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Rev. Christina’s Adoption Update Dear Fellowship Community, I am so glad to be back to the office (as of this Tuesday) from my time off to recover from surgery. I feel much better and am excited to see you on Sunday! As you might recall, my husband Brian and I have been waiting over a year since completing our home study to adopt a baby. We found out a few weeks ago that we were selected by a birth mother to parent her currently unborn child. Things can change quickly with adoption-- birth parents have the right to change their mind, even a few weeks after the baby is adopted. We haven't wanted to put any additional pressure on this woman as she contemplates one of the hardest choices a parent could make-- to allow someone else to raise her child. Therefore, we haven't shared the information about this connection beyond close family and friends, and the Fellowship staff and governing board. In the past couple weeks we have had the chance to meet with her twice. Things seem to be as "sure" as they can be at this stage, and so we wanted to let you know. She is due to deliver on May 26th, but of course babies don't abide by our schedules! If the adoption plan continues smoothly, we will go to join the baby at the hospital a few hours away, and bring her home when she is released. I will begin parental leave, but I plan to space it out throughout the summer, alternating time off with Brian so that I'm not gone all at once. The Board, staff, and ministry team are working on a plan to ensure that Fellowship functions continue in my absence as I take this time to bond with our newest family member. We'll keep you posted and deeply appreciate your support, but we request no gifts or visits; stay tuned for information from the Fellowship staff about how we might celebrate this new arrival as a community. With love... -Rev. Christina Rev. Christina Leone-Tracy Senior Minister
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May 19 (9:00 and 10:45 am) Coming of Age Credo Service with the Coming of Age Youth
This service--and especially the youth's sharing of credos, or individual belief statements--is the culmination of their nine months in the Coming of Age program. This is a service not to be missed! May 26 (10:00 am ONLY) Come, Sing a Song
with Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg and Steve Sieck, Music Director
You are cordially invited to join Rev. Leah and our music director Steve at a Fellowship hymn sing! You pick the hymns on the fly, Steve will accompany the singing, and Rev. Leah will offer some historical background and theological notes. Whether you have firm favorites you’d like a chance to sing more often, or you’re just curious to learn more about Unitarian Universalist music, this service will be a fun chance to make a joyful noise in community.
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Summer Service Schedule
Summer service times start on May 26. Service time is Sundays at 10:00 am only. Religious Education class for children up to fifth grade and nursery care will be offered every week.
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Students Running Between and After Services
We have quite a few energetic young ones that like to run with and after their friends after services. They are not always watching where they are going and this has become a problem. A while back, a woman was holding coffee and was standing next to a baby. She was bumped and spilled some of her coffee on the child. Fortunately, no one was injured. Please take a bit of time to remind these children about creating a welcoming environment for all by observing building safety that includes walking feet. Help them understand that we have multiple generations of people in many different states of capability that are at risk of falls and injuries if bumped too hard. We are a welcoming church and this is one way that we can be sure that all feel welcomed and safe. Please feel empowered to ask any children who are running to stop - it does take a loving village! Thank you!
Kim Hartman, Director of Religious Education
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Come to P.I.T.! (Pizza, Ice cream and Talk)
Middle and High School Youth Welcome!
Stay connected, have meaningful conversation around important topics and eat. This event runs from 6:30-8:30 pm. Please RSVP your pizza preferences to Kim Hartman at kim@fvuuf.org or Julie Martin at julesmar10@yahoo.com. Adults are also needed to give perspective on these discussions. Contact Kim if you are interested in helping. On 5/22, we'll talk about mental health.
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Relationship Building and Unidos Potluck Meal
Sunday, May 19th at 1:30 pm at the Fellowship
RSVP to Marie Luna at marie@fvuuf.org All are welcome to attend our potluck meal with members of Unidos Por Un Futuro Mejor, a local immigrant led group whose “objective is to educate the immigrants of our community about their rights and to promote community organization.” The group strives to address the inequalities and obstacles for their specific immigrant community in the Fox Cities. Everyone is invited to meet our neighbors, share each other’s stories and build deeper connections. There will be someone who speaks conversational Spanish at each table, in case translation is needed. Read this document HERE on how to be an ally, and come with an open mind and heart!
