How do we show up for the world when it feels overwhelmed by both pain and joy? How can our faith guide us to be more accountable, more human, and more effective in our pursuit of justice? This year, the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship  invites you on a powerful journey of reflection and connection. We are diving into the UUA Common Read : Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection  by Deepa Iyer. Why This Book? In Social Change Now , Deepa Iyer introduces the Social Change Ecosystem Framework . Instead of feeling like we have to do everything ourselves, this model helps us identify our specific roles—whether we are weavers, builders, caregivers, or disruptors—to support a healthier, more sustainable movement for equity and liberation. Find the Right Path for You We know our community is diverse in age and schedule, so we’ve created three distinct ways to participate this March and April : For Adults & Older Youth (Hybrid):  Join Nick and Rev. Sasha for a deep-dive reflection in a small group ministry format. When:  Thursdays (March 19, March 26, and April 2) from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM. For Children & Families (In-Person):  A multigenerational workshop led by Nick, our DRE. Using Iyer’s children’s book, We Are the Builders! , families will experience three active workshops to learn how we can build a better world together. When:  Saturdays (April 11, April 18, and May 2) from 10:00 AM – Noon. For Existing Groups:  Already part of a committee or circle? You can lead your own three-session study! We’ll provide the guide and support; you pick the time and place that works for your group. "A Common Read can take us on a powerful journey into what it means to be human and accountable in a world filled with both pain and joy." How to Get Involved Sign Up:  Ready to jump in? Sign up now and join the movement . Get the Book:  You can purchase the books via the inSpirit Store  or indicate on the sign-up form if you’d like the Fellowship to order a copy for you. Learn More:  Check out Deepa Iyer’s website  or watch the Introduction Video  featuring the author to get a head start. We believe this discussion is a vital tool in creating the world we want to see. Whether you are a lifelong activist or just starting to wonder where you fit in, there is a place for you in this ecosystem. Let’s read, reflect, and act—together.

At the heart of our community is a shared commitment to lifelong learning, spiritual growth, and deep connection. As we look ahead to the 2026/27 program year , we are excited to begin planning a diverse range of adult religious education and spiritual growth programs. But to make these programs truly meaningful, we need your help! Your input is vital in helping us offer programs that nourish our community's minds and spirits. We want to know what topics spark your curiosity, what formats help you feel most connected, and how we can best support your spiritual journey. What’s on the Horizon? We’re considering a variety of engaging options, and we want to know which ones resonate with you: Deep Dives & Workshops:  From exploring Unitarian Universalist Theology  and Neighboring Faiths  to immersive experiences like "Cakes for the Queen of Heaven"  and Storytelling Workshops . Connection & Community:  Are you drawn to the deep listening of Covenant Circles  or the local connection of Neighborhood Groups ? Arts & Lectures:  Would you attend Guest Lecture Series , Author Talks , or community celebrations like an Arts Festival & Poetry Night ? Global Perspectives:  Are you interested in World Religions , Bible Study  from a liberal perspective, or Partner Church Initiatives  with our international UU partners? How You Can Help Please take a few minutes to share your interests through our Adult Religious Education Interest Survey . Your feedback will directly influence our planning, from the topics we choose to the times and formats (In-Person, Zoom, or Hybrid) we offer. We’re also looking for leaders! If you have a passion for a particular topic and would be interested in facilitating a group or teaching a class , we’d love to hear from you. Share Your Ideas Is there a book, topic, or activity you’ve been dreaming of that isn’t on our list? The survey includes space for your unique ideas. Thank you for being an active part of our growing community. Let’s work together to create a year of profound learning and connection! Click Here to Participate

Join us, right after coffee hour, for, perhaps the first in MUUF's history, SPELLING BEE! There will be prizes and bragging rights! Cheering IS REQUIRED! In a world of spell check, let's test our spelling chops and utilize the stage in Chu Hall! There will be 3 spelling bee competitions: Adults, Kids, and Nonsensical. Participants will line the stage for their chance to spell a variety of words starting at an easy level and increasing in difficulty for each subsequent round. If you spell a word correctly, sit back down and wait for the next round. If you spell incorrectly, help yourself to donuts and coffee and join the cheering crowd. AND...If spelling intimidates you, this is your chance to enter the most ridiculous spelling bee: the nonsensical bee- where the words don't exist, aren't real, and are simply made up. There is zero expectation, but there will be a winner. No origins, definitions, or parts of speech will be provided...(we aren't that serious). Price ($15) is to participate and/or to attend. Refreshments provided. Children, visitors, and new members are free.

