Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

October 12 at 10 a.m.

Sensei Joshin Byrnes, Guest Preacher

Warren Baker, Worship Associate

"From the Silence That Holds Everything to Actions That Heal"

Silence can be practiced as a radical form of inclusivity, a practice of non-participation in harm, and a force of disruption. Drawing on Zen practice, Joshin invites us into silence not as withdrawal, but as the boundless harmony where healing and compassionate action can take shape and take root.



Our guest preacher is Sensei Joshin Byrnes, a Zen Buddhist priest and teacher, and the guiding teacher at Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community in Middlebury, Vermont. His work as a member of the Zen Peacemaker Order weaves together meditation, community, and social engagement in what he calls “Community Zen.” He also leads Street Retreats around the United States, bearing witness to life on the streets.

Join us for worship in person in the Sanctuary, or online. The livestream link and order of service will be shared at bit.ly/FUUSBWorship, or visit our YouTube channel.

Following the service, all are welcome to Coffee Hour on the Lawn (weather-permitting).

While at the Meeting House, anyone is welcome to wear a mask. In the spirit of caring for each other, please stay home if you have any cold or flu symptoms. Thank you.

Children & Youth This Sunday

Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

Families will begin the morning together in the Sanctuary. After the Time For All Ages, children and youth will be escorted to their Faith Development exploration groups on the upper and lower levels. Childcare for infants and toddlers is available throughout e service in the Nursery on the lower level.

Looking Back to Sunday

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Here is the text to Rev. Karen's sermon, Ouch, Oops, Thank You, A-ha. Here is the reading, "At One" by Victoria Safford. And here is the blessing-poem, "Holding Light" by Stuart Kestenbaum.

Here is a link to the video recording of last week's service.

Young Adult Group This Sunday

Avery Hamill, Member

The young adult group is having our next meeting on Oct. 12th from 11:30-12:45, right after the service in the Susan B. Anthony room at FUUSB! Come join to keep building the young adult community.  

Deep Listening Exploration- this Sunday

Elizabeth Logan, Member

Join us for an opportunity to explore the process of deep listening as a way to connect and build relationships.

Participants will be guided by the Healthy Congregation team in the practice of reflective listening.

No registration required 

Sunday, October 12 from 11:30-12:30 in the Whitney Young Jr. room.

Eileen Blackwood, FUUSB Board President

As may recall, the Society has been eligible for Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) funds, which were a refund of amounts paid to the federal government based on the Society's decision to retain employees during the pandemic. In July we finally received those funds - a windfall of about $230,000! The Board of Trustees and the Executive Team (Rev. Karen and Christina) have been working on how to take advantage of these one-time funds to strengthen the Society's financial situation, while furthering our vision for ministry. We will present our decisions to the congregation on Sunday, October 26, following the Sunday service (at 11:30). We will meet in the Sanctuary and on Zoom and hope to see you there!

Announcing the 2025 Holiday Bazaar!

Martha Molpus, Radical Welcoming Team

This year's Holiday Bazaar will be held on Saturday, December 6! The hours are from 9 until 2, with a special tea-room luncheon in the Parlors.

Everyone is welcome at this annual event which is a joyous family-friendly fundraiser with delights for all. Our Community Room is transformed into a wonderland of winter holiday decorations and many treats and surprises. We create the Holiday Bazaar together! With about six weeks until the bazaar, we are getting underway very soon. 

If you wish to help plan and organize this fabulous community event, please attend the initial meeting on Sunday, October 26, from 9:15 to 9:55 in the Parlors. Have an idea for an activity? Suggestions? Please share! Can't make it but want to participate? Contact Kim Watkin at watkinfamily@aol.com

Meanwhile, please be gathering donations to be sold, such as puzzles, books, jewelry, games, art, holiday decorations, music, toys, other treasures you are ready to release. The homemade contributions of cooks and bakers are also highly valued. Guidelines for donations will be provided soon.

Thanks for making our Holiday Bazaar a celebration of love and gratitude!

Respectful Dialogue Group

ALL ARE WELCOME!!!! OCTOBER 26th 11:30 in the Whitney Young Jr. Room

Join the Respectful Dialogue on UU Positions group, we intend to have discussions in which we share with other trusted UUs our honest thoughts and opinions on UU positions, in particular those with which we disagree. This group is facilitated, will have a covenant and meet regularly if the group chooses.

Questions?  Email:  rosanne05403@aol.com

Fire Drill Announcement - Sun. 10/19

Devin Fallon, Facilities Manager

We will be having a fire drill October 19th following the service postlude. In order to make this a realistic drill the alarm will sound. If you have a sensitivity to loud noises you can choose to leave before the drill begins. Instructions will be given prior to and during the fire drill.

**Please note: if you are parked anywhere on FUUSB grounds on 10/19, you cannot operate a vehicle once the alarm for the drill has sounded off. You will have to wait until the drill is over to move your car.**

This is both so we can keep our congregants (adults and children) safe as everyone goes to their meeting points outside the building, and also so that the Fire Department can maneuver their trucks into the designated spots during the drill.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the drill please contact our Facilities Manager at devin@uusociety.org or 802-862-5630, x23.

Date with Death Club

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

This month's Date with Death Club session is on Saturday, Oct 25 at 10am. The topic is Medical Aid in Dying and we will have a guest speaker. Registration is required - click here to do so.

Join Us for FUUSB Game Night!

Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

Saturday, October 18th, 5-8 p.m.

Community Room

Our multigenerational Game Night is back! All ages are invited to play, eat, and be together.

We have lots of games at the ready, but feel free to bring the one you want to play. In the past we've done jigsaw puzzles, Dominoes, Ticket to Ride, Rumikub, Azul, group card games, Pictionary, and more. There are generally several things happening at once. It's okay to come with a group of friends and the intention to play a particular game. You can bring children and play with them or have them play with childcare staff while you try out a game with an older crowd. Make it what you want!

We'll have a "no-stress" potluck; you can wow us with your culinary skills or pick up a loaf of bread and a tub of hummus from the market. The point is to have fun together and not go hungry. We'll have decaf and tea available, plates and utensils.

Come for a little bit or stay the whole time. Come ready to make new friends and reconnect with the old!

Fall Circles Forming at First UU

Chalice & Theme Circles



Dear Friends,

If you are looking to deepen your connection with others and explore meaningful discussion, consider joining a circle at First UU!

We offer small groups designed to foster community, personal growth, and spiritual exploration. To learn more about the different types of circles available, please visit the FUUSB LINK.

Theme Circles

Theme Circles meet throughout the calendar year to investigate the monthly theme from the "The Path".

"The Path" is a publication (available to everyone in the congregation) which includes readings, thought-provoking questions and additional resources for engagement with the month's theme.

When do Theme Circles meet this year?

• The Third Tuesday of every month, 2-3:30pm in person at First UU: Oct 21, Nov 18 and Dec 16

• The Third Wednesday of every month, 6-7:30pm ON ZOOM: Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17

• The Third Thursday of every month, 6-7:30pm in person at First UU: Oct 16, Nov 20, Dec 18

Please contact Themecircles@uusociety.org if you have any questions or want to register. All groups are still open for registration.

There is still space in the Wednesday evening ZOOM Theme Circle!

Gail Beck, Member

In October we will be discussing "Cultivating Compassion".

Join our group and be part of the discussion.

Is compassion just niceness and thoughtful feelings or is it about something deeper: an impulse that drives us to action?

Chalice Circles

Chalice Circles meet twice a month, providing an opportunity for personal growth over time as members embark on a shared spiritual journey,

FUUSB currently offers two groups that are seeking new members. Click below to see the list. Email ChaliceCircles@uusociety.org for more information.

Each month FUUSB has an Earth Teacher and a packet of materials to help you connect with and make meaning in your life in relationship with that Earth Teacher. Check it out.