As announced in a Newsletter article  on 1/1/26, the previous minister of Sinfalva, Rev. Denes Pálfi has retired.   Rev. Pálfi has informed me that his replacement, at least temporarily, will be Rev. Mihály Bálint. For the time being the new minister will share duties with another village. It is still possible that a full-time replacement will be assigned to Sinfalva, but it is not certain. Other villages already share ministers, depending on the size of the congregation and whether it is growing or shrinking. I have written an email to Rev. Bálint, introducing ourselves and emphasizing that we hope to continue this 30+ year relationship. It was interesting writing the first contact letter, and comparing the experience to the first contact made with Rev. Pálfi in 1993. Here is the original letter  (Realm link, you may need to log in) in English by Paul Ratzlaff. Here is the letter in Hungarian , translated by my mom, to ensure that it is correct and polite. Both letters are displayed in the Partner Church Corner in the Library. My experience this time was very different. My mom is not here to translate now, but Google Translate is. I simply wrote the letter in English, pasted it into Google Translate, and then looked at the translation. It was excellent Hungarian, but written in the informal form (like “tu” rather than “vous” in French). It would have been like starting the letter “Hey, Rev, old buddy, what’s up?” I looked in vain for a formal/informal switch but then saw a suggestion, start the letter with a formal salutation, and that signals Google Translate. So, I added “Honored Rev. Balint” at the beginning, and, wow, it worked! Immediately I got the same letter, but politely formal. Amazing. The transition to the next phase of our relationship is underway. I’ll write other newsletter blurbs as things happen. Anyone who would like to learn more about this connection and participate in it is welcome to contact Gabor Kiss. Proficiency in Hungarian is NOT required!

The Unitarian Universalist Association’s Green Sanctuary 2030 program provides structure, leadership, and support for UU faith communities to engage in ambitious environmental and climate justice action. The program defines four essentials for climate action: Congregational Transformation, Mitigation, Justice, and Community Resilience. Congregations are encouraged to submit Action Reports on their progress in the four essentials throughout the year. Congregations that report progress in all four essentials within one year may request recognition. Click here for more information about Green Sanctuary 2030 . On February 11, David Horst submitted the Fellowship’s first Green Sanctuary 2030 Action Report. The report relates how our congregation resolved to take action against the climate crisis and then planned, raised money for, and oversaw the construction of a solar array on our building addition. This first Action Report cites progress for three of the Green Sanctuary 2030 essentials: congregational transformation (through passage of a resolution and fundraising), mitigation of climate change (by using solar energy rather than fossil fuel to supply electricity), and justice (through avoidance of harmful air pollution).  Although the entire congregation was involved, the following individuals are recognized here. Donors Linda DeLap Kathi Caccavale Jo Sippie-Gora Gabor Kiss Helene and Paul Ferm Annette and Toby Tyler Lenders Tom and Donna Perch Shari Loe Tom and Leslie Moran Dave and Janet Horst Bob Calafiore Don and Diane Marks Helene and Paul Ferm Barbara Castellana Stasiak Participants/ Supporters Helene Ferm Gary Gu George Hays David Horst Steven Humphreys Don Marks Steve Parker Sandra Persichetti Shari Loe Jim Stevenson Toby Tyler

The Biochemistry Literacy for Kids Program, has launched two separate courses in the past several weeks. There is a children's course, which launched Sunday evening, February 1st, with 4 students. We have had the invaluable assistance and collegial presence of Gabor Kiss in the classes. Having Gabor on or Don Marks, if Gabor is not available on a given Sunday evening, helps this program meet the UUA guidelines for the safety of young people in a virtual classroom setting. That being said, Gabor brings much more to the class, and we are grateful for his presence. The second class, which launched on Tuesday, February 17. Was an adult class that spun off from the interest in the kids' class. We have 4 participants there, Michael Hacher and Gary Gu from the Morristown UU Fellowship. We have an old friend of mine, Bill Slezak, from the Essex County and Montclair congregations. I know Bill mostly through UU FaithAction NJ, where we served on the Board for a number of years together. Bill just likes the subject, as do others. Finally, a case that I am delighted to have. Donte Hatcher of Allentown, PA, is a young man whom I know through my work in NJ-Prison Justice Watch (NJ-PJW), working to force the State of NJ to properly implement the Isolated Confinement Restriction Act (ICRA). Donte has felt the impact of isolated confinement personally. He suffered it. I am so glad that he sees fit to take this course. Our Kids class switched gears, and instead of targeting 24 lessons in 24 sessions, we have decided to go at a pace that allows for what we hope is a high degree of mastery. If we need to continue the course into the Fall, we will do so. We will, of course, take the summer off. That does not mean that we will not be starting a course from lesson 1 in the Fall. We will do so. That is a message for those young people who might have wanted to take this course this year, but did not, for whatever reason. So, we may have two Kids classes running concurrently during the year. We were also excited to launch the adult course. The adults seem well oriented to the material, and in this case, we probably will be able to finish the course in 24 sessions. I think it would be possible to join the adult course now, if you still want to. Speak to me if so. -Tom Moran

Please join us as we gather to honor the memory, the service, and the enduring spirit of George Hays . George was a cornerstone of the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (MUUF) for many years. Whether serving as our Board President or working quietly behind the scenes, he dedicated his life to making our community—and the world—a better place for everyone. Let’s come together to share stories, find comfort in community, and celebrate the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.

Dear, Generous MUUF folks, we already have 59 tickets reserved at all levels for our February 28 event, so get yours today! As we showed off in last week’s article and the Special Announcement last Sunday, we will offer locally-sourced, artisan-chef-prepared food for you to enjoy – but we need to be sure how much to order and to make! Don’t forget – we want to finish the Capital Campaign strong, and raise as much of the remaining $190,000 as we can – and we also want everyone to attend. Our suggested donation is $125 - but as a member, you also can fill in your chosen price at whatever amount is comfortable. Or – go wild and consider a $225 VIP ticket, or even defray the costs of the event through a sponsorship – starting at $200. Contact drww@muuf.org to learn more. Esteemed Arts-aficionado MUUF folks – we will have extraordinary, curated offerings on display throughout the evening – but you can check these works by talented Fellowship artists in advance of the event. Our Gateways galleries will display photography, paintings, mixed media artwork and even a custom glass sculpture created just for this event! All by Fellowship artists of renown. Marjorie Wormser, Nick Wallwork and Tim Davis have collaborated to arrange for Online silent bidding in advance of the Gateways Glitter & Song celebration. Stay tuned for additional announcements. Cherished Music-loving MUUF folks -here’s another taste of the musical artistry of First Take!, who have refreshed the barbershop tradition with Broadway showtunes and American standards. This is “The Trolley Song” from Meet Me in St. Louis. Invite friends who would love this! Beloved Helpful MUUF folks, we also published a Sign-up Genius in the same article – please check it out here as we need help! Finally, Much Admired, Big-dreaming MUUF folks – as our Treasurer, Candice Donaldson, our Treasurer reminded us last Sunday – we want to avoid a mortgage so we can use the $19,000 per year for 15 years that it would cost for other dreams. Maybe additional staff – a rental agent? An assistant minister to do outreach and campus ministry? A communications director? What else? Let’s dream, discuss - and do it!

George and Beverly Hays have been active members of the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for over forty years.  We have benefited from George’s enthusiastic involvement as President and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, one of the founders of the Gathering of Men, part of HIP (Home Improvement Project) that renovated the 2 nd  and 3 rd  floors of the Mansion, and, as I most remember him, as a wise and contributing member of the Gateways Task Force for ten years as the team worked through the approvals, design, engineering, financing, and construction of the Gateways addition.  Beverly’s easy smile and quick wit continue to cheer any gathering. Twelve long years ago, George and Beverly signed a Deferred Gift Acknowledgement each leaving $25,000 to the Morristown UU Fellowship Endowment Fund upon their death.  Soon after George’s death, Beverly advised Endowment that she would honor the bequest from George and, in advance of her own demise, donate an additional $25,000 in his honor and memory. The Endowment Committee is very grateful for this extremely generous donation to the Fund, and we thank Beverly for honoring her commitment while she is still with us.  Thank you, thank you, thank you. A Celebration of Life for George will be held at the Fellowship on Sunday, March 8, at 2 p.m.  All are welcome.

