The Madison Unitarian | May 2023

Creativity

Cover photo by Molly Backes

FROM THE EDITOR

Molly Backes, Communications Coordinator

Afew years ago, back when those wine and painting parties were all the rage, a couple of friends and I went to one at a quirky little boutique in Chicago. The twist was that instead of painting, we were using old scraps of fabric to create art. Each table had a colorful stack of fabric samples, plus ribbons, beads, buttons, lace, thread, scissors, glue, heavy-duty staplers, and a blank canvas for each person. My friend Nan and I dove right in, collecting textures and colors that spoke to us, making little piles of velvet and brocade, cotton and chenille. Neither of us had any particular plan for the material we were collecting, but we trusted that with enough time (and enough wine) we’d figure something out. After a few minutes, though, we noticed that our third friend wasn’t following suit. She was just watching us, looking increasingly anxious.

I asked her what was wrong. “How do you know what to do?” Jen asked. “I don’t know what to do!”

We had no idea what we were doing, we assured her. We were just going to try some different things and see what looked good. “I’m going to cut these flowers out, because I think they’re pretty,” I said. “That’s the whole extent of my plan so far.”

“Why don’t you just try something and see if you like it?” Nan suggested.

“But how do I know if I’m doing it right? What if I screw up? What if you both make something cute and I make something ugly?”

What if! What if you try something and it doesn’t work? What if you look foolish? What if you embarrass yourself in front of everyone you know?

What if you put your whole heart into something and it never gets off the ground? What if you let yourself care deeply about something or someone and they break your heart? The thing about creating something new—whether it’s a work of art, or a business, or a relationship—is that you have to be willing to fail. And that’s terrifying!

At some point in our lives, most of us decide that the discomfort of failure isn’t worth the potential joy of trying something new, and we begin to stick to activities and areas where we know we’ll be more successful. Unfortunately, this can mean that in the moments when we need to summon our most creative inner resources, we find that they’re a little rusty.

Recognizing this in myself, I decided to make a regular practice of doing things I’m bad at in order to remind myself that it is possible to fail epically and still have fun. Bowling, for instance. I am a terrible bowler, and yet I always have a blast doing it. When we allow ourselves to be untalented, uncoordinated, and even hilariously unsuccessful at something low-stakes like bowling—and still find a way to have fun with it!—we remind ourselves that we’re capable of being messy and imperfect and still finding joy in the process.

To create is to be uncertain. Starting something new, something that may fail at any moment, never gets easy. But if you practice feeling that discomfort in moments that don’t matter as much, you can build your inner resources of bravery and find that you’re less afraid of failing, even when the stakes are high. ◊

FROM THE MINISTERS

Rev. Kelly Asprooth-Jackson, Co-Senior Minister

The Challenge of Creativity in Mundane Times

In the late 70s, one of the odder episodes of the Cold War unfolded when a very large hot air balloon—the biggest ever to fly in Europe up to that point—crash-landed on the Western side of what was then the border between East and West Germany. Here’s how that came be: Peter Strelzyk and Guenter Wetzel lived in East Germany (a dictatorship with an infamously repressive secret police force), and felt they would rather live in the West. But between them and their preferred home stood the apparatus of a repressive state— and the vast fortified border it guarded zealously to keep its citizenry trapped in their own country.

So Peter and Guenter devised a plan: they would build a hot air balloon, and use it to sail over the border. Everything about the plan was illegal, of course, so they had to gather materials and do all their work in secret. The balloon would have to be very large in order to carry them and their families. The first material they tried wasn’t tightly woven enough to hold the air in, so they tried again. They found a new source of stronger cloth and built a flyable balloon… which crashed on their first attempt at a crossing. Finally, after driving all over the country to buy yet more fabric in units small enough for the authorities not to notice, the two men completed their second functional balloon.

