Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

October 20 at 10 a.m.

Mary Beth McNaulty, Worship Leader

Geoff Duke, Worship Associate

"Voting as a Spiritual Act"

In a time of political rancor, what place does voting have in our spiritual practice? Drawing inspiration from historical figures who fought for voting rights, we’ll consider what it means for each of us to practice our faith in democracy. 

Mary Beth McNulty (she/her) is a member and worship associate at the FUUSB. She is an educator, playwright, and enthusiastic napper. Originally from rural Virginia, she now lives (and votes) with her family in Burlington. 

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, weather permitting.

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 9th grade, will be sung out and escorted to their exploration Groups. The nursery is closed.

Looking Back to Sunday

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

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Here are some photos from this past Sunday, including the stone ritual table, the postlude, and images from the Q & A session about Overdose Prevention Centers that our guest speaker stayed for after the service.

One of the concepts talked about in the service is that of harm reduction. Here is a powerful video describing what harm reduction is, told from the perspective of people most impacted.

Here is a link to the reading, Swimming in a Sea of Moral Injury, written by our own Senior Minister, published last May in the UUA's Braver/Wiser. 

The anthem from Sunday, Swimming to the Other Side, written by Pat Humphries can be listened to here.

New Art in the Arc Gallery

Nina Dahlstedt Buss, Member

There’s a wonderful new exhibit in the Arc Gallery on our second floor and I encourage everyone to have a look next time you’re in the Meetinghouse. Meagan DeClerck is an acrylic and multimedia artist who was introduced to painting as a child by her father. Her work reflects her experience working in refugee resettlement programs, as well as her increased interest in spirituality since her father’s death. Through her work she hopes to connect the spiritual and physical realms, show the beauty in the transitions and cycles of life, and evoke the divine essence that unites us all. 

Meagan can be contacted at meagandeclerck@gmail.com or you can visit her website here.

Child Dedications- November 10

Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

Child Dedications are a joyful covenant between a child’s family and the congregation, recognizing that the raising of a child is a community blessing. Senior Minister, Rev. Karen G. Johnston, and the Director of Lifespan Faith Development, Erika Reif, will be leading such a ceremony for a group of children during the service on November 10th. Dedications can happen soon after birth or adoption; they can happen for an infant, a toddler, a preschooler, or an older child.

If you would like to have your child dedicated at First UU on that morning, or to find out more, contact Erika, erika@uusociety.org.

Climate Justice Team Meeting-

Oct. 20, 11:30 am

Climate Justice Team

The Climate Justice Team invites you to join our next meeting, after the service on Sunday, October 20th (and every third Sunday of the month through June 2024), in the Parlors. This meeting will include play, music, laughter, celebration, and a summary and reorientation for our ongoing UU Climate Justice Revival. Our agenda will be posted to our common online space soon. Please contact climatejustice@uusociety.org for more information.

Holiday Wreath Fundraiser

Sarah Forbes, Member

2024 FUUSB Fundraiser- Holiday Wreath & Memorial Wreath Sale!

Please plan to support the FUUSB by ordering a beautiful, premium quality wreath for your home or for a gift. You can also remember a loved one with a memorial wreath which will decorate our Sanctuary windows and Meeting House doors during December.

Wreaths are hand-made in the Northeast Kingdom, measure about 24” across and will be decorated with a fancy bow of your choice.

Sign-up link will be in the November 1st Enews! 

Contact sarahforbesdesign@comcast.net with questions.

Wreath Pick-up Volunteer Needed!

Sarah Forbes, Member

Can you pick-up the FUUSB fundraiser wreaths on Monday, 12/2 or Tuesday 12/3 in the Northeast Kingdom? A SUV is needed (there are 80 wreaths). Take a friend, enjoy the beautiful drive & make a day of it! Thank you.

Questions? Please contact Sarah Forbes, 802-578-6119, sarahforbesdesign@comcast.net

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.