Service and Participation
It is axiomatic that what you gain by membership in the First Unitarian Society is directly proportional to what you put into it. Getting involved is the best way to make First Society your own.
All programs of the Society welcome your participation, whether you can offer expertise or leadership or need the guidance and companionship of others. If you are limited by time or other constraints, join in at the level with which you are comfortable.
- Friends, Fun and Support
- Circle Suppers
- Young Adults
- Social Activities
- Spiritual Nurture
- Chalice Groups
- Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans
- Insight Buddhist Meditation
- Wisdom Circles
- Women's Spirituality and Ritual (WSpR) Circles
- Full Moon Circle
- Men's Groups
- Volunteer Service
- Social Justice
- Lay Ministry
- Weekend Volunteer Activities
- Office Volunteer Opportunities
- Physical Plant and Grounds Work
- Special Events and Fund-raising
- Denominational Outreach
- Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)
- Partner Church
- Chalice Lighters
Friends, Fun, and Support
Circle Suppers
The recipe for Circle Suppers is simple: Take one (1) evening each month, combine 8 to 12 assorted people, add potluck (main dish, salad, dessert), and mix in generous conversation. Held from October to May, Circle Suppers offer participants a chance to come together with different people in a host home for food and fellowship. There are also summer Circle Suppers from June through September. Sign up as a single or with a spouse, other family member or friend. Registrations close for the fall/winter season in mid-September and for the summer season in mid-May. Contact: Dawn Stucki, 849-8078.
Young Adults
We're constantly looking for new ways to strenghten our community of young adults. If you're approximately between the ages of 18 and 40, and would like to find our more about programs and opportunities with other young adults, contact the Karen Barrett-Wilt 233-9774, extension 110, or click here to check out our young adults' page.
Social Activities
Watch the newsletter for the occasional outing when members and friends gather just for fun. Or, contact Alice Delaquess 233-9774, extension 116, Coordinator of Member Programs, for information about how to gather others for a fun event that you would like to plan. Please note, the all-church picnic (usually in June) and the Thanksgiving Dinner have become annual traditions.
Spiritual Nurture
Chalice Groups (Covenant Group Ministry)
The Chalice Group program is a unique opportunity and all are encouraged to participate. Small relational groups of six to twelve people meet regularly to minister to each other, build community and nurture spiritual lives. Through rituals, creating a covenant (an agreement of how they will be with each other) and occasionally performing service to the congregation and/or the community at large, Chalice Groups provide a structured opportunity for group members to build strong relationships with each other and with the Society as a whole. Group members reflect on issues and values important to them as Unitarian Universalists. Although groups reorganize and regroup each Autumn, people can join at various times throughout the year. Contacts: Elizabeth Barrett (257-2182, ebarrett@chorus.net); Ann Schaffer (232-0004, annieschaffer@uwalumni.com); or Coordinator of Member Programs Alice Delaquess (233-9774, extension 116).Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans
The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist
Pagans Group (CUUPs) at First Unitarian Society gathers to celebrate the solstices,
equinoxes and the pagan holidays between them. We begin each evening with
snacks and fellowship, followed by a participatory, earth-centered ritual
to honor the season. This is an open circle. Men, women and children are welcome
as are all newcomers to pagan traditions. Contact: Nancy Vedder-Shults, 231-3362.
Insight Buddhist Meditation
“Insight” or Vipassana
meditation originates in the Theravadan tradition of Buddhism and uses techniques
accessible to Western practitioners. Sunday evening sessions (6:00–8:00
p.m.) are scheduled throughout the year. An introductory session is held on
the second Sunday of each month. Periods of sitting meditation last 45 minutes;
walking meditation and discussion are included. More extended periods are
scheduled for occasional Saturday mornings. The group also has a lending library
for books and tapes. Contact: Lori Creswell, 238-1234.
Wisdom Circles
These are groups of nine persons who agree to meet together for six sessions in a special format to speak from the heart and listen from the heart. The meetings are confidential, no advice is given, and each person speaks only when s/he picks up the group's "talking stick." Watch the newsletter for new circles forming. Contact: Barbara Nodine, 233-7708.
Women's Spirituality and Ritual (WSpR) Circles
Women who have embraced feminine spirituality meet for ritual, reading and discussion in ongoing small "Whisper" groups. Women interested in an introduction to women's spirituality are also invited. Watch the newsletter for new groups forming or openings in existing groups. Contact: Barbara Nodine, 233-7708.