This one was large enough to carry all eight of its prospective passengers, and it seemed up to the dangerous task ahead. But then the amateur balloon pilots managed to set the balloon itself on fire shortly after taking off. The folks dangling below it then had a choice: give up a second time and try to make a third balloon, or press on at the best possible speed and hope that they might make it into West German territory before their burning craft forced them to the ground. Desperate now, and sensing that the East German authorities were closing in, they chose the lat-

ter course. The two families managed to make it across the border.

It’s a thrilling story of creativity and daring— enough so that it was actually made into a film with John Hurt and Beau Bridges. But I tell it to you now to highlight what came after. The Strelzyk and Wetzel families made new lives in West Germany (and after the Berlin Wall came down, they mostly moved back home to the former East). But these two families who had been through so much together—who had struggled and suffered and endured so much danger and adversity—had a falling out soon after their escape. They argued publicly over who had played the larger and more crucial role in their ingenious balloon construction, competing for public attention. Their great adventure had a sad epilogue.

It’s one of our great capacities as human beings that a crisis or a dramatic challenge can bring us together, and bring out some of the best in our generosity and creativity. But most of the work of living takes place between such times of intensity. It takes a different kind of creative effort to sustain goodwill, and open-heartedness, in the passing of daily life. In your own household, family, or work environment, perhaps you can see some example of this at work. Here in our community at FUS, we have shown many times our collective ability to creatively solve big problems and achieve great goals. But life in community is mostly the moments in-between crises, when the creative spirit most needed is the ability to imagine the perspective of someone we disagree with, or devise new ways to stay connected. As we reflect on the spiritual theme of Creativity this month, I invite you to keep in mind not only the ‘Eureka!’ moment, but also the inventive spirit that breathes life into the mundane quieter, but no less vital.

FROM THE MINISTERS

Rev. Kelly Crocker, Co-Senior Minister

A Note from Rev. Kelly C...

As ministry is a whole person vocation, and because it is not only myself, but also my family that is a part of FUS, I have personal news to share with you all. Dan and I made the decision to end our marriage and we completed that process earlier this year.

Our friendship has been with us for 31 years and our marriage has lasted for 26. I was 18 when we met and we truly grew up together, supporting each other through schooling, living in three different states, and becoming the people we are today. We have two amazing children together. We consider our shared journey an incredible success. We still care deeply about one another and are committed to raising our children well as a family that remains connected through the bonds of love, memory, and great devotion.

This is a big change for us and naturally has contained difficulty, sadness, and loss. Our family appreciates your thoughts and trust that you will hold this news in love and compassion. Through conversations over the past few months, I know that many of you are experiencing transitions in your lives as well. Please know that I am holding you close, too. May love be our guide as we move forward through all the transitions and may we all be led into healing, wholeness, and joy. ◊

Notice on Masking During Worship

As of May 28, 2023, we will move to being mask optional in our worship services throughout the summer. That Sunday marks the beginning of our Summer Services when we move to one service per weekend at 10 am on Sundays. We will reassess masking during worship for the fall in August. We know that there are many views on masking living in the congregation and we continue to encourage you to make the best choices for your health and the health of your family. We also want to remind everyone of the importance of respecting the choices of others and that extending compassion is at the core of religious community and our life together here.

Instructions on Not Giving Up

More than the fuchsia funnels breaking out of the crabapple tree, more than the neighbor’s almost obscene display of cherry limbs shoving their cotton candy-colored blossoms to the slate sky of Spring rains, it’s the greening of the trees that really gets to me. When all the shock of white and taffy, the world’s baubles and trinkets, leave the pavement strewn with the confetti of aftermath, the leaves come. Patient, plodding, a green skin growing over whatever winter did to us, a return to the strange idea of continuous living despite the mess of us, the hurt, the empty. Fine then, I’ll take it, the tree seems to say, a new slick leaf unfurling like a fist to an open palm, I’ll take it all.

Ada Limón, 2018

BECAUSE OF YOU!

Janet Swanson, Director of Membership and Adult Programs & Cheryll Mellenthin, Project Coordinator

Because of You is here! It’s time to celebrate and show our appreciation for all the wonderful ways you bring life and love to our beloved faith community. Through your gifts of volunteer time, amazing talents, and ongoing financial generosity, we sustain a community built on the power of us and what we can accomplish together.

