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 Karon Sandberg shares her journey on a Global Justice Trip to Guatemala and how, even in the midst of crippling oppression, hope and peace are found in the divine spirit of the children. Karon is in Seminary preparing for the Unitarian Universalist ministry and is being sponsored by the Fellowship.
 Karon Sandberg
 A look at the amazing perseverance and resilience of "hope." Is it the same as optimism? Where does it come from and why is it so important?
 Rev. Dottie Mathews
 What’s on your mind? Are there questions you have about the spiritual journey, theology, ethics, the Fellowship, life in general, or a thousand other things? This is your chance to ask! Your questions will be the focus of my sermon. Bring them on!
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 Each year the Fellowship joins many Unitarian Universalist congregations around the world in celebrating the Flower Communion.
 Revs.Bertchausen & Mathews
 When soldiers go off to war, they leave behind loved ones. Their experience on the home front is challenging in different ways from the soldiers on the battlefield. We’ll hear a panel of members who will share their personal experiences on the home front. The service will also include music performed by Doug Wheeler.
 FVUUF Panel of Members
file icon Coming of Age 05/16/2009
 This service is the culminating event of the year-long Coming of Age program. Come and hear our youth share about the program and share their credos. A credo is a belief statement—the Latin root means that which you give your heart to. This is always a very moving and inspiring service.
 FVUUF Coming of Age Youth
 In recent months we’ve been exploring the idea and are finding a lot of enthusiasm from our Oshkosh members and friends. A strategic planning team has come up with a proposal for moving toward having a satellite in Oshkosh. This is a significant undertaking not just for our members and friends in Oshkosh but for our whole Fellowship. So whether you live in Oshkosh or Appleton or Hortonville or wherever, the subject of this sermon will be important.
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 Many folks have asked some variation of this question: "I am so glad I've found Unitarian Universalism - I love it! But can you help me find the right words to explain it to others?" In this service, we will talk about what we believe, and how to express it to family, friends and acquaintances.
 Rev. Dottie Mathews
 In his just-released book Making the Good Life Last Michael Schuler argues that sustainability must become a major consideration as we ponder the future, not only of the natural environment, but of our families, finances, communities, and individual physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In a culture which encourages the pursuit of evanescent "good times" we sorely need a strategy that delivers more lasting benefits. Michael believes that by applying four simple "keys", we are better able to make the good life last. A graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, Michael Schuler also holds a Ph.D. in the Humanities and has served the 1500-member First Unitarian Society of Madison for the past twenty-one years. The Rev. Schuler is the Parish Minister of the First Unitarian Society of Madison, the largest UU congregation in the nation.
 Rev. Michael A. Schuler
file icon Spiritual Courage 04/19/2009
 Reverend Roger Bertchausen discusses the meaning of courage with respect to spirituality.
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
Premiering in 1913, Igor Stravinsky’s ballet “The Rite of Spring” is one of the most significant masterpieces of the twentieth century. Because of its adventurous departures from the musical norms of the time and its inclusion of pagan themes, the premiere in Paris was so controversial that the audience rioted. I will use the music and the remarkable story of the ballet’s debut as a jumping off point for a brief consideration of spring and Easter.
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 This will be a reprise of the sermon I did for our newly dedicated partner church in Deva, Transylvania, last November. The sermon is an exploration of how to love one another within a congregation and beyond our walls as we contemplate our ten-year-old partnership with our Deva brothers and sisters.
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 So often we struggle to know how to be most helpful when friends and loved ones are enduring life difficulties. This sermon will explore ways we can listen with a compassionate heart.
 Rev. Dottie Mathews
 The Rev. Gibbons is the Senior Minister of First Unitarian Church in Minneapolis and is widely considered to be one of the most outstanding preachers in our UU Association. Through her extensive publications as well as her preaching, she is a leading voice for religious humanism within the UUA.
