As Unitarian Universalists, we describe ourselves sometimes as members of a “covenantal religion.” What does that mean? We also seem to like the idea of “Beloved Community.” Where did that idea come from?
This week, wrapping up this month’s theme, Geoff Duke, Jon Sallée, Erika Reif and I explore how everyday hospitality, love and friendship participate in the immediate liberation of “the oppressed” and an end to suffering, our own and that of others.
In short, we are examining the place of the individual in the community of memory and hope and the binding power of “Works of Love.”
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 inside the Meeting House, masks are strongly encouraged.
Following the service, all are welcome to Coffee Hour in the Community Room.
Children & Youth This Sunday!
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Families will begin in the Sanctuary together. Following the Reflection for All Ages, children are invited downstairs for multi-age activities focused on our February theme of Love. Nursery care is also available.
Celebrate David at Coffee Hour This Sunday!
Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance
Join us this Sunday, February 26 to honor and say goodbye to David McFeeters, Facilities Manager. We will celebrate David's time with us in the Community Room during Coffee Hour. Please bring cards or be prepared to share a story. And if you can, please bring some goodies to share during Coffee Hour. Thank you!
Unitarian Universalist Spirituality:
A Conversation with Rev. Tricia
Susan Warner-Mills, Membership Team
What part does spiritual practice – or a deeply-held belief – have in our creedless faith? If UUs “can believe whatever we want” (or nothing at all), how is our tradition a religion? What’s the connection between justice-making and spiritual growth?
Come join in an informal discussion with Rev. Tricia Hart about these and other big questions. All are welcome – with a special invitation to those new to UUism or this Society.
Offered twice (yes, it’s okay to come both times!)
Sunday, Feb. 26, 12:30 p.m. - In-person in the Meeting House Parlors
RSVP not required but appreciated, especially for the in-person session where we would like to provide light fare. Email [email protected].
Stewardship Frequently Asked Questions!
And Their Answers
Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance
Here are a few samples from our Stewardship FAQ. If your questions aren't here, you can read the entire document on our website, or contact Christina at [email protected]. You should have recently received a Pledge Statement with your current year pledge; this is important information as you decide what your pledge for next year will be.
Q. When and how do I pledge?
A. You may pledge at any time, but for your pledge to be considered for our 2023/2024 budgeting process, we will need your pledge by April 3. The best way to pledge is by clicking on the picture of our clockworks on the homepage of our website. This will take you to our Stewardship Page which has a button to click on to Complete a Pledge Card.
Q. Is cash in the basket on Sunday OK?
A. Cash in the basket does not take the place of a pledge. We split the cash 50/50 between our FUUSB general fund and a local nonprofit each week. For your "cash in the basket" to count towards your pledge, you must put it in an envelope (from your pew) with your name on it. Checks put into the basket on Sunday will be considered a pledge payment unless otherwise noted.
Q. Doesn’t most of my pledge go toward taking care of this historic building?
A. Actually, income from renting our parking lot, the Clarke Street building, Elmwood Ave. buildings, and our own Meeting House space nearly covers the cost of maintenance on our properties. Income from the Meeting House Fund and the Nims Fund covers the costs of other capital maintenance expenses.
Q: When does this pledge take effect, and when do I start paying toward my pledge?
A: You will start paying toward your pledge on July 1, and have until June 30 the following year to fulfill your pledge. If you begin paying next year’s pledge prior to July 1, please note the pledge year in the memo line on your check.
Q. What if my financial situation changes after I pledge?
A. If your financial situation changes significantly - either increasing in resources or decreasing - your pledge might need to change. If this is the case, please contact Christina to adjust your pledge amount.
Share Your Gratitude - Video for Rev. Tricia
Kameron McConnell, Transition Team
Special opportunity on Sunday, March 12 to express gratitude for Rev. Tricia! Directly following the service, Sara and Memphis Everest will be recording video footage of willing participants - a montage to be shared at Rev. Tricia's June 11th celebration. Stop by to take part - filming will take no more than 5 minutes. Location to be announced in next week's eNews blast.
