A very happy Memorial Day to you!

Julie Brock
As I'm leaving this lovely place some of the things I'll remember are, the vibrant energy of hymns sung in unison as the voices of the congregation waft up to the pulpit. 
I'll remember the tranquil energy of the Atrium Zen garden with its ancient boulders and the impressive presence of the prow of the landmark, giving a feeling of history and tradition backing me up as I preach.
 I'll remember the melody of the harp and the talent of the choir. 
I'll remember the smiles of the staff as they complete their jobs in a joyful and competent manner. 
I'll remember debating eastern theology with Michael and laughing uproariously with Kelly. 
Most of all, however, I'll remember the relationships I've made with all of you.   
 
Blessings my friends,
Julie
 
   

Worship Services...



This Weekend... 

Sunday, May 29
"A Story of Hope"
by Julie Brock, Minsterial Intern
Another church year has ended, but the cycles of life, love, and community continue. What stories do we tell about where we have been, where we are going, and who we are? How do the cycles of the earth relate to the cycles of our lives? Julie's final sermon will be a narrative experience of letting go and looking forward. We hope to see you in church.
Members of the Mosaic Chamber Players will play.

Coming in June...

Sunday, June 5
"Memory Matters"
by Michael A. Schuler, Senior Minister
The American philosopher George Santayana famously declared that, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." While the point is debatable (is the past really a reliable indicator of what the future might hold in store?), there is benefit to be gained from preserving memories. Quite often, however, we choose to forget, and while the cost is often inconsequential, in some instances it may be considerable.
As a complement to today's theme, our Unitarian Dance Fellowship will perform "Of This Hour" at both services.

"Living Between the Poles"
Kelly J. Crocker,
Minister of Congregational Life
In 2012, a Pew Research study said that Americans were more polarized than ever before.  What would they say today when we know we are living through one of the most polarized periods in American history? Whether it is people yelling at one another across the political divide or the dinner table, it's time to de-polarize.  This morning we'll take a look at how we got here and how we can change not only the conversation itself but also how we approach it and one another.
Soprano Amber Nicole Dilger, with
collaborative pianist Linda Warren, will sing.




Weekly Annual Campaign Update 

The Annual Campaign is chugging along, now with the added power of even more volunteers behind it. Together we shift our focus from the total amount that we need to raise ($149,838) to the remaining number of individuals and families that we hope will join us as pledging members and affiliates of FUS. These past five years we've averaged 844 "pledgers" each year. Today we have 637 pledges recorded, which means over these next few months we'll work diligently to garner the commitment of 207 more individuals.

For those of you who are still contemplating your pledge, we'll be in touch next week to discuss your unique situation.

If you have questions please connect with Reannon Branchesi at reannonb@fusmadison.org to pledge today or pledge online at www.fusmadison.org/pledge.

Weekly Staff Tidbit:
Did you correctly guess which staff member can both ride a unicycle and build harps out of PVC pipes? It's our rad radio staff member, Elizabeth Delaquess! Tune in to WMUU on 102.9 to learn more about all of our staff members.

Can you guess which FUS staff member dreams of raising thoroughbred racehorses and naming them all Seabiscuit? Send your guesses to reannonb@fusmadison.org and check back next week to find out who this equestrian loving staff member is...
 
 

 
CRE Registration Countdown
We have only a few days left to go to register for next fall's CRE classes before the rates go up on June 1. Save yourself some money and help us to plan by registering soon! You can register at /cre-registration.

Weeders Needed
The FUS Garden Crew needs your help! Join them from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays, weeding, have good conversation with some of your fellow UUs. They are a welcoming weeding group.

Outreach Offering Nominations
Nominations are now being accepted for organizations to receive our shared Outreach Offering in 2016-17. These are chosen by Michael Schuler in consultation with Becky Schigiel, Social Justice Coordinator. FUS members may nominate organizations! Please e-mail beckys@fusmadison.org for a nomination form. Nominations are due June 1.    

Do Yoga and Share Yoga
Let's help One City preschool in South Madison grow their child yoga program to include staff and family yoga classes! Our goal: 50 children's mats and 30 adult mats, all new or gently used. Plus, why not join us for a drop-in, free yoga class at FUS? Details on the Social Justice Board. Questions? lokerfam@gmail.com.

Warren Sisters Concert
Together Again!
On Saturday, June 4, at 7 p.m. in the Landmark Auditorium, Linda Warren and her sister Carol Wessler will present a special concert drawing on their many years of making music together.  You can bid on tickets at Cabaret, or make a donation at the concert.  All are also invited to a reception afterward, hosted by FUS Music Director Dan Broner and his wife Mary. Join us!

Open Doors for Refugees,
a new local and growing group, will host Dessert for Syria to raise money for and community awareness about the Syrian Refugee Crisis, at Threshold, 2717 Atwood Ave. on Thursday, June 9, 7 to 9:30 p.m. RSVP to OpenDoorsforRefugees@gmail.com or call (608)438-5240. $10-$50 suggested donation, payable at the door, to be used to support refugees.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!
We have 100 tickets ($10 for a ticket and a hat) for the 6:30 p.m. Mallards baseball game on Saturday, June 18! More info to come.  We might do a potluck/grill before t
he game! Questions? Talk to Jeanne Sears, or e-mail her at jeannes@fusmadison.org.

Kat Trio to Perform
The Kat Trio will be performing a mini-recital between the services on Sunday, June 19. Hear violinist Victoria Gorbich, clarinetist Vladislav Gorbich and pianist Joseph Ross play music of Johann Strauss, Chopin, Mendelssohn and Scott Joplin during coffee hour following the 9 a.m. service.

Peace and Justice Book Group
The Peace and Justice Book Group will begin meeting again on Monday, June 27, (fourth Monday of the month)in Courtyard C at 7 p.m.  The group will be discussing Little Princes: One Man's Promise To Bring Home The Lost Children Of Nepal by Conor Grennan. If you have questions contact Mary Madigan, (608)298-7557, madiganassoc@sbcglobal.net.

Orchid Donors  
Thanks again to Tom Garver, Roz Woodward, and the Zahn-Waxler and Bergee families for gener
ously funding the orchid plants which grace our Atrium pulpit.  To donate, contact Ann Smiley at salutsmiley@gmail.com or (608)354-2075.

Lost and Found
This is the last opportunity to look for what you or your family may have lost this past year together. There are coats, hats, scarves, gloves, dishes, containers, water bottles, and much much more! Please walk past the rack and benches in the Atrium Crossing.  All unclaimed items will be given to a charity.

The Spiritual Topics Book Group
will hold its June meeting in the Gaebler Living Room on Tuesday evening, June 28, at 7 p.m. The
group will discuss Thomas Merton's autobiography: The Seven Storey Mountain. For additional information contact: Ken Gage at 230-5068.

New Chalice Group Forming
Interested in Paganism, Mysticism and Mythology? Then this Chalice Group is for you! Chalice Groups are a great way to meet more people in a small group setting and make deep and lasting connections here at FUS.  Join Sarah Best on the last Wednesday of the month to discuss readings centered on the themes of Paganism, Mysticism and Mythology. The first group will be June 29. Contact Sarah for more information at sarahbest1@gmail.com.



 



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