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 Upcoming Sundays!
Sunday, November 13, 9 & 11 a.m.
"The First Smooth Stone: Revelation is Continuous" Our interim minister will begin an irregular sermon series based on an essay by UU theologian James Luther Adams entitled The Five Smooth Stones of Liberalism. The title draws on the biblical image of the shepherd boy David carefully choosing five smooth stones for his sling shot as he prepared for his confrontation with Goliath. This essay will also be the basis for an adult education series beginning in February.
Sunday, November 20, 9 & 11 a.m.
Multigenerational Service "Setting the Table" Rev. Roberta and Director of Religious Education Martha Dallas will co-lead this service. We will literally set a table in the sanctuary with beloved table cloths, dishes, and other objects from your homes. Do you have a precious object that you place on your Thanksgiving table? Would you be willing to share it, and it's meaning? If so, please contact either Roberta or Martha.
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 Alternative Worship Experience
Did you know that every Wednesday we are offering a meditative, informal, participatory worship service? The sanctuary opens at 5 pm every Wednesday for 30 minutes of silent meditation. At 5:30 various volunteers will lead a brief reflective service with readings, silence, and deep sharing. This week: Reflection on Cloudy Weather. |
A Message from our Board President and from David McFeeters . . .
Dear fellow UU's,
On Tuesday, your board was informed of David McFeeters' resignation from his
position as facilities manager for our Society to pursue a new endeavor
close to his heart. David has been a tremendous asset to our Society and
his contributions have been exemplary. Beyond day-to-day management of our
multiple facilities and grounds, David has been a key leader in our green
sanctuary efforts and in developing a capital improvement plan for our
Society.
A search process for his replacement is being planned and more details will
be available next week. The executive committee of the board has approved
funds to allow an overlap between David and his replacement for a smooth
transition.
We wish David the best for continued success and much happiness as he begins
a new life journey. He will be sorely missed by all.
In Faith,
Bill West
President, Board of Trustees
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Dear Members and Friends,
It is with great sorrow that I announce my departing from the First Unitarian
Universalist Society in January. Susie, my wife, and I are moving to Columbia
county in New York to help launch a new continuing care community for older people
www.camphillghent.org. This endeavor is very close to my heart and I feel I must
follow it.
I will miss you all deeply. The First UU has been not just my job, but my home for
seven years. I have poured myself into the work and life here and have always
been met with love and gratitude. People have thanked me over and over for the
work I do here. Now it is time for me to thank you for the opportunity to work in such
a positive and supportive environment.
Over the next months I will be getting my files in order and documenting everything
I do and when, so that the next person will have a clear picture of what is needed to
keep everything working smoothly. When I arrived here seven years ago I was
amazed at the good condition in which everything was kept. This provided the
foundation for many of the improvements we have accomplished together. Now it
is time to pass the torch.
The flame you have enkindled in my heart, though, will remain and I will be with you
in these halls and rooms as you continue forward to create a home of love and
service.
Respectfully,
David McFeeters |
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 Make your own environmentally safe household cleaners! Join herbalist Melanie Brotz, bring your empty spray bottles/containers/jars and a small materials fee
(<$5) and plan to take home several cleaning products and their recipes.
Wednesday, November 16, 6:45-8:15 pm.
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 We are pleased to announce the appointment of the following people to the Interim Task Collaboration Team: Jim Palmer, Paula Fives, Nancy Freeze, Tom Porter and Tracy Titchner. The December newsletter will have more information.
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Fall Clean-Up Day!
Come and join the Property Committee with our annual fall clean-up day on Saturday, November 12th from 8:30 am to 12 noon! We will be leaf raking, tending the Memorial and flower gardens, touching up the fence, cleaning the front steps and more. Coffee, cider, fruit and donuts will be available along with lots of good cheer! Families and all ages are welcome. Bring a leaf rake if you have one.
