What do we do now? Many of you have asked this question in one way or another in the past month. And while I will include in this column some actions we can take in the coming days, months, and years, I still believe the most important thing is what one of you shared with me: to tell those you love that you love them and hold them close.
Grief is a powerful emotion and many of us are feeling grief over the state of our nation, over deep divisions among the American people, over what we fear may come to pass under the new administration. And, as my friend and colleague Rabbi Brockman reminded me recently, one sits shiva for seven days. Then it is time to get up and get to work.
So let us begin with the work of feeding our souls and our spirits so that we can continue
to live with love as our guide and do the work of justice as we advocate for liberty and opportunity for all.
So what do we do now? Like many of you, I was dismayed over the Thanksgiving week
as we were enjoying our turkey and stuffing, that our siblings at Standing Rock in North Dakota who are protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline were suffering mightily. You can read more about what happened
here and
here. The "water protectors" are in need of support, and USNH member Melinda Tuhus will be traveling there to join them. If you are inspired to support the water protectors, you can learn more about what is needed
here and how you can take action in the month of December
here. Leaders in Standing Rock have called for
December 4th as a day of interfaith prayer. Chief Arvol Looking Horse writes: "The hearts of all people's faiths must now unite in believing we can change the path we are now on." We can be a part of changing that path.
Right here at home, we are gearing up for our congregation-wide initiative of supporting a resettled refugee family through Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services
(IRIS).
We will proudly partner with other area congregations and organizations to welcome a family and help them become established here in Connecticut. We will need LOTS of help to do this! Stay tuned in the months ahead for how you can get involved.
There is good work to be done. And there is good cheer to be had. We have beautiful services planned for December. Come one and come all. It is important that we never lose our sense of wonder at this season's beauty and the tiny lights that we kindle throughout our lives during these winter days.
Let us remember, in the words of my colleague, Maureen Killoran, that
This is the season
. . . for generosity of spirit
. . . for giving of the heart without counting cost
. . . for forgiving those who are not here or not here as we would need
. . . for gentleness with self and others
. . . for hope that love in presence or in memory will pay a healing call
. . . for conviction that the way YOU greet each dayspring is what
matters after all.
Blessings, and may this holiday season bring, for you and yours, Joy and Peace.
With all Love,
Rev. Megan
Worship
Music and Meditation with William Braun
9:15-9:45 am
This special half hour service is a respite from our busy lives. With meditative music and readings and significant times of shared silence, it is a treat for the experienced meditator or the novice. Join us!
December 4, 9:15-9:45
Lily Forbush, reader: William Braun plays Handel
Please Note:
After this program, Meditation will go on hiatus, returning Sunday, January 8
at 9:15 am.
Child care for children aged birth through Pre-K available during Worship services.
December 4, 2016 10:30 am
"Wondering, Wandering, Worshiping"
We are entering a season of wonder. Let us consider what it means for us to gather to "worship" together and what kind of wondering and wandering happens during the special time we share in our sanctuary.
Rev. Megan Lloyd Joiner
Jesse Greist, Linda Pawelek
December 11, 2016 10:30 am
"Filled With Good Things"
The USNH Adult Choir and the Haven String Quartet present
Pergolesi's Magnificat
with Linda Pawelek and Bill Braun.
Mary, mother of Jesus, revered a God who "filled the hungry with good things." For what do you hunger? Join us for beautiful music and a reflective beginning to the
holiday season.
December 18, 2016 10:30 am
"The Light Returns"
Multigenerational; Solstice Spiral
A multi-generational festival of the winter solstice. We mark the darkest night of the year and all it brings as we rejoice in the returning light. The Solstice Spiral begins again.
Rev. Megan Lloyd Joiner
Jesse Greist, Linda Pawelek
December 24, 2016 (Saturday)
Light One Candle and Follow a Star 7pm
Christmas Eve & First Night of Hanukkah
Join us for the first night of Hanukkah and our annual family-friendly Christmas Eve service as we light the menorah, sing carols, and hear the Christmas story.
Please consider providing flowers in celebration or in memory of someone or something special in your life. Select a Sunday and note your intention in the
Flower Book in the lobby.
