Let’s keep the celebrations going at FUS!  Last weekend was a wonderful celebration of the ministry of Karen Gustafson and this amazing community.

This Saturday we celebrate the Summer Solstice. We will gathering on the West Lawn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a dish to share and join us for many fun activities. You can find out more below.

On Sunday, we’ll be reflecting on the role of animals in our lives. Humans have a complicated relationship with our fellow beings and we’ll take some time to tease that relationship apart, honoring the animals that share our lives and thinking about all we can learn from the feathered, the furry, the tame and the wild. 

If you’re coming on Sunday, consider bringing along a photo or memento of your favorite animal friend or companion for our virtual Blessing of the Animals.

See you at the Meeting House! -- Kelly

This Weekend's Services…

June 16

“Animals Teach Us to be Human”
by Kelly J. Crocker, Minister of Religious Education
Many of us have close connections to the animals in our lives. Some of us consider them family. So it becomes an important act to reflect on the place of animals in our lives and our larger community and acknowledge the myriad roles they play. We will also honor the gifts they offer us. Whether it’s a songbird outside our window that brings a smile or the comfort and peace we receive from our dogs and cats, we are more connected to the other lives on this planet than we may consciously acknowledge. PLEASE bring a photo of an animal or animals that are important in your life with you to the service.

Musically, a harp ensemble of FUS members and other area harpists will play Scottish music arranged by Laura Zaerr.

All Atrium services will be webcast
live at fusmadison.org/webcast

June 23

"Rethinking Humility"
by Melissa Simonson
There is a long-standing religious and cultural history throughout the world that values humility and looks poorly upon pride. It is all too easy to see humility as simply a virtue, and pride as merely a vice. Yet in our fear of appearing boastful, we can begin to hide behind a veil of humility that limits our self-expression and prevents those around us from experiencing our greatest strengths. This service will examine several religious and cultural definitions of what it means to be humble and ultimately, offer up a new definition that leaves plenty of room for all of us to shine.

Musically, soprano Nancy Vedder-Shults will sing Songs of the North by Laura Zaerr with harpist Linda Warren.

June 30

“When Sacrifice Makes Sense”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister

We routinely extol those individuals who make significant sacrifices for a higher purpose – Mother Teresa and Albert Schweitzer, for instance. On the other hand, we routinely condemn suicide bombers as conscienceless fanatics. In anticipation of Independence Day we’ll discuss the role sacrifice has played in people’s lives, past and present.

Musically, mezzo soprano Alyssa Anderson and classical guitarist Joseph Spoelstra will perform the musical offerings.

July 7

“Things I Learned While Walking
Down Sesame Street”
by Kelly J. Crocker, Minister of Religious Education
When was the last time you visited Sesame Street or took a walk in Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood? As a mom of two small boys, these are places I visit regularly. On this day when we celebrate child dedications and our commitment to all children, we will take a look at all the lessons and stories and age old wisdom that can be learned in these places. Even though they are advertised as children’s programming, there is much there to captivate and engage the child in each of us.

Musically, soprano Amber Nicole Dilger and pianist Paul Ester will perform Bob Dylan’s Forever Young" and songs from The Muppets and Sesame Street.

Summer Fun • This week in Summer Fun we will be honoring Father's Day by celebrating the special people in our lives with a top secret project! All children ages 4-12 are welcome to join us at either service. No advanced registration necessary, just please sign in before service begins with Abby Whisler at the Greeter's station. Hope to see you there!

Summer Solstice Festival •
Saturday, June 15 • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join us for a grand celebration of the beginning of summer! Warm summer breezes, kids out of school, picnics, swimming and biking, fresh veggies from the garden, there is much to be thankful for. Here are a few of the things we have planned for our time together:
Activities for Adults and Kids
• Make a flower crown and more…
• Piñata filled with a special solar surprise
• Magician, storyteller and juggler Bob Kann!
• Live Music • Dance the May Pole • Bonfire
Bring a potluck dish to share to create our lunch and a blanket or chair to sit out on the lawn.

Hidden Grief: Pet Loss • Are you grieving over the loss or illness of a pet? Lay Minister Lynn Scoby is available to listen. On June 16, Lynn will be waiting at the round tables in the Atrium Common between services to hear your pet stories, look at your pictures, and generally open the space for sharing your concerns and grief. If your care is pressing, please contact her at (608) 836-5838 or lscoby2@mac.com.

Spirituality with Spirits this Tuesday • This young adult group (18-35+) will meet this Tuesday, June 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the U.W. Memorial Union Terrace to discuss the topic of "Everyday Spirituality." In the event of rain, we'll move inside to Der Rathskeller. Please RSVP to Scott Lothes, lothes@gmail.com, (503)704-2836.

Spiritual Topics Book Group • On Tuesday, June 25, at 7 p.m. in the Gaebler Living Room, Judith Miller will facilitate a discussion of Sacred Ground: Pluralism, Prejudice, and the Promise of America by Eboo Patel. Patel will be the 2013 Ware Lecturer at General Assembly In Louisville. And to get a head start on your reading, the July book will be Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander. Please contact Judith Miller, 274-9288 for more info about the group.

Varieties of Spiritual Practice:
An Autumn Retreat
Join Retreat Leaders Rev. Michael & Trina Schuler, and their Papillon Sasha, Lorna Aaronson, and Claire Box at the Beautiful Pilgrim Center on Green Lake, October 4-6, 2013. Registration is now open. To register on-line: fusmadison.org/ae-classes or contact Deb Mies at 233-9774, ext. 114. Contact Trina at Trinass@gmail.com for questions about the retreat.

First Meeting for Chalice Prayer Group • Would you like to explore prayer through a chalice group? A small group is forming and will have a first meeting on Friday, June 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Gaebler Living Room. We welcome all that have interest. If you have questions, contact Deb Mies at debramies@charter.net.

Art in the Wright Place • We’re currently accepting applications to exhibit at our November 24 artfair, "Art in the Wright Place." This annual event is a fundraiser for our Children’s Religious Education program and features many wonderful FUS and area artists. You can register at /artreg. If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Ross at /DRE. Spread the word! We’re hoping to have space for additional artists this year.

Child Dedications to
be held Sunday, July 7
A child dedication is a uniquely Unitarian Universalist naming ceremony which offers parents the opportunity to have their child blessed by our congregation, their family, and our ministers. During this time, our congregation commits to help the child grow in ways of love, truth, justice, and peace. The next opportunity to have your child dedicated at FUS is Sunday, July 7, at either the 9 or 11 a.m. service. If you are interested, please contact Rev. Kelly at 233-9774, ext. 112 or /ministerRE.

Mindful Man:
Cultivating Radical Contentment

A day of meditation and reflection for men from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 10. It will be taught by Dave Creswell from FUS and by David Haskin, the founder of Mindful Man and an experienced leader of men’s work over many years. This retreat/workshop is designed for beginners to meditation as well as those with experience. We will be exploring the cultivation of contentment less dependent on outside conditions, and more conducive to wise decisions in our lives. There is no fee. Those with interest can contact Dave Creswell at davecres@charter.net or 238-1234.