of the Farmington Valley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
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Q. Where and when do you meet?
A. We meet in Simsbury CT in the north wing of the main building, Beaverbrook, of the Ethel Walker School. Our sessions last from 10 to 11:30 AM each Sunday morning. We do not meet during the summer months, and we schedule special meetings at locations other than the Ethel Walker School two or three times a year.
Q. What are your meetings like?
A. We usually have an outside speaker who presents personal views on a topic of significant interest to himself or herself. These may be talks of historical, spiritual or artistic interest, or may be talks related to current issues. The talk of 30 minutes or so is followed by a brief "coffee break," after which we form a discussion circle to discuss the topic with the speaker. The meeting ends at 11:30. Although not "religious" in a ritual sense, our programs embody an exploration of ideas or values of spiritual significance. Visitors are always welcome.
Q. Do you have a minister?
A. No. Being a small group, we have found that our invited speakers provide a wide variety of thought stimulation and that the Sunday program can be arranged by our members.
Q. Do you have Sunday School or child care?
A. No. Our small size precludes Sunday School or child care arrangements for the present.
Q. How does one become a member?
A. Our by-laws state that "Any person who is in sympathy with the purpose of the Fellowship may become a registered voting member by declaring his or her interest to an officer and signing the membership book..."
Q. Who runs the Fellowship?
A. The Fellowship operates under by-laws which define its organizational structure. Officers and committee chairpersons are elected annually and become the Executive Committee which meets as needed throughout the year. Weekly speakers are arranged for by individual Fellowship members, each of whom volunteers to provide a month's program of speakers.
Q. How is the Fellowship funded?
A. At the September start of each Fellowship year, the Chairperson issues a welcoming letter to those on the mailing list and includes a statement of financial needs for the year. A form is included to permit recipients to submit a pledge for the year and to choose the frequency of payments.
Q. How does the Fellowship relate to the Unitarian Universalist Association ?
A. In addition to the receipt of literature from the UUA, the Fellowship is encouraged to participate in the annual General Assembly meetings of the UUA at which denomination affairs are conducted. Regionally, the Fellowship is part of the Clara Barton District which welcomes us for group sessions of leadership development and congregational improvement. The Fellowship makes a "fair share" contribution to the national and regional organizations.
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