“…Furred and hoofed, two-legged, four-legged, many-legged,
Fanged and clawed, gentle and fierce, wild and tame.
May we remember that all animals are our relatives,
Worthy of our care and respect.” – Florence Caplow
Join us for a celebration of these animal relatives with whom we share our homes and our planet. They fill our hearts, add meaning to our lives, and remind us of our place in the interconnected web of existence. Let us extend our blessings to them in this, our first online Blessing of the Animals.
This past Wednesday not only saw the Inauguration of our 46th president, but also of our Wednesday evening Winter Vespers Series. It was a beautiful, heart-filled gathering. Despite the limits of Zoom, we found that Vespers was once again a special time and space to bring whatever we were each holding and be together, connecting in ways that matter most to us. We shared music and meditation, poetry and prayer, reflection and respiration, gratitudes, griefs and grace. Many thanks to James Stewart, Herb Schroeder, Linda Patterson, Suzy Haas, and Rev. Tricia Hart, particularly, for their contributions.
SO... the series has begun and, any Wednesday, beginning Wednesday, January 27 at 6 p.m., please remember, if you're looking for some mid-week connection and renewal, that this Vespers service is there for you. Next week, as we deepen into imagining what's possible now, we look forward to the musical contributions of Todd Schlossberg, among other gifts. Come as you are, all are welcome.
Join us on Zoom on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at this link:
Or for audio only, call 1-646-876-9923 (meeting ID: 912 4388 8402). If outside the Northeast, find your local number at zoom.us/u/aeaJZdoB8
Deep Listening Circles Continue
The Healthy Congregation Team invites you to join a Deep Listening Circle: an intentional gathering to share how you are and to listen deeply to others.
Deep Listening Circles commence with a candle lighting to signify this time of focused attention, then all are invited to speak authentically and listen deeply. There is no cross-talk, comment or discussion. The opportunity to speak is passed around the "Zoom circle," until everyone has said all they needed to say in the time allotted. The practice of coming together in our faith-based community in this way is one way for us to be in covenant.
RSVPs are encouraged, but not required, to Nancy Hellen at nbhellen@gmail.com. Please indicate the date you plan to attend in your email.
Saturday, Jan. 23, 2-3 p.m. with Stu Graves and Brian Haas
Thursday, Jan. 28, 5-6 p.m. with Marty Garrett and Noah Patullo
New UU Getting Acquainted provides an overview of UU 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 through Jan. 22 and a Zoom invite will be sent to you the day before the session.
Cooking With the Climate Justice Team!
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!
Click here for more details on this continuing series!
Session 3: Monday, January 25, 5:45-6:30 p.m. with Valerie. Thai baked sweet potatoes and caramelized Brussels.
Session 4: Wednesday, February 3, 5:45-6:30 p.m. with Suzie. Broccoli cheddar soup & cornbread.
Youth in 5th through 8th grade are invited - let the games begin! Let’s come together, old friends and new, for fun online games and a chance to connect.
Are you looking for a small group or sharing circle where thoughtful UUs take turns speaking from the heart while others practice "deep listening"? Chalice Circles provide a safe space in which to share what is going on for you. A leader helps to provide some structure to the time and questions for consideration. Speaking is totally optional.
Anyone is welcome to join the "Drop-in" Chalice Circle on Zoom, Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. No commitment is required. Here is the link: bit.ly/2S1ftBf
Winter-Spring Theme Circles
Registration is presently underway for our next season of Theme Circles! Groups will meet during the third week each month from February through June to explore the themes of Beloved Community, Commitment, Becoming, Story, and Play.
Sign up at this link through January 31. Each registrant will be asked to list first, second and third choice of group times. The sooner you sign up, the more likely you will get your first choice. You’ll learn your Theme Circle Group assignments soon after.
Of course all Theme Circles will be running as a Zoom meeting until it is safe to meet in person.
Contact Rodney Lowe, Theme Circles Coordinator, if you have problems accessing the online form or have questions: Rodney_Lowe@yahoo.com or 781-460-3644.
Meal Train Update
Sarah Weber, Care Network Team
Thank you to those of you who have already volunteered to help longtime member of our congregation and beloved former librarian Rebecca Anderson and her family with meals.
Rebecca is experiencing some serious health issues right now and her wonderful daughter, Tresa, is providing most of her support. It would be incredibly helpful if our UU Society could provide meals for Tresa's family as respite a couple times per week which Tresa will also share with Rebecca.
Please call Sarah Weber at 802-373-0197 or email sadievt@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
Socially Responsible Santa Update
Ellen Wollensack
Maggi Hayes (a.k.a. "Head Elf") would be so pleased to see the generous outpouring of love to families in our community through the Socially Responsible Santa program she started 26 years ago! We collected an unprecedented $6,000 which gave a generous amount of cash to 20 families living in the north end of Burlington. One recipient expressed extreme appreciation and shock as they were handed an unexpected envelope of cash.
Here are some of the recipients’ stories…
A working, single mother of 2 struggling to keep the internet on so her children can access remote learning.
A large family currently being evicted from their home.
Two middle school students who live with their father. Both students are positive role models in their school community.
Two students who recently had a death in the family.
A single parent of 2 who are fully remote from school due to health issues.
An immigrant family recently evicted and getting support from COTS to secure new housing.
A single parent who is currently unemployed.
A family new to the US with several school-aged children.
A single parent who needs help with food security.
A child from a large family who needs new clothing.
A family in which one parent is working and one parent is currently unemployed.
A single mom who recently lost her job.
Thank you all so much for your generosity. May everyone’s 2021 start out a little brighter.
In Memoriam
With a heavy heart we share the news that longtime First UU Society member Mike Donato passed away earlier this month. Mike signed the membership book in 1996. Our thoughts are with Mary Ann and their family. We will share any additional information or memorial plans when available.
Low-income Vermont households need the help that JUMP provides with utility payments, transportation, and support to purchase essentials like groceries, toiletries, cleaning supplies. We are inviting your support of JUMP’s important community work!
Create Facebook posts and Twitter tweets just by clicking on the icons on the top right corner
Click on the “Refer a friend” button and fill in the email addresses of friends and family to send them a notice
Send your own email by clicking on the email icon
Join us in this fundraising event and show your love for JUMP by supporting a local organization that assists Vermont households in need.
Free Legal Clinics
First Congregational Church UCC of Burlington is offering free call-in legal clinics on January 24, February 21 and March 21 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Those seeking legal advice are invited to call 802-862-5010 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on the days listed. Calls will be forwarded to a Legal Clinic volunteer who will collect basic information. A Legal Clinic lawyer will phone the person seeking assistance that afternoon. Click here for more details.