At least one representative from each Congregation is requested to be a member of the Environmental Justice Council. The first meeting of the Environmental Justice Council has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 14th. It will meet at the First Unitarian Society of Westchester in Hastings from 10:30-1:30.

This Council will meet three times a year and requires a two year commitment. The second meeting will be an Environmental Justice Tour in Newark, NJ. Once a year the council may meet via conference call, video call or webinar.

For more information contact:
Rev. Peggy Clarke
Minister, 1st Unitarian Society of Westchester, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY
Racism and Social Justice Consultant, UU Metro NY District
Co-Founder, InterGenerate
GreenFaith Fellow
914.275.1627

Theresa Jefferson, Social Justice and Community Outreach -Chair

Theresa "Karuna" Jefferson MS,CMT,RYT  

We are looking to start up a drumming group at FUSP.
We are currently looking into drum workshops being held at FUSP.
There are several drumming workshops and events being held around New Jersey.
If you are interested in either attending drumming workshops at FUSP or attending drumming events outside of FUSP, please let me know.
Denise Soppas (dsoppas@chubb.org, 908-769-5820)  

Ahhh, February! The snowy days, the paper doily Valentine hearts, the FUSP pledge cards. On February 26th, you can expect an excellent service, but no luncheon or band this year. Instead, you will be presented with opportunities during the month to make a connection with a fellow congregant at a stewardship dinner or a stewardship conversation. (This is sometimes known as talking to a friend over coffee.) I hope you take the opportunity to share your vision of what you want our Society to be.

You will receive a Stewardship brochure soon. In it you will find our vision: Together we seek to grow as a vibrant presence in our community through sharing our welcoming faith and working to build a just world. It’s what FUSP wants to grow into. You will see a program budget: where our money comes from and where it goes, and how much we could do with a little bit more. You will also find a pledge card attached. I hope you will give generously to help our vision- to help your vision become reality.

Why pledge?

Pledges by members and friends make up about three quarters of our annual budget, and your pledge is how we determine a budget for next year. A pledge is a statement of intention, not a binding contract. If your circumstances change, you can change your pledge amount by contacting the finance chairperson.

I will be presenting a budget chat on Sunday, February 5th. Stewardship dinners and conversations will follow soon after. The Stewardship campaign culminates with Celebration Sunday on February 26th. You can bring your pledge cards to a dinner, stewardship visit, or the Celebration Sunday service.

Please join me in the sanctuary right after the service on February 5th for an informative budget chat. I’ll show you in detail how we’re doing with our operating budget, and take questions. Hope to see you there!

-Melissa Logan
Finance Chair  

We skipped Pancake Breakfast last month to have a Chili Cook off, but we’re back to the “$5 Special” ($13 for a family). All you can eat pancakes, sausages (veggie, also), OJ and coffee. We start about 8:30 and finish in time to get to the service at 10. The date is February 19th.  

There’s nothing like a good spaghetti dinner on a cold winter’s night and February 10th is when the next one will be at the Parish Hall. It starts about 6:30 and goes on until Game Night starts, for those who choose We have all you can eat spaghetti, with a choice of several sauces, including meat and veggie, salad, bread, desserts and beverages, all for $8/ person or $20/ family.  

Facilitated by Rev. Tracy Sprowls-Jenks

Wednesdays February/March 7:00- 9:00

Drawing on the work of historical and contemporary Universalist, Unitarian and Unitarian Universalists theologians, this program invites participants to engage some of the major theological perspectives of our tradition and to test those theological points of view against their own lived experiences. This is a Tapestry of Faith curriculum developed in conjunction with the UUA. It is a series of workshops, each on a prominent theologian. Advance registration is required. Please register with Denise at dsoppas@chubb.com.

2/8 William Ellery Channing
2/22 Sophia Lyon Fahs
3/7 Forrest Church
3/21 Thandeka  

FILM! REFRESHMENTS! STIMULATING DISCUSSION!

Join us on Friday, February 24 when the Welcoming Congregation presents THE STRANGE HISTORY OF DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL. If you think you know all there is about Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the U.S. military’s ban on gays and lesbians -- think again. This well-researched and emotionally riveting documentary tells the strange-but-true tale of the U.S. military's ban on gays and lesbians from its implementation, through passionate protests and debates, and finally to its 2011 repeal.

