s website (uuse.org) or fill out
a form at the Spring Fling auction table in the lobby after services. Deadline for contributions is Wednesday,
May 27. Preliminary and final auction item lists will be e-mailed to the UUSE community during the week
before the auction and a catalog will be available the night of the auction.
If you have any questions or would like to help with the Spring Fling auction, please contact Hal Reed.
News and Events
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 16 of 22
Green Sanctuary News
Sustainable Living Committee (and Climate Action Team)
Next SLC/CAT meeting is Tuesday, May 12 in Room 2 at 7 PM. The next Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL)
meeting is Thursday, May 21 at 7 PM.
RE Garden helpers needed. When? Sunday May 3, May 10, and May 31. If you can
help on any of these days, please let Anne Vaughan know (or sign up on RE’s list
downstairs). Also Gina will have a sign-up sheet for the summer.
CAT People! Join CT’s Climate March on May 31 with other local activists. Rally
at noon at the Capitol and then march to Riverfront Park for the Hartford Earth
Festival, where there will be many fun activities for adults and children until 5 PM.
More info: https://irejn.org/what-we-do/riverfront-earth-day/
The UUA-endorsed Commit2Respond just finished its “Climate Justice Month” with daily readings and
activities to increase one’s sense of connections to the Earth, its ecosystems, and disadvantages groups that
are especially susceptible to the damage created by climate change. The short readings and activities are
stimulating and can be found here: http://www.commit2respond.org/news
Speaking of stimulating readings, Tim DeChristopher (of Bidder 70 fame and now studying at Harvard to be
a UU minister) just wrote a good article in Yes Magazine. It is well worth reading. This link should take you
to it. http://www.yesmagazine.org/planet/this-activist-went-to-prison-for-the-climate-now-he-wants-
churches-to-take-moral-leadership
Climate Change Could Be Affecting Your Morning “Cuppa Joe” Coffee-leaf rust is devastating the farms of Central America. What is this “rust” and what is it doing to the
coffee plants? First, a little explanation about the plant. Coffee beans are
actually the seeds inside of a bright red fruit called a “coffee cherry.” When
coffee farmers see an abundance of bright red cherries they know their farms
are healthy and will produce an abundance of coffee.
Unfortunately for the past three years they are seeing fewer and fewer cherries. In some cases the crops were
80% smaller! A plant-choking fungus called coffee rust, la roya, has swept across Central America. It destroys
the coffee cherries and eventually kills the trees. Climate change has created the conditions that allow the
disease to thrive and spread.
So, what can we do about it? We can buy more Equal Exchange coffee at our table in the lobby on the second
Sunday of each month! Ten cents for every pound purchased since June 1, 2014 through May, 2015, will go to
the Red Cherry Fund. Farmer co-ops are working hard to develop innovative and sustainable strategies for
building healthy farms, and Equal Exchange is working with them. The money raised in the Red Cherry
Challenge will provide small grants to farmers as they strive for solutions.
Our next sale date is Sunday, May 10. See you then!
Disparities
Reasons for Disparities in Income and Employment (see page 14)
Answers from Social Justice Anti-Oppression groups:
Group 1: Industrial shift away from manual labor jobs in the U.S.; inherited wealth, much of which was earned
on the backs of the oppressed; a biased criminal justice system
Group 2: Attitudes toward Blacks left over from centuries of slavery; GI Bill giving white veterans assistance
in buying homes, but not Black veterans; networking among whites but not available to Blacks and
Hispanics
News and Events
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 17 of 22
Congrats to Gina
We are happy to announce that Gina has accepted the Policy Board’s offer to be the
permanent DRE for UUS:E. Congratulations to Gina!! Our transition to a more inclusive, and more multigenerational community is underway and under Gina’s
innovative leadership, we will see new and vibrant changes in our RE program. Have you noticed some already??
News and Events
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 18 of 22
Mother’s Day Celebration
We are all connected . . .
“Women hold up half the sky.”
- Chinese Proverb
Be Ready for Mother’s Day!
The Women’s Circle Project will receive 15% of any
purchases made at
Ten Thousand Villages
Farmington Avenue
West Hartford Center
Friday, May 8, 2015
1-5 PM
These funds will be donated to the organizations listed.
Sponsored by
Our mission is to raise money for
International organizations
supporting women, children and
education.
Asante Sana for Education www.asantesanaforeducation.com
Thistle Farms, Nashville TN www.thistlefarms.org
Kiva www.kiva.org
To support these causes please help us…
-buy crafts at Ten Thousand
Villages in West Hartford Center
on Friday, May 8, from 1–5
-after the Mother’s Day worship
service, buy crafts from the
village women living in
Bagamoyo, Tanzania
-buy baked goods from around
the world
-Silent Auction: Sign up for one
of the many baskets with a
variety of themes
Mother’s Day Celebration
May 10, 2015
The Universalist Church 433 Fern Street
West Hartford CT
10 AM worship service
Ashley Washburn will speak
about her foundation, Asante
Sana, and we’ll hear other
stories about women around
the world who have made a
difference.
Food and Craft Bazaar
Fiske Hall
11 AM – 2 PM
find unique gifts for Mother’s Day
handmade crafts from Tanzania
homemade baked goods
silent auction of gift baskets
For more information, contact
News and Events
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 19 of 22
Plant Sale
Member Connections
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 20 of 22
Member Connections Section
House Sitter Wanted Looking for someone to house sit, December 23-31
in Manchester, for a small dog and a cat.
