Notes on Two Hundred Years (and More)
by Douglas H. Parkhurst

Recent Notes… articles have focused on Civil War era laypersons associated with First Universalist Society, the present-day Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Danbury (UUCD). This month we move to a much different time, the early 21st century. What was happening fifteen years ago, in September of 2010, at 24 Clapboard Ridge Road? Some congregants will remember what may seem like just yesterday. For others this will be an introduction to activities, events, and people of a not-too-distant past.

The prior decade, 2000 to 2010, saw much transition and transformation at UUCD. Six ministers came and/or went during this period. Rev. Daniel O’Connell completed his six-year settlement in 2002. He was followed for one year by interim minister Rev. Shirley Ranck. Also in 2002, Rev. Peggy Block, a chaplain at Bridgeport, CT, Hospital, became the congregation’s first endorsed community minister. Rev. Linda Hansen was settled in 2003 and moved on in 2008. Rev. Sue Spencer filled the interim role for the next two years. In 2010, Rev. Barbara Fast began her six-year pastorate in Danbury.

The congregation started the decade at its much-loved home, “the Barn” in West Redding. But change was in the air. Karen Judd was Director of Religious Education (DRE); she would be followed by Mary Collins. Over the next several years, the then Unitarian Universalist Society of Northern Fairfield County resolved to return to Danbury and in 2003 the group assumed its present name. A house, garage, and adjoining lots at 24 Clapboard Ridge Road were purchased [see note below]; the house was renovated for office and meeting space; the present-day Fellowship Hall was designed and constructed; and money raised to fund this project. All these tasks were on top of continuing regular and summer services; religious education (RE) activities; and the usual pastoral and committee work. Final services and RE classes at the Barn were conducted on September 14, 2003. For the next two years the UUCD met on Sunday mornings in rented space on the downtown Danbury campus of Western Connecticut State University. Meanwhile, the church office was established at 24 Clapboard Ridge Road. In November 2005, the congregation moved into its new Fellowship Hall for Sunday services and social events and to classrooms in the house for religious education (at this time the basement of the Fellowship Hall was unfinished). The congregation began to settle into its new home.

Let’s take a look at what was happening at UUCD in September 2010, as detailed in the Comment newsletter for that month. Then, as now, Congregational Administrator Sherry Kyriacou was Comment editor. Rev. Barbara Fast, in her first front page column, wrote of new beginnings. Among her thoughts were these.

“Religious traditions offer human beings countless opportunities to begin again. This season finds world wide Muslims practicing the daily fasting and faith practices for Ramadan. The Jewish High Holy Days approach. Whether we are beginning a new school year, religious year, or a new season in our personal or congregational life, the necessity of beginning is a spiritual task….Our shared ministry is beginning. I mean that in all its hope and wholeness. May we find ways to build our faith and may we have the courage to live it. It is so good to be here with you.”

The UUCD Mission Statement, adopted May 16, 2008, and still used today, appeared at the top of page two of the newsletter:

“The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Danbury is an open religious community that welcomes a diversity of people, ideas and beliefs. We celebrate together that which is good in life, and offer comfort and care in times of need. With others, we work to create a just society and a sustainable Earth. We stand as a beacon for independent thought, and encourage lifelong spiritual and intellectual exploration.”

Congregational leaders at the time included: Jean Bowen, president; Marie Dupree, treasurer; Barbara Myers, secretary; Chris Halfar, Michael Searing, Chris Smith, Shawn Sweeney, board members. Jean Bowen, in her president’s Comment article, touched on the 2010 summer services just wrapping up, and focused on efforts by the board of trustees to “provide a map for a stable fiscal year” for upcoming FY 2012. Leaders for the Annual Budget Drive Team (formerly the Canvass Committee) would be Judy Lacker and Chris Halfar.

An In-Gathering Service was scheduled for Sunday, September 12 at 10 am. The theme of the service, “Gathered Here,” to be led by Rev. Barbara Fast, DRE Mary Collins, and Rev. Peggy Block, would include a multi-generational in-gathering water service. A “Summer’s Bounty” potluck would follow outside, weather permitting. The congregation was reminded of the weekly food offering during the children’s focus part of Sunday morning services; these collections to be donated to local soup kitchens and agencies. Donations of dried beans and whole grain rice were especially needed.

