Please join us in warmly welcoming the 7 newest members of our Morristown UU spiritual family: [NEW BIO!] Patty Perconti is a resident of Whippany NJ where she lives with her kind husband and two sons who keep her on her toes. She enjoys traveling, dinner with family and friends and trying to find laughter in each day. [NEW BIO!] Anthony Perconti is a lifelong resident of the Garden State. He is married to a wonderful (and patient) woman and is the proud father of two young men. Becki Tarby  is an elementary music teacher living in Edison, NJ with her husband, Kyle, and their two daughters, Livia (3) and Zoe (almost 1). Originally from New Jersey, Becki pursued her education at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN and has taught in Nashville, Washington Heights in Manhattan, and now in Edison. Becki is passionate about making music, cooking, and enjoying nature walks. After a state-wide search for the right Unitarian Universalist community for her family, Becki found a welcoming home here at MUUF. Bill DiGennaro:  Having grown up in Jefferson Township, NJ, and calling Morristown home for the past two decades, Bill has dedicated his career to supporting others. With a background in social services spanning back to the mid-1990s, he is currently working as a therapist, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. He finds his balance through meditation and peaceful walks in the local parks. Dori Wolfe  recently came back to New Jersey after a hiatus of around 55 years to be closer, or at least on the same time zone, as her grandchildren. She has been involved in the renewable energy space for decades, both with her own company and now as a part-time employee with the non-profit Solar United Neighbors. Together with husband Jeff, they enjoy traveling, hiking, family and pickleball. Sheila Battaglia  lives in Randolph with her husband Dave and their 3 sons, Quinn, Shane and Logan. After homeschooling her boys through high school, she now tutors other students in math. She loves to do logic puzzles and play board games. Gideon Romann

Rev. Sasha will be away for her quarterly week of study leave from Monday, March 24th through Sunday, March 30th. She looks forward to connecting with you after she returns. If your matter is urgent, please contact the office for assistance.

The Odyssey Project is completing its fourth year collaborating with Fellowship members to share their life stories. From this project we’ve learned about each other, from each other, and deepened our personal connections. Each program includes a 20 minute interview video followed by a question and answer period in which we learn more about our guest. We are excited to announce two upcoming programs featuring long-time members. Please plan to attend the programs for Diane Koslow this Sunday March 23 and for John Solu on April 13. Each Odyssey program follows coffee hour after the service.  We look forward to seeing you.

I can sense it…the Fellowship is strong with you! Our budget drive starts this Sunday, March 23rd – so join our fellow members in Chu hall after service to pick up your pledge envelope and enjoy lunch to kick off our budget drive. To keep our Alliance strong, this is the time of year we ask all members and friends to pledge their financial support. Our annual budget, funded primarily through your generosity, allows us to be a community of inspiration, connection, and service to the wider galaxy. The Fellowship is sustained primarily by our pledges (roughly 80% of our funding comes from members and friends like you, through our Annual Pledge Drive), so we all truly count on the support of every individual and family. Now, if I consult the Jedi archives, “fellowship” is defined as “a group of people united for a common purpose or interest.” Much like a certain rebel alliance from an unnamed sci-fi saga, our congregation comes together for a shared mission in a welcoming and supportive space. We gather to strengthen our beliefs, build community, and uplift one another—something especially vital in today’s world. This year, with guidance from the Personnel and Finance Committees, our Board is implementing updated UUA-recommended salary guidelines. We plan to increase staff salaries to better align with the rising cost of living and inflation in our area. To support this and maintain our facilities—including both our existing and new buildings—and expand our vital programming, we’ve set an ambitious pledge goal of $490,000 . Your pledge ensures the continuation of our Sunday services, Faith Formation classes for younglings and Jedi Masters alike, outreach through newsletters and streaming, and the sustainability of our growing rebel base. The Fellowship recommends using the  Fair Share Contribution Guide  to help you determine your commitment level. If you have previously been pledging – consider revisiting it this year, and reassess whether it’s still the right level for you or if you are ready to move to a deeper level of support. We ask that you make a written pledge during our April Annual Pledge Drive by either filling out and  returning a pledge card at the Fellowship  (these are collected by Katy Julich, our office administrator), or click this link to pledge on-line  and entering your annual pledge in the giving menu (which can even allow you to use automatic monthly payments). Not a member yet? Stop by the Stewardship table at the luncheon to learn how you can support our mission. And for those tuning in online from their own hidden outpost, visit our website and click the “Give” tab to contribute to our Operating Budget. May the Fellowship be with you! Tim Davis Stewardship Trustee-at-Large padawan

