A big date in Fellowship history was Dec. 18, 1955 when the bylaws were approved and there was a book to sign so that after two months of operations the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship actually had members. Even before the formalities, members were holding get togethers—ski trips among them, and the first Fellowship newsletter, a mimeographed four-page affair was published by Marshall Deutsch, in time to promote the December 17 party at the Fellowship’s first home, the then-Morristown YMCA on South Street and Washington Street, opposite the Morris County Courthouse. The party, held the night before the business meeting, was designed as a get-acquainted holiday party with a puppet show, carol singing and a musical program. While the party was primarily for children, adult members were invited “to attend and enjoy the fun vicariously,” according to the December newsletter. Featured events include a puppet show to be given by Julie Doczi (daughter of founders John and Vera Doczi; carol singing to be led by Gerald Quinlan, a professional flautist; a musical program by Frances Livingston (whose family never joined), Gerald Quinlan and his son David; and the “distribution of gifts by S. Claus.” Greeters were Charline Kotula and Denny Dalton, the 17-year-old who became the youngest founding member with decorating led by Dorothy and Larry Churchill (who became the second president). Jane Steiding and Brooky Zajac were to collect “tickets” mittens to be hung on the tree and then distributed to needy children by the Community Chest and Council Christmas Program). Dorothy Perry and Betty Parella were to serve as the refreshments committee and invitations were mailed by Judy Deutsch, Marshall’s wife and member No. 2. The next night, December 18th, was also a busy night, featuring a brief musical program, approval of the by-laws and the singing of the membership book John Doczi led the music program which promised a selection sung by Ed Zajac, a tenor, two flute solos by Gerald Quinlan and a duet by Zajac and Doczi (a baritone). Marsh Steiding, who became the first president in January, led the business meeting as he was chairman of the bylaws committee for the steering committee that had been running things. Not surprisingly formulating bylaws had been complex. The December newsletter noted, “Consideration of bylaws began last week, and should be completed at the coming session. Since an attempt is being made to reconcile in the bylaws the views of all prospective Fellowship members progress is proceeding slowly and with a great deal of member participation.” Unlike the first business meeting in 1956, which stretched to three nights, the congregation managed to adopt the bylaws and moved on to signing the membership book. As noted in a newspaper story that followed the event, Daniel Weggeland suggested Marshall Deutsch be given the honor of singing the book first because of his key role in starting the Fellowship. The number of those signing on December 18 is complicated by the fact that Vicki Slawson’s name, given as Mrs. Slawson, was squeezed with no number between between Martha Zeltsman, No. 8, and Eugene Slawson, No. 9. The names of Gerald and Rosa Quinlan are on the first page of the membership book with no numbers so the last numbered member is No. 28, but there were 31 individuals signing on December 18. Why certain individuals did not sign on the first day do not know. Vincent Richards, who gave the first sermon on October 30, did not sign until January 15. Dan Weggeland, who clearly seems to have attended the business meeting, signed on January 8. Brooky Zajac, Dorothy Churchill, Denny Dalton, and Charlene Kotula, who all attended the December 17 party, also signed later Here are the names of those who signed on December 18: Marshall Deutsch . Member of the first board. A chemist and medical device inventor. Judith Deutch . Became a UU minister after leaving Morris County. Winfield S. Greenleaf . Chair of the steering committee. Member of the first board. A plumber and later electronic technician. R. Marsh Steiding . The first president, serving a four-month term. A chemist and explosives expert who was later a salesperson. M. Jane Steiding . The first Sunday School Director. A bookkeeper. Widowed three times. Charles Van Cott . Editor of the first formal newsletter in September 1956. A newspaper editor and Thomas Paine enthusiast. Joseph Zeltsman . Born in Philadelphia but grew up in Romania (modern Moldova) and returned to the U.S. Member of the Romanian army band and Glen Miller’s Army Unit. Nationally known portrait photographer. Martha Zeltsman . Nationally honored photographer. Vicki Slawson . Her name was squeezed in between Martha Zeltsman and Eugene Slawson’s signature. The Slawsons often led ski trips and other outdoor activities. Eugene Slawson  (originally Eugeniusz Stanislaw Slawinski). The Slawsons spent World War II in Poland with forged passports showing they were Catholic. A publishing manager and linguistics expert. Doris L. Babson . Employed in public relations. Chaired the membership and hospitality committee. Arthur L. Babson . Third Fellowship president. A chemist and pioneering medical device inventor. George Perry . Member of the finance, by-laws, religious education, and membership and hospitality committees. A Bell Labs technical aide. Alfred K. Mathisen . Born in Sweden. Married founder Dorothy Faulkner, the first Fellowship couple to marry. An engineer who helped design the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM). Lawrence S. Churchill . Second first president and first full-term president. An engineer who worked on top-secret projects. George E. Quinlan . A high school teacher and professional musician. Rosa B. Quinlan . Wife of George Quinlan. John Zieger . Born in Germany and removed from the priesthood in New York before taking final vows. A laboratory technician. Eleanor C. Mason . The last founder active in the Fellowship. Known for UN involvement and peace activism. Physical education instructor at Drew University and later assistant professor. Robert W. Mason . One of the Fellowship’s many chemists. Grace E. Zieger . Dorothy M. Faulkner . Worked at Picatinny Arsenal. John Doczi  (also known as Janos Doczi). Chaired the music committee and later ran a chamber music concert series for ten years. Self-taught professional chemist. Vera Doczi  (born Veronica Gonda). Born in Hungary. The Doczis left Portugal using forged passports. A flute player and artist. Lila H. Younguist . A WAVE in World War II. Later executive director of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Medical Society. Robertson Younguist . First treasurer. A pioneering rocket scientist and later artist. Anthony J. Parella . Member of the first board of directors. Originally named Luparella. A hairdresser who later became a real estate developer. Leslie W. Bauerle . A chemistry and physics instructor who later served on the board of trustees. Elizabeth M. Parella . The Parellas worked together as hairdressers. Paul B. Tweed . Born in Russia (modern Ukraine). An explosives expert who became board secretary in April 1956. R. McCready  (Robert). First vice president and later president. Wrote a multi-part Fellowship history published serially in 1962 and 1963. A map editor.

