Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

November 17 at 10 a.m.

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Judy Brook, Worship Associate

"We are Part of the River of Time"

Wise people tell us to stay in the Here & Now. Yet, sometimes it can be beneficial to take a longer and larger perspective, understanding our place in the great interdependent web of all existence, particularly as we explore our place on the Great Cosmic Timeline going back to the Big Bang.

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 in the Community Room.

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, preK through 12th grade, will be sung out and escorted to their exploration Groups. Kids, K-12th grade, are invited to choose between activities that focus on UU Identity and core values, rather than being grouped by age. The nursery is open throughout the service for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Fire Drill This Sunday

Devin Fallon, Facilities Manager

We will be having a fire drill this Sunday, November 17th immediately following the service. Therefore, it is imperative that no cars are parked in the fire lane. Please refrain from parking on the grass, as well.

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

Looking Back to Sunday

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

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

Here are images from Sunday's service, which included dedicating 3 babies! Here is the text from Rev. Karen's sermon, So Be It - See To It.

Around Election Day & the Day After

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Here are some images from our Got Election Feelings on Tuesday, at which we gave away approximately 150 poems and engaged 300-350 people, either directly, or with a smile and a thank you.

And from the Day-After Election Outcome Vigil, which drew 100+ people in-person and 47 online.

Day-After Election Outcome Vigil

Election Message from UUA President

Below please find an excerpt taken from Rev. Betancourt's email "Election Message for Religious Professionals". To read the entirety of Rev. Betancourt's email click here.

Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, UUA President

My heart is with each and every one of you as you work to support and resource the congregations and communities you serve while simultaneously dealing with heartbreak, shock, fear or grief.  This is some of the hardest work of religious leadership – to hold the people we serve in love and care when we ourselves are in such great need of the same. I am so grateful for all you do to hold Unitarian Universalists and to lift our values in the broader world.

Introducing Bridget-

Childcare Coordinator

Faith Development Team

We are pleased to introduce our new Childcare Coordinator- Bridget!

Bridget Houston Brooks grew up in Montpelier, VT, attending the Unitarian Church of Montpelier. She attended Marlboro College, where she graduated with a degree in Classical Literature. Her academic work is centered around the early Church and particularly the works of Saint Augustine of Hippo and Jerome of Strido. Since graduating, she has worked as a freelance tutor of Latin, Greek, Turkish, and Classical Arabic. She lives in Shelburne with her husband and daughter. 

Parking for Sunday Services

Töve Johnson, Program Assistant

... So where can I park on Sundays?

Street parking and city garages are FREE on Sundays (and holidays). If there are no parking spaces available behind the Meeting House, you can park on the cross-streets.

Marketplace Garage: 147 Cherry St, Burlington, VT 05401

For more information about parking downtown click here.

Please note: the lot at 174 Pearl St. (a block down from the church) is privately owned and requires payment on Sundays.

Post Election Season, What Are The Rules for Non-Profits?

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

While election season has just passed, it's still a good time to remember our status as a non-profit religious organization. The most important rule for us to remember is that during an election, we, the First UU Society, are not allowed to endorse a candidate or give the appearance of such, though we are always allowed to endorse (or oppose) issues. Having come out of the phase in which there are candidates vying for election, we are now in a position to use our values, ethics, and morals to inform statements that we make based on our Unitarian Universalist faith.

That said, we must not confuse the fact that we are a liberal-religious community with being a solely liberal (or progressive) political community. These are two different things, though the divisions in our country have led to there being significant overlap. When in FUUSB spaces - virtual or in-person - do not assume everyone in the room voted the same way. Let us use our space and time together to find our way to living into the Values and Principles that resonate and guide how we live out Unitarian Universalism in our shared lives.

Interested in more specifics on the rules? The UUA has compiled a booklet called, "The Real Rules," which explains and gives examples of IRS guidelines in this area.              

~ Rev. Karen

2024 FUUSB Fundraiser-

Holiday & Memorial Wreath Sale!

Sarah Forbes, Member

Support the FUUSB and order a gorgeous, premium quality wreath with a beautiful bow of your choice for your home or for a gift.

You can also remember a loved one this year with a Memorial wreath or greens that will decorate our Meeting House Sanctuary and doors during December.

All wreaths are hand-made in the Northeast Kingdom at the Michaud family farm and measure about 24” across.

ORDER NOW online through the FUUSB Fundraiser link: https://auctria.events/FUUSBWreaths

Questions? Contact Sarah Forbes 802-578-6119, sarahforbesdesign@comcast.net or ninaruth@me.com 

802-383-8192 with fundraiser or web questions. Thank you!

Caring for Each Other & Our Community

Töve Johnson, Program Assistant

We are rapidly approaching cold and flu season.

Masking is encouraged at the Meeting House regardless of season, but especially during these colder months. We also ask that if you are unwell to please stay at home and watch the livestream service.

Masks can be found in the wall dispensers at both entrances.

Thank you for helping us keep all our members, especially those most vulnerable to illness, safe in our Meeting House!

Short Climate Justice Team Meeting

this Sunday

Christine Hallquist, Climate Justice Team

The Climate Justice Team will meet for a quick check-in on Sunday, November 17 from 11:10 to noon. We are holding the meeting to a quick check-in due to the fact that many want to attend the screening of "Defying the Nazi's". We are meeting immediately after the service, recognizing that a few of you may want to go to coffee hour. Unfortunately there will be a fire drill as well so we may get interrupted.

Holiday Bazaar

Kim Watkin, Board Member

Can you help with the 89th Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 7th?

We need help with shifts for Set Up on Dec. 4-6 and then throughout the day on Dec. 7th.  Look for the Sign Up Table at Coffee Hour throughout the rest of the month--we will be happy to find a way for you to participate. You can help staff the Bazaar, bake dessert for the Luncheon, or be on clean up detail. There are so many ways to be involved!  If you can't stay after service, just email Kim at watkinfam@aol.com and she can help find a way for you to participate.

Click here to register for November's Earth Teacher Session

Thurs. November 14th from 7:00-8:15pm!

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.