Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

September 21 at 10 a.m.

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Betsy Ferries, Worship Associate

"Here Comes the Sun- Celebrating Sun-Day"

In recognition of the power of the sun, and joining with hundreds of other communities and organizations around the nation and around the world, we are celebrating Sun-Day, a celebration and affirmation of sustainable energy on this autumnal equinox.  The Pagan Gathering, a new FUUSB Affinity Group, will be sharing the Time for All Ages and the choir is singing. 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 escorted to their Faith Development exploration groups on the upper and lower levels. The Nursery opens at 9:45am, offering care for infants and toddlers, which remains available throughout the service.

Looking Back to Sunday

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

The reading for this past Sunday's service, Be Not Afraid, was a meditation from the Braver/Wiser series. The B/W Meditation series is published by the Unitarian Universalist Association most Wednesdays. To subscribe, click here.

Want to share a joy, sorrow or gratitude either in an upcoming pastoral prayer or as part of the weekly This Loving Community/TLC post shared every Monday on Community Messenger? Then fill out this form.

Know someone in our congregation who could benefit from a few weeks of meals brought by fellow congregants? Ask their consent, then connect them with our Meal Train ministry, either by filling out this form or emailing mealtrain@uusociety.org.

Want to knit shawls for our shawl ministry? Reach out to Lynn at herbalwoman@gmail.com - she'll help you out.

Are you curious about possibly becoming a Pastoral Visitor when we have our next training opportunity? Then reach out to pastoralvisit@uusociety.org and let us know. We'll make a list and reach out to you when we have openings.

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

Interested in the FUUSB Choir?

Liam Hart, Director of Music

The choir season has just begun! Anyone interested in joining the choir is welcome to drop in and visit a rehearsal, on Wednesdays at 7pm in the Parlors.  Our music director, Liam, will be available during coffee hour this Sunday if anyone would like to learn more about choir and about other ways to contribute to our music program at FUUSB, or you can email questions to liam@uusociety.org. 

Bugs Are In The Air

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

Fall is nearly upon us, and so are the bugs: flu, COVID, etc. So here is my friendly reminder. If you can, get your flu shot and COVID vaccine. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home and take care of yourself. You can watch Sunday worship from home on our YouTube channel, and most meetings can easily accommodate moving to Zoom or having one person join via Zoom. And there's masking! Yes, masking is still a thing.   We welcome anyone coming to the Meeting House to wear a mask. Keeping our bugs to ourselves is just one of the many ways we take care of each other.  

Anne Nixon Memorial Service this Saturday

This Saturday, September 20, at 10:30, First UU is honored to host the memorial service for Anne Nixon. The Nixon family looks forward to seeing you there to help them mark Anne's life and to help process their grief at her death.

Join the First UU Pagan Gathering as we honor the Autumn Equinox!

Geoff Duke, Pagan Gathering



The days grow shorter and the nights become cooler, and orchards trees are heavy with ripening fruit. At the Autumn Equinox, we gather to give thanks for the gifts of the bountiful earth and honor this turning point between the light and dark halves of the year.

Please join us on Tuesday, September 23rd, from 6–7:30 PM in the Parlors for ritual and fellowship. During our gathering, we will celebrate with a ritual of gratitude and enjoy light refreshments together. All ages are invited to participate, and no prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and appreciation for the season.

Questions? Email PaganGathering@uusociety.org.

FUUSB Lost & Found Clean-Out

Töve Johnson, Program Assistant

Did you know that FUUSB has a designated place for lost items on the coat rack & shelf across from the first floor restrooms?

Well, we do!

With the flurry of activity that happens in this building, we accumulate a lot of things people have left behind. As we usher in the autumn, our collection is looking particularly robust!

Therefore, after the service on Sunday October, EVERY ITEM in the Lost & Found will be either donated or discarded. This includes hanging items, electronics, and anything on the shelf above the coat rack.

Thank you for helping us keep the Meetinghouse clean!

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. 

Join Us for FUUSB Game Night!

Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

Saturday, October 10, 5-8 p.m.

Community Room

Our multigenerational Game Night is back! All ages are invited to play, eat, and be together.

We have lots of games at the ready, but feel free to bring the one you want to play. In the past we've done jigsaw puzzles, Dominoes, Ticket to Ride, Rumikub, Azul, group card games, Pictionary, and more. There are generally several things happening at once. It's okay to come with a group of friends and the intention to play a particular game. You can bring children and play with them or have them play with childcare staff while you try out a game with an older crowd. Make it what you want!

We'll have a "no-stress" potluck; you can wow us with your culinary skills or pick up a loaf of bread and a tub of hummus from the market. The point is to have fun together and not go hungry. We'll have decaf and tea available, plates and utensils.

Come for a little bit or stay the whole time. Come ready to make new friends and reconnect with the old!

Fall Circles Forming at First UU

Chalice & Theme 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.

Theme Circles

Theme Circles meet throughout the calendar year to investigate the monthly theme from the "The Path".

"The Path" is a publication (available to everyone in the congregation) which includes readings, thought-provoking questions and additional resources for engagement with the month's theme.

When do Theme Circles meet this year?

• The Third Tuesday of every month, 2-3:30pm in person at First UU: Oct 21, Nov 18 and Dec 16

• The Third Wednesday of every month, 6-7:30pm ON ZOOM: Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17

• The Third Thursday of every month, 6-7:30pm in person at First UU: Oct 16, Nov 20, Dec 18

Please contact Themecircles@uusociety.org if you have any questions or want to register. All groups are still open for registration.

There is still space in the Wednesday evening ZOOM Theme Circle!

Gail Beck, Member

In October we will be discussing "Cultivating Compassion".

Join our group and be part of the discussion.

Is compassion just niceness and thoughtful feelings or is it about something deeper: an impulse that drives us to action?

Chalice Circles

Chalice Circles meet twice a month, providing an opportunity for personal growth over time as members embark on a shared spiritual journey,

FUUSB currently offers three groups that are seeking new members. Click below to see the list. Email ChaliceCircles@uusociety.org for more information.

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. 

*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.

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!

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.

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.

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.