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Minister
Tuesdays & Thursdays
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
or by appointment.
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Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m.– 2 p.m.
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Sunday Morning Service
10:30 a.m. September 8
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"Riding the Wave"
Ingathering and Water Communion
At our yearly water communion, you are invited to bring water from a place special to you, that we gather in our common bowl. This year, Rev. Bob introduces our yearly theme "Living into Possibility", with a focus on the possibility of waves. Surfers welcome!
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Reverend Bob Janis
Rick Tsukada, Worship Associate
Sam Moffett, Music Director
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Can't be here in person for worship?
Join us on ZOOM 10:30 a.m.
Meeting ID: 931 0388 7934
Passcode: 128493
Virtual Coffee Hour to follow
* Note: Zoom Coffee Hour ends at noon
Worship is also streamed on Facebook —
follow our page and receive notifications every time we go live.
Couldn't get to USH, and missed the livestream?
Watch any service, anytime, here on Vimeo
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Upcoming Worship Services:
September 15: "Knock Knock", Reverend Bob/
Judy Robbins, Worship Associate
September 22, 10:30: “The Genius of Mozart”,
Reverend Bob/Michael Michaud, Worship Associate/
Mozart Quartet: flute, violin, viola, and cello.
September 29: “Legacy”, Reverend Jan Carlsson-Bull, pulpit guest/ Carol Simpson, Worship Associate
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Message from Rev. Bob...
Are you interested in saving the world?
Then consider volunteering in our Religious Exploration Program.
There are a variety of opportunities available, even if it's only occasional. Contact Shahan, our Director of Religious Education, or Rev. Bob to explore the possibilities.
With gratitude,
Reverend Bob
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Post-Ingathering Pot Luck
Come enjoy an end-of-summer pot luck lunch in Fellowship Hall on 9/8 after Ingathering. We will provide bread, beverages, and cake!
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Endowment Insights
“The Envelope”
At USH, as in all parts of society, your abilities, your birthplace, family of origin, education you may have received, and resources available when you started out on your own (not to mention prejudice, and other afflictions of society) may have a great deal to do with where you find yourself within our USH community as the first Endowment Campaign in many years gets underway. Following on Joe Rubin's overview of endowments in general — what they are, how they can benefit an organization in fulfilling its mission — we will hear from Jim Venneman as (in five minutes or less) he speaks about the importance of participation and full-community support.
The Endowment Committee very much wants everyone to participate. So, how do you do this across the spectrum of members and friends without making those currently stretched thin feel regret and isolation because they may be unable to contribute what they feel would be considered significant?
Here is the perspective, to keep in mind when you are asked – as we all will be, to contribute.
Please envision this...
The metaphorical envelope, not necessarily what is in it, carries a powerful, penetrating message from your Endowment Committee. Be you rich or poor, newbie or long-timer, retired or mid-career, older and young as well...
- The envelope says you wish to participate.
- It says you wish to add your small or large contribution to the trickle or stream of funds for our endowment.
- It says you are a welcome, sought, and valued member of our community.
- It says the community understands the winds of adversity and random defeats, and victories are understood as part of the human condition. We all share it, some better for it and some worse.
So, please understand, whatever size your contribution, we are all in this together as a community that cares for one another.
And that is the meaning of the “envelope” – regardless of what is in it!
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Jim Venneman and his wife Ellie have been members of USH since the 1980s. Jim has been a member of the USH board, including Vice President, President, Treasurer, and is now Council Chair for Finance. He was chair of the endowment committee from 2014 to 2017. With his wife Ellie, he taught 3-year olds in Religious Education for 15 years, and headed the most recent stewardship drive. He serves on the Building and Grounds Sub-Council and the Endowment Committee.
Jim passed the CPA exam and during his career served as a financial examiner for the CT Insurance Department.
For more information about the Endowment Committee click here
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Recap: Joe Rubin speaking on 8/25/2024
The USH Endowment—
“What Is It? How Does It Work? Why Does It Matter?"
At the start of our 8/25 Sunday service, Endowment Committee representative Joe Rubin addressed these three basic questions, thereby ushering in the inaugural phase of a campaign to build and nurture USH’s Endowment Fund. A portion of our congregation is familiar with our endowment fund as one of the cornerstones (along with our building, general operating account, and of course our staff and volunteers) of our Unitarian Society’s foundation. Some others, though, may have been unaware of this feature. Joe offered a highly-condensed summary of, covering these points:
- Our Endowment is a fund, invested and set aside for specific designated purposes.
