War has come to Europe, again. Climate crises accelerate around the globe. Racism is more present than ever in our country, even as we struggle to celebrate Black history. Old stories change, but do they ever go away? Does it even make sense to feel hopeful about a more just future? Some reflections on learning our history.
We are now inviting up to 50 (vaccinated, masked) people to attend worship in person on Sundays. To sign up for this Sunday, go to: rsvp.church/r/eJ7rm65u.
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 our YouTube channel.
At 11 a.m. all are welcome to Outdoor Coffee Hour in front of the Meeting House and Zoom Coffee Hour at this link: bit.ly/3j4RxJ9.
Join the 8th Principle Conversation
Geoff Duke, Radical Welcoming Team
The Radical Welcoming Team believes that the proposed 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism represents a tangible, well-defined, and active first step to help our congregation move toward our developmental ministry goal to “Actively and meaningfully welcome, support, and empower congregants who are black or other persons of color, LGBTQ+, have disabilities, and other congregants with marginalized identities.”
At the Annual Meeting this June, members of FUUSB will be asked to vote on whether to add the proposed 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism to our shared principles. What would adopting this principle mean for our Society? What would it mean for you?
The Radical Welcoming Team is hosting a virtual informational discussion to explore this topic tonight, Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. Zoom link to join: bit.ly/3Iibo3Q.
No registration is required. Please join us to learn more about the 8th Principle, voice your support and concerns, and get your questions answered. Email radicalwelcoming@uusociety.org with questions.
Invitation From the Racial Justice Team
"The thing that’s really slick about whiteness, if you will, is that most of the benefits can be obtained without ever doing anything personally... There are a whole set of assumptions that flow from being white, just like there are a whole set of benefits that flow from being male—you know, being a man doesn’t mean that you have antipathy toward women, but if society is patriarchal, which a lot of people say it is, it means that the way resources are distributed in society benefits men. In that sense, men are not innocent, even though they may not personally have antipathy toward women. In the same way, in that sense, whites are not innocent. They’re given the spoils of a racist system, even if they’re not personally racist." - john a. powell
The next Racial Justice Team monthly meeting will be next Tuesday, March 1, 5-6:30 p.m. at this Zoom link: bit.ly/353ijQu. The meeting is open and welcoming of new and former members. Join us then or contact us at racialjustice@uusociety.org or Pam Laser, (802) 324-2091. Hope to see you there!
Knitting & Crocheting Group
Linda Graves
If you love knitting or crocheting, please consider joining First UU’s online group for our next meeting which will be at 7 p.m. on March 1. We have warm sharing and discussions during our hour-long Zoom gathering. No experience needed, just a desire to connect while you work on whatever project you have going. Here’s the link: bit.ly/3qKUgLa
"Our Money, Our Mission" Listening Session
Kameron McConnell, Treasurer
Your Treasurer and members of the Finance Team are hosting an event on Thursday, March 3 - It's the third annual "Our Money, Our Mission" listening session. We'll explore the question "Are we spending our money to meet our mission?" Come share your thoughts over Zoom from 7-8:30 p.m.
For audio only, call (646) 558-8656. If outside the Northeast, find your local number here.
Who Are We Now?
Hope Baker-Carr, Board President
Summary of Feedback From
"Who Are We Now?"
A Board of Trustees sponsored Community Conversation held on January 23, 2022
The long-awaited summary of participant feedback from January 23rd's Community Conversation is now available. Find out how members responded to the question "Who are we now?" From the amazingly upbeat "We are a strong and healthy community. We are in a good place. We have a bright future." to the more inclusive, open-minded work of radical welcoming, to connection and engagement of Zoom, to feelings of disconnection and loss, you'll find the summary captures thoughts shared by many.
If you weren't able to attend the community conversation and have additional thoughts, feel free to contact the Board at board@uusociety.org, or hold on to your thoughts for another community conversation. We always welcome your feedback.
Angel Fund Update
Kameron McConnell, Treasurer
With joy and gratitude, the Finance Team wants you to know that Angel Fund contributions hit the $10,000 mark this past week, just 3 weeks after the Treasurer's bid for financial support. The Angel Fund allows some to give more when others need to give less. To all contributors, both pledging members and non-members alike - Thank you for your generosity.
