Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

February 23 at 10 a.m.

Maeve McBride, Guest Speaker

Judy Brook, Worship Associate

"Tools for Resistance: Recovery, Resources, and Real Talk

Can we say it again? These are HOT MESS TIMES. Are you feeling it? Are you seeing it? This Sunday, our guest will share her experiences of living with recovery and how she uses those tools to stay sane and steady through crisis times. As crisis times demand more of us, we might need to ask more of our community, our god(s), and one another. Come prepared to move your body, sing out loud, and write from the heart. 

Maeve McBride is an organizer, mother, contemplative, and all around earth lover. A friend of the First UU Society of Burlington and a member of Middle Collegiate Church, Maeve has led lay worship and spoken on the topics of climate change, grief, and racism. Currently, Maeve is building a cooperative farm and sanctuary, fundraising for worthy causes, and pursuing projects for collective grieving and healing.

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. Following the Time for All Ages, children and youth, preK through 12th grade, will be sung out and escorted to their UU Values Exploration Groups.

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 Rev. Karen's sermon from this past Sunday, "How Do We Make This a Love Story?" - the link includes the Time for All Ages, "Necessary Equipment"

The source of inspiration for the "Necessary Equipment" story comes from S. Bear Bergman, who created a t-shirt based on the story after his post went viral. Proceeds will be shared between World Central Kitchen and Trans Youth Emergency Fund

Poems that appeared in this past Sunday's service:

"In a Dangerous Time" and "What Comes Next" by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

"In the Time of the Wasps" by Rose Vines is attached as a graphic

"Stay Open" by James Crews (also a graphic)

Here is the podcast episode on tactical disobedience in conversation among Autumn Brown, adrienne maree brown, and Daniel Hunter. Here's Hunter's viral essay, Ten Ways to be Prepared and Grounded Now that Trump has Won.

Rodney Lowe, President of the FUUSB Board

As Unitarian Universalists, we are proud to share that on Tuesday, Unitarian Universalist Association - the UUA -- is a part of a coalition of 27 Christian and Jewish religious denominations and associations, led by the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) at Georgetown Law, which filed a lawsuit in response to the Trump Administration’s rescission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) “sensitive locations” policy that had restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting immigration raids, arrests, and other enforcement actions at houses of worship. The new policy thus greenlights enforcement actions that could interrupt religious services in furtherance of the Administration’s mass deportation plans. The case, Mennonite Church USA et al. v. United States Department of Homeland Security et al., was filed in federal district court in Washington, DC.

FUUSB Board is proud to share with you all that when the UUA sought congregations to share their experiences about how that executive order would impact our capacity to freely exercise our religious values, the board wholeheartedly, and by unanimous vote, endorsed our participation in the information gathering process. We are thankful for the time that Vice President of the Board, Eileen Blackwood, and Rev. Karen, spent on this project, behind the scenes and during a period when their efforts were held confidential.

While we provided supportive information and data, we are not a plaintiff in the case. The UUA is one of the 27 plaintiffs, making all the 1,000 or so UU congregations proud.

March 9: Give to Amplify Good

Jonathon Sands, Stewardship Team

Greetings friends from Jonathon Sands. I'm helping with this year’s stewardship drive at the UU Society. The theme of the campaign is “Amplify Good”.

 This society is more than a charity; it’s our spiritual home. It’s a place where we find support to act our values. Recently, my partner Peggy Owen Sands and member Melinda Lee worked together to amplify good. They assisted an Ecuadoran refugee by driving her to an important meeting with ICE in St. Albans and helping with translation for her. 

We invite everyone to help achieve a sustainable level of financial security. This allows us to continue the efforts that nourish us and live our values. Accordingly, we are encouraging folks to consider increasing their pledges by 10%, to the extent possible. We welcome the gifts of those who have not pledged before. Every contribution is valued and adds to our sense of community, which we need more than ever.

Pledge Sunday is March 9, when you can pledge in person, or you can pledge online at any time. https://uusociety.org/donate/stewardship/

We Want to Hear Your Good Story

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

What did you do with the Reverse Offering cash that you received at our January 26th service? What Do Good story do you have to tell?

There are three ways to tell the story:

• write it out and post it on the bulletin board in the community room - any time through the end of March
• make a 2-minute video telling the story of what you did and upload it to this google folder by Feb 26 (doing so gives us permission to possibly show it at our March 9 service or in other social media)
• volunteer to tell your Do Good story as part of the March 9th service - live!

If you want to submit a video or be considered for telling your story at the March 9th service, fill out this brief form right away (by March 2nd).

Save the Date: Rowan's Ordination Ceremony

Rowan's Ordination Team

On Saturday, May 17, FUUSB and the Keene Unitarian Universalist Church (KUUC) will ordain Rowan Van Ness into the UU ministry. Ordination is one of the most important traditions of our faith and all are invited to attend!

Saturday, May 17^th

1:00pm, reception to follow

KUUC in Keene, NH

Rowan has served this UU Society as our Ministerial Intern and as our Director of Youth and Emerging Adult Ministries. She now serves as the half-time minister of KUUC and as a hospital chaplain at UVM Medical Center in Burlington.

An ordination team comprised of KUUC and FUUSB members is working together to organize this momentous event. Carpooling and home hospitality opportunities will be available. Invitations sent in March will have additional information. Hope to see you there!

Faith Development Support Team Meeting

Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

Thursday Feb. 20

4:30-5:45PM Parlors

Faith Development parents, guides, and anyone else who would like to be part of the ongoing creation of vibrant programs for the children and youth of our congregation are invited to attend meetings of the FD Support team. A few dedicated volunteers will join Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development, and Töve Johnson, Program Assistant for each monthly meeting, but others can drop in when able. This is an opportunity for parents to shape and support programs even if a regular commitment isn’t possible! Email erika@uusociety.org at least a day in advance if you would like to join virtually by Zoom.

The Order of Service -

The Writing's On The Wall

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

For a few years now, in an effort to save money and paper, we have been printing a very limited number of copies of the Order of Service. If you are a long time member, you may just take a copy when you walk in out of habit. But some habits are meant to be broken, and this is one of them. All the parts of our service and the words to the hymns are projected on the wall for all to see. You no longer need a paper copy. However, if you really prefer to see the order of service up close, you can use the QR code on the inside cover of the hymnal to read the order of service online. So try passing by the paper order of service, and leave them for people who are unable to read the wall from a distance and who do not have access to a cell phone. Thank you.

Winter Parking at FUUSB

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

Just a reminder that winter in Vermont can offer up many issues for cars. When parking in our back parking lot, please be extremely careful when getting out of your car. We often have warm days that melt the snow, followed by cold nights that freeze the puddles, followed by fresh snow that covers up the frozen puddles. We do our very best to keep the parking lot shoveled and salted, but sometimes we just can't keep up, so please use caution.



Also, during the winter months please use caution when parking in the oval on the east side of the Meeting House. Snow and ice accumulate on the roof of the Sanctuary when it's cold outside, and when the sun comes out the ice can break loose and land right on top of your vehicle. We have had several cars get totally smashed over the years. There are signs on the side of the building as a reminder. Please be careful.

Save the Date: Meet the Budget April 28th

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

Please mark your calendars! On the evening of Monday, April 28th, we will be holding a Meet the Budget Zoom Meeting. Christina will walk you through the draft budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year and answer any questions you may have. And then on Sunday, June 8th, we will be having the Annual Meeting in the Sanctuary, following the service. The Annual Meeting will also be on Zoom for those who are unable to attend in person. Please mark your calendars now!!

Come Join the Women's Alliance!

Women's Alliance

The Women’s Alliance of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington began meeting as the Ladies’ Sewing Society in 1832. They raised money to further the interests of the church by sewing.  Today, as the Women’s Alliance, we continue to serve the society in whatever ways we can.

Traditionally responsible for the upkeep of the parlors, we have reupholstered sofas and chairs and replaced lamps and lampshades when needed. We have donated our service helping with the Bazaar, luncheons and memorial services, manning tables, and making and serving food.  We have done inventories of the kitchens to determine what was needed for serving luncheons or dinners put on by the Society. We donate money regularly to local groups such as JUMP and have joined other groups in helping to pay for things like the defibrillator.  The money we raise from the Pie Table at the Bazaar goes to support the work of the Society.

If you would be interested in joining the Women’s Alliance, we would love to have you. We meet in the parlors the second Wednesday of the month at 12 P.M. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Ellen Hsieh. 

Spring Auction Donations are Open!

Erin Kelley, Spring Auction Team

What is the auction? Every year the society hosts a spring auction to help raise general funds for the mission and ministry of the community via an online ‘silent’ auction (and this year an in person auction on April 12th as well!). The auction is a wonderful fundraiser because not only does it bolster the material resources of our society, it deepens our ‘community capital’ by giving us opportunities to connect with one another more deeply by allowing members to donate experiences and special skills in addition to items. 

Shared in the past has been game nights, boat rides, and special knowledge of Burlington, guided walks, and dinners. Or perhaps you have special skill in IT, public speaking, or something else someone may want to learn. Or maybe you want to help organize ‘pay to play’ gatherings in small groups to get things done stone soup style for different community organizations that align with our mission as suggested on community messenger! 

If you think you can contribute an item, experience, or skill please donate here!

If you have any questions reach out to erin.as.kelley@gmail.com or averyhamill283@gmail.com

Bread For Peace

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Bread For Peace is a collaboration between Ohavi Zedek and interfaith, cross-wide partners. On February 23rd, OZ is working with Burlington Friends Meeting on a fundraiser for humanitarian aid in Israel and Palestine. Order fresh baked bread, with 100% of the proceeds going to charity - split equally between United Hatzalah of Israel and Palestine Children's Relief Fund. Both provide free medical care where it is needed most and have high ratings from Charity Navigator. Place your order now for challah, pita, and gluten-free oat bread, with pick-up locations in Burlington and Richmond on Sunday (2/23) or Monday (2/24).

Minute of Us

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

"A gesture ~ even small ~ can give courage for the more that has become necessary."

Choose Democracy is inviting all of us to take a moment every Wednesday at 12:53

You can do this on your own. Set an alert/alarm so that you can be intentional of about marking 12:53. You can text "minute" to 51905 and it will text you a reminder.

Why 12:53?

This is when the January 6th protestors, now pardoned, first crossed the police barricades and when the three richest people in the world — Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg — all were seated for Donald Trump’s inauguration.

You can do this by joining this congregational Zoom link at 12:50. At 12:53, we will observe a Moment of Silence for five minutes for those hurt and suffering due to the current administration and the damage they are causing to this country and around the globe.

Rev. Karen welcomes a few more people who can commit to holding this Wednesday space so that we might be able to communally participate each week as it comes. If that is you, please email her.

Sure Cure for the Winter Blues

Valerie Wood-Lewis, Member

Shake off the winter blues by imagining all the fun you'll have this fall at the UU Weekend at Silver Bay. This eagerly awaited highlight of the fall season will take place from October 10 to 12, 2025 (with an option of extending your stay until October 13th.)

Picture beautiful fall colors, campfires, floating in a kayak or canoe, thought-provoking workshops, hanging out with new and old friends, hiking, spiritual renewal, music and so much more.... Those who extend their stay can also enjoy a late afternoon lake cruise with music and refreshments.

Join the nearly 80 people who have already registered! The 2025 registration form and the schedule of events from the 2024 weekend are available on the Albany UU web site at https://albanyuu.org/blog/uu-silver-bay-weekend-2025/ 

Completed forms received by June 2, 2025 qualify for an “early bird” discount. Children under 6 are free, with substantial discounts for older children and youth. 

Several FUUSB members have signed up already!  

UUA General Assembly: June 18 -22

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.

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

This year GA is going to be in Baltimore, MD and also online, June 18 - 22. It is always exciting to join together with thousands of other UUs, these are our peeps!  

Are you a governance nerd? If so, we're looking for members interested in being a Delegate for our congregation. Delegates attend the business session either in person or online. If you are interested in being a delegate and you are a member of FUUSB, please contact Christina at xina@uusociety.org to get on the list.  

Do you love to sing? Well here is some exciting news! Our friend the Rev. Verdus LeVar Robinson will be this year's GA Choir Director.  Verdis served as the Ministerial Coordinator of Worship Arts Production and Adult Lifespan Spiritual Exploration for the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, Vermont, after serving the congregation as a Ministerial Intern under the guidance of the Rev. Joan Javier-Duval. Since 2022, Rev. Verdis has served central Vermont as the Executive and Artistic Director of the Montpelier Community Gospel Choir sharing the hope, joy, and inspiration of African American gospel music in Vermont. You must register to sing in the choir, and there are a limited number of spots, so do not hesitate.

You must register to attend GA, registration fees vary depending on if you attend in person, online, or only for the business sessions. The UUA has several options for Financial Assistance, including a $100 discount if this is your very first GA. There are other discounts and financial assistance offered, so please check out the Financial Support page for more information. The Society has limited funds to assist with registration, contact Christina at xina@uusociety.org to learn more.

If you are planning/hoping to attend GA and would like to join a FUUSB Realm Group, contact xina@uusociety.org. My hope is that this group will help each other with things like sharing housing, sharing rides, gatherings before and during GA, and reporting back to the congregation about your GA experience.