- People may contribute directly to the fund, designate it as a beneficiary in their wills, or both.
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A planned portion of investment earnings may bend commonly is, drawn annually to support an institution’s normal operations. However, this practice applies with respect to earnings only… in order to “invade the principal”, more extended procedures are required.
- Current value of our Endowment is approximately $1.6 million (which sounds like a lot, but when allocated across the ‘population’ represented within the current USH community, amounts to a few thousand per person.
- The fund is managed by a professional investment company. with a strategy consistent with our principles as advised by the Endowment Committee. Any spending decisions for long-term capital improvements or other major expenditures are subject to board approval.
- A host of restrictions, both internal (USH constitution & by-laws) and external (government) govern what may be done with funds designated as Endowment Funds.
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Finally, we, as the Unitarian Society of Hartford, are the sole owner of our Endowment. No national denominational organization has any stake or say in its management, use, or disposal.
Thanks to Joe, for education and clarification on these points in what might be called an Endowment 101 briefing… in five minutes!
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Did you miss the first issue of The USHer, our new USH publication? You can read it here.
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Board Suggestions Mailbox
Have a suggestion for the board? Leave your submission in our new mailbox, located outside the office.
Prefer to email? E-mail the board at ushboardofdirectors@gmail.com
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"Oxford was among the hardest-hit areas by the weather event on August 18th, which saw multiple storms form over the same area in what meteorologists have described as a "train." The immense rain resulted in flash-flooding that washed out bridges and roads throughout a wide swath of southwestern Connecticut."
If you would like to make a donation to help those effected, visit " Community Rising Flood Relief Fund" at teaminc.org.
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September Good Neighbor Offering (GNO)
The REACH Fund of Connecticut
(Reproductive Equality, Access & CHoice)
The REACH Fund of Connecticut was founded in 2021 by a group of individuals who believe that healthcare is a human right and abortion is an essential part of healthcare. REACH is an all-volunteer organization made up of people throughout the state who work tirelessly to maintain and improve abortion access in CT.
The mission of The REACH Fund is to reduce financial barriers to abortion care in CT by providing financial assistance to those who receive care here. REACH works directly with CT abortion providers to financially contribute to abortion care for those who cannot afford their out-of-pocket costs. Providers bill REACH directly for the funding.
Despite abortion being legal in CT, it is not always accessible. Nearly 40% of CT households live paycheck-to paycheck and cannot afford an unexpected expense.
REACH relies on the generosity of neighbors and communities like USH, to ensure that finances are not a barrier to receiving timely abortion care. Please give generously to support the vision of The REACH Fund: a world in which access to abortion is free from financial and logistical barriers, stigma and injustice.
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Horace Bushnell Food Pantry
Breaking News!
Recently, CNN stated that due to increases in basic living expenses (housing/food), the number of families who rely on food assistance is equal to the numbers seen at the height of the Pandemic!
Give generously and frequently, PLEASE. (Primarily proteins).
The food bins are back in their regular place in the lobby.
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Help us update our classrooms with new games for RE!
GETTING READY FOR THE YEAR: School is in session and so are we! We are starting off with three classrooms and will expand as the program expands. You will notice some new and comfortable furniture, access to computers and videos, and more books and games. We want our kids/youth to want to be here. Help us bring in new games for the youth to enjoy!
If you have any age-appropriate Nintendo Switch games you would like to donate, reach out to Shahan. If you would like to purchase items for RE, take a look at our wishlist!
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If you are interested in helping with RE and/or wish to be part of an RE Committee, kindly contact Shahan at shahan@hartforduu.org
RE CALENDAR: Take a look at the RE calendar. Every Sunday, we would like to have parents/kids/youth know beforehand whether they will be with the parents in the service, or in the classroom, or start in the service and then go downstairs to the classrooms (like this Sunday). Updates are pending, do reach out with any questions.
IN-GATHERING SERVICE SEPTEMBER 8: KIDS/YOUTH PARTICIPATE - BRING THEIR OWN WATER!
