Nick Wallwork

Join the Fellowship Family in Chu Family Hall on April 13th at 10 am, as we celebrate Passover with a special Haggadah! We’ll recount the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt and the 10 plagues.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the ritual reading, sing the songs, eat items from the Passover Plate, find the Afikoman, and share a light Passover meal. Our Souper Sunday team will be serving Matzoh Ball Soup and Matzoh.

Please RSVP (not required) so we can get a headcount, and sign up if you’re able to help with setup/cleanup. We also welcome any side dishes or desserts you’d like to share – they don’t have to be traditional Passover foods! Sign Up here to let us know what you are bringing.

Seed Planting Session and Food Sovereignty Workshop

Come get your hands dirty and learn how to make a difference in your community! We’ll be planting seeds to support local community gardens and diving deep into the concept of food sovereignty.

Led by Mutual Morris, this workshop will explore how cultivating your own food and engaging in radical organizing can challenge and change the systemic problems within our current food system.

We’ll Cover:

• Community Needs Assessment: Understanding the specific needs of your community
• Diverse Food Growing Strategies: Exploring various methods for growing food in different environments
• Mutual Aid’s Role: Discovering how mutual aid can help create a more equitable and just food system

Event Details

• Date: April 12, 2025
• Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Chu Hall

RSVP HERE

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others who are passionate about creating a more sustainable and just food system!

Our weekly Fellowship Coffee Hour is a cherished tradition that brings us together for warmth, connection, and a sense of community. We invite you to join us for coffee, conversation, and a delightful assortment of treats with fellow members and friends!

Enhance Our Refreshment Offerings:

To make our Fellowship Coffee Hour even more special, we encourage you to consider bringing a treat or creamer to share. Your contributions help create a diverse and abundant spread that everyone can enjoy.

Treat Ideas:

• Baked Goods: Cookies, muffins, pastries, scones, and other homemade or store-bought delights.
• Savory Snacks: Chips & salsa, pretzels, crackers & cheese, or other snacks to satisfy savory cravings.
• Bagels & Spreads: Bagels, cream cheese, butter, and other spreads for a classic breakfast treat.
• Fresh Fruit: Sliced fruit, berries, or other fresh options for a healthy and refreshing addition.

Creamer Contributions:

• Milk: Whole milk, skim milk, or other milk options for coffee and tea.
• Dairy Creamers: Half & half, heavy cream, or other dairy creamers to add richness and flavor.
• Non-Dairy Creamers: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or other non-dairy alternatives for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

Your Generosity Matters:

By sharing what you enjoy, you contribute to a diverse and enjoyable spread for all. Your generosity in bringing a treat or creamer helps foster a sense of community and abundance. Thank you for enhancing our Fellowship Coffee Hour experience! We look forward to seeing you there!

Please use this sign-up to the treats keep coming!

It is that time of year again when the children of the Fellowship organize and host an All Ages Talent Show. They are calling on young and old to share something that makes them unique. It can be a song or poem. You can tell jokes or some fun facts. Whatever it is, we would love to see and hear it.

Saturday March 29th at 2 pm

This year we will be in Chu Family Hall, so if your talent is baking or cooking any delicious food, please share that with us too.

Click here to sign up.

Neighboring Faiths Class and Blue Cliff Monastery Visit

The Neighboring Faiths class offers a comprehensive exploration of diverse religious and spiritual beliefs. Throughout the semester, students learn about the history, tenets, practices, and cultural contexts of various faith communities. The course culminates in an in-depth study of Buddhism, including field trips to local faith communities.

The final trip is to Blue Cliff Monastery, an 80-acre Thiền Buddhist monastery in Pine Bush, New York. Founded in 2007 by practitioners from the Plum Village Tradition, Blue Cliff Monastery follows Thích Nhất Hạnh’s Order of Interbeing, emphasizing mindfulness, compassion, and engaged living.

Day of Mindfulness

You’re invited to join them for a Day of Mindfulness at Blue Cliff Monastery on May 18th. The day includes Live Dharma Talks, guided Meditations, and a Mindful Lunch.