Plan to join us on Friday, May 5, 5 pm—6:30 pm for this staff and FUS Board-led evening. Our Because of You is a family event with dinner and dessert, recognition of your involvement, and words of gratitude for making the work we do possible. We’ll have a smattering of fun activities for all ages, both inside and outside. We’re also welcoming back musical guests Lilies of the Midwest. Please RSVP by Thursday, May 4, at www.fusmadison.org/becauseofyou to make sure we have plenty of food and fun for everyone. ◊

ODE TO THE JOY OF SUMMER

The end of our program year is also the true start of our summer programming: worship and engaging activities that will be at the heart of our summer Sundays together! We are thrilled to share the robust plans we have for a summer full of activities for all ages.

Our summer worship schedule begins Sunday, May 28th with one worship service at 10 am each weekend until September 9 and 10 (the weekend after Labor Day). There will be childcare available during the service. Our Children’s Religious Exploration classes end, and multi-age activities will take the place of classes. We will introduce our summer children’s theme of “Weaving Together.”

Summer worship services begin with all ages in service through the Message for All Ages. Children will then be able to head out to planned summer activities and time on the playground. Parents will join their children after the service for hospitality and fellowship time in the classroom courtyard and on the playground.

We will also be weaving in summer activities during the week for families and friends to join. This planning is underway, and we’ll share more exciting details soon. A link to our summer schedule will be made available and will include ongoing updates. You can also check out our Facebook page, Instagram feed, and Red Floors newsletter for details as we get closer to these events.

Summer Highlights include...

Friday Night Social JuStice Film: JuNe 9

In-person with potluck, hosted by the MOSES Team (Madison Organizing in Strength, Equity, and Solidarity) in the Atrium and Commons. Featured film is Breaking the Cycle. The topic of prison reform is a crucial one, but it's plagued by baffling bureaucracy, budgetary restrictions and societal stigmatisms. Breaking the Cycle embraces the exploration of fresh ideas and meaningful change.

aNybody choirS: SecoNd SuNday oF each moNth—JuNe 11, July 9, auguSt 13

We will have several opportunities this summer to sing in a choir in worship. Our "Anybody Choirs" are for anybody and everybody—all are welcome!

The schedule each time will be:

8:20 am: Arrive, get music, find a seat

8:30 am: Rehearse

10 am: Sing in worship service

11 am: Turn in music, get coffee, done.

Come once, twice, or all three times!

Members of the FUS Program Team

ODE TO THE JOY OF SUMMER

bleSSiNg oF the aNimalS WorShip Service: JuNe 11

Including a visit from Haven’s Petting Farm

SuNday WorShip Service From uua geNeral aSSembly: JuNe 25

madiSoN SiNgS!: July 10, July 17, July 24

FUS and Madison Symphony Chorus will again co-sponsor community singing events. All are welcome. We hand out music for a choral masterwork, warm up our voices, and rehearse. The evening culminates in a low-key, no audience "performance." Schedule and repertoire subject to change.

July 10: Mozart "Requiem"

July 17: Beethoven "Mass in C"

July 24: Faure "Requiem"

Friday Family outdoor movie Night: July 14

With s’mores and beverages

WedNeSday Family muSic Night: July 26

Bring your own instruments and voices

Friday Family outdoor movie Night: auguSt 11

With s’mores and beverages

labor iN the pulpit WorShip Service: September 3

Mark your calendar now and watch for more information as these events get closer. Plan to join the fun! We are grateful for this faith community and our shared commitment to one another.

