Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

February 16 at 10 a.m.

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Betsey Ferries, Worship Associate

"How Do We Make this a Love Story?"

While it sure does feel like we are in a handbasket, heading to a destination that the Universalist part of us doesn’t believe in (e.g. hell), the question that keeps repeating comes from adrienne maree brown: “how do we make this a love story?” Rev. Karen is in the pulpit, inviting us to explore deeper our roles and responsibilities at this challenging time to be alive. While we cannot do everything (and should not try), it is up to each of us to do what is ours to do.

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. Following Time For All Ages, children, preK through 12th grade, will be sung out and escorted to their UU Values Exploration Groups. The nursery is open throughout the service for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Looking Back to Sunday

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

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

This past Sunday, we had a Question Box Service, where Rev. Karen responded to questions submitted by congregants ahead of time. Here is Rev. Karen's answer to the question, Why Are We Landlords?

Minister's Message 2/11

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Here is the latest Minister's Message from Rev. Karen. It's about 6 minutes long.

We Want to Hear Your Good Story

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

What did you do with the Reverse Offering cash that you received at our January 26th service? What Do Good story do you have to tell?

There are three ways to tell the story:

• write it out and post it on the bulletin board in the community room - any time through the end of March
• make a 2-minute video telling the story of what you did and upload it to this google folder by Feb 26 (doing so gives us permission to possibly show it at our March 9 service or in other social media)
• volunteer to tell your Do Good story as part of the March 9th service - live!

If you want to submit a video or be considered for telling your story at the March 9th service, fill out this brief form right away (by March 2nd).

March 9: Give to Amplify Good

Stewardship Team

The good that comes from gathering and caring for each other gets amplified beyond these walls. Gifts you give and receive here are carried out into the world. Now more than ever, our world needs these gifts. Thank you for your commitment to this community, and for sharing your gifts in all the ways that you do.

During the March 9 worship service, you will be asked to make your annual financial pledge. Please support this institution financially, because it supports you and the people in the pews next to you.

On Sunday we heard an inspiring testimonial from Louis deRosset. If you missed it, click here, or the video below, and find out why he gives.

- Your Stewardship Team

New UU Class

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

This past Sunday, several new folks signed the membership book (WELCOME!) and 8 new folks began the New UU class. 

Spring Auction Donations are Open!

Erin Kelley, Spring Auction Team

Spring auction donations are being accepted now!

The auction is a wonderful fundraiser because it deepens our ‘community capital’ by giving us opportunities to connect with one another more deeply. We will have a live auction on April 12th this year so we are accepting some high quality items but start thinking about some special skills that you might be able to share; are you a board game whiz with games you could share? Do you have a boat you might want to give rides on? Some special knowledge of Burlington? A special skill in IT, public speaking or something else that someone may want to learn? Maybe an awesome connection to a natural area, or a yummy dinner you want to share with a group? Donate here!

Faith Development Support Team Meeting

Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

Thursday February 20 | 4:30-5:45PM | Parlors

Faith Development parents, guides, and anyone else who would like to be part of the ongoing creation of vibrant programs for the children and youth of our congregation are invited to attend meetings of the FD Support team. A few dedicated volunteers will join Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development, and Töve Johnson, Program Assistant for each monthly meeting, but others can drop in when able. This is an opportunity for parents to shape and support programs even if a regular commitment isn’t possible! Email erika@uusociety.org at least a day in advance if you would like to join virtually by Zoom.

Fruition Seeds Event

Thursday, Feb 13 | 5:30 to 8:30 pm | at FUUSB

The Gift of Seeds

Together, let’s practice receiving hundreds of varieties of regionally adapted seeds as gifts, cultivating gift culture as well as community, nourishing all generations to come! Together we’re going to laugh, play, send each other home with many regionally adapted seeds from Fruition Seeds as we sing and perhaps even shed a tear or two.



This event is hosted by Fruition Seeds, located in the Finger Lakes region of New York and here in the Burlington area for the Northeast Organic Farmers Association conference.

Sunday Circle 11:30 am on 2/16

Gail Beck, Member

Join a lively discussion in the Parlors, after the 2/16 service at 11:30-12:30 to discuss Rev Karen's moving discussion of "How do we make this a love story"?” Rev. Karen is in the pulpit, inviting us to explore deeper our roles and responsibilities at this challenging time to be alive. While we cannot do everything (and should not try), it is up to each of us to do what is ours to do.