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Partner Churches Plant Sale
From 8:00 am until 12:30 pm on Sunday, May 19th, the Partner Churches Committee will be selling herbs, wildflowers, perennial plants, veggie seedlings, house plants, and fresh flowers. We’ll set up in the parking lot and provide plant and planting tips as well as information about our Partner Churches activities! Don’t miss this fun event and the opportunity to take home great plants at very affordable prices!
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BUDGET UPDATE AND CANDIDATE MEET AND GREET
6:00-8:00 pm, May 23
Curious about the candidates for our Governing Board, Planned Giving Committee, and Leadership Development Committee? Come meet and get to know them. Anxious to hear about the budget shortfall? We have a plan! This informational session will cover everything you'll need to know in advance of the annual meeting, especially including details about the budget prepared by the Executive Team (the ministers and the administrator) and approved by your Governing Board. Sign up for childcare online HERE or at the Sign Up Spot at the Fellowship. We need at least one child signed up 24 hours in advance in order to have childcare.
ANNUAL MEETING
10:45 am, June 2 (directly following the Flower Festival service)
* 9:30 am: Bagels and beverages
* 10:00 am: Flower Festival service
* 10:45 am: Annual meeting (Childcare provided; no RSVP needed.)
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UU University
Wednesday, May 29, 6:30 pm
UU Theology: What We Believe – We are not a creedal faith, which means we have no set statement of beliefs that you must adhere to in order to belong. However, that doesn’t mean we are without common themes and guiding ideas for what supports our beliefs. In this class we’ll cover James Luther Adams’ “Five Smooth Stones of Liberal Theology,” the 7 Principles, the 6 Sources of UU Inspiration, and some theological grounding from modern UU theologians. Sign up for childcare online HERE or at the Sign Up Spot at the Fellowship. We need at least one child signed up 24 hours in advance in order to have childcare.
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- Sunday, May 19: Coming of Age services
- Thursday, May 23 at 6:00 pm: Annual Meeting Q&A; sign up for childcare HERE. We need at least one child signed up 24 hours in advance in order to have childcare.
- Sunday, May 26: Summer service schedule begins at 10:00 am only. Religious Education for children up to 5th grade and nursery care offered every week.
- Wednesday, May 29 at 6:30 pm: UU University; sign up for childcare HERE. We need at least one child signed up 24 hours in advance in order to have childcare.
- Sunday, June 2: Annual Meeting immediately following the Flower Festival service. Childcare provided, no RSVP required.
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Meditation Retreat
The Smiling Dandelion Sangha invites you to a 3-day meditation retreat June 7-9 in Oshkosh. Our theme is Roots and Wings: Grounded and Opened: Serenity and Insight. We welcome back Janice Sheppard and Steven Spiro to teach meditation, meet with retreatants in groups and individually, lead QiGong practice, and explore the retreat theme with us. This is a great opportunity to learn meditation close to home or to deepen your practice if you already have some experience. There will be formal periods set aside for sitting and walking meditation and also flexible time periods for you to structure your own practice. Vegetarian meals are provided and you may stay at Horizon Village on the campus of UW-Oshkosh or commute from home. The retreat is open to anyone who is interested. We have new people every year as well as attendees who have come multiple times. Beginners are always welcome and will receive plenty of instruction and support. For complete details and a registration form, please check HERE.
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The Greater Good Committee needs your help!
We are looking for nominations for worthy organizations to apply for Greater Good funds this fall. Qualifying organizations must serve the poor, exploited, or those in need and be willing to work with the Fellowship to educate the congregation about their missions. Previous winners have included Fox Valley World Relief, Pillars, and Riverview Gardens. Organizations that accept the invitation to present to the children of the Fellowship will receive grants of $250 to further their good work. On November 10, the children will vote on which project to support. For further information and to nominate a worthy organization, please see the Greater Good page on the Fellowship’s website HERE.
