Rowan Van Ness, Ministerial Intern, with Brenda Balon, Worship Associate
"And We Keep on Going"
At this point in the pandemic, many of us are so ready to put this all behind us and begin to find our way forward. What are the spiritual issues that come up when we need to keep on going, even when we're burnt out and at our limits? Through poetry, reflection, and exploring spiritual issues, we'll look at what it means to be living with intention, our monthly theme, when the going gets rough.
The service will be live-streamed from the Sanctuary at 10 a.m. The link will be shared on our website, uusociety.org. If you miss the livestream, a recording of the service will be available on our YouTube channel.
All are welcome to Zoom Coffee Hour at 11 a.m. at this link: bit.ly/3j4RxJ9.
Zoom Family Chapel 2022 Begins!
Margo Whitcomb, Faith Development Assistant
Join us this Sunday, January 30, 9-9:50 a.m.
For the time being, Family Faith Development returns to the Zoom platform. Come see old friends and new while we explore the monthly theme of Living with Intention. Expect interactive storytelling, games and reflection. Parents/caregivers are welcome to participate or not, but should be nearby if younger ones need help unmuting, etc. Click the link to join: Zoom Family Chapel
Join the 8th Principle Conversation
Geoff Duke and Zoe Hart, Radical Welcoming Team
One of the goals for FUUSB’s developmental ministry is to “Actively and meaningfully welcome, support, and empower congregants who are black or other persons of color, LGBTQ+, have disabilities, and other congregants with marginalized identities.”
The new FUUSB Radical Welcoming Team believes that the proposed 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism represents a tangible, well-defined, and active first step to help our congregation move toward our developmental goal and radical welcoming. We hope that FUUSB will adopt the 8th Principle this year. But just what would that mean for our Society? The Radical Welcoming Team is hosting virtual informational discussions about the 8th Principle to explore this topic.
The next discussion is tonight: Thursday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.
Additional discussions will occur after the Sunday services at 11:15 a.m. on Feb. 6 and 20, and in the evening at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10 and 24. We will post links to join future discussions in the eNews and on the Society website closer to the discussion dates.
No registration is required. Please mark your calendar and join us to learn more about the 8th Principle, voice your support and concerns, and get your questions answered. Email [email protected] with questions.
Upcoming YUUth Group Gatherings
Rev. David Ruffin, Director of Youth & Creative Arts Ministries
YUUth Group is ON (via Zoom) this, and every, Thursday evening!*
YUUth Group continues gathering on Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m., on Zoom! If you’re new or haven’t been around in a while, we realize Zoom might not seem the most obvious choice for trying out YUUth Group… but we reckon we’d surprise you with how much fun and warm welcoming can be experienced between rectangles. Join us! zoom.us/j/95882364461
(*We hope to return to the Meeting House in mid-February, if things continue improving.)
The Annual Philo “Up and Down!” Sunday, Jan. 30, 1-3 p.m.
This Sunday, come out, YUUth Group (and FUUSB community members, too, if you dare) for the grand return of the annual Mount Philo “Up and Down.” Our plan is to go up Mt. Philo, to the tippy top, and then to come doooowwwn! On sleds. …Epic. It will be chiiilly, so dress for success out there (success being the need to remove layers, not regretting not having them). And bring a sled! All are welcome, though permission is required for youth. If new to YUUth Group and wanting to join, wonderful! Just reach out to David Ruffin at [email protected], to request a permission slip (will also have extras there). Meet at Mt. Philo State Park, at the base of the mountain, at 1pm. Address is 5425 Mt Philo Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445.
Knitting & Crocheting Group
If you enjoy either knitting or crocheting, please consider joining FUUSB's group of fiber arts lovers on Tuesday, February 1 at 7 p.m. We will knit, crochet and gab for an hour on Zoom. Here is the link: bit.ly/3qKUgLa. All levels of experience are welcome to this socially-minded group. Questions? Linda Graves, [email protected].
