The course of the Covid-19 pandemic has waxed and waned through different waves, and we have all been trying to find our ways to live with the uncertainty of when (or whether) the pandemic will end. How can we live with a lack of knowledge, a lack of certainty, and a lack of control? We will consider the wisdom of poetry, story, and religious teachings and how they might guide our continued living in this pandemic.
The service will be live-streamed from the Sanctuary at 10 a.m. The link will be shared on our website at uusociety.org. If you miss the livestream, a recording of the service will be available on our YouTube channel.
All are welcome to Zoom Coffee Hour, starting at 11 a.m. at this link: bit.ly/3j4RxJ9
We're Hiring!
Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance
FUUSB is currently in search of a Ceremonies Coordinator and a Caretaker. These are both Part Time positions with varied schedules.
Ceremonies Coordinator Position Summary: The Ceremonies Coordinator is the first and main point of contact for people planning for weddings and/or memorial services within the facility and on-campus. They also ensure the security and safety of the participants and guests and the building and its contents, while concurrently striving to provide the best possible visitor experience for those participating and their guests.
Caretaker Position Summary: To provide a welcoming presence to groups entering the building, clean and maintain the facilities in a professional manner, and ensure the safety, health, and security concerns of the Society. *Due to COVID-19 restrictions prohibiting large gatherings, the number of hours per week that we can offer is somewhat unpredictable. As our building begins to reopen, working hours will increase.
If you or someone you know is interested in one or both of these positions, please send a letter of interest to [email protected].
Apple Gleaning Success - Cider Pressing Today!
Rev. David Ruffin, Director of Youth & Creative Arts Ministries
Today, Thursday, 5:30-7:30 pm!
Wow, did we have fun picking apples in South Hero last Sunday. That's the truck full of apples we were able to donate to local food banks through the Healthy Roots Collaborative, captured in the photo above. With thanks to the good folks at Rock Point, we'll have a cider press on hand for juicing some extra apples we brought home with us, during our regular weekly meeting this evening. We'll also be making some origami birds for the Murmuration of pledges responding to Covid and the Climate Crisis, that FUUSB families will continue making this Sunday morning (learn more at Conference of the Birds).
Yuuth meet Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:30. We gather with pizza from 5:30-6 p.m. so don't worry if you're a little late. No RSVP or previous participation required. All are welcome.
Second Saturday Song, Story & Poetry Circle
Todd Schlossberg
Come Together at Our Second Saturday Song, Story & Poetry Circle, In Person and By Zoom!
This Saturday, Oct. 9, 5:00 to 7 p.m.
We’ll gather once again in person! Because of waning daylight, we’ll share some light refreshments and appetizers, and get right into songs and words. We’ll set up a Zoom connection for folks attending virtually. (Since we’ll be outdoors, the internet connection and audio quality may be subpar.)
Bring: Easy, light appetizers. We’ll provide beverages, plates, napkins, and utensils. Bring a folding chair, instruments, a song, a reading, yourself.
Where: 166 Loomis Street, Burlington - Chris Bullard’s and Todd Schlossberg’s backyard (light blue house, on the north side of the street, between N. Willard and N. Prospect). Limited parking in our driveway. There should be parking spaces on upper Loomis Street.
Updated Covid-19 Precautions: Because of the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19, we’re inviting those who are fully vaccinated to attend in person. We’ll maintain a degree of safe social distancing. And we ask that you wear a face mask when not eating, drinking, or performing. Those who aren’t vaccinated are invited to attend by Zoom. Click here for the Zoom link!
To RSVP, sign up for the open mic, or join our email list, please email: [email protected]
Outdoor Sunday Events - You’re Invited...
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
...to Family Faith Development Programming in October!
Come take advantage of the fall weather, and the canopy in the Memorial Garden, to spend meaningful time with other FUUers of all ages and reflect on the monthly theme of cultivating relationship. Each Sunday morning from 11:00-12:00 there will be coffee and tea outside the garden gate and a family chapel followed by crafts and activities inside it.
We strive to create programs which focus on the needs of families with children, while also having multigenerational appeal. Adults are invited to participate, for the whole hour, or by joining us in crafting or games after some time spent chatting over coffee.
Worried about having time to travel to the Meeting House after watching the live-streamed service? We are setting up a large-screen TV watch party for the services at 10 a.m.
October 10 - Murmur of the Birds
11 a.m. in the Memorial Garden
One way we cultivate relationship is by making promises to each other. Come participate in an international art project to be displayed in Glasgow during the Global Climate Summit. After sharing our chapel rituals, we will take time to think deeply about what promises we can make to help prevent further climate change. We'll write our promises on origami paper, document them for the project's website, and fold the paper into birds. We'll photograph our little murmur and then mail the birds with their promises to Scotland. This is a great one for all ages and we hope some of our older children and adults will join the murmur.
