Throughout human history wars have been fought, lands claimed, peoples conquered, grand new visions of the future declared –- all, too often, in the name of religion. Much as we might lament this pattern, it’s not likely to change very soon. Some thoughts on the importance of knowing the truth of history, and the foundations of belief.
The service will be live-streamed from the Sanctuary at 10 a.m. The link will be shared on our website, uusociety.org. If you miss the livestream, a recording of the service will be available on our YouTube channel.
All are welcome to Zoom Coffee Hour at 11 a.m. at this link: bit.ly/3j4RxJ9.
Outdoor Watch Party
Sunday at 10 a.m. -You are invited to watch the livestream of the service on a screen in front of the Meeting House. Wear your layers, bring a lap blanket, worship together! Warm drinks and childcare available.
Fall Festival This Sunday!
Margo Whitcomb, Faith Development Assistant
Fall Festival rescheduled as Halloween continues! Sunday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Since the weather didn't cooperate last Sunday for Halloween, we are extending the season! The YUUth group* will be leading games, songs and stories for all ages until about 12:30 p.m. All are encouraged to join us in painting rocks to send to our more isolated community members. There will be sweet treats, of course, and warm soup and chili for lunch (contributions welcome). Come in costume or in street clothes, but come celebrate the season together!
*Yuuth Group will be gathering at 10 a.m. to connect up, decorate and scheme schemes.
Yuuth Group Campfire Tonight!
Rev. David Ruffin, Director of Youth & Creative Arts Ministries
BUNDLE UP and gather round the fire for s'mores at Rock Point Peninsula this evening. We will meet at our regular time, 5:30-7:30 p.m., but at the parking lot at 5 Rock Point Rd. Please try to arrive on time so we can head into our secret woods spot together, ideally (be in touch if running late). Haven't had a chance to connect with Yuuth Group much, or at all, yet? This is a great event to join in the fun. All (youth) are welcome!
First Sunday Anti-Racism Interfaith Vigil
Zoe Hart
On the first Sunday of each month, we join with other faith communities in Burlington and around Vermont in standing together in faith against racism. The vigil begins at 1 p.m. and goes until 1:30. So come for the Fall Festival from 11 to 1 and then stay a little longer and join us for the vigil! We will have as many signs as we can supply from our regular Love & Justice signs, but you're invited to bring your own as well. We'll be outdoors and distanced. Masks welcome, but not required. Please join us Sunday, November 7 at 1 p.m.
Needed: Your Holiday Card Designs
Deadline: Friday, November 12!
This Fall's Holiday Fundraiser will be selling holiday greeting cards that have been designed by you and other members and friends of our Society! We are still looking for submissions of artwork from all ages. You do not need to be an artist to participate! We would like designs that, in some way, reflect our UU principles or celebrate our Meeting House.
While all card designs will be shared with our UU community (either online or within a service), five will be selected for printing and sale in the online FUUSB Holiday Wreath and Card Sale. Finished cards will be 4.25" x 5.5"(either horizontal or vertical). Artwork may be any size but will be reduced to fit on the size above. Any medium may be used; color images are preferred. This includes photography!
Email a high resolution photograph of your submission by November 12 to [email protected]. Thank you!
Nina Harrington, Mark Kuprych, Rebecca Gurney, Hope Baker-Carr
Immigration Justice Team Action Request
Mary Andrews, IJT Chair
Stop Deportations of Haitian Asylum Seekers!
With complete disregard for human rights, the Biden Administration has driven back across the border, deported, or detained thousands of Haitian refugees openly crossing our border to seek asylum. In recent months, the Administration broke up an encampment of Haitian asylum seekers, while Border Patrol agents attacked desperate people fleeing persecution and poverty. Over 2,000 people were deported to Haiti amid political chaos and violence there. Many deported to Haiti had not been there since the 2010 earthquake, and the country has deteriorated drastically since. Those expelled back into Mexico face life-threatening conditions in camps. Those in detention often experience cruel and racist treatment. And for further Haitians seeking refuge, the crisis has not ended. Biden has demanded that Mexico block the flow of Haitian migrants out of Latin America.
Biden has continued to invoke pandemic threat and to use Title 42 to expel migrants and deny them legal process, although any potential spread of COVID by migrants can be contained with testing and quarantine. Biden has violated his promise to reverse Trump’s racist treatment of migrants and refugees. Instead, he is carrying out mass expulsion of asylum seekers and continuing inhumane conditions.
Please mail or email your senators with a message like that included at this link.
Family Faith Development Council
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Sunday, November 14, 6-7 p.m.
We have a new model for the group that supports Faith Development Staff in creating programs for children and youth. Parents in particular, though not exclusively, are invited to attend council meetings, help us dream up the next steps for our kids, and connect with each other. Part-time participation is welcome, so come whether or not you can commit to attending future meetings or fulfilling volunteer roles. If you have an interest in shaping future programs for children and youth feel free to drop in to as many meetings as you can! Zoom link here. To be included in the group's mailing list, contact Margo Whitcomb ([email protected])
FUUSB Fundraiser: Wreaths & Greens!
Sarah Forbes
Holiday Wreath & Greens Sale!
Order a beautiful, custom-decorated, premium quality wreath or swag for your home or for a gift. Wreaths are handmade in the Northeast Kingdom and measure about 24” across. Swags are handmade, decorated with natural materials and a bow and are about 24” long.
Learn something new or continue your tradition! Come decorate wreaths and make swags for the FUUSB Annual Fundraiser! We will be decorating in the Community Room, socially distanced and with masks. Thursday, Dec. 2, Friday, Dec. 3, Saturday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. Thank you!
Contact Sarah Forbes to sign up and with any questions. 578-6119 or [email protected]
Natural Materials & Evergreen Boughs Wanted...
...for FUUSB wreath-making!
When cleaning up your gardens or hiking, please consider collecting interesting pods, bark, cones, grasses, dusty miller, birch bark, fern or lily seed heads, red bark dogwood, etc., and greens like cedar, holly, white pine or other evergreen boughs for making wreaths. Call to arrange pick-up or drop-off, or bring to the UU on Dec. 2 or 3. Thank you! Sarah Forbes, 578-6119, [email protected]
New England Region UUA News
The November issue of the New England Region UUA Newsletter is available at this link!
Daylight Saving Reminder
Remember to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night, November 6. Daylight saving time ends on Sunday at 2 a.m.
Upcoming Sundays
November 14 at 10 a.m.
Online Worship Service
Rev. Patricia Hart with
Rev. Chris Long and Jon Sallée
Join us for live-streamed Sunday worship! The link will be shared on our website, uusociety.org.