"There is an interconnectedness of all humanity," Dr. James Cone, founder of Black Theology and one of my mentors, writes, an interconnectedness "that makes the freedom of one person dependent upon the liberation of all. No one can be free until all are free."
This is what our people found in Selma, and what we are being invited to
remember today.
Standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, we have a new opportunity to be authentic to our values, a new opportunity to live out our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We are not being asked to give our lives until death. But we are being asked to take a stand.
USNH is offering a 9:15 to 9:45 am Sunday morning service of meditation, interspersed with music and readings, coordinated by Bill Braun. It is a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect for a short while - to soothe our spirits and have a brief respite in our busy lives - a worship gem we hope you will attend.
Child care for children up to ten years old is available during Worship services.
September 25, 10:30 am
Casting our Lot (When So Much Has Been Destroyed)
On September 25, we join with thousands of faith communities across the country as we lift our voices in memory of those lost to gun violence and cry out for change. How long? It's a question the biblical prophets asked and one we ask thousands of years later as our society remains devastated by gun violence.
Rev. Megan Lloyd Joiner, Jesse Greist, Linda Pawelek
October 2, 10:30 am
Faith and Forgiveness: A High Holidays Service
As we turn our hearts to the Jewish New Year, we ponder questions of forgiveness, atonement, and redemption. What role does faith play in our willingness to forgive and our capacity to be forgiven?
Rev. Megan Lloyd Joiner, Jesse Greist, Linda Pawelek
October 9, 10:30 am
Defying Hate
Refugees are fleeing for their lives, and yet many face discrimination and closed doors because of their race or religion. Join us in reflecting on how we can defy hate. Refugees will offer personal experiences.
Immigration and Refugee Task Force
October 16, 10:30 am
What's God Got to Do With It?
What do Unitarian Universalists believe about God, anyway? Whatever our idea of God: Holy, Divine, Mother, Father, Gaia, Great Spirit, Infinite Oneness, non-existent, there is room for all of us in Unitarian Universalism. Join us as we explore together different conceptions of God in our theologically diverse faith.
Rev. Megan Lloyd Joiner, Jesse Greist, Linda Pawelek
Sunday Flowers
We have put the Flower Book in the lobby so you can sign up to provide flowers in celebration or in memory of someone, or something, special in your life.
Children and Youth Religious Education
Help!
We still need 1-2 more YRUU youth group advisers! The youth of USNH need YOU... Please contact the RE office at [email protected] or
203-288-1807, X203
for more information or to sign up.
Fall Class Offerings - The first day of RE classes is this Sunday, September 25!
The Religious Education Classes for 2016-2017 are listed below. The first day of classes will be September 25. Please see the CYRE bulletin board in the social hall or our website for more information. If you still need to register your child(ren) you can download the registration form
here, or sign up in the social hall following the service.
Nursery-Pre K - Free play and Celebrating Me and My World Curriculum, supported by Jenn Russenberger and parent volunteer, Shawna Reed.
Kindergarten-1st grade - Wonderful Home curriculum, taught by Michael Clorite, Sarah Gallagher, Rene Navarra-Davis and Pablo deVos-Deak. This curriculum will be supplemented by Our Whole Lives in March, April and May, taught by Robb Camm and Rene Navarra-Davis.
2nd-3rd Grade - UU Superheroes, taught by Tricia Mangold-Heiser, Mary Beth Congdon, Jim Bond, and Tessa Trotta-Smith.
4th-5th grade - You, the Creator of Justice, taught by Jeremy Hill, Rod Groff, Krista Elliott and Kenny Foscue. This curriculum will be supplemented by Our Whole Lives in March, April and May, taught by Becky Sandmann and Karl Soderholm.
6-7th grade - Heeding the Call, taught by Chrissy Rogers, Lois Smith, Joe Baker and Heather Wainwright.
8th Grade Affirmations - taught by Lurline deVos, Elizabeth Howard, Lydia Smith-Franks and Rev. Randall Spaulding.
Young Religious Unitarian Universalists youth group - which will meet weekly after worship. Advisers are Robb Camm, Patricia Duff, and Mike Sanger. We are still seeking 1-2 additional advisers. First full meeting will be September 25.
We will also be offering Our Whole Lives sexuality and human development class for 7-8th graders in winter/spring of this year. This class will meet after worship. Contact
Jesse Greist for more information.
ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Social Cinema - Sat., September 24, Potluck at 6:30 pm, Film & Panel Discussion at 7:15 pm in the Social Hall.
"Refugee" -A Short Film Created By & About
New Haven Refugee Students
In partnership with the Immigrants and Refugees
Task Force.
The film will be followed by a Panel Discussion on Refugees in New Haven with Dennis Wilson of IRIS; Nicki Chavoya of P.L.A.C.E.; Members of the USNH Immigration & Refugee Task Force; Guest Appearances by Students involved in the film... And - The P.L.A.C.E. Art Trolley will be at this event with arts & crafts for kids attending w/ their families!