The Property Committee
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 Religious Education News! A Successful Fresh Sunday Nearly 70 FUUSB kids joined up to learn about and help address hunger at our first Fresh Sunday on 11/6. We hope the feedback you've been hearing matches the excitement and energy that's reached our ears. From the kids who went to City Market with a directive to buy a "mini-meal" for everyone present on a 3SQVT budget (they did great!), to the 30 soup mixes that the K-1 classes made, to the 2-3 breakfast activity, to the sweet cards and labels made by the pre-schoolers, it was a fun and engaging morning. We had some fun reactions from the kids themselves. My Zander said, "I liked the stomach game!," which was an energetic way to show the 2-3 group how protein and whole grains are digested more slowly and are better "brain food" for all kids. One pre-schooler made a 'wish card' to go in the JUMP bags that will be filled by our congregation that says, "I wish you yummy food like salad and candy!" And if you were there to see how proud our K-1 class was of the soup mixes they made, and how the group that went to City Market told us how they chose the food they brought back (reading labels, adding cost, looking for sales), then you know that, together, we created a meaningful and rich way to come together to help and learn. Many thanks to all who helped, from our RE stalwarts to visitors from the broader congregation to the parents who stayed around to just check out the morning. Our next Fresh Sunday will be around the theme of Community Justice and will take place in February. Please let Cheryl know if you have a passion about issues of justice at herrickvt@gmail.com. More to come! - Cheryl Herrick
A role for families in worship on Nov. 20th
Rev. Roberta and I seek a few families to play a small, simple, but meaningful role in worship at both 9:00 and 11:00 on Sunday, Nov. 20th. Will you be here? It requires coming about 1/2 hour early that day. Curious? I'd love to hear from you: martha@uusociety.org Thanks! - Martha Dallas
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Are you outraged about our economy and not going to take it anymore?
Then join Vermont Interfaith Action to learn "How to Organize to Correct the Injustice of Economic Disparity in our Society," an informative and inspirational training on Sunday, Dec. 4 at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue in Burlington from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.*
This event will serve as the foundation for some exciting organizing work with the Governor and legislators in January to influence the Vermont state budget -- which will also lead into effecting change at the national level as well.
Please join us for information and motivation on this crucial topic. Economic disparity in the United States has never been greater - and with it, differences in the quality of life for rich and poor have never been more pronounced. The policies that have been pursued since the late seventies have created a situation which is systematically eradicating the middle class, making it harder than ever for working families and individuals to make ends meet.
The Executive Director of United for a Fair Economy in Boston will present hard facts about the reality of the economy in America today, so that we better understand the policy decisions that have brought us to this point. The workshop will also emphasize strategizing to introduce new policies that will turn these disturbing trends around, as well as acquiring the tools needed to get these policies implemented.
The cost is $15 per person, to pay for an honorarium and travel for our featured speaker. Please email Debbie at debbie@viavt.org to sign up and plan to pay at the door.
Our families are hurting -- let us join together to restore economic justice!
*This is a rescheduling of the event that had been previously slated for Nov. 6 in Boston. |
Office Hours!
We will be open Monday, November 14th from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. We will be open Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. If you come during these hours and the door is locked, please ring the doorbell! |
JUMP REALLY NEEDS YOUR HELP!
It is a HUGE job taking all of the JUMP food bags to JUMP headquarters! We need many hands to make light work on Tuesday, November 22, 11:30-1:00. We usually have families with older children help us out with this task, but Burlington schools are in session on that day this year. Please call me if you can lend a hand. Thanks! Ellen Wollensack, 864-5523 or ewollen@burlingtontelecom.net.
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This Sunday (November 13) is WEEK 2 of the SILENT AUCTION!!
The auction ends in another week, so get those bids in! In addition to a variety of dining experiences, this year's auction offers a number of excellent services!
Choose from a variety of delicious home-cooked foods: including pies, cookies, cupcakes, soups, and gourmet sauces;
Engage services for your home or yard:
decluttering, energy efficiency audit, landscape or garden consultations;
Pursue a new interest with a variety of lessons: Beekeeping, Home Brewing, Knitting, Acoustic Guitar, Accordian or Dance;
Nurture yourself with a one-on-one appointment for Healing Touch, Reiki, Massage, Hair Consultation, Chiropractic or Dental Work;
Commune with nature on a variety of outdoor adventures:
Sailing on Lake Champlain, paddling a canoe or kayak, hiking, or spending a summer weekend on a pristine Vermont lake with UU hosts.
Start your holiday shopping with a variety of handcrafted works: Paintings, pottery, hand knit baby hats, sweater, or stained glass window hanging.
And much, much more!
Click here to get your own copy of the Silent Auction Catalog! |
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New Musicians! 
The 9 am services will be enjoying the music of two very diverse musical talents: Lisa Wolff, our Music Director, will be sharing the 9am Pianist position with Kate Soule. Kate has been the Music Director at Star Island for several years. Please make Kate feel welcome when she plays for the first time this Sunday morning.
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ARC GALLERY; CURRENT EXHIBIT The works of six UU Artists will run in the upstairs gallery and in the nook (first floor) until mid December. We hope you will take the time to peruse our works. Any purchases may be made directly through the artists. ALERT TO MORE ARTISTS If you missed submitting your work for this show please contact emanock@mac.comor 863-6627 for the next exhibit running mid Dec- Feb. We already have one artist ! |
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COTS PHONATHON
WEDNESDAY DEC. 10
The Social Action Committee is organizing volunteers to help with the annual COTS Phonathon from 5:30-9:00 PM on Wednesday, December 10. We'll be making calls to previous contributors who are happy to receive our calls and appreciate our efforts on behalf of those benefiting from their generosity. COTS will provide pizza and other goodies (chocolate) along with door prizes. Members of our UU Society have been doing this for years and can tell you its really a fun time and isn't difficult at all. If you're not comfortable making calls there are other helpful roles for you to fill that night as well. To volunteer please email Bruce Brown at babrown@sover.net or leave a message at 899-3395. |
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 Knitters and crocheters!
How are you all doing with your afghan sections and socks?
I just finished a pair of socks and have an afghan strip almost done. Please come knit together in the Susan B. Anthony Room on Wednesday November 16 at 6:30. Wouldn't it be great to have a couple of afghans to donate this holiday season?
See you there! Jean Palmer jeanpa813@gmail.com
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Volunteer Opportunities!!!
The UU Council is seeking one or two energetic truck/van owners to help with cleanup after the Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 3. No matter how hard we sell and how low we make our prices, there are always things left unsold at 2 p.m. and we want to bring them to Goodwill. Will you help us? The UU Yuuth Group will help with loading the truck -- we just need you to drive to Goodwill in either Williston or Shelburne Rd. and unload. Contact Jean Palmer at jeanpa813@gmail.com if you can help.
Thanks -- there could be a free cookie in it for you! |
 WhaleCoast Alaska 2012
Have you always dreamed of visiting Alaska? Are you curious about the lifestyles of Alaskan UUs? Do you enjoy getting to know your fellow travelers? If so, WhaleCoast Alaska 2012 is for you! Four Alaskan UU fellowships invite you to experience our eco-cultural and spiritual program this summer as we celebrate our 15th year! See Alaska through the eyes of local UUs in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka with friendly homestays and unique tour activities. See wildlife, including moose, bear, whales, bald eagles, seals, and caribou. Visit Denali National Park. Experience Native Alaskan culture. Enjoy all that our beautiful state has to offer. Programs led by Dave Frey, member of the farthest north UU congregation. To find out more about your Alaskan trip of a lifetime, visit www.WhaleCoastAK.org, email dfrey@whalecoastak.org, or call 907-322-4966. We would love to share our Alaska with you! |
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Last Sunday to Pre-order pies!!
This Sunday, Nov.13th, is the last Sunday to pre-order a juicy homemade apple pie, or creamy and delicious pumpkin pie, for only $12 each. All proceeds from the pie sale will go directly toward helping to send this year's 6th grade class to Boston, to learn about UU history and grow important friendships.
Your order will be taken with a smile, at a table in the parlor or the downstairs community room. Don't need a pie this Thanksgiving? Please consider making a donation instead to this important annual UU tradition.
Pies are available for pick-up on Nov.20th after each service, downstairs at the 6th grade soup luncheon. Come have some delicious homemade soup and take home your holiday pie. Contact Susan Rutherford at 951-2571 or susanrutherford@hotmail.com with any questions or to take your order. Thanks! |
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 Clarification . . .Please Take Note!
The 2nd Saturday Potluck Dinner scheduled for November 12th has NOT been cancelled. It is still happening. Please see the "Put This On Your Calendar" section of this EnewsBlast for details.
The Family Potluck Dinner scheduled for November 12th HAS been cancelled. There will be a Family Potluck Dinner on Saturday, December 10th, please mark your calendar and watch upcoming EnewsBlasts for more information. |
October 18th Board Meeting Minutes now availableThe minutes for the October monthly meeting of the board of trustees is now available in the Member section of the website. Once signed in, just follow the link for the Board of Trustees page. If you have any questions or comments, please send an email to board@uusociety.org . |
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