Winter Vespers Continues at a New Time!
Rev. David Ruffin and the Vespers team
Wednesday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m. via Zoom
There are reasons for cautious optimism that maybe soon we can begin again to “widen our circles” - our theme for the month. Each of us will be taking the steps we can, safely, in the weeks ahead. But the obstacles are still significant. And how, again, do we do this human connecting with others thing anyway?? Especially with those with whom we’ve perhaps never been connected?
This week’s Vespers, we’re going to be exploring how what we each have to offer, can widen the circle for everyone. Most of us have been sitting at tables with plenty of seats to spare, and perhaps pining for a crowded table to gather around again. Whatever the constraints, how do we remember ourselves as one who can “prepare a beautiful meal” for our neighbors to crowd around together to enjoy? How do we live our lives, a little more, as an invitation to a widening circle?
Yes, we’d rather be in person, without masks, huddled physically close together. But the hearth of the Zoom screen can still be a special place if we choose to make it so. Please join us for this renewing time of music, poetry and arts, connection and community. Find us on Zoom via this link. Come as you are. All are welcome.
Sharing Our Covid Journeys… So Far
Sarah Russell, Pastoral Care Associates Team
An opportunity for deeper spiritual connection
During this time of shared disruption because of the Covid pandemic, the Pastoral Care Associates invite you to participate in a communal small group activity to reflect on how this experience has shaped each of us so far. While everyone has experienced the pandemic differently, for many it has been a major ongoing stressor in their lives. One of the antidotes is human connection.
Please join us for a workshop to reflect and make meaningful connections on either:
Wednesday, February 9 from 12-1:30 p.m., or
Thursday, February 10 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Participation will be limited to 8 people per session, but more sessions will be scheduled if there is sufficient interest.
During the session, there will be a hands-on activity for you to map your Covid journey, share highlights with fellow participants, and hear the stories of others. We imagine that themes will emerge, and you may gain new perspectives about where we have been and where we are now. We are considering offering more opportunities for shared spiritual reflection in the future, so your participation and ideas are important to us.
Register here for the Feb. 10 session. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants.
The Hills Are Alive - Sledding for All Ages
Margo Whitcomb, Faith Development Assistant
Sunday, February 13: Meet at 1 p.m., Calahan Park
Families, youth and adults are planning a sled party at Calahan Park. This is the perfect spot for a variety of skills and run sizes. Join us for winter fun, community, hot cocoa and warm drinks. We look forward to seeing everyone there. For those who prefer not to sled, there’s a skating patch and playground as well.
Restorative Circles Training
Stuart Graves, Restorative Circles Team
“Creating a Listening Community: Restorative Circles Practice & Facilitation” is the title of a training workshop of six sessions being offered via Zoom by Sarah-Elizabeth Anderson from March 15-April 20 on Wednesdays from 6:00-8:30 p.m. ET. The Healthy Congregation Team (HCT) will cover registration fees which are: $222 to $77 per person on a sliding scale.
“Come experience listening, being heard and feeling the empathy you have deepening. Create the capacity within yourself to hold space for difficult conversations with members of our community. Let us bring change to the world one moment at a time!”
If interested, please read this Steeple article for more information, and how to register.
Support JUMP's Online Auction!
JUMP is holding an Online Auction February 2-11. The theme is "Showing Love for JUMP." Here is the link!
Low-income Vermont households need the help JUMP can provide with utility payments, transportation, and support to purchase essentials like groceries, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. We are inviting your support of JUMP’s important community work!
Create Facebook posts and Twitter tweets just by clicking on their icons on the top right hand corner
Click on the “Refer a friend” button and fill in the email addresses of friends and family and send them all a notice about the event
Send your own email by clicking on the email icon on the top right hand corner
Join us in this fundraising event and show your love for JUMP. You will be doing your part in responding to the need that is out there by supporting a local organization that assists Vermont households in need.