"General Assembly" is the annual denomination-wide meeting for Unitarian Universalists across the USA and Canada. This year they are changing it up. The Business Sessions will be held online June 14-16, and the Worship, Learning, and Celebration sessions will be held June 19-21 online and at satellite sites throughout the country. See below invitation from our local site, UU Montclair. Info on General Assembly is at https://www.uua.org/ga Each UU Congregation is entitled to send one voting delegate representing 50 congregation members, with a minimum of 2 delegates per congregation. Morristown UU will be sending five delegates this year, appointed by the Board. Are you interested in representing us at UUA-GA this year? Contact Board@MUUF.org to volunteer. Delegates must be able to attend the virtual Business meetings June 14-16. (Registration for Business-only events is free and begins in May, registration for the whole GA is going on now, with savings for early-bird registrations.) You don’t have to be a delegate to attend General Assembly, either – you can attend as an individual and experience the community the UUA represents. It’s always a joyous and inspirational time. Register at https://www.uua.org/ga/registration - early bird registration ends in April. Below is Montclair UU’s invitation to local and regional UUs ( also found here ): This year’s General Assembly is Virtual… and In Person! You are warmly invited to experience the General Assembly June 19th - 21st at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair. General Assembly is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), where participants gather to worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy decisions for the Association through a democratic process. While anyone can attend, congregations must certify annually to have voting delegates. Register Here for General Assembly and choose the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair as your Satellite Site. What’s special about this Satellite Site ? If a vibrant warm welcome is your jam, you will find a great space at UUMontclair to experience this year's General Assembly. We want you to know that our home is your home, and we want you to feel that Unitarian Universalism is a faith that makes us all come alive. We will have Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism represented at our site, as well as Allies for Racial Equity, and LGBTQIA Team members. Seminarians from our congregation will be excited to engage with others pursuing or considering ministerial service. Our music life is banging and we can’t wait for you to bring your voice, energy, and presence to our collective experience of lament, wonder and praise. When you need to rest from the crowd, there will be a meditation space available, or you can step outside our doors and be in one of the most progressive and inviting towns in New Jersey. There are well over 100 restaurants in Montclair, many Black and LGBTQIA owned, and many within a two minute walk from our congregation. There is also an Art Museum and a bevy of galleries, the oldest historic home in the region that was owned by an African American and former slave, and some funky retail and thrift stores. (We’ll provide you with a curated list or explore on your own!) Our congregation will be providing home hospitality, there are a ton of local Air BnB’s, and the spacious MC Hotel is just around the corner. Coffee and snacks will be provided, as well as the opportunity to gather for shared meals. Our space is accessible, with a chair lift and an elevator, and ramps to enter. Questions? Please contact Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael (revanya@uumontclair.org) To get on the Home Hospitality List please use this survey .

Chris Dunn-Meynell is celebrating the Oscars with a Free Watch Party for the general public on the big screen on Sunday, March 15th starting at 6:30 (til the end). Come and go as you please. Complimentary popcorn, soda and food catered by renowned Red Horse Inn chef, David Burke. Also, if you would like to make a donation, all funds will be used for “Take a Veteran to the Movies” campaign that provides free screenings for the local VA hospital. Please click here to register and to let us know how much good food is needed.

