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| “Bringing You Onboard, Part One” by Jay Thomas, Music Director
This past Sunday the Fellowship Choir performed “Ella’s Song,” one of many wonderful songs courtesy of the vocal group, Sweet Honey in the Rock. There are two facts about these performances that I’d like to highlight: 1) this was not the first time we’ve presented this song to the congregation; in fact, it was the third time since 2013; and 2) as dictated in this arrangement, the congregation was called to sing the chorus with the choir. Here are the words the congregation sang:
“We who believe in freedom cannot rest;
We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.”
If you weren’t there on Sunday, here are the words to the first verse followed by that same chorus:
“Until the killing of Black men, Black mothers’ sons,
Is as important as the killing of White men, White mothers’ sons,
We who believe in freedom cannot rest;
We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.”
If you were there for one of the services, you know how extraordinary it felt to hear and sing these words in our Sanctuary, to absorb the power of these lyrics and to be a part of the experience by singing them. What you might not know is what else I noticed as your music director.
When I first became part of this marvelous staff in 2010, the Fellowship was not what I’d consider to be a “singing congregation,” that is to say a congregation, as a whole, comfortable with singing. When we introduced the idea of having hymn leaders at every service in 2014, and a series of “Singing Workshops for Non-Singers” was conducted in 2014 and 2015, the primary purpose of these endeavors was to encourage more people to sing. Our congregation has steadily evolved in this respect as a result. So, what did I notice this past Sunday? I noticed the obvious, that the response from the congregation this time around was much more robust and confident than what I heard the first time we performed this piece in 2013. In fact, the congregation nearly drowned out our intrepid Fellowship Choir because the size of our choir hasn’t kept pace with this phenomenon. Hooray for the congregation! But why aren’t more of you singing with us in the choir? In my next article, I will spell out what it takes to sing in the Fellowship Choir. (It’s a lot less than you think.) In the meantime, think about this: wouldn’t you like to have that same experience more often, that rush of raising powerful text in song, that feeling of setting the tone for yet another amazing service at the Fellowship? Because if you do, I want to bring you onboard! To be continued…
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Upcoming Services Sunday at 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. January 29 To Be Cured by Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg
When tragedy strikes someone we love, it can be hard to know how to respond. We might feel helpless to fix whatever happened, worried we’ll say the wrong thing or even concerned that the bereaved isn’t coping well. Spiritual teacher Louise Hay says that “grief is not a condition to be cured, but a natural part of life” so let’s explore some essential practices and principles that we can use to accompany those who mourn. Join us if you have ever ached for someone when they have experienced loss…yet struggled to know quite what to do or say. February 5 Who Are You? by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz
When we greet one another, we often ask "how are you?" but what we really want to know is "WHO" are you. How do you identify yourself? We're told, on the one hand, that identity is a fact that we're born with, on the other hand, we know that identity is endlessly open to revision, adaptation, and transformation. At the deepest level of interaction, we want to know another and be truly known. This service will seek to answer the question: "Tell Me a Story about a Time When You Knew Exactly Who You Were."
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| It’s Happening!
Your Senior Minister Search Committee is very happy to report that on January 2nd, we received the names of 17 ministers who are interested in looking at information about our Fellowship. The UUA Transitions Office reports that this year there are 85 ministers in search for a settled (not interim) ministry position with 47 congregations in search. We have reviewed the ministerial records of each of these 17 candidates carefully and have arranged for video interviews with some of them. After those interviews, we’ll select a small number of candidates to interview in person during February and March. We are, of course, looking for the minister who is the best match for our congregation. If all goes very well and we’re able to find a good match, who also considers us a good match, (does this sound like on-line dating?) we will have the committee’s candidate by the end of March. Once we and the minister have agreed that we are a good fit, the rest is up to you! Throughout April you’ll see lots of information about our candidate and a schedule for “Candidating Week” when the prospective minister and family as applicable will come to Appleton, preach in our pulpit and meet as many of you as possible. At the end of the week there will be a congregational meeting when we will decide together whether to call the candidate as our Senior Minister. Stay tuned and please send positive energy for our search!
Terry Dawson, Chair
Marti Wheeler Dave Wallace Tim Watson
David Powling Lauren Thompson Theresa Hannah
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| Coming Soon
Below is a list of events happening soon!
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| Upcoming Programs, Activities & Events
Mark Your Calendars for these upcoming events.
