Registration page banner
eNews
November 18, 2016
Latest News
Afterword
Time to Order a Holiday Wreath!
FUUSB Offices Closed
Holiday Bazaar
No eNews Week of 11/21
Thanksgiving JUMP Bags
How are You and Your Children Doing?
Next Child Dedication Ceremon
Care Network Dementia Care Survey
COTS Phonathon Volunteers
Local 1st UU Society
Upcoming Sundays for Children
Economic Justice Task Force
Speaking of Stewardship
New to Our Youth Library Shelves
OWL (Our Whole Lives) for 5th & 6th grade
FUUSB is On Soundcloud!
 
Breath of Fresh Air
    

 
 
 
 

 A new newsletter from
RE for UU families!
 
Upcoming Services
November 20- 
Courage and Gratitude         

w/ Andre Mol, Ministerial Intern

In 1939, two young Unitarians, Martha and Waitstill Sharp, answering a call from the newly formed Unitarian Service Committee, left their children in the care of their congregation in Wellesley, MA and flew to Nazi-occupied Prague, risking their lives to assist refugees. As part of our November theme of "hospitality," FUUSB will be sponsoring a series of events to share this couple's courageous story of radical hospitality. We'll explore what their legacy means for us as Unitarian Universalists today and how their service exemplifies an embodiment of gratitude in our world. Join us for a "Donuts and Dialogue Talkback" after the service. 

November 27- Inner Hospitality

w/ Guest Preacher Nancy Kilgore

At this confusing and troubled juncture in our society and culture, many of us are asking "What can I do?" In many spiritual traditions we are called to care for our own spirit or soul as well as caring for others. This service will reflect on ways to nourish our own soul or spirit so we can most effectively live out our own unique call for being in the world.

Nancy Kilgore, a member of the choir at FUUSB is a pastoral psychotherapist and writer. She is an ordained Presbyterian minister and formerly served as interim pastor of Congregational, Presbyterian and Unitarian churches. Nancy leads Writing With Spirit, a creative writing and spirituality group here at FUUSB.

 
How Do I Submit to eNews?
Click here to view our submission guidelines for 2016/2017
 

 
Important Dates
November 20          Children's Choir Performance: Both Services

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
7:30
First Methodist Church

November 28-30
COTS Phonathon

December 1

December 3
Holiday Bazaar
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 

Write for Rights 2016  
Hosted by Amnesty International in VT/FUUSB Member Carolyn Smiles
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.


December 4

December 5-6    
COTS Phonathon

December 11
Child dedication sign up deadline

December 18
Multigen Worship
Child Dedication Ceremony


 
Quick Links
The Steeple

 
Social
Like us on Facebook

View on Instagram

Follow us on Twitter

 
In Case You Missed It
Visit the eNews archives on our website!


 
Dear Ones,

From my conversations with many of you this week, and through the lens of my own inner landscape, I am so deeply aware that the reverberations of last week's election continue to be felt in profound ways. I am also aware that within our own faith community, we may be experiencing different emotions and responding in various ways to our post-election world. Please know that, in the weeks ahead, your First UU staff and lay leadership will be working to help us all navigate these times, and to discern the particular callings of our UU faith community within them, as we seek to live out our core values of love, service, openness, and respect.
 
It was so good to be together last Sunday, and to welcome both newcomers and returners. If you missed our worship and/or want to revisit it, this week's Afterword appears below.
 
I hope to see many of you again this Sunday before Thanksgiving, as we go deeper into our exploration of hospitality. Andre, our ministerial intern, will be giving what promises to be a powerful sermon for our times (check out the description in the side bar), and we will have wonderful music from both our children's and adult choir. 
 
Holding you in love and light,
Rev. Mara


 
Afterword
by Rev. Mara
 
If you missed last Sunday's service, you can listen to Rev. Mara's sermon on our new Soundcloud page.
 
A written version of the sermon will be available next week.
 
You can find copies of the readings shared here:
 
"The Guest House," Rumi, Coleman Bark's translation:
 
"Gate A-4," Naomi Shihab Nye
 
During the Reflections for All Ages, Martha shared about the emergence of the safety pin as a symbol of solidarity with and ally-ship with all those who have been "othered" during the election season. Many donned one of the safety pins that were distributed. As many of you are aware, there has been much discussion about the safety pin symbol in the past week on social media and in the press. We recognize this complexity, and if you'd like to explore it further, here are some articles that can be a starting point (and include hyperlinks to some of the most-discussed pieces):
 
 
Here is the benediction from Rev. Wayne Arnason, with which we closed our service:
 
Take courage friends.
The way is often hard, the path is never clear,
and the stakes are very high.
Take courage.
For deep down, there is another truth:
you are not alone.
 

 
Order Your Holiday Wreath Online or Here at the Meeting House! 
by Sarah Forbes

These lush wreaths are hand-made in the Northeast Kingdom and are custom-decorated in-house by a talented group of UU's. They come in the standard 24" width. To order a larger size, contact Sarah Forbes by November 21st at 578-6119 or sarahforbesdesign@comcast.net.  Wreaths will be ready for pickup at the Bazaar Dec. 3rd or Sunday the 4th in the community room.