As we bring our Capital Campaign to a close at the end of March, we want to reach out to anyone who has not yet made a gift or pledge, and might want to be recognized on the Donor Wall that is pictured and which greets all as they enter our new addition. We want to make sure our newest members and friends are aware of the opportunity for recognition- and for generosity! If your name is already there, consider making an additional gift in the name of a family member such as a child or older parent. What’s needed: We took out a $2 million construction loan to complete the project. By the end of March, we will have just a little over $300,000 left to pay by the due date in August. We already have pledges enough to pay all but $119,000. Please go here to find the Mortgage Prevention dropdown and donate or make your pledge payable anytime through 2027 today!

Join us at the fellowship on Saturday, March 21st from 2 to 5 pm to celebrate Annalee Blanchard's 80th birthday. Cards are welcome; no presents, please. Light refreshments and cake will be served. Please RSVP at https://evite.me/679cr1qWJM

With spring coming, is it time to replace your old sneakers? They can be recycled and could raise a few dollars for the Fellowship. Leave used athletic shoes of any size in the rectangular green bin in the mansion’s coat room. The Green Earth Ministry (GEM) ships them to GotSneakers.com, earning up to $7 per pair for the Fellowship.

Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, March 8th, so be sure to turn your clocks forward one hour! And if you DO end up late to the service that morning, never fear! We still look forward to seeing you at Social Hour!

