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May 2 - 9, 2008

This weekend…

Saturday, May 3, at 4:30 p.m.

“World-Affirming Religion”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister

Many of us feel that the religion in which we were raised was a rather grim affair, with too much attention paid to sin, suffering and self-denial. Dissatisfaction has given rise to “feel good” religions that uplift and reassure, but also give short-shrift to the complexities of human existence. World-affirming religion offers a third and better-balanced perspective.
Musically, Gary Leisman and Linda Warren will play the flute and harp.

Sunday, May 4 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Saturday, May 10 at 4:30 p.m.

Annual “Coming-of-Age” Service
by Members of the 2007-08 Coming of Age Class

The Coming of Age program in our Society is the culmination of our Children’s Religious Education program before these 14 and 15 year olds “graduate” from our program. This service honors that step, and can truly be an unforgettable experience for those who attend. The magnificent young adults who give this service share their performance talents with the congregation and, in a real sense, themselves as well. All will write, and most will speak, a faith statement, an expression of their beliefs. Come and be with us.

YRUU

High school teens are invited to join us for our weekly youth group on Sunday, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Annex. This week we’ll be “taking a stand” on various issues.

Next Weekend…

Sunday, May 11 at 9 & 11 a.m.

“The Good Enough Mother: From Role to Relationship”
by Karen Gustafson, Minister

Mothers’ Day 2008 is the day when, for better and for worse, we are commanded by the media, the greeting card companies and the local florists to pay homage to the mythical mother, ever-loving, ever-present, ever- patient, ever-kind and almost non-existent. Most mothers are, in fact, more complex and imperfect than the greeting cards would imply. Those of us who are and have had mothers know this and struggle more or less successfully to reconcile the myth with the reality. With the help of participants in last winter’s “Mothering and Identity” workshop, we will explore the possibility of a more whole and compassionate view of motherhood.
Musically, The Society Choir, directed by Dan Broner, will sing As Truly as God is our Father, so just as truly is he our Mother, the anthem by William Mathias set to words by the mystic Julian of Norwich.

Make Your Sustainable Trip Count

FUS will participate again in the Interfaith Sustainable Travel to Worship in May celebration. On Sundays, May 11 and 18, there will be a table outside the entrance designed to help count worshipers who reduced their Carbon Footprint by coming to Service by bike, foot, car pool, transit, or some other sustainable mode. Please take a moment to stop, sign the sheet, and be counted.

Wednesday, May 14…

Alliance Meeting on Aging and Health

The Alliance meets Wednesday, May 14, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Hearth Room in back of the Auditorium. Dr. Forester of Dean Clinic will talk about health issues related to aging, especially about the wonder qualities of Vitamin D. Parking is limited and people are encouraged to car pool. Tea and coffee will be available but bring your own lunch. Everyone is welcome.

Sunday, May 18…

Children’s RE Registrations

Parents, please be sure get in your registrations for next year’s RE classes no later than May 18. You may register on line at www.fusmadison.org, or at the RE Office. Registration forms will be available in the Loggia.

FUS Budget Forum May 18:

A chance to “follow the money”

It’s time to create our budget for next year – the annual art of balancing our desires with the realities of our resources. If you’d like a more detailed understanding of how things look as we head into a very important year for FUS, please come to the Budget Forum on May 18 at 12:30. This will be a chance to provide input to the leadership prior to final budget proposal to the Board in late May, and a great way to enhance your understanding of the challenges and opportunities that will come with moving into our new building. Food and childcare will be provided. Questions? Contact Brian Hellmer or Susan Koenig, susank@fusmadison.org, 233.9774, ext. 115.

Saturday, May 24…

UU Blood Drive

Don’t forget the UU blood drive Saturday morning, May 24, at James Reeb UU Congregation. Only about 5% of the population eligible to donate blood actually do so, and that percentage declines in the summer. Because of this, May is a critical time for blood collection. Please add your blood to the supply. Come see us in the Loggia after services to get information, make a donor appointment or volunteer to help with the drive. Your blood can save lives!

Sunday, May 25…

Summer Fun!

Summer Fun!, our summer program for kids ages 4-9, will be starting again on May 25. We meet during the 9 and 11 a.m. services. Children will start in the Auditorium with an inter-generational message for about 20 minutes, and will then head to the playground or Annex for activities and fun! No pre-registration is required. You may pay week-to-week, $3 per child per week, or pay $25 for the entire summer. We hope your children will join us! Any parents interested in helping out with Summer Fun! can contact Janet Swanson at jbswanson@uwalumni.com.

Notices…

Homeless Shelter Meal Volunteers Needed

First Unitarian Society members serve meals at Grace Episcopal Church for the third Saturday evening dinner and Sunday morning breakfast each month. We need assistance to prepare and serve dinner for May 17, June 21 and August 16. Please contact Cathi Wiebrecht-Searer at rclmmm6@aol.com or 288-9972. Individuals and groups are encouraged to respond. Several breakfast volunteers are still needed for May 18, July 20 and September 21. We would also appreciate your help with grocery shopping during one of the summer months. Please contact Mary Niederehe at niedmary@sbcglobal.net or 217-8341 if you are available to assist. Thank you.

Cabaret 2008--the Success Story

Cabaret 2008 earned more than $20,000 after expenses – that’s a new record! C’est fantastique! This money will help support programs and services at FUS. Merci to all for your generous donations, bids, and time.

Did You Win at Cabaret?

If you aren’t sure, check out the list of winning bidders on the Cabaret table in Loggia or go on-line to www.fusmadison.org and click on Cabaret link. If you won an article but haven’t claimed it yet, please pick it up as soon as possible in the staff conference room in Room A-8. Congratulations to these raffle prize winners: Judi Devereux – brunch tickets, David Calhoun – football tickets, and Mary Savage – the beautiful sofa quilt.

Stonehaulers: “The Next Generation”

Are you a painter, a planter, or a fence-post placer? Nearly three hundred FUS members, affiliates and friends have completed a skill and interest form indicating their willingness to lend a hand around the Meeting House if needs arise. Thanks to each of you for taking the time to do that, and for responding to the calls for assistance from staff and lay leaders. If you have not filled out the form you may now do so on-line at <http://www.fusmadison.org/survey/interest-survey.shtml>. Together we can make a world of difference.

Teachers’ Needed

We need MANY teachers to be able to meet the demand for Children’s Religious Education classes. If you’d like to join a team of 2 or 3 other adults to teach a class, please contact the RE Office. We still have openings at almost every age level!

Summer Circle Suppers

Summer circle suppers will begin their 12th year this June. Circles meet monthly from June through September. The suppers are informal pot-lucks of small groups of people which are held in members’ homes or in settings selected by those hosting. They are a great way to break bread with new friends! You’ll find information about Summer circles and registration forms in the newsletter or on-line at http://www.fusmadison.org/adult/circle_supper.shtml. Registrations Close May 14.

Picnic time!

Save the Date! The Social Justice Council will hold its second Annual Social Justice Picnic on Sunday, June 8, from 11:30 and 2:30 pm at Rennebohm Park. More information is coming about the picnic in coming weeks. Please make a note on your calendars.

Out-n-About!

Have you heard about FUS Out-n-About? This new program will be offering fun, relaxing, welcoming outdoor opportunities to the FUS community. These 2-3 hour activities are designed to be fun for everyone – come by yourself, come with a friend or a partner, come with your kids – just plan to check out this new great program. You can learn more about FUS Out-n- About at our website at http://www.fusmadison.org/sj/out-n-about.shtml.