The finishing touches are moving along quickly! The landscaping has begun to take shape — plants are now in along the front, parking lot side and back of the building. The fence along the parking lot is installed and plants will be going in along it shortly. Just need some mulch to tidy it all up! Inside, the installation of the blinds in Chu Family Hall began today. The stage is just about complete and looks fabulous! The fire security system is being worked on (the beeping is going for the 2nd day!) and the electricians are here. The cabinets in the classroom are installed and the coatroom is being worked on. At this time, the Gateways team and our contractor have asked that no one enter the building unless accompanied by a member of the Gateways team with approval from the contractor. This is imperative to ensure the timely issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. The doors to/from the Terrace Room are appropriately marked, so please obey the signs. The Gateways Team is planning an Open House on October 20th. The stage Shades being installed Our contractor Ed stressing The back landscaping The parking lot fence The front landscaping The side landscaping The coat room The do not enter signs The classroom cabinet

We are going solar. Next presentation on Zoom: Monday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m. New Jersey’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in its various financial incentives for solar installations, which make the transition to solar power both environmentally friendly and economically appealing. The state offers programs like the Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) and the Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption, alongside federal incentives such as the Federal Solar Tax Credit, which allows  claim up to 30% of solar installation costs. Additionally, net metering policies enable full retail credit for excess electricity the systems produce. With these incentives and the improved affordability of solar technology, the Fellowship is well-positioned to contribute to a sustainable future while also potentially saving on energy costs. Financing options such as gifts, loans, or leases are available to support the initial investment in solar technology. [sp_easyaccordion id=”15442″] PDF version of presentation [metaslider id=”13866″]

The kitchen installation is getting finished today. The fence along the west property line is going up. And grading is continuing. Add security to keep our classes safe Contact Shari Loe or Franklin Heller at drww@muuf.org or visit our  website  to see how you can help or to donate.

We have scheduled one additional Zoom session for the Solar Loan Program. Join us on Monday, September 30th at 7:00pm on Zoom If you have been unable to attend a session on our solar energy project and how you can participate, but still want to learn more, please watch the Sunday, September 22 nd   session on You Tube . For more information, email solar@muuf.org .

In the past week, all of the kitchen equipment is continuing to be hooked up, the flooring through out the building will be fully installed by the end of the week, final grading is being done around the parking lot, and many of the other final touches continue to be worked on. The flooring in the Chu Family Hall is almost complete Add security to keep our classes safe The Welcome Gallery floor, ceiling and walls complete (the floors are covered for protection). The Coffee Bar equipment in place and ready to be hooked up Contact Shari Loe or Franklin Heller at drww@muuf.org or visit our  website  to see how you can help or to donate.

Join us for Rev. Sasha Ostrom’s first service Please bring some water to reflect your summer journeys and join us for a potluck lunch following the service Please bring a dish to share based on your last name A-G Side Dish H-P Main Dish Q-Z Dessert We hope you will join us for this special day!

Rev. Sasha invites all congregants to schedule a 1-on-1 appointment with her to help her get to know you. To see the next 2 weeks of Rev. Sasha’s availability, click here . If no appointments are available, please check again in a few days for more openings. Reminder – Sasha’s first Sunday in the pulpit will be September 8th – please join us! A Request from Rev. Sasha As Rev. Sasha is getting to know the members of the Fellowship, she is asking that you please update your contact information in REALM , to ensure she can reach you. She is also asking that you load a picture of yourself to your profile to help her put a face with a name. If you are having problems with this, we are looking to have members available to help after services in the fall.

In the past week, all of the kitchen equipment was installed (not necessarily hooked up); the flooring in the Welcome Gallery is almost fully installed; additional grading was done and the grass seed has been put down behind the building; and the railing on the ramp from the Meeting Room vestibule to the Meeting Room side door was installed. Sandra Persichetti poses with the newly installed ovens! Seeding beyond the courtyard being completed. the ramp from vestibule to Meeting Room is now complete with rails. The flooring is almost fully installed in the Welcome Gallery. View is from the Fellowship Hall. Contact Shari Loe or Franklin Heller at drww@muuf.org or visit our  website  to see how you can help or to donate.

