|
|
 |
|
Building Relationships and Making Connections
By Marie Luna, Director of Congregational Life Last week was my yearly UUAMP conference. UUAMP (UU Association of Membership Professionals) is the professional group that I helped start up for people who are passionate about welcome, engagement and congregational life. I have been on the board since we started 8 years ago, and I feel blessed to have this group of people in my life to help inspire me, support me, laugh and cry with me. One of the topics we talked about frequently, and of course struggled with, is how our congregations and our greater UU Association need to work on structural racism and white supremacy. We had representatives from the UUA’s Commission on Institutional Change with us to talk about their work. The Commission is charged with the long-term cultural and institutional change that redeems the essential promise and ideals of Unitarian Universalism. It made me continue to think about what we can do at the Fellowship. One upcoming exciting opportunity is a potluck meal that we are sharing 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! Unidos Potluck Meal
Sunday, May 19th at 1:30 pm at the Fellowship Learn more about the Commission HERE.
| |
State of the budget
By Samantha Zinth, Governing Board President If you have attended services or read the Scroll over the past few weeks, you have likely heard that we are facing a significant budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year. On Sunday, April 21, we announced a $100,000 shortfall for 2019-20. We called on each of you to mindfully consider your current pledge, and if necessary, submit an updated pledge form by Sunday, May 5. I am pleased to announce that we have secured an additional $66,824, drastically improving our budget outlook for 2019-20. This includes $31,578 in new pledges and $35,246 in adjusted or increased pledges. To everyone who made a pledge for 2019-20, THANK YOU. Your dollars make a difference in the health and vitality of this beloved community. This is an accomplishment worth celebrating, but we are still over $35,000 short. Although we have bridged budget gaps with creative solutions in the past (a matching gift challenge, Dinner Anywhere raffle, etc.), this model isn’t sustainable long-term. We don't want to temporarily fill the gap only to find ourselves in the same position again next year. As a result, we are still facing cuts in the year-ahead, though not to the extent originally forecasted. We do not expect to cut our ministers’ compensation, and we hope to present a budget that allows for cost of living raises for all of our staff. While the Governing Board and Executive Team will present a budget for approval at the 2019 Annual Meeting, this is ultimately YOUR budget. Final authority rests with YOU, the members of the congregation. We invite you to join us on Thursday, May 23 at 6:00 PM for a budget listening session, in which you can preview the budget prior to the Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 2. At this meeting, you will also have the opportunity to meet the candidates for election, and review the proposed changes to the Fellowship bylaws. If you have questions or concerns about the 2019-20 budget, I invite you to email the Governing Board at fvuufboard@fvuuf.org, or attend a monthly board meeting.
| |
|
Upcoming Services Sunday 9:00 and 10:45 am
| |
May 12 Like a Bridge by Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg
Our annual bridging service includes a special ceremony to ritualize graduating high school seniors’ transition to adulthood. Children, youth and young adults (18-35 years of age) will have special roles. Bridging youth will share about where they are in their spiritual journeys, giving each of us a chance to reflect on whatever stage of life we might currently occupy. May 19 Coming of Age 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!
| |
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
| |
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. 5/22 - we'll talk about mental health
| |
Weekend Summer Camp at the Fellowship
We are planning our very first children’s weekend summer camp at the Fellowship! At this moment, we are still working on a theme, but the overall theme is to have fun and to learn! Please contact Kim Hartman, Director of Religious Education, at kim@fvuuf.org as soon as possible to reserve your child’s spot. Registration forms will be available soon.
What: A one weekend RE Summer Day Camp (No overnight)
When: August 10 and 11
Why: Summer camps are a wonderful way to…
• Help foster children’s connection with the Fellowship community
• Build UU identity
• Maximize the educational experience of our students; two days of camp is equal to fourteen Sundays or approximately 3.5 months of RE attendance
Where: At the Fellowship
Times: Approximately 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Who: For children ages 4-10
We will cap at 36 children ages 6-10 (entering grades 1-5)
We will cap at 12 children ages 4-5 (entering Pre-K/K)
Cost: Approximately $50 per child.