Open Questions are an opportunity to give feedback on questions that we are exploring in our Community this year. Our first OQ this year was on Service and what ministry is needed from us at this point in history. This year’s second open question is on Change - how do we work toward the Opportunities in change while managing the Challenges? Some prompts to help you consider this question: Prompt 1 : As we grow, we will be changing. How do we value the past while embracing the future? Prompt 2 : How do we cope with challenging changes? How do we move forward as a Community? Prompt 3 : How do we build capacity to manage the challenges and embrace the opportunities? The Committee on Ministries will be collecting comments and opinions from Congregants, then summarizing results to help guide the Board in developing next year's Vision of Ministry. We want to hear from each of you, so if you didn’t get a chance to attend a discussion session, please send concise responses to COM@muuf.org to participate in this Open Question. We’d like to start collating responses soon, so please send your responses by Feb 20th – let us hear from you!

Community Sundays are a chance for individuals, groups, teams, or committees to Host a Sunday coffee hour! Just think of all the delectable things you and your group can bring to our tables... Hosts get to choose the food and help set out, while our staff takes care of the coffee and tea. Your group will even get to put your name and activity out at the tables to let people know who you are and what you do! In addition to hosting on Community Sundays, we are also looking for volunteers to help set up and take down the tables and chairs on Sunday mornings. Do you like to come early? Come help set up around 9:15am. Prefer to hang out later? Help take down at 12:15. Volunteering for even one Sunday can make a big difference! You can sign up for Hosting or setup/takedown by visiting our Calendar page . From there, go to one of the Sundays and click on 'Social Hour' or 'Community Sunday', then click "Sign up to help" and it will take you to a signup sheet. See image below for guidance. Thanks for stepping up to help out - we can't do it without Volunteers!

The Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Board of Trustees has granted a preliminary approval to the Policies below. Prior to finalization, the Board requests your participation in a member comment period. You must be a member of the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship to participate in this comment period. All comments will be considered but not answered directly. Policies and related Procedure can be found below: The member-comment period for the Policy drafts will be 14 days beginning February 19th, 2026 and ending March 5th, 2026. Comments on the proposed policies may be submitted to the Board electronically here . Written comments can also be sent by mail, or through hand delivery. If you prefer to mail comments you can send them to Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown NJ 07960, Attn: Policy Governance Committee. To hand deliver your written comments please put them in the Stewardship mailbox.

Calling all kids!  Join us for a night of games, movies, and snacks at the Fellowship! While the parents go out (or just stay home in peace!), we’ll be hanging out in Room A  having the ultimate Friday night bash. Date:  Feb 21st Time:  5pm – 9pm Menu:  Fresh pizza and movie-style popcorn! Cost:  $30 for child #1 / $10 for siblings.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No—it’s the Sun!  This Sunday, we are turning our gaze upward (with sunglasses on, of course) to celebrate the ultimate source of energy and life. We’re thrilled to invite our Pre-K through 3rd Grade  students to a special RE Hour that’s all about gratitude, science, and a little bit of magic. What’s Under the Sun? Our wonderful guest leader, Dori Wolfe , will be guiding the kids through an exploration of the many "miracles" the sun provides. This isn't just a sit-and-listen class; it’s an interactive adventure! Here is a sneak peek of what the kids will be doing: Human Solar Panels:  Ever wonder how we turn light into power? The kids will actually act out  the mechanics of a solar panel to see how energy moves. Songs & Games:  We’ll be celebrating our favorite star through music and play. Gratitude Practice:  We'll explore why the sun is one of our greatest blessings and how it helps the world around us grow. Whether your child is a budding scientist or just loves a good game of tag in the sunshine, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s learn how to appreciate the light that keeps our world spinning! Middle School Youth are encouraged to join the Open Questions Session in Chu Family Hall.

Join us for a Community Book Exchange on Friday, February 21, from 11:00 am–2:00 pm at the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (Chu Hall). This all-ages event is open to the wider community, so please help spread the word to your fellow book-loving friends! We invite Fellowship members to begin collecting books now—all books are welcome, including children’s, non-fiction, fiction, and YA. If you can’t attend the event but would like to contribute, books may be dropped off on Sunday mornings. There will be a table in Chu Hall during coffee hour to drop off books, register for the event, and ask any questions you may have.  The event will feature several vendors, along with coffee and hot cocoa. Guests are encouraged to make themselves at home and enjoy their new books in our comfy spaces throughout the building. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged For more information, please reach out to Caroline Blanchard, Rachel Barry or Megan Hein.