A note from our Music Director
Dear friends,

Let’s talk about hymns! I’ve worked as a musician in religious spaces for long enough to have learned that there are two conversations that arise as often as the sun: 1) which hymns are selected, and 2) how to get more people singing hymns. Joining as an intentional community to say something important with our collective voice is central to religious experience. Using music to communicate those important intentions helps us to transcend language and enter into the transcendent space of artistic expression. All of which is to say, people have opinions about what they sing, and they should! So, let’s look at both questions.

1) How are hymns selected?
Carefully! First, I meet with the minister for that service. We talk about the design and intention for that Sunday’s service: What is the message? Which texts will be used, and what kind of affect or spirit are we looking to engage? Then, I dive into the hymnals, searching for a few that are a) best fits for that message, and b) sing-able. The minister and I then look through the best few that meet the criteria, and work together to find the right one. I invite you to take a moment during your next Sunday service to find connections between the texts we sing and the sermon.

2) How do we get people singing hymns?
Well, first, I would say this congregation already sings quite well! Second, I have a “Silent Night” theory of hymn-singing. I’ve worked at a lot of Christian churches where congregants were tight-lipped during hymns… and yet, every voice sang out during “Silent Night” at the Christmas Eve candlelight service. It turns out they could sing! Music directors are usually highly trained in reading and singing music, and it is all too easy for those of us who pick songs to forget that many people don’t read music and don’t feel great about their singing voices. It is hard to have an intentional communal experience if reading hymns becomes an anxiety-producing test of one’s musical skill. And on the other hand, we can’t sing “Spirit of Life” every Sunday, either. We need to sing that which speaks to the service most intentionally.

For these reasons, we are singing the same opening hymn for the duration of a month, in conjunction with the month’s theme. In September, our theme is that Unitarian Universalism is a principled faith, so we sing “How Can I Keep From Singing”, a beautiful hymn that speaks to the unshakable rock of principle that we cling to despite the tempests that rage around us. In October, our theme is the seventh principle (interconnection), and we will sing "Our World is One World" (what touches one affects us all). Singing these beautiful songs for a month gives us a chance to live more deeply into the text and melody each Sunday, to go from processing words and notes to expressing ourselves. I know it’s working, because my six-year-old now sings “How Can I Keep from Singing” around the house!  Like "Silent Night" for those from the Christian tradition, this hymn has now entered into his heart, mind, and body. May it be so.

Peace,
Steve Sieck

Upcoming Services
Sunday at 9:00 and 10:45 am
September 30
May Your Life Be As A Song by Rev. Jim Coakley
Music can help support a life of principled faith. The words of the short hymn with the same title (#1059) by Jim Scott encourage us to leverage the timelessness of music to sustain the hope of our faith.
October 7
Honoring Our Ancestors by Rev. Christina Leone-Tracy
Honoring ancestors is an important part of many cultures, and one that dominant western (white) culture has lost touch with, especially with emphasis on individualism and autonomy. But, physically and spiritually we did not create ourselves and we can give thanks for the people who came before us. If you have pictures or mementos of parents, grandparents, or ancestors you would like to honor, please bring them this Sunday. We will also be talking about some of our UU spiritual ancestors whose journeys helped carry us to today.

Religious Education
Our religious education program needs you!
Our 10:45 classes are in need of teachers and room assistants in order to prevent us from veering away from best practice by combining classes. Please contact Kim Hartman, director of religious education, at kim@fvuuf.org to learn more about how you can take a role in our collective agreement to support the young members of our community.

