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Open Fellowship Meeting
Join us for an important conversation!
Thursday, May 5th at 6:00 pm CT
In person or on Zoom (link HERE)
Bring your questions, concerns, and care for the Fellowship's future for a conversation about staffing transitions and Fellowship health.
You can also submit your questions to cyndi@fvuuf.org by Thursday at 3:30 pm if you are unable to attend the meeting. To watch the recording of the meeting, email cyndi@fvuuf.org for the link.
Agenda for Meeting
• Update of staffing changes and Rev. Christina’s medical leave (read more HERE)
• Message from Board of Directors
• Summer staffing plan
• Update from Assistant Minister Search Team
• Update from Staffing Assessment Team
• Questions from members and friends
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A Note about Minister Ali and the MFC Decision:
I have heard from many of you how disappointed you are in the Ministerial Fellowship Committee’s (MFC) decision not to let Ali continue with us beyond this June. I join you in that disappointment and frustration, especially given the circumstances our Fellowship finds itself in with other staff transitions and my need for medical leave. Some of you have asked, who at the UUA can you write to? The answer is no one. Ministerial fellowship and ordination in our UU faith is a somewhat convoluted process that is too complex for the confines of this short article, but the UUA is not responsible for the MFC. The MFC’s decision is final and there is no appeal process that would result in a change of their decision. Even if there were, it would not happen until September at the earliest—which is too late for us, and for Ali.
While we all wish Ali could stay here, it doesn’t help Ali for us to oppose the MFC’s decision; in fact, it could reflect poorly on her. The MFC has a birds-eye view of the congregations in need of a minister. This year, there are over 60 congregations in search (for comparison, there were about 30 when I searched for a new position in 2016-17). Ours is not the only situation they are considering, and they are thinking mostly about Ali’s future success-- the MFC’s decision was based on the experiences that Ali has had so far in her training, and what experiences they believe she still needs to cultivate, and the potential congregations with no minister at all, that could use a wonderful minister like her!
Even though I wish their decision had been different, I trust the Ministerial Fellowship Committee. They are a group of committed UU religious professionals and laypeople who volunteer to support our faith. They only want the best for the future of our ministry and our congregations. Please join me in supporting Ali by supporting this decision and whatever comes next for her.
With love,
Rev. Christina
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Sunday Services9:00 am Central In Person
10:45 am In Person and LivestreamFive Smooth Stones 4 - Human Agency & Virtue
by Rev. Christina Leone-Tracy
In April we explored the “Five Smooth Stones of Religious Liberalism” as articulated by the 20th century UU theologian, James Luther Adams. Join us for this final stone — “Human agency.” In what ways does our free will allow us to create good in the world? In what ways does it cause problems?
Click HERE for Worship Service Zoom Information and the Order of Service
- Listen to past sermons, including last week's first part of the sermon series HERE.
- Watch some of our past services on our Youtube channel.
- See the religious education section below for details about online and in-person classes.
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Monthly Evening Service Wednesday, May 25 at 7:00 pm CT on Zoom
Join us for a Zoom worship service led by our Assistant Minister, Ali Peters. On the last Wednesday of each month, we will hold an informal evening service to re-center ourselves during the week, connect more deeply with one another, and hold each other in community. All are welcome! If you have questions, please reach out to Ali at ali@fvuuf.org. Log-in information is available on the services page of our website HERE. We hope to see you there!
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Return Your Pledge Today! The Fellowship’s winning strategy includes three important financial categories. Through contributions to our operating budget, our endowment, and our fundraising projects, you support the continuance of our flourishing, loving, welcoming community.
We are currently winding down the final follow-up to our 2022-2023 pledge drive and working on preparing our annual budget to be presented for your vote at the annual meeting. Please don’t miss your chance to support the Fellowship’s operating budget with your pledge! Complete our online pledge form here. You may also contact director of finance and operations Phyllis Schmitt, at Phyllis@fvuuf.org or 920.731.0849, to be sent a paper copy or with questions.
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WellspringMay 11, 6:30 pm CT
In person and on Zoom
Making Our Own Music! Building Community Through Drumming and Play with Leila Ramagopal Pertl
Music is a Birthright! Music-making belongs to all people, and one of the most dynamic and joyful ways to be together is by drumming! Drumming together is a powerful way to create a connected and inclusive community. In this immersive, joyful, hands-on workshop, we will take time to play, create, and reflect upon the communities we build and nurture.