The Women Out to Breakfast group planned to meet on Saturday mornings, September 11 and 25, at Elmer’s Diner in Danbury. Karen Gillotti had more information. Men Out… scheduled their monthly dinner for later in September at Danbury’s Two Steps restaurant. Team Green was sharing ideas from David Gershon’s book Low Carbon Diet: A 30 Day Program to Lose 5,000 Pounds and offered tips for washing and drying clothes efficiently. UUCD Conversations group topic on the evening of September 9 would be “Race Relations,” based on the novel The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

A Celebration and Remembrance of Scot Fritz, a congregant who passed away in July, was announced for Sunday, September 19, at 1:00 pm. A written tribute to Scot was included in this issue of Comment.
Director of Religious Education Mary Collins reviewed program registration and the start of RE activities for the new church year. RE leader and parent orientations were scheduled before classes began. Religious Education Groups for children and youth would begin meeting at 9 and 11 am on Sunday, September 19 [see note below]. On September 25-26, the junior high group would attend a Metro New York Retreat off-site. Brad and Lisa Greene reported news from last year’s 3rd and 4th grade RE class. Class members completed a special social action project in conjunction with the Toolbox of Faith curriculum. The group raised $170 by creating and selling bookmarks. The money was donated to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s Darfur campaign.
The Membership Committee was planning a Game/Pot Luck/Get-To-Know-You Night on Saturday evening, October 23. It promised a night of “fun, food, and fellowship!” Carl Tichler was surveying interest in a twice-a-month “Musical Chalice Circle.” Anyone interested in getting together for jazz, chamber music, or free-form jamming should contact Carl. The “New Earth” evening study group would continue this month. Joe Gillotti had more information.

The Women’s Retreat planners announced a Women’s Pot-Luck Dinner on Friday, September 24 at 6 pm. All interested in attending the next Retreat, as well as those not sure, were enthusiastically encouraged to come and learn about upcoming Retreat activities and a new venue (The Guest House in Chester, Connecticut). For sign up information contact Sue Tarshis or Marie Dupree. For movie fans in the congregation, Movies With A Message resumed this month featuring Spiritual Cinema Circle films. Showings were on Friday evenings, once a month, in the conference room of the house. Theatre Aficianados might enjoy a performance of Ionesco’s Exit The King on September 23, “Pay What You Want Night,” at Theatreworks, New Milford. Keith Dupree had details on both programs.

UUCD’s long-time commitments to the Soup Kitchen and the Dorothy Day Hospitality House Overnight Shelter, both on Spring Street, continued. Team #3 was scheduled for the first Saturday afternoon in September at the Soup Kitchen. Lynn Taborsak was coordinator for this effort. Volunteers from UUCD cover the fourth Friday night of the month at the Overnight Shelter. Contact Chris Halfar for Shelter information. The congregation received thank you notes for its recent support of three organizations. These were Green Chimneys, Community Action Partnership, and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.

The September 2010 calendar showed a variety of activities. These included meetings of the Growth Team; Sunday Services and Religious Education Committees; Yoga group; Knitting Ministry; Board of Trustees; Music; Social Action and Caring Committees; Events Committee; and Sow Green.

Sunday Services scheduled for September 2010 were as follows:
September 5, 10 am (final summer service): “The Narrative of Humanity is Written in the Margins” led by Jeff Shaffer.
September 12, 10 am: “Gathered Here” All Congregation Celebration led by Rev. Barbara Fast, Mary Collins, and Rev. Peggy Block. To be followed by a potluck picnic.
September 19, 9 am & 11 am: “Atonement” led by Bev. Barbara Fast. Teacher commissioning and start of fall religious education classes this Sunday.
September 26, 9 am & 11 am: “Stand By This Faith” led by Rev. Barbara Fast.

[Note – The garage sat behind the house and was torn down to open space for the present Fellowship Hall. The two lots were consolidated into one.]
[Note – Sunday services and children’s religious education activities were conducted at both 9 and 11 am on most Sundays, September through June. Summer services started at 10 am.]