Click here to place your order or fill out the form on the bulletin boards! 
 
FUUSB Offices Closed For Thanksgiving Holiday
by Annemarie Granillo, Communications Coordinator
Our business offices will be closed from Wednesday, November 23- Friday, November 25.  If you have an urgent pastoral care need, please call our Pastoral Care line at 802-870-0447.  We will be back in the office on Monday, November 28.  Thank you! 
 
First Unitarian Universalist Holiday Bazaar is Saturday December 3, 2016, from 9am-2pm:
by Deborah Ragione

It is that time of the year for the Annual UU Holiday Bazaar.  There will be books, jewelry, attic treasures, handmade crafts and homemade food items.  There will also be a variety of fresh wreaths and greens just in time for the holidays.   In addition, the Women's Alliance will be hosting the pie table and the 6th grade class will be hosting the toy room. A delicious lunch will be available from 11:00-1:00 for $8. 
 
If you have things that you would like to donate that fit into those categories, the hours for drop-off are Wednesday, 11/30 from 10-2, Thursday, 12/1 from 10-7, and Friday, 12/2 from 10-7.   Certain items such as clothing, bedding, furniture, large appliances and baby things cannot be accepted. Please look for information in your Order of Service with all the details the last three Sundays in November.  We are also looking for volunteers to help and have set up a link where you can sign up online to fill the spots needed to work the days of the drop off and the day of the bazaar. Also needed are baked goods such as brownies, cookies, lemon bars, etc. that can be served for dessert with the lunch.  The link for all of these volunteer opportunities is http://signup.com/go/wtexqC . There is also a signup sheet on the bulletin board outside the church office as well as in the Parlors after each service. 
 
Thank you all in advance for your help in making this event a great success!

 
No eNews Week of 11/21
by Annemarie Granillo
eNews will be on Thanksgiving holiday and will resume on 12/1.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. annemarie@uusociety.org
 
Thanksgiving JUMP Bags Due Back December 20!!!!
by Ellen Wollensack and Woody Fulton

A reminder to please bring your filled JUMP bag to church this Sunday, November 20.  Our plan is to sort on Sunday after church and deliver all the groceries to the First Congregational Church on Monday.  Let's set a record this year - we are aiming for 200 bags of groceries or toiletries.  And thanks!

The Thanksgiving JUMP bags were distributed to the congregation on Sunday, November 6.  In case you missed getting yours, you may download the toiletries and food lists.  Otherwise, you may pick a list from the bulletin board in the church entryway.  Thanks for helping this tradition continue! 
 
On Monday, November 21 at 9:00 AM, a hearty group of UUs will gather up the filled JUMP bags and transport them over to First Congregational Church where JUMP is housed.  It takes many people to haul these bags and then put them away once over there.  It only takes an hour or so to get this big job done.  I am desperately looking for volunteers who can take an hour out of their day to come and help us out!  Please contact me ASAP: Ellen Wollensack, eewollensack@gmail.com or 922-8335.
 
Thank you so much!

 
How are You and Your Children Doing?
by Martha Dallas 

Post-election, those I've had a chance to talk to are in a mix of places. For many of you and for many kids, it's been scary and unsettling. What do we do and say? What do we refrain from doing and saying? Clarity is hard to find.

One surety is this congregation, guided by faith and our seven guiding  principles. Our values are even more important in these times. We can pick each other up, lean on one another, and sustain one another as we make our way from one breath, and one day to the next. 

If you or your children need support, please reach out. We're here for each other.

 
Next Child Dedication Ceremony is December 18
by Rev. Mara

During our multigenerational Winter Solstice service on Sunday, December 18, we will offer a dedication ceremony to welcome new little ones into the circle of our community. A child dedication is a uniquely UU ceremony in which the child is officially welcomed by the congregation and the community, in turn, pledges its love and support to the child and her/his family. It also features a blessing with a flower and water, during which the sacredness of the new life is acknowledged. While dedications are often performed for infants in their first year of life, they are also open to children of all ages who might want to participate. If you are interested in having your child dedicated on December 18, please let Rev. Mara know via email at revmara@uusociety.org or by calling the church office (ext. 24). The deadline to sign up is Sunday December 11.
 

 
Care Network Dementia Care Survey
by Martha Molpus
Thanks to all who have completed the Dementia Care Survey--and a reminder that this survey is still available online and takes just a few minutes.  We need your ideas--including any questions--to help us better support FUUSB members with dementia and their families.  Please let us hear from you.  


