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eNews

November 16, 2017
Latest News
Join Us for Worship This Sunday
Mother Up! Gathering Today
New UU Classes
JUMP Thanksgiving Bag Drive
Religious Education Schedule
Card Making with the Care Network
Labyrinth Sunday
Annual Vegan Thanksgiving Celebration
Office Closed for Thanksgiving
COTS Phonathon Volunteers Needed
Annual Holiday Bazaar
Seeking Vendors for Holiday Bazaar
Natural Materials Wanted
Toys for 6th Grade Fundraiser
Wreath Orders
Santa Sunday
Annual Holiday Carol Fest
Service of Loss and Remembrance
Employer-Matched Contributions
Economic Justice Task Force Discussion
Book Sales to Benefit FUUSB
UUSC Guest at Your Table
Help with Meals
Thank You from Martha
Disaster Relief Update
Holiday eNews Schedule
 
 
 
Upcoming Services
Sunday, November 26,
9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Rev. Mara Dowdall, Senior Minister
 
"Unspeakable, Unshakeable Gratitude" 
Gratitude is a core spiritual practice in many traditions, including our own UU faith. On this Sunday after the Thanksgiving holiday, and as we wrap our month-long focus on "abundance," we'll consider how it is we can cultivate gratitude in our lives, even - and especially - in times of struggle and uncertainty. How can we live with bountiful thanks in and through all the seasons of life, as we face the world's tenderness and fragility?  

Worship Associate: 
Melinda Lee



 
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Join Us for Worship This Sunday
Sunday, November 19 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Andre Mol, Ministerial Intern, and Martha Dallas, Director of Religious Education

"What Will You Bring to the Feast?"
This multi-generational service, adapted from a script by Rev. Erika Hewitt, retells a humorous folktale about trickery at a royal feast. The story asks each of us to answer this question: Will I share my best gifts with this beloved community, adding to our abundance, or will I hold my gifts back for my own use? This service will be led by Andre Mol and Martha Dallas, supported by a cast of characters from throughout our Society. There will be no RE classes this Sunday, for children to join and participate in the worship service.

Worship Associate:  Judy Brook
  
Musicians: Wayne Schneider, organ; Sam Whitesell, piano; FUUSB Adult Choir; Skip Potter, tenor; 
Samantha Morgan, oboe; David Fischer, cello.
All musicians will join us at both services.

Mother Up! Gathering
hand holding globe clip art Heather McGrath, 350VT

Families! Join us in building solidarity amongst parents by taking action to protect the health and safety of our collective future. We're continuing this year's theme of "ACTION" today at 5:30 p.m. at FUUSB in the basement Community Room.  We will work together in small groups to write letters to the editor, take online action, and discuss ways to REFORM, RESIST, REIMAGINE, and RECREATE our current system so that it works for our world and our families!

A simple vegetarian meal and childcare will be provided. RSVP helpful, but not required. For more details, contact Maeve McBride at maeve@350vt.org or Heather McGrath at heather@350vt.org.

Mother Up! is a program of 350VT bringing together families to talk about the tough realities of climate change and to participate in the transition to a healthier and safer world. What Joanna Macy calls the "Great Turning," or the third revolution, is this unprecedented time when we are called to stop the destruction of our world, to build new life-sustaining practices and ways of being, and to shift our collective consciousness. We especially wish to engage young parents in this vital discussion of how we can make positive changes to protect our planet for our children's future.
 
New UU Classes
Nina Dahlstedt Buss, Membership Coordinator

This Saturday, November 18 the New UU Getting Acquainted class will be held from  8:45 to 9:45 a.m., followed by the New UU Getting Connected class from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Getting  Acquainted  provides an overview of Unitarian Universalist history and beliefs. It's a great introduction to UU-ism and also a good way to meet other new people.

New UU Part 2: Getting Connected provides information about activities, programs and Ministry Teams here at our First UU. It also includes time for getting to know each other better, and an overview of the process for becoming a Member of the congregation. 