HOPPING AROUND THE MEETINGHOUSE

ON AN EGG-CELLENT EASTER

WORSHIP THEME PLAYLISTS

Drew Collins, Music Director

Announcing a new way to augment your worship experience and personal spiritual development: Worship Theme Playlists! Using Spotify, you can listen to music supporting each month’s worship theme. Each month’s playlist will be curated to represent a mix of hymns, classical, pop/rock, Broadway, choral, easy listening instrumentals, jazz, opera, a cappella, music for kids, and other genres. Listen on a walk, at work, or wherever and whenever you listen to music. You probably won’t connect with everything, so just skip what you don’t care for. Here are a few highlights from the playlist for May’s worship theme, “Creativity.”

FROM OUR HYMNAL

“I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” is Nina Simone’s contribution to both the jazz and civil rights repertories, and is in our hymnal (#151). Here it is in its original form, from her album “Silk & Soul.” Two other original recordings of familiar songs from our hymnals are on the list: Sweet Honey in the Rock’s original rendering of “We Are...” (#1052) and Osibisa’s original recording of “Woyaya” (#1020). Several other hymns are on the list as well.

INSPIRED BY EASTERN RELIGIONS

Gary Wright’s inspiration for the quintessential 1970s pop song, “Dream Weaver,” was the book Autobiography of a Yogi , about Paramahansa Yogananda and given to him by George Harrison. Yogananda’s poem “God! God! God!” referenced “the idea of the mind weaving dreams.” The expression “Dream Weaver” was popularized by another former Beatle, John Lennon. Lennon’s own “Across the Universe” was influenced by his interest in Transcendental Meditation and includes the mantra “Jai guru deva om” (Victory

to God divine). The third verse is about meditation, but the first two verses are about the creative process itself. Three Dog Night’s “Shambala” evokes a mythical Buddhist utopia where all citizens have achieved enlightenment.

BEST WITH HEADPHONES

There are a few selections for audiophiles with a good pair of headphones. Debussy’s piano solo, La cathédrale engloutie (“The Sunken Cathedral”) from Préludes, Book 1 depicts an ancient Breton myth in which a cathedral, submerged off the coast of the Island of Ys, rises from the sea on clear mornings. Sounds of priests chanting, bells chiming, and an organ can be heard from across the sea. There are other Debussy tracks on the playlist as well—his Impressionist style excites the imagination. FUS Children’s and Youth Choirs director Heather Thorpe recommended Eric Whitacre’s “Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine,” a modern madrigal-opera for a cappella choir telling the story of Da Vinci’s quest for flight.

SONGS ABOUT SONGWRITING

Like Rossini claiming, “Give me a laundry list and I will set it to music,” Paul Simon once boasted to Art Garfunkel that he could write a song about anything. Garfunkel had studied to be an architect and issued Frank Lloyd Wright as a challenge to Simon. Simon responded with the song “So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright.” It started out as a creative exercise but turned into a deep cut favorite of Simon & Garfunkel fans. Simon makes this month’s playlist twice more, including “Song About the Moon,” in which he gives advice to young songwriters. In “Songs Out of Clay,” Al Stewart likens songwriting to sculpting.

WORSHIP THEME PLAYLISTS

DREAMS

The way Billy Joel tells it, his “River of Dreams” came to him fully formed in his head when he woke up one morning. It’s part Gospel, part Motown and the lyrics evoke biblical imagery. Despite its infections groove, the whole thing achieves a dream-like quality. Newton Faulkner’s jaunty “Gone in the Morning” illustrates a dream world and describes the frustration of a dream you want to remember evaporating as soon as you wake up.

TWO “BLUES”

When “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” was released in 1998, reviews described it as “quirky,” “bouncy,” and “hypnotic.” It became an international dance hit and Grammy Award winner. In recent years it has been reinvented as a children’s song (I put both the original and kid’s versions on the playlist). The lyrics tell the story of a man who lives in a “blue world:” his belongings, house, and car are all blue, and he feels blue, too. Not only is the song itself creative, but it paints for the mind’s eye an imaginary world for the listener. Speaking of quirky, blue-colored hits, the song

“Birdhouse in Your Soul” describes the observations of a bedroom from an unusual perspective: that of a blue canary-shaped nightlight that just wants to be loved.

