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Dear friends, Our beloved youth choir director, Julie Handwerker, will be stepping down from this role after the group's last musical offering, this Sunday, May 5th. We hope you can attend the service to honor Julie’s leadership What will music for children at the Fellowship look like next year? I envision two impactful ways that children can participate. First, we are looking at two intensive pageant weekends where school-age children can create, paint, act, sing, move, and tell stories. These experiences will be similar to the successful Ostara pageant a year ago. Stay tuned for sign up information closer to the fall season. Second, once a month we will have all-ages pop-up choir. Here are the parameters:
- Ages 5+. Literacy is not required.
- Lyrics and recordings of parts will be available on our website in advance of every pop-up choir to help.
- You can come to either service or both. We'll hold an 8:15-8:45 rehearsal for the first service, 10:10-10:40 rehearsal for the second service.
- Is parent/guardian supervision required? That depends. If your child is able to stay on task and appropriate for 30 minutes in a large group setting, they should be a-okay with me and the other adults around. For example, my youngest child would not stay on task on his own in this setting, so he would need his older sister or mom or an adult friend to be there with him to support his experience. There will be at least one professional member of staff present in the sanctuary at all times.
- What if I or my child isn't musically trained? This isn't a concert hall, it's a Fellowship; EVERYONE is welcome to come and sing. We'll work in rehearsal to make the best music we can, but never in conflict with our inherent worth.
- Specific dates will be forthcoming; count on once a month. On April 7th, Rev. Christina and Kim Hartman, our director of Religious Education, delivered a beautiful, powerful message about intentional, regular, intergenerational, collaborative work. You can listen to the audio recording of the sermon/reflection HERE. Fellowship members of every generation coming together regularly to share a common artistic expression with their voices? That sounds beautiful to me!
Peace,
Steve
Steve Sieck, Music Director
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Upcoming Services Sunday 9:00 and 10:45 am
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May 5 Going Deeper by Denise Cawley
American Sign Language interpretation provided by Jacqueline Corey (10:45)
How do we approach controversial topics as we carry out our Unitarian Universalist values? Consider diving deeper and challenge your understanding of your values and your theology. Denise Cawley is Unitarian Universalist seminarian at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago. She provides spiritual and emotional care chaplaincy at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. Denise has been a pivotal player in diversity, inclusion, marriage equality and voting rights. Denise serves as the intern minister at Bradford Unitarian Universalist Community Church in Kenosha. May 12 Like a Bridge by Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg
Our annual bridging service includes a special ceremony to ritualize graduating high school seniors’ transition to adulthood. Children, youth and young adults (18-35 years of age) will have special roles. Bridging youth will share about where they are in their spiritual journeys, giving each of us a chance to reflect on whatever stage of life we might currently occupy.
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2019-2020 Pledge Shortfall…Still Counting on YOU! Thank you to those of you who immediately responded to our call to action regarding our pledge shortfall. Thus far we have received just under half of the $100,000 shortfall in new or increased 2019-2020 pledges. If you have not yet turned in a pledge form, we need you to do it immediately. If you have already turned in your pledge form, and not thought about it since this news was shared, we ask that you mindfully re-evaluate it, and if appropriate, submit an updated pledge form by Sunday, May 5th. Remember, a pledge isn't a gift now, but a promise to pay later. Whatever you pledge, we ask you to make a good faith commitment that you expect to be able to sustain or even grow over time. Thank you for considering this, and for all the ways that so many of us make this place possible. Generosity ministry team representatives will be available this Sunday, May 5, to answer questions about your current pledge amount and will have pledge forms available for you to complete. Alternatively you can click HERE for an online pledge form, or contact Phyllis Schmitt, Business Administrator, at phyllis@fvuuf.org or 920.731.0849 with questions about your pledge. We are grateful for every pledge and trust that Fellowship members and friends will rally to help us Keep Moving Forward Together!
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Weekend Summer Camp at the Fellowship
We are planning our very first children’s weekend summer camp at the Fellowship! At this moment, we are still working on a theme, but the overall theme is to have fun and to learn! Please contact Kim Hartman, Director of Religious Education, at kim@fvuuf.org as soon as possible to reserve your child’s spot. Registration forms will be available soon.
