Please register to join a few Meadville Lombard alumni on  Tuesday, May 13 at 6:30pm CT  for  Poets, Poetry, and Presence:  An Evening with MLTS Alums . This is an exciting opportunity to showcase just a few of MLTS talented graduates. It’s a night of illuminating poetry and discussion, hosted by Marketing & Comms Officer, Chloë Westerfield. Featured Alums Rev. Dr. David Breeden David Breeden is a poet, practical theologian, and former Senior Minister of the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis. A long-time public intellectual, he holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, a PhD from the Center for Writers at the University of Southern Mississippi, and an MDiv from Meadville Lombard. His work explores the intersections of spirituality, aesthetics, and the human condition. He has published dozens of books, including translations, fiction, theology, and, mostly, poetry.   Rev. Alix Klingerber Rev. Alix is a UU minister, spiritual director, and published poet. Alix leads creative writing workshops, and works 1-on-1 with people to help them develop their own spiritual life and creative practices. She lives in Melrose, MA with her family, 2 cats, and a ridiculous dog named Cricket.

In 2017, I became an ambassador for Days For Girls, a non- profit started by a woman in Ca. who visited Africa and learned that most menstruating girls miss school when they have their periods and many drop-out. Period products are unaffordable, hard to get in rural communities and there is stigma attached with menstruation. As an ambassador, my goal was to educate and give access to period kits that contain washable product , cost about $10 to make and last about 3 years. My childhood friend, Darcy, and I had sponsored girls through Compassion International, another NGO that helps children go to school by providing uniforms and supplies. We ventured together to Togo and Ghana, to meet the girls we were sponsoring. We brought along with us (50) period kits made by a DFG group in NC. We first went to the village in Togo, where we met our girls, their families and met the village elders to ask if we could do an education session and gift the girls and women in the community with the kits. The response was so overwhelmingly well received, we did the education the very next day to teens and nursing mothers. Darcy and I were so thrilled at the response, we researched a DFG kit making headquarters in Ghana and traveled there to purchase another (50) kits to do another education at a church after Sunday services. The whole community stayed, men and boys, elders and girls, to see these two outsiders, white women from the USA, give a talk and share the kits. What came out of our trip was we met with Compassion International in Accra, Ghana, and shared the DFG educational experiences in the villages. We connected the leaders of the two NGO’s and planted the seed that they might join forces to create sewing groups in these communities. This would not only provide the menstrual kits it would potentially provide income to the women, who would be trained to make the kits.  We went back to Togo and bought sewing machines and sergers for the village there to start them off. I am happy to report there are now (8) sewing centers making the DFG kits in Togo. I am so pleased that my dream of starting a kit making group has come to fruition here at MUUF. We meet here the 4th Monday of each month. We have had 3 sessions with 10-12 participants. Sarah Zadorozyj, who I met at the Union DFG group, generously shares her sewing machines and knowledge to help our group learn the many steps that go into making the kits. We work with the other NJ based groups to put together (50) kits to send to DFG to distribute where needed and also have sent kits to women’s shelter in Nj and NY. We are happy to receive financial donations to keep up our work as well as fabric, cotton and flannel. Join Me in This Important Work

May 5, 6 pm: Tech for Seniors:  As we age, more and more of us live alone. And, as we age we become more prone to little annoyances such as misplacing the keys or straining to hear the television. We also lose flexibility and strength, making us susceptible to life-threatening falls. This evening we will be exploring ways to make better use of tech gadgetry to help us age in place with grace. We’ll discuss health tracking devices, sound-enhancing speakers, tags for locating misplaced items, and computerized personal assistants. May 12 , 6 pm: The Joys of May:  As the warming days of spring lovingly blanket us, we look to the traditions of the “lusty month of May” from Cinco de Mayo to Mother’s Day to Memorial Day.  May is the time when the flowers prepared by the April showers burst forth – lily of the valley the official one, while forsythia, daffodils, lilacs, hyacinths, crocuses, and tulips bedazzle the eye everywhere one looks! Many significant events occurred during past Mays, and people will be entertained and informed about “Lucky Lindy,” Charles Lindbergh’s historic flight from New York to Paris, Amelia Earhart’s attempt to cross the Atlantic, the founding of the women’s services, the origin of Mother’s Day celebrations, and Memorial Day.  This is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is significant that 50% of the LGBTQ community are affected annually. May 19 , 6 pm: Movie night: Different for Girls : Paul and Karl were childhood friends in school.  Twenty years later they meet by accident, but they’ve changed. Paul has become a rowdy character, while Karl, who’s now a transgender woman, prefers a life of organized tranquility. Can they reignite their friendship? This 1996 English film stars Rupert Graves and Stephen Mackintosh. Refreshments are served, and attendees are asked for a small donation at each meeting. May 26 , 6pm: Memorial Day at the Florham Park Diner : Enjoy good fun & food at a reasonable price!  We’ll meet at the restaurant located at 182 Ridgedale Ave in Florham Park .  Please rsvp by Friday, May 23,  to Gordon Sauer at president@gaamc.org .

The Music Director Search Team is excited to announce that we have found our new Music Director! Victoria Lotkowictz begins her work with us this Thursday, May 1st and will officially begin leading music in services in a few weeks. Victoria comes to us with over 20 years of experience in sacred music and music education. As Music Director at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church for nearly a decade, she has curated and led liturgical music that fosters meaningful worship experiences. She has directed choirs, collaborated with clergy and musicians, arranged music, and provided accompaniment on piano and organ. In addition, her private teaching studio, Lessons by Victoria, has allowed her to nurture students, organize recitals, and compose original works tailored to their needs. Her work extends beyond performance to music education, administration, and digital engagement. Additionally, her background in social media management and event planning can support our broader community engagement efforts. We are excited to welcome her as our new Music Director! The Search Committee was impressed by Victoria’s musical and conducting talents, and we are excited that she will be joining us as our new Music Director!

“It’s a wrap!” Join us on May the Fourth after service for our wrap party luncheon in Chu Hall – to celebrate the end of our Annual Pledge Drive. If you have already submitted your pledge – our Alliance  truly  thanks you for your generosity, and invite you to our “ May the 4th be with you ” luncheon after service celebration for members and friends that have supported us this year through pledging. If you haven’t gotten your pledge in – please pledge before the drive ends! So far we are at 80% to our $490,000 pledge goal and have one week left to meet our goal (with 103 households out of 173 that have pledged during this drive), so that we can implement the updated UUA-recommended salaries, maintain our buidlings and grounds, and continue to maintain & expand our vital programming. The Fellowship is sustained primarily by our pledges (over three-quarters 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. 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 enter your annual pledge in the giving menu (which can even allow you to use automatic monthly payments). Are you new to the ways of the Fellowship? One of our young apprentices prepared a video that helps explain how our annual pledge drive supports us:  MUUF Pledge Drive 2025 video And if you missed our service on Easter Sunday, please see one of our Jedi masters’ personal testimonial on why pledging helps balance himself and the Fellowship:  Budget drive testimonial Remember, our hurting world needs strong and courageous Unitarian Universalist communities like ours, offering a powerful ministry to a world crying out for love and justice. Let’s rise together to answer the call before us and get your pledge in this week! And remember… “the Fellowship will be with you…always…if we get our pledges in…” Tim Davis Stewardship Trustee-at-Large padawan

The Transylvanian Unitarian High School Choir of Kolozsvar is touring the USA. Kolozsvar is about 90 minutes drive from our Partner Church in Sinfalva. Here is the entire schedule . I was privileged to attend the performance at Shelter Rock UU on Long Island. It was a wonderful event. Such a joy to see these lovely young people, and hear them singing in seven languages. Here is the program of the performance . The performance was recorded. This link will take you to 1:40 , the song One by U2 mashed up with a Hungarian folk song Erdöerdö, see p. 12 of the program. The previous song at 1:36:45 is also very enjoyable, “ Bring Me Little Water, Silvy ” by Lead Belly, particularly charming with a Hungarian accent and complex handclapping.

The Endowment Committee is thrilled to announce the following 2024-2025 Grant Application awards: Memorial Garden Restoration Biochemistry Literacy for Kids Exterior Patio Furnishings Mansion First Floor Refresh A big thank you to all the grant authors for their time spent applying. As we move into the 2025-2026 grant cycle, market conditions will impact our annual allocation. In the long-term, however, our Endowment Fund will continue to grow and with that the opportunity to fund more projects and programs. And that is an opportunity and goal the Endowment Committee is committed to make happen in a transparent and open process. In the months ahead, look for more Endowment Weekly Newsletter submissions. Additionally, look for the Committee’s presentation at our Annual Congregational Meeting held in June. We’re here to answer your questions and to hear your suggestions. Endowment Committee : Janet Horst, Sandra Persichetti, Carolyn Schwartz, John Solu

“Sir, the odds of successfully navigating an Annual Budget are 3720 to 1!”…”Never tell us the odds.” More than ever, our hurting world needs strong and courageous Unitarian Universalist communities like ours, offering a powerful ministry to a world crying out for love and justice. Our annual budget drive continues only until May 4th this year – so let’s rise together to answer the call before us and get your pledge in soon before the drive ends! So far we are at 73% to our $490,000 pledge goal. Our Stewardship volunteers have reached out with calls & emails reach out this week, with a friendly reminder for those members and friends who have not made a pledge yet this year – to submit their financial support pledges before our HYPERdrive ends. 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. 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 enter your annual pledge in the giving menu (which can even allow you to use automatic monthly payments). Are you new to the ways of the Fellowship? One of our young apprentices prepared a video that helps explain how our annual pledge drive supports us:  MUUF Pledge Drive 2025 video And if you missed our service this past Easter Sunday, please see one of our Jedi masters’ personal testimonial on why pledging helps balance himself and the Fellowship: Budget drive testimonial If you have already submitted your pledge – our Alliance  truly  thanks you for your generosity, and invite you to our “ May the 4th be with you ” luncheon after service celebration for members and friends that have supported us this year through pledging. May the Fellowship be with you! Tim Davis Stewardship Trustee-at-Large padawan

