Dennis Maurer will lead the MUUF Buddhist Sangha’s Insight Meditation Retreat in Chu Family Hall on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (A morning half-day option is available.) Beginners and experienced meditators alike are welcome! Dennis Maurer has been practicing meditation and yoga since 1972. He lived and practiced and taught as a monk at the Integral Yoga Institute for eight years. He began practicing and studying Insight Meditation in 2000. His teachers include Narayan Liebenson and Michael Grady. He has been teaching in the Insight tradition since 2006 and is the guiding teacher of the Insight Meditation Community of New Jersey . Insight meditation (“vipassana” in Pali), is the simple and direct practice of moment-to-moment mindfulness. Through careful and sustained observation, we experience for ourselves the ever-changing flow of the mind/body process. This awareness leads us to accept more fully the pleasure and pain, fear and joy, sadness and happiness that life inevitably brings. As insight deepens, we develop greater equanimity and peace In the face of change, wisdom and compassion increasingly become the guiding principles of our lives. The retreat will provide an opportunity for extended silent group practice, with both sitting and walking meditation. Please bring your own lunch; water and green tea will be available throughout the day. You may bring your own sitting equipment (cushions etc.), or use the chairs and cushions provided in the Hall. For more information, please contact Amy Cartwright and Lisa Hatala at meditation@muuf.org .

Life moves fast, and we know it’s easy to miss what’s happening at MUUF. Whether you want to stay in the loop about our Sunday services, upcoming events, or every article we publish, we’ve got you covered with email updates tailored to how you like to stay informed. Here’s what you can choose from: 1. Sunday Updates  – Start your week with a little inspiration! Each Sunday, you’ll receive an email highlighting that day’s service, including the sermon topic, readings, and any special announcements. Perfect for planning your Sunday visit or reflecting at home. 2. Weekly Events Update  – Fridays are for planning ahead! This email gives you a simple, clear rundown of all events happening at MUUF in the coming week. From gatherings and classes to volunteer opportunities, you’ll know what’s happening before the weekend even starts. 3. Daily Updates  – For those who like to be in the know every day, this email delivers all the articles and news posted the previous day directly to your inbox. Stay connected with our community, stories, and reflections with just one click each morning. No matter which option you choose—or even if you want them all—you can always find the most up-to-date information on our website at muuf.org/news . Signing up is easy and free. Pick the emails that work best for you, and let us help you stay connected, inspired, and engaged with MUUF. Sign Up for Updates

Hi everyone! We noticed a hearing assist receiver went missing after our Sunday Service on September 21st. We waited a few weeks to see if it was returned, but it still hasn't been, so this is just a little reminder that if you use our hearing assist system, please check your purse or pockets to see if you may have accidentally taken it home with you! These receivers are relatively expensive so it's difficult to replace missing ones. If you did take it home, no worries, just please return it at your earliest convenience! They are roughly the size of a flip phone and look like the image below.

Do you recognize what is in this photo? It's just one of the many exciting "fix up" tasks we hope to do on our Fall work day! Join us to lend a hand & support our building upkeep. If you believe “Love is the spirit of the Fellowship and Service is its law ….” we have just the thing for you - a chance to put your good intentions to work! Join the facilities team on Saturday October 18th for the annual fall work day from 9 AM to 1 PM (pizza will be served for lunch around noon). There are tasks appropriate for every level of skill, age and enthusiasm. All of the necessary supplies and tools will be provided. Click this link for a complete list of projects. And if you haven't figured it out yet - the photo is of our basement heat ducts. The basement heat ducts are insulated to save energy but the old tape is coming undone. We could use a couple volunteers to tape new aluminum metallic tape to fix the seams that are failing. We supply the tape - and this task will require the use of a ladder.

