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When we sing songs, does the music serve the text, or does the text serve the music?
by Steve Sieck, Music Director
This is one of those great, endless, un-winnable debates in music. Even 500 years ago, people argued about whether vocal music was becoming so complicated and expansive that the clarity of the words was lost. (Did you know that the Catholic Church almost banned choral music in the 1550s because of this?) Sometimes we sing songs with beautiful melodies but relatively simple texts. And sometimes we sing complicated texts with very simple melodies. When a composer and a poet get that balance just right, though - that's something special. "Spirit of Life" resonates with many people so deeply, and I think this is because Carol McDade wrote both the words and the melody so thoughtfully. It is both a beautiful text to read aloud and a beautiful tune to hum on its own - together, it makes for a very moving song. We Unitarian Universalists tend to like words, so we tend to choose those words carefully when we sing. Indeed, many of the texts we sing weren't even originally written for those tunes, but have been superimposed on older tunes. In other words, the music often serves the text in our hymnals. Sometimes, though, a beautiful tune from one source and a beautiful text from another find partnership and create something new and exquisite. Our hymn for November, "Wake Now My Senses", is such a song. I guarantee that you will be humming it around the home this month, and the text merits daily reflection. The words we sing were written by the Unitarian Universalist Rev. Dr. Thomas J. S. Mikelson, pastor of First Parish in Cambridge MA. The tune, known as Slane, comes from Ireland, and, like nearly all really good hymn-tunes, was once a folk love ballad before it found itself in church hymnals! Slane grew immensely in popularity in the early 20th century as a re-texted Christian hymn "Be Thou My Vision". Rev. Dr. Mikelson's poetry celebrates our fifth principle of conscience; give special attention to verses 2 and 4 as we sing our living tradition each Sunday this month.
Peace,
Steve
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Upcoming Services Sunday at 9:00 and 10:45 am
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November 4 Emergency: This is only a drill
by Rev. Christina Leone-Tracy
American Sign Language interpretation provided by Jacqueline Corey (10:45)
This Sunday as we turn our clocks back, replace our smoke detector batteries, and have a practice fire-drill at the Fellowship, let's talk about what it means to prepare spiritually before you're in a moment of crisis. Whether the coming election goes the way you hope, or not, what spiritual resources do we have to weather the future? November 11 Life, Death, and Gifts by Rev. Christina Leone-Tracy
Planning for the end of life is not exciting, but it can be incredibly loving and freeing. Sharing your wishes with others is your final gift. Come think about these wishes and plan for these conversations with family (as we perhaps prepare for family gatherings over the holidays). After the second service our Planned Giving Committee is hosting an educational session about the various ways to prepare your wishes and legacy for the future.
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Emergency Evacuation Drill This Sunday, November 4!
We will be having an Emergency Evacuation Drill on Sunday, November 4 at the end of each service. There will be detailed written instructions handed out that day, but here are some important things you need to know: You may want to bring your coat into the sanctuary or classroom with you because, when the fire alarm is rung, you will need to get up and immediately head to the exits; if you are sitting in the front of the sanctuary, you will exit out one of the side exit doors. Those in the rear of the sanctuary will exit out the main sanctuary doors and proceed through the side door near the Legacy Room. Those with mobility limitations will have the option of sitting in chairs outside near those exits. All other adults will gather in the overflow parking lot in the office building next to the Fellowship. This might involve walking in rain or on unpaved ground, so please wear sensible shoes! All RE children and youth will also participate in the evacuation drill. Parents/guardians should NOT pick up kids from RE. Nursery kids will leave early to avoid the loud alarm, but all children and youth will gather by the little free library on Philip Lane once the alarm is sounded. Once the All Clear is sounded, which will be an airhorn, parents/ guardians MUST SIGN their children and youth OUT from a RE volunteer. After the all clear is sounded, everyone is welcome to the return to the building for coffee and conversation! This will be timed, so let's see how quickly and calmly we can evacuate the building. Thank you in advance for your participation!
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| Don't forget!Daylight Saving Time ends November 4.
Set your clock back by one hour.
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Attention Parents of Nursery Aged Children!
This Sunday, November 4th, the Fellowship will be practicing an emergency evacuation. The children will be evacuated approximately five minutes before the alarm sounds in the building. In anticipation of chilly weather, we are asking you to bring coats, jackets, hats, mittens, etc. and leave them in the nursery with your child. Please mark them with your child’s name (using masking tape, etc.) before you leave for the service.
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|  Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is collecting socks? The youth at the Fellowship - but we need your help!