As adrienne maree brown says, "If the goal was to increase love, rather than winning or dominating a constant opponent, I think we could actually imagine liberation from constant oppression. We would suddenly be seeing everything we do, everyone we meet, not through the tactical eyes of war, but through eyes of love. We would see that there’s no such thing as a blank canvas, an empty land or a new idea – but everywhere there is complex, ancient, fertile ground full of potential." Let's get together and explore Love. Looking forward to seeing you!

Overdose Prevention Center

Sarah Russell, Radical Welcoming Team

The Radical Welcoming Team has been discussing the Overdose Prevention Center which is planned to be built in Burlington. We would like to hear what congregates think about OPCs (Overdose Prevention Centers). We invite you to our next event this Sunday.

February 16 - 11:30 - Whitney Young Room - Q and A about Overdose Prevention Centers.  

Please come to either or both of these and tell us what you are thinking and ask any questions you have.  

The Radical Welcoming Team

Liam Hart, Director of Music

Music can be a powerful tool to resist oppression. Our music director, Liam Hart, will lead us in singing songs of love and solidarity that our congregation might find useful if active resistance is required, whether in our sanctuary or in other spaces. We'll be in the sanctuary from 11:45-12:30 on Sunday, February 16th.

Climate Justice Team Announcements

Coffee Hour on February 16th:

UU Climate Justice Revival

Caitlin Waddick, Cimate Justice Team

During Coffee Hour after the service on February 16th, the Climate Justice Team invites you to talk amongst yourselves —and with us — about the UU Climate Justice Revival. https://www.uuclimatejustice.org  

We have decorated a bulletin board in the Community Room with materials from our events in September. Maybe we will have a poster and some prompts. The Climate Justice Revival is happening in over 300 UU congregations globally this year.  

We ask: how do we create a flourishing society that builds our connections to each other, nourishes people, and that envisions climate justice and collective liberation in Burlington, in Vermont, and beyond? 

We are asking big questions: What are our challenging realities? What do we each have to offer? What does community care look like? And this specific question: What is a singular project that this congregation wants to address? 

As the author of this blurb, my own three favorite ideas, so far, are: (1) FUUSB should create housing by building tiny homes with community partners, (2) FUUSB should sponsor climate refugees from Haiti, Barbados, and Cuba to come to Vermont, (3) FUUSB should start a green burial project for the northeast region with community partners. 

What is your vision for climate justice? What do you have to offer a FUUSB project? What would you like to see the Climate Justice Team do next?   The CJT can be reached at: climatejustice@uusociety.org 

Climate Justice Team Monthly Meeting:

February 18

The Climate Justice Team welcomes new members. Our usual monthly meeting (in-person, third Sundays, after the service) is moved to an online meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6-7 PM. We have ongoing projects, such as the native pollinator garden on the FUUSB lawn. We are considering next steps for FUUSB Climate Justice Revival. Please email climatejustice@uusociety.org for the meeting link or to get involved. 

Minute of Us

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

"A gesture ~ even small ~ can give courage for the more that has become necessary."

Choose Democracy is inviting all of us to take a moment every Wednesday at 12:53

You can do this on your own. Set an alert/alarm so that you can be intentional of about marking 12:53. You can text "minute" to 51905 and it will text you a reminder.

Why 12:53?

This is when the January 6th protestors, now pardoned, first crossed the police barricades and when the three richest people in the world — Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg — all were seated for Donald Trump’s inauguration.

You can do this by joining this congregational Zoom link at 12:50. At 12:53, we will observe a Moment of Silence for five minutes for those hurt and suffering due to the current administration and the damage they are causing to this country and around the globe.

Rev. Karen welcomes a few more people who can commit to holding this Wednesday space so that we might be able to communally participate each week as it comes. If that is you, please email her.

You're Invited to Faith Climate Action Day!

Climate Justice Team

Once a year, Vermont's faith and environmental leaders come together at the Statehouse to voice our faith and environmental values in the fight against climate change. The day includes a community gathering, a training on lobbying, a press conference, and time to meet face-to-face with our legislators about climate priorities. This is a family friendly event! We welcome and encourage youth voices.

Where: Vermont Statehouse

When: February 19th, 2025, 9:00am-3:00pm (You can attend part of the day or all of it!)

Why: FCAD is an opportunity to build community, advocate for our faith and environmental values directly with our representatives, and stand in solidarity for Vermont's future. 

How: REGISTER here!

Faith Climate Action Day is a partnership between VT Interfaith Power & Light, VT Public Interest Research Group, VT Interfaith Action, 350 Vermont, VT Natural Resources Council, and VT Conservation Voters.