Are you ready to declutter your home and uncover some hidden treasures? We invite you to our FREE Community Swap! This event is not just about exchanging items; it’s about building connections, supporting sustainability, and enjoying time with your neighbors. Whether you have clothes, books, toys, or household items to share, this is your chance to give them a new life while finding something special for yourself. What is a Community Swap? A Community Swap is a lively event where members of our community gather to exchange items they no longer need. It’s a fantastic way to cut down on waste, promote recycling, and save money. Did you know that, according to the EPA, about 30% of what we throw away is still usable? Instead of discarding items that could be valuable to someone else, bring them to the swap and trade them for something you will love. Plus, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and strengthen our community bonds! How Does It Work? Joining the Community Swap is easy! Here’s how you can participate: Gather Your Items : Look around your home for items you no longer use or need. Please ensure they are in good condition. For example, if you have gently used shoes that are taking up space, this is your chance to swap it for that kitchen gadget you’ve always wanted. Join Us on Event Day : Bring your items to the designated location on the day of the event. Don’t worry if you don’t have anything to swap; everyone is welcome to browse and take home items for free! Swap and Share : Once you arrive, browse through the items brought by others. If you see something you like, feel free to take it home! Spread the Word : We encourage you to invite your friends and neighbors. The more people who join, the more exciting items we will have to exchange! Challenge to Our Members We believe our community is stronger when we come together. We challenge all members to reach out to the wider community and invite new faces to join us for this event. Share the excitement with your friends, post flyers in local shops, or talk to your neighbors about the swap. A more diverse group means a wider variety of unique items to exchange! Why You Should Attend Participating in the Community Swap goes beyond exchanging items; it’s about being part of a collective spirit. You will have a chance to: Meet New People : Forge connections with fellow community members and make new friends. Studies show that building social connections can boost happiness and well-being. Discover Unique Items : You never know what valuable treasures you might find! Past swaps have featured vintage clothing and rare books. Promote Sustainability : By participating, you help reduce waste. Remember, one person's unwanted item could be another's new favorite! Have Fun : Enjoy a day filled with laughter, conversation, and a sense of community. Don’t Miss Out! We can't wait to see you at our FREE Community Swap! Bring your items, invite your friends, and let’s make this event one to remember. Together, we can foster a vibrant community atmosphere while promoting sustainability and connection. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and prepare for a day filled with fun and discovery. Let’s swap our way to a better community!

It has been a sad several months, as a few of our Morristown UU members and friends have passed away. We hold their loved ones in our hearts. In the coming weeks, we will have opportunities to say our goodbyes to three cherished members of our community who recently passed away. Please mark your calendars for the following dates:

Please join us at the Service Auction Kickoff Party on Sat., Nov. 8th, 5 to 8 pm for a fun evening of great food and drink, and the return of the live auction! And checkout the many fantastic offerings at silent auction! Click here to purchase your tickets online! Need Help/Questions? Contact serviceauction@muuf.org And for all your Service Auction links, instructions, etc., go to our Service Auction Page .

Dennis Maurer will lead the MUUF Buddhist Sangha’s first Fall Insight Meditation Retreat in Chu Family Hall on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (A morning half-day option is available.) Beginners and experienced meditators alike are welcome! Dennis has practiced, studied and taught meditation since 1973. His guiding teacher is Narayan Liebenson of the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center in Cambridge MA. Please bring your own lunch; water and green tea will be available throughout the day. You may bring your own sitting equipment (cushions etc.), or use the chairs and cushions provided in the Hall. This retreat will provide an opportunity for extended silent group practice, with both sitting and walking meditation. We will conclude our silence at the end of the day with time to acknowledge our community and interconnection, to share our experiences, and to reflect on integrating mindfulness into our lives. For more information, please contact Amy Cartwright and Lisa Hatala at meditation@muuf.org .

Start getting your creative juices flowing for how you want to decorate your car. Don't want to decorate a car? No problem! There are plenty of ways to join in the fun! Stay tuned for more information about the Trunk or Treat on October 26, 2025, at 1:00. In the meantime, if you have questions or would like to offer help, don't hesitate to get in touch with Carrie at carriedavis@muuf.org .