Children and Youth Religious Education
A Story from the Children's Chapel
Last Sunday, the children delved into the question of how to find moments of gratitude at difficult times. They looked at a series of pictures and talked with partners about how the people in the pictures could convert their challenges into "moments of gratitude". When I showed the following picture, the conversation went as follows:
"Well, the child that took the bear could be thankful that he now has it."
Another child responded: "Maybe this is justice. Maybe the girl took it from him first and he's just taking it back"
After a few more minutes of discussion, one child said: "I bet this is a moment that they will both look back on later and laugh. They might talk about their problem, come up with a way to share, and become better friends because of it. Many friendships begin with working together to solve a problem".
Most of the children, and the DLRE agreed, and we moved on to the next picture. A moment of gratitude indeed.
Upcoming CYRE schedule:
Sunday, December 4: Childcare as usual. Religious Education classes as usual for grades K-8. YRUU meets in children's chapel from 12:15-2:15.
Sunday, December 11: Childcare as usual. Religious Education classes as usual for grades Pre-K through 8. YRUU meets in children's chapel from 12:15-2:15.
Sunday, December 18: Multi-generational service - The Solstice Spiral.
NO RE CLASSES.
Saturday, December 24, 7PM: Multi-generational service for Christmas eve
and Hanukkah.
Sunday, December 25: USNH closed - no service or RE classes
ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
The ARE Committee will meet this Sunday, December 4 at 9 am
in the Library.
Social Cinema - December 17-Potluck at 6:30 pm, Film at 7:15 pm in the Social Hall
Ava Duvernay's 13TH
In partnership with the USNH Anti-Racism Task Force, Peace Task Force and Wavery Partnership
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. Next meeting is on December 15. No pre-registration. Please bring a snack to share, if you are able.
The ContinUUm Writer's Group will meet at 7 pm on Wednesday, December 28,
in the Library.
This month's writing theme is "wonder."
The Common Read Book Discussion
Sun. February 19 and 26, 2017 - 12:00 pm in the Library
The Third Reconstruction: How a Moral Movement is Overcoming the Politics of
One of our Ends statements is to 'Strengthen Unitarian Universalism". To that end, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously in favor of supporting the sponsorship of two ministerial candidates, Laurel Gray and Dana Capasso. What does 'sponsorship' mean?
"One of the requirements for Fellowship as a Unitarian Universalist minister is sponsorship by a Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregation. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure familiarity on the part of our UU ministers with UU congregational life, and encourage congregations to take a responsible role in the recruitment, preparation and assessment of our future ministers."
Laurel plans to graduate Yale Divinity School (YDS) in the spring of 2018, and Dana completed her degree at YDS in 2014. Both attend USNH, and Dana is assisting with the Stewardship Committee this year.
The sponsorship does not involve any financial commitments; it simply "indicates confidence in the person's potential and suitability for UU ministry." The Board of Trustees is pleased we are able to support these two wonderful young women as they journey into a profession in UU ministry. We look forward to seeing them at USNH.
Holly Hawkins, on behalf of the Board of Trustees
First Annual
Symposium on Mental Health Awareness
Building A Just Society:
Creating Inclusive Communities for All*
Saturday, December 3, 2016
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
This symposium will explore the different ways to improve knowledge about recovery, citizenship, recognition and empowerment.
Hear from folks who have traveled to Standing Rock
Learn about the Doctrine of Discovery, a principle of international law having its roots in a Papal decree of 1452 that specifically sanctioned and promoted the conquest, colonization and exploitation of non-Christian territories and peoples.
Consider how this doctrine is still in motion today by the dominant white forces in North Dakota.
Collaboratively consider and create actions that engage you in support of our native brothers and sisters who are facing the oppressive militaristic actions of fire hoses, tear gas and rubber-coated bullets while they nonviolently stand for the Earth and its resources.
Children are welcome.
SOUP SUNDAY
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, after the service
We welcome your soup, bread, butter, desserts, and conversation!
PLEASE BRING A CAN OF SOUP OR OTHER ITEMS TO DONATE TO THE
FOOD BANK. With our thanks... The Sunday Morning Team
First Sunday Welcome Chat
December 4, 2016. noon - 12:45.
Recent and new visitors are invited to meet a few friends and members of USNH and view a short introductory video about Unitarian Universalism. Room 209.
Bring your soup, snack or coffee!
Haven String Quartet presents "Music From the Edge of Despair"
Saturday, December 10 at 7:30 P.M.