You may sign up for these classes by adding your name to the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the Parlors or by e-mailing Nina at  nina@uusociety.org . It's helpful to know how many people are attending, but it's also okay to drop in even if you have not signed up.

JUMP Thanksgiving Bag Drive
Three things you can do to help JUMP: 

1) Get a list of food or toiletries from the church bulletin board if you missed the bag handout on November 5, or print it out here: food list, toiletries list.
2) Shop for the listed items and return them to FUUSB by this Sunday, November 19.
3) Join a fun bunch of UUs to transport all of the collected bags to First Congregational Church at 9 a.m. on Monday, November 20.  This is a project that can only succeed through the help of many! Please contact Ellen Wollensack to help out on November 20: eewollensack@gmail.com or 922-8335. Thank you!
 
Religious Education Schedule
Martha Dallas, Director of Religious Education  kids_parents_handprint.jpg

Upcoming Sundays for prescho ol through 7th grade:  
November 19 : Multigenerational Thanksgiving worship (Martha's last Sunday)
November 26 : FUNday
December 3: Classroom Sunday (Andrea's first Sunday)

Card Making with the Care Network
winter_village_snow.jpg Martha Molpus

We welcome your participation to create cards for the Care Network on  November 19 and 26 . Join Meg Miller in the Parlors after both services in this fun activity for all ages. All materials will be supplied. Thanks for creating personal cards that show our care and will be sent to members for special support as part of the Care Network ministry. 
 
Labyrinth Sunday
Carol MacDonald

Join us at the Labyrinth after the service this Sunday,  November 19 , weather permitting. The flags will be out around the labyrinth and someone from the Labyrinth Ministry will be there to answer questions and guide you on your walk. This may be the last Labyrinth  Sunday  of the season, depending on the snow fall.
 
4th Annual Vegan Thanksgiving Potluck Celebration
Janet Schneider

This Sunday, November 195:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Community Room: 
All are invited to the UU Animal Ministry's 4th Annual VEGAN Thanksgiving Potluck Celebration co-sponsored by Vegan Vermont! Please bring a vegan dish to share (no red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, gelatin). Please label all ingredients. 
 
Office Closed for Thanksgiving
horizontal_seamless.jpg Christina Fulton, Director of Operations and Finance

The FUUSB office will be closed on  Wednesday, November 22 and  Thursday, November 23  so that our staff can celebrate the Thanksgiving holidays with their family and friends. The office will be open again on  Sunday, November 26.

COTS Phonathon Volunteers Needed
The COTS Annual Winter Phonathon is coming up. FUUSB will be helping out on Interfaith Night on Thursday, November 30. (If not convenient you can volunteer November 27-29 or December 4-5). Mail room volunteers and callers are needed. Calls are made only to previous contributors who are happy to hear from us (no cold calling). We've had a core group of volunteers but would like to get new recruits. It's a fun evening, as we cheer when big donations come in, and hopefully win raffle prizes. Orientation and pizza is at 5:30 p.m. Calling is from 6-9 p.m. at COTS, 95 North Ave. Please contact Bruce Brown at bruce.brown22@gmail.com or 760-9427.
 
85th Annual FUUSB Holiday Bazaar
It is that time of year for the Annual FUUSB Holiday Bazaar, on Saturday, December 2 
from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be books, jewelry, attic treasures, a silent auction, handmade crafts, homemade food items, and fresh wreaths and greens. The Women's Alliance will host the pie table and the 6th graders will host the toy room. A delicious lunch will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for $8.

If you have things that you would like to donate, hours for drop-off at the basement level are Wednesday, November 29 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, November 30, 10 a.m.
-7 p.m., and Friday, December 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Items such as clothing, bedding, furniture, large appliances and baby things cannot be accepted. 

We are looking for volunteers to help on drop-off days and at the bazaar. Also needed are baked goods to serve for dessert with lunch. Click here to sign up online!  Or sign up on the bulletin board outside the main office or in the Parlors after each service.