But before launching into coverage of current controversies, the film provides a bit of history about gays in the armed forces dating back to 508 B.C. An impressive list of openly gay military leaders including the warriors of ancient Sparta, Alexander the Great, and Richard the Lionheart leaves no doubt that homosexuals can serve effectively and honorably in the military.

The filmmakers do an excellent job of weaving a wide-scope of information into a fast-moving and concise package. And in addition to seeing the complex politicking which this issue has evoked (and is actually quite gripping to watch), the film features a variety of passionate and provocative interview subjects, both pro and con.

But perhaps the most touching personal account is that of Air Force Technical Sgt. Leonard Matlovich. A Vietnam veteran, and recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, he became the first gay service member to fight the ban on gays in the military, and perhaps the best-known gay man in America in the 1970s next to Harvey Milk.

Emphasis of the Welcoming Congregation films is on the LGBT experience. All are welcome - LGBT or not – who have an interest in exploring and learning more deeply about this focus. Follow- up discussion is always enlightening and provocative, and simply fun!

Friday, February 24, 7 PM, Steven’s Room. Popcorn and refreshments provided. Childcare available (call Valerie Mead if needed  

How can we continue to reconnect to the earth and serve the FUSP and Plainfield community?
Here is one suggestion. Volunteer to do a small part to help our FUSP organic garden project.
Here is what's needed.
Someone who can do one or more of the following during the growing season:

1. Preparing the 4X4 raise bed by clearing any weeds and filtering soil from the compost. Also, add organic soil (GS provides) if needed.
2. Planting plants (GS provides) at the beginning of the growing season.
3. Installing posts and mesh (GS provides) to protect the produce
4. Watering plants over the summer.
5. Weeding the garden by hand if necessary ( raised beds doesn't require much weeding)
6. Picking crops and providing them to the food pantry or FUSP members and placing fallen crops in the composter.
7. Meditate at the garden & enjoy it's bounty
8. Removing protection and debri at the end of harvest
9. Give feedback on how you feel about the garden.

A little help can make a big difference to the community.

Please contact Bonnie Rowan to sign up.

Thank you!
Theresa Jefferson, Green Sanctuary Chair

February 19, 11:30-12:30 in the Stevens Room

We love Milestones. Well, many if not most of us do. Why do we love them? Let us count the ways …

The Worship Committee would like to begin a conversation about how we do Milestones. We want to start by inviting you to talk about what you get from Milestones as it is now, what you love, what it gives to our congregation. We also want you to consider how Milestones affects public worship in our congregation, how it promotes an idea of ourselves as an inward looking circle of friends, and how it continues our identity as a small congregation. Is there a better way to do it? A way that will do an even better job of giving us what we need?

You can start by telling us what you love, what you want more of, and what you value about Milestones. Join us after the service on February 19, or speak to any member of the Worship Committee.  

Worship is fundamental to our congregation. Certainly our members find meaning and community in other things that we do, but worship is central to our congregation, to our reason for being a religious Society.

This is an ongoing conversation we've been having in our Worship committee meetings, leading us to consider how we might lift up the things we do well and break down the barriers that keep us apart.

Asking you to silence your cell phones and enter into a spirit of worship, having congregants speak on our vision, and adding musical elements to our services, are examples of small changes we've made this year, but we think we can do more to be a congregation that truly worships together.

So we’re planning a few more changes:

• Beginning our service with a hymn, to provide a clear beginning to worship that is participatory, a signal that it is time to be together in worship, to leave the Parish Hall and enter the sanctuary, and bring us together in a new way.
• We’d also like to change how we show our gratitude for musicians and speakers in our worship services. When musicians are playing, when the choir is singing, or when someone is speaking, we’d like to have your attention. If you have to enter or leave during the service, we’d like you to do it quietly, preferably during a break in the service. To minimize distractions, we’re asking our ushers to hold people who arrive late near the entrance to the sanctuary, and to seat people when there is a break in the service.

We are asking for these changes because we need to consider how we are when we are together. Are we entering into worship together, creating a mood and an arc of worship together, or do we remain enmeshed in ourselves, one by one or in pairs? Are we thinking of all those who are gathered here, or just the dear friend next to us in the pews? Why not think of all our dear friends here to enter into worship together?

We'd love to see worship services that  

If you liked the Multicultural Holiday Concert in December, if you’d like to have drummers or well known UU musicians playing at FUSP, if you’d like to build a regular concert program that provides great music for the community, you can help make it happen!

Contact John Hawkins if you’d like to help with booking, publicity, logistics, or planning.  