Unitarian Society of New Haven, 700 Hartford Turnpike, Hamden, Ct. 06517
Golijov, Schubert and Britten
Tickets
:$20; $10 students, seniors & USNH members available at the door.
Heifer International Sale December 11, USNH
Come get the gift that always fits, and needs no wrapping, dusting, or storage. Make a difference in a troubled world.
Sale before and after the 10:30 service
USNH Social Hall
Cash or check (for tax receipt)
Donor cards available
Christmas Eve Pick-Up Orchestra
It's that time of year again when we are beginning to think ahead to
December 24th, Christmas Eve. The orchestra plays a prelude and accompanies the carols. We would like to have two rehearsals:
Sunday, December 18 from 11:45-12:30 in the Sanctuary and
Thursday, December 22 from 6:15-7:15
On Saturday, December 24 we will meet in the Sanctuary at 6:15 pm to rehearse and prepare for the service which begins at 7:00 pm.
Our conductor will be Ellie Bond.
If you would like to join up can you please let me know via E-Mail or Phone: [email protected] or 203-288-7051
Hope to hear from a lot of you "would be orchestra folk" out there. Linda Pawelek, USNH Music Director
Tuesday Conversations meets every Tuesday in the Library from 1-3 pm. Next Tuesday, December 6 our discussion will center on The Link Between Depression and Dementia," Erik Offgang, in CT Magazine. Copies will be available on the bulletin board in the lobby. All are welcome.
Hope's Nest - December 18, 4-6 pm in the Children's Chapel. Andrea Lucibello, Director of Bereavement at YNHH will speak about how to ease your feelings on the passing of a loved one- especially over the holidays.
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.
Folksingers Group- Sunday, December 4, room 209 from 1-3.
Drop-in Meditation Every Thursday, 7-8:15 pm, Room 209.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Black Lives Matter, Next Steps
Banner dedication January 15, 2017, after the service! Mark your calendars.
The Anti-Racism Task Force has ordered the banner which will be hung on the left side of the building. (Placement was decided through discussion with the renter, the Management Team, and through the discernment process. While we may review it at a later date, at this point please focus on the anti-racism work it calls us to do, rather than details.)
Upcoming Anti-racism opportunities:
December 13, 7:00 pm: Anti-Racism Task Force Meeting. All are welcome.
December 17, 6:30 pm: Potluck, viewing, and discussion of Ava Duvernay's film "13TH" ,which links the current prison labor system to slavery.
January 21, 9:00 am-noon: Sacred Conversations on Race with Dixwell UCC.
This is the first of a six-part series.
February 19, 12-2 pm: Discussion of The Third Reconstruction,the UUA Common Read. Written by Moral Mondays founder William J. Barber II. The book focuses on how a moral movement addresses the politics of division and fear. It is available in the social hall after services.
March 25, 6:30 pm: Potluck, viewing, and discussion of Traces of the Trade which examines the role of the North in slavery.
The New Haven chapter of SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice)
is organizing a study group to un-learn white supremacy. We are inviting USNH members to join. The proposal is to start in January and meet bi-weekly (that's every other week), most likely either Friday evening or Sunday afternoon/evening, for 90 minutes to 2 hours. We could meet at my house, a few minutes from USNH, if USNH is not available. See the link below for the Black Lives Matter syllabus, which we may use but not necessarily. Readings will be open to members' suggestions.
In November we were able to take a record 60 bags of groceries to the Keefe Food Bank. Wonderful!!
There has been a request from the Food Bank for
large boxes of cereal and
pet food. Maybe you can add those items to your shopping list this week.
MEET OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
Meet Tarn and Judi Granucci
Tarn has lived most of his life in Wallingford and joined USNH at age 7 with his family in 1956 when it was in the basement of Quinnipiac College on Whitney Avenue. He stayed active for most of his life, but for some time did not come on a regular basis. Tarn is an author, Poet Laureate of Wallingford, and editor of Wallingford Magazine. He is glad to be back. Judi grew up in Hamden, attended Catholic schools, raised her daughter Kimberly in Cheshire, and currently owns an interior design studio in Wallingford with two partners. She is enjoying being part of the Unitarian Society.
Meet Deb Pascale
Deb is a lifelong bibliophile, Yankees fan and an animal communicator. She lives with her wife, Lillian, in Branford.