We will provide ear protection, drums, pitched tubes, pitched percussion, and all kinds of shakers! Please come dressed comfortably, bring a journal to write in, and most importantly, invite your playfulness, openness, and creativity!
Leila Ramagopal Pertl is a passionate advocate for placing student collaborative creativity at the center of their music education. She currently teaches courses in elementary music methods, introduction to music education, and Deep Listening at Lawrence University and is the Music Education Curator for the Mile of Music Festival.
Click HERE for more information.
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NEW DATE! Fireside Chat: What Brings People to Unitarian Universalism?Thursday, May 12; 6:30-8:00 pm CT
In person and on Zoom
Were you looking for community? A liberal religion? A place to call home? Answers for yourself or your kids?
Join Care Team member Mike Yonkers and Director of Congregational Life Director Marie Luna for an opportunity to share stories about what brought you to the Fellowship community or Unitarian Universalism and hear how interesting and diverse our paths can be. Zoom information is available on our website HERE.
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| Religious Education - Children and Youth
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Sunday Religious Education Programs: Virtual and In-Person OfferingsCheck out our website for class information for nursery through 6th grade HERE and 7th through 12th grades HERE. Programs are offered from mid-September through late May
Nursery 9:00 AM and 10:45 AM
Childcare for children between 6 months and 3 years is available in the nursery during both the 9:00 and 10:45 services.
9:00 AM- Children’s RE (grades 4K-6) Zoom only
Children’s RE on Zoom only. The Zoom link is accessible to parents of registered children.
10:45 AM- In-person Children’s RE (grades 4K-6)
Children in this class meet in the Anthony Room. Teachers and students in the elementary RE class will need to continue masking and practice social distancing as much as possible.
10:45 In-person Crossing Paths (grades 7-12)
1st and 3rd Sundays of each month during the program year
Students meet in the Brown Room on the first and third Sunday of each month. Students and teachers in this classroom are not required to wear masks.
Dress your child to get messy in RE this Sunday!
Students in our 4K-6th grade RE class will experience the multiple hazards of an oil spill. Our Green Sanctuary members are wrapping up their three-week unit of environmental workshops with our young people. Students will experience a simulated oil spill and will act as environmentalists who clean up the flora and fauna after such a disaster.
Youth-Led Credo Service May 22
Join us for our annual Youth-Led Credo Service. All of the young people who participated in our Being A Teen (BATs) program will host this special service. The youth who completed the Coming of Age track of the program spent the past year working with a mentor towards creating a personal credo, a Latin word that means “a set of fundamental beliefs or a guiding principle.” They will share their personal statements that address the question, “What do I believe?” as the centerpiece of this popular and inspiring service.
Now Accepting Summer Teacher Applications!
Education doesn’t stop during summer for the Fellowship! Join a passionate and friendly team of caring free thinkers who value liberal religious education for our young people as much as you do! Come for the kid’s education, stay for your own education!
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Religious Education Job Openings
We are hiring for two positions in RE. Click HERE for more information.
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Announcing our 2022 Summer Religious Exploration Experience for Kids!We are very excited to announce that our summer religious exploration classes for 4K-5th grade children will kick off on Sunday, June 12 during our 10:00 am service. We will revel in the joy of being together in community again by engaging minds and bodies in less formal learning, and connecting more deeply to nature and the outdoors. Our focus is on providing our children and their families with rich opportunities to connect to their deepest inner lives, their community, and to the joy of life around them by engaging in the three Magic “S’s” of
• Service to Others
• Silence and Mindfulness
• Sunshine and Movement
Fall Registrations carry through the summer - no need to register your child(ren) if they are registered for the 2021-2022 program year. If your family is just joining us, our registration form is located on our website’s Children and Youth page at this link HERE.
We would love to offer middle and high school summer classes but need a handful of volunteer teachers to pull it off. If you are interested in deepening your own faith by engaging with our young people, or know someone who is, please contact Kim Hartman as soon as possible.
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You're Invited to a celebration for Marie!
Saturday, May 14, 6-7:30 pm at the Fellowship
Please Bring: Dessert Potluck
Click HERE for all the details.
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Meet with Marie Luna, director of congregational lifeAs Marie is ending her ministry with us, she invites you to set up a phone call, zoom chat, or in person meeting to talk about what is on your mind and in your heart. Contact her at marie@fvuuf.org or 920.731.0849.