Three years ago when we started thinking about doing something like a “Gala” to close out our campaign, I knew I would need advice – we’d never done this before. Big parties, yes but not a big party meant to be both a fundraiser and also a true celebration. I spoke with former Fellowship President, Nina McCormick (now Cantor), a development professional; with Bruce Knotts, former Executive Director of the UU United Nations Office, who had held a 50th Anniversary Gala for the UU UNO and whose husband Isaac is an event Planner; Ray Sim, our capital campaign consultant with the James D. Klote organization. And finally and most recently, with both Jehan Chu (who has been to many traditional Galas) and Diana Hart (who has run a bazillion of those and other similar events). In doing this I learned a lot about what NOT to do. Taking the last advice first, Diana Hart said we couldn’t do the traditional sit-down plated dinner that most people expect from a “Gala” in our facility and even if we could, the cost of waited service would be prohibitive. Perhaps due to the “plated dinner” model, we got advice that it could cost over $30-$50,000 to present and we’d be lucky to clear $20,000. AND we would need tons of volunteer hours, to boot, from a congregation who already had given so much time and treasure to the Capital Campaign over the past 12 years. But we decided to go ahead – because we deserved a party! And we put something called a “Gala” on our Fellowship calendar this August, still not knowing how we’d pull it off, because – well, we’d done just about everything else and still had some pesky dollars to raise! (At that time, just over $300,000 – and we had just a year to go!) But we made some key changes from the model we’d gotten those warnings about. We also stepped away from the beancounter profit maximization approach and made the party “pay what you can” for Members – though with a suggested $125 donation (more than any event ever) plus the stretch of offering a VIP ticket for $225. Diana brilliantly utilized our new spaces and combined outside catering by startup businesses with her own culinary genius to offer pre-filled plates, serve yourself stations and a couple of charming waitstaff to blow us all away – for a real money – but a fraction of what a plated dinner would have cost. We pivoted from our initial concept of an Art Show plus Gala combo to a small number of brilliant Fellowship artworks auctioned online and three pieces auctioned live. We found the fabulous First Take! Barbershop Quartet to combine superb artistry with an intimate feel, and offer an extra “Preview” to make the VIP tables feel special while everyone else was delightedly enjoying Cartisan Charcuterie in the Terrace Room and Welcome Gallery. ( NOTE: First Take has never before experienced a standing ovation after their first act! But that shows what a perfect fit they were for the Fellowship!) RESULT: We had FIVE full VIP tables (8 guests each) and sold about 109 tickets total. Donations are still coming in but from needing $300,000 in August, and about $190,000 at the end of December, as of today we need only ~$120,000 to pay for the entire $8.5 million project in cash. Who did this? Really, all of us. To call out a few most recently: Shari Loe, Helene Ferm, Paul Ferm and Tim Davis on our Mortgage Prevention Team led the charge. Much support from Candice Donaldson, Laurent Comes and Steve Parker along the way. AND Rev. Sasha! Nick Wallwork invented and refined the online website for the online art auction, including enabling real time tracking of bids and payment for payment of winning bids. Nick also stepped in to cover AV when Alex had to leave to cover a family emergency in the middle of the event! Marjorie Wormser picked up from Shari’s initial recruitment of the artists and – well just read the art program to see what she curated so graciously from the herded art-cats! Don Presiozi and Nina Nemeth provided invaluable advice! Tim Davis single-handedly installed the art auction gallery, created QR code links and signage for the event, also packed up artwork for winning bidders to take home with materials donated by Brooke and Candice Donaldson. Helene Ferm created both the program for the event AND the program booklet from a Canva form created by Tim. Paul Ferm was our auctioneer and helped Emcee Shari write the script for the evening. Steve Parker created most of the slides Shari and Paul used, though both Shari and Paul also added a few. Rev. Sasha kept us grounded and sent us out with a spiritually uplifting benediction. AND she bought back the Jetpig!!! Kathi Caccavale created and printed the postcards to invite the neighbors. Arlyne Dalman, Ida Picker, Sandra Persichetti and Lynne Eisenbrand greeted and checked in guests. Nina Nemeth, Elizabeth Bain, Carolyn Evans, Noelle Jensen, Ida Picker, Mary Hodgson, Matt Barry and Yvonne Geist-Gorman donated art (both Nina and Yvonne created original works for this event). This was our first time working with this sales platform so thanks all for patience as we worked out how to best run the auction!) The Green Aprons who worked all weekend setting up and decorating the venue, preparing food, serving and clearing and cleaning. Diana reports 55.5 volunteer hours put in by Ken Nemeth (the “winner” with 15 hours and still smiling), Jeanne Craft (who put in 4 hours working over the hot stove, stayed to the bitter end and then came back on Sunday to help run social hour, setting out food and packing up leftovers to give away), Barry Bontempo (5 hours), Barbara Lucas-Chin (5 hours), Diane Marks (5 hour), Susan Oxman (5 hours), Minda Chu (2 hours), Barbara Long (2 hours) Beth Hayward (3.5 hours) and Meiling Chin (5 hours). We also enjoyed the paid services of Vicky, Kellie, and Willow, 6 hours of our bartender’s services, and 40 hours of Chef Diana’s volunteer time used for planning and advice and cleanup, to add to the 10 hours for which we twisted her arm to get her to accept payment! Then there were the event sponsors, whose donations enabled us to cover the expenses of the event ($13,000 – not $50,000!!!) These include... Jehan Chu, who sponsored First Take! In fond remembrance of his college days singing with an a cappella group; Linda DeLap, who sponsored Chef Diana, with gratitude for her gracious hospitality, food and expertise that has helped fulfill the promise of the Al and Minda Chu Family Hall; Joe Uhrhane and Beth Wilson, who sponsored the delicious samosas from Petite Île; Light Opera of New Jersey, who sponsored the delectable TeaTime Chocolates for our dessert at Intermission, and who are delighted to be bringing their classic Christmas Operetta, Amahl and the Night Visitors, to the Chu Hall stage this December 5th and 6th; and Others who chose to remain anonymous, but contributed over $5,000 to the event so your tickets could be applied directly to fund our Capital Campaign! These were extra donations and donations from people that weren’t able to attend. AND let’s not forget Katy for behind the scenes help ordering supplies and accounting! FINANCE UPDATE: As Katy was able to use proceeds from Saturday to make yet another $75,000 payment to our construction loan, that loan now has a balance of $423,000. We are depending on your remaining pledges to come in on time to be able to complete the payoff! The sooner you can complete those the less interest we have to pay! FINALLY: We do need that additional $120,000 to be pledged for payment before the end of 2027 so please give what you can! The Capital Campaign ends March 31 so get your new pledges and gifts in the door by then if you can!! BRAVO TO ALL!

