Christmas at Tornillo
Marie Luna, Director of Congregational Life

-14,000 largely Central American children are being held in custody in the United States, the most in our history.
-2,600 children are being held in Tornillo, Texas, with more arriving most days.
-Family members are required to give fingerprints to claim the children, but the adults are then detained if they are undocumented.
-2,100 workers at the children’s internment camp in Tornillo have not been required to submit fingerprints for an FBI background check.
For these reasons and more, I have been called to witness and protest at the border over Christmas. There will also be a local vigil, which we will advertise for once the details are in place. I will then talk about my experiences at the December 30th services that Heather Westley and I will lead.
I will take you, my Fellowship community, in my heart as we sing carols and send love to the children, and in my hands as they hold my protest sign. I hope that you can join the vigil, and help me spread the word on this travesty there is not enough outrage about. 
More information HERE.
Upcoming Services
Sunday at 9:00 and 10:45 am
December 2
Inherent by Rev. Christina Leone-Tracy
American Sign Language interpretation provided by Jacqueline Corey (10:45)
Our first UU principle says that we honor the inherent worth and dignity of all people. Let's talk about that word, "inherent," and what it means for this principle which is easy to say and hard to live. A special guest from World Relief will join us to share how they used our Greater Good gift from last year's holiday season.
December 9
Still Small Voice by Rev. Christina Leone-Tracy
This morning we will settle for an hour of reflection and exploration of the gift of silence, especially as we hustle and bustle at this busy time of year. Let's take a cue from the trees and rest, together, listening to our still small voice within.

Upcoming Programs
Greater Good
The applicants for the 2018 Greater Good program have been selected! We are pleased to offer presentations this year to the children and youth of the Fellowship from the following organizations:
Leaven Fox Cities - www.leavenfoxcities.org
Pillars - www.pillarsinc.org
Fox Valley Literacy Council - www.fvlc.net
Be sure to bring your children to the Fellowship on December 9 for the presentations and December 16 for voting. If you cannot attend one of those days, please e-mail Anne Sieck (anne.sieck@oshkosh.k12.wi.us) and we will make arrangements for absentee voting!
Pledges may be turned in any time between now and December 25th. Please put "Greater Good 2018" on the memo line. Stipends will be provided to each organization that presents. To read more about Greater Good, please see our page on the Fellowship website HERE.
Cancer Support Group
Saturday, December 1, 3:00 pm
This group is for cancer survivors and those who are recently diagnosed. Our purpose is to provide a safe place to talk about our experiences, emotions, and thoughts without judgement from others. It is a place where each person is valued for one’s individual journey. Our focus is moving forward in a positive way through sharing of spiritual and mind/body information/practices that have helped us. Another focus is spiritual growth through finding one’s passions, living in the present, and viewing the whole person. It is a place to support those going through a difficult time.

For Newcomers
The Inquirers Class is held on the first Sunday of every month from 12:00 - 12:30 pm. Snacks will be available and kids are welcome. Learn more about the Fellowship and start getting to know others in the community. Contact Marie Luna, marie@fvuuf.org, with questions. 
Mitten Wreath
Thank you to everyone who took a mitten for a local child in need. Return the wrapped gift(s) with the mitten attached no later than December 9th to the Fellowship. If you didn't get a mitten, and would still like to help, drop off Woodmans or Kwik Trip gift cards (increments of $10 are especially helpful) to the envelope on the mitten wreath. Contact Marie Luna, director of congregational life, at marie@fvuuf.org with questions. 
Summer 2019 Vacation Idea: Bayside UU Family Camp! 
Considering something new and different to do next summer? Well, you are in luck! Representatives from Bayside UU Family Camp will be here between services on Sunday, December 2 to share what they love about this weeklong summer camp that offers something for families of all configurations and generations. Among other things, Bayside includes daily adult workshops and worship services (attendance optional), quality child care, and youth programming, with intergenerational activities and vespers each evening. Bayside 2019 is July 7-13 at Pilgrim Center on Green Lake, WI. The camp has been described as a Unitarian village; a safe, warm, and nurturing place for "raising" the child in all of us. Come to coffee hour on December 2 to learn more! Check out the website HERE.
UU University
December 5, 6:30 pm  UU HISTORY: YOUNG FAITH This is the second of two sessions on UU history. We will focus on the ways in which our faith, while in some ways ancient, is also very new, since the consolidation in 1961 between the Unitarians and the Universalists created something new and unique. Come explore the ways in which the echoes of our ancient faith inform (for good and bad) our young faith. We will cover the Consolidation, the Fellowship Movement, the Black Empowerment Tragedy, and more. Come, learn more about our incredible tradition!
Fall Music Social - Sunday, December 9
The fall music social is Sunday, December 9 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, with light refreshments afterward. Share your music at this very informal event with supportive music lovers. Performer sign-up sheets are on the Music Social table in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Joanne Klinkert (klinkertj@juno.com) with questions or to sign up. Listeners welcome!