Earlier this month, about 1/3 of our Sunday morning service attendees reported participating in the April 5th “Hands Off” protest here in Morristown. The time has now come for us to show up in defense of our democracy once again: at 12pm on Saturday, April 19th in Trenton. Join Rev. Sasha and your fellow MUUF members for “Rise Up”! And bring food to donate; this is a food drive as well as a rally! Unable to travel to Trenton to join us in our state capital? Consider participating in one of the other “Rise Up” rallies closer to you:

“I am one with the Fellowship, and the Fellowship is with me.” Our annual budget drive continues only until May 4th this year – so get your pledge in soon before the drive ends! So far we are at 64% to our $490,000 pledge goal. Our Stewardship volunteers will be using the force to reach out with their feelings this week, with a friendly reminder for those members and friends who have not made a pledge yet this year – to submit their financial support pledges before our HYPERdrive ends. 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. 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 enter your annual pledge in the giving menu (which can even allow you to use automatic monthly payments). Are you new to the ways of the Fellowship? One of our young apprentices prepared a video that helps explain how our annual pledge drive supports us: MUUF Pledge Drive 2025 video If you have already submitted your pledge – our Alliance  truly  thanks you for your generosity, and invite you to our “ May the 4th be with you ” luncheon after service celebration for members and friends that have supported us this year through pledging. May the Fellowship be with you! Tim Davis Stewardship Trustee-at-Large padawan

UU THE STATEHOUSE: DAY OF LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY EDUCATION – Monday, May 5.  This day was created for those who may want to meet with legislators to discuss their concerns but may not feel comfortable doing so.  The group will assemble at or near the statehouse to learn how to do legislative advocacy, meet a member of the legislature, have lunch together, then attend a committee meeting.  I will post the link as soon as it is released – or you can see me April 27 during coffee hour if you are interested. ANNUAL MEETING ON MAY 31 to be held at UU Congregation at Washington Crossing.   This meeting will be hybrid.  The morning session will be the regular annual business meeting.  After the lunch break each task force will speak about their prioritized issues for the coming year and how they intersect.  As this is a major election year for NJ, all NJ UUs are encouraged to attend.  More information will be posted as it is released. FRIDAY ACTION HOUR – The next Friday Action Hour will be on April 18 at Noon.  As usual actions can be done at your leisure anytime after the docs are updated at Noon.  Additional details are available at bit.ly/1st-Fridays TRANSFORMING HEARTS COLLECTIVE TRAINING ON HOW TO BE AN ALLY TO THE LGBT+ COMMUNITY WITH AN EMPHASIS ON TRANS ISSUES.   This program consists of a series of webinars and discussions.  Planning is ongoing.  More information should be forthcoming shortly.  Will post when released. RALLY AT PHILADELPHIA FEDERAL COURT MAY 1 AGAINST CORE CIVIC – CoreCivic is challenging NJ state law prohibiting ICE detention centers in the Court of Appeals.  If you are interested in attending contact Charles at charles@uufaithaction.org TASK FORCES – At the present time there are four task forces: Environmental Justice, Criminal Justice, Reproductive Justice, and Immigration Justice.  Reps will be at coffee hour on April 27 to answer questions.

On Friday, April 4, 2025, a group of UUs and friends gathered to take a stance on the following issues: The effect of federal funding cuts to SNAP (food stamps) and CER (school meals) on NJ The codification of the Immigrant Trust Act, which is being stonewalled by NJ legislative leaders, needed to protect immigrants’ privacy rights. The protection of our civil rights to gather in protest. UUFANJ in conjunction with members of our coalition are urging Governor Murphy to conditionally veto the “inciting public brawl legislation”. If you want to add your voice, it is not too late to participate. Join us on the First Friday of the month OTHER: Option Green: “Sustainability Basics in the Home Through Solid Waste Management, Recycling, & Getting Food Smart” 4/16/2025 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM. For more information and to register go to O ption Green: Sustainability Basics in the Home (Hybrid) | East Brunswick Public Library An Immigration Education Event featuring Activist Ravi Ragbir at UU Montclair on April 19, 4-7 PM. Event is hybrid. UU the Statehouse – Legislative advocacy training at the State House Annex in Trenton. On May 5, 2025. More information to follow. LAST BUT NOT LEAST A REMINDER – UUFANJ ANNUAL MEETING on May 31, 2025, at Washington Crossing UU Congregation. Morning will be business meeting. Afternoon will be dedicated to the work of the task forces. Event will be hybrid. More information to follow.