Why? People of all ages may have experienced a housing crisis during the year.
Where will the socks go? We are helping the newly founded organization Pillars. More information on Pillars available HERE.
What can I do to help? Collect NEW socks for people in need of all ages. The socks should be warm and be “crew cut” or higher - so the ankles are covered.
Deadline? Sunday, November 11th
Where will the collection baskets be? Fellowship Hall | |
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Urgently in need of volunteers at Fox Valley Warming Shelter, Inc. now known as Pillars Adult Shelter
Volunteer with the Essentials JAM: Food and Shelter for All and help us put the first UU principal into action by providing a meal and hospitality to the residents of the Pillars Adult Shelter:
• Wednesday, November 7th providing and serving a meal and night time hospitality
• Pillars Adult Shelter formerly known as Fox Valley Warming Shelter, Inc., 1928 W College Avenue, Appleton, WI 54914
• 4 Servers—Will serve prepared meal. Shift is 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. If you are able to prepare part of the meal and serve, please sign up for both slots
• 2 Meal Preparers for Tater Tot Casserole—Recipe for Tater Tot Casserole will be provided. Food must be delivered to the Pillars Adult Shelter near 5:00 pm.
• 2 Meal Preparers for Green Beans—We are looking for 100 ounce cans of green beans to be delivered to the Pillars Adult Shelter near 5:00 pm.
• 1 Night Hospitality—Laundry for residents, prepare lunches for working residents, etc.
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The Greater Good committee received five excellent proposals for Greater Good funds this year. It was a struggle to narrow down the choices, but we are delighted to announce that three organizations have been chosen for Greater Good this year: Pillars, Leaven, and the Fox Valley Literacy Council! Presentations will be made on December 9th and voting will be on the 16th, so please be sure your child comes to the Fellowship on those days. New this year: absentee ballots will be provided upon request. 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 and contact Anne Sieck if you have questions (anne.sieck@oshkosh.k12.wi.us or 920-915-9813).
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UU101
November 3; 9:00 a.m.-2:00 pm
Facilitated by Rev. Christina Leone-Tracy and Marie Luna, Director of Congregational Life
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. Contact Cyndi Polakowski at cyndi@fvuuf.org by Friday at noon to sign up.
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The Ministry of Anger
November 3 at 6:15 pm
Our recent social and political climate, especially culminating with the election coming on the 6th, has many people feeling pent-up frustration, anger, and stress. Come to a special event to let it out! We’ll honor the active power of anger, do some drumming, and break some stuff (really!). Come smash plates and honor the holy gift of fury.
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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.
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Save-a-Life Day! 9 Spots open for CPR Training! When the clocks change, fire departments urge us all to change the batteries in our home smoke and CO2 detectors so that we might save a life in case of emergency. Here at the Fellowship we’ll also be hosting a fire/ evacuation drill that day, and then at noon we will host Save-a-Life Day, a training open to anyone 13 years old and up. November 4 our clocks will “fall back” so we’ll get an extra hour of sleep, and the Packers don’t play until evening, so this is a perfect opportunity to come learn how to save a life! Lunch and childcare will be provided, but you must register: tinyurl.com/uusavealife - We will begin with lunch at noon, along with a brief introduction to the Fellowship’s safety information.
- Starting at 12:45 pm we will have two 90-minute sessions so that we can accommodate as many people as possible.
- Half the participants will attend CPR training hosted by the Gold Cross (certificate granted)
- The other half will attend intruder awareness/ de-escalation training hosted by members of our fellowship and the Appleton Police Department.
- The first session will end at 2:15. If you only registered for one session, you can go home.
- The second session will go from 2:30-4:00 pm. If you registered for both sessions, you’ll get the other training during the second half. We encourage everyone to attend both parts of the training, but when you register there will be the option to register for one part, the other, or both. We can only accommodate 9 more people for CPR training, so you MUST register to let us know if you’re coming. CPR training is $12. You can pay by cash or check (to the Fellowship with CPR in the subject line), or talk to Rev. Christina if that cost is prohibitive. The cost of the intruder awareness/ de-escalation training is free, and we can accommodate more participants for that training than the CPR.
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Midterm Elections on Tuesday
Tuesday, November 6, 7:00 am-8:00 pm; At Your Local Polling Station
Following our fifth Unitarian Universalist principle of the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process, everyone is encouraged to make a plan to vote on Tuesday! Check out My Vote Wisconsin to see where your polling place is and what will be on your ballot. If you need a ride to the polls, email Marie Luna, Director of Congregational Life.
