Registration is presently underway for our next season of Theme Circles! Groups will begin meeting at specific times during the third OR fourth weeks of February through June to explore the monthly spiritual themes of Resilience, Wisdom, Liberation, Thresholds, and Play. 

Theme Circles consist of about eight to ten members who meet with a facilitator at a specific time each month to discuss, reflect, and explore the monthly spiritual theme. Participation in a Theme Circle is a wonderful way to make new friends, connect with old friends, and foster meaningful connections in our large congregation. After receiving and studying the monthly edition of The Path, participants choose a question or two to incorporate into their daily lives and then ultimately share that experience (or other thoughts or inspirations) when the group meets. Be aware that when you join a Theme Circle, you should make every effort to attend all meetings, although members will certainly understand your absence when you are out of town.  

Sign-ups will extend online  at this link through February 2. There will also be opportunities to sign up after the service before then. Each registrant will be asked to list first, second and third choice of group times. The sooner you sign up, the more likely you will get your first choice. You'll learn your Theme Circle Group assignments soon after. 

If you have questions, email me at 

[email protected].

We look forward to another fabulous season of Theme Circles!

Join Us for Good Food, Friendship ,  and Music at the Saturday,  February 8  FUUSB Potluck and Coffeehouse

 

What?  Our Monthly Sanctuary City Potluck and Coffeehouse

Who?  Everyone! Friends and family welcome

Where?  The Parlors, First UU Society of Burlington

When?  Saturday,  February   8 , 6-8:30 p.m.  The potluck begins at 6:00, and the open mic starts at 7:00.

We welcome all ages and skill levels to sing a song, play an instrument, read some poetry, tell a story... or you can just listen. It's a great way to share food, fellowship and fun, and we would love to have you join us.

Questions?  Herb Schroeder:  [email protected]   or Brian Haas: [email protected]

The Membership Team leads classes on the first Sunday of every month from 8:30-9:55 a.m. for newcomers who wish to learn more about the Unitarian Universalist faith as a whole and First UU Society in particular. These classes generate lively discussion and often there is not enough time to fully explore all the questions and comments that arise.

To that end, the Team is offering an informal meet-up session called "Staying Connected" on Sunday, February 9 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Dix Room (downstairs) for anyone who is interested in further exploration of some of these questions (or any new ones you might have) as well as an opportunity to connect in an informal way with other newcomers. It is not necessary to have attended any of the newcomer classes to come to this event. Rev. Tricia and members of the Team will be there to welcome you warmly; refreshments will be provided. No sign-up necessary. Please join us!

A Climate Justice Team at First UU has been proposed. This (rescheduled) meeting will discuss the climate emergency facing us, the concept of climate justice, and the proposal to form a Climate Justice Team. A short film will be shown featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, UN Messenger of Peace for Climate, addressing the UN and describing his deep fear about the climate crisis. As he says toward the end of the film: " Now is the time for bold, unprecedented action."

 

Sunday, February 16,  11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

 

Please come and join us. Rev. Tricia and Zoe Hart plan to stop in and say a few words. If you have any questions, contact Jud Lawrie at  [email protected].

 

"There is no Planet B"

 

June camping trips may seem far removed from the icy cold of January, but it's not too early to start reserving sites for our annual FUUSB weekend at Elmore State Park!  It's taking place this year from  Friday, June 12-Sunday, June 14.

We have need for more adult childcare providers to take an occasional/flexible shift in our nursery. This is a paid position and allows you engagement with families and precious time working alongside a youth provider and caring for infants and toddlers on Sundays and the occasional special event such as game night. Working in the Nursery is a great way to serve the community, connect with other families, and make a little money! Here's a  link to the job description .  If you think you would be a good fit, contact Margo Whitcomb, Faith Development Assistant, at  [email protected] .   

Once again, the Board, the Finance Team and the Transition Team would like to thank the many congregants who participated in the "Our Money, Our Mission, Our Values" listening sessions earlier this month. Your responses to "I Like, I Wish, I Wonder," were inspiring and insightful.

You'll find notes from both sessions  here. Additionally, the Finance Team is developing a budget resource guide which will help address many of the financial-related questions posed in the two sessions. 

Also, please keep in mind that as we move through the spring budgeting season, there will be more opportunities to discuss, provide input, and ask questions about how we are fulfilling our mission and our funding for our congregation. Our hope is to create a greater connection to and understanding of our mission and how our decisions and actions as a congregation can bring us closer to our vision. 

• 1861 (36%) aged 0-17
• 2968 (59%) aged 18-64
• 214 (4%) aged  65 & over
• 8 Vermont counties served
• 35 Vermont communities served
• 5846 vouchers provided valued at $102,735
• 2589 volunteer hours given by 63 volunteers
• 28 Faith communities support JUMP