 Rev. Kendyl Gibbons
 The publication in 2007 of Mother Teresa's private writings revealed a woman who was often tormented by doubt and even utter desolation. Her heartfelt expression of doubt is a jumping off point for us to contemplate the place of doubt in the spiritual journey.
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 In this joint message, Roger and Dottie will celebrate some of the many steps that have brought us to this point in our vibrant community's life – and offer glimpses of the vistas awaiting as we continue our steady, happy, and determined forward movement.
 Revs. Roger Bertchausen and Dottie Mathews
 This sermon will explore the current state of the American criminal justice system. Topics I'll cover include the explosion in prison population, the criminalization of drugs, the increasing focus on victims’ rights, and the death penalty. What could be done to improve our system of justice? What guidance do our Unitarian Universalist principles offer as we envision a more ethical and effective criminal justice system?
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 The prison at Guantanamo, the treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib and other such prisons, warrantless wiretapping, extraordinary rendition: these responses to 9/11 have in my view profoundly threatened some of the basic principles that govern our justice system. Why were these policies adopted? What has been their impact on avoiding further terrorist attacks, the perception of our nation in the world, and the American view of justice? And what should be done now about these policies as a new administration comes into place?
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 Atonement is a powerful spiritual response to causing harm to others. With reference to the contemporary novel and movie version of Atonement, I will explore atonement as a spiritual path that is potentially available to all of us.
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 Causing harm to others is unfortunately a basic part of being human. We have all caused harm. So what do we do when we inevitably cause harm to another person, or someone else causes us harm? A common response has been punishment. In addition to exploring the history of crime and punishment, I'll delve into the purpose of punishment and what "good" -- that is, ethical and effective -- punishment might look like.
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 The day after this weekend our nation will once again celebrate the life and work of the man who did so much to further the great task of freedom and justice begun in the Civil War: the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The following day the first African American president of the United States will be inaugurated. And then a few weeks later we’ll celebrate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. This feels like an opportune time to think about Lincoln and why his story and words and accomplishments and failures still have such a powerful impact.
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 If I were to ask any of you if you would like to be considered "ordinary" by your peers, I imagine that most of you would emphatically say, "Absolutely not!" Who would want to be known for their ordinariness?
 Rev. Dottie Mathews
file icon My God 12/07/2008
 Last year I focused some attention on theology—and especially on liberation theology and process theology. In this sermon I will share my own understanding of God.
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 The question of how one finds happiness in life has long fascinated - and plagued - humankind. How do "United Statesians" (as my son likes to call us) rank when compared to others? After all, this pursuit is one of our inalienable rights according to the Declaration of Independence!
 Rev. Dottie Mathews
 Bill Maher's movie Religulous and recent books by Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins have taken aim at the idea of God and religion in general. I will attempt to defend the possibility of God and the possibility of religion's goodness against these withering attacks.
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
file icon Chalice & Flame 11/09/2008
 When UU congregations gather, we often begin by lighting a chalice. What might this mean for us together? What can it symbolize for you? The unpredictable dance of the spirit supported upon a base of reason? The light of individual freedom held up for the world by a solid caring community?
 Rev. Paul Beckel
 So, how does one begin to dive into the philosophies and practices of Buddhism in this life? Well, here's a riddle that I'm sure will clear it all up for you: What does a person have to do to become a Buddhist? Answer: absolutely nothing.
 Jennifer Straight
 How many times have you read or heard a version of this statement: Marriage is a sacred institution, ordained of God from before the foundation of the world? This message will explore the history of marriage as a both a civil and religious rite -- and how it has changed over the years.
 Rev. Dottie Mathews
 Alison Hurwitz, a 1997 graduate of Lawrence University, discovered UU in her college years. She helped to organize a campus outreach program, inviting members of the FVUUF to campus for monthly discussions. She volunteered (with her now husband, Charlie Holst) as a coming of age mentor twice, and was the youngest mentor then on record. The impact of her immersion in the UU community empowered her and helped shape her choices as she entered her post-college years. As she began a career as a professional dancer and teacher in San Francisco, she incorporated her UU experiences into her life's work, organizing dance shows to support homeless shelters, local charities, and outreach programs. She believes strongly in the healing power of dance, and the bonds it can create between diverse individuals. Married in 2000 to her LU sweetheart, Charlie Holst, they are now expecting their first child. She is thrilled to be able to share her experiences as present LU students work with FVUUF member to create two new UU campus ministry programs.
