It began with these words, “We are interested in joining one of two not-so-distant local churches and before long we hope to participate with some of our many local Unitarian friends in the formation of a Morristown Unitarian Fellowship.” That was written by Marshall Deutsch, a chemist, to the Rev. Richard Gibbs of the American Unitarian Association (AUA) on May 11, 1955. Marshall and his wife Judy, both native New Yorkers, had moved to Morristown after living briefly in Detroit. In response to a letter from Deutsch to the AUA, Gibbs on March 14 wrote, inviting the couple to join the Church of the Larger Fellowship. But Deutsch rejected that idea in favor of creating a new organization. The Rev. Munroe Husbands The work kicked off in earnest when the Rev. Munroe Husbands, the pied piper of the Fellowship movement, wrote to Deutsch on July 11 that he would be making a field trip to several states with the goal of organizing more Fellowships. Husbands visited New Jersey to plan and stayed at the Deutsch’s house. By the late fall, plans had been finished and on Oct. 11, 1955, an article appeared in “The Daily Record”, headlined “Unitarianism Talk Topic on Next Tuesday” with a picture of the Husbands and the note for anyone interested to contact Marshall Deutsch of Franklin Village. Deutsch had a well-thought-out publicity plan as in the next day’s edition of the Record, October 12, there was a letter to the editor from Winfield Greenleaf, which noted he had read the article about Husband’s upcoming talk. “The purpose of this meeting, as I understand it, is to discuss the formation of a Unitarian Fellowship in the Morristown area,” Greenleaf wrote. On October 17, Deutsch’s letter was published in the Record noting he had read Greenleaf’s which promoted the thought that Unitarianism was of particular appeal to “engineers, scientists and other professional men of this area”. By the time Husbands made his presentation, there had been three articles about the formation of the Fellowship published in less than a week. Husbands spoke to an audience of 50 to 60 individuals who gathered in the community room of the Morristown Trust Co. His topic “Who Are These Unitarians?” was a theme he used repeatedly over the next few years. No list of attendees was published nor was any text from Husband’s speech reported. But things began happening rapidly. Attendees immediately formed a steering committee aimed at creating a congregation. The committee was chaired by Greenleaf and included Eleanor Mason (listed as Mrs. R.L. Mason in the communications in that era) as secretary; Doris Babson (Mrs. Arthur) membership chair; Robert McCready, treasurer; Gerald Quinlan, religious education chair; R. Marsh Steiding, bylaws and publications chair; Anthony Parella, corresponding secretary; and Deutsch, publicity chair. By mid-December, Deutsch would hand off those duties to John Zieger. The Deutsches were fresh from founding the Morristown Cooperative Nursery School where Marshall chaired the teachers and workshop committee and Judy handled publicity. According to Eleanor Mason’s memoir notes, it was at this school that Judy asked, “If I would like to help found a Unitarian Fellowship”. This was one of the key organizations from whose members were solicited for their possible interest in a Fellowship. Not that the Deutsches weren’t busy elsewhere. Marshall was chair of the educational committee of the Lackawanna subsection of the American Chemical Society and was a Democratic County Committeeman. In interviews in 2015 and 2023, Judy said she had just joined the League of Women Voters, another important source of prospects, and missed the Fellowship meeting because she felt had just joined the LWV and needed to attend its meeting

This Sunday, we’ll gather for our second Small Group Sunday —a wonderful opportunity to experience how small groups nurture connection, reflection, and community . Whether you’ve already signed up or are still thinking about it, we’d love for you to join us and see what makes small groups such a meaningful part of Fellowship life! Our Sunday Small Group  will now meet twice a month , and we encourage participants to attend regularly so each group can grow in trust and depth over time. We’re also kicking off our regular small groups next week , beginning the weeks of October 13  and October 27 , with the following schedule: Monday, 7:00 PM – In Person Wednesday, 7:30 PM – Online Thursday, 7:00 PM – In Person Saturday, 9:30 AM – Hybrid More groups may be added as spaces fill or as new facilitators volunteer—so if you feel called to lead, please let us know! This month’s Small Group Booklet  is available now—get a head start on the readings and reflections. Sign up for a Small Group here Don’t wait—sign up today and find your place in a small group!  These circles of connection are where real relationships are built and spirits are renewed. Come be part of it!

There’s something new shining bright at the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship — and it’s not just the autumn sunshine! Our Fellowship is now powered in part by solar energy , and to celebrate, we’re offering a special Religious Education class on solar power  for children in grades 3–8 . David Horst  will lead this engaging, hands-on session on Saturday, October 19th from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. , during regular RE time. Together, students will explore how the sun’s energy can be captured and turned into clean, renewable power. They’ll even take a close look at our new solar panels  on the Fellowship roof to see this amazing technology in action. Through fun activities and conversation, kids will learn about the science of solar energy , the importance of sustainability , and how Unitarian Universalists express their values by caring for the Earth. This class offers a perfect blend of science, spirituality, and stewardship — and a great way for our young people to see how MUUF is putting our principles into practice for a brighter, greener future.

