Rev. Patricia Hart & Rev. David Carl Olson, with many others from the First UU Society of Burlington and the First Unitarian Church of Baltimore
"Mother Jones, and Mother's Day"
Another “first” in this year of changes: a worship service led by the ministers, musicians, and members of two congregations - First UU Society in Burlington and First Unitarian Church in Baltimore. Our focus this Mother's Day is on the remarkable “Mother Jones” - mother, teacher, organizer and activist who inspired thousands in the labor movements in the early 20th century.
Raising funds to help First UU Society of Burlington connect with people everywhere!
Join us as we gather on Zoom for this special musical event featuring performances by FUUSB members and friends (many recorded in the Sanctuary)! Our goal is to raise $35,000, to cover all costs of upgraded systems in the Sanctuary so that we can livestream services and events from the Meeting House. You will be able to contribute by texting, via your Realm account, or by calling in during the event. We’ll keep everyone informed as contributions and commitments come in! No tickets needed.
Our theme this month is “story.” Share spoken word, a song, an instrumental piece, a parlor trick, a little-known talent, or just enjoy the community and music. Feel free to mesh with this theme or whatever else moves you. To join our email list or sign up for the open mic, email Todd:
From Values to Action: What Can White UUs Do for Racial Transformation?
You are invited to a panel discussion about the racial justice work of white people at FUUSB. The Racial Justice Team has been promoting reading groups and activities to learn more about racism and white supremacy. Our panelists - Gene Bergman, Zoe Hart, and Pam Laser - will speak about their efforts to put their faith into action. What does it mean to practice anti-racism? What does it mean to show up for BIPOC in Vermont? What anti-racist movements and organizations are we supporting? After we hear from our panelists, participants will reflect on what they can do in small groups. Come join the discussion on Monday, May 10 from 6:30-8 p.m.
For audio only, call 646-558-8656 (meeting ID: 836 2105 1315)
Spring Vespers - Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Rev. David Ruffin, Consulting Minister
Spring this year, perhaps more than ever, is a dance of unfurling - each of us finding our own pace for participation in the emergence, releasing ourselves in some ways and bracing ourselves in others. After all we've been through, how do we open our hearts to the vaccinated "new leaf" emerging with the new leaves?
Vespers is back with a Spring series where you're invited to join others in living such questions and finding ways of "unfurling," together. Vespers services are an opportunity to take a mid-week pause, share in music and meditative silence, poetry and presence, gratitude and grief, breath and blessings. Come as you are. All are welcome.
For audio only, call 646-876-9923 (meeting ID: 912 4388 8402)
Sunday Circles
Gail Beck and Hope Baker-Carr
Back by popular demand — with a new name — Sunday Circles (formerly Coffee Hour Circles) will begin again on Sunday, May 16 for five weeks on Zoom, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. after the service (you may arrive anytime after 10:45 a.m.).
Sunday Circles provide time for connection with others after the service through a “deeper dive” with a more structured format than Coffee Hour. Groups of 5 to 8 members, friends, or guests meet to reflect upon the sermon topic and/or how they are doing, taking turns speaking and listening. A facilitator is present to help guide the time together. Join us!
NOTE: To join Sunday Circles after the service, use this link: bit.ly/3gYMJqG. You do not need to go to Coffee Hour first.
For audio only, call 646-558-8656 (meeting ID: 891 6404 8291).
Sunday Circle Dates*: May 16, 23, 30 and June 13, 20, 27.
*June 6 is our FUUSB Annual Meeting.
Walking Tour: The Black Heritage of Burlington
Linda Cooper, Racial Justice Team
If you missed it last year, here is your opportunity…
Your Racial Justice Team brings you a walking tour: The Black Heritage of Burlington
Saturday, May 22, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Take a walk along Archibald and Elmwood Streets with historian Elise Guyette to discover some of the African American history of the Old North End. As we walk and talk, we will encounter a former black church, a black-owned grocery store, the former home of black barbers who worked on Church St., a hotel that was once in the “Green Book” and more. Meet at 78 Elmwood, at the South end of Elmwood Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. We will end our walk at George and Elaine Little Park on the corner of North Winooski and Archibald.
Elise Guyette is author of Discovering Black Vermont: African American Farmers in Hinesburg, 1790-1890.
Sign up with Linda Cooper, [email protected] or 922-7554. Maximum of 20 people on the tour with a minimum age of 12. Plan to wear a facial mask and be ready to keep a 6 ft. distance from others. There is no set fee for this walk but we will pass a hat to subsidize the funds the Society is providing. We know you will learn and enjoy this walk!
VIA Fundraiser: "Through the Looking Glass"
Vermont Interfaith Action is having a "Fun-Raiser"!
Today, Thursday, May 6, 7 - 8 p.m.
Join us for a virtual bash and SUPPORT VIA. Brew yourself a spot of tea, come as your favorite "Alice in Wonderland" character, think of your favorite movie, song, or play that represents what true pandemonium means to you, and play a few rounds of BINGO with us! Click here for more information! Registration link: bit.ly/VIASpring21
UUA New England Region Newsletter
The UUA New England Region May newsletter is available at this link!
Upcoming Services
Sunday, May 16 at 10 a.m.
Caring & Belonging
Rev. David Ruffin with Rev. Patricia Hart and Caring & Belonging Leaders