New UU is an orientation class for newcomers and friends of First Unitarian Society, with introductions to Unitarian Universalism and the life of our faith community. Participants will have the opportunity to:

–become acquainted with other interested adults,
–learn about Unitarian Universalism and the organization of FUS,
–explore their own personal beliefs and values,
–discern if they are consonant with Unitarian Universalism,
–and consider next steps to deeper involvement at FUS.

New UU will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 9 am – 11:30 am on-site at FUS in Courtyard Classroom AB (in the Atrium building). Registration is required. A fee of $10 covers materials. Childcare will be available. With any questions, contact Janet at janets@fusmadison.org.

To register, click here.

A spiritual investigation of four iconic characters from American pop culture with FUS member Deb Lawrence and Rebecca Malke, Director of Faith Development at Memorial UCC. Contact janets@fusmadison.org for registration. All are welcome!

We welcome and encourage young adults to join in the ongoing life of the congregation. In addition, there are events throughout the church year geared specifically to this age group. Starting with an open house in the fall, our young adults come together and brainstorm ideas and experiences for the upcoming program year. Young adult events are announced in the Red Floors.

Have an idea for an event? Want to get more involved? Contact Janet Swanson.

Several years ago, FUS established an outreach ministry at Oakwood Village West where many of our older members have settled. These members are some of our most enthusiastic lifelong learners and committed volunteers. Our ministers and Director of Membership and Adult Spiritual Programs facilitate a monthly program at Oakwood West. Members, as well as non-members, living at Oakwood or elsewhere in the Madison area are welcome to attend.

Our ministers and lay ministers are also available to address the pastoral care needs of elders in our community. You may call upon them at any time, particularly during times of hospitalization, transition to a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility, or any time you are facing difficulties.

Please contact layministry@fusmadison.org for more information.

Japanese Crane Meditation is a gentle standing set of movements performed with a quiet musical background. It is appropriate for a wide range of ages and abilities.

This group is currently full. We hope to open more opportunities in the future.

“Insight” or Vipassana meditation originates in the Theravada tradition of Buddhism and uses techniques accessible to Western practitioners. Sunday evening meditation sessions are scheduled from 6–8 pm throughout the year. An introductory session is held on the second Sunday of each month. Periods of sitting meditation last 45 minutes; walking meditation, and discussion are also included during our evening sessions. More extended periods of practice are scheduled for occasional Saturday mornings throughout the year.

Contact Lori and Dave Creswell at 608-238-1234.

The pain of losing a partner, parent, child, or other loved one can be profound. It often helps to talk and share with others in a warm, supportive, and confidential environment. Learning and hearing of others experiences and sharing your own has been shown to be restorative. This group meets throughout the year on the first Saturday of the month from 10–11:30 am.

For more information contact Rev. Kelly Crocker at kellyc@fusmadison.org.

Caring for someone with a terminal or chronic illness can be depleting. When a person gives most of their time and life-energy to the care of another’s well-being, their own sense of self can become diminished. Join us on the third Saturday of every month at 10 am as we provide companionship, comfort, and the opportunity to reframe our stories as experiences of learning and expansion.

For more information contact Karen Rose Gredler at rosekat777@yahoo.com.

This program provides knitted, crocheted, or quilted items of comfort for those experiencing challenging life experiences such as illness, hospitalization, and loss. They also provide blankets for child dedications.

For more information contact Dorit Bergen at elanor3560@att.net or 608-238-1773, or Lorna Aaronson at lorna464@gmail.com or 608-255-0296.

This group meets to discuss important topics in their lives. They meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month from 7:30–9 pm. Facilitator: Gordon Olson at olson99gl@gmail.com.

Meets second Friday of the month from 2–7 pm.

Meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 pm. Facilitator: Ken Gage at 608-230-5068

Meets weekly on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm. Facilitator: Amy Noble at amywnoble@gmail.com.

If you’ve enjoyed a worship service at FUS, you’ve got our volunteers to thank! Greeters, ushers, and hospitality volunteers help ensure a seamless and comfortable worship space. Please click here to visit our Saturday volunteer page, or click here to visit our Sunday volunteer page.

• Choir Members: each singer in our choir is a volunteer, and you are invited to join us! Email drewc@fusmadison.org for adult choirs and thorpeh2@gmail.com for children’s and youth choirs.
• Music Librarians: typically (but not necessarily!) members of one of the adult choirs. Email drewc@fusmadison.org to inquire.
• Musicians: our String Band, Chime Choir, and Solstice Harp Ensemble are made up of volunteer musicians. Email lindaw@fusmadison.org to get involved.
• Soloists and Instrumentalists: We often feature solo singers and instrumentalists to augment the worship experience. Email drewc@fusmadison.org if you’re interested.
• Event Assistants: The Friday Noon Musicale, FUS’s distinguished recital series, needs volunteers to assist the music director in putting on the weekly event. Email drewc@fusmadison.org.

Established in the 1970s, the Friends of the Meeting House is an organization affiliated with FUS. Every year, this organization hosts thousands of visitors through a guided tour of our Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Landmark Meeting House. The Friends provide education on the architectural significance of our building and help raise funds for its preservation. If you would like to meet interesting people from around the world and share our story, consider becoming a guide. Training is provided.

Contact Rose Detmer at rdetmer@charter.net.

Learn more about the Friends at www.unitarianmeetinghouse.org.

Wonder about what goes on at FUS during the week? Our front desk volunteers greet visitors, answer phones, and assist staff with light tasks. Build a schedule that fits your lifestyle. Typical shifts are 9 am to 12:30 pm or 12:30 pm to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Training is offered.

Join the crew on Thursday mornings from 9 to 11 am. Volunteers weed, prune, plant, rake and mulch the FUS grounds during the spring through fall months. Special clean-up projects will be announced through the Red Floors.

To confirm dates and projects, contact Chuck Evenson at cgevenson@yahoo.com or call 608-833-5991.

For over thirty years, FUS members have enjoyed a special weekend of cross-country skiing, sledding, and skating. The accommodations are rustic, and the fellowship is fabulous. Open to individuals and families, the retreat is typically held in February at Trees for Tomorrow in Eagle River, WI. Registration information will be available in the Red Floors.

For questions, contact Mary Savage at marypsavage@att.net or 608-233-6129.

Learn more about the retreat center at www.treesfortomorrow.com.

During our Saturday worship season, we hold a potluck most months after worship. Please provide a generous dish, crock pot, basket, or plate of your favorite recipe to share with others. You can bring your dish to the Commons kitchen before the Saturday service or before the 6 pm dinner bell. When you arrive, you will be asked to label your dish (please include allergens). All are invited to attend.

For questions, contact Janet Swanson at janets@fusmadison.org.