Are you ready to have fun while making a difference? Join us for a series of exciting fundraisers that promise to unite our community and support the work we do at the Fellowship! From delicious food events to lively concerts, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendars and prepare to join us at the Morristown UU for these fantastic gatherings! Chili Cook-off and Feast Calling all culinary enthusiasts! On October 18, 2025 , from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM , join us for our Chili Cook-off and Feast ! This family-friendly event welcomes you to showcase your cooking skills in a lively and friendly competition. Bring your family and friends for a fun night that includes additional activities like pumpkin painting  for the kids. Prizes will also be awarded for the best chili, creating a sense of friendly rivalry! This is an excellent chance to connect with neighbors while enjoying hearty meals and celebrating the season. Don’t miss out on this delicious and engaging event! Service Auction 2025 Kick-Off Party Join us on November 8, 2025 , from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for the Service Auction 2025 Kick-Off Party ! This year’s theme, "UU Light Up My Life," focuses on community spirit and engagement. Expect a vibrant atmosphere featuring a live and silent auction , mouthwatering dishes inspired by global festivals, and lively music that will get you dancing. Families will love that we are offering free childcare to ensure everyone can join the fun! Don’t forget to RSVP through our online form to secure your spot. Stearns Matthews in Concert On November 15, 2025 , from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM , we will host Stearns Matthews in Concert ! This benefit concert is more than just great music; it supports the Mortgage Prevention Fund . Stearns Matthews, a cherished member of our community, will deliver an unforgettable performance that speaks to the heart. With his powerful voice, he brings the stage alive. This concert is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy superb music and support a worthy cause as all proceeds go to helping families in need. Be sure to grab your tickets early; this event is expected to sell out! Join the Fun These upcoming fun fundraisers are more than just events; they are chances to bond, engage, and make a positive impact in our community. From the lively atmosphere of the Service Auction to the heartwarming tunes of Stearns Matthews and the delicious flavors of our Chili Cook-off, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We encourage you to participate, invite your friends, and help spread the word! Together, we can make these events a success. Let’s come together to support our community while having a great time! We can’t wait to see you there!

Get ready for a day filled with fun, flavors, and fantastic company! This isn't just any chili contest; it's a celebration of culinary creativity! Bring your best baked goods or that perfect pumpkin to show off your skills 🍲 Chili Category Show us what you've got in the chili category! Whether you whip up a delicious veggie chili or a hearty meat chili (think chicken, beef, or even venison!), we want to taste it all! 🍰 Sweets Category Got a knack for baking? Enter our sweets category with your mouthwatering cookies or a delightful pie that will make everyone's taste buds dance! 🍞 Breads Category For those who love to bake bread, bring your best cornbread or biscuits to the table. We can't wait to see (and taste) your creations! 🎃 Pumpkin Painting & Carving But wait, there's more! We also have a pumpkin painting and carving category. Bring your masterpiece from home, or join in the fun with our mini pumpkins available for kids of all ages to paint on site! 🏆 Prizes & Judging A panel of guest judges will be tasting and selecting the winners, and exciting prizes will be awarded! Plus, we're randomly picking one attendee to be a judge too—could it be you? 🎟️ Tickets & Attendance Tickets are just $25 in advance or $30 at the door. This event is open to the public, so gather your friends and family! You know those culinary stars in your life who love to cook, bake, or carve the most eye-catching pumpkins every Halloween—invite them along! Click this link  to sign up for the contest and choose your category. If you haven't grabbed your tickets yet, now's the time! Spread the word! Copy and send this invite to your friends and family right now! 🥗 Food & Drinks Don't forget, we'll have a delicious salad & toppings bar, along with refreshing apple cider, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages to keep the good times rolling! Ready, set, GO! We can't wait to see you there! 🎉

Check out the 2025 Service Auction page for all that you need! All the links, and more!! Need Help / Questions? Contact us at serviceauction@muuf.org