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Sunday, September 24, 10 a.m.
Rev. Phyllis B. O'Connell
Sabbatical Minister
September's Many Welcomes
What represents a new year to you? Is it a season, or the first of January, school starting, Yom Kippur? Or maybe it's a day or time or anniversary that has significance only for you. Whatever that time may be, I think we each yearn for opportunities to begin again, be given a second chance or have the good fortune to try over. While it may be true that we only have one chance to make a first impression, we almost always have opportunities to act in ways that either validate that initial impression or modify it or even change it all together. This sermon praises the many ways we welcome second chances.
Worship Associate:
Rebecca Gurney
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Visit the
eNews
archives
on our website
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Join Us for Worship This Week
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Sunday, September 17 at 10 a.m.
Sky Yardley and Jane Dwinell, Guest Preachers
Living With Dementia
Sky Yardley and Jane Dwinell have been living with dementia since Sky's diagnosis in August 2016. Their mission since the diagnosis is to help erase the stigma of dementia and help others be more welcoming of people with this disease. They will share their experiences with the congregation.
Guest Bios
Jane and Sky have been together for 32 years, have raised two children, now adults (Dana, who lives in Montpelier, and Sayer, who lives in Burlington), and, from 2007-2016 lived between New Orleans, France, and Vermont, traveling and doing volunteer work. Jane is a retired UU minister, having served congregations in Derby Line, VT and Saranac Lake, NY as well as working for the UUA (and then herself) as a Small Congregation Consultant, and is the author of three books,
Birth Stories,
Big Ideas for Small Congregations, and
Freedom Through Frugality. Sky is a retired family mediator, working primarily with divorce and high-conflict families. They moved to Burlington in 2016, and live in the Old North End.
Worship Associates:
Judy Brook and Kenneth Russell
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| Dementia Care Resources |
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Sarah Weber
As part of the "Living with Dementia" service on
September 17, the Care Network will have information in the Parlors about Dementia Care at FUUSB. A list of dementia resources will be available as well as a sign-up sheet for those requesting help and offering help. After the service, Jane Dwinell and Sky Yardley will have a Q & A session in the Sanctuary.
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| Music Ministry Team Potluck on Sept. 16 |
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 The Music Ministry Team (formerly known as the Music Committee) is looking forward to a new and exciting church year. As with other groups, we are in transition, in this case from a single committee to a group of teams each developing and leading different programs which will enhance the Music Ministry of our Society. Some of these plans include further developing our current concert and coffeehouse events, a new community chorus and a children's choir. I'm sure there are more.
To launch our new venture, you are cordially invited to a potluck gathering on Saturday, September 16, from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. in the Parlors. Please bring a light dish and lots of ideas to share. If you have any questions or thoughts, please contact Maggi Hayes at
Maggi, acting MMT leader
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| It's Time to Register for RE! |
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Martha Dallas, Director of Religious Education
Have you registered your kids for RE yet?
Register for 2017-18, please!
Here's the link.
Don't forget to click the blue button at the bottom of the registration form to "Add" each child!
When does RE Start?
It depends... Program start dates are as follows:
Sept. 17:
YUUth Group (9th-12th grade)'s first meeting!
Sept. 17:
OWL first class (8th grade):
10:00-11:30,
Coming of Age first meeting (9th grade): 11:00-12:30
Oct. 1:
(
9:00 and 11:00
)
Classroom Sundays begin for preschool Spirit Play - 7th grade Building Bridges
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| RE Stewards, Please RSVP! |
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Martha Dallas, DRE
RE Stewards, be sure you've RSVP'd to these kickoff events!
Sept. 17
8:30-9:45 - RE Steward Welcome Back Breakfast
11:30-12:30 - New Steward Orientation, RE Nuts & Bolts
Sept. 24
8:30-9:45 - Spirit Play Training, Team Meeting time, & Classroom setup
11:30-12:30 - Informal Q & A with Martha
For kids, Magicians Without Borders joins us the 17th and Big Blue Trunk returns on the 24th, along with supervised play courtesy of our amazing childcare staff!
Please RSVP to these events using
this form, so that we can plan for enough food and adequate childcare. Thank you!
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Coming of Age 9th Graders, Do We Have You?
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Martha Dallas, DRE
We have seven registered so far: YAY! Other 9th graders, please register now so the train doesn't leave without you!
The program kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 17 from 11-12:30 in the Susan B. Anthony Room.
Here's the
registration form
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| Putting Love Into Action - Help Support Vermont Dairy Workers on September 17 |
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| By Gene Bergman on behalf of the several FUUSB Justice Ministries
In 2014, Migrant Justice did a survey of labor and living conditions on farms in Ben & Jerry's supply chain. Based on this survey, the Milk with Dignity campaign was started and, in June 2015, Ben & Jerry's and Migrant Justice began negotiating a contract that would support human rights in this supply chain by creating a worker-driven code of conduct that addresses the conditions of workers on the farms and paying a premium to farmers who comply with the code.
This past June, after 100 people marched from Montpelier to Ben & Jerry's Waterbury factory, B & J's said, "We are ready. All the pieces are in place." But still there is no contract.
Migrant Justice is going to New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, DC to publicize the Milk with Dignity campaign, and they need support from communities of faith. If ever there was a campaign that unites economic and racial justice and welcomes marginalized and exploited people, this is it.
Please join us after the service on September 17 in the Parlors at a collaborative table of all the FUUSB Justice Ministries to write notes to Ben & Jerry's CEO urging him to sign the contract with Migrant Justice now. We'll have handouts with suggested messages for postcards or short handwritten letters, pens, envelopes, and stamps to help you.
Help Us Put Love into Action.
More info at www.migrantjustice.net/milk-with-dignity/
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| Theme Circles Fall Registration is Open! |
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FUUSB is beginning its third year of offering opportunities for friends and members to participate in monthly Spiritual Theme Circles.
Registration for the fall Theme Circles is now open!
Groups will meet at specific times during the third week of October, November, December and January to explore the themes of Courage, Hope, Abundance, and Intention.
Theme Circles consist of about eight to ten members who meet with a trained facilitator to discuss, reflect, and explore the spiritual theme. Participation in a Theme Circle is a wonderful way to make new friends and foster meaningful connections in our large congregation.
After receiving and studying the monthly edition of
The Path
, participants choose a question or two to incorporate into their daily lives and then share that experience (or other thoughts or inspirations) when the group meets. Be aware that when you join a Theme Circle, you should make every effort to attend all meetings, although members will certainly understand your absence when you are out of town.
Please sign up online at this link through September 29. There will also be opportunities to sign up after services on Sunday, September 17 and 24.
Each registrant will be asked to list first, second and third choice of group times. The sooner you sign up, the more likely you will get your first choice. You'll learn your Theme Circle group assignment by October 5.
If you have questions, email
[email protected]
and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Thank you and we look forward to having you join us!
Your Theme Circle Team
Andre Mol, Melinda Lee, Kenneth Russell, and Linda Graves
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| Help Needed With Meals and Rides to Services |
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 Providing a meal or a ride is a wonderful, easy way to help care for our community at your convenience once or many times.
You can help in 3 ways:
1. Sign up to provide meals and/or rides by clicking the meal train links below. (Please scroll all the way to the bottom. There are two ride links and three meal links.) Just make a little extra of whatever you are having for dinner.
2. Let the Care Network know of other families in need.
3. Volunteer to be part of the Care Network committee which, among other things, facilitates meal and ride support.
Your efforts will be greatly appreciated. :-)
On behalf of the Care Network, respectfully,
Sarah Weber
(802) 373-0197
(Call with any questions.)
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| Mother Up! Gathering on September 21 |
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 By Rachel Schek
If you are a parent concerned about climate justice but not sure how to make space for it around work emails, the laundry pile, and the grocery list, then Mother Up! is the place for you.
Mother Up! is a program of 350VT bringing families together to talk about the tough realities of climate change and to participate in the transition to a healthier and safer world.
We're collaborating with the FUUSB to host monthly gatherings for families to learn about and act on climate justice concerns. Join us on Thursday, September 21
from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Community Room. A simple, vegetarian (vegan option) dinner for all ages will be included. Childcare is provided for young children in the nursery.
Please use our Facebook event to invite friends!
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| Fall Equinox Labyrinth Walk |
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Join us on
Friday, Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m. to mark the turning of the seasons as the days become shorter and the nights longer. Meditate with us on the balance of light and dark in your life, as the seasons change and call us inward. This Fall Equinox Celebration will be led by the UU Labyrinth Ministry members.
Contact Carol MacDonald at 862-9037 or
[email protected]
for more info or questions.
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| Run for JUMP on September 23! |
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Join us for the Annual Run for JUMP! This year the run has set a goal of raising $12,000 to support the work of JUMP. JUMP been assisting families and individuals living in poverty in Chittenden County for 28 years. JUMP operates an Emergency Drop-In Center in Burlington, providing compassionate care, practical assistance and informed referrals to thousands of Vermont children and adults annually.
Run for JUMP is a fun event that includes an open 5K run, a 1K run for kids under 14, and a 1K walk, all on Burlington's waterfront. Become an event sponsor or register as an individual to participate.
Local businesses donate prizes for the top finishers, top team, age group winners, and youth and adult fundraisers. Every participant will have an opportunity to win terrific raffle prizes.
Register online at www.firstgiving.com/jumpvt or download a registration form here.
For more information or to volunteer, visit www.jumpvt.org, contact JUMP Director Wanda Hines at 777-3821, or email [email protected].
Click here to download the Run for JUMP flyer!
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Adult Religious Education News
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Nancy Hellen
We are excited to share the many offerings this year for Adult Religious Education. Seek out opportunities to explore your spirituality and share the process with others.
Book of Revelation from the New Testament
Sunday, September 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
This Bible study will be guided by Jeff Trumbower.
Discuss when and why the New Testament Book of Revelation was written, and look at examples of similar Jewish and Christian texts that survive from around the same time periods.
The Story Of Your Life: Writing Your Own Spiritual Autobiography
Sundays 12:30-2:30 p.m. on October 1, 8, 22, and 29, and November 5 and 19
Facilitated by Rodney Lowe and Sally Russell.
Participants will draw, write, and share each other's life experiences while you build a basis for your own Spiritual Autobiography.
Cakes for the Queen of Heaven
Mondays 6:30-8:30 p.m., October 16, 23, and 30, and November 6 and 13
"Cakes for the Queen of Heaven" is a woman honoring adult RE curriculum by Rev. Shirley Ranck. Join Sally Russell in examination of pre-Judeo Christian cultures that may have worshiped the female as divine.
Other upcoming programs include "We Who Defy Hate"
with Andre Mol; Demonstrating Our Values Through Eating -
Course 1 and Course 3, led by Valerie Wood-Lewis;
Born on Third Base Reading Group; Five Star Film Café!; and Writing With Spirit.
Look for more dates and times in the eNews and at Upcoming Events at uusociety.org. Also watch for notices on the Spiritual Growth & Learning bulletin board.
Click here
for the 2017-18 Adult Religious Education Offerings brochure.
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| Born on Third Base Book Group |
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Join Economic Justice Task Force member Gene Bergman and congregant Valerie Wood-Lewis to read and discuss
Born on Third Base: A One-Percenter Makes the Case for Tackling Inequality, Bringing Wealth Home, and Committing to the Common Good by Chuck Collins. You may have seen Chuck speak at the Society last year or at General Assembly - He's a voice worth listening to! This 6-week group will read and discuss the book and do extension activities together. Join us!
Thursdays, from Oct. 19 to Nov. 30 (except Thanksgiving), from 7-8:30.
Contact
Gene at
[email protected]
with questions or to register. Buy or borrow your copy of the book now, so you're ready!
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| Fall Publication Information for eNews and The Steeple |
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eNews
eNews
is a weekly email newsletter for short articles and
announcements, focusing on news and upcoming events. Content should be directly related to the FUUSB, UUA, or organizations with which we have a formal relationship. Feel free to include photos or links.
eNews
is published weekly on Thursdays. There will be no
eNews
on Thanksgiving Day, November 23. Any other changes in the schedule will be announced in advance.
The deadline to submit announcements for each week's
eNews
is Mondays at noon. Please send submissions to
[email protected]
.
The Steeple
The Steeple
is our
monthly
newsletter that
focuses on the "big picture" and our Society's mission and goals. Articles are generally 200 to 400 words in length. This newsletter does not include a calendar or event announcements.
If you would like to submit an article for an upcoming issue of
The Steeple
, please send it to
[email protected]
.
The Steeple
Newsletter Dates for Fall 2017:
Publication Date
Due Date to Submit Articles
Oct. 4 Sept. 18
Nov. 1 Oct. 16
Dec. 6 Nov. 20
If you have questions about these publications, please contact Mary Williams, our Society Administrator, at
[email protected]
or 862-5630, ext. 21.
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