 This month an original water color painting by Susan M. Stuller will be displayed in the hall way of the sanctuary. She is a professional painter and instructor for over 20 years. Her emphasis is on rich color and strong design. Your wall will be colorful if you hang this painting on your wall.  Susan is a signature member of the National Water Color Society and many other watercolor societies Her paintings are displayed in many galleries, corporate headquarters and museums..

The painting this month shows miniature sail boats and long sticks to retrieve them. The  painting is unframed. Ray Block, a member of FUSP is offering this for a minimum bid of only $100.  He paid $225.  All proceeds will help the restoration of the building. The State of New Jersey should match the funds received.

The bidding ends February 26, 2012. Any questions? See Fred Lange.

Hot Topics Forums explore issues of political or social interest, allowing us to examine the different arguments that arise from given issues and come to a better understanding of the diverse perspectives that surround them. Hot Topics evenings begin with a moderated consideration of a topic or question posed for participants to consider. All participants are asked to prepare for the discussion by reading short articles that set forth opposing positions on the question. The discussion aims to promote debate and constructive argument of the contrary positions and welcomes insight and opinion from persons embracing each position. Some possible topics include global warming, marriage, abortion, capitalism and war. Please let Denise Soppas or Rev Tracy know if this forum interests you.  

Integral Yoga enhances the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being of an individual. With practice you can focus your mind, strengthen your body, increase your flexibility and improve your sleep. Each hour and a half class includes chanting, eye exercises, yoga postures, deep relaxation, breathing techniques, and meditation. Please bring a yoga mat, wear loose fitting clothing, and abstain from eating at least an hour before class. Contact certified yoga instructor Theresa Jefferson for more information. (Fees: $55/month due the first class of each month. $15 to drop-in.) Sessions: Tuesdays 1:00-2:00 starting 10/4  

Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center: Open year-round for your UU gatherings and family retreats. Visit our Facebook page to see Brooklyn UUs playing on our new ga-ga court. Copies of our new 8-minute DVD are now available.

Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission Musicians Legal Rights Workshop: Monday, February 6.
MUSICIANS/WRITERS What rights do you retain when selling your written or musical piece? How about when putting your work on the internet? How do you protect your original work? Tracey Batt, Executive Director of New Jersey Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, will be facilitating this evening session on the legal rights of musicians and writers. Call or write us for more information.

Universalist Convocation - May 18-20, 2012: The annual gathering held "…to explore and draw from the heritage of Universalist experience and faith to inform Unitarian Universalism today and help light its way toward the future" will be at Murray Grove this spring. Presenters include Rev. Richard Gilbert, Rev. Kalen Fristad and Rev. Rosemary Brae McNatt.

Don’t miss our new quarterly electronic newsletter, the Hand-in-Hand! To receive it, email murraygrove@murraygrove.org, or call us!

For information:
Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center
PO Box 246, Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734
609-693-5558
murraygrove@murraygrove.org
www.murraygrove.org
 

Ground for Hope-Westchester

Mobilizing Interfaith Action for the Earth
Sunday, March 11, 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Spellman Hall, Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY

Register now.

* Workshops & resources to help religious groups launch environmental efforts
* Earth Day resources and learning opportunities for faith communities
* Connect with other religious-environmental leaders
* Workshop choices - religious education, ‘green’ facility management, worship and advocacy

Information on schedule and workshops.

Questions? Contact Rev. Fletcher Harper at revfharper@greenfaith.org.  

 We had many returning members and outside vendors, and new vendors, both members and non-members. With the help of all our volunteers, we raised over $1000 for FUSP. This year, the Stevens Café was open for lunch as well as snacks, and run by professional chefs Evelyn Benton and Bob Seidel. We had lots of holiday shoppers from both FUSP and the outside community. We were even visited by Plainfield CLIPS reporter Dave Damon and a visit by him and Plainfield councilman Cory Storch. Thanks to all who made this FUSP holiday tradition better than ever!

Sincerely, Ronni Buffington and Melissa Logan

The following students have birthdays in February:

This has worked SO well the past several holiday dinners, let’s try it again. Do you have a favorite holiday dish you’d be willing to share at our dinner this year? Maybe you or someone in your family made a delicious vegetable casserole, some other side dish, or homemade dessert (my Aunt Alice made the best tapioca pudding!).

Here’s what we’re asking of you this Christmas (feel free to do any or all of the following!):

- prepare that special side dish or dessert at home (enough to feed at least 10-12) and bring it to church on Christmas morning.