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Senior Fun & Games
Tuesday, November 6, 1:00-3:00 pm
Join us for fun at the Fellowship playing light-hearted word games like Apples to Apples and Balderdash. Bring a friend.
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Estate Planning Workshop
November 11 at 12:15 pm
Have you been putting off that will or estate plan? You know you need one, but you don't know where to start? Attorney Matthew Brehmer will cover what you need to know in this casual, one-hour Estate Planning workshop. Matt will take you through the basics of preparing an estate plan, including writing a will, protecting your assets, providing for your loved ones, designating a power of attorney, preparing for nursing home costs, and more! No matter your age, no matter your stage, this is an important topic for everyone! Light refreshments will be provided. Childcare is available; contact Cyndi at cyndi@fvuuf.org to sign up. Presented by the Planned Giving Committee and Remley & Sensenbrenner, S.C.
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Music and Imagery with Sara Devine, Board Certified Music Therapist
Tuesday, November 13 at 6:30 pm
Sometimes we feel lost and unsure where to turn. We may feel like we've "talked things to death" and we still aren't comfortable with how we feel. If we can learn to trust ourselves, we can find the answers within. Music & Imagery (MI) and Guided Imagery through Music (GIM) are opportunities of a different therapeutic style to gain a new perspective of your psyche! Utilizing carefully selected music, depending upon what has been discussed and the desire of the session, the music and the therapist become "co-facilitators" and offer a different technique to get “a glimpse of the psyche." The best part of this style of therapy is there is not a right or a wrong way to image!
After the imagery work is over, the experience is continued on paper, to be able to process, usually through a mandala. MI and GIM can be done on an individual basis or in a group setting. Join us to learn more about this style of therapy and to have an opportunity to experience this powerful method of imagery as therapy. Individuals who may benefit from this style of therapy are those who may struggle with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, those wanting to work on self-care and build self-esteem, those searching for a purpose and many more!
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UU Night Out: November 13, 6:00 pm
Join us in November on the 2nd Tuesday of the month (as you are all busy VOTING on the first Tuesday!!) at Paninoteca Latin American Restaurant on Richmond St. in Appleton. The space is not fancy but the food is quite delicious! And the people will be fantastic, of course. All UU's and friends of the Fellowship are welcome. Just please let Cindy Darling know you are coming (or not) so she can give this little restaurant a correct number for the reservation. Contact Cindy via email, phone or text: kitsudarling@gmail.com or 920.205.9635.
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Appleton Wellspring Wednesday: Mysticism- Touching the Divine with Chester Behnke
November 14, 6:30-8:00 pm The essence of mysticism is when the inner self both reaches out and reaches in. Come for an evening of exploration as I share this path with you. This will include how I came to mysticism, how it relates to my other beliefs, such as reincarnation, and my love of history. There will also be time for small group discussion and a brief meditation. Drawing from our first Source, which states the “direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and openness to the forces which create and uphold life,” favorite program facilitator and Fellowship member Chester Behnke will share his journey on what the source means to him. As always, childcare will be available, but please sign up at the Sign Up Spot or email cyndi@fvuuf.org.
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Thanksgiving Open Chair
Will you have an open chair at your table on Thanksgiving that could be filled by a Fellowship member or friend who would otherwise spend the day alone? Or Are you without plans for the holiday? Please let Marie Luna, Director of Congregational Life, know if you fall into either of these categories.
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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.
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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.
Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg, Associate Minister (On sabbatical until 12/24)
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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. Jim at jim@fvuuf.org. To be added to the Joys and Concerns email list, contact Cyndi Polakowski at cyndi@fvuuf.org.
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Social Connection Saturday - November 3 at 4:30 pm. Click the image for more details. | |
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|  | The November packet will be available soon. | |
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Weekly Calendar Thursday, November 1
6:30pm First Thursday Book Club
Saturday, November 3
6:30am Joyful Mind Zen Sangha 3:00pm Cancer Support Group
4:30pm Social Connection Saturday 6:15pm Ministry of Anger
Sunday, November 4
9:00 &10:45am Worship Service 12:00pm Inquirer's Class
6:00pm Smiling Dandelion Sangha
Monday, November 5
9:00am Goddess Group Tuesday, November 6
1:00pm Senior Games
6:30pm Tuesday Night Meditation
Wednesday, November 7
5:30pm Fellowship Choir
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Book Club Books
First Thursday Book Club
November: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
December: Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult UU Book Club
November: Winter Dance by Gary Paulsen
December: My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem
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