Widening the Circle Study Group
Racial Justice Team
Are you interested in becoming more aware of how you have internalized systemic racism and oppression and how they are inherent in the FUUSB’s traditions and practices? Would you like to use that knowledge to help our Society become more accessible and relevant to our larger community? Are you looking for informed change and not just an intellectual exercise?
A new study group for the UUA’s Widening the Circle of Concern is in the works! We’ll meet on Zoom from 7-8:30 p.m. two Monday evenings a month for 11 sessions beginning March 13, with some meetings in person as well if people are interested.
This will be a shared leadership group that includes some people new to the FUUSB and some who are new to Unitarian Universalism. We’ll start by creating a covenant that reflects our diversity and our commitment to inclusivity so that our group process reflects those values. If the group fills or the time is inconvenient, don’t worry - there is, thankfully, lots of interest and we expect more groups to form going forward.
Please contact one of us soon if you are interested.
An Act for Justice Request from the Immigration Justice Team
Bernie Carver
The Immigration Justice Team has learned that, on average, a new family of refugees arrives in our community each week. Many of these families are large and need large pots, frying pans and cutting boards to prepare food that is familiar to them. If you would like to welcome newcomers and perhaps reduce clutter by donating any of these items that are new or gently used, our team will have a box in the alcove at the Meeting House where winter clothes are collected for Sunday Morning Breakfast. (There is an urgent need for winter clothing, too.) Our team will regularly collect and deliver the kitchen items. Thanks in advance for your help.
Jubilee 3 Anti-Racism Training 3/24-3/26
Zoe Hart
Please join members of the Racial Justice and Radical Welcoming teams at an upcoming Jubilee 3 anti-racism training offered by Paula Cole Jones, co-author of our recently adopted 8th Principle. "Do you wish to deepen your understanding of how race and ethnicity play out in our institutions and our daily lives? Are you ready to take a leading role to nurture a multicultural future in the face of opposing cultural currents? Come Join Us for this Life-Changing Weekend!"
This 2-1/2 day online program will take place March 24-26, Friday evening, all day Saturday, and Sunday afternoon. The cost is $170 and the Racial Justice Team is offering it with a sliding scale of $0 to $170. You let us know what you're comfortable paying and we'll make up the difference. If you can join us, please do two things. 1) Go to our FUUSB sign-up form so we know you're attending and how much you'd like to pay, and 2) go to Jubilee Three Anti-Racism Training March 2023 to register. Any questions - email [email protected].
How Do We Use Our UU Values to Respond to Extreme Poverty?
Book Discussion: Tuesdays, March 28 and April 18, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Meeting House
Join fellow congregants to read and discuss Peter Singer's work, The Life You Can Save: How to Do Your Part to End World Poverty about which Bill and Melinda Gates said, "A persuasive and inspiring work that will change the way you think about philanthropy..."
Email Valerie Wood-Lewis for more information, to RSVP, and to get a reading assignment to complete before our first meeting.
We're Hiring!
Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance
The FUUSB is currently hiring for the position of Facilities Manager. This is a full-time position with an excellent salary and benefits package. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this position, please share this website link where they can find the complete job description. Anyone who is interested should send an email and resume to Christina Fulton at [email protected]. This job posting is open until the position is filled.
Annual Elmore Campout!
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Elmore State Park, June 16-18
I know it’s snowy outside but June will be here before we know it! Signing up early will let me know whether I need to book a few more sites before they’re gone. Come join FUUSB friends of all ages at Elmore State Park for fun and community, with optional hiking, swimming, paddling, and s'mores! Last year’s event was a huge success with households ranging in size from 1 to 5 and age from 3 to 70. We'll potluck Friday evening, have a campfire sing on Saturday, and do a little campsite worship on Sunday morning; in between we'll find many other ways to connect with each other and enjoy this "Beauty Spot." Campers cover the cost of their sites as they are able, so please don’t let the expense be a factor. Look for the sign-up sheet in the Community Room to choose your spot! Contact [email protected] with questions!