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| Mindfulness Day
January 28 The Smiling Dandelion Sangha will host a Mindfulness Day on Saturday January 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Fellowship. This day will offer everyone a chance to experience meditation and learn more about Buddhism and mindfulness. The day will include periods of sitting and walking meditation with instruction provided. We will also learn to eat mindfully, sharing a vegetarian potluck meal. We are very happy to welcome Shojin Be Alford as our teacher for this Mindfulness Day. She will give dharma (instructional) talks, with time for group discussion, and will also lead us in a period of yoga. Shojin Be Alford is currently a Soto Zen priest in training at the Clouds in Water Zen Center out of St. Paul MInnesota. She took Jukai in 2014 and underwent Novice ordination in September of 2016. Be has immersed herself in the realms of meditation and yoga for the last 30 years. Be founded the Yoga Studio of Appleton in 1998 and taught there until the spring of 2016. She now lives in Appleton with her beloved husband Tom and their dog Cameron, traveling back and forth to St. Paul for training. Be has been a member of the Fellowship since 1997. You may bring your own meditation cushion if you like, but chairs and some cushions will be available. Dress comfortably in loose clothing for the day. Bring a vegetarian dish to share, if you are able, but don’t worry if you don’t have any food to bring, because we always have plenty. You might want to bring a water bottle or travel mug. The day is free for all to attend; donations for the teacher will be accepted.
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| It's Cabaret Time!
Saturday, February 4
Doors open - 6:30 p.m. Showtime - 7:15 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of entertainment, fun and frolic by your favorite Fellowship folks.
Drinks and snacks are included for just $10. Tickets sold at the door.
Come and join the fun!
Contact: Mary Gerlach (gerlachmz@new.rr.com)
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| Snapshots of UU History - New dates!
January 31st and February 7th and 21st, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
If you’ve ever wondered how Unitarian Universalism came to be, then this is the class for you! During three evening sessions we will explore our Unitarian and Universalist roots and ancestors, with special attention paid to what we need to know to make sure Unitarian Universalism is relevant in today’s world. Everyone is welcome at this community-building class, from long-term members, those new to the Fellowship and anyone in-between. We offer a money-back guarantee (full disclosure: this class is free) that upon completion you’ll have bonded with great new people and learned the answer to that age-old theological question, Why does Unitarian Universalism have such a long, complicated name? RSVP at the Sign Up Spot in the entrance lobby of the Fellowship or by contacting our office at 920-731-0849.
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| Appleton Wellspring Wednesday
February 8 - 6:00-8:30 p.m. “Poetry is Not Only Dream and Vision”
with Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg Audre Lorde says that “poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before.” What do you make of poetry? Is it relevant to you at all? Do you read it? Write it? Or slightly fear it even as you’re drawn by its pull? Rev. Leah considers poetry one of the important resources that can help us live spiritually grounded lives. She’ll share some idea about how you might be able to incorporate poetry into your spiritual practice and she’ll collect your experiences and stories about poetry for the Sunday services on February 19th. If you have a favorite poem, feel free to bring it and we’ll make time to hear a few. Sign up here. 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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| Essentials: Food and Shelter for All Action Team
People are still needed to serve dinner to the families currently living at Homeless Connections on Monday, January 30th. There is no need to cook as we will be using the E2F meals provided by our Fellowship. If you are interested in serving please email Lou Hull (loulhull@gmail.com). This is a great chance for you to get involved with Social Justice and make a difference right here in your community.
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Friday Film Series on Race Related Topics
Beginning the first Friday night in February, the Racial Justice Action Team is hosting a series of films on race related topics. We'll bring the movie and the popcorn, you bring an open mind and a desire to discuss the film afterwards. This event is free and open to the public; in fact we strongly encourage you to bring your friends! February 3, 6:30 p.m. - Crash
February 10, 6:30 p.m. - Fruitvale Station
February 17, 6:30 p.m. - 42
February 24 - 6:30 p.m. - Selma No pre-registration required, just come. However, if we have to cancel the film due to inclement weather, we will send out an all Fellowship email at least two hours in advance of the start time of the film, so be sure to check your email. See you at the movies!
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| Sanctuary Movement
2017 promises to be a challenging year, and we will be called to fight harder for human rights than perhaps we ever have. Unitarian Universalists, our Fellowship and its members have a long and diverse history of joining the fight for human rights. In the late eighties, the Fellowship provided sanctuary for an undocumented immigrant family from Central America seeking refuge from the political unrest and violence of their home country. At that time, sanctuary was provided through an underground railroad network of churches and homes. Today, congregations openly pledge sanctuary for undocumented persons facing deportation and their families as part of the Sanctuary Movement. Please join in exploring what it would mean to declare sanctuary status for our congregation. UURISE (Unitarian Universalist Refugee and Immigrant Services and Education, Inc.) is providing webinars for congregations interested in learning more about becoming a Sanctuary congregation. It is an almost guarantee that the need for sanctuary will increase dramatically in the coming months. Dialogue is an important first step in navigating what this might mean for our congregation. An opportunity for discussion of this topic will be planned soon.