Welcoming Theme Circle

Gail Beck, Member

New to UU? Curious about UU or a Longtime Member?

You are welcome to Join Our Wednesday Night Theme Circle!

February 19 | 6:00-7:30 PM | UU Meeting House

Looking for a space to explore deep, meaningful topics with others who bring wisdom and experience? Our Wednesday Night Theme Circle is the perfect opportunity!

With several experienced lay leaders in our congregation, this is a chance to engage in rich discussions and explore Unitarian Universalist themes in depth.

Guided by the Soul Matters theme packet, we dive into themes like Inclusion, Trust, Joy, Imagination, and Freedom bringing fresh insights and perspectives.

Come give it a try! Whether you are a longtime UU or just curious, this welcoming Theme Circle offers a unique way to reflect, connect, and grow. Contact ThemeCircles@uusociety.org for more information. Hope to see you!

Poverty, by America Book Group Forming at FUUSB in March

Susan Ogden, Member

Are you troubled by the wealth divide in our country? Do you want to learn about this timely issue via reading and discussions with fellow UU folks? After reading, are you interested in working together to support economic justice here in Vermont?

Join us!

What:  Book Group: Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond

When:  March 9, March 16, March 23, March 30, April 6, April 13

Where: We will gather at the Meeting House after the Sunday Service

Time:  11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Questions: Contact co-facilitators Susan Ogden (susanogden1@mac.com) or Kathy Stamper (akastamper@gmail.com) 

UUA General Assembly: June 18 -22

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

This year GA is going to be in Baltimore, MD and also online, June 18 - 22. It is always exciting to join together with thousands of other UUs, these are our peeps!  

Are you a governance nerd? If so, we're looking for members interested in being a Delegate for our congregation. Delegates attend the business session either in person or online. If you are interested in being a delegate and you are a member of FUUSB, please contact Christina at xina@uusociety.org to get on the list.  

Do you love to sing? Well here is some exciting news! Our friend the Rev. Verdus LeVar Robinson will be this year's GA Choir Director.  Verdis served as the Ministerial Coordinator of Worship Arts Production and Adult Lifespan Spiritual Exploration for the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, Vermont, after serving the congregation as a Ministerial Intern under the guidance of the Rev. Joan Javier-Duval. Since 2022, Rev. Verdis has served central Vermont as the Executive and Artistic Director of the Montpelier Community Gospel Choir sharing the hope, joy, and inspiration of African American gospel music in Vermont. You must register to sing in the choir, and there are a limited number of spots, so do not hesitate.

You must register to attend GA, registration fees vary depending on if you attend in person, online, or only for the business sessions. The UUA has several options for Financial Assistance, including a $100 discount if this is your very first GA. There are other discounts and financial assistance offered, so please check out the Financial Support page for more information. The Society has limited funds to assist with registration, contact Christina at xina@uusociety.org to learn more.

If you are planning/hoping to attend GA and would like to join a FUUSB Realm Group, contact xina@uusociety.org. My hope is that this group will help each other with things like sharing housing, sharing rides, gatherings before and during GA, and reporting back to the congregation about your GA experience.

Annual FUU Campout

Elmore State Park, June 13-15

Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

It’s not too early to plan for summer fun! For more than 20 years, members of First UU have gathered at this beautiful state park in mid-June to commune with nature and each other! This loosely planned weekend will include a Friday night potluck dinner, group campfires, sing-alongs, and an informal closing circle worship. Climbing the mountain and the firetower are optional but inspiring activities! There will be children; there will be youth, there will be adults, younger and older. If you like camping and UU fellowship, please consider joining us! (If sleeping in a tent is not on your to-do list, we welcome day- trippers for the Friday potluck or Saturday beach and mountain fun!)

Please follow this link for more information and to register!

Growing Resilience & Resistance

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

The Preparing for What is Next & Now workshop. Using the work of Quaker, community organizer, and author, Daniel Harper (whom Rev. Karen has referenced in several of her sermons), in February we are offering two workshops designed to help participants figure out what is yours to do as part of a deep and wide resistance to authoritarian forces in our midst. One workshop is open to young adults (18 - 35) and one is open - registration for both is limited.

For Young Adults - Saturday, Feb 15, 11 - 1:30 facilitated by Abbie Wolff & Rev. Karen

For Adults - Sunday, Feb 23, 11:30 -1:30, facilitated by Andrea Van Liew and Mark Power-Freeman

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.