In this challenging world of ours, it feels good to be right – especially about things that matter. The uncomfortable truth, however, is that people can learn more from discovering that they’re not as right as they thought they were. Has this ever happened to you?
All are welcome to join us on the lawn in front of the Meeting House! There will be chairs, but feel free to bring your own portable chair, or a blanket if you’d like to sit on the ground. Choose distancing that makes you comfortable, and wear a mask if you prefer. If entering the Meeting House, please wear a mask.
Outdoor services will continue through August 22. Live-streamed services begin weekly on August 29. Check the eNews and website for more information.
This Sunday – Roddy’s Book Table
Roddy O’Neil Cleary, FUUSB Minister Emerita, was a voracious reader on many subjects – history, theology, politics, feminism, spirituality, and novels. She amassed a library of hundreds of books over the years (many with copious notes in the margins) and we couldn’t imagine a more perfect group to share them with than the UU community she loved. Please come on Sunday, August 8; the book table will be open following the outdoor worship service.
Bring the Family - Sunday, August 8!
When you come to our outdoor service this Sunday, expect a casual experience that welcomes the participation of children. We will also have quiet diversions on hand for anyone who likes to color, fidget, or blow bubbles while they worship. Please join us for this next phase of coming back together.
A New Story Path
Margo Whitcomb, Faith Development Assistant
Whether you join us for Sunday's outdoor service or are in the neighborhood, please visit our all-ages storypath installation. This wonderful book compliments our Black Lives Matter banner. Tessa Allen’s book Sometimes We March frames protest and resistance with rich illustrations in a child-friendly vocabulary.
Save the Date: Potluck, Campfire, & Song Circle - August 14
Todd Schlossberg
Come Together at Our Second Saturday Potluck, Campfire,
and Song Circle! In Person and By Zoom!
Save the Date: Saturday, August 14, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
This month, we’ll gather again in person (at Chris and Todd’s backyard)! For those who’d like to attend by Zoom, we’ll have that set up as well. More details in next week's eNews!
The Steeple Newsletter
Mary Williams, Society Administrator
Are you interested in writing an article about a FUUSB project or team for the Steeple newsletter? The Steeple is published four times per year, and the next issue will be out in September. The deadline to submit articles is August 23. If you would like to write an article or have questions, please email mary@uusociety.org. For details on the Steeple and our other publications, please visit uusociety.org/spiritual-growth/stay-connected. Thank you!
Historic Preservation Grant Award
Dear Members and Friends,
I am happy to announce that we recently received an Historic Preservation Grant check from the State of Vermont for $17,235.48. Bob Furrer applied for this matching grant last year to help us fund two projects.
The first project was awarded to Alpine Restoration to scour the entire historic brick surface of the Meeting House to look for failing mortar between the bricks. Failing mortar was chipped out and repointed with new mortar that matches the color and hardness of the original lime composite. This cost $31,900. The second project was awarded to Red House Building to repair a set of permanently sealed doors on the southwest corner of the Meeting House, facing Pearl Street, that had severe wood rot. This cost $2,251.96. We paid $319 to the City of Burlington for permits.
On behalf of the Property Team, I wish to thank Bob for being responsible for the entire matching grant process, including a formidable grant application, soliciting proposals, overseeing the work of the contractors, and demonstrating satisfactory completion of the projects in order to receive the matching grant award.
David McFeeters, Facilities Manager
Board of Trustees Retreat
Rodney Lowe, Board Member
Your Board met for their annual retreat on the evening of August 2. It was a beautiful day, allowing us to start our meeting unmasked on the lawn on the Clarke Street side of the Meeting House. It was the first time the new Board has met as group, so we started by breaking bread together and then we each shared three personal objects which might explain what we each are bringing to the board. The photograph shows the amazing collection of objects we collected while getting to know one another better. The variety of personal objects reflects the different skills and experiences we each bring to the service of the Society, from welding helmets to a ring made from a human tooth. You will need to reach out to us individually to find out what objects we brought to share and why it represents what we are bringing to our role on the board.
During the business part of the meeting we started to develop a covenant for ourselves to be deliberate on how we intend to work together. We discussed the five developmental goals that the congregation approved when we where looking for a developmental minister. Two years into our four-year developmental ministry with Rev. Tricia, we wanted to understand how we are progressing and whether we need to amend those goals. As darkness set in we masked up and retreated into the Parlors for our final brainstorm of any other possibilities for us to consider. Of course we ended up with a robust list of ideas that demonstrates the strength of this board and the Society we represent.
We look forward to our work this coming year: Budgeting, monitoring the five Developmental Goals, Stewardship, forming a Ministerial Search Committee, reforming ourselves post-pandemic. Most importantly we want to represent you, so please reach out and help us get to know you.
JUMP is openThursday mornings only for in-person drop-in services, 9 a.m.-Noon (or until first 12 served). Apply online anytime. Only one client at a time inside. Must have valid ID, mask, maintain 6 feet, and provide contact tracing info.
JUMP has moved to a hybrid FLEX voucher assistance plan. They will continue to operate online Monday-Friday, and drop-in services on Thursday mornings using the Chapel entrance (north) at First Congregational Church of Burlington, 38 S. Winooski Ave.