- volunteer 2 hours of your time that day to help setup, serve or cleanup (we serve from 12pm til 3pm with 1 hour on each side for setup and cleanup)

- donate $$$ to the Food Pantry (check made out to “FUSP” with “food pantry in the memo section)

- donate food certificates to the food pantry (see your food certificate salesperson on Sundays after service)

- call (732-574-0059) or email (cassbass@verizon.net) Cass Cochrane and let her know what you’ll do to help!

The Food Pantry will supply whatever you don’t, so we need to know, in advance, what you’ll bring to the table. We’ve got the meat covered (roast birds, cooked hams) and the beverages, we just need your homemade touches that will make it that special holiday meal.

Thanks!

P.S: And here’s another thing you could do. Bring us new or gently used winter hats, scarves or gloves (children and adults) to be given away to our dinner guests. Bring them Christmas morning when you bring your dish. Thanks!

In the fall I preached a sermon with this same title but as sermons sometimes do, the ideas in the sermon took me in a different direction than the title suggested. So, this morning, for real this time, we will explore Buddhism from the perspective of story, The Parliament of World Religions and Hinduism.

"Sarah's Key" by Tatiana de Rosnay

Synopsis:
Paris, July 1942: Sarah, a ten year old girl is arrested with her family by the French Police in a roundup, but not before she locks her younger brother in a cupboard in the family's apartment, thinking that she will be back within a few hours.

" De Rosnay has captured the insane world of the the Holocaust and the efforts of the few good people who stood up against it in a moving and morally challenging novel."

"The author, a journalist, stumbles onto a trail of long-hidden family secrets that connect her to Sarah."

Please join us the first Thursday.
Kathy Weldy

Bruce Knotts is the Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office. This sermon discusses the UU faith and how it motivates the work of the UU-UNO. Bruce will discuss recent world changing successes and long-term successes over the past 50 years of the UU-UNO's history. He will outline challenges ahead of us, such as homophobia in Uganda and our partnership with Rev. Mark Kiyimba's courageous work in Uganda. Bruce will speak about the expansion of global human rights and how UUs continue to play an important role in this process. He will challenge the congregation to continue to live our faith and traditions though our deeds, being that we are a faith known for our deeds not our creed.

The topic will be, “Why there is a welcoming place for conservatives in a liberal faith such as ours”.

The topic is a statement, not a question. Think about it and join us. All male members and friends are welcome

Perhaps as many as one in four people suffer from some form of mental illness and one in twelve is an active alcoholic. Depression, social maladjustment, alcoholism, drug dependence, and other issues are fairly common in our society. This morning we talk about mental health issues and what the role of the church is in caring and confronting these issues and just why mental health issues seem to be on the rise.

Our children will be joining us this morning for the first part of the service. In addition, we will introduce our newest members to the congregation and our administrator, Jasmine.

Addictions in Women-- It's not as rare as one might think.

Women are the fastest growing segment of substance abusers in the US --and that doesn't include other addictions -such as eating disorders, shopaholism etc. Many of these women are 35+and college educated. Dr. Peg Pipchick, a family therapist and addiction expert, will lead us in a discussion of the specifics of these conditions as well as, family patterns, core attributes and impulses, and issues underlying female addiction. Dr. Pipchick is an exciting speaker and we are open to all--bring a friend.

Chris Rose, in his book 1 Dead in Attic describes it this way: “Mardi Gras is the love of life. It is the harmonic convergence of our food, our music, our creativity, our eccentricity, our neighborhoods, and our joy of living. All at once.” This morning we explore Mardi Gras from the “big party” that it looks like to the deeper meanings of this holiday. The music this morning will be quite special so be sure not to miss this Sunday!

This morning we celebrate who we are as a congregation: our vision, our work we do together, and our generosity. We are not on a sinking ship! We are going places and making a real difference in the lives of our members and those who come to our congregation in different ways. It is no accident—what we do takes faithful stewardship and commitment. Join me this morning for Celebration Sunday (which I hear includes cake!)

Our children will be joining us this morning for the first part of the service.

March 4 Social Justice Weekend, Rev. Tracy, preaching

March 11 A Conversation with our Youth and Rev. Tracy

March 18 Herman Bieber, a long time member, will be leading the service

March 25 “Sharing our Welcoming Faith” part 3 of the vision statement sermon series, Rev. Tracy, preaching