Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

September 14 at 10 a.m.

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Dan York, Worship Associate

"Caring for Each Other and Our Community"

What does it look like to take care of each other at this time in our lives, at this time when there is so much going on in the world and in our community. Part of our mission is to care for each other and our community. One of the FUUSB ministries is our Care Network. In this service, we will explore the different aspects of our Care Network - the meal trains, the shawl ministry, the This Loving Community posts, and our newest team: Pastoral Visitors. Rev. Karen is in the pulpit.

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 on the Lawn.

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. After the Time For All Ages, children and youth will be sung out to the first session of their Faith Development Exploration Groups! Please note that children in 4th-7th grades will be headed upstairs, while those younger and older will be heading down. If your child is new to us, please accompany them and check them in with their age group's guide. The Nursery will be open for infants and toddlers.

Looking Back to Sunday

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

This past Sunday was our Water Ingathering, kicking off the new congregational year, and because it was Pride in Burlington, we had a Pride Glitter Blessing. A dramatic Time for All Ages, the choir performed, as did guest musicians Darryl and Todd. So much! And a brief reflection by Rev. Karen, the text of which you can find here.

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

Latest Minister's Message

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Occasionally, Rev. Karen records a video message for the congregation. Here's the latest.

Child Dedication- Sep. 28th

Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

A child dedication ceremony is a joyful covenant between a child’s family and the congregation, recognizing that the raising of a child is a community blessing.

Dedications can happen soon after birth or adoption; they can happen for an infant, a toddler, a preschooler, or an older child.

Members of the congregation who would like to have their child or grandchild dedicated on that morning should contact Erika Reif by 9/14 (erika@uusociety.org.)

FUUSB at Pride 2025

Meet and Greet with the Minister

Sunday, September 14th

Ann Guardiola, Membership Committee

Are you feeling new or newish and want to learn more about First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington?

The Membership Committee is offering a session on Sunday, September 14th, after Church services at 11:30. This is an opportunity to meet with our minister Rev Karen G. Johnston and some membership committee members. It will be informal and an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

The audience for this is anyone who feels new or newish and wants to learn more about our society. It is also a good place if you have been away from the Society for a while and want to meet the Minister and ask questions as well.

Put it on your calendar and join us for our gathering:

Sunday, September 14th

11:30AM – 12:30PM

Whitney Young Room

For more information, contact Ann Guardiola at AnnGuardiola17@gmail.com

Climate Justice Team meeting moved to this Sunday Sep 14th

The Climate Justice Team invites one and all to our monthly meeting. We are moving our monthly meeting to Sept. 14th to accommodate the many activities on Sept. 21st. 

Please join us on September 14th after the service, from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm in the Reeb room. We have been talking about housing and solidarity economics, and we are now also talking about transit! Please bring your ideas to share. 

The Climate Justice Team keeps our living agendas and meeting notes on a Google drive owned by FUUSB, along with a list of members and some notes about our recent history, which includes the UU Climate Justice Revival events that we held in September 2024, in which we collaboratively created representations of the challenges of climate change and the possibilities for liberation in Vermont. 

Please send questions to climatejustice@uusociety.org.

Seeking YUUth Group Volunteers

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

Jennifer Schollmeyer, Member

YUUth group is a vital and vibrant part of our community. Holding space for our young adults to be in community with each other, supported by adults in our community (that are not their parents) is something that FUUSB has done for many, many years. Did you know that we no longer have a paid staff position to support this important work? At this time we have two dedicated volunteers. Please consider if you could commit yourself to playing games, having fun, doing art, singing, talking and building community alongside our YUUth group this year. 

*YUUth group currently is for 8-12th graders and is meeting every other Sunday morning during the service. Once a month YUUth group is extended to meet after the service for a pizza lunch.

**Attending one meeting a month would be the request of new volunteers, but we are flexible!

Please reach out to Erika Reif to ask questions and sign up. Erika@uusociety.org

Love Flowers?

Sarah Forbes, Member

The flower team is looking for a few people who are interested in making arrangements for Sunday service once every 6 weeks or so.

If you want, you will have a mentor to work with until you’re comfortable. It’s fun! It’s creative! It’s no cost to you, just a bit of “play” time on Saturday or Sunday mornings of your choosing.

Grab a flower minded friend and work as a team! Partner with your tween or high schooler for a creative way to connect and give back to your UU community. Just curious? Get in touch with any questions or to shadow a flower team member while they work.

Contact Sarah Forbes at 802-578-6119 or sarahforbesdesign@comcast.net

Thank you!

 Join the Thursday Theme Circle! 

Jessie Blake, Member

Are you seeking deeper connection and meaning on your spiritual journey? Join us for the Thursday Theme Circle, starting October 16th at FUUSB. We’ll meet from 6:00–7:30 PM on the third Thursday of each month.

Theme Circles are one of my favorite parts of our congregation. They create a beautiful space of intergenerational community, deep listening, and honest sharing. Each month you’ll receive a thoughtfully curated packet of poems, quotes, articles, videos, and spiritual exercises to explore. You can choose what speaks to you—whether it’s journaling, reflecting, creating art, listening to a podcast, trying a new practice, or simply noticing your everyday experiences.

When we gather, we share what we’ve discovered and listen deeply to one another. I’ve found these circles to be so rewarding and meaningful—a chance to feel seen and cared for, and to connect spiritual values with everyday life. If you’re new to FUUSB, this is a wonderful way to meet others. If you’re longing for meaningful connection and spiritual growth, this is the place for you.

I’m truly excited to be facilitating this group and can’t wait to co-create a space where we can come as we are, nurture one another, and grow together.

 Experience the joy of belonging, spiritual discovery, and community that nurtures your soul. Join us this October!

For more information, you can contact me at jessieblakevt@gmail.com

Theme Circles are Starting!

Gail Beck, Member

We meet 3rd Turesdays in person at First UU at 2, 3rd Wednesday on Zoom at 6 and 3rd Thursday in person at First UU. Email to register! ThemeCircles@uusociety.org

Member Parking Tags 25-26

Töve Johnson, Administrative Assistant

Each September, FUUSB members may renew or purchase parking tags, which allow you to park along the oval driveway next to the Meeting House for non-FUUSB business (shopping, etc.) for up to 3 hours. Parking guidelines can be found here. 

A yearly tag costs $45. We can sell or renew up to 50 parking tags this year. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Steps to renew or purchase a parking tag:

1. Filll out this form. 
2. Pay for your tag ($45 per tag). 

-You can pay online using the Make a Gift button on our website (select “Member Parking Tag” under Fund). 

-Or you can mail a check to FUUSB, 152 Pearl St., Burlington, VT 05401, or drop off a check or cash in a labeled envelope and place it in the FUUSB mailbox by the east entrance. Note "Oval Parking" on the check memo and envelope.

*If you need assistance or are unable to complete the online form, contact Töve at tove@uusociety.org or 862-5630 ext. 25.

For parking questions, please contact Devin at devin@uusociety.org or (802) 862-5630, ext. 23.

Growing Our Bravery

Kim Watkin, FUUSB Board Member

Do you want to be part of the conversation about our next steps in Civil Resistance? We hope you will join fellow congregants ( and their guests) in answering the question...what next?  

Join our 3 parts series: Growing Our Bravery.  More information to come but time to mark your calendars. 

Date with Death Club is Back at FUUSB!

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Meeting on the 4th Saturday of most months, there will be a new session of Date with Death Club September - May (not December). Registration is required for each session and opens the 1st Wednesday of the month.  Click here to register.

Fall Theme and Chalice Circles

Forming at First UU

Chalice Circles



Dear Friends,

If you are looking to deepen your connection with others and explore meaningful discussion, consider joining a circle at First UU!

We offer small groups designed to foster community, personal growth, and spiritual exploration. To learn more about the different types of circles available, please visit the FUUSB LINK. Deepening our Lives Chalice Circle is seeking new members. We meet the first and third Monday’s of the month at FUUSB. 

For further information, please contact Gail Beck or Susan Ogden at ChaliceCircles@uusociety.org

Rapid Response Training- 9/17

First UU Immigration Justice Team, Camel's Hump Indivisible and Migrant Justice will be hosting a Rapid Response Training on September 17 from 6:30-8PM at FUUSB. The training will cover the context of immigration enforcement in Vermont – including some history and key protections that are in place – as well as a know-your-rights training and a walk-through of how to be part of Migrant Justice's Rapid Response Network. We'll explore some common examples of situations where rapid response is needed and what it looks like to respond to that need. Contact Susan Ogden for more information: susanogden1@mac.com

2025/2026 Faith Development Registration

Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

Exploration Groups for Children and Youth are starting in September. Please, help us prepare by registering your children for the 2025/2026 Faith Development year at this link.

FUUSB Home Stay Program Needs Your Help!

Homestay Team

UU Folks: Could you help us promote the Homestay Program? Cut and paste the message below and post to your neighborhood Front Porch Forum and your social media. 🙏

Know someone who has a need for housing in Burlington during any of the Parents Weekends at UVM, St. Mike's, or Champlain College? Well, we've got members of our congregation who have guest space for them (or you!) This is a great alternative for guests who would prefer to stay in a friendly home in the community with all proceeds supporting FUUSB.

We have many different guest spaces available to reserve online.

Film screening (and discount code for tickets) - death with dignity documentary

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Vermont Patient Choices is sponsoring a screening of the 2025 documentary, The Other Side, about Linda Bluestein's successful campaign to open Vermont's Medical Aid in Dying to non-residents. The film is the story of her lawsuit, its success, and then her experience of using Medical Aid in Dying.

Rev. Karen has been in conversation with the filmmakers, Heather Hogan and Carter Oakley, who offered 25 FUUSB congregants a discount on tickets to see the film, which is showing on Friday, Sept 26 at 7pm at Main Street Landing. Get your tickets here. The first 25 people to use this code (UUDISCOUNT) will get a 30% discount on their ticket cost.

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.