We’ll meet at the Fellowship at 8 am to carpool and return around 3 pm. A $20 donation to Blue Cliff Monastery is requested, and participants are encouraged to contribute to a gas money pool. Open to Youth in High School and Adults.

Please sign up on Realm by May 10th.

Calling all ages for Souper Sundays. On Saturday, April 5th at 10am, we will be making Stone Soup. Based on the classic Story, we are asking that folks bring what ingredients they have, veggies, grains, proteins, and we’ll create a wonderful community soup that will be shared with our community on Sunday April 6th during social hour.

We will also explore our new kitchen, learning how each part works (This will serve as a Green Apron Training). Our younger members (in Grades 1-8) will also learn some of the basics of the kitchen, some basic cooking skills, and be trained as jr green aprons or Blue Aprons!

Certified Blue Aprons (children who attend both Saturday and Sunday) will help on Sundays Serving during our coffee hour. 

All ages can sign up, though children will need to have a parent or guardian with them to help them. 

Make sure to register, because space is limited in the kitchen.

We could also use some donations of Bread and Deserts on Sunday, so please sign up to bring those items. 
Thank you. If you have any questions, please contact Nick.

For many years now members of the LGBTQ+ community have faced fear, intimidation, discrimination and hate. They have been looked down on because of their sexual preferences and who they love. From the stonewall riots to the AIDs panic of the 80s to the Marraige Equality fight of the 2000s and 2010s. They have been kick out of their homes, assaulted and murdered, and made victim of many politicians smear campaigns. In the last few months have seen these attacks, verbally and physically rise.  This is increasingly so for transgender and non-binary people. 

As I have watched from a place of straight, cisgendered (and white male) privilege, and as someone who feels called to love everyone, especially those who are vulnerable, it has been hard for me to stand by. I, like many of you, vacillate between sadness and anger. (And I know that it is nothing that folks who are at the receiving end of such hate and lies feel.) But what can I or people in my situation do to help folks? There seems to be tremendous barriers in place to effecting large systemic changes. So we can look for small ways to help. 

I have been privileged to have been called by this congregation to be its Director of Lifespan Religious Education. And this congregation has placed itself in this building and through a long and difficult process added to it. This space that we occupy has some amazing benefits. It’s location allows for us to keep protestors at a distance. The new building is large and welcoming. The bathrooms create a safe space for all people to use the facilities (more on this in a bit). And it is filled with loving, welcoming, justice minded people. 

So what can I do in these times? What can you do?

We can create a space that is safe for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Just as you did over 50 years ago, when you invited the Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County (GAAMC) into your building (among some protest of individual members). So let us open up this home of ours as a safe space.

While every event we hold here at the Fellowship is a safe space, there are several events coming up specifically for members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. 

First there is all that GAAMC is doing both inside and outside our walls. 

• March 17, 6 pm: St. Patrick’s Day
• March 24, 6pm: The Florham Park Diner
• March 31, 6pm: The Joys of Spring

The Folk Project, who has been organizing folk music concerts at the Fellowship for years, is hosting drag performer Flamy Grant on June 27th.

We will again be hosting Drag Bingo on Friday, April 4th and June 13th. These events are super fun and our wonderful drag performer, Very Gerry keeps it flowing with audience participation, live vocals, and corny jokes. This time, they will be bringing some friends!

We are also hosting a Queer Mixer & Movie Club on March 28th, April 25, and May 16. It is an evening of CULT, CAMP & COLORFUL MOVIES and a fabulous Queer Mixer with good vibes, board games, cool music, snacks and coffee!

Because we are creating a safe and HOSPITABLE space, if anyone would like to donate some baked goods or other treats, please reach out to me at [email protected].

We are also currently in discussions with NJ Queer and Trans Makers Market and Garden State Equality to host a Market here on April 27th. In our discussions they have specifically cited our all gender bathrooms as a reason they would like to be here. Save the date. More information to come. 

Lastly (for now) we will be kicking of Pride Month with an all ages drag event on May 31st featuring Very Gerry and several of their friends. As many of you remember, we will need a lot of help for this event. If you are interested in being on a planning team, let me know. 

