Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

July 5 at 10 am

Rev. Mark Hughes, Guest Minister

Dexter Criss, Guest Musician

Mary Beth McNulty, 
Worship Associate

Descendants of Slavery on the 250th U.S. Anniversary

Preached on July 5, 2026—the 250th anniversary weekend of the nation’s founding and the same date Frederick Douglass delivered his searing July 5, 1852 address—this sermon refuses a shallow patriotism and instead tells the truth about the legacy of slavery through Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, and today’s backlash. Grounded in the traditions of prophetic witness, liberation and costly faith, the message examines the religious distortion of the moral narrative, the paralysis of “moderation” in grave times, and the urgent work of reclaiming a republic we have failed to keep—through accountable action for multiracial democracy, right now.

Reverend Mark Hughes is a community leader, organizer, advocate, trainer, racial justice activist and abolitionist. He is Founder and Executive Director of the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance (VRJA). Mark is the Co-Chair of the Health Equity Advisory Commission. He is the Chaplain of Howard Plant, Post 782, Burlington Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Dexter Criss of Plattsburgh, New York is a chemistry professor, a self-taught musician, and a cultural bridge-builder whose work has quietly shaped generations of students and our wider community. For the last 25 years, he’s served as the Artistic Director of the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir.

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.

Following the service, all are welcome to Coffee Hour in 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 Sunday

Mo Singletary, Family Programs Assistant

Throughout July, families will stay together in the Sanctuary throughout the service. Children, their noises and their active bodies are welcome during worship. Activity stations will be available at both entrances, providing coloring pages, stuffies, and fidget toys to help children (and any adults!) engage. The tables in the back of the Sanctuary will also be set up with fun & simple craft activities! If a child needs a break, parents and caregivers are welcome to accompany them to the lower level to play in the unstaffed nursery or read in the children’s library (please leave the space how you found it). Listening devices are available at both entrances and can be used to listen to the service while supervising a child outside of the Sanctuary.

Looking Back to Sunday

You can view a recording of last Sunday's service here.

Looking Forward to Sunday 7/12

July 12 at 10 am

The Rev. Dr. Audette Fulbright Fulson, Guest Minister

Dan York & Hallie Getty,

Worship Associates

All Flourishing is Mutual

The American Economic Association. Dungeon Master Brennan Lee Mulligan. Robin Wall Kimmerer. What on earth do these have in common? Come find out!

The Rev. Dr. Audette Fulbright Fulson has been serving Unitarian Universalist congregations for over a quarter of a century, and probably looks it. Fortunately, she has a fierce commitment to our shared & free faith, and a soft spot for the humans who comprise it. She is currently the Lead Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, NC. (Yes, we're still here, post-Helene -- thanks for asking.)

Celebration of life service

for Jean (Jena) Guenther

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

We are honored to host the Celebration of Life service for Jean (Jena) Guenther on Saturday, August 8th at 9:30 in the sanctuary. Please set aside this time to celebrate her life and notice our sorrow at her absence. Wear colors that remind you of her.

Töve Johnson, Admin

As you may remember, the FUUSB Society Administrator, Töve, takes a summer hiatus for several weeks each year.

Töve will not be working from July 3rd to August 10th. 

In her absence, the following will occur:

• An abbreviated, bi-monthly Summer eNews

• Orders of Service will not be published for Summer Services, however a list of titles and descriptions will be available. 

• Administrative support will be significantly decreased during this time. Expect slower responses to administrative emails and tasks *Note: Some requests may not be able to be fulfilled until Töve returns in August

If you need to contact the office, reach out to Director of Finance & Operations, Christina Fulton at xina@uusociety.org

**Any emails sent to tove@uusociety.org will remain unanswered & will be deleted upon her return**

Democracy Project Meetings over the Summer/early Fall

Submitted by Kim Watkin, Democracy Project

The Democracy Project at FUUSB would like people know that we are meeting over the summer and early fall to plan actions/activities/ trainings for this coming fall. We are a small group but welcome new members to our work! We will be meeting on Sundays-- July 12th, August 9th, Sept 13th, and Sept 20th. We meet at 9am before the service at 10am. We meet in the Reeb Room by the bathrooms off the downstairs Community Room. Come on any or all of those Sundays and we will find a way for you to be engaged!  

Sundae Sunday: Aug 9th

Mo Singletary, Family Programs Assistant

This August, all ages are invited to enjoy an afternoon of conversation, community, and a special sweet treat at our Ice Cream Social! Stop by to build a sundae with your favorite topping (or three), and connect with friends, old and new!

Mo Singletary, Family Programs Assistant

Comradery, colorful fall scenery, campfires, kids’ programs, canoeing, and culinary pleasures await you at a coveted setting on Lake George from October 9-11, 2026 (with an option of extending your stay until October 12!)

Join the nearly 200 people who have already registered for this weekend, a highlight of the fall season! 

Remember – your room, meals from Friday dinner through Sunday (or Monday) lunch, programs, activities, and entertainment are all included in the price. Children under 6 are free and there are substantial discounts for older children and youth.

Access additional information about Silver Bay and UU weekend, including the registration form, the 2025 schedule, and a slide show, here.

Sign-up Now For Middle School OWL!

Mo Singletary, Family Programs Assistant

If a child in your life is entering 7th or 8th grade, or the home-school equivalent, who would benefit from the comprehensive sexuality education provided by the Our Whole Lives program, now is the time to let us know by filling out this OWL Interest Form.

Our OWL coordinator and volunteer facilitators have begun the complicated work of mapping out a schedule for this 26-session series which will begin next fall. The sooner we hear from interested families, the sooner we can solidify that schedule.

Find out more about OWL in general, here. Contact Mary Anthony at OWL@uusociety.org with questions about OWL at FUUSB.