SONGS ABOUT CREATIVE OUTLETS

FUS CRE Assistant, Xan Hendrick, suggested Art Garfunkel’s reggae-infused “I Shall Sing” about expressing one’s self through song. Non-musical creative outlets are represented as well: “Embroidery,” “The Knitting Song,” “A Palette to Paint Us As We Are,” The Beatles’ “Paperback Writer,” and John Denver’s rendition of “The Garden Song” will all get your creative juices flowing.

You can find this month’s playlist online at https://tinyurl.com/FUSplaylist . I hope listening to it brings you enjoyment and spiritual enrichment this month!

I can always add more songs to any playlist at any time, so if you would like to suggest a song for this or any future playlist, please email me at drewc@fusmadison.org. ◊

by Robert Hass

The world of dew is the world of dew.

And yet, and yet—

Kobayashi Issa, 1819

translated

A MONTH OF SERVICES

In-person worship services: Saturdays @ 4:30 pm & Sundays @ 9 & 11 am

Online worship service: Sundays @ 9 am

Summer Schedule: In-Person & Online Sundays @ 10 am

MAY 6 & 7 TRANSCENDING MYSTERY AND WONDER

Our tradition has a deep vein of skepticism running through it. We lift up reason as one of our spiritual values, and value the insights of science. At the same time, mystical experience and an openness to wonder that we cannot neatly explain is also very much a part of our lineage as Unitarian Universalists. How can we resolve this contradiction? Or is it a contradiction at all? This weekend will include New Member Recognition ceremonies at all three services, and a Child Dedication on Sunday at 9 am. Music this week is “Choir’s Choice!” For their final worship service of the program year, the singers of Meeting House Chorus have chosen their favorite anthems from the year: Mark Miller’s “Draw the Circle Wide,” Bobby McFerrin’s “The 23rd Psalm (Dedicated to my Mother),” our own Drew Collins’s choral arrangement of Jim Scott’s “The Oneness of Everything,” and Jason Shelton’s choral arrangement of “Blue Boat Home.”

MAY 13 @ 4:30 PM COMING OF AGE SERVICE

This annual rite of passage celebrates the accomplishments and learnings of our Coming of Age youth who spend the year learning about Unitarian Universalism, their own beliefs about faith, and its place in their lives. This service is their own beautiful creation, representing the journey they have been on together and they will be sharing their growth through words and music. We hope you will join us in this recognition and celebration of our Coming of Age youth.

MAY 14 @ 9 & 11 AM THIS I BELIEVE

This weekend when we listen to the Coming of Age youth share their belief statements with the congregation, we recognize that what is good for youth—having to think about and share what they believe at the moment—is also good for adults. This service will celebrate this truth by featuring members of the FUS community sharing what they believe. Music this week is “Choir’s Choice!” For their final worship service of the program year, the singers of Society Choir choose their favorite anthems from the year to sing again. Hear Aaron Copland’s “At the River,” Eric Whitacre’s “Sing Gently,” Andre Thomas’s setting of Langston Hughes’s “I Dream a World,” and Johann Geissler’s “The Fruit of the Spirit is Love.”

MAY 20 & 21

100 YEARS OF FLOWERS: CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE FLOWER CEREMONY

The first Flower Ceremony was held in Prague, in June 1923, led by Rev. Norbert Čapek. For decades, this beloved tradition and its powerful history have provided meaning to hundreds of UU congregations. This ritual which celebrates beauty, human uniqueness, diversity, and community, also celebrates our partnership with the Transylvanian Unitarian parish of Nagyajta. Through story and song and the exchanging of flowers, we will honor the radical act of getting to know one another and recognizing the beauty to be found in relationship. Please bring a flower or two to share with another. On Saturday, the Teen Choir will sing. On Sunday, Cherub Choir and Choristers will sing.

