Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

November 24 at 10 a.m.

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Geoff Duke, Worship Associate

"Over the River"

A much-loved song with a justice-rooted history will inform this worship service as we learn about our UU ancestor, Lydia Maria Child. We’ll sing “Over the River & Through the Wood” and deepen our commitment to UU Values. 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 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. After the Time For All Ages, children, preK through 12th grade, will be sung out and escorted to their exploration Groups. Kids, K-12th grade, are invited to choose between activities that focus on UU Identity and core values, rather than being grouped by age. The nursery is open throughout the service for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Looking Back to Sunday

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

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

Here is a link to the text of the Letter from the Future that Rev. Karen shared in Sunday's service.

Ministers Message- Nov. 19th

Click here or the image above to view.

Board Announcement

FUUSB Board of Trustees

As reported last month, the Board experienced one resignation in September. On November 14, Jeb Spaulding submitted his resignation. And at the November 19th Board meeting, as per congregational bylaws, the Board voted to appoint Stephen Rainville (term ends in June 2025) and Susan Ogden (term ends in 2026) to the Board. More information about other content from the Board meeting will be in an upcoming eNews but we wanted to get this information to you hot off the presses! Please thank Jeb and welcome Susan and Stephen!

Nov. 20th- Transgender Day of Remembrance

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

We mark this day, Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20, 2024, knowing that our trans siblings are experiencing increased danger, buoyed by political and cultural shifts in this nation. We at First UU in Burlington declare our love, solidarity, support, celebration of the beautiful and deep diversity we see in the human family across a gender continuum, beyond the binary, that enriches all.

We're thankful to the UUA for creating this blessing.

Click here or the image below to watch.

Pageant Sign-Ups

Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

It's that time of year again...sign up now for a role in the cast or crew for this year's Christmas Nativity pageant. This 4 p.m., family-centered service on Christmas Eve will yet be “No-Rehearsal" again as in years past, meaning anyone who walks in on Christmas Eve can play a part. But we need to assign some of the major roles and know we have a crew ahead of time.

Click here to claim your part now!

Navigating Difficult Conversations at the Holidays & Beyond Workshop

Healthy Congregation Team

Would you like to explore how you show up in difficult conversations? Come to this workshop where we will examine our mind and body responses to conflict, as well as learning some basic communication skills. The goal is to plant some seeds to grow confidence and gain insight about learning how to stand in the light of your own truth while holding space for another to feel heard and be seen. 

Workshop date: 12/8/24 

11:30am-1:30pm in the Parlors

Soup will be served. Childcare is available.

Space is limited. Click here to register!

This workshop is presented by Barbara Shaw-Dorso, coordinator of the conflict assistance program at the Burlington Community Justice Center.

Offered by the Healthy Congregation Team. Contact Nancy Hellen with questions- nbhellen@gmail.com

Socially Responsible Santa

Ellen Wollensack, Member

Coordinated for many years by FUUSB member Maggi Hayes, this annual program began in 1986 as a project of the Social Responsibility Committee. Working with many community organizations over the years, we have increased the number of families served. While many recipients have purchased traditional gifts, others have used the money for past-due bills, assistive devices, and security deposits on apartments, allowing them to move out of a shelter. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the congregation.

Volunteer elves get referrals from congregation members and friends, community organizations and schools. They deliver cash gifts to families or individuals in need. We believe that by giving a cash gift we are empowering people to decide for themselves what kinds of Christmas gifts they wish to give and receive. This is in keeping with the first principle of Unitarian Universalism: the inherent worth and dignity of every person.  



For more information, you may contact SRS@uusociety.org.

The Sunday weekly offerings in the month of December will be shared with the SRS fund. Donations to Socially Responsible Santa can also be made by clicking on the button below.

Holiday Bazaar

Kim Watkin, Board Member

It is getting closer. The 89th Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 7th from 9am to 2pm in the Community Room. 

We need lots of volunteers to help make this annual event a success. Can you take a shift in the book room? Can you bake a dessert for the luncheon?  There are so many ways to participate! Sign Up to help during Coffee Hour or email Kim Watkin at watkinfam@aol.com  and she will find a way for you to help! 

Memorial & Holiday Wreaths-

there's only a few left!

Sarah Forbes, Member

Support the FUUSB and order a gorgeous, premium quality wreath with a beautiful bow of your choice for your home or for a gift.

You can also remember a loved one this year with a Memorial wreath or greens that will decorate our Meeting House Sanctuary and doors during December.

All wreaths are hand-made in the Northeast Kingdom at the Michaud family farm and measure about 24” across.

Questions? Contact Sarah Forbes 802-578-6119, sarahforbesdesign@comcast.net or ninaruth@me.com 

802-383-8192 with fundraiser or web questions. Thank you!

UU World Wayfinder - sign up for this new newsletter

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

 Join by subscribing here: uuworld.org/newsletter!

Our Society is a Fragrance-Free Zone

Sarah Forbes, Member

In consideration of those who are sensitive to the chemicals in fragrances, our society has been declared a fragrance-free zone. Please refrain from wearing perfumes or cologne, using fragrant flowers, smelly hand sanitizers and air fresheners. The chemicals in these items can affect anyone at any time causing incapacitating and even disabling illness.

Who can be affected by these chemicals?

People with: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), migraines, Asthma, pregnant women and developing children, COPD or other breathing disorders, Emphysema, allergies, sinus headaches, Autoimmune Disorders (MS, Lupus and others), ADHD, Autism, respiratory infections or frequent colds, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and formerly healthy people who've been exposed to too many chemicals. Even You!

Thank you for caring for your fellow UU's!

Post Election Season, What Are The Rules for Non-Profits?

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

While election season has just passed, it's still a good time to remember our status as a non-profit religious organization. The most important rule for us to remember is that during an election, we, the First UU Society, are not allowed to endorse a candidate or give the appearance of such, though we are always allowed to endorse (or oppose) issues. Having come out of the phase in which there are candidates vying for election, we are now in a position to use our values, ethics, and morals to inform statements that we make based on our Unitarian Universalist faith.

That said, we must not confuse the fact that we are a liberal-religious community with being a solely liberal (or progressive) political community. These are two different things, though the divisions in our country have led to there being significant overlap. When in FUUSB spaces - virtual or in-person - do not assume everyone in the room voted the same way. Let us use our space and time together to find our way to living into the Values and Principles that resonate and guide how we live out Unitarian Universalism in our shared lives.

Interested in more specifics on the rules? The UUA has compiled a booklet called, "The Real Rules," which explains and gives examples of IRS guidelines in this area.              

~ Rev. Karen

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.