Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

December 1 at 10 a.m.

Rev. Dr. James Ross II, Guest Minister

Warren Baker, Worship Associate

"Becoming More Human"

The late Grace Lee Boggs tells us that if we want to change the world, we must first change ourselves. Doing so is not easy, even when we are clear about the world we desire. Still, we can become what Boggs refers to as “more human human beings.”

Rev. Dr. James D. Ross II is justice advocate, pastor, professional coach, writer, and editor. Currently serving as Senior Director of Identity Centers and Director of the Interfaith Center at the University of Vermont. He is black, queer, Southern, and holds ordination in the United Church of Christ.

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 (children and parents/caregivers, youth may come on their own) and Faith Development guides will begin on the lower level with 15-20 minutes of child-centered worship, after which parents will be sung out to the service already in progress and children and youth will begin Chalice Choice activities. The Nursery will be open for infants through PK. Parents can sign children in before or during the service.

Looking Back to Sunday

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

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

From this past Sunday, here is the text of the prayer which marked the 1 year anniversary of the shooting of the 3 Palestinian students (11/25/23). Here is the text of her sermon, Over the River.

FUUSB Board Communication

Kim Watkin, Board Member

The FUUSB Board of Trustees met this past Tuesday, Nov. 19th. Treasurer Brian Haas presented a financial report to the Board. The Board is working to reinvigorate the Stewardship Team as a way to support our financial stability. Rev Karen’s Minister’s Report included her priorities to develop a pathway to Adult Faith Development, develop sustainable Pastoral Visitors and Care Network Teams, and develop and implement Responsible Behaviors procedures. In connection with the November national election, Rev, Karen led several programs for the FUUSB and greater community to process our experiences. The Board began discussing how FUUSB should handle requests that come in from individual or partner organizations to support certain public statements or positions and hopes to look at the first draft of a policy on the topic at its next meeting.

The Board reviewed the notes from our Retreat with the Racial Justice Team and looks forward to working with the RJT on next steps. We also reviewed recommendations suggested by two Widening the Circle study groups. The Board’s first “Listening to You” forum on Nov 10th was attended by 25 congregants. We hope to include more congregants in our next session on Jan 12th by providing childcare and a virtual option. We will be using the feedback from these sessions at our Board Retreat at the end of January as we consider our congregational goals for 2025-26. 

With gratitude for his service, the Board acknowledged the resignation of Jeb Spaulding. He will continue to be active in the FUUSB Legacy Society. With excitement, the Board voted to approve Stephen Rainville and Susan Ogden as the newest members to the Board. Both will serve in these positions until our June 2025 Annual Meeting. 

** Please email board@uusociety.org if you would like the Zoom link to our next Board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17th from 4pm to 6pm. 

Christmas Eve

Candle Lighters/Ushers Sign-Ups

Töve Johnson, Program Assistant

Join the magic! We are seeking Candlelighters/Ushers for the 4, 6, and 8 p.m. services on Christmas Eve.

We need eight people (ages 12 and older) for the 4 pm and 6 pm

services and 6 people for the 8 pm service.

Volunteers must be willing to arrive 45 minutes early for orientation. Duties include handing out orders of service, assisting with the collection, and functioning as candle lighters.

Come take part in this annual holiday event!

Candlelighters/Ushers will hand out candles as people come into the Sanctuary, pass the baskets during the collection, and light the candles during Silent Night.

Click here to join the Christmas Eve Candle Lighter crew!

Questions? Contact Töve.

Pageant Sign-Ups

Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

It's that time of year again...sign up now for a role in the cast or crew for this year's Christmas Nativity pageant. This 4 p.m., family-centered service on Christmas Eve will yet be “No-Rehearsal" again as in years past, meaning anyone who walks in on Christmas Eve can play a part. But we need to assign some of the major roles and know we have a crew ahead of time.

Click here to claim your part now!

Navigating Difficult Conversations at the Holidays & Beyond Workshop

Healthy Congregation Team

Would you like to explore how you show up in difficult conversations? Come to this workshop where we will examine our mind and body responses to conflict, as well as learning some basic communication skills. The goal is to plant some seeds to grow confidence and gain insight about learning how to stand in the light of your own truth while holding space for another to feel heard and be seen. 

Workshop date: 12/8/24 

11:30am-1:30pm in the Parlors

Soup will be served. Childcare is available.

Space is limited. Click here to register!

This workshop is presented by Barbara Shaw-Dorso, coordinator of the conflict assistance program at the Burlington Community Justice Center.