Biochemistry Literacy for Kids is an online web-based set of 24 lessons in elementary biochemistry developed by Dr. Daniel Fried, a Yale Biochemistry PhD. Dr. Fried breaks ground in introducing advanced concepts in biochemistry to young people through focused online learning. Combined with hands-on modeling of molecules using a modeling kit that supports Hydrogen bonding, the course has features that are not available elsewhere at this age level. There is no mathematics beyond arithmetic needed. On Sunday, January 4th, 2026, at 6:00 pm EST, I will do a demonstration and walk-through of the course using Lesson 0 and part of Lesson 1. This walk-through will be on Zoom and will be open to all interested parties, regardless of age. The walk-through is not limited to those interested in taking the full course. Here is the Zoom info for our Sunday, January 4, 2026 meeting at 6:00 pm: Please join the Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99345858885?pwd=kTbVdTOQZHfdvgPQXvcEMPGJiw67It.1 Meeting ID: 993 4585 8885 Passcode: 323830 By the way, you can access Lesson 0 for free at any time at biochemistryliteracyforkids.com . The walk-through will take about 25 minutes. After that, as interest dictates, I can show a video modeling the manufacture of the lipid sacks used to carry the mRNA in the COVID-19 vaccine into the cells for replication. The enrollment form is available here .

Are you ready for good news about clean energy? Read Bill McKibben’s latest book, Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization . Around the world, solar power is more affordable than ever before. With proven technology, local sunlight is converted to electricity that can be made available to everyone, promoting peace and economic justice. Here Comes the Sun is scientifically accurate but not overly technical. You can borrow the book from your public library system. At 224 pages long, it’s a quick read. Save the date! On Monday, February 2, 7-8:30 pm, join Green Earth Ministry for an online discussion of Here Comes the Sun . After registering below, you'll receive a discussion guide and the Zoom meeting invitation. In addition to reading Here Comes the Sun , you might enjoy watching The Light Won’t Dim , a 30-minute documentary exploring the promise and urgency of solar power in this time of climate crisis. The film reveals the obstacles and the unstoppable momentum of clean energy — a story of resilience, equity, and hope for the future. You can watch the film below:

Are you searching for the perfect Christmas gift for that special person in your life who cherishes the memories of the MUUF community? Or perhaps you're looking for a unique keepsake to remember the building you love? Look no further! We have just the item to bring a smile to their face and a warm scent to their home. Introducing the Commemorative "MUF" Mug Candle! We have taken our beloved, classic coffee mugs—featuring the iconic, old MUUF logo—and repurposed them into a delightful, hand-poured soy candle. Each candle is a unique piece of MUUF history, filled with a Snowy Citrus  scented organic soy wax and fitted with a clean-burning cotton wick. The crisp, invigorating citrus scent is blended with hints of winter freshness, making it the perfect aroma for the holiday season. When you purchase a MUF Mug Candle , you aren't just buying a charming gift; you are directly contributing to the future look of our shared space. The entire proceeds from the sale of these candles will go toward the purchase of brand new coffee mugs featuring our updated logo.  It’s a wonderful way to honor the past while investing in our future!How to Purchase and Pickup: Don't wait—these unique, limited-edition items are only available while supplies last! There are two convenient ways to purchase: you can order today, and we will have your candle set aside for easy collection, or you can buy one directly at the building on Sunday during our gathering. All pre-ordered candles can be picked up this Sunday. For those who simply want a piece of ceramic history, we are also offering the empty, retired MUUF mugs with the old logo. These are ideal for collectors, crafters, or anyone who just needs a new favorite coffee cup!

As children move through the 4th and 5th grades, they begin asking bigger questions about themselves, their bodies, their friendships, and the world around them. Our Whole Lives (OWL)  is designed to meet them right where they are—offering honest information, caring guidance, and a respectful space to learn and grow together. From February 1 through April 26, 2026 , this ten-week class will meet on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Through conversation, activities, and reflection, participants will explore topics like values, body image, gender and sexual identity, peer pressure, social media and internet safety, consent, and healthy relationships. Everything is presented in developmentally appropriate ways that emphasize dignity, compassion, and self-respect. We’re especially grateful that this class will be led by OWL-certified facilitators Caroline Blanchard and Bruce Meyers . Their experience and thoughtful approach help create a classroom environment where kids feel safe to ask questions, share ideas, and listen to one another—knowing they will be met with respect and care. Because families are an important part of this journey, a required parent orientation on January 25  will introduce the curriculum, explain how OWL works, and provide time for questions and conversation. Many parents find this orientation reassuring and helpful as they support their child’s learning at home. OWL is more than a class—it’s an opportunity for young people to build confidence, strengthen their values, and develop skills that will support them well into their teen years and beyond. We warmly invite families with 4th–5th graders to consider being part of this meaningful experience. Sign up today as space is limited. If you have any questions, please reach out to Nick ( nwallwork@muuf.org )

Your Service Auction Committee would like to announce that we raised $34,700! We are so grateful to everyone that volunteered, donated and purchased. It’s a Fellowship effort! Just a reminder that the payment deadline is December 31st. Questions? Contact us at serviceauction@muuf.org

This holiday season, skip the big box stores and find gifts that truly matter. We invite you to join us for a special weekend of conscious consumerism at the Morristown UU Fellowship. Whether you are looking for handmade art that celebrates diversity or fair-trade goods that support global non-profits, we have two back-to-back opportunities to finish your holiday shopping while supporting our values. Both events will take place in Chu Family Hall at Morristown UU Fellowship 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ Kick off the weekend by discovering unique gifts and supporting local LGBTQ+ artists and makers! This festive gathering is filled with handmade treasures, art, crafts, and one-of-a-kind items you won't find anywhere else. Come get into the holiday spirit, shop local, shop queer, and spread some cheer. Proceeds from this market benefit the work of the Fellowship to create a welcoming and inclusive community. The Market will Feature over 30 Vendors, booths from non-profit partners, our Community Bake Sale and Hot Chocolate Bar, and drag performances from Cookie Doe. On Sunday, join us for our beloved annual tradition featuring local and global non-profit vendors. This is your chance to buy socially conscious gifts that give back to the world. Come browse incredible goods from vendors including: Global & Artisan Goods: PeaceWorks, House with Heart, Mayamam Weavers, Seeds to Sew, and The Sharing Foundation. Local Art & Makers: Willow Faith Art, Robin Lennon, and Glass4Good. Don't miss the Junior High Bake Sale and our exciting Basket Raffle!