 Alison Hurwitz
 Because of the candidates, this presidential election is shining a spotlight on where we are as a culture regarding racism, sexism, and ageism. This will be the focus of my election sermon. In the tradition of nineteenth century Unitarianism, this sermon will be a non-partisan exploration of some of the deeper issues in this election cycle.
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 Do you have a vision for your life? Where do we look for our vision? Carl Jung wrote, "Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens." Let’s look inside our own hearts, and into the heart of our congregation today as FVUUF celebrates the installation of The Rev. Dottie Mathews as Associate Minister, and the vision she brings to our shared life. The Rev. Suzelle Lynch has served as minister to Unitarian Universalist Church West in Brookfield, Wisconsin since 2003. She previously served as minister to the Kitsap UU Fellowship in Washington State, and is a lifelong UU.
 Rev. Suzelle Lynch
 Cyndy Stiehl and Roger Bertschausen team up for another sermon exploring the intersection between music, poetry, and spirituality. This time they turn their attention to the poetry of Walt Whitman and his celebration of the different kinds of human love.
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
  When you read anything Rachel Carson authored, you know she was remarkably skilled at conveying her fascination with the magic of all life forms. Both scientist and writer, Rachel Carson is credited with bringing the environmental movement into being. Come learn more about this humble person whose tenacity and intellect make her one of Rev. Dottie's favorite heroes.
 Rev. Dottie Mathews
It is a matter of faith for me that community is a necessary part of a healthy and whole spiritual life. Spirituality isn’t limited to community or congregation—it can very powerfully be experienced, for example, alone in nature. But I believe our spiritual lives — and our lives in general — are incomplete without being grounded in a community.
 A summer of inflation, rising gas prices, apparently quickening global warming impact, food shortages and riots, a war between Russia and Georgia and the return of some of the old Cold War angst, and a gunman opening fire in a UU service. Is the world going to hell? How can we make sense out of all of this?
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 Some of the most moving spiritual music I’ve ever heard comes from the women’s vocal group Sweet Honey in the Rock. Steeped in the gospel and spiritual traditions of the African-American church, Sweet Honey in the Rock’s music addresses the deepest spiritual questions
The music in the sermon can be found at www.sweethoney.com
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 Our creedless faith has no requirement for us to set apart one day as holier than another - and yet we come together again and again to experience and celebrate our community. What is the spark of life that brings us here week after week? What is it we are seeking?
 Rev. Dottie Mathews
file icon The Zen of Dogs 08/10/2008
 Come one and all for this most unusual and lively service: dogs, rats, humans, cats, fish, birds, snakes, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and many more species are all welcome! The service gives us a chance to celebrate the non-human animals in our lives, and to introduce them to our Fellowship friends! The service is also for all ages—there will be no children’s program at either service, though nursery care as always will be available at both. The theme will be lessons on being that we can learn from our canine friends. This will be the first of a two-part series: Next year’s Pet Sunday sermon will focus on the Tao of Cats.
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 Religion may provide guidebooks, but none of them prepare us for the journey. A vacation with one's eyes locked in the index of the travel guide promises little enthusiasm and less enlightenment. So how shall we be mindful, move toward spiritual growth, and facilitate healing? How shall we greet and join our fellow pilgrims? It will likely occur though the intercession of GOD - the Good Orderly Direction upon which AA is built. Guides for that Direction appear also in the more salutary forms of spiritual practice as delineated by psychological research, and within the sacred directions upon the Earth and Sky. This presentation will pull together strands of 12-Step philosophy for change, the research of psychologists such as Ken Pargament, and the wisdom of the Medicine Wheel.