Offered by the Healthy Congregation Team. Contact Nancy Hellen with questions.

Socially Responsible Santa

Ellen Wollensack, Member

Coordinated for many years by FUUSB member Maggi Hayes, this annual program began in 1986 as a project of the Social Responsibility Committee. Working with many community organizations over the years, we have increased the number of families served. While many recipients have purchased traditional gifts, others have used the money for past-due bills, assistive devices, and security deposits on apartments, allowing them to move out of a shelter. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the congregation.

Volunteer elves get referrals from congregation members and friends, community organizations and schools. They deliver cash gifts to families or individuals in need. We believe that by giving a cash gift we are empowering people to decide for themselves what kinds of Christmas gifts they wish to give and receive. This is in keeping with the first principle of Unitarian Universalism: the inherent worth and dignity of every person.  



For more information, you may contact SRS@uusociety.org.

The Sunday weekly offerings in the month of December will be shared with the SRS fund. Donations to Socially Responsible Santa can also be made by clicking on the button below.

Holiday Bazaar

Kim Watkin, Board Member

It is getting closer. The 89th Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 7th from 9am to 2pm in the Community Room. 

Luncheon is 11am to 1pm ($10).

We still need your help!

1. Plan to Drop Off your donations on Wed, Dec 4th ( 10am-2pm), Thurs, Dec. 5th (10am to 7pm) or Fri Dec 6th (10am to 7pm).  

2. Sign Up for a Shift at the Bazaar. Email Kim and she will find a way for you to be involved!

3. Have some jelly or honey to donate? Want to bake a dozen cookies for the Luncheon dessert?  See us at our next Coffee Hour on Dec. 1st or email Kim with your donation ideas. 

4. As of Sunday night, there were still 4 Memorial Wreaths left. Order Here!

5. Wreaths that were purchased in advance will be available for pick up during our Drop Off hours as well as at the Bazaar itself. 

We are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, Dec. 7th! 

Pickup for 2024 Holiday Wreaths

Sarah Forbes, Member

Preferred pickup dates: 

11-1pm- Wednesday 12/4, Thursday 12/5 or Friday 12/6.

-Wreaths can also be picked up on 12/7 during the Bazaar or 12/8 after the Sunday Service in the Community Room.

Questions? Contact Sarah Forbes 802-578-6119, or Nina 802-383-8192 with fundraiser or web questions. Thank you!

The Season of Giving

Töve Johnson, Program Assistant

(Written by Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance)

As we're coming to the end of the calendar year, many of you are thinking about making charitable contributions. As you are making your decisions around charitable donations, please remember FUUSB. Here are several options to think about:

1. Pay your Pledge - If you made a financial pledge to FUUSB for this fiscal year, please check to make sure that your pledge payment is completed or at least up to date. It's very easy to think that your payments are being charged to your credit card or being taken out of your bank account, only to find out that they are not. So check on Realm, or contact Töve.
2. Qualified Charitable Distribution from an IRA - Making a direct transfer from an IRA allows a member age 70½ or over to avoid a tax hit on the annual required minimum distribution. In this case, the charitable contribution must go directly to the Society, not the taxpayer first. This option requires some advance planning, so individuals considering it should consult with their tax or financial advisor.
3. Donations of stock Donating your appreciated stock is a great way to make your gift to First UU – paying your pledge or as an additional gift. To do so, or if you have questions, email generosity@uusociety.org.  It’s helpful if you let us know the company and number of shares you would like to donate.
4. Give to a FUUSB Fund Account - The Society has many opportunities to contribute in special ways: Sunday Morning Breakfast, Socially Responsible Santa, the Angel Fund, Fill the Gap, Share the Plate, the Discretionary Fund, and JUMP. Go to the Helping Our Community page on the website to find out more about these special funds.



Generosity is a spiritual practice for many during the December holidays. Every gift, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated. You can give online, by texting "Steeple" to 73256, by mailing a check to the Society, or by dropping a check in the basket on Sunday morning. If you are giving online, click on the Fund drop-down menu for a listing of all our special funds. If you are giving by check, please write the name of the fund in the memo line of the check. Please contact Töve with any questions.

Click here to register for this upcoming month's Earth Teacher Session on Dec. 12th.

UVM Interfaith Event

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

For those who attended the interfaith Parents Circle event in June that we hosted in June, this event may be of interest: it is another event of both Palestinian and Israeli cooperation - sponsored by Vermont Friends of Standing Together and the UVM Interfaith Center.

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.