What does it mean to “live with intention?” We’re told it’s up to us to identify a deeply-held intention about who we’re called to be in the world. But how do our intentions shape what we actually do, or plan for? And how does hope fit in?
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.
New Policies for January 2022
Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance
As the Omicron variant pushes COVID infections to the highest numbers we’ve seen during the pandemic, the staff is once again learning to be flexible amid uncertainty. Although we have enjoyed a few months of small numbers of guests attending Sunday Worship in person, small groups meeting in the Meeting House, and allowing people to come to sit quietly in the Sanctuary one day a week, we now feel that the responsible thing to do is to roll back our policy.
So for the month of January 2022, we will be closing the Meeting House to most groups. Sunday Worship Services will still be live-streamed from the Sanctuary, but with only the worship leaders, musicians, and tech team in attendance. We will not have the Open Sanctuary Hour, nor will we have other groups meeting inside. If you are unsure about an event that you have planned, please contact [email protected] to confirm.
As always, the staff’s goal is to keep everyone as safe as possible and to not be the cause of an outbreak that could stress our already stressed medical community. We thank you for your understanding and support and encourage you to participate in some of our many online offerings.
YUUth Group Meeting on Zoom Today
YUUth Group will be meeting via Zoom today, Thursday, January 6 at 5:30 p.m. at this link. Whether you’ve ever attended the YUUth Group, if you’re in 9th-12th grade, you’re welcome to join the fun any time. Please contact Rev. David Ruffin at [email protected] with any questions.
Me & White Supremacy Circle Discussions
Peggy Owen Sands, Racial Justice Team
The Racial Justice Team is offering more Me & White Supremacy Circle Discussions. These discussions provide participants with an opportunity, for those of us who are white and have white privilege, to deepen our understanding of systemic racism and avoid some of the common pitfalls that can cause harm to Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
We have a more detailed description of these discussions on our website (uusociety.org/me-white-supremacy-circle-discussions). If you are interested in participating, please sign up here. We have books available on a sliding fee scale for participants. We also have a list of additional books/movies/activities for independent learning about systemic racism and the negative impacts of white supremacy. Resources listed here.
Our Racial Justice Team has a goal that everyone in the congregation will participate in at least one learning opportunity about anti-racism and dismantling white supremacy once a year! We hope that in this new year, you will make a commitment to do some/more work to become anti-racist and learn more about white supremacy. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
FUUSB Community Conversation
Hope Baker-Carr, Board President
Save the date for a FUUSB Community Conversation - Sunday, January 23 at Noon.
Join the Board of Trustees, Rev. Tricia, and other members and friends of our Society on Sunday, January 23 at Noon (via Zoom) for a Community Conversation. Stay tuned for more information within the next couple of weeks.
In Memoriam
Roy Neuer, a First UU Society member since the mid 1970s, died peacefully on Monday, December 27, 2021 at Birchwood with his wife, Shirley Wolfe, by his side.
Roy had been receiving skilled and dedicated services for a month from the University of Vermont Health Network Home Health & Hospice.
An obituary will be published in January 2022. Because of the coronavirus and family obligations, a celebration of Roy's full and interesting life may be planned for the summer of 2022.
JUMP's Online Auction Fundraiser
Save the Date! JUMP is having an Online Auction fundraiser, February 2 -11. The theme is "Show Love for JUMP." Visit the auction website at this link. We have great items for you to bid on and more are being added each day.
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. These vouchers assist not only in meeting basic needs but also help those living on the edge to preserve key funds for other essentials. Please visit jumpvt.org to learn more about the great work of JUMP. The Online Auction will help pay for the services JUMP provides.
If you would like to donate an item, gift card or service to JUMP's Online Auction or become a sponsor, please email [email protected] with the information.
Join us in this fundraising event and show your love for JUMP. You will be doing your part in responding to the needs of our community by supporting a local organization that assists Vermont households.
Thank you,
Margaret Welch, JUMP Online Auction Coordinator
New England Region UUA News
Please click here for the January issue of the New England Region UUA Newsletter!
Upcoming Worship Services
Sunday, January 16 at 10 am - Live-Streamed Worship Service
