It is well documented that Monroe Husbands spoke to a group interested in learning about Unitarianism on Nov. 18, 1955 and that Vincent Richards gave the first sermon on November 30 at the YMCA, topic not known. But for the first few months of the Fellowship’s existence, who spoke at Sunday meetings, the most general term for the events, and the topics, are not known. We do know that Sunday services were held regularly after Richards’ inaugural address. It is also known that the. Rev. Jacob Trapp, the long-time minister of the Community Church in Summit (now Beacon UU) was probably ordained Unitarian minister who spoke most often in the early days when the Fellowship did not have his own minister. The other local Unitarian ministers who were called in were Norman Fletcher, minister of the Unity Unitarian Church in Montclair and the Phillips Endicott Osgood from the South Orange Unitarian Church. However, we have a better idea of when Trapp conducted services than about his subjects. Trapp is first known to have spoken at the Morristown YMCA on Sunday, November 13, at 8:30 pm. as the Fellowship service was shown under the Community Church listing on the prior Thursday’s Madison Eagle and it is logical Trapp probably used the theme he was scheduled to give that Sunday morning in Summit “Three Bible Heroes”. Similarly, Summit’s December 9 listing showed the Fellowship as having an 8:30 pm service and Trapp could have used his Sunday morning topic, the “Negro Spiritual in America”. Morristown also is shown in the Summit schedule in the Madison Eagle of November 24 presumably meaning Trapp was going to speak on Sunday November 27. However, there’s one thing wrong with that—an article in the same edition said Dr. Dale DeWitt, the regional director for the American Unitarian Association about speak on the topic “A Religion of One’s Own”, which was a standard theme DeWitt used over several years. The first surviving order of service is short on facts—it did not give the topic, name of the speaker or the date. However, a handwritten note shows DeWitt was indeed the speaker, although the writer listed the date as November 28, which was a Monday. One more topic is known for 1955—the Fellowship was to hear the Rev. Fletcher discuss the play “The Diary of Anne Frank” on Sunday, December 4, then being presented in New York City. Beyond that, we know more about the business elements of two Sunday meetings, as they were called. No topic was given but the Fellowship reported in the Daily Record that it would be working on by laws on Sunday December 11. On December 18, there was a brief musical program, but most of the attention in a newspaper article was given to the plan to discuss the by-laws, which were approved that night.

Our 70th Anniversary celebration will be an all-ages Tea Party to be held in Chu Hall on Saturday, January 31st from 2:00 till 5:00pm (Rain date is Feb 7th). Tea party attire is encouraged but not required, and those who wish to are invited to bring their own tea cups and/or tea pots and tea to share. Stories of tea sets and our MUUF history will be on the menu, along with treats and fun activities. More info coming soon. The Party Registration link will be posted soon in the newsletter and online. Invite your friends and former members to come help us celebrate! We’re looking for volunteers to help with setup, serving, and cleanup, so join us in hosting this not-to-be missed event! More hands make light work, so sign up and help spread the fun as well as the work. Sign up here!

Service Auction Schedule: In-Person Bidding will begin at the Saturday Kickoff and continue on Sunday during Coffee Hour until noon. Online Bidding will take place from Monday (11/10) at 10am to Sunday (11/16) at 9pm. To view the catalog, visit the Service Auction website and go to "Catalog Grid or Catalog List". For online bidding (starting Mon. 11/10 at 10 am), visit the Service Auction website at the above link. Need Help, Questions? Contact us at serviceauction@muuf.org

The Solar Panels were turned on yesterday, Tuesday, November 4th! Below are some screen shots of the website where we can monitor the electric production and ensure that all of the panels are functioning. This screen shows the energy that has been produced and the environmental impact. This screen shows the panels on the roof and how much energy they are each producing. Congrats to the Solar Team and everyone involved in this!

Our Discussion Groups at Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship are thriving, and there’s still room for you to join! These gatherings offer a welcoming space to reflect, connect, and explore life’s questions with others in our community. Our Sunday group , which meets from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, is especially flexible. New participants are welcome to jump in anytime. Upcoming sessions include November 16 and 23, December 14, January 11 and 25, and the group will continue through May. The Monday group meet from 7:00 to 8:30 pm and are also already underway, with upcoming dates on November 10 and 24, December 8 and 22 (tentative), January 12 and 26, and continuing through May. Starting in January, we are excited to launch a new online Thursday Discussion Group from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. We are currently looking for one or two leaders for this session, so if you’re interested in helping facilitate or know someone who might be, please let us know. Scheduled dates for the Thursday group are January 8 and 22, February 5 and 19, March 5 and 19, April 9 and 23, and May 7 and 28. It’s never too late to join a Discussion Group! Whether you’re a returning participant or considering joining for the first time, these gatherings are an opportunity to nurture curiosity, build relationships, and strengthen our UU community. Come for the conversation, stay for the community, and discover the joy of meaningful connection. For more information or to join, please contact Nick .