Upcoming Programs
A Functional Medicine Approach to Reversing Chronic Illness and Promoting Brain Health
October 2 & 9, 6:00 pm
These interactive sessions will examine how you can make the transformational changes to prevent and even reverse chronic illness, inflammatory conditions, and even cognitive decline, with a Functional Medicine approach. Fellowship members, Dr Rick Menet and his wife, Rita, will also share what they have been recently learning about the continuing work of Dr Terry Wahls, The Wahls Protocol, who reversed her symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis; and the work of Dr Dale Bredesen, The End of Alzheimer’s, a leading researcher and clinician who has demonstrated that cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s can be reversed with a multi-modal approach. Rick is a physician with advanced training in Functional Medicine and Rita is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach. 
UU Night Out
Join us Tuesday, October 2, at 6:00 pm at GingeRootz Asian Grille for great food and conversation with fellow UU's. There is no agenda for this UU small group! It's just dinner and some interesting folks to share it with. Everyone is welcome--members and friends of the Fellowship. Please let Cindy Darling know you are coming so she can get the restaurant an accurate reservation number by October 1. You can reach Cindy via email at kitsudarling@gmail.com or by text or phone at 920.205.9635. This group meets the first Tuesday of every month. 
Journey to Belonging
Thursday, October 4, 6:30-8:30 pm
This one time program will help you consider the journey that has brought you to belonging to the Fellowship. From what from your past spiritual experiences may be holding you back and what has helped you become the person you are, what you were looking for when you first came the Fellowship and where you are going on your journey. This program gives a unique opportunity to those newer to the Fellowship, no matter how you are involved. Please contact director of congregational life Marie Luna at marie@fvuuf.org by September 28 to sign up.
Fox Valley UU Men organizes several outdoor adventures each summer and fall
Our next adventure is scheduled for Saturday October 6th in northern Waupaca County. "Waterfalls, Bogs, and Boulder Fields in Waupaca County" includes two hour-long hikes with stops at a couple of other points of interest along the Pigeon and Little Wolf Rivers. The hiking includes rough dry ground and ridges near a bog and a steep climb up the boulder field on a glacial drumlin - both located in state natural areas. This adventure is rain-or-shine and includes a late lunch in Marion WI. Gathering on the west side of the Fox Cities 8:00 am, returning by 4:00 pm. 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 men - make friends for life. Respond with interest or questions to Mark Walker at mercianbike1975@gmail.com.
Social Connection Saturday
Soup and Games on the first Saturday of every month starting in October
Join us every month for a night of homemade soup, bread and optional games. No need to sign up, just show up hungry
There is always vegan and gluten free options available. Games might include the classics, like UNO, cards and Yahtzee, or newer games like Apples to Apples or Settlers of Catan. Bring your favorites if you want to share! There will also be a table for those who are just interested in conversation.  All are welcome to attend these nights. Those who want to bring a soup to share would be appreciated. Contact Angie and Matt Demers with questions at angiebaby826@yahoo.com and matthew_demers@yahoo.com with any questions. 
There will be a special table every month for those who want to learn and/or play Dungeons and Dragons. This is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game that's been around for more than 40 years. Play the part of a hearty warrior, a cunning rogue, a wise cleric, or a powerful sorcerer. Explore your character's motivations, aid your fellow party members, slay monsters, and discover hidden treasures! All players are welcome. No experience required. All materials will be provided. Contact Jerry Behrendt with questions about D&D at jbehrendt@gmail.com.
Mindfulness Day
You are invited to attend a Mindfulness Day on Sunday, October 7 from 1:00 to 8:00 pm, hosted by the Smiling Dandelion Sangha. We will be meeting at the Fellowship. This is a time for beginners to learn about meditation and mindfulness and for more experienced meditators to deepen their practice with sitting and walking meditation, mindful eating, and sessions where we can learn and discuss different aspects of mindfulness. You may attend as much of the day as your schedule allows. Chairs and cushions will be provided.
We are happy to have a special workshop this time with Debra Morningstar, who will share with us the practice of creating an Indian Spirit Stick, drawing on her Oneida Indian heritage. A description of the workshop is HERE (limited to 15 participants). Other topics and a complete schedule will be available soon. If you have any questions, contact smilingdandelion@gmail.com.
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.

