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Disagreeing in Spiritual Community
by Marie Blohowiak, Congregational Life Coordinator I like to talk with new folks about what it means to truly belong to the Fellowship. Is it when someone signs the membership book? For some, that holds great meaning. For others, it doesn’t. Is it when you have signed up for your first committee? Not really, but that can be part of it for some. For many of us, it is the first time we disagree with something that happens here, but stay anyway. I have talked with people recently about their concerns about losing the Saturday service or about their disagreement with the Black Lives Matter banner. This past Sunday, I talked with someone who felt very uncomfortable about something that happened in the service. Over the years, there have been many conversations like these. I am grateful that people trust me enough to share their concerns. If you disagree with a stance the Fellowship has taken, that doesn’t mean you have to pretend to like it or fight for it if a neighbor questions you on it. You are encouraged to share that while you are a Unitarian Universalist, you are asked to uphold and affirm the seven principles, but that we may interpret them differently. We grow our Unitarian Universalist faith differently and don’t have a creed that we need to follow and agree on. Many people left a religion or faith because they disagreed with something that they determined was their breaking point. People have left the Fellowship because of something was theirs. I hope that if someone gets close to that point, they talk to a minister about their concerns. Life calls us to compromise in a lot of ways, but the Fellowship’s mission doesn’t call us to be in the middle of an issue. Often we want to take that issue head on. For some, what we are doing isn’t enough, and for others, it is too much. We are not hell bound, but life bound. We believe we need to do as much work in this lifetime as we can to build a better world for everyone. Our theology calls us to make stances; being a Unitarian Universalist calls us to do this even if you don’t or can’t easily. If we are living our mission, can you lean in? You are not signing a loyalty oath, you can disagree. Part of the sermon I gave last month talked about that. Our Principles for a Healthy Congregation help us with this important work. Let’s all figure out how to be in relationship while working through the challenging disagreements while being open to each other’s and our spiritual journeys.
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Upcoming Services
Sunday 9:00 and 10:45 a.m.
October 9 Afraid of Fear? by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz What, exactly, are we afraid of? There are plenty of things to be afraid of but how much of it is worthy of our time and attention? The theme for this month is "Tell me a Story about a time when you faced your fears." We'll look together at both real and imagined fears and provide a useful, daily antidote to fear. October 16 Fearful Words by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz
There are some words we never say, but wish we had. There are some words that we've heard that we hope to never hear again. Whether in our daily and/or religious life, what are words that we can freely use, words that require explanation, and words that we never want to hear spoken in the Fellowship?
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| Coffee Hour Conversations
This year’s “Tell me a story” theme will help us all get to know each other in new ways and make new connections to folks we don’t yet know. After services, there will be a question prompt to ask each other. Try to find someone you haven’t yet met and introduce yourself. This week’s question will be “tell me a story about a time when you faced your fears." This question is not just for adults; ask our younger friends too!
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| Members and friends of the Fellowship, Thank you again to all who completed the survey and attended listening sessions! We are so grateful for your input as we seek to find a minister who will best serve the whole congregations. Here's some fun statistics we've already pulled from our survey data:- 317 surveys were completed
- 64% of our respondents identified as female, 36% identified as male
- 90% of the respondents identified as members, 9% as friends, 1% as visitors
- We received 181 responses to the final question, also known as the "Hopes and Dreams" question
- We had a 92% completion rate for all the questions, this means that very few questions were skipped!
And of course, the most exciting news. Who was our lucky winner of a $25 gift card? Congratulations to Joanne Klinkert! Her name was drawn at the Ministerial Search Committee's October 2 meeting.
Go in Peace,
Terry Dawson, Theresa Hannah, Dave Wallace, Tim Watson, David Powling, Marti Wheeler, Lauren Thompson
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| Beyond Categorical Thinking Workshop and Services
“Will the new minister hear me? Will my concerns and needs be met? Will the minister understand what I’m living with? How will the community respond to our minister? In answering these questions, a picture of the “ideal minister” (categorized by age, gender, gender identity, nationality, physical ability, race, and sexual orientation) comes to mind. With this picture in place, it can be easy to unintentionally exclude ministers who fall into certain categories. At times, as we get caught up in comparing candidates to our “picture,” we can even forget what it is we hoped for in a minister On October 22 from 9-12:00 p.m. we will participate in the Beyond Categorical Thinking workshop offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) for congregations involved in the search for a new minister. The Fellowship Search Committee invites all congregational leaders, members, and friends to participate in this workshop. Keith Kron, Director of the Transitions Office, will lead this three hour workshop. He oversees the ministerial search process for the UUA and will help us and other congregations navigate this process. He’s led this workshop for over 20 years and this will be the 195th time he’s lead the workshop. The Beyond Categorical Thinking program is designed to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent unfair discrimination in the search process for a new minister. This program includes a Sunday morning service with BCT workshop facilitators in addition to the workshop. In the workshop, we will:
▪ Consider the hopes, expectations, and concerns we have for a new minister.