Busy time at UUFANJ!  As liaison I will do my best to keep you informed of the prominent doings at UUFANJ – at times with a serving of Side With Love Action news. March 21 will be the first THIRD FRIDAY ACTION HOUR at noon.  As usual there are no obligations to participate in all the actions, no long-term commitments, or demands for donations.  Participate at your leisure. Since there is push back from the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker on codifying an existing directive commonly known as the Immigration Trust Act, action will be taken up again.  Other actions depend on developing events.  There may be more Action Hour sessions added if deemed necessary.  For more information, click on the link in the graphic. SAVE THE DATE. The hybrid UUFANJ Annual Meeting will be held at the UU Church at Washington Crossing on Saturday 31 10AM-3PM.  Since the Gala had been canceled, the Annual Meeting will include presentations by each of the task forces.  More information to follow. UUFANJ is looking for folks to serve on the board or as task force leaders/co-leaders.   Training will be provided.  For those who want to keep up to date on issues but don’t have the time to get deeply involved, sign up to get emails from the task force/s of interest.  Go to uufaithaction.org for more information.  Each Task Force is fighting the good fight on many fronts.  Respect! Some of the other bills being closely followed:                                                                                                           Climate Superfund Act – Presently in appropriations committee.  NJ A4696.  Holds fossil                     fuel companies accountable.  Accessed fees to be used to help impacted communities.                   Establishment low-carbon transportation fuel standard DEP program.  NJ A3645.                                     Oppose.  Out of committee.  Creates other pollutants.  Policy 5156 – Protection of Trans Students      Second Look NJ Rehabilitative Release for certain incarcerated persons NJ S2338/A4463 Side With Love Action Center is the organizing strategy team of the UUA.  There is a weekly update of evolving issues and actions on sidewithlove.org Side With Love is part of a large coalition of like-minded partners.  The Gathering is a new program created to offer the spiritual support and analysis of issues needed to sustain long term collective action.  For information go to sidewithlove.org/the-gathering How to transform a Tesla into a “Prophetic Action Car”?  A simple rebrand discovered by 2 ministers.  The new UUA logo decal is the perfect size to cover the Tesla hood logo.

“Tending Congregational Life: Guiding the Membership Journey” was a training program from the UUA designed to develop welcoming and inclusive congregations through community and belonging. We used it as a guide for conversations about how we, as a congregation, could welcome and nurture people searching for authentic connection and community. The program contained five modules, starting with the foundational “Four Frameworks for Understanding Congregational Life” module, which introduced concepts such as the membership journey as a spiral of faithful relationship, the basics of congregational life (UU identity, spiritual depth, generosity), the congregation itself as a curriculum for faith development, and the map of community building to visualize and strategize community growth. The remaining modules covered topics such as communication for inclusion, welcoming visitors, and providing opportunities for connection and transformation. It provided practical strategies for creating and maintaining relationships within and outside the congregation, with the goal of guiding people on a fulfilling membership journey based on mutuality and consent. The conversations that emerged throughout our engagement with this program were truly enriching. Participants shared deeply personal experiences and insights, fostering a profound sense of shared understanding and collective purpose. The open and honest dialogue allowed us to explore complex issues with sensitivity and respect, leading to innovative ideas and a renewed commitment to creating a more welcoming and inclusive community. The depth and quality of these conversations were instrumental in moving us forward, solidifying our belief in the power of meaningful connection within our congregation. We invite all one final session this Sunday, March 23rd at 11:30 AM , to continue these vital conversations. Everyone in the congregation is warmly invited to participate, regardless of whether you attended previous sessions. This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute your voice and help shape the future of our community.

UUA General Assembly (GA) is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists from far and wide to learn, connect with old friends and new, worship together, find inspiration, and take an active role in the work of the UUA. Many have you have attended GA and have found it inspiring to be in the company of so many who share our faith tradition. Attendees bring back observations and ideas from across the country about the many ways Unitarian Universalist congregations bring our 8 Principles to life within their congregations and communities, and to the wider world. Our appointed Delegates bring the voice of our Fellowship to issues voted upon during the business sessions. UUA General Assembly We are able to designate up to 5 of our Fellowship member attendees to serve as voting Delegates. If you are interested in serving as a Delegate, reach out to any Board Member or Rev. Sasha! Registration for UUA General Assembly is now open! You have the option of attending in person in Baltimore, MD or virtually through the Whova App , which ever works for you. Registration information can be found here . Stay tuned for Annette Tyler’s GA recollections in the Newsletter next week!

