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“Pushing Back and Pushing On” by Jay Thomas, Music Director
Many of you are familiar with Garrison Keillor, author, public speaker, and soon-to-be-retired host of the radio show, The Prairie Home Companion. If you have ever been a steady listener to the program, you know that jokes about Unitarians are not infrequent. Some of us have enjoyed hearing the ribbing (because, really, how often do we hear anything about Unitarian Universalism on national radio?); some of us may have stopped listening because it seemed the humor directed at UU’s was becoming increasingly bitter and mean-spirited.
Keillor wrote an article in late 2009 for Salon.com titled “Don’t Mess with Christmas.” (It also appeared in the Chicago Tribune as “The Christmas Dividend.”) In a nutshell, the author denounced the “Unitarian practice” of changing the words to hymns that might offend UU sensibilities, most notably “Silent Night.” His response can be fairly summed up as “Write your own hymns and leave ours alone.”
This article crossed my mind as I was getting ready to lead our opening hymn this past Sunday. I had taken the melody of the old workhorse “I Love to Tell the Story” and had rewritten the words to reflect this year’s theme of sharing the stories which define us. I kind of wished he was there. I doubt he would have been pleased.
There are a number of reasons I think Keillor’s article is off-base. Hymn words have been altered for centuries to reflect changes in religious doctrine. The oldest of these melodies are, in fact, folk hymns, the very nature of which embraces change. Here’s my favorite: changing the words to many Lutheran hymns for comic effect is a device Keillor and his writers have employed frequently on the show for years. Apparently, it’s fine if he does it but not good when anyone else does.
Leaving aside Garrison Keillor’s misguided opinions about UU’s, I believe what we do every week as we create and refine the services you hear each Sunday is to further the evolution of Unitarian Universalism, in our own small way helping to shape the people we hope to become.
I still wish he was there, though. That would have been a Congregational Response for the ages.
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Upcoming Services
Sunday 9:00 and 10:45 a.m.
October 2 Hold a Lantern by Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg Forgiveness is hard work, spiritually but also practically. Long ago the poet Rumi compared the process of taking responsibility, apologizing and making amends to holding up a lantern. In our second annual High Holy Days service, join us (Rev. Leah and Fellowship member Jaclyn Kottman, two lifelong Jewish Unitarian Universalists) as we shed light on these themes and how we might implement them in our lives. This service, a UU take on the Jewish High Holy Days traditions, is for those from Jewish backgrounds and non-Jews alike and will include very special music from our own Dan Van Sicle and Mark Urness. We will end by sharing the traditional snack of apples, honey, and challah (bread). High Holy Days Activities
Following the October 2nd Services celebrating the Jewish High Holy Days, we will continue the tradition of sharing the traditional snack of apples, honey, and challah (bread). On the following Saturday, please 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. 10:00 a.m., October 8th at the Peabody Park pavilion in Appleton. Accessibility questions? Ask Leah and she can get you information and help plan. 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.
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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 questions will be “tell me a story about a time you missed the mark and had to make it right. Tell me a story about a time someone apologized to you." These questions are not just for adults; ask our younger friends too!
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| Members and friends of the Fellowship,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! We
received a total of 314 surveys from you, as well as your experiences of the holy from the service on September 18; this data will be so helpful to us as we work to describe the congregation and our hopes and dreams for the future of our Fellowship. Thank you also to those who have already participated in Listening Sessions with us. Your discussions have been both thoughtful and thought-provoking, and we are grateful to you for the time you have taken help us in our search. If you have not yet had the opportunity to join us for a listening session, never fear! There are Listening Sessions October 3 at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and October 4 at 6:30 p.m. Please sign up at the table in the Fellowship Hall if you are planning to attend one of these Listening Sessions. We will be considering the following questions - Two years from now the Fellowship community is how you would want it. What has stayed the same? What has changed? What role did the Senior Minister play? Finally, save the date for Beyond Categorical Thinking! On October 22 and 23, UUA Transitions Director Keith Kron will be leading us in Beyond Categorical Thinking. This program is a highly recommended part of the search process for our congregation. In finding the person who would be the best match for our minister, we could potentially overlook or even let biases keep us from knowing that a particular person would be the best match for us. A workshop will take place on Saturday morning from 9-12, and he will also lead the services on Sunday morning. All who are interested are encouraged to attend both the workshop and the service! Sign up for the workshop at the Sign Up Spot in the Fellowship lobby or by emailing cyndi@fvuuf.org.
Go in Peace,
Terry Dawson, Theresa Hannah, Dave Wallace, Tim Watson, David Powling, Marti Wheeler, Lauren Thompson
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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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| Showing Up for Racial Justice Event
Thanks to all the Fellowship members and friends who turned out for the Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) event in supoort of our Black Lives Matter banner and position. About 100 people -- of different ages, races, affiliations -- showed up.
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| Soup Saturday, October 1 at 5:00 p.m.
One of our Founders, Len Weis, told us once that “food and fellowship both begin with the same letter and are properly united.” Reigniting a tradition started years ago, we will be continuing our Soup Saturdays, a wonderful opportunity on the first Saturday of each month to gather around a simple meal to share fellowship. The next Soup Saturday will be on October 1st at 5:00 p.m. No need to RSVP, just join us in the Fellowship Hall for delicious homemade soups, fresh bread and the finest conversation.
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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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| 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 that day 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, 813 W. 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 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 DRE Kim Hartman are working with the Appleton Fire Department to get their advice on best practices. On October 9th, all teachers and ushers 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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| 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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| Next month is our Fall Circle Dinners, and we are in search of families to host! Circle dinners will be held on the weekend of October 28. If you would be interested in hosting a dinner at your home or a local restaurant, please contact Kristine Paruch at kristine_stein@hotmail.com. Circle dinners are a fantastic opportunity to mingle and connect with other members. It is an evening full of tasty food, friendships (new and old), and fun.
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| Fall Music Social
It’s time to connect with your musical soul! The fall music social is on Saturday, November 5 at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Did you leave your musical skills behind when adulthood arrived? Perhaps you’ve been working on something you’d like to share with a welcoming, supportive audience? Or performance anxiety is keeping you in the musical closet? Stay tuned for more information and sign-ups in October. Contact Joanne Klinkert (klinkertj@juno.com) if you have questions.
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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, September 29 7:00pm Choir Saturday, October 1
6:30am Kishin Zen Sangha 5:00pm Soup Saturday
Sunday, October 2
9:00 & 1045am Worship Service 6:00pm Smiling Dandelion Sangha
Monday, October 3
9:00am Goddess Group 6:30pm Senior Minister Search Committee Listening Session
6:30pm First Monday Book Club
Tuesday, October 4
10:00am Playgroup 6:30pm Kishin Zen Sangha 6:30pm Senior Minister Search Committee Listening Session 7:00pm Climate Justice Thursday, October 6
6:30pm First Thursday Book Club
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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