We will start the year off with In-Gathering on September 8, with the kids/youth beginning in the sanctuary. Kids/youth (all ages) are asked to bring water representing where they have been or having some significance to them. At some point during the service, they will be ushered to their classes.
RE Welcome Retreat (Sep. 13-15)
An RE Welcome Retreat will be held September 13 – 15 in Granby at a waterfront location. Families with kids/youth in RE and those who have assisted or would like to assist are invited.
If you would like to help with the Retreat, kindly sign up here: Unitarian Society of Hartford: RE Retreat (signupgenius.com)
A flyer for the event may be found HERE
Sign-up and permission to attend may be found HERE
More photos and information about the location are HERE
USH Lake Compounce Day (October 5)
USH Lake Compounce Day, October 5: Kids and youth are invited to a USH Lake Compounce Day on October 5. Special thanks to Makenzi Hurtado who will help organize this. The permission form must be completed for those wishing to attend this fun outing!
YOUTH CON: October 18-19 or 18-20:
We are looking at October 18-19 or October 18-20 for a Youth Con at USH. One or two nights will depend on our youth.
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New Group: Recovery Dharma
Meets Sundays 6 - 7 p.m. weekly
For more information about Recovery Dharma, visit their website here
If you are interested in attending a meeting, have questions, or would like to learn more, contact Chris Cornachio.
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First Thursdays in the Chapel,
This Thursday, September 5, 6 p.m.
We are continuing our First Thursday chapel series, inaugurated last year. On the First Thursday of each month, come to a simple time of contemplation and renewal in our chapel. Featuring gentle music from different genres, poetry, readings from multiple religions and philosophies, and gentle meditative practices, First Thursdays are an opportunity to simply be, to relax, breathe, and take the time to let our busy lives catch up with us.
Join us to experience the calm of Thursday nights at the Unitarian Society of Hartford. First Thursdays are free and open to all. No RSVP is needed.
Our First Thursdays start at 6 p.m. and finish around 6:40 – 7:00.
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First Friday Hangout and Discussion
(formerly First Tuesdays)
This Friday, September 6, 10:30 a.m. – noon
Every first Friday of the month, in our library and simultaneously on Zoom, Rev. Bob hosts a time when anyone can drop in to talk about life, the universe, and everything else. We begin our time with a check-in, where anyone around the Zoom room can share whatever they like about the past week. Then, we delve into our topic. Everyone is welcome to share, but no one is required to.
Here is the schedule (topics subject to change based on circumstance and whimsy):
September 6: Finding peace in an exhausting world – how to live in the 24-hour news/spin cycle.
October 4: The Flaming Chalice, and other symbols of hope.
November 1: Forgiveness. What does it mean to forgive someone? What does it mean to be forgiven?
December 6: Winter Show and Tell (you are invited to bring an object that has something to do with winter for you –can be holidays, snow, whatever you like).
Newcomers always welcome; stop by whenever you like!
Can't make it in person? Join us via Zoom here
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Disability Support Group — September 7
This group meets online on the first Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m. The Zoom link is sent a few days prior to the meeting. In this group, participants discuss the challenges of physical disability (chronic illness, chronic pain, impaired senses, impaired mobility) and emotional pain (loss, mental illness), and the stresses of caretaking a loved one. What is said in the group stays in the group. To confirm summer scheduling, please Email Gloria Bent or call 860-904-7768.
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Gentle Yoga Returns Monday, 9/9 @ 10
Gentle Yoga resumes weekly meetings next Monday morning, in the Meditation rooms. Led by experienced yoga practitioner and teacher LU Giammatteo, these hour-long sessions incorporate gentle stretching and strengthening positions and movement in a supportive, encouraging environment. Stand or sit, according to your preference and ability... all levels are welcome.
If you'd like to learn more before showing up, email LU with your questions.
Participants are asked to donate $5 per session (proceeds to USH) if their situation allows.
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USH Book Club's 2024/25 Reading List
The Book Club meets from 2:30 – 4 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month, September through June, either on Zoom or occasionally as a hybrid meeting. If you would like to participate in a discussion of the book and related issues, please contact Ginny Allen at fiddlenurse1@gmail.com. An email with the Zoom link will be sent to you a day or two before the meeting.