Last week we shares with you our plan to update the first floor. ( You can read about it here ) This past Saturday a group of volunteers and staff went about putting that plan in to place. They moved furniture, swept and vacuumed dust and dirt, and set up both rooms to create more inviting and usable spaces in our updated buildings. They also tested out the spaces On Sunday Morning, many of you commented positively on the change saying things like it “felt more inviting” and the rooms seemed more “usable.” During the service, all spaces were used and appreciated. After Religious Education Classes, the Family room was once again a buzz with families socializing and growing the community. As mentioned last week we’d like to gather feedback from our members on this change after you’ve had the chance to experience it for a few weeks. We’ve updated a Google Form where you can submit your thoughts . We thank you for your thoughtful feedback and are excited for this new chapter in our Fellowship space! LIBRARY The Lounge (Room 100) Please note that the Pictures on the walls in the Lounge will be moved to accommodate for the furniture moves . FAMILY ROOM

MUUF was well represented at the 1st Friday Action Hour for March.  The actions focused on the Climate Super Fund Act, the Immigrant Trust Act, and the cuts to Medicare and Medicaid being considered at the federal level.  If you were not able to attend and want to voice your concerns about any of these issues, it is not too late.  Click on the link in the graphic to participate.  Invite your friends. Updated issues and actions will be presented at the 3rd Friday Action Hour on March 21 at noon.

We have been offered a discount from the installer who is installer the solar panels on Chu Hall. Now is a great opportunity to explore going solar – either on your home, or with community solar. Let’s go solar together. Sign up HERE or visit us this Sunday after church to learn more. Questions? Email Green Earth Ministries member Dori Wolfe .

For many years now members of the LGBTQ+ community have faced fear, intimidation, discrimination and hate. They have been looked down on because of their sexual preferences and who they love. From the stonewall riots to the AIDs panic of the 80s to the Marraige Equality fight of the 2000s and 2010s. They have been kick out of their homes, assaulted and murdered, and made victim of many politicians smear campaigns. In the last few months have seen these attacks, verbally and physically rise.  This is increasingly so for transgender and non-binary people.  As I have watched from a place of straight, cisgendered (and white male) privilege, and as someone who feels called to love everyone, especially those who are vulnerable, it has been hard for me to stand by. I, like many of you, vacillate between sadness and anger. (And I know that it is nothing that folks who are at the receiving end of such hate and lies feel.) But what can I or people in my situation do to help folks? There seems to be tremendous barriers in place to effecting large systemic changes. So we can look for small ways to help.  I have been privileged to have been called by this congregation to be its Director of Lifespan Religious Education. And this congregation has placed itself in this building and through a long and difficult process added to it. This space that we occupy has some amazing benefits. It’s location allows for us to keep protestors at a distance. The new building is large and welcoming. The bathrooms create a safe space for all people to use the facilities (more on this in a bit). And it is filled with loving, welcoming, justice minded people.  So what can I do in these times? What can you do? We can create a space that is safe for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Just as you did over 50 years ago, when you invited the Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County (GAAMC) into your building (among some protest of individual members). So let us open up this home of ours as a safe space. While every event we hold here at the Fellowship is a safe space, there are several events coming up specifically for members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.  First there is all that GAAMC is doing both inside and outside our walls.  March 17, 6 pm: St. Patrick’s Day March 24, 6pm: The Florham Park Diner March 31, 6pm: The Joys of Spring The Folk Project, who has been organizing folk music concerts at the Fellowship for years, is hosting drag performer Flamy Grant on June 27th . We will again be hosting Drag Bingo on Friday, April 4th , Saturday, May 31st and June 13th . These events are super fun and our wonderful drag performer, Very Gerry keeps it flowing with audience participation, live vocals, and corny jokes. This time, they will be bringing some friends! We are also hosting a Queer Mixer & Movie Club on March 28th, April 25, and May 16. It is an evening of CULT, CAMP & COLORFUL MOVIES and a fabulous Queer Mixer with good vibes, board games, cool music, snacks and coffee! Because we are creating a safe and HOSPITABLE space, if anyone would like to donate some baked goods or other treats, please reach out to me . We are also currently in discussions with NJ Queer and Trans Makers Market and Garden State Equality to host a Market here on April 27th. In our discussions they have specifically cited our all gender bathrooms as a reason they would like to be here. Save the date. More information to come.  Lastly (for now) we will be kicking of Pride Month with an all ages drag event on May 31st featuring Very Gerry and several of their friends. As many of you remember, we will need a lot of help for this event. If you are interested in being on a planning team, let me know.  There is certainly a lot going on. It is my hope that we can continue to be a safe space for all people, but in these times, especially queer people.  WHO’S WITH ME!