What: A one weekend RE Summer Day Camp (No overnight)
When: August 10 and 11, 2019
Why: Summer camps are a wonderful way to…
• Help foster children’s connection with the Fellowship community
• Build UU identity
• Maximize the educational experience of our students; two days of camp is equal to fourteen Sundays or approx. 3.5 months of RE attendance
Where: At the Fellowship
Times: Morning through afternoon (approx. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Who: For children ages 4-10
We will cap at 36 children ages 6-10 (entering grades 1-5)
We will cap at 12 children ages 4-5 (entering Pre-K/K)
Cost: Approximately $50 per child.
We want all children who are interested to be able to attend. If this fee is burdensome, please contact Kim Hartman to discuss options.
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UU Men's Group Hike
Our group organizes several outdoor adventures each year. Our next adventure is scheduled for Saturday, May 4th. "Glaciers and Glens" includes a couple of hour-long hikes at county parks in Brown County. Highlights include a waterfall, dolomite rock bridge, ancient oaks, and a river valley formed in a single day during the last ice age. These early-season hikes include soggy, muddy ground and slippery rocks. This adventure is rain-or-shine and includes a late lunch in Denmark, WI. Gathering on the east side of the Fox Cities 9:00 am, returning by 3:00 pm. All who identify as men and their buddies are invited to join us. Each of our adventures includes first time participants - we are a welcoming community. Spend a day with others - make friends for life. Respond with interest or questions to Mark Walker at mercianbike1975@gmail.com.
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Cancer Support Group
Saturday, May 4, 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 judgment 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.
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UU Night Out
UU Night Out is an adults-only social group with no agenda--just great conversation and yummy food. Fellowship friends and members are all welcome. We meet every other month at GingeRootz in Appleton where they offer culinary choices to fit any lifestyle at a convenient location. The next UU Night Out is Tuesday, May 7 at 6:00 pm. Come make a new friend, get to know someone better, or just enjoy some good food. UU Night Out is always a good time. Contact Cindy Darling to be added to the reservation. Friend her on Facebook and join the group. Call or text 920-205-9635 or email her at CindyD@MauRealty.com.
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Pathways to Renewal
Thursday, May 9th; 6:00-8:00 pm As in all aspects of our lives, from time to time, we experience points of transition in congregational life. For instance, as we learn and grow our interests may change in the type of adult enrichment we participate in, or our desire and ability to be more involved in social justice or service work may change. Inevitably, roles and identities change as well. Adult volunteers with children in the religious education program may find themselves wondering where they fit into the community once their children age out of the program. Some may simply be looking for ways to change things up bit by meeting new people and trying new things. Join Jenny Bush, Cindy Darling and Heather Maass of the Engagement Team, and director of congregational life, Marie Luna, to the first annual Pathways to Renewal class, a program helping you see where you are on the spectrum and where you might want to be, along with an opportunity to renew your faith and yourself.
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Oshkosh Community Gathering
Wednesday, May 15, 5:30-7:30 Everyone is invited to join the Oshkosh group on May 15 for dinner, fellowship, and a service. We will thank our group for the time we’ve shared in this format, and transition lovingly to whatever comes next, which will be different than what we currently do. Rev. Christina and Marie Luna will lead our service to consider the many ways we belong to the Fellowship, even if our belonging looks different from each other. We’ll share a catered meal (no cost, but please sign up at the link below so we know how much food to order) starting at 5:30 pm. At 6:15 we will transition to the service. B’Nai Israel Congregation Social Hall, 1121 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh. Parking is available next to the building and across the street at Read School. Please RSVP before Monday, May 13 at 9:00 am, using this link: http://tinyurl.com/okdinner
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Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build Lunch and Learn
Join the Essentials: Food and Shelter for All JAM 12.30 pm Sunday, May 5 for a lunch of bread and soup! Learn about Habitat for Humanity and the Interfaith Build, their impact on our community and all the different ways you can help “bring a family home”. Spoiler alert: you do not need to have construction skills or work on the actual building to be a valued volunteer! For more information contact Angie Miller starlight54302@yahoo.com.