Meet Sandra Salazar Hernandez
Sandra hails from Costa Rica, where she was born in San Jose on a tepid, rainy day in October, 1971. She lived in Holland for a year in 1995-1996. Sandra is a twin! Her passions include crafts, cooking and especially her family.
Meet the Northrop family: Sarah, Kneil, Quinn (10), and Mia (10).
This Hamden family recently joined our congregation, and are liking it a lot. Kneil was raised in Wolcott CT and Sarah in Brooklyn NY. The kids are involved in Youth Service already. Sarah is a school psychologist and Kneil (Welsh spelling) is a Manufacturing Engineer at Sikorsky. "The tug of spirituality and a belief in our inherent goodness" got them here.
Good Things Happening at USNH
Kids' Service Team Collecting Goods for Refugee Home
After Making 200+ Pies
26 kids and 10 dedicated adults used 50 pounds of apples and vast quantities of flour, butter, and sugar to create Thanksgiving pies for the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen.
More pictures
Now the kids are collecting items to create a home for refugees like the one they created last year.
Photos of last year's project.
A collection box is in the lobby for small items. Please contact Lurline at
[email protected] with furniture contributions.
Stop & Shop and Shop Rite
cards are available after Sunday service
There are a limited number of $25 Stop & Shop cards available for your holiday giving, as well as the usual $100 cards..
ShopRite cards will still be sold in $100 and $50 amounts.
Checks or cash please.
SUNDAY MORNING SOCIAL TIME
Thank you to the folks who graciously volunteer to make coffee, bring some snacks, and clean- up
on Sunday mornings. A gentle reminder - everyone is invited to bring snacks to share at the COMMUNITY SNACK TABLE - you do not need to use the sign- up link. Do use the sign-up link if you are interested in making coffee on Sunday mornings.
We need to recruit folks for Sunday morning coffee sign-up for 2017!
Book Cart -
Sunday Mornings
(next to the Grocery card Sales)
The Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics, and the Rise of a New Justice Movement (UUA Common Read)
Black Hole Blues and Other Songs From Outer Space by astrophysicist and novelist Janna Levin - the story of the 50-year endeavor to capture gravitational waves. A great holiday gift for science lovers.
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War - story of the humanitarian efforts of a Unitarian minister and his wife before and during World War II
Going Up, poetry by Liz Appel
Hearing Voices, Living Fully, by Claire Bien
PEACEFUL PROTEST
Weekly - Mondays, 5:00-6:00 pm, in front of Cheshire Town Hall
I was left reeling after the election, as I know so many people were. To me, this felt different--not just political, but moral--and I knew I had to take action.
The Cheshire Tea Party, according to their Facebook page, have been standing outside of Cheshire Town Hall on Mondays
from 5:00-6:00 for seven years. A friend suggested that we counter-protest, and I said, 'yes'!
A few weeks ago, the Monday after the election, I went and stood in front of Town Hall
from 5:00-6:00. Members of the Tea Party were there. Three of them addressed me at different times; it was civil (and only one tried to change my mind). Last week, they were not there. But I was. With a friend.
I'm hoping that this will become a regular thing, with many folks who refuse to accept the negative messages and hatred that have been perpetuated by the President Elect and those closest to him.
I would love to have company this Monday or any Monday in the future. I would like the members of our community and surrounding communities who may feel unsafe to know that there are people in this town who will not put up with hatred, sexism, misogyny, Islamaphobia, anti-Semitism, or racism of any kind.
I created an event in Facebook called Peaceful Protest (because you can't create a recurring event in Facebook anymore, I am updating the date every Monday when I get home). I'm happy to send it to anyone who would like it. Perhaps you can share it, too. I envision a loud, happy and uplifting response to what has happened.
I look forward to meeting you there.
- Moira Malone
The Amistad Committee and the Southern CT. State University invites you to a Tribute to Paul Robeson, A Life with Song
Written and Performed by Tayo Aluko with piano accompaniment
by Dennis Nelson
Friday, December, 2016, 7:30 pm
at the John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts, at Southern CT. State University
The Weekly News is published every Thursday. The first 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.
A Note from Rev. Megan
Social Cinema - December 17-Potluck at 6:30 pm, Film at 7:15 pm in the Social Hall
Third Thursdays with Rev. Megan