Appleton Wellspring Wednesday
October 10, 6:30 pm
Prophetic People
Childcare available
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 to sign up.

Noteworthy News
The Anatomy of an Apology from Rev. Christina's High Holy Days Reflection:
After services on Sunday, September 16, many people asked for Rev. Christina to share the "anatomy of an apology" that she described in her reflection during the service. According to the traditions of Yom Kippur, the first step after acknowledging our own role in harm, is to directly seek forgiveness from those we harmed. This isn’t something that is only between you and your soul, or you and God. Part of the repair of that relationship involves an apology. When I volunteered for years in a Maryland prison teaching emotional awareness and healing classes, we would learn about something called “The anatomy of an apology.” It was always a helpful exercise for the people in the class, and so I want to share with you. An apology is more than “I’m sorry.” It includes six parts: READ MORE
Rev. Christina's 2018-2019 Community Office Hours
Join Rev. Christina for her bimonthly Community Office Hours at local coffee shops throughout the Fox Valley! This year Rev. Christina will have two each month, once on a Wednesday afternoon from 2-4:00 pm and once on a Thursday morning from 8-10:00 am. No RSVP needed, come for part of the time or stay the entire time! Topics of conversation will depend on who joins us; there is no agenda. Come enjoy coffee and conversation!
October – Copper Rock Coffee Company
210 W College Ave., Appleton
3rd, 2-4:00 pm
18th, 8-10:00 am

Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Conference (Con)
Are you a UU-minded individual age 18-35? Are you looking to engage with a community of active, welcoming peers? Join us at "CON Solo: UU's The Force" for a weekend of connection, empowerment, and rejuvenation! This year's UUYA Fall Con will be hosted October 12-14 at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus, IN. Bring your sleeping bag and your best self! Click HERE for more details.
In the Pipeline
Partner Churches Refresh Weekend
Saturday, October 20 from 1-4:00 pm – Partner Churches Re-fresh Workshop All Partner Church Committee members and interested others invited and encouraged to attend!
Saturday, October 20 from 4:30-6:30 pm – Justice Saturday - Partner Church Committee and guest Rev. Jennifer Emrich welcome ALL AGES to this event. We'll have activities, healthy snacks, tasty treats, and stories to share, all related to our international Unitarian, Universalist, and UU Partnerships.
READ MORE
Contact Us
Click the image for our mailing address and staff email addresses.
Click here for the current financial report.
Click here for the current Governing Board meeting agenda.
Thank you for reading The Weekly Scroll, and pardon any typos.
Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg, Associate Minister (On sabbatical until 12/24)
Rev. Jim Coakley, Assistant Sabbatical Minister
Phyllis Schmitt, Business Administrator
Kim Hartman, Director of Religious Education
Marie Luna, Director of Congregational Life
Steve Sieck, Music Director
Eve Rosera, Religious Education Assistant
Cyndi Polakowski, Secretary
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.
Connection Saturday Movie Night - Coco, September 29 at 4:30 pm. Click the image for more details. 
Click the image for the October packet.

Weekly Calendar 

Friday, September 28
6:00pm Acoustic Jam
Saturday, September 29
6:30am Joyful Mind Zen Sangha 
4:30pm Connection Saturday Movie - Coco
Sunday, September 30
9:00 &10:45am Worship Service
10:45am Youth Breakfast Club
6:00pm Smiling Dandelion Sangha
Monday, October 1
9:00am Goddess Group
Tuesday, October 2
1:00pm Senior Games
6:00pm Functional Medicine Program
6:30pm Tuesday Night Meditation
Wednesday, October 3
5:30pm Fellowship Choir
Thursday, October 4
6:30pm First Thursday Book Club
Book Club Books
First Thursday Book Club 
October: Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
November: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
UU Book Club   
October: Mexifornia by Victor Davis Hanson
November: Winer Dance by Gary Paulsen
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