For more information on this global initiative, which “reminds us of collective, of power in numbers, of the power of art, the power of community and the power of care,” click here for a video from the artists and here for the website, Conference of the Birds.
October 17 - Collective Nature Art
11 a.m. in the Memorial Garden
Another way we cultivate relationship is by creating together. Everyone is invited to come reflect artistically on the service, led by our Director of Youth & Creative Arts Ministries, Rev. David Ruffin. Following artist Andrew Goldsworthy’s mission of feeling, experiencing, and creating with natural elements that flow through the landscape around us, we will work in groups to create beautiful impermanent displays with the materials our grounds provide. Tables with pre-harvested natural items will be available for those not able to work on the ground. Families will start with 15 minutes of child-friendly worship in the Memorial Garden before creating together; adults are welcome to join us or begin creating right away!
Yuuth Overnight Camp Out!
Rev. David Ruffin, Director of Youth & Creative Arts Ministries
October 16-17, Rock Point Peninsula
We are thrilled to announce that the Yuuth Group will be camping out overnight on the amazing land of Rock Point, Saturday afternoon, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. - Sunday morning, Oct.17 at 9 a.m. Youth will be diving into the beauty of the natural world of Rock Point, while deepening connection with one another and themselves. Covid precautions will be taken (such as one tent per youth/household), but fun will be had to an exponentially significant degree. Fire, Smores, Games, Night-time explorations, etc. We'll bond while we brave the autumn elements. Thanks to the generosity of Crow's Path Field School, we will have access to shelter and facilities, and be able to handle moderately inclement weather. We will reschedule in the event of severe weather. To learn more and sign up, email David Ruffin at [email protected]. All youth are welcome!
An Urgent "Act for Justice" Request
Susan DeClue, Immigration Justice Team
As you may be aware, our Dreamers are being threatened once again. I can't imagine the anxiety they must feel every day with the threat of deportation from the only home many have ever known to a place they have never seen. Please take a moment today to contact your members of congress to demand that these threats STOP, and that the Dreamers are shown the pathway to citizenship with kindness and compassion. DACA needs a permanent fix and you can help by contacting congress and demanding that justice and economic fairness is included in the final budget reconciliation bill.
Sen. Bernie Sanders: (800) 339-9834 or (802) 862-0697, Sen. Patrick Leahy: (202) 224-4242, Rep. Peter Welch: (802) 652-2450
Parents and Caregivers As Sexuality Educators: Small Group Ministry
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
"The information and attitudes that adults share with their children—intentionally or by default—carry extraordinary power. It is a power that many adults struggle to wield effectively and confidently. Often, their own experiences, perspectives, and worries get in the way. These sessions invite parents and caregivers to find support and courage with one another.
Ten sessions invite parents and caregivers to explore their role as the primary sexuality educators of their elementary through teenage children. The 90-minute sessions use a small group ministry format to engage adults in topics including Gender Identity, Relationships, Social Media, and Consent."
Due to the pandemic, many of our kids missed their chance to take one of the elementary levels of Our Whole Lives (OWL), and some parents have expressed interest in trying this newly developed program over Zoom, and we are seeking more. If you think you would be interested (not a commitment at this point), please fill out this quick form.
Help FUUSB Keep Marching in the Pride Parade
For many of us, First UU’s participation in the annual Pride Parade is an important statement about who we are in the broader Burlington community, and for many years, we have had a very strong presence in this parade. Unfortunately, although it takes only a small amount of planning, we learned this year how easily we can miss a key communication and almost miss the parade altogether.
We would like to avoid that happening again. Therefore, the Justice & Outreach Ministry is seeking a few individuals to help ensure that First UU stays connected with the Pride Center and never misses a Pride Parade. If you are interested and can help us maintain our participation, please contact me, the lay lead of the J & O Ministry, at [email protected]. Once we get some people, we'll meet to plan the way forward.
Thank you and I hope to hear from some of you soon.
Gene Bergman
In Memoriam
We are sad to share the news that longtime First UU Society member Richard Kemp passed away on September 28. A memorial service for Richard will be planned for sometime in 2022. Richard will be remembered for his strong voice for justice, here in our FUUSB community and beyond.
Upcoming Sundays
October 17 at 10 a.m.
Online Worship Service
Rev. David Ruffin
Join us for live-streamed Sunday worship! The link will be shared on our website, uusociety.org.