February is Black History Month – a perfect time to look for, and learn from, real-life stories of Black Americans who’ve helped shape our country’s history. We’ll share a few of those stories and encourage all of us to search out more, to stretch the boundaries of “truth” as we know it.
As most of you know, Coffee Hour happens from 10:45 a.m. til noon every Sunday. At 11 a.m. participants divide into the first of two breakout groups to continue connecting. For the next four weeks, if you join Sunday coffee hour on Zoom by 11 a.m., we're offering the option of an additional way to experience the hour.
Coffee Hour Circles, an offering of the Caring and Belonging Team, will last from 11 until noon, with a facilitator holding space for a slightly more structured time of checking-in and reflecting on the service, amongst 6-10 participants. Time will be shared as participants take turns speaking and listening. In the spirit of offering many ways to connect, we hope these Circles facilitate deeper connection as well as personal reflection on the topic of the day. For those drawn to this model, we welcome your participation and your feedback!
Our Winter Vespers Series will continue next week on Wednesday, February 24 at 6 p.m.
Vespers services are an opportunity for any in the FUUSB community, and friends, who seek a sacred pause mid-week to connect with self, one another, and what inspires us on our journeys. We share music and meditative silence, poetry and presence, gratitudes and griefs, breath and blessings. And laughter, too. Though we can't meet in person, we can still be together, sharing these gifts of renewal. Come as you are. All are welcome.
Or for audio only, call (646) 876-9923 (meeting ID: 912 4388 8402). If outside the Northeast, find your local number at zoom.us/u/aeaJZdoB8
From the Racial Justice Team: Book Discussion
Climate Justice Team Event: Heat Pumps
What in the world is a heat pump? A heat pump can pull warmth from cold air outdoors in winter and pull cool air from the hottest day in summer. Heat pumps help our climate because they burn less carbon than a traditional heater. They are 2-3 times more efficient at moving energy than a combustion heating system. Please come with questions to a 1-hour Zoom session on Wednesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. to learn more about it from Chip Patullo, Certified Energy Manager. Chip has been an energy consultant for 40 years, and has his own heat pump that he has used successfully for 2 heating seasons.
Sign up with Linda Cooper, [email protected] or text to 922-7554. See you there.
Furry Friends - the sleepover is getting closer! On the weekend of March 12th your stuffed animals are invited for what promises to be an exciting and fun-filled overnight at the Meeting House (with seasoned chaperones, of course)! This will be a grand adventure for all. To register your stuffie and get more information, please click on this link: Stuffie Sleepover Form
Care Network Team Update
Rebecca Anderson has just moved and would truly appreciate phone calls from the people she knows and loves in our congregation as she adjusts to her new abode. She may not remember the call the next day, but in the moment, she feels joy and connection to our faith community. We have set up a schedule using Meal Train.
A couple meals a week continue to be a wondrous gift to the family as they experience and adjust to these deep changes in Rebecca's situation. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Please contact Sarah Weber at (802) 373-0197 with any questions. Thank you all so much.
Guide to Online Giving
Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance
Many of you have been deciding to make your pledge and other gifts to the Society online. This is a wonderful idea that we support wholeheartedly. Giving online is safe and cuts down on administrative time processing checks. If you're considering this way of giving, but you're still a bit confused, here are the basics:
Where to set up your gift - If you are a member and have a Realm account, just log in to your account and click on Giving. From there you can make a one-time gift or set up automatic payments. If you do not have a Realm account, you can make online gifts from our website: uusociety.org/donate.
How to make sure your gift is credited to the right fund - When you set up online giving, there are several funds to choose from.Please click here for a guide, and answers to frequently-asked questions!
If you ever have questions about online giving, please contact Christina at [email protected]. Thank you so much for your generosity and support of FUUSB!
Online Joys & Sorrows Form
An online Joys & Sorrows form is available at this link, and in each week's eNews. Joys & Sorrows will be shared in our Sunday services as much as possible. Since online services are available publicly on the FUUSB YouTube channel, we will not read full names or personal details. Thank you!