Winter 2023
Why a Journal
By Rev. Joel Miller, Interim Minister
Welcome to our first issue of the Fellowship Quarterly! We’re using a journal format for topics and issues better communicated in longer articles and a format more comfortable for reading. Examples of the articles in this first issue of the Quarterly include one from Rev. Joel on forming the Ministerial Search Committee, one from Nick Wallwork on the importance of the OWL curricula in UU congregations, and an update from the Deeper Roots Wider Wings campaign that includes the latest on the planned new wing
The Fellowship Quarterly is available both in print and online. We hope you will feel well informed in a time when the Fellowship is so remarkably busy.
How the Search for a Minister Works in UU Congregations
By Rev. Joel Miller, Interim Minister
The Morristown UU Fellowship begins it search for its next “called” minister next Summer after it has selected a Ministerial Search Committee. In preparation for the search, the congregation must select the members of its Ministerial Search Committee.
The Importance of Our Whole Lives and Comprehensive Sexuality Education
By Nick Wallwork
Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a comprehensive sexuality education program designed by the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ to provide accurate, developmentally appropriate information about sexual health, identity, and relationships. OWL helps people make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health, behavior, and relationships throughout their lives.
Why Interim Ministry?
By Rev. Joel Miller, Interim Minister
Interim Ministry became a specialty after ministers and congregations realized that when a settled ministry ends, the next minister will most likely be either 1) an intentional interim, or 2) an unintentional interim. It just takes time for a congregation to adjust to its changes.
Taste makes waste: How to reduce food waste at home
By Ellen Wilklowe, Green Earth Ministry Committee
The science experiment lurking in the back of your refrigerator is identifiable only by Chinese food take-out cartons, that stalk of now-limp celery in the crisper, or the block of overaged cheese sporting a fine, green mold. All contribute to the 119 billion pounds of food waste per year in the U.S., with about 39 percent of said waste generated from our homes.
What is The Network and Why Should I Care?
By Hazel Bell, Trustee, Administration
A network is a group or a system of interconnected people or things that interact to exchange information. Using that definition there are many formal and informal networks at the Fellowship. Networks are important in our personal and professional lives as they help us create long-term mutually beneficial relationships.
Our Endowment Fund: Exciting News!
By Jerry Weinstein, Endowment Chair
The Endowment Fund was created in 1994 to ensure the long-term success of the Fellowship. Since then, members’ gifts and bequests have us well on the way to building a mature fund to realize that goal.
Hospitality
By Carrie Davis, Trustee, Membership
Do you have a little extra time to make a big difference in our weekly coffee hour?.
The Committee on Ministry – Mission Statement
By Paul Snellgrove, Chair COM
The Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Committee on Ministry (COM) has the mission of promoting right relations within the Fellowship and monitoring the congregational and spiritual health of the Fellowship. The Committee works with individuals or groups when they have a concern, problem or complaint, encouraging resolution of the issues by promoting direct and constructive communication with all concerned parties.
Deeper Roots, Wider Wings and Gateways Update
By Franklin Heller, DRWW Co-Chair
There is a lot to report to our community – just pulling into the driveway, glancing at the roof, and walking up the steps into the great hall tells a story of our continuing progress with capital improvements. There is a lot to be grateful for. On February 5, between services, we will celebrate the completion of the ROOF PROJECT. But more is coming, and very soon.
Finance Update
By Harry Harris, Treasurer
These are uncertain times, with inflation and other forces increasing prices (and anxiety!) for many of us. While those same forces impact our Fellowship finances, rest assured that our Finance team has been working hard to keep us on course. We’re happy to provide you this update on our overall budget, our Annual Budget Drive, and our Endowment Fund.