Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

April 13 at 10 a.m.

Rev. Karen G. Johnston- Senior Minister

Warren Baker- Worship Associate

"Freedom: Pew, Pulpit, Pluralism"

While exploring Pluralism as an essential value of Unitarian Universalism, it can be helpful to look at it both “out there” in the world and “in here” as part of a possible UU congregational covenant. Using the concept of “freedom of the pulpit & pew,” Rev. Karen will help us get more familiar with the part of our shared identity and shared commitment to our faith.

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 the Time for All Ages, children and youth, preK through 12th grade, will be sung out and escorted to their Exploration Groups. The nursery is open throughout the service for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Youth in 7th-12th grade will stay for lunch in the Dix Room.

Looking Back to Sunday

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

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

In her sermon, Rev. Karen spoke about J. Drew Lanham. Here is an essay from him, sent after Sunday's service, by Beth Howard.

She also preached about her 17-day pilgrimage in the Deep South. Rev. Karen blogged her travels and you can read about it here (please note: the link will bring you to the final post - you may want to go to the 2nd page and start from the beginning).

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Here is the latest video Minister's Message from Rev. Karen with a preview of many important dates coming up this spring. 

Stewardship Update

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

We are down to the final week of our Stewardship Campaign! Our goal is $478,000 and we are so close. Right now we have 233 pledges for a total of $445,028, only $32,971 from our goal. Just this morning I sent emails to 50 members who pledged in our current year, but who haven't pledged yet for this year. If all of these folks renewed their pledge for the same amount as last year, we would make our goal and then some! If you didn't pledge last year, but would still like to make a pledge for next year, it is not too late.  Click on this link to make a pledge! We have many people who are not members but pledge to support our mission anyway! I know we can make our goal, every pledge counts!  

All-YUUTH Lunch- Sunday April 13th

Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

Sunday April 13th

11:15am - 12:30pm

Dix Room

Are you the parent of a teenager who is:

• Wondering where their place is at First UU?
• Or one who has been involved with our programs in the past but is just too busy for a regular commitment?
• Or one who is already showing up for services or Faith Development programming?

We're inviting all youth in 7th-12th grades to join us after the service on Sunday April 13th for pizza and games! 

Please pass this on to the young people in your life!

These periodic lunches are a point of connection for all of the youth of our congregation. (We hosted 9 youth, across the age range, at our first lunch last month).

Going, going, going, gone!

Last chance for the auction

Spring Auction Team

The auction is open! Have you checked out the live auction yet? We've got three more days to go online the offerings are wonderful! We've got everything from dinner to walks to teas and times to do art together. We've got books, and a quilt, and delicious homemade maple syrup. And lots of lovely time on the lake! Bid now: FUUSB Spring Auction 2025 

Plus, THIS SATURDAY, April 12th is the live auction to be held at FUUSB from 6pm-8pm. Wear your best western and come for an evening of fun and entertainment as we support our community together! Childcare will be provided. 

If you have any questions reach out to Erin Kelley or Avery Hamill.

After Services Sunday Circle - April 13

Gail Beck, Member

You're Invited / 11:30-12:30 PM

In the Parlors (after the service)

Join us for a time of connection, reflection and deep listening.

Sunday circles offer a welcoming space to take a "deep dive" into Rev Karen's sermon through thoughtful conversation and community sharing.

This Week's Topic

Exploring Pluralism - "Out There" & "In Here"

Rev Karen will guide us in considering Pluralism not only a Core UU Value but also how it lives in the world within our own covenants.

We'll reflect on the" freedom of the pulpit" and "freedom of the pew' and how both shape our shared journey.

A reading from Rev Karen and her Benediction will be shared. Just bring an Open Heart.

Eggs Needed!

Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

After the service on Easter Sunday we hold an egg hunt for children (no age limits). We ask families to bring in a dozen filled eggs per child, but there are often many visiting children and other families that come with none, so we would love some extra!

Eggs should be filled with trinkets, not candy. You can supply the plastic eggs or pick some up from the basket in the vestibule. We need the filled eggs to arrive by 9:45 on Sunday 4/20, and if it's easier, you can drop them off this Sunday.

In the past eggs have been filled with: bouncing balls, balloons, small plastic toys, beads, costume jewelry, stickers, tattoos, flower bulbs, seed paper or bombs, coins, stones, jokes, feathers, origami cranes etc. 

Theme Circles

Gail Beck, Member

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

You are welcome to Join Our Tuesday Daytime or Wednesday Night Theme Circle!

Our Theme this month is "JOY" Link to the Path

April 15| 2:00-3:30 PM | UU Meeting House upstairs

April 16| 6:00-7:30 PM | UU Meeting House upstairs

Looking for a space to explore deep, meaningful topics with others who bring wisdom and experience? Our Theme Circles are 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. 

Please Contact ThemeCircles@uusociety.org for more info.

Hope to see you!

Tuesday evenings -

Community Meditation 5:15 - 6

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Curious about meditation? Looking for an in-person opportunity to meditate regardless of experience - friendly for both seasoned practitioners and folks who are new? Hoping you can sit in a chair rather than on the floor? 

We've got you!

Here is the link to register to attend our April online Earth Teacher Reflection Session- Thurs. April 10th. Each month we explore our relationship with an aspect of the Natural World, reminding ourselves that we are a part of it. April's Earth Teacher is Compost. Newcomers are welcome. Second Thursdays,

7-8:15pm. Facilitated by Judy Brook and Geoff Duke.

Play Reading of “Admissions”

by Josh Harmon

Jana Porter, Racial Justice Team

You will not want to miss your 5 fellow congregants stepping up to offer you this satirical poke at white liberal values through the lens of parent-teen relationships. Please join us, in person or virtually, on Thursday, April 17, at 7 pm - we’ll be in the Parlors. sponsored by your UU Racial Justice Team!

Learn more & RSVP at www.bit.ly/OrdainRowan.

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.

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.