 Mark Marnocha
 Hospice Chaplain Karon Sandberg explores the universal connection we experience when we are truly listening to one another.
 Karon Sandberg
 The Project Promise Poverty Coalition has the bold goal of eliminating poverty in the Fox Valley. Several leaders of the Coalition will share the history of Project Promise, the Coalition’s mission and structure, and how people can get involved to end poverty in the Fox Valley.
 Debra Cronmiller
 B Alford and Erik Leveille explore how Music, Poetry, particularly by Rumi, and Nature help them make sense of the world and be able to live more authentically and connected to a compassionate heart. B has been a singer songwriter since the age of thirteen. Erik plays violin with the Fox Valley Symphony and numerous other regional symphonies.
 B Alford / Erik Leveille
 Approximately 70 FVUUF members and friends are finding deeper connections in our community and exploring their spiritual journeys through their Covenant Group. Find out how this is happening as some Covenant Group members share their experience and discover if this may be an option in your life.
 Our Covenant Groups
 What’s on your mind? Are there questions you have about the spiritual journey, theology, ethics, the Fellowship, life in general, or a thousand other things? This is your chance to ask! Your questions will be the focus of my sermon. Because I won’t see your questions in advance, spontaneity rather than well thought-out answers are the order of the day. It’s a lot of fun! So, come with your questions!!
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 Remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country is particularly important—and complicated—in the midst of an unpopular war. In this sermon I will honor Memorial Day by reflecting on the challenges of remembering.
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 This weekend culminates with our Annual Meeting and special congregational meeting to consider calling Dottie. This feels like a good weekend to talk about where the Fellowship is heading as well as the obstacles in our path. In some ways the sermon will be a State of the Fellowship report, but my focus will really be more on the future than the present
 Rev. Roger Bertchausen
 Maternal nurturing wasn't available for all of us as children. Many of us have been challenged to find that sort of care and support in other relationships long after we've reached adulthood.
 Rev. Dottie Mathews
 This weekend we are blessed to feature three different sermons by two eminent UU ministers. The Rev. Dr. Richard Boeke, a cousin of Fellowship member Lee Boeke Burke and his wife the Rev. Johanna ("Jopie") Boeke will be our guest preachers.

Jopie, who was born in the Netherlands, has served as President of the International Association for Liberal Religious Women.
 Rev. Johanna Boeke
 Unitarianism: The Oneness Church. This weekend we are blessed to feature three different sermons by two eminent UU ministers. The Rev. Dr. Richard Boeke, a cousin of Fellowship member Lee Boeke Burke and his wife the Rev. Johanna ("Jopie") Boeke will be our guest preachers. It is not an overstatement to say that they are two of the most respected and honored UU ministers in the world. Both have been leading lights in strengthening relationships among UUs around the world. For the past twelve years they have served Unitarian congregations in the United Kingdom. Richard is the emeritus minister of the UU Church of Berkeley, California. He is the Vice President of the World Congregation of Faiths and is Moderator of Friends of the International Council of Unitarian Universalists.
 Rev. Dr. Richard Boeke
 The Compassion of Howard Thurman, Mysticism and Social Action.
The Compassion of Howard Thurman, Mysticism and Social Action. Richard is the emeritus minister of the UU Church of Berkeley, California. sermon will be about Howard Thurman, the most important mentor of Martin Luther King, Jr. and an occasional speaker at the UU Church in Berkeley.
 Rev. Dr. Richard Boeke
 Each of us has encountered life experiences that were beyond our control and extremely painful. Such times have the capacity to hobble us – or to deepen us. It is with very good reason that so much artistic expression and theological reflection has been focused on the art of finding a way to reconcile our hearts and these harsh realities.
 Rev. Dottie Mathews
 Each year, we happily anticipate the wit, wisdom and insight that our Senior High youth offer in this reflective and engaging service. Please join us for another amazing annual opportunity to hear their thoughts and astute observations of life from our UU Youth’s perspective!
 FVUUF Youth Group
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