Welcome from Marie Murton, Membership Coordinator

I am thrilled you are interested in learning more about the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and Unitarian Universalism. Our Mission Statement is "We work together joyfully to create a welcoming, caring, and diverse community. We support and challenge each other in our mutual search for meaning on life’s journey. We celebrate and act upon our Unitarian Universalist principles to build a better world." If you are looking for a faith community that helps you grow spiritually, without telling you how to do it, this is the community for you.

 

I hope the information below is helpful to you. I look forward to meeting you and helping you learn more about the Fellowship and Unitarian Universalism. If you would like to meet before or after a service, I am happy to do so. Contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 920-731-0849 to set up a time.

 

 

Come As You Are
Please feel free to come as you are most comfortable. Some people come each week dressed up while others are very casual. This “come as you are” atmosphere extends beyond mere clothing, as we welcome all seekers.

Parking
Parking is in the lot in front of our building. There is additional parking in the lot next to our lot behind the office building and on the street. There are designated spaces for those people who are less mobile near our side entrance.

Accessibility
There are handicap accessible doors in the main doors in the front of the building. There are no steps in the building, and all areas are accessible within the building. There are also assistive listening devices and large print hymnals available.

 

Prior to Service
Usually people arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the services. People gather in the lobby as a greeting and socializing area. Membership Committee Welcomers will be available in the lobby prior to and after service to answer questions, and introduce you to others if you wish. There are brochures and information available by the Visitor’s Table. To the right of the Main Hall are the restrooms and also a kitchen where fair trade coffee and tea are served. Everyone is invited to bring their beverage into the Main Hall for the service.

Children’s Religious Education and Care
Children are quite welcome to stay with their parents if that is the family’s preference, but we hope they don’t miss out on the fun and inspiration available in our Religious Education classes. The Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship highly values our vibrant religious education program where all children are welcome to join in the appropriate class or group. Nursery care is offered for children from birth to three years of age in the Beatrix Potter Room located on the left side of the Program Wing. Care is available beginning 15 minutes before the start of each regular service. Parents will be notified if their presence is needed for the welfare of their child by a pager system.

The children usually start in their classroom. Once a month they start in the Main Hall with their parents. There is a children's story or dedication and then they leave together after the first hymn. Classes are available at all but the 8:00 service.

Middle school youth meet during the Saturday service and Sunday at 10:45 a.m. only. They meet with their group in the Founders Room located at the end of the Staff Wing.

High school youth meet at times other than services. Please contact Bridget Kramer, Director of Religious Education, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 920-731-0849 for more information.

 

Worship Service
Services are spiritual, but informal times that allow everyone ample time to participate as they wish. The start of each service begins with the song “Enter Rejoice and Come In”. You will be handed an Order of Service as you enter the Main Hall. If you are hearing impaired, the room is equipped with a T-Loop Assistive Listening System. There are also large print hymnals available. Services generally follow the same order, including hymns, congregational sharing of joys and concerns, receiving of an offering for the congregation or a group beyond our walls, silent meditation or prayer, special music, a sermon and a time for the congregation to share their responses to the sermon. The services are typically led by the Rev. Roger Bertschausen. The service may also be led by another minister, a lay leader or a guest speaker.

After the Service
We encourage visitors to meet with the members and friends for possible questions and conversation. Members and friends are happy to meet with you, to share impressions and experiences and to welcome you to a congregation that encourages each person’s unique spiritual journey.