Following the service, join us for online coffee hour at 10:45 a.m. on Zoom at bit.ly/3j4RxJ9.
Inaugural Winter Vespers - January 20
Rev. David Ruffin, Consulting Minister
It has been one week, as I write, since the events of last Wednesday, January 6th. A week from now, on January 20, this nation inaugurates a new president and, hopefully, a new chapter. But so much remains uncertain, including even, still, the peaceful transfer of power on that day. Meanwhile… the pandemic. Meanwhile… rampant injustices. Meanwhile… the rest of our lives.
Last August and September, Vespers services became a special space for many in the FUUSB community to bring whatever we were each holding and be together, in each other’s actual (socially-distanced) presence. We shared music and silence, poetry and story, gratitudes and griefs, breath and blessings. We can no longer meet in person, but we can still be together, sharing our presence and these gifts of renewal.
We don’t know exactly what the week ahead, or day of the Inauguration itself, will bring. But on Wednesday, January 20at 6 p.m. on Zoom, you are invited to come with whatever you are feeling, for an “Inaugural Winter Vespers,” the first of a weekly, Wednesday evening Winter Vespers Series. Come relieved, come saddened, come outraged, come grateful, come exhausted, come hopeful… Come and pause, connect, and share sacred space in community.
No RSVP necessary, though RSVPs (and questions) certainly welcome at [email protected].
Join us on Zoom on Wednesday, January 20 at 6 p.m. at
Or for audio only, call 1-646-876-9923 (meeting ID: 917 3525 6234). If outside the Northeast, find your local number at zoom.us/u/aeER6cGeqp
Blessing of the Animals - January 24
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Let's celebrate all those with feathers, fins, scales or fur that share our homes, fill our hearts, add meaning to our lives, and remind us of our place in the interconnected web of existence. Help us make this recorded service a virtual gathering of animals and the humans who are grateful for them!
We need your contributions! Do you have animals in your life that you would like us to recognize? Perhaps you'd like to tell us about the birds that gather at your feeder and make it easier to face the day? Have you lost a pet you would like to see memorialized?
Please record a quick video or send in a picture so that you and your animals can be part of this special service on January 24. Click here for detailed instructions!
Deep Listening Circles
Nancy Hellen, Healthy Congregation Team Co-Chair
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. At this time of upheaval and the unknown, we are all experiencing a myriad of feelings-- concerns, confusions, disappointments and hopes. In times like this, it can be hard to find the space and quality of connection to hear and speak our truths: How I am really? What do I notice about myself amidst these times? What is breaking my heart and where am I drawn to give my heart anew? How do we respond as UUs/people of faith, amidst such dangerous divisiveness? We can support one another to ask and answer these kinds of questions.
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. "Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion." - Bell Hooks
The dates and times are below and anyone can attend. RSVPs are encouraged, but not required, to Nancy Hellen at [email protected]. Please indicate the date you plan to attend in your email.
Monday, Jan. 18, 7-8 p.m. with Nancy Hellen and Stu Graves
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
"Veganuary" interfaith discussion this Sunday, January 17 at 3 p.m. about food, faith and how we can build a more just world with our food choices. Will include discussion of JewishVeg's Pandemic-Free World campaign. Click here to register.
Immigration Justice Team
Kim Watkin, Immigration Justice Team
The Immigration Justice Team is welcoming new members to its monthly meeting. The IJT is working on cases involving asylum seekers, individuals in ICE detention, and Fair Policing policy. The next IJT meeting is Monday, January 18at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Please contact Bernie Carver at [email protected] for the Zoom link.
FUUSB Holiday Schedule
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, FUUSB staff will be off for the holiday on Monday, January 18.
Cooking With the Climate Justice Team!
Valerie Wood-Lewis, Climate Justice Team
Tackling climate change can feel daunting, but you have incredible power with...your fork! 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!
Here's how it will work: you'll register for one or more workshops; we'll send you an ingredient list to have on hand. Join us on the appointed evening by Zoom, and we'll cook alongside each other for 45 minutes, ending our session ready to sit down to your own dinner. Each session will include time to chit-chat, Q&A, and a list of recommended resources like films, articles, and podcasts to learn more!
Session 1 was delightful! Consider joining us next week!
Session 2: Wednesday, January 20, 5:45-6:30 p.m. with Suzie. One-pot fettuccine alfredo with peas & roasted cherry tomatoes.
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.
Contact Valerie to register or with any questions at [email protected] or 802-859-0049.
Curious About Chalice Circles?
Hope Baker-Carr, Chalice Circles Coordinator
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
New UU Part 1: Getting Acquainted
Sarah Russell, Membership Team Co-Chair
Sunday, January 24, 8:30-10 a.m. on Zoom
New UU Getting Acquainted provides an overview of Unitarian Universalist 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 and a Zoom invite will be send to you the day before the session.
New Meal Train
Sarah Weber, Care Network Team
Longtime member of our congregation and beloved former librarian, Rebecca Anderson, is experiencing some serious health issues right now. Her daughter, Tresa, is providing most of her support and 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. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Please call Sarah Weber at 802-373-0197 or email her at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Registration is presently underway for our next season of Theme Circles! Groups will begin meeting during the third week of February, March, April, May, and June to explore the themes of Beloved Community, Commitment, Becoming, Story, and Play.
Theme Circles consist of about 8-10 members who meet with a trained facilitator each month to discuss, reflect, and explore the monthly spiritual theme. Participation in a Theme Circle is a wonderful way to make new friends, connect with old friends, and foster meaningful connections in our large congregation. After receiving and studying the monthly edition of The Path, participants choose a question or two to incorporate into their daily lives and then ultimately share that experience (or other thoughts or inspirations) when the group meets. Be aware that when you join a Theme Circle, you should make every effort to attend all meetings, although members will certainly understand your absence if an emergency arises.
Sign-ups will extend online 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.
Call or email Rodney if you have problems accessing the online link. If you have questions, email me at [email protected], or call me at 781-460-3644.
We look forward to another fabulous season of Theme Circles!
REWIRE Program Full!
Zoe Hart, Racial Justice Team
Our REWIRE program starting next week is now full. The registration form is temporarily not accepting new registrations. We'll have it updated shortly to capture information about interest that will help us plan our next REWIRE offering.