Book Selections for 2024/2025
September 12: A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
October 10: State of Terror by Louise Penney with Hillary Rodham Clinton
November 14: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
December 12: Mad Honey by Jodi Pecoult with Jennifer Finney Boylan
January 9, 2025: Heart-Treasure for the Mother of the World by Robert Janis
February 13: Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
March 13: Tom Lake by Anne Patchett
April 10: Trust by Herman Diaz
May 8: Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
June 12: The Women by Kristen Hannah
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Magdalene Circle Saturday, September 14
in the Meditation Sanctuary 2 - 5 p.m.
Join us as we explore the Divine Feminine principle with particular attention to the historical, archetypal, and spiritual Mary Magdalene. We look at ancient and modern material as well as practices we can integrate into our daily lives to expand Love of ourselves and each other. If you are interested in participating in this group please contact Lisa Burch before attendance for orientation. A free-will donation is requested, to be directed to USH.
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Saturday Sing-Along
September 21, 2 – 5 p.m.
Join us at the next Meeting House Sing-Along. Song sheets and some loaner copies of Rise Up Singing or Rise Again are available.
Come early or come late, whatever fits your schedule. Some of us bring snacks, but that is not required (or organized). If the weather is good, we meet outside around to the right of the building, in the Memorial Garden. Contact: Fred Louis or Ed Savage for more information.
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In November 2023, a passionate collective of individuals, deeply engaged in refugee support, launched the Refugee Women’s Center in Hartford, CT. This nonprofit organization is committed to empowering refugee women, guiding them towards self-sufficiency with dignity, resilience, and a sense of community.
Our vision for the Refugee Women's Center is to become a beacon of hope and empowerment through the establishment of a comprehensive support system anchored in our four fundamental pillars of service and ensure their successful integration and personal growth within the community
If you are interested in learning more about the organization, click here.
If you would like to volunteer, click here for more information.
~ Eric Kessler, Refugee Women's Center of CT
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Eclectica, a four-piece string ensemble that arranges and plays music spanning centuries, continents, styles, and cultures, will perform their Autumn Magic music at UUSE starting at 3 PM on Sunday, Sept. 22. Suggested freewill donation is $15 at the door.
The program will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Society East located at 153 Vernon Street West, Manchester, CT. It is open to the public. For details call 860-646-5151 or visit uuse.org.
https://www.uuse.org/regular-events/eclectica-concert
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September Board Meeting:
Tuesday, 9/10, 6:30 p.m.
Zoom Link
2024 – 2025 USH Board of Directors —
Nancy Kemmerer: President
Nina Elgo: President-Elect
Jon Covault: Treasurer
Gloria Mengual: Secretary
Paul Cipriano: Administration Council Chair
Judy Sullivan: Social Justice Council Chair
Laura Cipriano: Community Within Council Chair
Laurie Kelliher: Membership Council Chair
Jim Venneman: Finance Council Chair
Rick Tsukada: Spiritual Life Council Chair
Have a question or comment for the board? Send an email to: ushboardofdirectors@gmail.com.
The latest financial reports for FY 2024-2025 have been posted;
click HERE to view.
See the 2023/24 Annual Report HERE
The Board Meeting Minutes for May 2024 have been posted.
Click HERE to view the USH Directory, Reports, and other church business information online. Contact Karolina Wojtysko for the username and password.
Link for Welcome Team Sign-Up Genius
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The deadline for USH E-news submissions is
noon Tuesday!
Please write in the 'Subject' field "USH Enews", and include the dates that your submission should be featured. Announcements about upcoming events appear for two consecutive weeks maximum, unless other arrangements have been made with the editorial team.
When forwarding information concerning an "outside" event or organization, please pre-edit your copy in order to keep the piece to 200 words or less. Note that all material is subject to editing prior to publication.
Articles should be sent as email file attachments, (MS Word preferred) and images need to be sent separately as jpeg, jpg, png, tiff, bmp, or gif files.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Editor-in-Chief: Tina Davies
Church Operations Manager: Karolina Wojtysko
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USH Calendar of Events
The calendar for September 2024 can be viewed HERE.
Please consult our Online Calendar regularly for all upcoming events coordinated by the
Unitarian Society of Hartford
To submit a Calendar Request or Zoom Meeting click HERE.
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