MAY 28 @ 10 AM*

THE JOY & POWER OF CREATIVITY: A SERVICE FOR ALL AGES

We all know what it feels like to be creative. Some say that it is the power of creativity that makes us human. The ancients believed that the creative impulse was a sacred and magical force for us to interact with to find meaning and purpose in our days. We feel depleted when creativity falls out of our reach. So why don’t we seek it out more? We will explore some ways to pull the creative impulse back into our reach experiencing the blessing creativity brings into our lives.

*This begins our summer schedule of one service per weekend, Sunday morning at 10 am. Our regular program year schedule will resume the weekend of September 9 & 10, 2023.

May

May, and among the miles of leafing, blossoms storm out of the darkness— windflowers and moccasin flowers. The bees dive into them and I too, to gather their spiritual honey. Mute and meek, yet theirs is the deepest certainty that this existence too— this sense of well-being, the flourishing of the physical body—rides near the hub of the miracle that everything is a part of, is as good as a poem or a prayer, can also make luminous any dark place on earth.

Mary Oliver, 1983

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

COMMUNITY FORUM: DISCUSSING POTENTIAL CHANGES TO ARTICLE II

The Unitarian Universalist Association (of which our congregation is a member) is considering a major revision of Article II. This is the section of the UUA Bylaws which includes the wording of the Principles and Purposes. Rev. Kelly Asprooth-Jackson preached about this potential change in February (video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQck0x1e0tA), a packet of materials designed to encourage conversation about these changes in small groups is available here: https://tinyurl.com/FUSarticle2, and the full report of the commission which drafted the proposed changes can be found here: tinyurl.com/UUAreport.

Shortly after the 11 am service on Sunday, May 7, there will be an open forum for members of the FUS community to share their thoughts and feelings about these prospective changes.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

SPRING PARISH MEETING

Please mark your calendar for our annual spring parish meeting on Sunday, May 21, starting at 12:15 pm. You are welcome to join us either online via Zoom or in person in the Atrium Auditorium for an exciting multi-platform parish meeting. Zoom login information will be available on the FUS homepage. All agenda items require a quorum and vote, so please join us! We need at least 71 members to attend. Vote on the 23-24 proposed budget, a wonderful slate of FUS and Foundation board nominees, and the updated FUS vision & mission. We look forward to seeing you there!

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

WHEEL OF LIFE

With great sorrow we shared the news of John Webster’s passing on March 29. John was a professor, a researcher, a mentor, and most of all a husband, father, and grandfather. His gentle spirit, curious mind, and compassionate heart will live on in the love he shared with all who knew him. We send our love to his wife, Nancy, and their family. A memorial service will be held on August 9th at 5 pm in the Landmark Auditorium.

We send our love to the family of Connie Wiesner who passed away in April. Connie was a member at FUS for many years, active in our Adult Education program, and one of the most prolific shawl ministry participants we have ever known, making innumerable shawls and dedication blankets. Connie’s warmth and smile, her sense of humor and deep kindness, are missed by all who knew and loved her.

Congratulations to the family of Teddy Smithka who will be dedicated in our worship service on May 7th at 9 am! Our love and gladness are with parents Haben Goitom and Chris Smithka and siblings Sophia and Feven. Teddy, we are so glad you are with us and revel in the joy and life you bring to us!

If you have a life transition you’d like to share with the readers of this newsletter, please send it to mollyb@fusmadison.org.

CONNECT WITH FUS ONLINE!

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/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FUSmadison

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/fusmadison

Website: https://fusmadison.org/

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, Communications Coordinator mollyb@fusmadison.org x. 117

Cheryll Mellenthin, Project Coordinator cheryllm@fusmadison.org x. 130

Tom Miskelly, Facilities Manager tomm@fusmadison.org x. 120

Dan Carnes, A/V & Event Specialist danc@fusmadison.org

Steven Gregorius, Event Specialist

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Alyssa Ryanjoy, President

Lorna Aaronson

Annelise Alvin

Jennifer Seeker Conroy (President Elect)

Joy Stieglitz Gottschalk

Emily Cusic Putnam

John McGevna, Secretary

Ann Schaffer

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.