Join Us for Worship This Sunday!

Sunday, March 17 at 10 a.m.

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

Geoff Duke, Worship Associate

“A Compass, Not a Map”

It can be hard to explain what Unitarian Universalism is. Given our commitment to pluralism, our openness to and beyond a theistic explanation of reality, and our being non-dogmatic, there are those who would say that we aren’t even a religion. Rev. Karen throws out the metaphor for religion as a map and turns towards Unitarian Universalism as a compass for seeking and creating wisdom. Cameo appearances by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Mary Oliver, Victoria Safford, and Ancient Spider.

Join us for worship in person in the Sanctuary, or online. The livestream link and order of service will be shared at bit.ly/FUUSBWorship, or visit our YouTube channel.

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.

Children & Youth This Sunday!

Rowan Van Ness, Director of Youth & Emerging Adult Ministries

Sunday, March 17

Children will start out in the sanctuary with their families before they break into their exploration groups. 6th-8th graders will explore the March theme of Transformation, Undercover Kindness Agents (2nd-5th grade) will train for their next mission (2nd-5th grades), and Spirit Play (PreK-2nd) will wonder about the week's story and continue to explore the themes through free play. Nursery care is also available, starting at 9:45 a.m.

Sunday Circle

Gail Beck

Sunday, March 17, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Parlors

If you are curious about how a Theme Circle works in one hour and want to discuss more of Rev. Karen's ideas around her sermon - Please join us Sunday at 11:30!

By reading and discussing parts of Rev. Karen's sermon and some short readings she recommends for the group to explore, we build more connections in our beloved community and expand our awareness. Sunday Circle is a drop-in circle meeting once a month, and offers a space for each person to check in about themselves and the topic, and reflect by taking turns speaking and deep listening. This is run by a facilitator and pre-lunch treats served! Hope to see you!

Here's a link to the video recording of last week's service.

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

Why is it important to turn in a pledge? It is important to pledge as a sign of your commitment to FUUSB and our mission, it is important to keep FUUSB relevant today and into the future, it is important to support our staff and programs, it is important to give us the best information possible to create our budget for next year. Members of our Board have begun making phone calls to members who haven't yet completed a pledge for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, and they have nearly 100 phone calls to make! Please make their task a bit easier by making your pledge now. Every single pledge matters! 

If you haven't made your pledge for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, you can do it right now by using this direct link to a pledge card: Make a Pledge! If pledging online isn't for you, you can email your pledge directly to Christina at [email protected]. We're looking forward to hearing from you!

Eclipse T-Shirt Sunday: April 7

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister



Our multigenerational worship service on Sunday, April 7 has a special guest (drummer and UU musician and storyteller, Matt Meyer) and a special theme (our cosmic connections) - perfectly fitting for the day before a total eclipse of the sun.

If you have a FUUSB homegrown eclipse t-shirt or sweatshirt, we hope you will wear it on that day. If you are hoping to get a shirt in time for the eclipse, now is better than later as the days are counting down. Click here to see the options - sizes from youth to 4XL and lots of different colors!

The purchase of each shirt generates funds for FUUSB, so encourage your friends throughout New England to purchase one!

Countdown to the Eclipse!

Susan Ogden, Eclipse Team

"While the eclipse occurs way above our heads, the effects on Earth can be very personal. The moon’s shadow reaches Earth’s atmosphere and surface. The sudden darkness affects animal behavior, including that of the humans who know it’s coming. It affects chemical reactions around us and what we can see in space. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and there won’t be another one until 2044.” (NYT, 3/11/24)

Please continue to promote our special homestay fundraiser!

https://fundraiser.support/eclipse

Questions? Email [email protected]

New Custodian

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

After a brief search for a new custodian, we decided that the best choice for FUUSB was to offer the permanent position to Darrell Fields. So the next time you see Darrell, make sure to congratulate him. We're very excited to have Darrell in this new role at the Society.

Facilities Manager Announcement

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

I am disappointed to share with you that Blake Ewoldsen, our Facilities Manager, has given his notice. Blake has been with us for the past year, doing an excellent job. Unfortunately, he has decided to move on, and his last day will be around May 15. In the meantime, he will continue to serve in his current capacity.

I will begin the search for a new Facilities Manager right away, with hopes of finding the right fit as soon as possible. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please let me know at [email protected].

We're Hiring!

Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance

FUUSB is currently hiring for the following part-time positions:

• Caretaker
• Administrative Assistant

If you are interested, please send a letter of interest along with a resume if you have one to [email protected]. We are on a tight timeframe, so if you are interested please apply right away. If you know anyone who might be interested, please share this information with them.

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

March's Earth Teacher online Reflection Session date has changed (apologies for any inconvenience). It will now be held on Saturday, March 16 at 10 a.m. Register via Realm to attend.

Invitation to Ruach haMaqom Book Group

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister



Ruach haMaqom is hosting a 3-session book group on The Amen Effect by Rabbi Sharon Brous. The book group will be facilitated by Cheryl Herrick and some other RhM folx. FUUSBers are invited to participate either in person or via Zoom. To participate online, reach out to Rabbi Jan (click here to email her), or attend the session - the first one is Wednesday March 27 at 7 p.m.

(Click on the image below for more event details.)

Don't Miss Out! - Eckhart Tolle Chalice Circle

Jeff Byam

The Eckhart Tolle Chalice Circle is currently accepting new members. We meet every two weeks on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. virtually with occasional in-person gatherings.  If you would like to join or if you would like more information please email Jeff Byam here.   

UUA Statement on Israel/Palestine

Rev. Karen G. Johnston, Senior Minister

In case you missed it, on February 14, the UUA released a new statement on Israel/Palestine:

Here is the February 14 statement.

Here is one from October 17.

Here is a resource guide for UU congregations entitled, "Why We Cannot Turn Away: Resources for UUs Engaging Palestine & Israel"

From Sanctuary Boston - UU Alumni

Matt Meyer, Director of Operations & Community Life, Sanctuary Boston

Are you a UU who went to college in the Boston area?

Sanctuary Boston is a UU community supporting UU college students in the Boston area. We're building the largest campus ministry program in Unitarian Universalism and we need your help to do it! If you're a UU who went to college in the Boston area, please fill out this form to connect with us and support UU student leaders: bit.ly/uualumn

Adult Trips at Camp Unirondack

Sam Berman, Trips Leader & Coordinator at Camp Unirondack

Camp Unirondack has new adult programs this spring!

Announcing a whole season of new camping trips, just for adult campers! From canoe camping and backpacking intro trips, to wilderness leadership and wilderness art programs, we’re so excited to have you join us! Meet and find belonging in the forever-wild Adirondacks alongside other adventurous folks. All trips are fully guided, with no camping experience necessary - just bring your clothes and a sleeping bag. More information and registration is here:

unirondack.org/trip-camps