Our recent building expansion has dramatically opened up the number of highly-accessible rooms on our first floor. Over the past several months, we’ve been growing into this new space and experiencing all of the new things we can do with those rooms. In particular, a number of the groups that used to meet in rooms in our existing mansion have excitedly moved to our new rooms A and B, and it’s no wonder they have – these new spaces feature rearrangeable furniture, climate control, adjustable blinds, and integrated technology for hybrid meetings. At the same time, as we welcomed Rev. Sasha into our congregation last year, the first floor Parlor room returned to being our resident minister’s office. This space previously served as a ‘quiet space’ for folks to watch the service on Sunday mornings, while our Library served as the ‘vocal space’ for our young and young-at-heart members. This arrangement involved condensing those two spaces into one – and especially as we’ve welcomed a number of new members into our congregation over these past few months, the Library has gotten quite full on Sunday mornings! While all of that has been happening, the Dining Room, which sits directly opposite of the Library as you make your way in and out of our Sanctuary, has actually seen a reduction in use. On Sunday mornings, while we used to hold Coffee Hour in the Dining Room or Terrace Room depending on the day, we’ve now moved to exclusively hosting it in our new Chu Family Hall. The Dining Room and Library both have a number of issues, some that have pushed groups out of them and some that are troubling the groups that still meet in them. The Dining Room has very few electrical outlets – in fact, it only has four outlets, all near the fireplace, and two are on light switches. This means that folks who want to use the room as a meeting space and expect to be able to bring a laptop with them might have trouble plugging in a charger.  The Library also has its own fair share of issues. On top of being an already dark room, since it sits on the western side of the building, very little light manages to make it through its windows on Sunday mornings. By contrast, it has far more electrical outlets… but that’s actually a problem, since it hosts so many little ones on Sundays that all of them have to have socket covers. Faced with the issue of an overflowing Library and an unused Dining Room on Sunday mornings, an idea has formed between both staff and members to try an experiment. We’d like to try swapping the furniture between both rooms. We would turn the Dining Room into more of a Family Room with a small table with chairs, plenty of comfortable seating, and a TV for watching the live service and for use in meetings. Meanwhile, the Library would become a place for quieter meetings, keeping its TV but centering the dining table in the middle, acting almost like a study room. No matter where you sit around the central table, you’ll have an outlet nearby for your laptop. Folks would be able to stretch their legs in the new Family Room on Sunday mornings, and if they need a quieter space, the refreshed Library would feel similar to how the Parlor did last year. LIBRARY FAMILY ROOM The more we thought about this relatively simple swap, the more it felt like the solution was right in front of us this whole time, and we just hadn’t seen it. We’ve reached out to almost every group that utilizes each space, and the feedback we’ve gotten so far has been extremely favorable towards the change – so much so, that we’re planning to trial it starting this coming Sunday, March 9. We recognize that these are very important spaces for our members, with quite literally decades of experiences shared within them. While this feels ‘right’ to us, it may not feel ‘right’ to you, and we respect and honor that history. To that end, we’d like to gather feedback from our members – your thoughts on this change before it actually goes into effect, as well as your thoughts on this change after you’ve had the chance to experience it for a few weeks. We’ve opened up a Google Form where you can submit your thoughts . This Form will stop accepting responses on Sunday, March 9, as it serves to capture everyone’s thoughts before this change goes into effect. We’ll be sharing a new Form with our Weekly Newsletter on Wednesday, March 12 where we’ll be asking for your thoughts on the new spaces once you’ve had the chance to try them out yourself.