Meal Train for Rowan's Family
Please consider sharing a meal with our Ministerial Intern, Rowan, and her family! Rowan and Caitlyn are very busy with new baby Seneca, and would be very grateful for some help with meals. For more details and to sign up, visit mealtrain.com/1d15mw. Thank you!
Coffee & Community Action!
Margo Whitcomb, Faith Development Assistant
Sunday, March 6, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Meeting House grounds
Our theme for March is “Renewing Faith” which extends to joining forces with one another for the common good, so we want to make the monthly interfaith vigil a multigenerational event.
At 12:30, All Are Welcome to some hot beverages and materials to make signs. Children can run off energy, visit, and play while adults have coffee prior to the vigil.
Join with other faith communities in Burlington in standing together in faith against racism. Pearl Street, in front of the Meeting House, 1:00-1:30 p.m.
Family Faith Development Council - Drop In!
Margo Whitcomb, Faith Development Assistant
Monday, March 7, 6-7 p.m.
Parents, teachers, and other members with interest in programming for children and youth meet with Faith Development staff to provide vision and form community! Your input is welcome as we continue to navigate programming in challenging (but changing) times. "Membership" in this council is casual and all are welcome with your input and ideas to grow the next generation. Click on the link to join by Zoom: Council Meeting
Buddhism: Eastern Religious Traditions - Part 2
Margo Whitcomb, Faith Development Assistant
Tuesday, March 8, 7-8:30 p.m.
New member and longtime scholar of the world’s religions, Phillip Brentwood, will present a 90-minute session exploring Buddhism, the 2nd in a 3-part series, enhanced by the backdrop of a multimedia presentation. Click here for more information and to register. This session will be held both in the well-ventilated Community Room (masks required, capacity 20), and through Zoom. The presenter will be unmasked while speaking.
Zoom Family Chapel 2.0 - March Edition
Margo Whitcomb, Faith Development Assistant
DATE CHANGE! Sunday, March 13, 9-9:50 a.m.
Come see old friends and new while we explore the monthly theme of Renewing Faith. All are welcome but families with young children are especially invited to join Erika and Margo for fun, ritual and reflection. Click the link to join: Zoom Family Chapel
From Our Facilities Manager
Dear Members and Friends,
We now have many devices at the Meeting House that operate best with a smartphone. I am hoping that someone might have an iPhone 8, or above, that they have replaced with a new phone and would want to donate to the Society. It would save us a few hundred dollars. It would need to be signed out of your iCloud account for us to be able to use it. I could help to reformat it so all of your information is cleared. Please contact me at david@uusociety.org if you have a phone you may want to donate. Thank you!
David McFeeters, Facilities Manager
Online Audio Meditations
Linda Graves, Member Care Team
Did you know? There is an archive of meditation recordings on our Society website which you can find here: uusociety.org/member-care/meditation-archive. These meditations were recorded weekly by several members during the first summer of the Covid pandemic in 2020, before there were vaccines, KN95 masks and more than one variant. In many ways, life still feels uncertain and many of us feel isolated. Each meditation lasts roughly 10-15 minutes. Consider taking a deep breath and listen to one. May it bring a sense of peace.
New UU Group for UVM Students
Erin Kelley
If you are a UVM student looking to connect more with the UU community at the university, come join us on Tuesdays in the Interfaith Center from 7-8:15 p.m. to learn about UU, build community, and have fun!
In Memoriam
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear member, Ellie Skofield, on February 13. Ellie was a longtime member of FUUSB who participated in many activities and was known for her quick wit and fierce friendship. Ellie's memorial service will be scheduled on a future date. Elsie Skolfield Obituary
Roy Neuer, a FUUSB member since the mid 1970s, died peacefully on December 27, 2021 at Birchwood with his wife, Shirley Wolfe, by his side. Roy had been receiving skilled and dedicated services for a month from the UVM Health Network Home Health & Hospice. Because of the coronavirus and family obligations, a celebration of Roy's full and interesting life may be planned for the summer of 2022. Roy Neuer Obituary