Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

November 8 at 10 am

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Hallie Getty, Worship Associate

Strong Back, Soft Front

In these times of divisiveness and conflict all around, how might we grow our spiritual resilience and capacity to “need not think alike to love alike”? How do we pull this off with our neighbors and even within our own families (the winter holidays are not too far away)? It’s messy, and worth trying. Rev. Karen is in the pulpit.

After the service, there is a Special Congregational Meeting, held in the sanctuary and via Zoom. Members of the Society are strongly encouraged to attend and cast your vote; all congregants are welcome to attend.

Join us for worship in person or online. The livestream link will be shared at bit.ly/FUUSBWorship.

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

Mo Singletary, Family Programs Assistant

Families will begin the morning together in the Sanctuary. After the Time For All Ages, children and youth will be escorted to their Faith Development exploration groups on the upper and lower levels. Childcare for infants and toddlers is available throughout the service in the Nursery on the lower level.

Looking Back to Sunday

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

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

Special Congregational Meeting- this Sunday

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

The FUUSB Board has called a special congregational meeting to be held on Sunday, November 8th at 11:40 a.m. This meeting will be held in the Sanctuary and on Zoom. As always, anyone is able to attend, but only members will be able to vote at this meeting.



There will be two questions voted on at this meeting:

1. “Shall the Congregation approve the use of principal from the Meeting House Fund in an amount not to exceed $70,000 to pay for Meeting House boiler repairs, including partial replacement as necessary during the 2026-2027 winter and eventual replacement and possible increase in request to the Meeting House Fund?”
2. “Shall the Congregation of First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington endorse the Apartheid-Free Communities Pledge (AFCP) organized by a coalition sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee?”

The full text of the AFCP reads:

“We affirm our commitment to freedom, justice, and equality for the Palestinian people and all people; we oppose all forms of racism, bigotry, discrimination, and oppression. We declare ourselves an apartheid-free community and to that end, we pledge to join others in working to end all support to Israel’s apartheid regime, settler colonialism, and military occupation.”

Please note that if you plan to attend via Zoom, you will need to register ahead of time. Once you register, you will be sent the link to the meeting. In order to facilitate online voting, please try to only have one member per device logged into the meeting.   Ballots have been mailed to all Life Members of the Society. They are the only members who may vote by absentee ballot. All other members have been mailed a copy of the Warning. You can go to our website www.uusociety.org, and click on the box in the middle of the page for the Special Congregational Meeting to view the Warning, Agenda, and Zoom registration link.

Special Congregational Meeting:

Frequently Asked Questions

FUUSB Board of Trustees

What is the purpose of this meeting?

The meeting is to address two items: 1) The first question is whether to approve up to $70,000 from the Meeting House Fund to pay for repairs to the boiler. 2) The second question is whether to endorse the Apartheid Free Communities Pledge. You can read the actual questions and review the agenda of the meeting on the warning that was sent to all members and is available on the FUUSB website, www.uusociety.org.

When and where will this meeting be held?

The meeting will be held in the Sanctuary, following Sunday service on November 8, 2026.

Who may be present and who may vote?

Any congregant may be present at the meeting, but only FUUSB members may vote at the meeting. Members must check in at the beginning of the meeting to receive a ballot to vote.

Is there an option to attend by Zoom?

Yes, if you wish to attend by Zoom, you must register ahead of time. You can find information on how to register on the FUUSB website, www.uusociety.org. Members who attend by Zoom may vote; information on Zoom voting will be provided once you register.

How will the voting occur?

According to the FUUSB’s Bylaws, the meeting will be conducted using Robert’s Rules of Order. Voting on the first question (use of the Meeting House Fund) will be held by a voice vote and on the second question by a paper ballot. 

How many people must vote for a question for it to pass?

A quorum of at least 10% of the membership must be present (which means at least 39 people) for a vote to be held. Actions are taken by a simple majority vote of those present and voting. 

Can I abstain from voting?

A member may abstain by not voting. Only those who vote “yes” or “no” will be counted toward the simple majority required.

What if there is a tie vote?

The question fails (does not pass).

Will there be any discussion on the questions at the meeting?

Information about each of the questions will be available soon on the FUUSB website, uusociety.org. On the second question, we anticipate that there may be many speakers, and to be sure that everyone who wishes to speak has a chance to do so, we will limit comments to two minutes initially. Speakers will be asked to come forward and speak from the microphone at the podium. Each person will be allowed to speak only once until everyone has spoken. After everyone has spoken once, those who wish to speak again may do so until discussion is completed or a decision is made to call the question. We will ask that everyone keep in mind our congregational covenant and abide by certain ground rules that will be announced at the beginning of the meeting.

Will a decision on the questions be announced at the meeting?

Yes, members of the Board will collect all the ballots (and votes on Zoom) and will count the votes. While that counting is occurring, we are planning an activity for those remaining in the Sanctuary. 

Will there be any food or drink?

           We will have some snacks and water available in the front lobby at the back of the Sanctuary but ask that folks not bring anything but water into the Sanctuary.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to email the Board at board@uusociety.org.

Checking in with Rev. Karen Post-Vote

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister



In case it would be helpful, Rev. Karen has cleared time in her schedule to meet one-on-one with folks in the week following our Special Congregational Meeting. This time is to be used to reflect how the vote went for you. Sessions are 25 minutes long and you can sign up for them using this link.

She will also be holding an open BYOLunch on Thursday, November 12th at noon for those who would like to gather together to reflect on the vote. No need to RSVP - just show up at the Meetinghouse and look for a sign to tell you where we are meeting.

Side with Love gathering post-election - Monday, 11/9

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Here is the link to register for this online event with UUA president, Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, UU musician Dr. Glenn Thomas Rideout and others.

Welcome to the Racial Justice Team

Kathie Voigt Walsh for Racial Justice Team

We meet regularly during the program year, September thru June, on the second Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7:30 PM. (We switched from first Tuesday to second Tuesday as of October 2026.) 

Topic: Racial Justice Team

Time: Nov 10, 2026 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Every month on the Second Tue, until June 8, 2027

If you would like to join us, please use this link: Racial Justice Team monthly meeting link, and contact us racialjustice@uusociety.org to let us know you'll be coming so we can welcome you and answer questions you might have.

Imagine that FUUSB endorses the Apartheid-Free Communities (AFC) Pledge:

What could happen?

Palestine Solidarity Team

We imagine that: By taking a courageous stand on one of the most pressing moral issues of our time, our members will feel proud and united. New families, children, and young adults will see a congregation living its values, guided by faith and not fear. They will want to join us—and we will grow.

We imagine that: A Yes vote on Nov. 8 opens the door to decide how best to honor the pledge to end all support to Israel's apartheid regime, settler colonialism, and military occupation. An implementation task force working with other signatories could review our investments and procurement practices, and create educational and social actions consistent with the nonviolent resistance of Gandhi and Dr. King.

We imagine that: FUUSB will join over a thousand institutions and communities worldwide that have endorsed the pledge, including 30 UU groups, turning values into action through shared advocacy, public witness, and worship. This is how movements against apartheid in South Africa and Jim Crow began: slowly, surely, courageously.

We imagine that: We will make our witness visible, weaving reminders into the Society's physical and ritual life: a sanctuary keffiyeh, a banner, and educational and advocacy resources.

- The Palestinian Solidarity Team 

The 2026 Holiday Bazaar Needs You!

FUUSB Holiday Bazaar Team



Do you like fun? Do you like to help our UU and the local community? Do you like to smile? Imagine, you can do all that at once by participating in this year’s Holiday

Bazaar!

The Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, December 5, from 9-2 in the Community Room. There will be household items, holiday

décor, art, toys, and baked goods for sale, a luncheon in the Parlors and lots of holiday cheer!

But we need you to add even more smiles to this festive

community event!

If you are interested in volunteering at this year’s Holiday

Bazaar, please reach out to Kim Watkin at watkinfam@aol.com.

There are other ways you can help too! You can start now

by saving items to donate and thinking about homemade baked goods, jams and jellies you could contribute to be sold as part of this annual fundraiser.

In the YES box--kitchen items, small household items, holiday decorations, toys, books, Jewelry, CD's and DVD's in cases. 



In the NO box-- bedding, used fabric, clothing, textbooks, large appliances, furniture, baby items, electronics, stuffed animals, and magazines. 

We are excited to have you be part of the merriment!

2026 FUUSB Fundraiser -

Holiday & Memorial Wreath Sale!

FUUSB Holiday Bazaar Team

Make sure you have a Wreath for the Holiday Season!

We have 51 Wreaths left for Sale ($25).   

We also have 24 Memorial Wreaths for Sale ($25) - their beauty in the windows of the Meetinghouse-remembering those we will miss.

Support the FUUSB and order a gorgeous, premium quality wreath with a beautiful bow of your choice for your home or for a gift. And you can also remember a loved one this year with a Memorial Wreath that will decorate our Meetinghouse 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 the FUUSB Fundraiser link: FUUSBWreaths.auctria.events

 Preferred wreath pickup Thursday 12/3 or Friday 12/4 in the Community room, 10am to 7pm. Come and pick up your wreath when you drop off your donation box for the Bazaar!.

Wreath pickup is also available Saturday 12/5 during the Bazaar or Sunday after service in the Community room.

Any questions? Contact Kim Watkin at watkinfam@aol.com 

Unpacking Your Religious Luggage -

a 2-part workshop

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

In January, Rev. Karen and FUUSB member, Margo Maybeck are co-facilitating an Adult Faith Development workshop in 2 parts. Please register using this link. Open to 24 participants.

Supportive Resources and Dates from the Palestinian Solidarity Team

Palestine Solidarity Team

Supportive Resources and Dates from the Palestinian Solidarity Team

This video celebrates UU endorsers of the pledge.  UUA's 2024 Action of Immediate Witness (AIW): “Solidarity with Palestinians,”  our Q&A document about FUUSB's potential endorsement, a Q&A developed for UU Congregations by Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East. Pali Answers.com is one place to ask questions.

• Nov. 4 (Wed) 7-8:30 pm  Book Discussion: Perfect Victims and the Politics of Appeal by Mohammed El-Kurd. IHybrid: in person at FUUSB/online via Zoom (request the link: or5ka@yahoo.com). … a New York Times Best Seller. Winner of the 2025 Palestine Book Award.  All are welcome, regardless of how much of the book you've read. Cosponsored by the Peace and Justice Center. 

• Nov. 6 (Fri) 12:15-1:30 pm  Question and Answer Session on the Apartheid Free Communities Pledge In-person, at FUUSB. Lunch provided. RSVPs are helpful!: PalestineSolidarity@uusociety.org

• Nov. 8th (Sun) 8:30 am - 9:10 am  Last Minute Questions on the Pledge - Drop-In via Zoom (link on Realm and by request: PalestineSolidarity@uusociety.org) 

• Nov. 8th (Sun) 11:40 am  First UU Society Members can vote to endorse the Apartheid-Free Communities Pledge in the Sanctuary and via Zoom by registration



• Nov. 10 (Tues) 3-4 pm  Palestinian Solidarity Team meeting in person/hybrid, at FUUSB