There is certainly a lot going on. It is my hope that we can continue to be a safe space for all people, but in these times, especially queer people. 

WHO’S WITH ME!

Last Sunday, Steve Parker, Danelle Simonelli, and Joan Belz offered an informative, moving, and challenging service about this history of our building, the people who occupied it, and how we can inhabit the space today.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of our building, Steve Rice put together this Brief History of Ouur Home. It has some great photos and information about the space before it was our home. There are also printed copies of this information at the Welcome Table in the Great Hall.

We are excited to offer a range of enriching programs for your children this Spring! Our Whole Lives (OWL) program provides Kindergarten and 1st Graders with a foundation in respect and compassion while exploring their feelings about themselves and others. For 2nd and 3rd Graders, the Age of Reason program fosters critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of self through art, reflection, and discussion. Finally, our Science and Spirituality program invites 4th and 5th Graders to delve into the fascinating relationship between science and Unitarian Universalist beliefs.

We believe that these programs offer valuable opportunities for your children to grow and learn in a supportive and engaging environment. We encourage you to register your child today and join us for a Spring filled with discovery and connection!

If you have any questions or need assistance with registration or otherwise, please feel free to reach out to our Director of Religious Education, Nick Wallwork.

Pre-K Soul Matters

• What: This Pre-K class will help children explore their spiritual and emotional development through the Soul Matters curriculum. Each week, we will focus on a different theme, such as love, joy, peace, and hope. Children will engage in a variety of activities, including stories, songs, crafts, and games, all designed to help them learn about and experience these important qualities.
• Who: 3-5 years old
• When: Sundays until May 18th

Our Whole Lives (OWL) for Kindergarten and 1st Grades

A quick note on OWL, there are some changes to what was previously shared. This Session of OWL is for Kindergarten and 1st Grades. And the Parent meeting has been moved to this Sunday March 9th. We are sorry for any confusion or inconvenience. 

• What: A program that teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice, while helping children identify their feelings about themselves and others’ sexuality.
• Who: Children in Kindergarten and 1st Grade
• Teachers: Caroline Blanchard & Bruce Meyers
• When:
  • Parents Meeting: March 9th at 11:30 am
  • Classes: March 23, 30, April 6, 13, 27, May 4, 11, 18 – 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Commitment:
  • All Parents must attend the parent meeting.
  • Class participation is highly recommended.
• Registration: Please click here.
• Cost: $40/$80/$100. The $40 option is subsidized. If you are experiencing a financial burden, please reach out to Nick or Sasha for assistance.
• What if my child is not of OWL age or I do not wish for them to participate?:
  • Children younger than class age will continue to have their regular Sunday Morning RE Class.
  • Children in Kindergarten and 1st Grade who are not participating will have a class led by our other RE teachers during the same time, which will continue with our regular curriculum.

The Age of Reason

• What: A program designed to celebrate 2nd and 3rd graders growing up and to create a safe space for them to explore and express themselves. Activities include art, family reflection exercises, poetry, mindful play, and discussions about Unitarian Universalism.
• Who: 2nd and 3rd Graders
• Dates: April 6th – May 18th
• What kids will get out of it: Critical thinking, Questioning, Unique perspectives, Curiosity, Emotional smarts, Social awareness
• Family Involvement: Reflecting on family experiences, Sharing thoughts and feelings with loved ones, Closer family bonds, Support network for growth
• Big Finish: Flower Communion Service on June 1st honors kids, celebrates being unique and helping out the community, connects kids with spiritual heritage, makes kids feel like they belong in the Unitarian Universalist community
• Register: muuf.org/events/the-age-of-reason

Science and Spirituality

• What: This program dives right into how science and Unitarian Universalist beliefs fit together. We’ll explore how these two big ideas can work together and sometimes even challenge each other..
• Who: 4th and 5th Graders
• Teachers: Nan Perigo and Kendall Martin 
• When: April 27 – May 18

Register: muuf.org/events/science-and-spirituality

Our newsletter is designed to keep our community informed in a clear and concise manner. We prioritize ease of use for our staff and readability for our readers.