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2019 Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build
The Fellowship is once again participating in the Interfaith home build this year. We need your help to fill these spots! Meal Providers (make a meal for 15 people- fun to do with a friend!) and Site Support are also available, if you’d like to volunteer, but would prefer not to do construction, though professionals are on site to help with all aspects of the build, so you don’t need to have experience in home construction to make a big impact! Jane S., a previous Interfaith volunteer, shares her experience:
“I had a wonderful time volunteering with Habitat. I've done painting 3 times, which is something I have confidence in. I worked with a future homeowner one time teaching her how to paint. So many of the homeowners were not exposed to that growing up and it was really nice to show her how to do it. It really felt like I was doing something that mattered to someone rather than just throwing money at a situation. I've done the Interfaith build twice, and once I just volunteered by myself. I've also done lunch. I've noticed on the website, that site coordinators are often needed, and that's something someone who is a bit shy about their skills or doesn't have much time can do. They are very important to the leader.” Click HERE to sign up. If you don’t already have a profile created, you can do so at that time. If you need help or have questions, please contact Angie Demers at angied@fchabitat.org or call 920.967.8895. Thank you once again for your vital part in making this happen for this future home buyer family!
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Green Sanctuary - National Bike Challenge Team
Nice weather is right around the corner . . . no really, it is. Time to pump up those tires and oil that chain . . . your bike wants out of the garage! Join us on a Fellowship team within the National Bike Challenge. Log your rides so we can show how the Fellowship is reducing our carbon footprint. But be careful, biking can cause smiles too! You're invited to join Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on Love to Ride. Check it out and join HERE. Always wear your helmet when biking, please.
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Be part of the Team that provides a meal for the Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build!
Essentials: Food and Shelter For All JAM is excited to be the meal provider for three dates throughout the Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build! We will be serving a taco bar for all three lunches. Please sign up to provide a component part (taco meat, taco shells/chips and salsa, taco toppings, dessert, or soda) to one (or more) of the lunches by clicking on the links provided below.
Taco Tuesday! May 21st Meal
Taco Tuesday! June 11th Meal
Taco Tuesday! July 9th Meal
All those who sign up to provide a part of the Taco Bar will be contacted a few days in advance to coordinate delivery of the food to the build site or to a convenient location to be transported to the build site by the meal leader. If you would like to help serve the meal to the volunteers, please include a comment when you sign up. If there are questions, please contact Angie Miller at starlight54302@yahoo.com. Thank you!
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Community Office Hours
Join Rev. Christina for her Community Office Hours this month! 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!
May 23 (8-10am) at ACOCA Coffee, 500 W. College Ave., Appleton.
Please call ahead (920.731.0849) to make sure Rev. Christina will be there.
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General Assembly
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. GA will be held from June 19-23 in Spokane, WA. For more information, especially for those who might be considering attending for the first time, check out https://www.uua.org/ga. If you plan to attend GA and would like to be a delegate, please contact Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg at leah@fvuuf.org for delegate information.
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Upcoming Child Dedication Ceremony Date
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. 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.
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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. Leah at leah@fvuuf.org. To be added to the Joys and Concerns email list, contact Cyndi Polakowski at cyndi@fvuuf.org.
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Weekly Calendar Thursday, May 16 7:00pm UU Book Club Friday, May 17 5:00pm Acoustic Jam
Saturday, May 18
6:30am Joyful Mind Zen Sangha 10:00am Spanish Charla Sunday, May 19
9:00 &10:45am Worship Service 8:00am-12:30pm Plant Sale
6:00pm Smiling Dandelion Sangha Monday, May 20
9:00am Goddess Group Tuesday, May 21 6:00pm Governing Board
6:30pm Tuesday Night Meditation 7:00pm Men's Group
Thursday, May 23 6:00pm Budget Update and Candidate Meet and Greet
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Book Club Books UU Book Club
May: Educated by Tara Westover
June: Last Boat out of Shanghai by Helen Zia
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