▪ Learn more about the ministerial search process.
▪ Explore how thinking categorically about people sometimes interferes with choosing the best candidate. Sign up for the workshop in the entry lobby at the Fellowship.
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| Religious Education News
Information about events happening in Religious Education
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| The Religious Education team needs you!!
Think you can’t teach? Think again!
Talk to any of our teachers- many were initially unsure about spending time in our classrooms. Most report that once they tried, they found teaching to be enjoyable, fun, and a great way to learn about and deepen their faith Our RE program is still in need of teachers and substitutes. Currently we are looking for… Three nursery helpers (one time per month)
Approximately ten teachers (two times per month with no outside preparation) These positions need to be filled immediately. In the unfortunate event that they remain open, the reality is that classes will need to be closed. I am optimistic that we will be able to continue to offer all of our classes. Please contact Kim Hartman for more information.
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| Appleton Wellspring Wednesday
October 12
Arts with Jennifer Levenhagen Are you a creator or an appreciator of the arts? Do you want to incorporate the arts into your spiritual practice? Do you want to further explore your spiritual connection with the arts, get new ideas for daily practices, or hear how someone else does these things? If so...join me (Jennifer Levenhagen) on October 12th.
Though I wasn’t immediately aware that creating was becoming a personal spiritual practice, it has been my most consistent partner and profound teacher on this journey. It’s wonderful to have taken unintentional steps into creative spiritual practice, and it’s been a powerful learning experience to intentionally use creativity to connect with my core.
This evening I will share about how painting, writing, and playing music have become part of my spiritual journey and practice. We’ll talk about our definition of the arts and creativity, as well as finding our place within the creation and/or receiving of the arts. Participants will have opportunity to reflect and share about how they have connected with their spiritual core through the arts, ...and have opportunity for spontaneous creating!
Jennifer Levenhagen is a multidisciplinary artist who explores and expresses life through art, both personally and professionally. She plays the piano, violin, guitar, accordion, sings, and picks up any instrument available. Jennifer also paints, draws, takes photographs, dances, writes poetry, and enjoys freestyle cooking. She has experience playing therapeutic and retreat music, including at Wintermoon Summersun Adventures, Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs, at the Fox Valley Unitarian Fellowship, and through the Music for Healing and Transition Program. Find some of Jennifer's work on Facebook:LevenhagenArt Listen at SoundCloud.com/ JenniferLevenhagen.
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| Wellspring Childcare and Special Event Policy
Children must be registered at least one week in advance for childcare for events such as Wellspring, all-congregation meetings, etc. A minimum of four children must be registered in order for childcare to be provided.
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| Groups and Programs
The Fellowship offers a variety of groups and programs.
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| High Holy Days Activities
Whether you attended the service last weekend or not, you are invited to join Rev. Leah Hart Landsberg and Fellowship member Jaclyn Kottman for a very quick, meaningful and joyful version of an ancient Jewish ritual called tashlich. Bring stale bread, crackers or crumbs (we’ll have extra) to toss into the water, symbolizing whatever you want to let go of in the coming year. This annual practice is surprisingly simple and touching, and good for people of all ages, young and old alike. 10 am, October 8th at the Peabody Park pavilion in Appleton. Accessibility questions? Ask Leah and she can get you information and help plan.
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| Visitor from Our Deva Partner Church Next Week!
Orsi (or-shee) Maté, whose parents visited us six years ago, will be in Appleton next Tuesday through Friday! She is nineteen years old, has been in the States this summer through a work-abroad program, and is ending her trip with us! Members of your Partner Church Committee will be showing her around the area and hosting her in our homes. We invite anyone interested in travelling to Deva someday to come to a POTLUCK PARTY for Orsi at Tony and Jane Salsich’s house on Thursday, October 13th starting at 5:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Jane and Tony at jtsals8@sbcglobal.net if interested.
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| UU101
October 8; 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Lunch will be included.
Facilitated by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz and Congregational Life Coordinator, Marie Blohowiak, this class is especially helpful for newcomers to the Fellowship and new members, though anyone who hasn’t taken it before is encouraged to attend. We offer information about our history, governance, programs and liberal faith. This class is a wonderful opportunity to engage with new people, learn about the Fellowship and get to know others in the Fellowship community. Sign up in the entry lobby at the Fellowship or by contacting Cyndi at cyndi@fvuuf.org.
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| Oshkosh Wellspring Wednesday
Celebrating New American Stories October 19
Dinner 5:30 p.m.; Program 6:30 p.m.
B'Nai Israel Temple*1121 Algoma Blvd. Introduction to Immigrants of Oshkosh. During this "year of the story," we will hear the stories of members of the Oshkosh community who have immigrated to the United States. A panel discussion on Immigration in Oshkosh we be followed by interactive conversation. Sign up here.
