Worship Leaders: Rev. Patricia Hart, Rev. David Ruffin, Erika Reif, and Brenda Balon
“Stone Soup: Multigenerational Celebration of Thanksgiving”
When it feels as though we’re living in a time of scarcity, how can we act from a place of abundance? When we believe we have nothing to give, could we really have more than we know? How do we keep that communal spirit going when the hard times seem to linger on and on?
Members of the congregation who performed in last year’s video adaptation of the traditional story will narrate and comment on that footage, while cooking up yet another pot of magic soup! All ages will be fed by the story of two strangers whose visit inspires the generosity of an entire village, and who arrive empty-handed and yet leave the place richer when they go.
The service will be live-streamed from the Sanctuary at 10 a.m. The link will be shared on our website,uusociety.org. If you miss the livestream, a recording of the service will be available on ourYouTubechannel.
All are welcome to Zoom Coffee Hour at 11 a.m. at this link:bit.ly/3j4RxJ9.
Got a Pot?
Margo Whitcomb, Faith Development Assistant
We are seeking a rustic, perhaps cast iron pot for use on Sunday for the Stone Soup service. We will not actually cook in it. Just a prop. But it would be great to find something other than shiny modern stainless steel. If you feel you have something that might work, I can come fetch it! Contact [email protected].
Open Sanctuary Hour Today
Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance
We have received many requests from members who would like to have some time to just sit in the Sanctuary. Time to meditate, pray, or just be in the space. We have set a time each week when people are welcome to come sit quietly in the Sanctuary: Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. (with the exception of Thanksgiving, Nov. 25).
We are following our Society policy for gathering in the Sanctuary: No more than 20 people in the Sanctuary at one time, everyone must be masked, windows will be open, and everyone will need to maintain a 6 ft. social distance. Please enter and exit by the east door (where the ramp is) and keep your mask on at all times in the building.
Exploring the Racial Wealth Gap - Today
Pam Laser, FUUSB Racial Justice Team
Don’t miss the last session of Exploring the Racial Wealth Gap: racial justice information session on the loss of generational wealth and what we can do about it!
This informative presentation from Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA) Executive Director, Debbie Ingram, reviews the effects of racial discrimination in housing and land ownership. Members of our First UU Society participate in the VIA multi-congregation Local Organizing Ministry, which addresses systemic racism that has disadvantaged people of color in accumulating generational wealth.
This presentation will share VIA's work to date on this issue, explore the foundation for pressing the passage of relevant Vermont legislation beginning in January, and identify what each of us can do to help change this disparity. It will cover:
An historical review of the Racial Wealth Gap
Vermont racial wealth gap data
What is being worked on in the state and legislature to combat systemic racism and the wealth gap
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or (802) 324-2091.
Yours in justice,
Pam
FUUSB Holiday Cards by Member Artists
NEW!! FUUSB Holiday Cards by Member Artists (pictured above) may now be ordered through the FUUSB Fundraiser link: gofundraise.link/FUUSBholidaysale2021
Available in packages of 8 cards and envelopes, one of each design, for $16. Includes works by member artists Rodney Lowe, Carol MacDonald, Sarah Rosedahl, Janet Biehl, and others. Also included are two select photos from FUUSB Christmas Eve services. Inside message: PEACE * JOY * LOVE. Cards will be ready to pick up at the same time as the wreaths, on Sunday, December 5. Questions? Email Hope Baker-Carr at [email protected].
FUUSB Fundraiser: Wreaths & Greens!
Sarah Forbes
Holiday Wreath & Greens Sale!
Order a beautiful, custom-decorated, premium quality wreath or swag for your home or for a gift. Wreaths are handmade in the Northeast Kingdom and measure about 24” across. Swags are handmade, decorated with natural materials and a bow and are about 24” long.
Remember a loved one this year with a memorial wreath or greens which will decorate our Meeting House exterior and Sanctuary during December. Sign up through the FUUSB Fundraiser link:gofundraise.link/FUUSBholidaysale2021.
Wreath Decorators Needed!
Learn something new or continue your tradition! Come decorate wreaths and make swags for the FUUSB Annual Fundraiser! We will be decorating in the Community Room, socially distanced and with masks. Thursday, Dec. 2, Friday, Dec. 3, Saturday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. Thank you!
Contact Sarah Forbes to sign up and with any questions. 578-6119 or [email protected]
Natural Materials & Evergreen Boughs Wanted...
...for FUUSB wreath-making!
When cleaning up your gardens or hiking, please consider collecting interesting pods, bark, cones, grasses, dusty miller, birch bark, fern or lily seed heads, red bark dogwood, etc., and greens like cedar, holly, white pine or other evergreen boughs for making wreaths. Call to arrange pick-up or drop-off, or bring to the UU on Dec. 2 or 3. Thank you! Sarah Forbes, 578-6119, [email protected]
Zen Meditation at the UU
Jon Sallée
Zen Meditation at First UU is back in person, Monday evenings at 5:15 p.m. We sit together at the Meeting House, under the liturgical guidance of the Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community. We practice for 60 minutes, during which we sit, walk, then sit again, all in body or spirit. The transitions are a natural opportunity to shift between cushion, bench, or chair. There are several of each available at the Meeting House, or you are welcome to bring your own.
All are welcome, regardless of familiarity or experience with meditation practice in Zen, Buddhism, or any other tradition. Please arrive a few minutes early to settle in before the first gong at half-past, and a few more minutes if you are new or would like clarification before we begin. Since we are meeting indoors, please wear a mask and let us know you are coming at rsvp.church/r/sINl0nzs. For more information, or to join remotely, contact [email protected].
"Healing Our Waters" Event
Rabbi Jan Salzman, Congregation Ruach haMaqom
Tuesday, November 30, 7 p.m. in the FUUSB Sanctuary and Live-Streamed
Guest speaker: Rev. Nancy Wright, PhD, activist and water quality diva
Water: It’s more than a source of life. When we think about water, we tend to hone in on what might be coming out of our taps. Yet water is both the mythical and evolutionary foundation of life on this planet. How might we raise our consciousness and become more of an activist for water on this blue marble that floats in space? We’ll take a look at a variety of topics, including non-point pollution, the health of Lake Champlain, and exciting opportunities to improve access to clean drinking water. Sponsored by the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington and Ruach haMaqom. Click here for more information!
For all indoor gatherings at FUUSB, please wear a mask and maintain safe distancing.
FUUSB Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule
Mary Williams, Society Administrator
Happy Thanksgiving! FUUSB's Thanksgiving holiday break is next Wednesday, Nov. 24 and Thursday, Nov. 25.
During the holiday, staff will be taking time off, and most weekly FUUSB meetings will not be held. Please visit uusociety.org for updated event listings.
The eNews will take a break for the holiday on Nov. 25. The next issue will be on December 2.
Upcoming Sundays
November 28 at 10 a.m.
Online Worship Service
Rowan Van Ness, Ministerial Intern, with Geoff Duke, Worship Associate
Join us for live-streamed Sunday worship! The link will be shared on our website, uusociety.org.