The Parkinson Support Group meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month at the Fellowship. The meetings are at 10am in the Family Room. Meetings are open to all. Contact Steve Kreha with any questions. Parkinson's Support Group

The next few weeks at the Fellowship are filled with energy, gratitude, and community spirit! We have a whole lineup of events that celebrate who we are — joyful, creative, caring, and connected. Every one of these events is open to anyone , so this is a perfect time to invite a friend , share an event on social media , or bring someone new along . Many of our favorite Fellowship stories begin with someone saying, “A friend invited me to come!” Here’s what’s coming up — and plenty of good reasons to spread the word: Celebrate the start of this year’s Service Auction with an evening of food, music, and fun! Enjoy international dishes inspired by light festivals, live and silent auctions, and time with Fellowship friends. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door — and childcare is free! Take a peaceful pause in your week. Join the MUUF Buddhist Sangha for a day of mindfulness, silence, and reflection, guided by teacher Dennis Maurer. Half-day participation is welcome! We’re delighted to welcome back our former Music Director — and award-winning cabaret performer — Stearns Matthews ! Enjoy a night of music, laughter, and Broadway favorites, all to benefit our Mortgage Prevention Fund. Spend Thanksgiving afternoon surrounded by warmth, good food, and good company. Whether you’re bringing a dish or just bringing yourself, you’re welcome here! Support local LGBTQ+ artists and makers while finding unique, handmade gifts! This festive event is full of creativity, connection, and holiday cheer. This also raises funds for the ongoing work of the Fellowship to create a welcome and inclusive community. Shop with purpose at our annual fair featuring nonprofit vendors and ethical goods from around the world. Enjoy a Junior High Bake Sale and Basket Raffle while supporting justice, sustainability, and community partnerships. Help Us Spread the Word These gatherings are a wonderful way to share what makes MUUF special — our spirit of welcome, compassion, and fun. You can help by: Inviting a friend  to come along Sharing events on social media  — Facebook, Instagram, or even your neighborhood group Forwarding our newsletter  or website links to people who might be interested Together, let’s fill this season with connection, generosity, and joy. Share the season — and bring someone with you!

Partner Corner Family Promise of Morris County: Transforming the lives of families and individuals by serving our community through all stages of life to prevent or end homelessness and housing insecurity. The current situation with SNAP benefits delayed, many local families are facing heightened food insecurity. As a result, they cannot afford to pay for needed personal care items. What’s Needed Toothpaste Toothbrushes Deodorant Shampoo Body Wash Family Promise of Morris County is responding through their Promise Drop-In Center and the Navigating Hope van — distributing personal care items and household essentials to those affected. Please leave your donations in the Family Promise bin in the Great Hall. Thank you for your generosity! Partner Corner Family Promise of Morris County Transforming the lives of families and individuals by serving our community through all stages of life to prevent or end homelessness and housing insecurity.

Get ready for an awesome opportunity! We are absolutely thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new Junior Child Care Helper Program!  This is more than just volunteering—it’s a chance for our older kids to step up, shine, and become vital members of our community. They'll learn real-world responsibility, grow their leadership skills, and contribute  to the fun! Every week, one dedicated child will assist in the Child Care room, helping us create the warmest, safest, and most fun environment imaginable  for our younger crew. Who Can Join the Squad? The program is open to all fantastic children ages 5 and older  who want to make a difference: Ages 5-10:  Want to lend a hand? You can participate when your parent or guardian is already volunteering in the room! Parents, please note:  If your child in this age group wants to help, you must volunteer in the Child Care room yourself. This keeps things running smoothly and gives our little ones the best support. Ages 11-18:  Unlock flexible volunteering! You'll have the exciting opportunity to assist in any of the groups led by adult volunteers , gaining valuable, hands-on leadership experience that looks great on a resume! What Will Our Young Leaders Do? Our Junior Helpers will be the heart of the room! They will assist by actively playing, engaging, and supervising  the younger children, providing crucial support to our adult volunteers. It's an energetic way to develop true leadership skills  and build a powerful sense of community and connection. Get Ready to Shine: Training Details All participating children will attend a brief, dynamic training session  led by our Director of Lifetime Religious Education, Nick Wallwork . This preparation ensures every helper feels confident and ready to contribute positively  from day one! Kids will learn simple, powerful skills like: Mastering the Art of Help:  Simple ways to assist adult volunteers  (e.g., setting up crafts, handing out snacks, or organizing games). Confidence & Safety:  Understanding their important role in engagement, supervision, and room safety. The Power of Example:  How to model kindness, patience, and positive play  for the younger children. Community Builders:  Skills to warmly welcome and nurture  all children, helping everyone feel included! Don't Miss the First Training Session!

Rev. Sasha will be away for study leave from Nov. 2-9. For pastoral emergencies, please contact the office.

Be sure to set your clocks back, or you run the risk of being EARLY to service on Sunday!

Would you like to help with hospitality during Social Hour or other Fellowship events? Join us for Green Apron Training , led by Diana Hart ! This hands-on session will introduce you to how our Fellowship kitchen works—where things are kept, how to use the equipment, and the simple steps that make coffee hour and shared meals run smoothly. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to volunteering, this is a great way to feel confident and connected while helping our community feel warm and welcome. Training times: Saturday, November 1 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Sunday, November 9 | 10:00–11:00 am & 11:30 am–12:30 pm Come for one or more sessions—whatever fits your schedule. Questions or ready to join in? Email Hospitality@muuf.org .Your helping hands make a big difference in the spirit of our Fellowship!