These informal gatherings over chips and dip will be outside on the patio around a fire, weather permitting. We'll tell stories from UU history together -- everyone contributing whatever piece they know or have experienced -- in the way that can only happen on the porch when folks sit around to gossip and share stories. Don't be shy if you are new to Unitarian Universalism...the porch has always been one of the best places to learn! Bring your own beverage (and, if you wish, your favorite lawn or beach chair to sit in and/or a blanket to snuggle under). Some kids may want to come and snuggle up and listen, too.
Sunday, September 25 3:30-5:00 pm - The Untidy Process of Growth
Sunday, October 2 3:30-5:00 pm - UUs From Around the World
(with special guests from a neighboring congregation who recently
traveled to Transylvania)
Future sessions in the spring might include themes such as trailblazing women, dramatic exits, and General Assembly politicking. You can help decide!
An open group for writers of all stages.
The first meeting of this group is coming up on Wednesday, September 28 in the Library, from 7-8:30 pm. We will share, listen and discuss original works of poetry and prose inspired by and in response to the 2016-2017 USNH monthly worship themes. The group will be facilitated by Steve Evans and
Jesse Greist.
Please email Jesse Greist at
[email protected] to indicate interest, or ask questions.
Becoming Women of Wisdom An Earth Based Spirituality Journey - 13 sessions. Facilitator: Becky Sandmann
Beginning Sunday, October 9 at 12:00 noon in the Library
This is a sequel to last year's popular class, "Rise Up And Call Her Name". This class...
* Explores the transition into the crone years through art, story, poetry, drama, music & dance
* Encourages women to share their stories and claim their
inner wisdom
* Empowers women to share their wisdom with the world and live their ideals
Join Rev. Megan and fellow congregants as we discuss the worship theme for the month and share its relevance to our lives. Gatherings will be held on the third
Thursday of the month in the minister's office from
7-8:30 pm starting
October 20th. No pre-registration. Please bring a snack to share if you are able.
Book Discussion
Sunday, October 30, 12 noon in the Library
Guns Don't Kill People, People Kill People... And Other Myths About Guns and Gun Control
In partnership with the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
A book discussion about debunking the lethal logic behind the pervasive myths that have framed the gun control debate. Books available in the Social Hall on Sundays
orders will be collected at the Peace Task Force table
Sunday, September 25
We continue to see this as a way to promote peace and justice in the Mideast.
Please stop by the table to place your order and to get updates on various peace initiatives that we are supporting.
Small Group Meetings at USNH
Small Groups: Find the community you seek in a Small Group. The 2nd sign up is this
Sunday, September 25. 6 groups new this term are Mindfulness, Men's Issues, Impact of Race in our Daily Lives, Embracing Challenging Emotions, Buddhist Lens II, Inner Landscapes of Womanhood. Participants need not be members of USNH.
The 3rd and last sign up is October 2.
Folks are encouraged to bring a SOUP to share (crockpot/or in pot to reheat). Bread, butter, and desserts welcomed! Please join together for soup and conversation on October 2!
The Sunday Morning Team
First Sunday Welcome Chat
October 2,
Room 209, noon-12:45 pm
Visitors are invited to meet a few members and friends of USNH and watch a short video about Unitarian Universalism.
Bring your soup, snack or coffee
By-laws Changes in the Works - Be Informed
The USNH By-laws are being revised to comply with both current practices and our Policy Governance structure.
The By-law Committee has information about the changes. You may find the proposed changes on the USNH website -
USNH.org. In preparing for the Fall Congregational Meeting vote on the revisions, we have a series of town-hall style meetings to discuss the proposed changes. Please plan to attend.
Next meetings are:
Sunday, October 2 at 9 in room 209
Saturday,
October 15 at 10 in the Library
The Permanent Committee on Right Relations Presents:
BRINGING OUR COVENANT TO LIFE THROUGH
RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
The First Morning Workshop Training
for Restorative Dialogue and Peacemaking
September 24, 9 am - 12:30 pm
Introduction to Restorative Justice and Circles
Registration required. Sign-up in the Social Hall
SAVE THE DATE
Rev. Megan Lloyd Joiner Installation Ceremony
Saturday, October 22, 3:00 pm
Watch for further information!
SARAU
Join us for the party of the season!!!!!
What's your talent?
Art? Music? Poetry?
Acting?
Storytelling?
Sign-up early to add your talent to this emcee'd community event!
October 15
6:30 to 9:00 pm
Mental Health Awareness Group
Calling All USNH Poets
Friday, October 28
Jim Bond and Joyce Sullivan will be facilitating a Poetry Vespers Service.
It will be similar to those done in the past, with readings of original poetry interspersed with musical interludes. We are hoping for at least 10 to 12 poets. If you have questions or know you wish to participate, contact
Our next Congregational Meeting is set for November 6, 2016
Tuesday Conversations - meets every Tuesday in the Library from 1-3 pm. Our subject for September 27, will be" Defying the Nazis: The Sharp's War," on PBS last Tuesday, September 20.
First Sunday Soup Luncheons have returned. October 2, after Sunday service.