Want to join us for our fabulous Kickoff Party, but don’t know how? You can sign up on our web page or you can also visit us at the service auction table in Chu Hall during coffee hour, where you can pay cash, check or credit card. Here’s a teaser of a few offerings! More are being added every day! Remember, the deadline to submit your offerings is October 26th! 2nd annual Playdate and Potluck Romantic Picnic Basket for Two Sparkly Brunch Pyramid Mountain Hike Professional Studio Headshot Photos Please checkout our service auction page. Need Help/Questions? Contact serviceauction@muuf.org

Are you new to Morristown UU? Please join us on the stage in Chu Family Hall at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 12th after the service for our monthly Newcomer Welcome gathering. Whether you’re brand new to Morristown UU or have been around for a bit and want to know how to get more involved, this is your chance to learn about the Fellowship and our many activities and connect with other newcomers. We hope to see you there!

As we are living into the Gateways Center, we are discovering the need for volunteers to help keep the facility beautiful! We are looking for some volunteers to come in. when convenient for them, to help out with Table cloth/covering laundering and putting away Ironing of aprons Fingerprint removal from kitchen appliances and countertops Wiping down of inside of refrigerator and other cleaning projects as they arise If you are interested in helping out, please reach out to Diana Hart or Katy Julich ( accounting@muuf.org )

We are excited to announce that the 70th Anniversary Party is scheduled to take place on January 31st! This milestone event promises to be a memorable celebration, honoring decades of achievements and cherished memories. We invite everyone to join in the festivities and contribute to making this occasion truly special. If you are interested in being a part of this grand celebration, we encourage you to sign up and lend your talents and time to the various teams that will help bring this event to life. There are several opportunities available for involvement, including the Party Planning Team, where you can help brainstorm and organize the theme, decorations, and activities that will delight our guests. Additionally, we are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join the Setup Team, responsible for arranging our space, setting up tables and chairs, and ensuring that everything is in place before the festivities begin. Your efforts will be crucial in creating an inviting atmosphere for all attendees. Furthermore, we need volunteers for the Serving Team, who will assist in serving food and beverages during the event, ensuring that everyone has a wonderful experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with guests and contribute to the joyous ambiance of the celebration. Lastly, we are also seeking dedicated individuals for the Cleanup Team, who will help restore the room to its original state after the party concludes. Your hard work will ensure that we leave the space as beautiful as we found it. No matter which team you choose to join, your participation will be invaluable in making the 70th Anniversary Party a resounding success. Sign up today and be part of this historic celebration!

Halloween is almost here, and you know what that means—it’s time for MUUF’s Trunk or Treat!  Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 26, from 2–3 pm , because our parking lot at 21 Normandy Heights Rd in Morristown is about to transform into a festive, family-friendly Halloween hub. We’re talking decorated car trunks, candy, games, face painting, and fun for kids (and adults!) of all ages. Costumes are encouraged, and everyone who comes in costume gets to vote for the Best Decorated Trunk . But here’s the thing: we can’t make it happen without you. That’s right—we’re looking for volunteers to help bring the magic to life! Whether you love crafting, playing games, or just enjoy being part of a community celebration, there’s a way for you to pitch in. Here’s how you can help: Decorate a Trunk:  Be a trunk-or-treat stop! Use your creativity to deck out a car trunk and hand out candy (or another fun giveaway). Make it spooky, silly, or just downright awesome. (For inspiration, check out How to Decorate for Trunk or Treat or 55 Trunk-or-Treat Ideas .) Run a Game or Activity:  Want to keep the little goblins entertained? You can run classics like “Feed the Monster,” “Potion Making,” “Mummy Wrap,” or “Guess How Many.” There’s something for everyone—check out fun ideas on Carnival Savers  and Fun Party Tips . Face Painting or Selfie Station:  Bring your artistic flair or just help kids capture memories with fun Halloween photo ops. Setup or Cleanup:  Not a fan of costumes or glitter? No problem! We need hands to help set up before the event and tidy up afterward. No matter how you choose to volunteer, you’ll be helping create an afternoon full of laughter, costumes, candy, and community. It’s a great way to meet neighbors, have fun, and make some lasting memories. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up to volunteer today and help us make this Trunk or Treat  the best one yet! Whether it’s decorating, running games, or lending a hand behind the scenes, we can’t wait to see you there. 🎃 Let’s make this Halloween at MUUF one for the books!