Imagine our Fellowship as a big family!  We all gather together for worship services and coffee hour, sharing the same messages and rituals. This is a great chance to connect with people of all ages, from the youngest members to the wisest. We know this might be a new way of experiencing congregational life, and it may take some time to adjust. But trust us, the connections you’ll build will be amazing! Our new Chu Fellowship Hall will be a fantastic space for this!  It will give us room to build strong relationships across generations. Kids can learn from the experience of older folks, who can share their wisdom and guidance. At the same time, the young ones bring fresh energy and ideas that keep things exciting. This shared experience helps everyone feel valued and respected, making our fellowship a truly welcoming place. But here’s the thing,  everyone learns differently. That’s why, after our time together, we’ll have separate religious education programs for children and adults. This way, everyone can delve deeper into their faith in a way that works best for them. Kids can explore their beliefs in a fun and age-appropriate way, while adults can tackle more complex topics. Together, these two parts – worshiping and learning – make our Fellowship strong and vibrant!  It allows everyone to contribute their unique perspective and benefit from the experiences of others. Children feel like an important part of the community, and adults gain fresh perspectives from the younger generation. In the end, it’s all about growing together, becoming a closer fellowship family, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome and supported. We know this is a change, but we believe it will make our fellowship even stronger!

The building site has been very busy! The concrete for the ramp from the Meeting Room vestibule has been poured. The front sidewalks are framed and being poured. Work on the stage in fellowship hall continues, as does the work on the bathrooms, and work on the doors in the Terrace Room is beginning. The internet is being turned on in the new building, and hopefully the electricity will be switched over tomorrow. Photo above shows the new doorway connecting our two buildings. Photo above shows a bathroom with completed tile. The stage now has steps to the right and a ramp on the far left. Stage lighting and amplifiers come next. The stage now has steps to the right and a ramp on the far left. Stage lighting and amplifiers come next. This is the area outside the Meeting Room which leads to the courtyard. A video of the construction timeline can be accessed  here . Please remember  to follow the signs and fencing and remain out of the construction area. And finally, please  contact Shari Loe or Franklin Heller at drww@muuf.org or visit our  website  to see how you can help or to donate.

Hello friends! The PR jumpstart team is seeking the help of a photographer from our fellowship ranks to take candid photos of our members following this Sunday’s service (July 21). If you are a photography buff with a good camera (iPhone will be fine, preferably Pro model) and are willing to help, please reach out to Harry Harris. Thank you.

Join our New Welcoming Team & Adult Programs Committee Initiative! Do you believe in the transformative power of Unitarian Universalism and the importance of creating a warm, inclusive space for everyone who walks through our doors? We’re excited to announce a collaborative effort between the Welcoming Team and Adult Programs Committee to offer a six-part hybrid (in-person & Zoom) class and discussion group focused on nurturing a welcoming and engaging environment at our Fellowship. This engaging program, designed by the UUA, will delve into: Current trends and best practices: Learn from experts and one another about effective strategies for welcoming new faces to our community. Transformative experiences: Explore how Unitarian Universalism can impact lives and how we can foster a sense of belonging for all. Building a welcoming culture: Develop practical tools and approaches to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. UU Institute course: Tending Congregational Life: Guiding the Membership Journey . Here’s what makes this program special: Hybrid format: Participate in-person at the Fellowship or virtually via Zoom – the choice is yours! Interactive sessions: Meeting together, we will combine large group discussions with smaller breakout sessions for focused interaction and idea sharing. Diverse group: This program welcomes a vibrant community of participants from all areas of the Fellowship, including longtime members, newcomers, families, young adults, and individuals with a range of interests and experiences. We’re seeking passionate individuals who are: Eager to learn and share their perspectives on building a welcoming community. Interested in participating in the entire six-part program. Enthusiastic about contributing to the planning, preparation, and facilitation (optional). **The more interest we have, the more impactful this program can be! ** Let Nick know if you’re interested in joining the class or getting involved in the planning process. We can’t wait to embark on this journey of creating a more welcoming Fellowship together!