Full Moon Circle
Women from all walks of life assemble monthly on the occasion of the full moon for a participatory earth-based ritual, including drumming. This is an open circle and newcomers are always welcome. Contact: Nancy Vedder-Shults, 231-3362.
Men's Issues
There are a variety of opportunities for men to explore issues important in their lives. On the first and third Mondays of the month, the “closed” men’s group meets. Men are expected to make these meetings a high priority. New members are welcomed in mid-September and again in mid-January. They are expected to make a commitment after they have attended three meetings. Contact: Neil Richardson, 260-8171.
The Male Experience
This group provides an opportunity for men to come together and share deeply the experiences of their lives. Using ritual, activities, practices, meditation and play, we will share the joys, sorrows and challenges of being men in today’s world. In order to develop a deep level of sharing, we ask each participant to commit to attend all monthly meetings unless the circumstances make missing a meeting unavoidable. We also ask that you bring a willingness to deeply share the experiences of your life; a willingness to offer and receive support; and a spirit of playfulness. The Male Experience will give men an opportunity to relate to one another as brothers in a spirit of cooperativeness rather than competition and a chance to explore a new, more mature masculinity. This group meets on the fourth Monday of every month from 7:30–9:00 p.m. in the West Living Room. Contact: Jim Jaeger, 240-9316.Service to the Society
A truly significant contribution is made each week by numerous members and affiliates engaged in supporting our worship, maintaining this historic structure, and strengthening a sense of community. Many find that their work provides an avenue for getting acquainted, building networks, learning new skills, and reaching goals of spiritual growth and insight. There are options for everyone: short term, long term, once a month or a one time only, time consuming or quick, geared to extroverts or introverts, group and individual. However you'd like to make your contribution, we've a place for you to feel welcome and useful! To make such a connection, contact Alice Delaquess 233-9774, extension 116, Coordinator of Member Programs.
Social Justice
We believe that in addition to helping build a fair and just community, social justice work is an essential element of the journey to personal spiritual growth. The Social Justice Council has five committees that provide opportunities for members of the congregation to get involved with the larger Madison community as well as state, national and international social justice issues:
- Human Rights Committee
- Economic Justice Committee
- Environmental Action Committee
- Welcoming Congregation Committee
- Peace & Justice Committee
Contact: Wendy Cooper, 233-9774, extension 25.
Lay Ministry - "Catalysts of Community"
The First Unitarian Society's Lay
Ministry program presently involves two dozen men and women who want to assist
the professional staff in providing pastoral care and other forms of emotional,
spiritual and physical support to members of the congregation.
Lay Ministers Tasks include:
- contact visitors and new members
- write cards to newlyweds, the bereaved, new parents and recent graduates
- keep track of housebound elders
- perform other simple tasks which serve to build community .
Persons wishing to serve as a Lay Minister, or who feel they could benefit from this program, should contact the Rev. Jerry Mosser, 845-7658 or Alice Delaquess 233-9774, extension 116.
Get Well Network
If you would enjoy providing an occasional meal and/or running an errand for an FUS member or affiliate who is ill, recuperating from surgery ,or otherwise in need of some special attention, you can add your name to the Get-Well Network. This is a flexible opportunity, ideal for those looking to get involved in a way that does not require too much time. We anticipate calling people for this service no more than three times a year, and you may always decline if the timing is bad for you. The goal of the Network is to create opportunities for us to help each other in times of need and foster a greater sense of community by facilitating sharing and caring between individuals. Contact: Lori Creswell, 238-1234.
Weekend Volunteer Activities
Even if your week's schedule is too complex to add another activity, you can still take a volunteer role in the Society's program while you are attending services on the weekend.
Greeters/Hospitality
Help us welcome newcomers! Arrive half an hour before the service of your choice. Greet those who come into the Meeting House, and especially talk to the newcomers and introduce them to others. Stay for a few moments following the service to chat with newcomers who may have questions. Contact: Melissa Simonson, 661-9773.
Ushers
Spend half an hour before and after one of three weekend services, greeting, handing out orders of service, passing collection plates, and performing other duties as needed. It’s a great way to get acquainted with people in the congregation. Contact: Gail Hooker (9:00 a.m. & summer services), 231-3511; or Clio Bushland (11:00 a.m. services), 271-7976.
