We Are Going!
Faith Development Newsletter
Greetings Families!
Our theme for April is Resistance and I know that I've spent the first many days of the month resisting illness, with only limited success, and I know I'm not alone as I've heard from many of you in a similar boat. I was sad to be unable to attend last Sunday's multigen service and miss my first Egg Hunt in 14 years, but also so grateful that livestreaming technology allowed me to celebrate with you all virtually, and that Margo Whitcomb was able to lead the activities for children with such talent and enthusiasm, and most of all that so many of you were there to enjoy a beautiful spring morning together!
You may have seen Margo's son, Orlando, performing the role of Rabbit in last week's service, and this week the Margo/Orlando mother/son team is at it again with the Reflection For All Ages, telling the story The People's Painter: How Ben Shahn Fought for Justice with Art , based on the book by Cynthia Levinson. We are so lucky to have this talented pair!
After the reflection, children will be invite downstairs for classes, where the Spirit play group will be exploring the theme of Resistance through story of Julia Butterfly and the Crossing Paths group will be continuing their introduction to Hinduism in preparation for a visit to the Hindu Society on Saturday, May 20th. Now that the weather is nice Coffee Hour will be held outside whenever possible. I'll try to have a basket with some fun supplies for kids available so that they can be active and happy while parents get a chance to connect with each other. 5th/6th OWL class will meet after the service.
There are so many exciting things happening in our congregation right now. I am looking forward to traveling next week with the YUUth group and David Ruffin to Boston to explore our heritage and connect with other UUs and then return just in time for the Spring Auction and the kickoff of Candidating Week. More information about both of those can be found below!
I hope you are all enjoying this glorious weather. See you tomorrow!
In faith,
Erika
Candidating Week!
First UU will be calling a new settled minister, and this is your chance to meet the candidate before we vote on whether to install her on May 7th!

Candidating week, April 30 - May 7, will be packed full of events and meetings all with the goal of introducing us to Reverend Karen G. Johnston, our candidate. She will also be preaching on both April 30 and May 7th, as well as leading the Reflection For All Ages (with help from me). So, try to make it to one or both of these services so that you can be a part of this important transition in our faith community!

Your Search Team has been planning meetings with Rev. Karen, with different themes, to include as many people with as many different interests as possible. The tentative schedule is here. We hope to have all the meetings be both in-person and on Zoom. All the meetings listed are open to everyone.

Particularly for parents and caregivers of the children and youth in our congregation, we will be offering a pizza dinner and conversation opportunity in the Parlors on Tuesday 5/2, 6-7pm. Details are being ironed out, but the intention is to offer childcare in case it's needed and take advantage of the fact that 5th and 6th graders and youth group members will be coming to the Meeting House at this time anyway for OWL and YUUth Group. Rev. Karen will take some time with the high school youth after her dinner with families.

There's still work to do, so it's not quite complete - more to come. Make sure to check back.

Questions? Clarifications? Reach out to the search team at ministerialsearch@uusociety.org.
Springtime In Vermont Auction
This auction is being held mostly online with a fun in person event at the end! So many ways to connect with community and so many ways to support it!

We will all join together on Saturday, April 29 at 4:30 p.m. for some live bidding, raffles, music, snacks, drinks and lots of fundraising fun!

Be sure to visit the website between April 16 - April 28 to bid on your favorite items.
Field trip
Sat May 20, 10:30-12:30
Parents of 5th through 8th graders, stay tuned to your email for more info about our upcoming Crossing Paths fieldtrip to the Hindu Society. This Sunday, kids will continue their exploration on Hinduism create a list of questions that the group will bring with them next month.Permission slips and carpooling details to come!
Upcoming Sundays
April 16:
10:00- Families begin together in Sanctuary
10:15- Crossing Paths 5-8th, Spirit Play K-4th, Preschool/Nursery free play
11:30- 5th/6th OWL in Barnum and Dix Rooms
April 23:
10:00- Families begin together in Sanctuary
10:15- Multi-age activities for K-8th grade, Nursery open.
April 30: (candidating week)
10:00- Families begin together in Sanctuary
10:15- Multi-age activities for K-8th grade, Nursery open
May 7: (candidating week)
10:00- Families begin together in Sanctuary
10:15- Crossing Paths 5-8th, Spirit Play K-4th, Preschool/Nursery free play
11:15- Congregational Meeting to vote on the candidate