We Are Going!
Faith Development News Letter
Outdoor Pageant, Christmas Eve 2021
May we dare to live from the center of our being.
May we make our own choices before others' choices make us.
May the fire that burns in our belly light our way.
May our collective intention make the world shine anew.
-Soul Matters Sharing Circle
Greetings Families of FUUSB,
At first glance our January worship theme of Living With Intention, wasn't quite resonating with me, but then I realized I was confusing intention with goals and future planning. What seems more overwhelming than carefully making plans and laying out goals for the future in this time of Covid-fueled uncertainty? But intention? That's what we still have, even when the universe crumples up our plans and tosses them out the window.
With goals unmet and plans abandoned, we continue with our intentions; intentions to be a community, to find ways to come together, to widen our circle, to care for one another, to experience with each other what is sacred, and direct our children's attention toward the world's wonders. I am proud to say that this congregation acted on those intentions this past December, and I can't resist including in this email some photos of the many outdoor gatherings in which FUUSB families took part, so you'll find those sprinkled throughout.
It's a new year and plans are still very slippery for all of us, but the only way to move forward is with intention; we can't plan what we will do, but we can figure out what we intend to be. "May our collective intention make the world shine anew."
Erika
Lighting the final candle of Chanukah with Rabbi Jan Salzman
Ice lanterns During the Solstice Light Festival
Family Faith Development Council Meeting
Sunday, January 23, 6-7 p.m.

Parents, teachers, and other members with interest in programming for children and youth meet with Faith Development staff to provide vision and form community! Your input is welcome as we continue to navigate programming in challenging times. "Membership" in this council is casual and all are welcome to drop into meetings. Click on the link to join by Zoom: Council Meeting
At Home Faith Development
Consider taking part, as a family, in the "annual 30 Days of Love celebration that runs approximately from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January through Valentine’s Day in February. It is an opportunity to collectively nurture our spirits, deepen our understanding, and take action on our values for collective liberation, with opportunities each week for communities and people of all ages to ground, grow, and act together for justice."

Find weekly "playlists" here, that feature resources and activities for all ages.
Intergroup Monopoly: Experience the impacts of unequal privilege
When it comes to intentionally going about social change, one of the key things needed is empathy. When we are able to empathize with and have a personal experience around a social inequality, it activates our intention and our desire to change things. Follow this link to a new set of rules for this classic game designed to clarify how inequality and privilege works. Perfect for a family game night!
Watch At Home
The latest story and song from Lea Morris.
The Cricket and the Coin
FUUSB Camping Trip
June 10-12, 2022 Camping at Elmore State Park
I know it may seem early to start making plugs for June, but we are hoping to revive this beloved FUUSB tradition that took a hiatus during the pandemic and the best campgrounds fill up fast!
Join other members of the congregation (not limited to families with children) in a whole different setting. We'll deepen our connection to each other while having fun in the fresh air. Friday night we share a potluck feast, there's swimming, hiking, kayaking, campfires and s'mores aplenty. We'll even fit in a little al fresco worship.
Seven families have reserved sites already, and Faith Development is holding several other sites(spreadsheet here.) Consider booking a site now. The most one can lose for cancelling a reservation if something comes up is 18$, and likely we can find another family to fill your spot. If you want one of the sites we've already set aside, or for more information, contact erika@uusociety.org otherwise make a reservation with Vermont State Parks and then let Erika know! [Pictured: Happy campers past]
Outdoor Pageant, Christmas Eve 2021