At our service last Sunday , we showed how our Unitarian Universalist values with LOVE at the center have shaped this work. You will see twelve of our children spread light through our congregation, guided by a story from our Unitarian roots in Transylvania about a village that built a church with their own hands to share their light, within families, within their faith community and build that light to shine out into the world. Even as Bob Scott has been gathering and sharing the Fellowship's history, which we will celebrate at our tea party on January 31, we are continuing to build our own legacy, with many ministries, illustrated by the hands of our young folks cupping sparkling lights as we sang together in our Meeting Room. In the last few days since we sent our Giving Tuesday end of year appeal, and including your generous Sunday Plate gifts for our dedicated donation to the Mortgage Prevention Fund that the Board approved for last Sunday, we already have received $2799, reducing our need to around $203,000. If you didn't get or haven't read our Giving Tuesday end of year appeal , here's what we said: "We need additional pledges and gifts of $206,000 to be paid by August 2026 to pay off the construction loan on time. Mortgage Prevention is funded separately from the Operating Budget. They are connected, though: A mortgage of $206,000 would add about $20,000 per year to our Operating Budget, for 15 years. Pledges would have to increase by 5% annually for 15 years. This Giving Tuesday, please consider a gift to pay off the loan, with no lingering mortgage! Especially if you haven’t given before. Perhaps you are required to make a Required Minimum Distribution from a retirement account by the end of this year? Perhaps you haven’t decided on your year-end giving for tax year 2025? What a boon NO Mortgage would be for the future! PLEASE GIVE! As Campaign Chair, it has been and is my mission for these remaining months, and last few thousand (!!) dollars of the campaign, to find ways to be joyful together. So we have had 2 musical fundraisers this Fall. These raised several thousand dollars – but equally important, they generated priceless joy as explored how our new spaces enhance our community's togetherness. We have sought to keep things happening – not just for the reward of the amounts raised, but to make sure the Campaign remains top of mind as we live through the promise of having a place that we all can gather together at once! Mark your calendars for one more concluding celebration – our Art Show and Gala (fancy party with fab music and art and food) at the end of February! Having sent our Giving Tuesday message, we will take a beat, and let you decide your year end giving. Then we’ll see where we are, but most likely after the New Year, I and Paul and Helene and Tim and Candice and others will be following up with requests for a visit or a chat to ask you to consider what gives you joy, and how you can make it manifest. We also will be respectful if you already have told us you are just done with this darn campaign, or if you simply can’t give even a first gift. Please feel empowered to tell us so and realize you don’t need to explain. We are already so overwhelmed with your generosity. Our hearts are lifted up whenever we see you flowing into the Loe Courtyard or see you meeting in the Ferm classroom or running down the hill outside Chu Hall, or chatting earnestly in the Uhrhane-Wilson Welcome Gallery. Wherever we end up with this campaign, after the Gala on February 28 we will update our Donor Wall one more time, to make sure everyone is included! Thank you for the joy.

GIFTS OF CONSCIENCE HOLIDAY MARKET Sunday Dec. 14,  11 AM  –  3 PM   FREE ADMISSION Buy Socially Conscious Gifts and Donate to local Community Partners. Some information on offerings from our local and global non-profit vendors and their missions: ·       PeaceWorks – Handicrafts and Coffee - Supporting communities in Nicaragua overcome poverty and exploitation. ·       House with Heart – Felt ornaments and scarfs benefitting A Children’s Home in Nepal. ·       Mayamam Weavers – High Quality Textiles – a collective of Guatemalan female artists, makers and businesswomen ·       Willow Faith Art – eclectic multi-media artist donating profits to TransLifeline.org ·       Sharing Foundation – Unique bags – Caring for Cambodia’s Children ·       Robin Lennon – Uncommon Artwear wearable art is contributing profits to twobytwomedia.org ·       Seeds to Sew – Handmade crafts from Kenya supports sustainable income for women and funds education for girls in rural Kenya. ·       Glass4Good – local MUUF artist Margaret Malishchak creates beautiful glass pieces and all profits to charity – OneTreePlanted restores forests and nurtures communities. Local Social Justice Partners include Days for Girls, Morris Mutual, Nourish NJ and RAMP - Refugee Assistance. Also featuring: Junior High Bake Sale and Basket Raffle! Buy Socially Conscious Gifts and Donate to local Community Partners.