COTS Phonathon Volunteers Needed
by Bruce Brown

COTS Annual Winter Phonathon is coming up again.  FUUSB will be helping out on Interfaith Night on Thursday, Dec 1 (if not convenient you can volunteer 11/28-11/30 or 12/5-12/6).  Mailroom volunteers and callers are needed.  Calls are made only to previous contributors (no cold calling). We've had a core group of volunteers but would like to get new recruits. It's actually a fun evening as we cheer when big donations come in and hopefully win raffle prizes.  Orientation and pizza is at 5:30 and calling is from 6-9 at COTS temporary location at 179 S. Winooski Ave.  Please contact Bruce Brown at bruce.brown22@gmail.com or 760-9427.
 
Local 1st UU Society of Burlington Member Hosting a Human Rights Write-a-thon
by Carolyn Smiles

What: Write for Rights 2016  
Hosted by Amnesty International in VT,  Carolyn Smiles/1st UU Society of Burlington Member, Volunteer Area Coordinator for AIUSA in VT
Where: Brownell Library in Essex Junction (near 5 corners on Rt. 2A), free parking behind library
When: Saturday December 3, 2016
Time: 10 AM-4 PM  Drop in anytime during the day!

Come be part of the the world's largest human rights event and write, email, text or tweet.  Help protect human rights all around the world and do it in solidarity with others doing this around the world. All the information is provided as are snacks and beverages.

Hope to see some fellow UUs there!

Thanks.
Carolyn Smiles

Write for Rights info.:   amnestyusa.org  and click on the third screen that rotates at top of screen

 
Upcoming Sundays for Children
by Martha Dallas
Nov 20: Classroom Sunday
  • YUUth Group hosts Donuts and Dialogue following 11:00 worship
Nov 27: FUNDay in RE (large multi-age group games & play post-Thanksgiving)
  • NO 8th Grade OWL
Dec 4: Classroom Sunday: Second Assistant/Doorkeeper block begins
  • Building Bridges trip to Greek Orthodox Church
  • Coming of Age meets
Dec 11: Classroom Sunday (Last class in preschool-7th till Jan. 15th!)

Dec 18: Mulgiten worship to celebrate the Winter Solstice. 8th Grade OWL meets.
 
Economic Justice Task Force--Dec. 1 Event--Chuck Collins: Born on Third Base
by Gene Bergman
FUUSB Economic Justice Task Force presents Chuck Collins, author of "Born on Third Base: A One Percenter Makes the Case for Tackling Inequality, Bringing Wealth Home, and Committing to the Common Good"-Dec. 1, 7 pm, UU Meeting House--for more information genebergman26@gmail.com or 658-6289.
 
Speaking of Stewardship
by Nancy Knox and Tom Porter

In the aftermath of the election, I am grateful to have our First Unitarian Universalist Society and its community in my life. I know this meeting house and our congregation represent a safe space for me and so many others in this uncertain time. I plan to deepen my connection to our Society in the weeks and months ahead, in many ways. If you feel this way too, I encourage you to look for ways to be more invested in our congregation and its good works. Joining a committee or being part of a small group is a way to do this, and the Stewardship Team is looking for help with its 2017-18 campaign. If you'd like to be part of our outreach efforts, we have many small roles to fill. Please contact me at ospreyvt@gmail.com or track me down on a Sunday, and stay tuned! - Nancy Knox, Stewardship Team co-chair
 
New to Our Youth Library Shelves
by Peggy Derby
"I Am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai the Noble Peace Prize recipient . The girl who stood up to brutal resistance for the education of girls. Currently on the "New to Our Shelves cart". Call number 370.82

New Picture Books for  ages 2-6 and beyond.  After a time on our new book cart they will be arranged alphabetically by author on these shelves.

"Peter's Chair" by Ezra Keats A charming contemporary Peter gets a baby sister.

"One" by Kathryn O'toshi. Colors and counting well illustrated.

"I Am Jazz" by Jessica Herthel and her daughter Jazz Jennings.  The story of loving parents helping their transgender child come into herself.

"Old Elm Speaks" tree poems by Kristone George SImple and lovely poems about a child's view of trees and nature.

 
OWL (Our Whole Lives) for 5th & 6th grade
by Martha Dallas

I've gotten lots of interest in this upcoming offering: wow! If you are the parent of a UU child in 5th or 6th grade, and would like to receive details via email, please contact Martha Dallas at martha@uusociety.org. It runs from December into February.

Note that unlike our 8th grade OWL program, we are unfortunately not able to offer this to families outside our congregation. We have decided to cap the class at 20, so if you want to claim a tentative spot, please be in touch soon!

 
FUUSB is On Soundcloud!
by Annemarie Granillo, Communications Coordinator
We have some exciting news that we hope will continue to bring nourishment and comfort! 

 We are now on Soundcloud, a platform that allows us to create sounds and share them with you and the world. Over the next few months we'll be moving all of our sermons there. In the meantime, we have sermons from the past few weeks.

Please enjoy Rev. Mara's beautiful sermon from worship on Sunday, November 13, and we warmly welcome you to share with your family, friends, and anyone that needs it. As Leonard Cohen said, "There's a crack in everything/ That's how the light gets in".