What exactly happened on June 19, 1865? It was 156 years later (2021) when “Juneteenth” was declared a federal holiday. What happened between those two events? There are many lessons to learn from our country’s tangled history since the Civil War ended. How can we put them to good use, now?
The service will include a recognition of several FUUSB high school graduates who are “bridging” into young adulthood.
To make our Meeting House as safe as possible, we ask that everyone who is 5 and older be vaccinated, and those 2 and older wear a mask while inside. Seating in the Sanctuary has been adjusted for safe distancing, and the ventilation system can accommodate at least 100 people.
All are welcome to Outdoor Coffee Hour at 11 a.m., and Zoom Coffee Hour at 11:15 a.m. at this link: bit.ly/3j4RxJ9.
An Introduction to Eastern Religions & Traditions: Islam
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Memorial Garden,Thursday, June 30, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
With the third installment in his series, new member and longtime scholar of the world’s religions, Phillip Brentwood, will present a 90-minute session exploring Islam, enhanced by the backdrop of a multimedia presentation, as well as the beauty of our Memorial Garden. Specially prepared finger foods will be provided by Phil's wife, professional chef Linda Vogler, to round out the magic of the evening! For more information about the presentation and/or to register click here.
8th Principle Next Steps
Geoff Duke, Racial Justice Team
On June 6, we members of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington voted to adopt the 8th Principle. We now have committed to taking actions to “dismantle racism and other oppressions within ourselves and our institutions.”
The Racial Justice Team is considering tangible next steps to help address racism and white supremacy culture. We're planning to offer more Me & White Supremacy book groups and additional workshops and trainings. We’re thinking about how to examine the systems and structures within our UU Society to uncover implicit bias and embedded patterns of white supremacy. In addition, we're continuing to work with partners like Vermont Interfaith Action to combat white supremacy in our community.
There are ways for everyone to get involved. Do you have ideas for actions we can take? Do you want to help make something happen? Just curious about joining a book group or a conversation? You can email your ideas and questions to [email protected]. And everyone is welcome to join the monthly Racial Justice Team meetings on the first Tuesday evening of each month, from 5-6:30 p.m.
Join the Welcome Ambassadors!
Susan Warner-Mills, Membership Team
The FUUSB Membership Team cordially invites any interested members to join with us in welcoming newcomers by serving as official Welcome Ambassadors at Sunday in-person services. This commitment would involve showing up for services (probably once a month), arriving around 9:30 a.m. and staying through most of the coffee hour. Two Welcome Ambassadors would serve each Sunday, staffing and placing UU materials at tables located in the front vestibule and the side-door entryway. Additional details and a job description will be shared with anyone requesting more information.
Kind, heartfelt welcoming can be expressed in a multitude of ways. Even if you are not able to serve as a Welcome Ambassador at this time, we encourage you, when attending FUUSB events, to continue to extend the kind, cordial welcome so many Society members regularly show toward others who join us. The Membership Team believes that the quality of our “welcome” is one of the most precious features of our Society, one that most memorably defines us as a congregation.
If you are interested in the possibility of serving as a Welcome Ambassador, or if you simply would like more information, please contact Deborah Ragione at [email protected] or (802) 497-2346.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Young Adult Messenger
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
We have had a lot of new people showing up lately and trying to find their place in our community. Among them have been a number of younger adults who have asked to connect with others in that demographic. Many of you may be a part of our "Community Messenger" Realm list and now we are starting a similar "Young Adult Messenger" list, for anyone in the very broad age range of 19-40. The hope is that listees will reach out with suggested events or meetups or other messages and begin connections that might lead to a more formal affinity group or two in the future. Realm settings allow one to receive posts as individual emails, in a digest, or only when logged in. There is a Realm Connect phone app that can be used instead of email. If you would like to be added, email [email protected].
FUUSB June & July Schedule Update
Monday, June 20 - Juneteenth Holiday:
FUUSB offices will be closed in observance of the holiday.
Sunday, June 26 - UUA General Assembly Online Worship:
VRJA & VIA Abolish Slavery VT Campaign Launch Events
For full information about all the campaign events this Juneteenth weekend, please check out the VIA website: viavt.org, or contact [email protected], (802) 310-4625.