Spring is in the air (or at least in our imaginations). It can be hard, though, to relish the small delights of crocus and forsythia as people are fleeing from war across the world, and the climate is in crisis everywhere. How do we live amid such deep sadness and beauty?
We are continuing to invite up to 50 people to attend worship in person on Sundays. To sign up for this Sunday, go to: rsvp.church/r/eJ7rm65u.
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 will be available on our YouTube channel.
At 11 a.m. all are welcome to Outdoor Coffee Hour in front of the Meeting House, and Zoom Coffee Hour at this link: bit.ly/3j4RxJ9.
Zoom Family Chapel - Renewal!
Margo Whitcomb, Faith Development Assistant
Sunday, March 13, 9-9:50 a.m.
All are welcome but families with young children are especially invited to join Erika and Margo for fun, ritual and reflection. Many families have received packets of materials this week in preparation for Sunday’s Chapel with a focus on the theme of Renewing Our Faith. We will be planting seeds as an act of faith and (hopefully) joined by a special guest from the High School Youth Group. To join us for faith, friendship and fun, click this link: Zoom Family Chapel
Stewardship Made Easy...2022/2023
Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance
Please be on the lookout for a letter from Rev. Tricia and Christina in your inbox or mailbox in the next few days. This letter will give you an overview of this year's Stewardship Campaign and how to update your pledge amount for the 2022/2023 fiscal year. It's quick, it's easy, and it makes you feel really good to know you are supporting the mission of FUUSB.
If you just can't wait and would prefer to update your pledge right now, you can do that by going to the Sharing Your Treasure...Stewardship Made Easy page on the website or by going to uusociety.org and clicking on the golden piggy bank!
If you missed Sunday's worship service, you missed a moving testimonial by FUUSB member Elaine Haney. But you can listen to it now!
Restorative Circles Training
Stuart Graves, Restorative Circles Team
“Creating a Listening Community: Restorative Circles Practice & Facilitation” is a training workshop of 6 sessions being offered via Zoom by Sarah-Elizabeth Anderson from March 15-April 20 on Wednesdays from 6:00-8:30 p.m. The Healthy Congregation Team 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.
From the Immigration Justice Team
Richard Smiles, Immigration Justice Team & CASAN member
CASAN (Chittenden Asylum Seekers Assistance Network) is seeking help for a lovely woman and her two children (ages 1 & 4) living in Winooski. The mother is getting her driver's license and is seeking employment.
We are looking for a donation of a used car (automatic) for this family. CASAN is a 501c3 and we can provide a receipt for your donation. For more info, please contact Richard Smiles at [email protected].
Until a car is acquired, we are seeking volunteers to help drive the family to and from home and the childcare center. It's only a couple of miles from Winooski to Burlington, but it's tricky to navigate on buses with young ones in the needed time frame. They have car seats, and CASAN requires volunteer drivers to provide a copy of their license and insurance, and sign confidentiality forms.
If you are willing to pitch in, especially on cold or rainy days later this month and into April, please contact Jan Steinbauer, Chair of CASAN, for more info at [email protected]. Thanks so much.
Coming Soon - The FUUSB Spring Auction!
Nina Harrington, Spring Auction Committee
Mark your calendars! The annual Spring Auction, “Building Community” is scheduled for April 17-29. We invite you to start thinking of community-oriented events or outings you could donate to this year’s online auction. In the past, people have been generous with stays at their vacation rentals. There has also been a big demand for dinners, cocktail parties, game nights, lake outings and barbecues. Also, in an effort to widen our community outreach, we hope to offer gift certificates from Church Street merchants and other businesses in our neighborhood as part of the offerings. More information will follow with ideas for events and instructions on how to donate. Stay tuned for more!
Meal Train for Rowan!
Please consider sharing a meal with our Ministerial Intern, Rowan, and her family! Rowan and Caitlyn are very busy with new baby Seneca, and would be grateful for some help with meals. Thank you to all who have signed up! There are still more spots available at mealtrain.com/1d15mw.
Have an Announcement for the eNews?
Mary Williams, Society Administrator
Our weekly Thursday eNews contains brief announcements (under 200 words - shorter is better!) about FUUSB-sponsored events and projects, or organizations with which we have a relationship. The deadline for submitting eNews items is every Tuesday for that week's issue. Please email to [email protected]. To learn more about our publications, click here. Thank you!
VIA Social Justice Event
On Wednesday, April 6 from 7-8:30 p.m., please join Vermont Interfaith Action for a hybrid event based at College Street Congregational Church to launch "A Vermont Guide to Community Engagement with Local Police Departments." This guide is the result of months of research by the Racial Justice/Public Safety organizing ministry. It is designed to be used by ad hoc community groups in every municipality with a police department to be able to have a well-informed and comprehensive conversation with their Police Chief about policies and practices relating to racial equity. Members of our Public Safety group have drafted a series of questions in many different categories, like Training, Accountability, Grievance Processes, that community members can ask their law enforcement officials to get a dialogue started.
We are excited about this grassroots, community-based approach to one of society's most challenging issues, and we think it has real potential to make a major difference in policing in Vermont. We need you at this launch event to show your support! Plan now to attend, either in person or by Zoom. Use this link to register to participate virtually.
The Joint Urban Ministry Project’s 2nd annual Online Auction Fundraising event surpassed the $5,000 goal as the winning bids raised $6,491.
“We truly appreciate everyone who was involved. A huge thank you to the sponsors, donors, promoters, bidders and pick-up/delivery team. The support of JUMP and the services it provides was widespread and invaluable.” - Margaret Welch, Coordinator of the “Show Love for JUMP” Online Auction, February 2-11!
Wanda Hines, Director: "The funds will help provide our low-income and underserved neighbors voucher assistance for groceries, which includes food, personal care items, and cleaning supplies; utilities to help keep heat and power on and maintain credit ratings; and gas to find or get to work, childcare or essential appointments.”
JUMP would like to thank the many communities for stepping up in these uncertain times and who took part in our Online Auction. Your support will make a difference when it can be difficult for families to make ends meet.
For the latest news from the New England Region UUA, check out the March newsletter at this link.
Daylight Saving Reminder
Remember to set your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night, March 12. Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday.