THE
JANUARY 2024
M A D I S O N U N I TA R I A N
Delight
FROM THE MINISTERS Rev. Kelly Crocker, Co-Senior Minister
O n a recent chilly morning, I found myself awake just before the alarm was scheduled to kick off another hectic day. Soon, I would begin the rush through breakfast, packing lunches and backpacks, fighting the construction and commuting traffic, only to arrive at a full day of meetings and emails. As I began the hamster wheel of to-do lists in my head, I heard a ""hoo-hoo hooooo hoohoo"" sound just before dawn. In the still and quiet hour, I delighted in the magic of the Great Horned Owl calling out. It was a pause, a rest, a moment of connection and delight in the wonder of nature before the day began. What I hear most frequently in conversations with you and colleagues is the unending exhaustion of our lives. From shuffling kids to school, sports, and after-school activities, to the demands of work outside office hours as we spend our evenings replying to emails and juggling the demands of daily life. It is no wonder that, as a society, we are constantly overwhelmed, short-tempered, and anxious. In an opinion piece written by long-time Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy and We the People founder Tim Ryan, they call out the spiritual crisis facing our communities, how low wages and a culture of obsession with work have led to a lack of leisure time, or time for delight. They argue that this lack of time makes us ungenerous toward each other and keeps us from becoming integral contributors in our communities.
They cited an essay published in 1930 from the economist John Maynard who predicted that in 100 years, his grandchildren would only need to work 15 hour weeks, and the greatest problem facing a member of society would be “how to use his freedom from pressing economic cares, how to occupy the leisure, which science and compound interest will have won for him, to live wisely and agreeably and well.” Here we are, a mere 6 years away from that rosy forecast of John Maynard, and our reality couldn’t be farther away from his prediction. It is unfortunate because we know when there are so few hours of leisure, we lose the delight of being together and we can lose sight of what it means to be human. We rush through the days of being busy, waiting for those few moments away from the job, only to catch up on laundry or cleaning. We know that we cannot fix the minimum wage overnight and fighting for a more just way of living for everyone will take considerable effort, but there is something we each can do: taking moments of delight. Adrienne Maree Brown sums up the dilemma of our times this way, “Put your attention on suffering – which is constant and everywhere – and it is all you will see. Joy will come, and laughter, but you will find it brief, possibly a distraction. Put your attention on joy, being connected and feeling whole, and you will find it everywhere. your heart will still break. you will know grief. but you will find it a reasonable cost for the random abundance of miracles, and the soft wild rhythms of love."
JANUARY 2024
Delight can be found in many places, in the midst of and as an antidote to the suffering of this world. For those of us with young children, we can watch them and remember what it is like to delight in the ordinary miracles of the day. Delight can be harnessed in sunsets and warm fire, a good book, a delicious meal, a winter walk with the dog, or a long conversation with a dear friend. These days I find so much delight in seeing you all, how you light up when you see one another, how you engage in conversation and coffee, how deeply you believe in the possibilities of what we can build together here at FUS.
In the words of Mary Oliver, "Still, what I want in my life is to be willing to be dazzled— to cast aside the weight of facts and maybe even to float a little above this difficult world."
Sabbatical Information Rev. Kelly Crocker, Co-Senior Minister, will be on sabbatical from February 1, 2024 through August 1, 2024. Sabbaticals are an important element in cultivating healthy and vital long-term ministries. Sabbaticals benefit both ministers and congregations— providing opportunities for new perspectives, and continued growth— personal, spiritual, and institutional.
You can find more information about Kelly C.’s time away here:
www.fusmadison.org/sabbatical
To O.E.A Your voice is the color of a robin’s breast, And there’s a sweet sob in it like rain—still rain in the night. Among the leaves of the trumpet-tree, close to his nest, The pea-dove sings, and each note thrills me with strange delight Like the words, wet with music, that well from your trembling throat. I’m afraid of your eyes, they’re so bold, Searching me through, reading my thoughts, shining like gold. But sometimes they are gentle and soft like the dew on the lips of the euchris Before the sun comes warm with his lover’s kiss, You are sea-foam, pure with the star’s loveliness, Not mortal, a flower, a fairy, too fair for the beauty-shorn earth, All wonderful things, all beautiful things, gave of their wealth to your birth: O I love you so much, not recking of passion, that I feel it is wrong, But men will love you, flower, fairy, non-mortal spirit burdened with flesh, Forever, life-long. Claude McKay, 1922
Photo by Dave Hoefler
FROM THE BOARD
Jennifer Seeker Conroy, Board President
M
embers of First Unitarian Society resonate with various elements of our new vision, but the practice of deep
listening stands out as a strong shared value. In our October parish meeting, we asked you to reflect on our vision and how we grow toward it individually and collectively. Here is our vision and what we heard from you about what aspects of it you value most.
The vision of First Unitarian Society is to be a spiritual community of belonging. We will transform ourselves and society through the practices of radical welcome, deep listening, and compassionate, authentic connection. We envision a world fueled by love and justice.
Open Question Responses
A MONTH OF SERVICES In-person worship services: Saturdays @ 4:30 pm & Sundays @ 9 & 11 am Online worship service: Sundays @ 9 am
JANUARY 6 & 7
"INFINITE DIVERSITY IN INFINITE COMBINATIONS"
Rev. Kelly Crocker & Rev. Kelly Asprooth-Jackson In this reflection purchased at last year's cabaret by Nancy Kosseff, Team Kelly will explore the wonderous and fascinating variation within the natural world. The painful realities of human beings' inhumanity towards other human beings, and of the growing impact of the global climate crisis, can be understandably demoralizing. What resources for navigating despair and persisting through it might we find through the larger view of our place in the natural world? Not as the apex of evolutionary processes, but as one voice in a chorus of delightful complexity and difference. Soprano Tamara Brognano sings music to ring in your new year.
JANUARY 13 & 14
"JOY IN ADVERSITY"
Rev. Kelly Asprooth-Jackson The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his life and work to the struggle for social justice particularly racial liberation, as well as economic equity and the goal of international peace. MLK weekend is a time for us to reflect on where each of those ongoing struggles stands, and to recommit to our place within them. This year, we will consider together one of the under-appreciated necessities in order to sustain the work of justice. Alongside vision, tenacity, and hope: joy. Linda Warren plays piano solos selected in honor of Martin Luther King, r., including works by Oscar Peterson, Valerie Capers, and William Grant Still.
JANUARY 20 & 21
"THIS MINISTRY WE SHARE"
Rev. Kelly Asprooth-Jackson Beginning February 1, Rev. Kelly C. will begin a 6-month sabbatical – time for reflection, renewal, study, and discernment. It will be all those things for her, and for you, the congregation, as well. In this last sermon before she steps away, we’ll take a moment to reflect on this ministry we share, all of it: yours, mine, and ours. Linda Warren plays harp solos by Carlos Salzedo, Samuel Pratt, and Ned Rorem.
JANUARY 27 & 28 "SABBATH IN PRACTICE"
Rev. Kelly Crocker The spiritual discipline of sabbath - to rest as an intentional act - is integral to multiple of the traditions that inform and shape contemporary Unitarian Universalism. In our tradition, one of its important manifestations is the practice of sabbatical observed by ministers and the congregations they serve. In this service we will say a (temporary) goodbye to Rev. Kelly Crocker as she departs for her sabbatical from February through July of this year, and welcome Rev. Jim Foti as our Assistant Sabbatical Minister during this time. On Saturday, Cherub Choir & Choristers sing. On Sunday, Teen Choir sings.
THE MADISON UNITARIAN
T
his year’s 19th annual art fair fundraiser proved to be the best yet, and we want to celebrate the successes! Below is a list of ways that we surpassed previous records, gained unsolicited media attention, drew the interest of many talented artists, and had the amazing village of FUS help us bring it all to life!
• Art in the Wright Place was featured on NBC15’s Morning Show in a segment highlighting area events. Channel 3 also came out to film a brief segment. • We utilized Facebook in new and effective ways, including featuring all the artists who sent in biographical information for us to share. Our number of followers doubled! • We promoted the event with a banner on the Campus Drive overpass, with digital and print ads in both the Isthmus and Capital Times, and with a first class mailing to 3,000 households within our zip code area. • We received applications from 74 artists (the most ever!) and were able accept 42 artists. We always receive high praise for the quality of this art fair, but many people were even more thrilled at the level of talent represented this year. • Twenty of the artists who participated this year were here for the first time, helping us to achieve our goal of keeping things fresh and also maintaining the participation of our most successful artists.
THE MADISON UNITARIAN
ART IN THE WRIGHT PLACE Leslie Ross, Director of CRE
• Our raffle earned more than double what it did in the previous year and almost $700 more than any previous year. We raised $2200 from the raffle alone. • Commissions from artists (15% of their net sales) were almost $2200 more than the previous “high.” We charged an application fee for the first time, which raised an additional $1460. • We had an amazing Ministry Team steering this event. Sending much gratitude to Lorna Aaronson, Alyce Amirian, Karen Faller, Marty Hollis, Mary Kamp, and Lisa Tiedemann; and to Pat DuCharme for coordinating our shuttle drivers! In addition to that amazing team, we are full of gratitude for the 75 volunteers who signed up to transport artists, set up and clean up the space, serve as “floaters” assisting artists, sell raffle tickets, distribute event guides, and help with artist hospitality. The Team was overwhelmed by your amazing generosity! When all the revenue and expenses are accounted for, Art in the Wright Place raised $12,300 for FUS. It was a lot of work, a lot of fun, a great representation of community coming together, and a great way to bring in the much-needed funds that help FUS fulfill its mission. Next year will be a milestone - our 20th year! We hope you’ll be there! ◊
SEPTEMBER 2023
8
COMMUNITY INFORMATION WHEEL OF LIFE It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Cleo Loftsgordon. Cleo passed away on December 8. We send our love to Cleo’s daughter, Debby, as she remembers, celebrates, and misses her mom. If you have a life transition you’d like to share with the readers of this newsletter, please send it to mollyb@fusmadison.org.
ss WINTER NEW YEAR'S SPIRAL SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 15
SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 • 9:30 AM - 12 P Every cell of the body is energy in motion. The mind, in unison with the invisible choreography of Spirit, can guide healing throughout the energetic body. Whatever your spiritual path, you can use simple body~mind~spirit tools to make a difference in your health. This workshop will be based on the needs of the group and include 1 or 2 simple ways to use your mind to direct energy in your body for healing. All abilities welcome. Being in a group while doing healing practice is powerful. Join us! Rev Jody Whelden has practiced body~mind~spirit approaches to healing for over 40 years, as a hospital chaplain, a psychotherapist, and a counselor. $15 fee (scholarships available), limited space. Questions? Contact Janet at janets@fusmadison.org.
THE MADISON UNITARIAN
TREES FOR TOMORROW, annual FUS weekend in Eagle River
FEBRUARY 2 - 4 , 2024 A weekend of winter sports and camaraderie awaits! Trees for Tomorrow provides a Friday night chili supper, rents skis and snowshoes for those who need equipment, offers a Saturday morning cross country ski lesson, and a Saturday night nature program. Meals are cafeteria style. Special diets will be accommodated. Each family gets a room with 4 to 6 bunk beds. Common rooms are used for board games, chatting, sing-alongs and sitting in front of a cozy fire. The most popular outdoor trail is to Anvil Lake shelter where the chickadees and nuthatches will eat out of your hand. This weekend is great for novices and experienced skiers. If you have questions, contact Gail Bliss gail3511@gmail.com 608-231-3511. Contact Janet at janets@fusmadison.org for registration information.
VALENTINE JAZZ SOIREE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2004 Join us for the 2024 Valentine Jazz Soirée, Saturday, February 10, returning in Person! Indulging in a feast for the senses: the sounds of live jazz from The Michael BB Trio, the tastes and textures of delicious food and drink, the sights of the stunning Atrium venue, flickering candlelight, dancing cheek to cheek in a jazz salon setting, and all attendees will receive a rose. Love shines a light on the life we share with others. Love can bring us together as a community. Attend as a couple, a group of friends, or fly solo! The greater Madison community is invited! Tickets will go on sale soon. In the meantime, check out the Valentine Jazz Soirée website: www.fusmadison.org/valentine
THE MADISON UNITARIAN
CONTACT US STAFF LEADERSHIP TEAM Rev. Kelly J. Crocker, Co-Senior Minister kellyc@fusmadison.org x.112 Rev. Kelly Asprooth-Jackson, Co-Senior Minister kellyaj@fusmadison.org x.113 Monica Nolan, Executive Director monican@fusmadison.org x.115
PROGRAM STAFF Janet Swanson, Director Membership & Adult Programs janets@fusmadison.org x.124 Leslie Ross, Director Children’s Religious Exploration leslier@fusmadison.org x.119 Kristi Sprague, Social Justice Coordinator kristis@fusmadison.org x.125 Xan Hendrick, Program Assistant alexandrah@fusmadison.org x.116
MUSIC STAFF Dr. Drew Collins, Music Director drewc@fusmadison.org x.121 Heather Thorpe, Children & Youth Choir Director thorpeh2@gmail.com Linda Warren, Assistant Music Director linda.warren@tds.net
OPERATIONAL STAFF Molly Backes, Communication Coordinator mollyb@fusmadison.org x. 117 Cheryll Mellenthin, Project Coordinator cheryllm@fusmadison.org x. 130 Tom Miskelly, Facilitie Manager tomm@fusmadison.org x. 120 Dan Carnes, A/V & Event Specialist danc@fusmadison.org Steven Gregorius, Event Specialist
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jenny Seeker Conroy, President Chuck Evenson Joy Stieglitz-Gottschal Emily Cusic Putnam, Secretary Emily Smith Ann Schaffer Ed Zapala Zizi Brandt, Youth Liaison Mira Rogers, Youth Advisor Mason Shadle, Youth Advisor
LAY MINISTERS
Our lay ministers provide a confidential, caring presence to congregants undergoing stressful life challenges or joyous occasions. Under the guidance of our called ministers, they promote the spirit of community through direct service in visiting the ill and healing, facilitating support groups, and more. Contact a lay minister at 608.233.9774 x. 126
SOCIAL MEDIA
Get information about upcoming services and events, see photos and videos, and connect with other FUS folks on our social media platforms!
FUS Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/fusmadison FUS Community Virtual Gathering Space (FB Group) https://www.facebook.com/ groups/fusmadison Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fusmadison/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/fusmadison
DECEMBER 2023
The vision of First Unitarian Society is to be a spiritual community of belonging. We will transform ourselves and society through the practices of radical welcome, deep listening, and compassionate, authentic connection. We envision a world fueled by love and justice. At First Unitarian Society, we question boldly, listen humbly, grow spiritually, act courageously, and love unapologetically.
FIRST UNITARIAN SO CIET Y OF MADISON 900 University Bay Drive • Madison, WI 53705 608.233.9774 www.fusmadison.org
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