Rev. Patricia Hart, with Melinda Lee, Rev. David Ruffin, Erika Reif, James Stewart, and Sam Whitesell
"Well, Here We Are…"
After the events of this past week, it seems important to worship together “live” (online) this week, to share thoughts and prayers, hopes and fears for our nation. What do you imagine your part might be, in this new time we are all watching come into being?
We will meet on Zoom at 10 a.m., worship together, and then move into a shared fellowship time/coffee hour (for those who can stay).
New UU Getting Acquainted provides an overview of Unitarian Universalist history and beliefs, including our Seven Principles and Six Sources. It's a great introduction to UUism and also a good way to meet other newcomers. Rev. Tricia Hart will attend as will facilitators from our Membership Team. It is designed for people new to our Society and/or new to UUism
If you would like to attend this session please register at this link and a Zoom invite will be send to you the day before the session.
Staying Connected
Sarah Russell, Membership Team Co-Chair
On Sunday, January 10 at 12 p.m. the Membership Team will be holding a virtual “Staying Connected” gathering. “Staying Connected” is primarily intended for “newish” folks to get acquainted and learn a bit more about First UU Society. It is very informal; we simply go around the “room” introducing ourselves, collecting and answering questions. We warmly invite you to join us via Zoom. We look forward to seeing you!
Tackling climate change can feel daunting, but you have incredible power with...your fork! Choosing climate-friendly foods can have a huge impact on your carbon footprint! Make it easy and yummy by joining Climate Justice Team members Suzie McCoy and Valerie Wood-Lewis for a fun and informative cooking series to brighten the winter evenings and make dinner easy that night!
Here's how it will work: you'll register for one or more workshops; we'll send you an ingredient list to have on hand. Join us on the appointed evening by Zoom, and we'll cook alongside each other for 45 minutes, ending our session ready to sit down to your own dinner. Each session will include time to chit-chat, Q&A, and a list of recommended resources like films, articles, and podcasts to learn more!
Session 1: Monday, January 11, 5:45-6:30 p.m. with Valerie. Hearty pumpkin chili and broccoli salad.
Session 2: Wednesday, January 20, 5:45-6:30 with Suzie. One pot fettuccine alfredo with peas & roasted cherry tomatoes.
Session 3: Monday, January 25, 5:45-6:30 with Valerie. Thai baked sweet potatoes and caramelized Brussels.
Session 4: Wednesday, February 3, 5:45-6:30 with Suzie. Broccoli cheddar soup & cornbread.
Contact Valerie to register or with any questions at [email protected] or 802-859-0049.
Immigration Justice Team
Kim Watkin
The Immigration Justice Team is welcoming new members to its monthly meeting. The IJT is working on cases involving asylum seekers, individuals in ICE detention, and Fair Policing policy. The next IJT meeting is Monday, January 18 at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Please contact Bernie Carver at [email protected] for the Zoom link.
REWIRE Program Starting 1/19!
Zoe Hart
We have a great cohort of 12 people going through our first ever offering of REWIRE! The program will run on the third Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for 8 months, starting on January 19. We still have room for three more participants. If you'd like to join us, sign up on our REWIRE registration page.
REWIRE was designed by All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma to support white members of their community to uncover, identify and “rewire” internalized white supremacy, both personally and systemically. Tulsa community members face both a particularly potent history and present reality of systemic racism, and All Souls has been on its own journeyof intercultural community building and racial justice work, after members of another, predominantly black, church community, joined All Souls in 2008.
The program is organized around 8 small-group class sessions of 12-15 people, which will be facilitated by Rev. David Ruffin and Kate Starr (from Tulsa). Guided personal work and reflection are processed and shared together. Participants benefit from a long-term investment in working together to co-create a consciously anti-racist white community that supports their growth in anti-racism.
This promises to be deep, rewarding work. We hope you'll join us!
Steeple Newsletter Submissions
Mary Williams, Society Administrator
Are you interested in writing an article about a FUUSB project for the Steeple newsletter? The next issue will be out in February, and the deadline to submit articles is January 25.
Save the date! JUMP is having an online auction February 1-12.
JUMP’s primary goal amid the COVID pandemic has been to remain open and ensure all economically disadvantaged families have dependable access to help meeting basic needs. The JUMP FLEX program delivers aid to purchase groceries, transportation help, utility assistance, personal hygiene and cleaning supplies. Vouchers assist not only in meeting basic needs but also help those living on the edge to preserve key funds for other essentials. Since COVID-19, 23% of households receiving assistance from JUMP were first time recipients. JUMP asks for your continued support for this valuable and needed mission. We have several great items for you to bid on. More information is coming.
If you would like to donate an item, gift card or service to JUMP's Online Auction, please email [email protected] with the information.
Technology Access in Vermont
Kirsten Nielsen, Code for BTV
Code for BTV (codeforbtv.org), a local brigade of Code for America (codeforamerica.org), a non-partisan, non-political 501(c)(3) charitable organization is looking for adults experiencing difficulty accessing technology of any kind during COVID-19:
people with difficulty understanding technology
people with difficulty paying for technology services
people experiencing the loss of free in-person services like public libraries
people who live in remote areas with limited service options
people with children at home more often due to different school schedules
teachers, professors, school administrators, etc. having any difficulties navigating technology
professionals working from home more often (with or without children) and experiencing technological difficulties
We are seeking adults willing to give confidential interviews (remotely where possible). Our team is working to improve the lives of Vermonters statewide by improving technology access so important information during an emergency like the pandemic can be communicated more effectively.
If interested in being interviewed, please contact [email protected].