The newsletter always begins with the most important and timely information: information about this week’s services.. This is followed by news stories, organized with the most recent at the top. Older stories remain until they are replaced by new content, ensuring all community members have the opportunity to see them. We also highlight upcoming special events.

We encourage community members to submit new and engaging content for the newsletter. If you would like your event or cause to receive greater prominence, please share details about its significance and include a clear call to action.

All newsletter stories are archived on our website at muuf.org/news. This approach streamlines the process for our staff, saves time, and promotes transparency and trust within our community.

(Please note that all of the examples within this article are pictures of where to find things in your email)

We’re so glad you’re connected with us through our weekly emails! We want to make sure you’re getting all the valuable information we share each week.

We’ve heard from some of you that you’ve been missing important updates and announcements, and we apologize for any feelings of being left out. The truth is, with so much happening at the Fellwoship, our emails are packed with information!

Here’s the thing: most email clients only display a limited number of characters. To make sure you’re seeing everything, be sure to scroll all the way down to the logo at the bottom of the email.

If you don’t see the logo, click the “view in browser” link at the top of the email to see the full version.

Also, keep an eye out for the “Read more” button within the email. Clicking this will often reveal additional details and links to even more information on our website.

Remember, the weekly email is just a summary of what’s happening at MUUF. For the full picture, visit our website:

• Events: https://muuf.net/calendar/
• News & Past Emails: https://muuf.net/news

Want even more up-to-date information? Check the News section of our website throughout the week for new articles as they’re posted!

We’re committed to keeping you informed and connected. We hope these tips help you stay in the loop with all the exciting things happening at MUUF!

Want to add content to the newsletter, check out “Tips for Writing Effective Newsletter Articles.”

We are thrilled to announce that, beginning February 23rd our nursery will be reopening during the service from 10-11 am in room 201 (at the top of the stairs). The nursery will be available for crawlers and toddlers between the ages of 9 months and 5 years.

Our nursery is staffed by background-checked volunteers who are passionate about providing a safe and nurturing environment for your little ones. Your children will have the opportunity to play, learn, and socialize while you attend the service.

We are always looking for more volunteers to help staff the nursery. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Nick at [email protected].

If you have any questions about the nursery, please do not hesitate to contact Nick.

We look forward to seeing you and your children at the nursery!

The Age of Reason program is a comprehensive curriculum designed to cater to the unique developmental needs of 2nd and 3rd graders. This stage is characterized by a burgeoning sense of self and a growing desire for independence. Children begin to form their own opinions and ideas, and they start to question the world around them. The Age of Reason program celebrates this intellectual and emotional growth by providing a safe and supportive environment where children can explore their individuality and express themselves freely.

Through a diverse range of activities such as art, family reflection exercises, poetry, mindful play, and engaging discussions about Unitarian Universalism, the program encourages children to think critically, ask questions, and develop their own unique perspectives. These activities not only stimulate intellectual curiosity but also foster emotional intelligence and social awareness.

The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of family involvement. By encouraging children to reflect on their family experiences and share their thoughts and feelings with their loved ones, the program strengthens family bonds and creates a supportive network that nurtures children’s growth and development.

The Age of Reason program culminates in the Flower Communion Service, a cherished Unitarian Universalist tradition that takes place on June 1st. This special ceremony honors children and celebrates their unique personalities and contributions to the community. Through ritual and symbolism, the Flower Communion Service provides a meaningful way for children to connect with their spiritual heritage and feel a sense of belonging within the Unitarian Universalist community.

The Age of Reason for Grades 2 & 3

April 6th – May 18th

Our Whole Lives (OWL) program is an incredible opportunity for children in Kindergarten and Grade 1 to learn about themselves and others with caring, compassion, respect, and justice. With the guidance of trained facilitators, your children will explore age-appropriate topics through an engaging curriculum. Join us for this enriching experience that fosters a deeper understanding of self and others.

To learn more about the program and ask any questions you may have, we invite all parents to attend our informational meeting on March 9th at 11:30 am. Classes begin on March 23rd and will be held in person every Sunday morning from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Registration for Fellowship Members is now open!