Sunday, March 8 at 10 a.m.
Developmental Senior Minister:
Rev. Patricia Hart
Worship Associate:
Doug Facey
"What a Time to Be Alive!"
As we officially launch the 2020 Stewardship Campaign - raising funds for the 2020/2021 congregational year - let us celebrate the promise of this venerable and vital institution known as "First UU." What is distinctive about this particular congregation, in this particular and challenging time? What role might it play in the future?
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Visit the publication
archives on our website!
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Join Us for Worship This Sunday!
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Sunday, March 1 at 10 a.m.
Guest Minister: Rev. Peter Newport
Worship Associate: Judy Brook
If Wisdom is somehow distilled from experience, what Wisdom can we bring to the climate crisis, as a species, when we have few relevant experiences to rely on? This morning, we're going to recall trees we love or lost, tell a few jokes, and think about a sustaining moral ecology for the times ahead.
Judy Brook and I invite you to share a thought in the Joys and Sorrows book about a specific tree you love or have lost in your lifetime. One or two short, simple reflections are best. These will be read aloud as part of the service on March 1. Thanks. - Rev. Peter Newport
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Zigzag Sunday: Making a Difference!
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Erika Reif,
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
This Sunday, in place of separate age-based classes, children and youth are invited to come together for a stewardship kickoff for children of all ages. Through games and craft activities, this Sunday's program will explore how we can, and already do, contribute to and care for our congregation and our broader community. Any adults who wish to support this effort are welcome to join us in the Community Room, immediately following Family Chapel.
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Knotty Conversations Follow-Up Discussion
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 Racial Justice Team
Several First UU members have been attending the UUA webinar series "Knotty Conversations," for congregations working to dismantle white supremacy. If you attended the webinar online or if you were unable to attend but are interested in hearing more about it, please join us after the service this Sunday, March 1 at 11:30 a.m. in the Susan B. Anthony Room to discuss what we learned and how we might apply it here at First UU.
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Making a Difference in Action!
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When we UUers put our minds to it, we really can - and we do! - make a difference. Take it from long-time friend of FUUSB Wanda Hines:
"The First Unitarian Universalist Society has been a long-time valued supporter of JUMP's mission which clients, volunteers and staff greatly appreciate. Graciously, they have led by example, giving on many levels whether it's the current seven volunteers or providing special plate offerings. Most recently, they broke all transportation assistance collection drive
records
and were named "Transportation Angels" for two months of January and February -- sponsoring all client transportation whether gas, bus passes or bikes. Lastly, the First Unitarian Universalist Society continues to unselfishly soar to the occasion year after year, sharing their time, talents and warm heartfelt welcomes. Thank you!" - Wanda Hines, JUMP Director
So, when you receive your invitation to your Cottage Party, RSVP to do your part to make a difference!
Didn't receive an invite? Don't miss out! Email the team (
[email protected]
), see a member of the team (wearing the green name tags) after the service, or stop at the Stewardship table in the Parlors.
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Care Network Update
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Because of your generosity and thoughtfulness, over 50 meals and an untold number of gift cards have been bestowed on two members, Miriam (Tammy) Strauss and Rebecca Anderson. How wonderful you are and how lovely that together, you support and take care of each other. On behalf of the Care Network, thank you so much.
Both Rebecca and Tammy have completed their radiation treatments and are now going through an extended healing and recovery process. Energy is still in short supply and so there are plenty of opportunities to help through the end of March. I know you will continue to show your kindness. Click below to sign up for a Mealtrain. And remember, pre-made dinners from the grocery store deli and gift cards are also very welcome.
On behalf of the Care Network, thank you for all you do.
Sarah Weber,
802-373-0197
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Daylight Saving Time Reminder
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Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead on Saturday night, March 7. Daylight saving time will begin at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8.
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| Thursday Evening Theme Circles |
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 Rodney Lowe
We are hoping to recruit a few new members to join us on the 4th Thursday of each month from 6-8 p.m. February through June.
Theme Circles consist of about eight to ten members who meet with a trained facilitator at 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.
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Spirit Play Assistant
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Thinking ahead to service with Faith Development?
We
still have a need
to fill one spot with a Spirit Play Assistant.
This is a perfect opportunity to have a trial run in our classroom on Sunday, April 5.
Spirit Play is drawn from a Montessori educational style - an interactive story-based approach to values of faith formation across cultures and time.
This is a supporting role and requires no formal training, only a love of story and a desire to serve with our children. Please contact Erika for more details:
[email protected]
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| Camping Trip |
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 Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
June camping trips may seem far removed from the icy cold of March, 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.
Make your reservations in the loop of tent sites numbered 1-14 or the adjacent lean-tos. You can figure out the right site by looking at
the park map. Four lean-tos and one tent site have already been reserved by First UUers!
We camp at Lake Elmore (just a few miles from Morrisville), and a bunch of FUUSB friends and families with kids of all ages come for a weekend of fun, eating, hiking, relaxing, fellowship, boating, swimming, games, and, often, a lovely worship on the beach. We meet on Friday evening for a potluck, which is fun and casual. All activities are optional, and whatever level of joining-in works for your family is a good level.
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Minimum Wage Raised!
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Thank you to everyone who signed postcards to your representatives and the governor calling for Vermont's minimum wage to be raised. On Tuesday, the VT House followed the VT Senate by overriding Gov. Scott's veto (77% of Vermonters support the raise according to the latest VPR poll). Tens of thousands of low-waged Vermonters will be helped as a result. Our work for economic justice and equity is not done but a victory is always sweet. Please see if your rep. voted to override Gov. Scott's veto and thank them or tell them you are paying attention to their votes. If you'd like to learn more about the work of Unitarian Universalists against escalating inequality, here's a link to the Statement of Conscience passed at the 2017 General Assembly:
Gene Bergman, Economic Justice Task Force, FUUSB
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Building a Better Activist Event at UVM
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Building a Better Activist: Social Change Education for the Activist in You -
Wednesday, March 4
, 7-9 p.m.
Grand Maple Ballroom, UVM Davis Center (580 Main Street)
Hear from writer and scholar Dr. DaMaris Hill as she addresses the different ways to be an activist, drawing upon examples from her critically acclaimed work, A Bound Woman Is a Dangerous Thing. Building a Better Activist is an opportunity to develop and deepen insights, passion, tools, and connections to create an inclusive, equitable society. For more info visit
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