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Dark Money Documentary Screening
Sunday, May 5, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Fellowship Join the ESTHER JAM for a special showing of the film, DARK MONEY, a profound documentary about the shocking and vital truth of how American elections are bought and sold. This gripping film takes viewers to Montana - a front line in the fight to preserve fair elections nationwide - to follow a local journalist working to expose the real-life impacts of the US Supreme Court's Citizens United decision. The influence of dark money in Wisconsin plays a significant "co-starring role" in the drama in this Sundance-featured film. The movie will be followed by a conversation about bringing ACTION to this issue, right here in the Fox Valley! Having just returned from the “Unrig The System” Summit in Nashville, Dr. Noel Marshall and Bob Warner will share the current resources available, the victories that have already occurred and the actions we can all take to bring democracy To, By and For The People. George Penn of Wisconsin United to Amend will discuss on-the-ground action opportunities here in Wisconsin. Watch the movie trailer HERE.
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Essentials: Food and Shelter for All JAM monthly meeting: 6:30 pm Monday, May 13 at Copper Rock 210 W. College Ave., Appleton. For more information contact Angie Miller at starlight54302@yahoo.com or 920.810.7968.
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2019 Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build
The Fellowship is once again participating in the Interfaith home build this year. We need your help to fill these spots! Meal Providers (make a meal for 15 people- fun to do with a friend!) and Site Support are also available, if you’d like to volunteer, but would prefer not to do construction, though professionals are on site to help with all aspects of the build, so you don’t need to have experience in home construction to make a big impact! Jane S., a previous Interfaith volunteer, shares her experience:
“I had a wonderful time volunteering with Habitat. I've done painting 3 times, which is something I have confidence in. I worked with a future homeowner one time teaching her how to paint. So many of the homeowners were not exposed to that growing up and it was really nice to show her how to do it. It really felt like I was doing something that mattered to someone rather than just throwing money at a situation. I've done the Interfaith build twice, and once I just volunteered by myself. I've also done lunch. I've noticed on the website, that site coordinators are often needed, and that's something someone who is a bit shy about their skills or doesn't have much time can do. They are very important to the leader.” Click HERE to sign up. If you don’t already have a profile created, you can do so at that time. If you need help or have questions, please contact Angie Demers at angied@fchabitat.org or call 920.967.8895. Thank you once again for your vital part in making this happen for this future home buyer family!
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Green Sanctuary - National Bike Challenge Team
Nice weather is right around the corner . . . no really, it is. Time to pump up those tires and oil that chain . . . your bike wants out of the garage! Join us on a Fellowship team within the National Bike Challenge. Log your rides so we can show how the Fellowship is reducing our carbon footprint. But be careful, biking can cause smiles too! You're invited to join Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on Love to Ride. Check it out and join HERE. Always wear your helmet when biking, please.
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General Assembly
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. GA will be held from June 19-23 in Spokane, WA. For more information, especially for those who might be considering attending for the first time, check out https://www.uua.org/ga. If you plan to attend GA and would like to be a delegate, please contact Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg at leah@fvuuf.org for delegate information.
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Upcoming Child Dedication Ceremony Date
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. June 9th (with Rev. Leah), 10:00 am service – sign up by May 20.
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Click the image for our mailing address and staff email addresses. | |
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| Click here for the current financial report. Click here for the current Governing Board meeting agenda.
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Thank you for reading The Weekly Scroll, and pardon any typos.
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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 email Rev. Leah at leah@fvuuf.org. To be added to the Joys and Concerns email list, contact Cyndi Polakowski at cyndi@fvuuf.org.
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Weekly Calendar Thursday, May 2 6:30pm First Thursday Book Club
Saturday, May 4
6:30am Joyful Mind Zen Sangha 10:00am Spanish Charla 3:00pm Cancer Support Group
Sunday, May 5
9:00 &10:45am Worship Service 10:00am U-Youth Choir 12:00pm Inquirer's Class 12:30pm Habitat Interfaith Build Lunch and Learn
6:00pm Smiling Dandelion Sangha 6:00pm Dark Money Documentary Screening
Monday, May 6
9:00am Goddess Group Tuesday, May 7
6:30pm Tuesday Night Meditation Thursday, May 9 6:00pm Pathways to Renewal 6:30pm Spill it Sister
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Book Club Books UU Book Club
May: Educated by Tara Westover
June: Last Boat out of Shanghai by Helen Zia
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