Our Welcoming Team are the first folks many visitors talk to when they come to Morristown UU Fellowship. Welcoming volunteers greet people, answer questions, provide nametags, and give first impressions of our Fellowship and its culture of welcoming. Can you volunteer to staff the welcome table once a month? We have two volunteers each Sunday to welcome guests, and our team needs more members. We'd love to have you join us in this important ministry. It's fun, easy and vital to our Fellowship. Contact Noelle Jensen or anyone at the Welcome Table on Sunday mornings for questions and to volunteer. Thanks for your consideration!

Two organizations started in the last three months of 1955. One was the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship in October 1955. The other was the Masterwork Chorus, which selected its first musical director, David Randolph who would lead until 1993, to conduct a Mozart festival. Founders of both organizations included Fellowship members. When Randolph’s hiring was announced in the November 24 issue of “The Madison Eagle” two of the members of the chorus executive committee which selected him were Jean Merritt (May 24,1925-June 1, 2006) and Joan Wetton (Aug. 11, 1921-May 7, 1998), who both joined the Fellowship on January 6, 1956. Shirley May, who led Masterwork for decades, but did not join the Fellowship was mentioned in the Fellowship’s newsletter of February 1956, in what appears to be a list of activities by people associated with the congregation. She would maintain an association with the Fellowship through the years. In fact, when the first newsletter was issued by Marshall Deutsch in December 1955, he noted that five Fellowship members—technically not members as no one had signed the membership book when this was written—were also Masterwork members, presumably including Merritt and Wetton. From newspaper article, add more names, more than five: Stuart Lloyd, Ruth Lloyd, Marshall Deutsch, Edward Zajac, and Ted Newlin—all mentioned in January 1956 as participating in a Mozart concert. With a smaller number of singers chorus in the early months than currently, the Fellowship represented a significant part of the Masterwork membership. The December newsletter also pointed there was one New Jersey Symphony member and two members of the Colonial Little Symphony. One of the members of the Colonial Little Symphony was Gerald Quinlan, a professional flautist (and schoolteacher) who was likely also the New Jersey Symphony member. In addition, the newsletter noted membership included “the organist and choirmaster of Episcopal church.” That was Fellowship first president, Marsh Steiding, who also designed the lectern still in use. Outside of the hymns, Steiding was the most frequent accompanist in the Fellowship’s first two years and was one of a good supply of pianists who could handle classical music. This music included a lot of Andantes, Largos and Nocturnes, slow movements presumably to fit a religious tone with scherzos and allegros for offering and postlude selection. John Doczi, more usually a violinist in public performances, could also handle the pervasive selections such keyboard selection as the Andante from the second act of “The Magic Flute” and the “Chorale from Kreuzstab Cantata”.

Biochemistry Literacy for Kids is an online web-based set of 24 lessons in elementary biochemistry developed by Dr. Daniel Fried, a Yale Biochemistry PhD. Dr. Fried breaks ground in introducing advanced concepts in biochemistry to young people through focused online learning. Combined with hands on modeling of molecules using a modeling kit that supports Hydrogen bonding, the course has features that are not available elsewhere at this age level. There is no mathematics beyond arithmetic needed. I will be available on a coming Sunday (TBD) to do a demonstration and walk through of the course using Lesson 0 and part of Lesson 1. By the way, you can access Lesson 0 for free at any time at biochemistryliteracyforkids.com . The walk through will take about 25 minutes and will be showing the lesson content on a large TV screen (web casting). After that, as interest dictates, I can show a video modeling the manufacture of the lipid sacks used to carry the mRNA in the COVID19 vaccine into the cells for replication. The enrollment form is available here .