A report on the happenings of General Assembly, where thousands of UUs gathered in Pittsburgh at the end of June. What deep changes are afoot in our faith movement? What lies ahead when it comes to putting love at the center of all that we do as UUs?
Sunday morning worship will be held outdoors at the First UU Society each week through September 3. The service will also be live-streamed. The live-stream link and order of service will be shared at bit.ly/FUUSBWorship, or visit our YouTube channel.
Summer Garden Childcare will be available in the Memorial Garden. Following the service, all are welcome to Outdoor Coffee Hour.
There will be chairs, but please bring a portable chair if you can. We are expecting a larger attendance on upcoming Sundays!
While at the Meeting House, anyone is welcome to wear a mask. In the spirit of caring for each other, please stay home if you have any cold or flu symptoms. Thank you.
In the event of inclement weather, Sunday services, childcare, and coffee hour will move indoors.
Minister's Message
A video message from our Senior Minister, Rev. Karen G. Johnston, with Erika Reif!
Even in a time of transition here at FUUSB, some things stay the same. We will be celebrating our Ingathering on Sunday, September 10th.
As part of that service, we will gather waters together, brought by YOU, from wherever you would like - your home faucet, travels near or far. So this is a reminder: be sure to gather water sometime between now and then.
Save the Date: Burlington Pride 2023 - Sept. 10
Rowan Van Ness, Director of Youth & Emerging Adult Ministries
Burlington Pride is happening on Ingathering Sunday this year, September 10. We are connecting with high school youth and people of all ages from other UU congregations' groups around the region to march in the parade together after services and potentially more! Be in touch with Rowan to get involved or keep an eye out for more details.
Circles: August Facilitator Trainings Through Soul Matters
Rowan Van Ness, Director of Youth & Emerging Adult Ministries
New Facilitator 2-hour Training
Aug. 22, Aug. 26, Sept. 16 & Oct. 2
This training introduces new facilitators to our small groups model and provides tips for handling group dynamics. Also a great "tune-up" for longtime facilitators.
Advanced Facilitator Trainings & Groups
We offer three types of advanced facilitator trainings:
One is lecture-based and meets monthly for 3 months.
Another is single sessions focused on start-up and adaptation work.
And our most comprehensive is an "experiential-based" group that meets monthly for 5 months, Sept.-Jan.
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
We are hoping to offer a rich and inviting set of programs for children and youth this year, and in order to make that happen we need you!
To be a Faith Development Guide, you do not need to have all of the answers; in fact, serving in this way can help adults on their own faith journeys. Consider modeling lifelong learning and spiritual development by caring for our community, seeking truth, and acting for justice, with our younger UUs.
There are opportunities both big and small. Fill out this quick form to indicate interest, and see a list of ways to help, including those that do not involve supervising kids and do not need to happen during the service on Sunday morning. Please reach out to Erika Reif with any questions!
March to End Fossil Fuels
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
September 17, 1-4 p.m., New York City
We can no longer ignore climate change as its effects are now a part of our daily reality. The greatest antidote to hopelessness in the face of such calamity is coming together and taking action. In 2014, many members of this congregation, including small children, elders, and everyone in between, traveled together for the Climate March and were made closer and stronger as a community by that shared experience.
There isn't much time left to plan, so with some urgency we are seeking someone who would be willing to help organize a group from our congregation to head to NY together and take part! We are already speaking to bus companies and other organizations to see what is possible, but are you the person who can gather the list of participants, help field questions and plan logistics, etc.? If you just want to march with us in New York, or if you can be that organizer who we need to make this happen, please contact [email protected].
New Emerging Adult Group & Young Adult Connections
Rowan Van Ness, Director of Youth & Emerging Adult Ministries
This fall, we are starting a new "Emerging Adult Group" for young adults roughly 18-24ish, in the earlier stages of adulthood, which will likely meet monthly on Sundays after services. We are also hoping to connect young adults (roughly 18-39ish) who are interested in connecting with others in this age range for chalice circles, social events, etc. Get connected with our Young Adult Messenger. Please be in touch with Rowan ([email protected]) if you are interested in getting connected to either/both of these groups!
Silver Bay UU Conference - Oct. 13-15
Rowan Van Ness, Director of Youth & Emerging Adult Ministries
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to get together with a couple hundred Unitarian Universalists of all ages from around the region? You could participate in activities ranging from summer camp activities like archery and boating, to poetry discussions and lectures by guest speakers, tarot readings and temporary tattoos, camp fires, and more! (See draft schedule.) Director of Youth and Emerging Adult Ministries, Rowan Van Ness, is hoping to bring a group of families with young kids, elders, young adults, youth, and YOU to join in the fun this year. The conference is at Silver Bay Conference and Retreat Center. Registration is $275 for adults, $167 for youth (ages 13-17), $116 for children (6-12), and free for those under 6, and includes lodging, meals, snacks, and activities. Accommodations are limited, so please be in touch with Rowan ([email protected]) ASAP if you might possibly be remotely interested in joining our group or coordinating our Burlington contingent!