Meet Our Star Judge: Chef Jesse Jones at the UU “State of Mind” Fair! Get ready for a culinary experience that promises to thrill and inspire! We are excited to announce that Chef Jesse Jones , the celebrated author of  My Life in 40 Feasts , will be one of the distinguished judges at the UU “State of Mind” Fair. Additionally, Chef Jesse is receiving the prestigious 2025 NJRHA Community Impact Award for his remarkable contributions to the culinary world and his unwavering commitment to community service Join us and  Chef Jesse at the UU “State of Mind” Fair! Saturday October 18 th, 6-9 pm, at the new Gateways Center at the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship,       21 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown , NJ 07950 Enter the Chili and More Competition! Its not just chili, bakers! Want to show off your culinary flair? The chili competition at the UU “State of Mind” Fair is your moment to shine! Whether you have a secret recipe passed down through generations or a new twist on a classic, we invite you to register and showcase your skills. If BAKING is your skill, you may enter savory or sweet categories. Feeling creative ,bring your carved or painted pumpkin to compete with other artists. Entering is simple! Sign up online,  https://www.muuf.org/event-details/chili-cook-off-and-feast .Not only do you have the chance to win amazing prizes, but you’ll also gain valuable feedback from Chef Jesse himself. Imagine the thrill of seeing your dish evaluated by a culinary expert! This chance could spark new ideas for your cooking and connect you with fellow food enthusiasts. Tickets are $25  online or $30 at the door.

How much do you know about the New Addition? Are you ready to help with the Campaign? Please fill out the questionnaire found at this link! Quiz-like trivia questions – what do you already know about the elements of the building project? “How do you feel” questions to test our readiness to finish the campaign and Prevent Any Mortgage! “What more do you need to know” questions! “Dreaming” questions to help map out our future! On Sunday, October 19 after Social Hour, Brooke Donaldson and I will open with a short presentation on the history of the Project (and answer the “quiz” questions). Then, experienced facilitators will lead you in small groups to share responses to the “how do you feel” and “are you ready to help” and most of all, flesh out the “dreaming” questions. These responses will all complement your responses to the Open Ques tion #2 (about how to use our enhanced facility). And – please be thinking about what you’d be comfortable volunteering to do to help – there will be signups at the end of the Focus Group program. Our Gateways Center is complete. The outstanding construction loan is due next August. The members approved $8.5M for the Building Project since 2012, of which we have raised about $8.2M - all but $300,000. We have raised $100,000 since last August. But to pay off the loan with no extension or mortgage, we need to get the remaining $300,000 in 11 months! Why the Focus Groups? We raised the $8.2 million or so because, from 2012-2014, we shared information and generated enthusiasm and were powered by the dreams we shared and built together in a series of meetings and focus groups open to all. Many new members were not part of that – and longer-time members may have forgotten some things! These Focus Groups on October 19 – and the questions sent out with this newsletter - are meant to replicate the original focus groups in miniature. Brooke and I will recap our story and answer the questions – and then together, we will consider what the Fellowship has brought and can bring to the Morristown community for the future, especially if we can avoid any debt! Deeper Roots, Wider Wings/Mortgage Prevention Phase Team Shari Loe Chair Paul Ferm, Helene Ferm, Tim Davis

The Fellowship’s Social Justice Council has been meeting regularly and is working on ways to be effective during the current climate in our Country. While there is a large need for organizations such as ours to be active, we are working to set goals that harness our members energy in the following ways; Coordinate a Fellowship Response to neighborhood events like the No Kings Day Rally this Saturday in Morristown. Offer logistic information so members and friends can meet up at an event. Offer training and best practices for attending events while also looking to minimizing risks. Development of a Rapid Response team to mobilize for events. Work closer with organizations within our faith community like UU Faith action NJ Develop deeper relationships with our Social Justice and Community Partners that are outside our faith but align with our values. (Stay tuned for the start of our Food Drive). In the past few weeks, we have worked with the UU Faith Action, The Green Earth Ministry, the Board and Rev Sasha to issue a press release opposing the proposed changes to the EPA Endangerment Finding. We have also created a Gubernatorial Candidate Fact Sheet that we handed out at the Festival at the Green on September 28th. If you are interested in participating in Protests, we encourage you to take the ACLU's Protest Safety, Know Your Rights and De-Escalation Training on October 15 at 7 PM ET. Whether you're marching, rallying, or supporting from the sidelines, you'll learn how to protect yourself, your community, and stand up for your rights. If you would like to be involved in this work, please email us a socialjustice@muuf.org

Newcomers among us sometimes find themselves wondering, “With all that this fellowship has to offer, where should I begin if I want to nurture my spirit and deepen my connection to this community?” If that’s true for you, Starting Point can give you an experience of Unitarian Universalism, not just information about it. Inspired  by the slogan, “deeds not creeds”, we present Unitarian Universalism as a particular way of journeying through the world rather than a set of beliefs to which one assents. The first session focuses on newcomers’ personal spiritual journeys and how those led you to where you are today. The second session turns to the historical journey of Unitarian Universalism and our congregation. From there, the third and fourth sessions move into the shared journey that you and members of our congregation can travel together. We will experience together three fundamental and distinct UU spiritual spiritual practices that make up our UU journey: Listening to one’s deepest self, Opening to life’s gifts, and, Serving needs greater than our own. The Starting Point Class will meet for 4 Monday nights, starting on October 21st, from 7:00 to 8:30pm in Chu Hall. We’re so happy you found the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and hope that you will join us on Monday nights!