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| Let's Build a House
On Sunday, February 26th from 12:00-1:30, the Essentials Action team will host a Brown Bag lunch presentation on Habitat for Humanity. Come and learn how our Fellowship can be involved in building a house for a family, by working together with other faith communities this spring. Plan to join us. Contact Marsha Dawson at mdawson907@gmail.com with questions.
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| Green Sanctuary Tips Corner
Welcome to a new feature of the Weekly Scroll from the Green Sanctuary task force! In this section every week, we will share with you a green idea for you to implement in your personal lives. These tips will help you “walk the talk” in reference to respecting our environment. If you have a good tip you would like to share, email it to greenfvuuf@gmail.com. Reduce Food Waste
40% of food in America is never eaten. The average American household is throwing away $120 each month in uneaten food. Nationwide we waste 165 billion dollars in food. Food is the number one thing in our landfills and is a big contributor to climate pollution. One in eight Americans struggle to put food on the table...so there are many good reasons to be conscious of food waste.
Here are some tips:
1. Plan your meals in advance and shop with a list. Only purchase what you can consume before it expires.
2. Use leftovers and ingredients that you have on hand as inspiration for future meals. The internet is full of ideas!
3. Freeze what you can't use up soon...berries, bananas, and greens can be used for future smoothies. Onions, peppers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs can be chopped up and frozen for chili, stews, etc. For more ideas check out savethefood.com.
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| Welcoming our New Religious Education Assistant
I am very pleased to announce that Fellowship member Eve Rosera has been hired as our new Religious Education Assistant. Eve and her wife Mary joined us in 2014 and after their very first visit, they knew immediately they had found their home. Eve has been a Religious Education teacher for the past three years, serving as both a Spirit Play and Summer Programming Educator. She is also a dedicated member of our RE Committee, and is passionately committed to providing a strong, safe and fun educational experience for our young people. Her professional background includes working in corporate settings, as well as in the health care field. She brings a strong and diverse skill set that will be an asset to our programming. Please stop by the RE hallway to welcome Eve in her new role on Sunday. Neighboring Faiths Field Trip- Come join us!
Our 7th and 8th grade Neighboring Faiths class will visit St. Bernard Catholic Church on February 12, 2017. We will leave from the Fellowship at 9:15 a.m., and attend a Q and A session after the service. All Fellowship children and adults are welcome to attend. Contact Kim Hartman for more information.
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| Marie Luna on Sabbatical for February
Marie Luna, Congregational Life Coordinator, will be gone for the month of February on sabbatical. If you have questions about the Fellowship or membership in the Fellowship, please contact Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg at leah@fvuuf.org. For all other needs, contact Cyndi Polakowski, Fellowship Secretary, at cyndi@fvuuf.org.
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| Senior Minister Voting Guidelines for New Members
Taking the step to join the Fellowship is an important ritual for many people. While much of what we do and offer is open to anyone, voting is only open to members. The Fellowship’s bylaws state that “members are eligible to vote at congregational meetings and hold office after they have been members for a period of eight (8) weeks.” Our last new member joining date before our Senior Minister is voted on will be on March 5th at 9:00 a.m. Please contact Marie Luna, Congregational Life Coordinator, if you are interested in learning more about the process for joining and to sign up to attend that day.
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| Click here for the current financial report.
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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, January 26 7:00pm Choir Friday, January 27
6:00am Joyful Mind Zen Sangha Saturday, January 28
6:30am Joyful Mind Zen Sangha 10:00am Smiling Dandelion Sangha Mindfulness Day
Sunday, January 29
9:00 & 10:45am Worship Services 10:00am Breakfast Club 10:00am U-Youth Choir
6:00pm Smiling Dandelion Sangha
Monday, January 30 9:00am Goddess Group
Tuesday, January 31
6:30pm Joy Mind Zen Sangha 6:00pm Snapshots of UU History
Thursday, February 2 6:30pm First Thursday Book Club
7:00pm Choir
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Book Club BooksFirst Thursday Book Club
February: The Buffalo Soldier by Chris Bohjalian
March: Rise of the Rocket Girls by Nathalia Holt UU Book Club
January: Forty Autumns by Nina Willner
February: Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
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