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Having trouble viewing this message? Scroll to the bottom & click the link to view this email online. The newsletter is long and may get clipped. Please scroll down to the bottom and check for a "view entire message" notice to make sure you see all of the content.
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DIRECTORY COMING SOON!
We need your help!
One of the features of our new Fellowship Portal (Church Center) that we are so excited about, is the ability to opt in to an online directory. We know the ability to contact people within the Fellowship is a high priority for many of you!
We plan to open the directory feature in mid-September, but prior to that step we need you to ensure your information is correct, and that you have a picture on your profile. When we unlock and begin to share the directory, you will have the chance to opt in or set your security preferences. Don't worry, we won't share anything you add without your permission.
To create, or update, your profile, VISIT CHURCH CENTER, HERE.
Be sure to always use the same phone number and email address for your login to avoid creating duplicate accounts. If your other family members or children need to be added, you can add them there. A super-easy way to update a lot of information at once is by completing THIS FORM.
Finally, please add a photo to your profile-- we need it to be clear, with your face visible (no emojis or animals, please). That way we will be able to find each other easily.
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Tornado Relief: How Can We Help?
We have had many people reach out to our Fellowship office asking if we are coordinating any relief projects for those affected by the tornados in the area last week. It is wonderful that our community is so generous and caring!
HOW TO HELP NOW: Fellowship member (and governing board member at large) Chris Wales (rivercrossingcoaching@gmail.com) serves on the board of the Community Clothes Closet and says that they are seeking groups of up to 15 people to help on Monday and Tuesday afternoons from 1:00–4:00 p.m. through September 15. Tasks may include hanging clothing, restocking the shopping floor, sorting donations, sizing shoes, and pairing towels and sheets.
Additionally, we know that the Hope Fridge (332 Broad St., Menasha, 54952) is in need of food donations. Additonal ways to help are to provide monetary donations to our Ministers Discretionary Fund (we have given away over $1,000 to folks affected so far) or to the United Way Fox Cities Tornado Relief Fund.
WHAT ELSE WE'RE DOING: Your Fellowship staff have been extremely busy meeting pastoral needs and offering support from our Ministers Discretionary Fund, as well as supporting an immigrant family that was affected and is currently in crisis. Due to the sensitive nature of immigration justice in our country right now, we cannot share any details about the support we have been offering, but please know that your Fellowship is living our values! Our September share-the-plate recipient is slated to be the United Way Fox Cities Tornado Relief Fund, listed above.
WHAT WE'RE NOT DOING: We are not doing a supply drive at this time. We have received requests from some local organizations to help offload some of their overstock of donations-- so many are coming in that coordinators can't keep up. Once the initial crisis phase slows down and organizations are clearer about what would be helpful, we WILL organize relief support and let you know how to be involved.
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Sunday, August 23
10:00 am Central Time in-person & livestream
What is Meant By Sacred? by Gary Crevier
Note: Our R.E. kids will have a cozy PJ-and-books session, so youth AND adults are invited to wear your PJs to the Fellowship this Sunday!
• Watch past sermons on our YouTube channel.
• Services details HERE
• See our website HERE for information about religious exploration programs for children and youth.
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Help Support the Neenah-Menasha Intertribal Powwow
This Sunday, August 23, we will have a special collection at the service for the Neenah-Menasha Intertribal Powwow. Come together in celebration of Indigenous cultures, traditions, music, dance, and community. Your gift helps make this gathering possible and supports a welcoming space where people can connect, learn, celebrate, and share in the spirit of community.
Donate to the special collection online HERE.
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As the summer is nearing its end, it is time to start thinking about returning to two services. This Sunday, August 23rd there will be a training held at 11:30 am for all of those who are currently working as Sunday Helpers, as well as those who are interested in joining the effort! Sunday Helpers include ushers, welcomers/greeters, service hosts, and coffee hosts. More help is always welcome!
It is important that our helpers attend one of these trainings, because we are going over the positions as well as scheduling with our new software, Church Center. Contact Program & Volunteer Coordinator Seth Gillespie at seth@fvuuf.org with questions.
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Music Ministry
Our music programs return in the fall.
If you are interested in participating in music ministry on Sunday mornings, please contact our Music Coordinator, Tam Masters (tam@fvuuf.org).
For information about our Music Ministries, click the button:
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The Fellowship is getting solar panels!
We need your support to help us reach our goal of raising $200,000 for the panels and other important building needs. We have raised $149,910.00 so far. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.
We are so excited for this important leap forward in ensuring that our building reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and the interdependence of all life on our planet. Please click the button below for details.
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Community Fun Night & Auction
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Thriving Together: Community Fun Night and Auction
Sponsors Needed: We are looking for businesses to partner with us as a sponsor for our annual fall fundraiser on Saturday, November 7, 2026, where we hope to raise $25,000.
Financial sponsorship helps cover our event hosting costs, ensuring every dollar raised goes directly into our core work. Partnering with us as an event sponsor shows your commitment to a vibrant local community. A sponsoring business will be recognized at the event, in event materials, through our online auction, and via social media both before and after the event.
Note: We are not looking for donations at this time. The official ask for item/activity donations will be announced in the newsletter on August 27.