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| Women and Men United for Women's Social Justice invites you to support Harbor House!
Domestic abuse continues to be a significant problem in our society, and we are asking for you to take action. Learn the facts. Speak out against domestic abuse and violence. And in the month of October, you can bring items to our drive for Harbor House. Harbor House is an important agency in our area to provide shelter and assistance for women and families facing domestic abuse. They appreciate the continued support of the Fellowship as they work to protect families in our community. These items are given directly to families who may be fleeing an unsafe situation with nothing Bring these NEW items to the donation laundry baskets in the Fellowship Hall: Twin sheets, pajamas (women, girls, and boys of all sizes and ages), pillows, laundry baskets, hair brushes, women's shaving cream.
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| Ending Hunger One Step at a Time
Crop Walk October 9The Fellowship will be donating offerings from both services on Sunday for fighting hunger. Twenty-five percent of funds goes to area food pantries, and the rest supports Church World Service programs addressing hunger in the U.S. and the world. Please consider joining the Fellowship team walking in the CROP Walk. You do not need to collect pledges, but we will meet to walk together to represent the Fellowship in this community event. The walk will begin at Memorial Presbyterian Church, 803 E. College Avenue, at 1:00 p.m. There are 1, 3, and 6 mile options. If you are unable to attend either service, donations can be made during the entire month of October to the Fellowship. On-line donations can be made at www.crophungerwalk.org/appletonwi. Click on “donate” and choose the Fellowship Team.
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| Fire Drill!
For the first time in the Fellowship history, we're going to have an all-fellowship fire drill, scheduled for Sunday, October 16th, after both services. (Note, it was originally scheduled for October 9th). Rev. Rolenz and Director of Religious Education Kim Hartman are working with the Appleton Fire Department to get their advice on best practices. On October 9th, all teachers will receive detailed instructions about how to conduct the Fire Drill; and how to move both adults, those who are otherly-abled and children out of the building quickly. On October 16th, we'll actually do the fire drill and time our evacuation! Thanks in advance for your participation in this important safety drill.
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| Child Dedication Schedule
We have planned Child Dedication ceremonies for the following Sunday services; at either the 9:00 or 10:45 a.m. service: Sunday, October 30th; Sunday December 18th; Sunday February 26th & Sunday, March 26th. We may also plan one more in May, if needed. If you'd like to be included in this important ritual, please contact Rev. Kathleen Rolenz at kathleen@fvuuf.org so we can put you on the schedule, and let us know your preferred service time. Thanks! Looking forward to it! Rev. Kathleen
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| Fall Art Theme
The theme for our fall art show will be "Movement." All Fellowship members and friends are encouraged to submit their original pieces on the weekend of October 15-16. Current show pieces should be removed that weekend. Thanks for sharing your artistic talents with the Fellowship. -Gail Dolan, Art Committee Chair
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| Fall Music Social
Both performers and listeners are invited to the fall music social Saturday, November 5 at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. New this year – Soup Saturday will follow the social at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Joanne Klinkert (klinkertj@juno.com) if you have questions or want to perform.
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| Save the Date for Jim Coakley's Ordination
Saturday, November 12; 4:30 p.m.
We are so pleased and proud to be the congregation who ordains Jim Coakley into Unitarian Universalist ministry. The act of ordination is uniquely in the hands of a congregation who recognizes the ministry of one among them. Jim Coakley is a member of the Fellowship and discovered his call to ministry because of his relationship with the Fellowship. We'll be producing more information about the ordination in upcoming editions of The Scroll, but do mark your calendars NOW and plan to attend this all-Fellowship, unique event in the life of the congregation and, of course, for Jim! Potluck to follow. Click here to view the invitation.
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| Click here for the current financial report. Please check the lost and found bin located in the entry lobby coat closet for items that may belong to you. Unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill.
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| Quick Links
Joys and Concerns
As your faith community, we want to celebrate your joys with you and support you through times of concern. To share a joy or concern with our ministers and/or at services, please click here.
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| Weekly CalendarThursday, October 6
6:30pm 1st Thursday Book Club
7:00pm Choir Saturday, October 8
6:30am Kishin Zen Sangha 7:00 UU Dance Group
Sunday, October 9
9:00 & 1045am Worship Service 6:00pm Smiling Dandelion Sangha
Monday, October 10
9:00am Goddess Group 6:00pm Essentials Action Team
Tuesday, October 11
10:00am Playgroup 6:30pm Kishin Zen Sangha Wednesday, October 12 6:30pm Appleton Wellspring Wednesday
Thursday, October 13
3:00pm Crafty Ladies
7:00pm Choir
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Book Club BooksFirst Thursday Book Club
October: The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
November: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr UU Book Club
October: The Evolution of Everything by Matt Ridley
November: The Fight to Vote by Michael Waldman
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