Senior Social - December 11
Senior Social gathers on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at noon; bring a light lunch and join us for conversation. Fun and easy games follow for anyone wishing to stay. If you just want to do games, come at 1:15, play until 3:00 pm. Friends are always welcome to join us for conversation, treats, fun. You may check with Linda Grishaber if you are worried about cancellation. Call 920.419.0300.
Our December meeting will include each person bringing a new toothbrush for donating to Leaven and a white elephant gift (wrapped please) for a fun exchange.  Ho, ho, ho! 
Come to P.I.T.! (Pizza, Ice cream and Talk) – Middle and High School Youth Welcome!
Stay connected, have meaningful conversation around important topics and eat. This event runs from 6:00-8:00 pm. Please RSVP your pizza preferences to Theresa Spoehr at cmtheresa@gmail.com. Adults are also needed to give perspective on these discussions. Contact Theresa or director of religious education, Kim Hartmann, at kim@fvuuf.org if you are interested in helping.
12/12 – disabilities
1/23 - sexuality and gender
Noteworthy News
Office Closed
The office will be closed at noon on Friday, November 30.
Save the Date: Birthday Party Bash
Saturday, February 2nd at 4:30 pm
Celebrating everyone’s birthday!
Community Office Hours
Join Rev. Christina for her bimonthly Community Office Hours at local coffee shops throughout the Fox Valley! This year Rev. Christina will have two each month, once on a Wednesday afternoon from 2-4:00 pm and once on a Thursday morning from 8-10:00 am. No RSVP needed, come for part of the time or stay the entire time! Topics of conversation will depend on who joins us; there is no agenda. Come enjoy coffee and conversation!
December – Your Daily Grind, 204 Main St., Menasha
12th – 2-4:00pm
20th – 8-10:00am
Ministry Minute with Rev. Christina Leone-Tracy
In this week’s Ministry Minute, Rev. Christina previews the upcoming raffle. You can watch this and the other videos on the Fellowship’s youtube channel.
Now in the Fellowship Bookstore!
Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry
Mitra Rahnema, Editor
The Fellowship’s Board of Directors highly recommend that we all read this important book. It is the first book to center the stories, analysis and insight of Unitarian Universalists of color who are offering their religious leadership. 
Upcoming Child Dedication Ceremony Dates  
Dedicating a child at the Fellowship is a powerful and precious ritual, designed to welcome your young one into life and into the loving embrace of our community. Any member or committed friend of the Fellowship may request a child dedication by contacting the lead minister indicated below.
December 16th (with Rev. Christina), 4:00pm Solstice service – sign up by December 3.
February 24th (with Rev. Leah), 9:00 and 10:45 am services – sign up by February 1.
June 9th (with Rev. Leah), 10:00 am service – sign up by May 20.
Contact Us
Click the image for our mailing address and staff email addresses.
Click here for the current financial report.
Click here for the current Governing Board meeting agenda.
Thank you for reading The Weekly Scroll, and pardon any typos.
Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg, Associate Minister (On sabbatical until 12/24)
Rev. Jim Coakley, Assistant Sabbatical Minister
Phyllis Schmitt, Business Administrator
Kim Hartman, Director of Religious Education
Marie Luna, Director of Congregational Life
Steve Sieck, Music Director
Eve Rosera, Religious Education Assistant
Cyndi Polakowski, Secretary
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 email Rev. Jim at jim@fvuuf.org.
To be added to the Joys and Concerns email list, contact Cyndi Polakowski at cyndi@fvuuf.org.
Social Connection Saturday - December 1. Click HERE for more information.

Weekly Calendar 

Friday, November 30
Office Closed at Noon
Saturday, December 1
6:30am Joyful Mind Zen Sangha
3:00pm Cancer Support Group
4:30pm Social Connection Saturday
Sunday, December 2
9:00 &10:45am Worship Service
10:00am U-Youth Choir
12:00pm Inquirer's Class
6:00pm Smiling Dandelion Sangha
Monday, December 3
9:00am Goddess Group
Tuesday, December 4
6:30pm Tuesday Night Meditation
Wednesday, December 5
5:30pm Fellowship Choir
6:30pm UU University
Book Club Books
First Thursday Book Club 
December: Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
January: Daughters of the Dragon by William Andrews
UU Book Club   
December: My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem
January: The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
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