FROM THE BOARD

Jennifer Seeker Conroy, Board President

centers in our brains. We humans are complicated creatures however, and we don’t always do what is best for us and for others.

When I reflect on times that I have not been as generous as I could have been, it is when I am operating from a mindset of scarcity. I feel there is not enough to go around, so I need to hang on tightly to what I have. (Maybe not so different from my cats after all!) Or I feel resentful. Others aren’t pitching in so why should I? Of course, this attitude is a self-fulfilling prophecy. The tighter I cling to what’s “mine” the less I seem to have. As I opt out, others disengage too.

Conversely, the more I contribute, the more I seem to have, almost like magic. It brings to mind one interpretation of the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with just five loaves and two fishes. Some say that when he and his followers shared what little they had, others were inspired to share what they had brought with them, resulting in more than enough food to go around.

Generosity goes far beyond financial contributions. The most meaningful generosity is often of other gifts like time, energy, talent, expertise, and attention. Generosity is personal and meaningful. Writing a check for $100 can be a great sacrifice for some and a mere afterthought for others. But whatever the gifts we are inspired to share, the sum of our generosity is greater than the parts. When we embrace a mindset of abundance, an attitude of love, and a spirit of responsibility, what we give comes back to us in the world we create. So, whether that’s to FUS, your family, or your community, embrace your innate generosity. Don’t be like my cats. ◊

The Birds are heading south, pulled by a compass in the genes. They are not fooled by this odd November summer, though we stand in our doorways wearing cotton dresses. We are watching them as they swoop and gather— the shadow of wings falls over the heart. When they rustle among the empty branches, the trees must think their lost leaves have come back.

The birds are heading south, instinct is the oldest story. They fly over their doubles, the mute weathervanes, teaching all of us with their tailfeathers the true north.

Linda Pastan, 1988

Janet Swanson, Director of Membership & Adult Programs

During this month of November, consider nourishing one’s self to grow and expand the generous heart. Opportunities abound at FUS. To learn more about the ways you can get involved with some of our groups and ministry teams, go to the Adult RE page on our website (fusmadison.org/adult-re/ ). To learn about our current ministry teams, go to fusmadison.org/social-justice/ministryteams/. Questions? Contact Janet at janets@ fusmadison.org.

Women’s Autumn RetReAt: A L ife of e nough with Rev. Kelly Crocker & Janet Swanson Friday, November 3 • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Saturday, November 4 • 9 am - 2 pm (lunch provided)

$40 per person covers food and supplies spiRituAl pRActice GRoups centeRinG pRAyeR tueSdayS • 4 pm - 4:45 pm

The myths and mind-sets of scarcity are hard to release. We often assume that more is better, that there’s not enough, that we don’t have our fair share, and there’s not much we can do about it. The messages in our culture encourage the chase for more. We are not enough as we are. We need (fill in the blank) to be (fill in the blank).

What if we could transform this? What if we could look beyond the material? What if we could find prosperity in the deepening of our relationships to others and self/in finding joy in the every day and in the ordinary? What if we could be nourished into this fullness of prosperity? What if we felt our way into a prosperous and generous life?

Join us for a time in community with other women as we gather to reflect, create, share ideas and practice nourishment of the spirit.

Questions? Contact Janet at janets@fusmadison.org. Register online at fusmadison.org/ adult-re/ (under “Class Offerings”). Childcare available upon request—please let us know if you will need it by Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.

Spiritual Practice Groups are drop-in groups that meet regularly to practice and explore formal spiritual practices. Learn more about our current group offerings below.

• Gaebler liviNG r oom Centering Prayer is a contemplative practice, “a very simple method for reconnecting us with that natural aptitude for the inner life… which, over time, of its own accord, leads to personal self-emptying and a more unitive outer life.”

(Cynthia Bourgeault)

Join us if you are looking for a way to begin your practice or to companion with others in the practice. Newcomers are always welcome!

Contact Ann Gullickson at annpgullickson@ gmail.com or Lois Evenson loisevenson@gmail. com for more information.

(con’t on page 9)