First Sunday Welcome Chat - October 2, Room 209, noon-12:45 pm.
Hope's Nest - Listen with us on comfortable chairs in the Children's Chapel, every 3rd Sunday from 4 - 6 pm, with snacks, and uplifting discussion about how to deal with what life throws your way, helping, and healing.
Presented by the Mental Health Awareness Team
Folksinger's Group - First meeting is Sunday Sept. 25, after social hour in the
Library at USNH. Please bring songbooks you have.
Insight Meditation Program with Beth Roth, APRN
Breathing meditation, walking meditation, instructor talk and discussion. Suggested donation: USNH members $12, non-members $20. Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted.Tuesdays 7-9 pm, Room 209.
Drop-in Meditation Every Thursday, 7-8:15 pm, Room 209..
SOCIAL JUSTICE
"Black Lives Matter" Should we hang a banner at USNH?
What would it mean to us? What are our concerns? Don't worry if you missed the forum, there are lots of opportunities to share and reflect.
Join a small group for a discussion over dessert
October 12, 7:00 pm Carol Stockton's home: 45 Weaver Circle. North Haven, CT
October 16, 3:00-4:30 pm Mary Donohue's home: 286 Long Hill Road, Wallingford.
Lurline deVos facilitating
Please note:This movie is not a part of the Social Cinema series and there is no pot luck.
Diaper Drive for clients of Junta and IRIS, non-profit agencies
serving immigrant and refugee families in the greater
New Haven area. Diaper Drive will be held from
Sept. 24 to October 9
Bring your diaper donations to USNH.
Save the Dates!
September 25 and October 30
In the Library at the Unitarian Society of New Haven
Two presentations about Islam!
Sponsored by the USNH Immigration and Refugee Task Force
Both speakers represent the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut.
"Understanding Islam and Muslims"
Farah Choudhry, M.D.
Sunday, September 25, 9-10 am
"Getting to Know Our Muslim Neighbors"
Aida Mansoor
Sunday, October 30, 9-10 am
FOOD BANK
There are other items that are also needed for the
Food Bank and they include toiletries, sanitary napkins/tampons,washing detergent and pet food.
All your donations are much appreciated.
Books Available From the Book Cart Sunday Mornings
The Book Cart came close to shutting down in June but we are exploring ways to order and offer a limited range of new books, especially books being used by congregational groups (e.g., Small Group Meetings, the UUA Common Read, and Social Justice Task Forces) and those written by USNH authors.
Currently three books are available after services most weeks (look near the Stop and Shop sales):
*
Guns Don't Kill People, People Kill People - the Preventing Gun Violence Task Force will be leading discussions on the book next month.
*
Aging as a Spiritual Practice - to be used by a Small Group Meeting
*
Hearing Voices, Living Fully - Claire Bien's memoir, which challenges a purely medical understanding of this phenomenon
The UUA Common Read,
The Third Reconstruction: How A Moral Movement Is Overcoming the Politics of Division and Fear, will be available as soon as it is published in paperback next month.
We will soon have a few copies of
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War (hardcover, pay between $22 and $27.50). To reserve or order a copy, please email Becky Friedkin ([email protected]) as soon as possible.
The Stop & Shop/Shop Rite team is in need of more help.
If you could sell the cards one
Sunday a month that would be very helpful. It involves being at USNH at 10:15am and staying until around 12:30pm. Training provided. Please call Ann Levison
203-281-1548
Stop & Shop and Shop Rite
cards are available after Sunday service
$50 and $100 denominations. Checks or cash please.
A/V Help Needed
Do you love sound equipment? Interested in seeing more sound recordings on our website? Maybe even live-stream? We are looking for Audio/Visual support for our
Sunday morning services. Training available.
Many thanks to those of you who have already signed up!
Pleaseclick here for the Sign-up Genius link. If you sign-up to make coffee:
1. We recommend showing up around 10:00 am.
2. No need to worry about milk - other people are assigned to bring that on Sundays.
3. There is a red book in the kitchen on top of the microwave that has instructions for how to make the coffee. If you have not done it before, and want some help, please contact Mary Donohue ([email protected]) and she will arrange for a person from the Sunday Morning Team to be there to help you learn how to do it.
We still need volunteers to make coffee on October 30, November 27, and December 11.
Snack suppliers still needed for many Sundays.
BIKES WORK! RAFFLE
Proceeds support Public Health and Climate work of
New Haven Leon Sister City Project.
Raffle tickets $2.00 each. Prizes include bicycles, gear,
gift certificates and more.
For more info or to buy tickets, contact Melinda Tuhus at
The Weekly News is published every Thursday. The third Thursday of the month will be an extended monthly edition with featured articles. Please email
your event, notice or article to [email protected] by the Monday before, noting "Newsletter" in the subject line. Your comments are invited, as are suggestions for improving USNH communications.
Becoming Women of Wisdom
Book Discussion
First Sunday Soup Luncheons have returned.
Books Available From the Book Cart 
A/V Help Needed
BIKES WORK! RAFFLE