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Announcing the Annual Partner Church Plant Sale on May 22nd from 8:00 am-NoonIn honor and support of our partners in Deva, Romania, and Banaybanay, The Philippines, the Partner Church Committee will be hosting our annual Plant Sale on Sunday, May 22. We invite you to shop for vegetables, native plants, perennials, and houseplants at the Fellowship. We also welcome your plant donations, so If you would like to donate plants or have questions, contact Vickie Milde @ vicmilde@hotmail.com or Tina Main @ velo.biker@gmail.com.
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Happy 25th Anniversary to the UU Fellowship of Door County!Our neighbors to the north, the UU Fellowship of Door County, is celebrating the 25th year since their founding this year!
On behalf of our congregation, we sent a beautiful plant to them to share on their altar, and they sent back this lovely photo and thank you note: “Thank you so much for celebrating UUFDC's 25th Anniversary with us. We were so touched by the plant and message you sent us. You gave us good news to share with the congregation, a flourishing and growing symbol of our UU connections across the miles!”
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click the image for current information
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Update from Immigration JusticeLast Tuesday our compas Mayra and Henry left for an extended visit with Mayra's sisters. Mayra and Henry arrived in the Fox Valley just as the lockdown was happening because of COVID. They were welcomed into a loving family that provided a safe home for them. In spite of needing to stay at home, Mayra took advantage of opportunities to take classes online and practice speaking English. She set goals for herself and reached each of them. When she left last week, she had her work permit, High School Equivalency Diploma, and driver's license. Henry was talking more and more and is a happy and busy 2-year-old.
Meanwhile, the family that was reunited with their daughter last summer is doing well. They are more and more independent. Both parents are working full time, Meybellyn is doing well in High School, and the twins are learning English and enjoying their preschool classes.
Both families have such gratitude to all who helped them on their journeys. Fellowship members tutored them, have done art projects over Zoom, cooked meals, went shopping, helped navigate many legal and social services, translated, gave rides, watched their children, and offered loving support and friendship. Thank you to everyone who helped with their time, talent, and financial support.
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Help with Meal at PillarsPlease join Essentials JAM by volunteering to provide and/or serve a meal to the residents of Pillars Adult Shelter on Wednesday, May 18th. Please click on the link to sign up. Pillars Adult Shelter is located at 1928 W. College Avenue, Appleton, WI. If you have questions, please contact Angie Miller at 920.810.7968 or starlight54302@yahoo.com. Thank you!
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Our Justice Action Ministry (JAM) Teams Invite You to Write Letters for Bread for the World: Come on May 21 for a meal and a way to get involved!
The Fellowship has participated in Bread for the World (BFW) offering of letters for several years. This faith network advocates around the year for policies that provide some direct relief as well as address root causes of poverty. Each year BFW identifies one focus for a letter-writing campaign. This 2022 focus is on making the child tax credit permanent and passing the Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act (GMPTA).
Here is a link to a one-page resource that provides an overview, instructions, and sample letters for this campaign. This is a good place to start understanding this important effort. We add our voices with many others across the nation as we urge our legislators to adopt policies such as making the child tax credit permanent and passing the GMPTA (described in the one-page resource). You don't need to be an expert on these bills! Trust BFW for their choice and let our legislators know there is overwhelming support from their constituents for our children--locally and globally. Email connie.kanitz@gmail.com if you have questions.
Come on May 21 to the Fellowship at 4:30 pm to enjoy a meal, learn more, and get involved. If you can’t make it on May 21, read the one-page resource (linked above) for ways to get involved on your own.
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The Justice Hub webpage has information about our JAMs, justice events, and opportunities here at our Fellowship and out in the community right at your fingertips any time you need it.
• May 12: Fox Cities Book Festival Community Read event with author, Tommy Orange
• May 12: How We Got Here: The Hidden History of Diversity in America
• June 9: UU Service Committee's Human Rights Leadership Celebration featuring Isabel Wilkerson
• Ways to get involved with the Fellowship's Justice Action Ministries teams
• Ways to support the work of ESTHER community organizing
• Side with Love's Action Center
If you want to share something on the Justice Hub webpage, please do so by completing this form by Thursday to be posted when the page is updated each week. Submissions may be subject to staff approval and editing.
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| Small Groups: A great way to connect!
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Join a Small Group!All are invited to check out our Small Groups for connection and spiritual growth. The full list can be found on our website. Click on the image to learn more about our groups.
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