We have a new Religious Education Statement!
Kim Hartman, Director of Religious Education
I am excited to share that the Religious Education (RE) Committee has created a new RE statement, and am even more excited for the opportunities that this new statement brings.
Designed to support the larger mission of the Fellowship
At the beginning of the new year, the RE Committee began work on writing a new RE statement that more accurately reflects the current direction of our program offerings; it was largely created to align the RE program to more directly support the larger Fellowship mission of Welcoming, Growing and Leading. The group began work on the statement by considering the outcomes that we desire for a child who has completed the entire program offerings of the Fellowship, and worked from there to create the following…

Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Religious Education Mission Statement:
 
The mission our religious education program is to grow a community of compassionate young people by:
 
•         Maintaining a safe, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate environment
 
•         Fostering caring relationships
 
•         Exposing them to diverse voices and religious traditions
 
•         Engaging them in critical thinking about values in their world
 
•         Offering opportunities for meaningful social justice work
 
How it will impact the RE program

The new statement will serve as the measure from which we will select, modify and evaluate all RE offerings and activities from nursery through high school, including Wednesday evening programs such as Coming of Age and Our Whole Lives.

How it will impact the larger Fellowship

In addition to the RE programs that the statement will directly affect, it will also help guide us as we select and support offerings that fall outside of but correlate with RE program offerings such as justice projects, special opportunities, and all ages and family ministry offerings (such as the Greater Good, Socktober, Fellowship-wide camping outings, etc.)

I view our new statement as the opening of the opportunity for the entire Fellowship community to function more effectively as a whole, and I find it very exciting because it allows the possibilities for individuals of all ages to more strongly connect with one another and work together in new ways. Our website RE page states,”We continually endeavor to cultivate a sense of belonging and community; a community where people of all ages are recognized for their unique contributions and gifts to the larger whole.” It is with the creation of this new statement, that I feel that we have moved closer to realizing this vision.
Upcoming Services
Sundays 9:00 & 10:45 am 
April 8 
Pesach, Pottery and Perfectionism
by Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg
The Jewish festival of Pesach, or the Passover, just ended but the themes of bondage and liberation are with us all year, Jewish or otherwise. The ancient story that gets told this time of year is about enslavement by an evil king. As modern people, which forces, habits or ideas force us to serve them in everyday life? Come to hear about one of Rev. Leah’s evil oppressors (spoiler alert: it’s in the service title) and how she tries to get free from it! You’ll have a chance to contribute to a special collection for Harbor House and enjoy the Schiller-Riggers’ family performance of the all ages story.
American Sign Language interpretation at the 10:45 service.
April 15
Emergenc(y) - This is only a drill
by Rev. Christina Leone-Tracy
This is Practice Year. Practice is how we get good at things! Today we will practice some spiritual practices, and we will also have some conversation about safety and have an emergency evacuation drill at the end of each service.
Emergency Evacuation Drill Sunday, April 15!
We will be having an Emergency Evacuation Drill on Sunday, April 15 at the end of each service. There will be detailed written instructions handed out that day, but here are the three main 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 (this is a change from last year’s drill). 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 on snow or unpaved ground, so please wear sensible shoes!
All RE children and youth will also participate in the evacuation drill. 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 the RE volunteer. Once signed out, families can return to the building or to their cars. 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!
Religious Education Reminders
Safety Evacuation Drill on April 15
We will be practicing an all Fellowship evacuation drill on Sunday April 15 at the end of both services. All parents and adults responsible for picking up children between nursery age and 8th grade must first check their children out by initialing the check out sheet provided by teachers and childcare providers before leaving with their children.
New student check-out practice in Religious Education
If you have recently picked up a child from the RE wing, you likely have noticed that we have a new child check-out procedure for children in the nursery through grade four. Parents and guardians coming to get their children are now asked to initial the class attendance sheet before leaving with any child. The procedure was introduced a few weeks ago to reflect best safety practices for our youngest students.
Upcoming Programs
Bread for the World Offering of Letters
Two Actions to Help Kids and Families Hosted by Essentials Action Team
Aren’t we all crazy in love with kids? Please take a few minutes to participate in these two actions in Fellowship Hall this Sunday or through these online links. Participate in “this march” to help kids and families.
1.    Endorse here the End Child Poverty campaign goal in WI that is coordinated by Kids Forward, WI Council of Churches, WISDOM, and Citizen Action of WI. View this 4 minute stellar video to inspire your letter and endorsement.  “Change the First Five Years and You Change Everything” 
2.    Participate in the Bread for the World offering of letter writing campaign asking legislators to invest in and protect funding for programs that help meet kids’ needs.  Sample letter here
The Senior Social group meets Tuesday, April 10 at noon. Bring your lunch and we will have Mary and Dave Gerlach sharing the highlights of their trip to India. Be sure to come early so we have the full hour to enjoy their presentation. Also, this Sunday, April 8th is our first session with the Breakfast Club helping solve our cell phone issues. It's at 10:45 in the legacy room. Bring your phone and questions.
UU Night Out - Rescheduled!
Join us at The Source Public House on April 10 for great conversation, lots of laughs, and amazing food. If you haven't tried The Source, you are in for a treat! Small menu, all ingredients are locally sourced--high quality ingredients leads to high quality, delicious food. My favorite restaurant, home away from home for Cindy! I look forward to seeing everyone. To join the fun, friend Cindy Darling on Facebook and ask to be added to the UU Night Out group or send an email to kitsudarling@gmail.com or text or call Cindy at 920.205.9635. Everyone is welcome!
Appleton Wellspring Wednesday
April 11, 6:30 pm
Taking a lead in Social Justice, last June Fellowship members voted to become a sanctuary church, if needed, for an immigrant facing deportation. Join us on April 11th for Wellspring Wednesday when we will discuss concerns of the local immigrant community. 
We will learn more about our immigrant neighbors and how we can work for change. The evening will be led by Marsha Dawson a member of the Fellowship's Shared Sanctuary Ministry team and ESTHER's immigration task force. Contact Cyndi Polakowski to sign up.
Smiling Dandelion Sangha Annual Retreat
The Smiling Dandelion Sangha would like to announce that registration is open for our annual residential meditation retreat.
We are pleased to welcome back Janice Sheppard and Steven Spiro as dharma teachers on June 8 – 10. The title of this year’s retreat is “The Balancing Point; Being Peace.” The retreat takes place on the UW-Oshkosh campus. Click here for details and registration.
General Assembly Funding Available
If you are planning to attend our Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly (GA) this summer, please let Rev. Christina know! We will need to assign delegates who can vote as representatives of our congregation. Also, if you’re in need of funding assistance, please let Rev. Christina know by April 15. We have a small fund to provide scholarship assistance, and depending on the number of people in need, will disburse those funds accordingly. GA will be held from June 20-24 in Kansas City, MO, an easy day’s drive from Appleton. For more information, especially for those who might be considering attending for the first time, check out the article below.
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. Everyone is welcome to attend. Click the image for more information.
Noteworthy News
Welcome to our recent new members!
Doug Middleton
Nancy Middleton
Marci Hoeft
Plants Needed:  The Partner Churches Committee will be holding its annual Plant Sale on May 13 to benefit our partner churches in Transylvania and the Philippines. Donations of vegetable seedlings, herbs, perennials (especially native plants) and houseplants are greatly appreciated. If you are able to contribute any of these, or pots/garden accessories, please contact Vickie Milde (vicmilde@hotmail.com). Thank you.
Justice starts here!