Sound System
Technicians activate the sound
system, regulate the volume and make recordings of services and other events.
It's simpler than it sounds and training is provided. Commit to a regular
schedule or as a back-up. Contact: Harry
Carnes ,
233-9774 x 122.
Flowers
Flowers provide a floral offering
for our weekend services. A sign-up book is located at the lobby information
desk. You will receive a confirmation and suggestions for displaying and caring
for the flowers. Your message of dedication, memory or celebration will be
included in that week’s order of service. Contact: Vera
or Gordon Cunningham, 230-3367.
Information Desk
Before and after Sunday services, helpers provide directions, answer questions, and sell jewelry, postcards and Friends of the Meeting House publications. We can always use additional helpers. Contact: Betty Dovenbarger, 833-2774.
Office Volunteer Opportunities
Newsletter
Every other week, we create and print in-house over 1,200 copies of our bi-weekly newsletter, The Madison Unitarian. Help is always welcome and greatly appreciated! Alternate weeks, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays help is needed with proofreading and running our easy-to-operate in-house high speed duplicator. Also on Fridays and Saturdays, help is needed organizing and preparing the address imprinting and bulk mailing materials. Then on the following Monday (or Tuesday if it is a holiday weekend), join our social and very hard-working crew as they collate, sort and package the final product and deliver it to the post office. The Monday crew works from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 11:30 a.m. in the West Living Room. Though perhaps not glamorous, the newsletter tasks provide an important communication link for our community and a satisfying and important outcome for your energy. Contact: Harry Carnes, 233-9774, extension 122.
Photographer
Do you love to look for great angles and watch the light on peoples faces? You could be one of the photographers for the FUS newsletter, web site and other publications. Attend events as assigned (or freelance) and help us document the comings, goings and poignant moments of a vital and varied religious community. Materials and equipment provided. Contact: Harry Carnes, 233-9774, extension 122.
Office Telephone Volunteers
Be part of your Society from behind
the scenes! Greet visitors, answer phones, and assist church staff with
light clerical tasks. Build a schedule that fits your lifestyle. A typical
shift might be 9:00 a.m. to noon or 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. weekdays. Contact: Donna
Bordwell ,
233-9774, extension 110.
Physical Plant and Grounds Work
Field Days
Weeding, pruning and raking leaves takes place in the Autumn. There are also work days in the Spring. Be on the lookout for these dates and projects in the newsletter. Contact: Susan Koenig, 233-9774, extension 115.
Blood Donors Club
Members and friends of the three Madison UU congregations pledge two apheresis or whole blood donations to the Red Cross each week. (Any person age 17 or older can donate both ways every eight weeks.) You can read donors’ names on the “Two-A-Week” chart in the Loggia. Also, note Blood Drive information in the newsletter throughout the year. For information about becoming a donor, contact Gordon Cunningham, 230-3367 or Mary Murphy, 233-8602, or any of those on the donor list.
Special Events and Fund-raising
Cabaret and Fall Festival March and October
The biggest social events of the
church year, Cabaret and the Fall Festival are fun-filled events with something
for everyone—food, music, kids’ activities and a BIG auction.
The Cabaret fund-raiser generates major dollars for Society programs, and
it’s a wonderful party! These events also offer opportunities for “short-term”
helping. You can help with the party—serve food, sell tickets, supervise
kids’ games or work on a team to set up, decorate or clean up. You
can help with the auction—donate items, solicit donations, or work
on one of the many clerical tasks (signage, publicity, etc.). Contact:
Patricia Leonardi or Jay
Roberts.
Unitarian Universalism Beyond First Unitarian Society: Denominational Connections
It's easy to forget in such a large and thriving congregation that we're part of something much bigger. But the work of Unitarian Universalists in our community, district and denomination is almost as lively! Connecting in at these levels offers a wide range of worship, education, social and activism experiences to deepen and broaden your spiritual journey. At First Unitarian Society, the Denominational Affairs Committee works with the ministers and denominational committees to encourage our members to get involved in Unitarian Universalism on a grander scale. With annual meetings such as General Assembly, district programs like Chalice Lighters, and Association initiatives like Social Action Issues, opportunities for involvement, leadership and support abound! You'll meet new people, connect with those who share your interests and passions, and help shape the world for the better! Contacts: Karen Jaeger, 240-9316 or Minton Brooks, 845-3523.
Denominational Outreach
Other denominational examples are the following:
