|
|
 |
|
What if???
by Kim Hartman, Director of Religious Education
The Fellowship has a proud history of offering innovative and strong programs for its youth for decades. In fact, did you know that our Coming of Age program was brought to us by member and former director of religious education, Lee Boeke-Burke? Coming of Age was initially modeled on the Prairie Star CoA program of the 1980’s, but since then it has been adapted over time and has become almost entirely self-created and unique to the Fellowship. The success of this program is due in large part to the practice of continual re-evaluation and revision of our offerings, with the goal of the CoA experience remaining relevant and meaningful to our youth. Our current Coming of Age program (which is offered to high school sophomores and above) has been in place for many years; it is time to again look deeply at old models and explore what updated versions of spiritually fulfilling programs for our young people might look like. “What if” is the question that we will be asking on the evening of January 30, of former, current and future youth leaders, parents, youth, stewards of Religious Education in its many forms, and anyone who is interested in having a voice in shaping this (and other youth programs) as we move into the future.
To begin, we will be asking questions such as…
- What do you love about our CoA and other youth programs? Why?
- What would we like see to preserved? What can we see changing?
- What are current practices in other UU Youth Programs? Did you know that the majority of CoA programs are offered to middle school students? What does this look like? What might this look like for us?
- How can we more fully incorporate our youth into the life of the Fellowship?
Next, the fun part! We will explore possibilities by asking, "What if…”
- …we created a CoA experience that breaks down artificial educational silos and offers a more integrated experience?
- …we could create an experience that covers the span of a couple of years or more?
- …we could give our young people more time to deeply connect with their UU identity, appreciate their UU history, allow for more time for them to explore beliefs, allow them to spend more time developing a sense of self, and more time for them to explore the type of individuals that they would like to become?
- … we offered a multiyear program, what if the youth from year one would welcome the following year’s students and become program guides for these newer learners?
- …we added elements of the Our Whole Lives (OWLs) program?
- … we fully incorporated the OWLs experience?
- …young people began this program in middle school?
- …we offered a Heritage Tour to visit UU landmarks in the Midwest or a Boston Pilgrimage?
Rev. Christina and I are excited to explore all of these possibilities with you! We hope to see you from 6:30-8:30 on January, 30 here at the Fellowship.
Please contact director of religious education Kim Hartman at kim@fvuuf.org for more information.
| |
|
Upcoming Services Sunday 9:00 and 10:45 am
| |
January 6 Turning of the Year by Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg
American Sign Language interpretation provided by Jacqueline Corey (10:45)
This annual service honors the year that has just ended. By naming that which has occurred in 2018—who has been born and who has died, who has become family to one another, and other important and scared milestones—we prepare for 2019. When we look back, we ready ourselves for the year ahead and all it might hold. Join us for a time of reflection on the past, present, and future, in our own lives as well as the life of the Fellowship. There will be a special collection for the Ministerial Discretionary Fund. January 13 The Power of Curiosity by Rev. Christina Leone-Tracy
We will kick off a six-part sermon series on Courage this week with the first of six words that begin with the letter "C"- Curiosity. Come explore how curiosity, wonder, and openness to experiences can spur on courage in the face of fear.
| |
At the special collection on Christmas Eve we collected a total of $1,983.25 for the Fellowship’s Shared Sanctuary Ministry. If you missed the opportunity to contribute and still wish to make a contribution please drop off or mail a check payable to Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship with Shared Sanctuary noted in the memo field, no later than Friday January 11, 2019. Thank you for your support! At last weekend’s special collection we collected a total of $1,545.35 for Unidos por un Futuro Mejor and Annunciation House. If you missed the opportunity to contribute and still wish to make a contribution please drop off or mail a check payable to Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship with Shared Sanctuary noted in the memo field, no later than Friday January 11, 2019. Thank you for your support!
| |
Cancer Support Group
Saturday, January 5, 3:00 pm
This group is for cancer survivors and those who are recently diagnosed. Our purpose is to provide a safe place to talk about our experiences, emotions, and thoughts without judgment from others. It is a place where each person is valued for one’s individual journey. Our focus is moving forward in a positive way through sharing of spiritual and mind/body information/practices that have helped us. Another focus is spiritual growth through finding one’s passions, living in the present, and viewing the whole person. It is a place to support those going through a difficult time.
| |
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.
| |
Green Sanctuary Jam
The Fellowship Meatless Monday campaign for 2019 is underway. As a way to reduce your impact on the planet, The Green Sanctuary JAM team is encouraging members to give up meat for at least one meal a week in 2019. Those interested are invited to learn more and consider signing up in the Fellowship Hall after service or sign up by contacting meatless.fvuuf@gmail.com. Recipes and helpful tips will be provided throughout the year.
| |
UU Night Out
Join us Tuesday, January 8, 6:00 pm at Basil Cafe (1513 N Richmond, Appleton) for a great night out--food, friends, and conversation! Friends and members of the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship are welcome to join in the fun each month! There is no agenda, just dinner. Please let Cindy Darling know if you can make it. 920.205.9635 or send Cindy an email at CindyD@MauRealty.com
| |
Wellspring Wednesday
January 9, 6:30-8:00 pm
Lunar Lessons: The Science and Mythology of the Moon with Heather Westley
This program is for the skeptic and mystic alike. We will demonstrate why we only see the light half of the moon, which then results in the moon phases. We will also talk about how agriculture, tides and menstruation are connected to the moon cycles. Then we will dive into the moon’s mysteries, its impact on culture, and our personal experiences. Heather Westley discovered she was a pagan more than 20 years ago. After coming to the Fellowship in 2004 and discovering that Unitarian Universalism and Paganism had compatible theology, she began sharing earth centered spirituality with the community. She enjoys studying Druidry and Astrology and The Four Elements. She follows the sun and moon cycles through ritual and reflection. 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.
| |
Winter Art Theme: “Our Beloved Art”
In our continuing efforts to include more people in the decorating of the Fellowship Hall, we have chosen the theme of Our Beloved Art for the next show. Everyone is welcome to bring in art that speaks to your soul, fills you with joy or has a special meaning to you. It doesn’t have to be original or even done by anyone you know. It just has to be a piece you love. Since we don’t have space available for 3D art that requires a shelf or table, we can only accept pieces that are ready to hang on the wall. Make sure your name is on the back of the piece with a title for it if you have one. Please bring in your art on Sunday, January 13 and remove any pieces that you currently have on display at that time. Thanks for beautifying our Fellowship Hall with meaningful art.
| |
The Fellowship Men's Group will hold our Annual Retreat at Camp Helen Brachman west of Waupaca January 18 - 20, 2019. The retreat is a chance to connect more deeply with other men. Whether sharing through discussions on a chosen topic, through relaxing by the fireplace, or through hiking and cross-country skiing, this is a highlight of the year for many of us. Please contact John Duffin if you are interested in attending, and he will add your name to the list. Further information will be forthcoming from our planning group. (If you are not on the Men's Group email list, please contact John Duffin japple51@gmail.com to be added to the retreat mailing list.)
| |
Compassionate Integrity Training
Kate Trnka has recently become trained in this extensive program and is offering it here for the first time. CIT is a training program that cultivates basic human values as skills for the purpose of increasing individual, social and environmental flourishing. By covering a range of skills from self-regulation and self-compassion to compassion for others and engaging in systems, CIT focuses on and builds toward compassionate integrity: The ability to live one’s life in accordance with one’s values with a recognition of common humanity, our basic orientation to kindness and reciprocity. Foundational Concepts and Self-Cultivation: Saturdays from 1:00 – 3:00 pm on 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9. Six additional weeks optional and determined by group. Contact Kate with questions and to register at 920.378.3999. Registration deadline 1/12/19.
| |
Raffle 2018-2019: Dinner for Two, Anywhere in the World!
We invite all Fellowship members and friends to participate by selling tickets. Our goal is 2,000 tickets sold. Ask your neighbors, friends, family and co-workers to buy a ticket to help support the wonderful ministries and programs of the Fellowship. Total prize is $6,000*. This includes airfare for two on a commercial airline, hotel, and other transportation costs as arranged through Heart of the Valley Travel (Appleton) or Kiwi Travel (Appleton), with the travel related portion of the prize to be a minimum of $3,000. Remaining prize value will be given in the form of a check to pay for dinner and other travel expenses. *See terms and conditions HERE. Raffle tickets cost $20 each. We are selling tickets at Sunday services from now until February 10, 2019 or daily in the Fellowship office from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
| |
The Fellowship is seeking a part time Facilities Maintenance Technician to join our team. Do you have basic knowledge of carpentry, painting, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and a general mechanical aptitude? Responsibilities include but not limited to; repair of electrical & plumbing fixtures, flooring, painting, preventative building maintenance, working with outside vendors, non-routine indoor and outdoor building cleaning and grounds maintenance, assisting with event set up, and other tasks as assigned. Please click HERE for a more detailed job description. High school diploma or equivalent, along with 2-3 years building maintenance experience required. Related degree from a technical college preferred, but not required. Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license.
Position is approximately 10 hours per week. Schedule is flexible, with the ability to work occasional evenings and weekends. To apply email your resume, cover letter and references to, employment@fvuuf.org, Attn: Phyllis Schmitt, Business Administrator, with Facilities Maintenance Technician in the subject line. Applications will be accepted through January 15, 2019, with an anticipated start date of early February, 2019. Members and friends of the Fellowship will be considered, but will not be given preference.
| |
|  | Save the Date: Birthday Party Bash
Saturday, February 2nd at 4:30 pm
Celebrating everyone’s birthday! | |
| | |
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!
January – Tempest Coffee Collective
181 South Riverheath Way #1100, Appleton
9th – 2-4:00pm
17th – 8-10:00am
| |
|  |
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.
| |
|  |
Social Connection Saturday - January 5. Click HERE for more information. | |
| | |
|
Weekly Calendar Friday, January 4 10:00am Photography as a Spiritual Practice
Saturday, January 5 6:30am Joyful Mind Zen Sangha 3:00pm Cancer Support Group
4:30pm Social Connection Saturday
Sunday, January 6
9:00 &10:45am Worship Service 10:00am U-Youth Choir 12:00pm Inquirers Class
6:00pm Smiling Dandelion Sangha
Monday, January 7
9:00am Goddess Group
Tuesday, January 8
12:00pm Senior Social 6:30pm Tuesday Night Meditaton Wednesday, January 9 5:30pm Fellowship Choir 6:30pm Wellspring Wednesday
| |
|
Book Club Books UU Book Club
January: The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
February: American Wolf by Nate Blakeslee
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