Q&A —
    
  • Do I need to pledge? Yes! Me? Yes! You. Every household, every year, so we have a record.
  • Even if I pay with automatic debit?  Yes. We need a record of your intended commitment so we can budget and be fiscally responsible. The pledge is your promise. Then, you pay, which is your contribution. 
  • Does the Fellowship have other funding sources? Very few. 93% of our income comes from pledges.
  • Can’t I just put money in the basket?  Sure, you can do that! We also need some idea of how much you plan to give this year, so we can responsibly budget.
  • What if I have to change my pledge mid-year? No problem, just call Phyllis, our business administrator. Things change, that’s ok. We understand.  
We need your help in order to continue our mission…please return your 2018-2019 pledge form as soon as possible!
We are grateful to all of you who have submitted your pledge forms. However, there are still many of you that we have not heard from.
Please remember the Fellowship operates on a fiscal year of July - June, and requests pledges from our membership on an annual basis, even those members who are participating through EFT. Pledges help the Fellowship plan ahead, and prepare a viable operating budget; which includes all personnel and administrative costs, program expenses, and building and grounds maintenance. All of which are needed to enable the Fellowship to carry out its’ mission.
Click here for more information and for an online pledge form. You may also find blank pledge forms and envelopes in the Fellowship Hall. Please contact Phyllis Schmitt, Business Administrator, at phyllis@fvuuf.org or 920.731.0849 with questions about your pledge.
Spring/Summer Art Theme
Although we won’t be hanging the next art show until later in April or May, we’d like to let you know the theme will be EMERGENCE. Feel free to get those creative juices flowing. We’ll let you know the specific date later.  -Mary Gerlach, Art Committee
Rev. Christina's Community Office Hours
Most Thursdays (unless otherwise noted), 1-3:00 pm, drop-in, no RSVP required! If you'd like to make an appointment to chat with Rev. Christina aside from these times, contact the Fellowship office. 
April - 19 and 26 (not on the 12th) April 5 cancelled due to illness
Caramel Crisp & Cafe - 200D City Center, Oshkosh
May - 3, 10, 17, 31 (not on the 24th)
Lou's Brew - 233 E. College Ave., Appleton 

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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
Phyllis Schmitt, Business Administrator
Kim Hartman, Director of Religious Education
Marie Luna, Congregational Life Coordinator
Jay Thomas, 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. Leah at leah@fvuuf.org.
To be added to the Joys and Concerns email list, contact Cyndi Polakowski at cyndi@fvuuf.org.

Weekly Calendar

Friday, April 6
6:30am Joyful Mind Zen Sangha
6:00pm Acoustic Jam
Saturday, April 7
6:30am Joyful Mind Zen Sangha
3:00pm Cancer Support Group
Sunday, April 8
9:00 & 10:45am Worship Services
10:45am Breakfast Club
6:00pm Smiling Dandelion Sangha
Monday, April 9
9:00am Goddess Group
6:00pm Essentials Action Team
Tuesday, April 10
12:00pm Senior Social
Wednesday, April 11
6:30pm Appleton Wellspring Wednesday
 Thursday, April 12
7:00pm Fellowship Choir
Book Club Books
First Monday Book Club 
Contact Chris Wales at kcrark@new.rr.com for the current book. 
First Thursday Book Club 
April: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Bachman
May: Miracles on the Water: The Heroic Survivors of a World War II U-Boat Attack by Tom Nagorski
UU Book Club  
April: Motherest by Kristen Iskandrian
May: Midwinter Break by Bernard MacLaverty
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