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 | Click the image to view the Justice Hub
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Justice Hub
Check out the Justice Hub, featuring an easy-to-use calendar! Each event on the calendar includes time, location, and program details to help you learn more about how to get engaged with our wider community.
When you click on an event, at the bottom of the description, you can click “Copy to my calendar” to add the event to your calendar and never miss a chance to act courageously for justice in our world.
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| | Religious Exploration - Children & Youth
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Starting September 20, BLAST OFF with Middle Hour All-Fellowship R.E.
The past two years we have introduced the opportunity for learning and connection during Middle Hour, our 10 AM time between the Sunday services (9 AM and 11 AM during the program year). Starting this fall, we will continue the experiment by expanding Middle Hour to include all ages at the Fellowship.
The biggest change is that our age-segmented Religious Exploration (R.E.) programs for children will happen during Middle Hour, from 10:00-10:50 AM.
Option A) Coffeehouse Service + Middle Hour - If parents want to bring children to the 9 AM Coffeehouse Service, kids are welcome to join the service and conversation. Then, stay for Middle Hour – there will be programs for everyone, young and old.
Option B) Middle Hour + Traditional Service - Come first to Middle Hour then stick around for the 11 AM Traditional Service. After about 15 minutes and the Time for All Ages, elementary-age kids will be invited to a program for the remainder of the hour. Older children and youth are invited to stay in the service, or help out in a variety of roles in the sanctuary or in RE.
What about Babies, Teens, and Adults? Nursery care for 6 months to 4 years will be available each of the three hours. Programs for teens will continue on Sunday afternoons and weeknights. Middle Hour will continue to have opportunities for teens and adults, too!
Two Hours?? - For parents who are concerned that 2 hours is a lot of time on a weekend, feel free to come to only one hour; your child will still benefit. However, the likelihood is that your family is already at the Fellowship for 90+ minutes on a Sunday (but now, your children are running around, and eating too many cookies). An extra 20-30 minutes will mean that your child will have quality RE programs to enjoy while you attend service and have some adult time!
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Summer Religious Exploration for Kids
THIS SUNDAY: WEAR YOUR PJs! (Adults & Kids!)
hroughout the summer, children are exploring our faith’s values, building friendships, and enjoying hands-on lessons and fun activities each Sunday. Click the orange button to see the schedule.
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Register Now for Religious Exploration!
As we prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 program year, our updated RE registration form is live! Every child or youth, ages 6 months to 18 years, should be registered regardless of which program(s) they plan to attend.
You will be prompted to log in to Church Center and then choose which children to complete the form for. If you have no children connected to your household, please add them first.
Step 1) CHILD & YOUTH ENGAGEMENT FORM: CLICK HERE to complete this information form for each child, which requests specific safety, behavior, and support needs.
Step 2) R.E. REGISTRATION FORM: CLICK HERE to register your child(ren) for the RE programs they will participate in this year. Fee is $30/ child, max $75/ family. If this cost is prohibitive, use the discount codes in the form.
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Ladies Craft Circle
Ladies, grab your scissors, paint brushes, knitting or whatever you're working on and join us for a fun and relaxing time as we get CRAFTY!
This group is for anyone who identifies as a woman. Adults only, because YOU deserve some ME TIME!
Bring a snack to share and join us from 3:00-7:00 PM on the following Fridays: October 23rd and December 11th (future dates TBD).
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Donation Drop Off Needed!
We are in need of volunteers to take load of donation items to Goodwill. This is a one-time request. Please contact Cyndi (cyndi@fvuuf.org) in the office if you can help.
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Where in the World is Rev. Christina?
Cue the 1980s-90s computer game and TV show ("Carmen Sandiego") theme song! Rev. Christina had back surgery in early June and was out for a few weeks, recovering. Now that the summer is in full-swing, she is all over the place.
Since she hasn't been present at our Sunday Services as often as usual, we thought we'd update you on her adventures. On July 26 she was teaching Religious Exploration to our kids, and on August 9 she was officiating the wedding of a Fellowship youth-turned-adult.
Part of our ministers' role is to serve our larger UU faith by offering services to local UU congregations, especially those who have part-time, or no, ministerial leadership. Rev. Christina preached at Open Circle UU in Fond du Lac on August 2, and will preach at Lakeshore UU in Manitowoc this Sunday, August 23.
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Rev. Hannah Roberts Villnave's Sabbatical
Rev. Hannah is on sabbatical through November 14, 2026. Please click the button below for more information.
Don't forget to pick up a sabbatical BINGO card in the entry lobby (adults & kids) to play for a chance to win some great prizes. Click HERE to see the cards online.
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Care and Support
For pastoral emergencies, call 920-268-4512.
Fellowship members who want to be included on a weekly joys and concerns email list may contact Cyndi at cyndi@fvuuf.org.
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Fellowship Office Hours
Fellowship Office Hours:
8:00 am - 1:00 pm Sun., Mon., Tues., Thurs.
Office closed Wed., Fri., Sat.
If you have a group meeting or event that occurs outside of office hours, those will continue as scheduled.
To meet with individual staff members, please contact them directly to schedule an appointment. Contact information can be found at https://fvuuf.org/contact/.
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