When we do a UU Common Read together, we share in reflection, learning, and action. A Common Read can take us on a powerful journey into what it means to be human and accountable in a world filled with both pain and joy. Common Read 2025-26: Social Change Now! The 2025-26 UU Common Read is Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by Deepa Iyer (Skinner House). Unitarian Universalists are invited to explore Iyer’s work through the lens of our UU faith and shared values. Participants explore Iyer’s Ecosystem model, the roles that comprise it, and how these can support the congregational community and, in turn, our role in wider communities where we work with others for social change. Sign Up to Join the Common Read There are three options for friends and members of the Morristown UU Fellowship. Multigenerational Workshop for Children and Families led by Nick, our DRE . Based on Social Change Now  and Deepa Iyer’s children’s book, We Are the Builders! Three active workshops invite all ages to experience learning synergy together. In person Meetings from 10 am - noon on Saturdays. April 11 April 18 May 2 Discussion/Reflection for Adults and Older Youth  led by Nick and Rev. Sasha . Three sessions in a small group ministry format offer reflection, discussion, and group work to apply learning from Social Change Now  to the congregation as a social justice ecosystem. Hybrid meetings from 5:30-7pm on Thursdays March 19 March 26 April 2 Discover the book with your group. Three sessions, a study guide and guidance from Nick and Sasha to lead with your own group. You pick the people, the time and venue that works for you in March and/or April. It is our hope that our entire congregation will join this discussion as we believe it is an important tool in creating the world we want to see.  Sign Up now and join the movement More information More information from the UUA. UUA Common Read Website . Information about the book from the Author. Deepa Iyer’s Website . See the congregations and peoples across the country doing this work. Check out the Map . Purchase “Social Change Now”. inSpirit Store Purchase “We Are the Builders!” children’s book. inSpirit Store * If you would like the Fellowship to order the books for you, please indicate on the sign up form.  Watch Introduction to Social Change Now! The video, “Introduction to the UU Common Read of Social Change Now,” features the author, Deepa Iyer, in conversation with Nao Bethea, co-director for Lifespan Faith Engagement at the UUA (Vimeo, 30:47). Prepare to facilitate a Common Read program, by watching!

We want to share some important updates regarding our upcoming summer day camp at the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. After listening to the needs of our community, we have decided to adjust the dates, scope, and pricing of our program for 2026 to make it as accessible and impactful as possible. New Dates: August 24–28, 2026 We have heard from many families that there is a significant need for programming later in the summer. By moving our camp to the final week of August, we hope to provide a joyful solution for that "gap week" when many other local camps have concluded but the school year has not yet begun. A Trial for the Future (with Special Pricing!) This year, we are transitioning to a single, focused week-long session. We are using this summer as a trial  to explore the long-term feasibility of the camp. Our goal is to ensure a high-quality experience that can grow into more options in the years to come. To encourage participation during this pilot week, we are significantly reducing our rates: Member Rate:  $50 for the week Non-Member Rate:  $100 for the week Daily Themes & Special Guests Each day of camp will center on a specific theme, featuring hands-on activities and guest volunteers from our community who will share their real-world experiences: The Environment:  Learning about sustainable energy and building a solar-powered car. Pride:  Celebrating the lives, history, and joy of LGBTQ+ people. Immigration Justice:  Exploring the history of immigration in our country and how we can be a "welcoming place" today. History:  Stepping back in time to experience the lives of important Unitarian Universalists throughout history. Making an Impact:  Using the book We Are the Builders  by Deepa Iyer to learn how we can join movements to create a more just and loving world. Updated 2026 Logistics Dates:  August 24–28, 2026 Hours:  9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended Care: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM for $50/week) Inclusivity:  We remain proudly LGBTQ+ affirming, neurodivergent friendly, and fully accessible. Financial Assistance:  Still available for any families in need. We are so excited to build this community together. Thank you for your continued support as we work to make this camp a sustainable staple of our Fellowship! If you have any questions, reach out to our Director of Religious Education, Nick Wallwork. https://onrealm.org/MorristownUnita/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=MGUyMzkwMWEtYWFlYS00NzUzLWEzNjMtYjNkZjAxNGU5NGVm