Please call Barbara at (860) 533-0040
UUS:E Couples Bill and Susan Bosworth will be hosting the UUS:E
Couples Group at 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 9th
at
their home at 239 Hebron Road in Bolton. The topic
for discussion is “What childhood story or poem do
you recall from time to time, even now?” All
committed couples are encouraged to attend. Please
plan to bring a dessert or snack.
RSVP to Susan or Bill at (860) 649-5353
Rainbow Alliance
The Rainbow Alliance is Unitarian Universalist
Society: East’s social group for LGBTQ people and
their families, that periodically gets together for
movie nights, potlucks, picnics and other events!
Did you know? The Rainbow Alliance has an
email list! To join, head to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UUSE_Rainbow/
Equal Exchange ...fair-trade, sustainably-grown, organic coffee, tea,
chocolate and now olive oil! are available for
purchase in the lobby after each service on the
second Sunday of every month.
These products are good for the
growers, good for the Earth, and
offered at a very good price. And
did you know that the coffee served on Sunday
mornings and at other UUS:E events is also Equal
Exchange brand?
Sponsored by your Sustainable Living Committee
Stop and Shop Fundraiser As a reminder to members and friends, UUS:E is
taking part in a fundraiser which
is painless to those who
participate and very helpful to
UUS:E. We buy gift cards from
S&S at a 5% discount and then sell them to you for
the full amount of the card. The cards come in $20,
$50, $100 and $250 amounts. You can then use
them at Stop & Shop when you purchase your
groceries or give them as gift cards. While 5%
seems a small amount, UUS:E was able to raise
over $2,000 last year with this project. Please
consider purchasing a card to support this endeavor.
Cards are sold after each service on the second and
fourth Sundays of the month.
If you have questions, please let either Gail Crook
([email protected]) or Peggy Gagne
([email protected]) know. We’ll gladly answer any
questions you have.
Mentor Program The Membership Committee is starting a
Newcomer/New Member Mentor Program to help
new members and regularly attending newcomers
ease their integration into the UUS:E community.
Would you consider being a mentor? All you have
to be is friendly! Please contact Jennifer Klee at
[email protected] if you are interested.
Coffee Volunteers We know everyone enjoys coffee hour after the
service, but to make it work, we need volunteers!
We are looking for a few more people who will
commit to preparing the after-service refreshments
one Sunday a month. It’s easy and fun!
Please contact:
Jackie Heintz [email protected],
Jennifer Klee [email protected] or
Sylvia Õunpuu [email protected]
Member Connections
UUS:E Newsletter May 2015 Page 21 of 22
Visitors and Newcomers Welcome – We hope we had a chance to greet you
when you first visited. Of course, there’s no
obligation to introduce yourself during Time for
Sharing, but we’d love to talk with you any time.
Please stop by the Welcome Table to speak with the
person there, who will be happy to answer any
questions.
Name tags – free and helpful! Just ask the welcome
table representative or phone the church office
(860) 646-5151, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, to speak with
Annie Gentile, the office administrator.
UUS:E recycles! Bring your used ink-jet cartridges and old cell
phones here. They will not be trashed, will be
properly recycled, and the money we receive will
go into the UUS:E general operating fund. The
collection box will be in the vestibule most
Sundays, especially coffee sales days. The box will
be kept in the Recycling Room when not in the
vestibule. Please insert the cartridge in a plastic bag
so the ink doesn’t leak out.
UUS:E on the Web UUS:E WEB SITE at http://uuse.org. Here you can
find the latest news about our community and
upcoming events, Rev. Josh’s sermons, and much
more.
DIALOGUE FROM HOME is our ongoing virtual
talkback series that continues online after each of
Rev. Josh’s sermons. Request a password from
Annie, at [email protected]?
FACEBOOK! UUS:E now has its own Facebook
page where members and friends can share all
things UUS:E. Request to join here at
http://www.facebook.com/UUSEast.
NEW! UUS:E HAPPENINGS Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/5870665780288
06/.
REV. JOSH has his own website located at
http://revjoshpawelek.org. Catch up on his latest
writings, community work, and more. You can also
follow Rev. Josh on Twitter @revjoshpawelek, or
connect with him at LinkedIn and Facebook.
SHUTTERFLY – please check out photos of
UUS:E activities and consider adding your own
photos to this photo sharing site at
http://uuseast.shutterfly.com/pictures,
Password: UNITARIAN
YOUTUBE – We have our own UUS:E YouTube
channel with Rev. Josh’s sermons and other
services. Go to http://uuse.org for this link.
Your Communications Committee
Send your e-Blast submissions to:
Address and Contacts Page
Unitarian Universalist Society: East
153 West Vernon Street
Manchester, CT 06042
June Newsletter Deadline:
Wednesday, May 20
UUS:E GENERAL INFORMATION
UUS:E Office Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Meetinghouse Office: (860) 646-5151
Office Administrator: Annie Gentile email: [email protected]
Minister: Rev. Joshua Pawelek (860) 652-8961, [email protected]
OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday 10 AM to 7 PM and Thursday 10 AM to 4 PM
President: Alan Ayers, (860) 633-6125, [email protected]
Acting Director of Religious Education:
Gina Campellone, (860) 875-8468, [email protected]
Newsletter Editor: Paul Cocuzzo, (978) 270-2056, [email protected]
Web Page Coordinator: Carol Marion (860) 643-8765, [email protected]
World Wide Web address: http//www.uuse.org