Seeking Vendors for the Holiday Bazaar
Seeking vendors of cards, artwork, jewelry, and other handmade crafts for  the FUUSB Holiday Bazaar on 
Saturday, December 2,   from  9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
 
We have 10 tables to rent to those who would like to sell their crafts during this busy and fun event. Tables are 6'-8' long, and cost $30 or 10% of your proceeds (whichever is less).  We will be in the large double classroom off the Community Room. Elevator access. Setup is from  8-9 a.m.  on December 2.
 
If you would like to donate to a table where all proceeds go to FUUSB, please email Carol Czina with what you are offering and when you can deliver those items (before 
December 2 , if possible, please.) C ontact Carol for sign-up or questions at  carolczina@burlingtontelecom.net  
or  864-0242 .
 
Cones & Dried Natural Materials Wanted
W hen cleaning up your garden beds please consider putting aside any cones, interesting pods, bark, sturdy seed heads, dried flowers, grasses, birch bark, red twigs, etc. for us to use to make the beautiful wreaths sold at the UU Holiday Bazaar. Call to arrange pick-up or drop-off at the UU on November 29. Thank you! 
 
Sarah Forbes, 578-6119, sarahforbesdesign@comcast.net
 
Toys Needed for 6th Grade Fundraiser
Elaine Sopchak

S upport the annual 6th Grade Boston Trip--Donate your used toys and games!
Every spring the 6th grade travels to Boston as the culmination of their RE studies. This year we are joined by 5th graders, and we are looking for your help to raise the funds for our trip. 

Please donate your clean, unbroken, used toys and games to the Toy Room at the FUUSB Bazaar. 5th and 6th grade students will collect your donations on  Friday, December 1. All proceeds from the Toy Room sales will go directly to the Boston Trip fundraiser. So please go through your closets, game rooms, toy boxes, attics, and basements and bring in your used toys to help the 5th and 6th graders get to Boston. Please, no stuffed animals--Thanks for your understanding.

Wreath Orders
Sarah Forbes

Order a lush, custom-decorated, premium quality wreath for your home or office. Wreaths are handmade in the Northeast Kingdom at the Michaud family farm. Sign up on the bulletin board across from the main office. Wreaths will be ready for pickup at the Bazaar on  December 2 or Sunday the 3rd  downstairs. Thanks!
Contact sarahforbesdesign@comcast.net with questions.
 
Santa Sunday
Maggi Hayes

O Sunday, December 3 , Socially Responsible Santa will visit our Society for the 31st time. Our unique program provides cash gifts to needy families in our community. In this way each family may choose the way in which they will celebrate the holiday season. Head Elf Maggi needs some "assistant elves" to help with the collection at both services on that day so please contact her at 
mehayes@uvm.edu . Santa hats and baskets provided! 

The need continues to increase every year so please be as generous as you can. Last year we gave gifts to 28 families. Let's make it over 30 this year!  

Thank you in advance for your generosity, 
Head Elf Maggi 
 
Annual Holiday Carol Fest
Maggi Hayes

Come join the choirs of the downtown churches on  Sunday, December 3  for a joyous evening of music to welcome the holiday season. This year's event will be held at the First Congregational Church (across from the parking garage) starting at  7 p.m.  Listen to each choir present special music and then raise your voices in many familiar carols. This is a wonderful event for all so come and bring your friends. You are also very welcome to post this announcement on your local Front Porch Forum or send it to your local newspaper. Hope to see you there! Please contact Maggi at  mehayes@uvm.edu  for additional information.

Service of Loss and Remembrance
null Martha Molpus

We will be gathering for a special Service of Loss and Remembrance on  Thursday, December 7  in the Meeting House at  7 p.m.  to honor the members of FUUSB we have lost in the last year or so as well as personal friends or family who have passed. This service for all ages will be led by Andre Mol, our Ministerial Intern, supported by the Care Network Team. We will create an altar of remembrance to which you are invited to bring a photo or memento of anyone you wish to honor. Following this brief service, we will gather in the Parlors for refreshments and make space to process feelings, in speaking or silence, in the company of others. Please join us and share this news with others.  
 
Does Your Employer Match Charitable Contributions?
Christina Fulton, Director of Operations and Finance

It has recently come to our attention that National Life (one of the largest employers in Vermont) will match charitable contributions of their employees to charities of the employee's choice (up to $1500/year). The FUUSB was recently added to the list of approved charities. If you are an employee of National Life and would like to leverage your annual contribution to the FUUSB, information about the 2017 Charitable Giving Campaign is available on National Life Today. You have until  December 8 to make this election. If you are employed elsewhere, please consider speaking to you HR department about matching contributions at your work place.
 
Economic Justice Task Force Discussion
SAVE THE DATE:  Sunday,  December 10 12:30-1:30 p.m. 
Please join us as we continue to share our personal experiences with economic injustice.  For more information, contact Gene Bergman at 
genebergman26@gmail.com  or 598-3602.

Book Sales to Benefit FUUSB
Jill Allen

Hi friends,

I have just published a book of fiction and poetry entitled Green Mountains Deep: Fiction About Disabled Vermonters by a Disabled Vermonter . All proceeds will be donated back to the Society in memory of Ben Wood-Lewis. Cost: twelve dollars. To pre-order your copy email me at  Allenjillm@gmail.com

Thanks,  
Jill

UUSC Guest at Your Table:
Small Change is Big Change
Suzie McCoy

Guest at Your Table is the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's (UUSC) annual intergenerational program to raise support for and awareness about their work to advance human rights. The UUSC is a 77-year-old human rights organization that focuses on three core areas: Rights at Risk, Environmental Justice & Climate Action, and Economic Justice.  
 
UUSC partners with over 75 grassroots organizations on the front lines of critical human rights issues. Most of its partners have small staff sizes, and many are just getting started - but all make a big difference. This year's theme - Small Change is Big Change - celebrates the bravery, innovation, and reach of UUSC's grassroots partners. 
 
UUSC depends upon the support of UU members and friends to continue its vital work around the world. Please participate in this year's Guest at Your Table campaign by making a tax-deductible contribution online at 
uusc.org/givetoguest, or use an envelope available in the Parlors or on the tables in the Sanctuary. "Stories of Hope" brochures are also available and inspiring!  
 
Any amount is welcome, but a gift of $125 or more will be matched by the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock. Thank you!
 
Help Needed with Meals
Happy November to everyone.  Please keep our UU families who are in need of help with meals in mind as the days get shorter.  Click here to find the updated list of families:  Welcome page for First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington

On behalf of the Care Network team,
Sarah Weber
373-0197 (please call with any questions)

Thank You from Martha
yellow_spring_daffodil.jpg
Thank you, Everyone!

The celebration  on Sunday was so joyful and wonderful! Thank you to all who led, planned, and organized the kids, the food, the music, the heartfelt words, the gifts and more! I am honored to have been your DRE these years. I planted the bulbs around my yard  on Monday and will think of you when they bloom in the spring and before and after that time, as well. 

Warm blessings and longtime love,
Martha Dallas

Disaster Relief Update
Christina Fulton, Director of Operations and Finance

O n Sunday, October 8, we collected $1,267 for disaster relief. We were hoping to help people in a more direct way than giving to major organizations. I wanted to give you an update on where our money went. 

We gave $452 worth of books from a wish list created to support children of color in Houston and Miami, two copies of every book on their wish list! We gave $460 to help Queer and Trans residents impacted by hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. And finally we gave $355 to earthquake survivors, residents of Hueyapan, Morelos, Mexico. Each gift was sent with a message that said, "This gift was given with love from the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Vermont, USA." You may recall a desire on my part to give directly to women of color affected by hurricanes in Houston and Miami. Unfortunately, most of the giving sites for those women were either already taken down or did not accept gifts in a way that we were able to give. So I opted for the book wish list, which was also recommended by Black Lives UU. What a joy to arrange for these gifts! Thank you everyone for giving so generously.

Holiday eNews Schedule
Please note that due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no eNews  next week. The next eNews will be published on November 30. Happy Thanksgiving!