We want all children who are interested to be able to attend. If this fee is burdensome, please contact Kim Hartman to discuss options.
| |
Senior Social will meet Tuesday, May 14 at noon. Bring your lunch and a special memory about May. Weather permitting, we'll go outside. Stay for games from 1:30 to 3:00 if you like, or just come for the games. Bring a friend, as well.
| |
Oshkosh Community Gathering
Wednesday, May 15, 5:30-7:30 Everyone is invited to join the Oshkosh group on May 15 for dinner, fellowship, and a service. We will thank our group for the time we’ve shared in this format, and transition lovingly to whatever comes next, which will be different than what we currently do. Rev. Christina and Marie Luna will lead our service to consider the many ways we belong to the Fellowship, even if our belonging looks different from each other. We’ll share a catered meal (no cost, but please sign up at the link below so we know how much food to order) starting at 5:30 pm. At 6:15 we will transition to the service. B’Nai Israel Congregation Social Hall, 1121 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh. Parking is available next to the building and across the street at Read School. Please RSVP before Monday, May 13 at 9:00 am, using this link: http://tinyurl.com/okdinner
| |
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.)
| |
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! On Wednesday, May 15th, we will have a Pot(ting)Party from 2:00 pm until 5-6:00 pm. We’ll enjoy a pot luck dinner after spending the afternoon potting up perennials. This is a fun afternoon of working together and all plant and people lovers are invited to join us. You are encouraged to bring your extra perennial clumps, veggie seedlings, herbs, and houseplants to the party for repotting, bring them to the sale on Sunday, or let us know when we can pick them up if you are unable to attend. The Pot Party will be at the home of Tony and Jane Salsich. If you would like to contribute plants for the sale or work at the sale, please contact Vickie Milde (vicmilde@hotmail.com), Tina Main, (velo.biker@gmail.com), or sign up at our display in the Fellowship Hall.
| |
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.
| |
- 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.
| |
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.
| |
The Racial Justice Action Ministry (JAM) Team is excited to announce that Bradley Shipps won the recent contest of naming famous African Americans by identifying their silhouettes. Check out a 30-second video of the answers HERE. The JAM will present Bradley with a copy of the book Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race. A copy of this book and others can be borrowed from our Black Lives Matter Lending Library, found in the Fellowship Lobby.
| |
Essentials: Food and Shelter for All JAM monthly meeting: 6:30 pm Monday, May 13 at Copper Rock 210 W. College Ave., Appleton. For more information contact Angie Miller at starlight54302@yahoo.com or 920.810.7968.
| |
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!
| |
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.
| |
Help provide a meal for the Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build
Essentials: Food and Shelter For All JAM is excited to offer the opportunity to be the meal provider for three dates throughout the Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build: Tuesday, May 21st, Tuesday, June 11th and Tuesday July 9th. We will be providing a build your own taco bar for all three meals. Please sign up to provide the requested food for a meal by clicking on the links provided below. The leader for each meal will contact people who sign up to provide the requested food to coordinate delivery to the site on the day of each meal. If you would like to help serve the meal to the volunteers, please include a comment when you sign up, but it is not required. If there are any questions, please feel contact Angie Miller at starlight54302@yahoo.com. Thank you!
| |
Community Office Hours
Join Rev. Christina for her Community Office Hours this month! There will be two in May. 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 15 (2-4pm) and 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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
|  |
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.
| |
|
| 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 Thursday, May 9 6:30pm Spill it Sister
Saturday, May 11
6:30am Joyful Mind Zen Sangha 10:00am Spanish Charla 7:00pm UU Dance Group
Sunday, May 12
9:00 &10:45am Worship Service 10:45 High School Breakfast Club
6:00pm Smiling Dandelion Sangha Monday, May 13
9:00am Goddess Group Tuesday, May 14
10:00am Photography as a Spiritual Practice 12:00pm Senior Social
6:30pm Tuesday Night Meditation Thursday, May 16 7:00pm UU Book Club
| |
|
Book Club Books UU Book Club
May: Educated by Tara Westover
June: Last Boat out of Shanghai by Helen Zia
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
