Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

November 23rd at 10 a.m.

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Betsy Ferries, Worship Associate

Why does cruelty exist? How do we make sense of systemic wrongs? When does an error turn into a wrong turn into evil? Can a person be evil - or only their actions? How do pop culture messages - like from the musical and movie (and originally a book), Wicked - help or hinder us? How do our Unitarian Universalist values and theologies help us in this rugged terrain? The choir is scheduled and 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

Most families will begin the morning together in the Sanctuary. After the Time For All Ages, children and youth will be escorted to Chalice Choice Activities on the lower level. Care for infants and toddlers is available in the Nursery throughout the service. 



Please note that 4th/5th OWL will begin in the SBA Room at 10 am sharp, so participants should be dropped off before the service begins.

Looking Back to Sunday



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

Latest Minister's Message

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Click the video above or this link to view Rev. Karen's message.

Let's Watch Wicked (Part II) Together -

11/24 at 4:30

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

On Sunday, Nov 23, Rev. Karen is preaching about evil and Wicked the Movie. As a follow-up activity, we are hosting a congregational activity to watch Wicked For Good (the 2nd part of the movie) together at Essex Cinema on Monday, Nov 24 at 4:30. We have reserved a block of tickets. To get one (or some for your whole household) of this first come, first serve tickets, fill out this form before Sunday, 11/23 at 6pm. We will send you an email confirmation that we have assigned a ticket to you.  

If you do attend this congregational outing, please arrive by 4:15 and find Rev. Karen or Christina in the lobby to get your assigned ticket(s).

Thank You from CASAN

Submitted by Kim Watkin, FUUSB Board Member

CASAN, the Chittenden Asylum Seekers Assistance Network, would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the FUUSB and it's Immigration Justice Team for helping with the Fall CASAN Benefit Concert held last Saturday night. An evening of musicians sharing their talents, great raffle prizes, and a community wanting to learn more about their newest neighbors. A special shoutout to Erin for helping to plan the event in advance, Woody and Michael for their tech support, and Darrell and Charlie for their caretaking skills. It is a tremendous gift to our non-profit community, including CASAN, that the FUUSB will share its sanctuary space and staff for such joyful events. 

Democracy Project: Planning for Trainings

Submitted by Kim Watkin, FUUSB Board Member

Within the Democracy Project, a small group from the Growing Our Bravery series is in the planning stage to offer de-escalation and civil disobedience training to be hosted at the FUUSB.  Our next meeting is Sunday, Nov. 23rd at 11:30am in the Reeb Room (downstairs near the restrooms). If you can not attend but want to be included in this planning team, please email Kim Watkin at watkinfam@aol.com.

Wreath Help Needed 12/3

Sarah Forbes, Member

The wreaths for the 2025 FUUSB fundraiser will be delivered in the beginning of December.

Help is needed, tying loops for hanging and decorating with bows.

Can you come to the community room on Wednesday, December 3rd, 10 -1 pm to help with this project so people can pick up their pre-ordered wreaths? Thank you!

Please RSVP to Sarah Forbes:sarahforbesdesign@comcast.net

802-578-6119

Shawl Ministry

Lynn Douglas, Member

We have gifted many shawls this year, and as always we could use a few more shawls in our cupboard!

Please visit the FUUSB website under Caring and Belonging and look for Shawl Ministry for details. Thank you!

Climate Justice Un-Meeting for November

Caitlin Waddick, Climate Justice Team

Starting Thursday, November 20th, all once, current, and future members of the Climate Justice Team are invited to meet *asynchronously* at a Google document. Let’s get curious. Ask some questions. Brainstorm! 

What are our accomplishments in the past 5 years? What are the primary goals of the Climate Justice Team? What activities should we do next? Would you enjoy sharing in the leadership of the team? When should we meet online? Should we follow the lead of 350VT and the UUA General Assembly and support the Apartheid-Free Communities Pledge? 

Also, two members of the CJ Team will perform on the night of November 20th at Main Street Landing for the Indivisible Story Slam!

See you there! 

Anyone with this link can participate.

UUA's Transgender Day of Remembrance service

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

All trans and nonbinary beloveds are welcome to join the UUA's Transgender Day of Remembrance service on Thursday, November 20th.

This year has been especially difficult for our trans and nonbinary communities. We’re holding this observance for trans people, by trans people—a sacred space for remembrance, grief, and connection within our own community.

In recognition of the deep need for care and sanctuary this year, the service will remain open for trans and non-binary kin.

Two service times are available: 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM EST. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link for your chosen time.

Join at 1:00 PM EST: https://bit.ly/3LKHwnz

Join at 7:00 PM EST: https://bit.ly/4nyQtxz

 Join the Celebration: Help Make Our 90th Annual Holiday Bazaar a Success!

Our annual Holiday Bazaar is back for its incredible 90th year! This cherished tradition relies on the kindness and effort of people like you. We need your help to make this year the best one yet!

 Bazaar Day Details

• Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Finds: Everything from household goods and Christmas décor to homemade jams and wreaths!

Volunteer Power: We Need YOU!

Lend a hand and be part of the magic! We have shifts available to fit any schedule:

Please Contact Kim Watkin to Volunteer or ask questions. watkinfam@aol.com

2025 FUUSB Fundraiser-

Holiday & Memorial Wreath Sale!

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. Or you can remember a loved one this year by sponsoring a Memorial Wreath or Greens that will decorate our Meeting House sanctuary and outer doors during December.

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

Order now online through our Fundraiser link: Auctria.events/FUUSBWreaths

Preferred pickup is Wednesday 12/3, Thursday 12/4 or Friday 12/5 in the Community room, 11am-1pm.

Wreaths will also be available Saturday during the Bazaar or Sunday after service in the Community room.

Questions? Contact:

Sarah Forbes 578-6119 sarahforbesdesign@comcast.net or ninaruth@me.com with fundraiser or web questions

Remember: Meditation every Tuesday at 5:15

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister