Rev. David Ruffin and the FUUSB YUUth Group, with Judy Brook
Youth Sunday – “Campfire Magic”
Join us this Sunday around our “campfire,” as we celebrate the beauty that can be nurtured in community through radical acceptance and celebration of one another and ourselves, in this year’s annual Youth Sunday! Meet Oakland, the UU Octopus, share in campfire songs and stories, get your game on, and see (and be seen) in the beauty we each bring every time we gather. Families are invited to join us with children in the Sanctuary as the youth help us all rediscover, anew, what our worship can be.
To make our Meeting House as safe as possible, we ask that everyone who is 5 and older be vaccinated, and those 2 and older wear a mask while inside. Seating in the Sanctuary has been adjusted for safe distancing, and the ventilation system can accommodate at least 100 people.
All are welcome to Outdoor Coffee Hour at 11 a.m. in front of the Meeting House, and Zoom Coffee Hour at 11:15 a.m. at this link: bit.ly/3j4RxJ9.
Families Together in the Sanctuary This Sunday!
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
As a departure from our planned schedule, younger children's classes will not be happening this Sunday. What the YUUth Group is planning for worship is so fun and engaging that we don't want the kids to miss it! As always there will be fidget toys and coloring kits to occupy those who need them, but with puppets, pop songs, games and sketches, this worship should be fun for the whole family! Classes return for their final session on May 22.
Family Faith Development Council - Drop In!
Margo Whitcomb, Faith Development Assistant
This Sunday, May 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Even if you have not attended before, we would love to hear from you. The more hands, the better, as we chart the course ahead for Faith Development programming. Parents, teachers, and other members with interest in programming for children and youth meet to provide vision and form community! "Membership" in this council is casual and all are welcome to drop in - with your input and ideas to grow the next generation. Click on the link to join by Zoom: Council Meeting
Unitarian Universalist Spirituality
A Conversation with Rev. Tricia
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
What part does spiritual practice – or a deeply-held belief – have in our creedless faith? If UUs “can believe whatever we want” (or nothing at all), how is our tradition a religion? What’s the connection between justice-making and spiritual growth?
Come join in an informal discussion with Rev. Tricia Hart about these and other big questions. All are welcome – with a special invitation to those new to UUism or this Society.
Offered twice (yes, it’s okay to come both times!)
Sunday, May 22, 11:45 a.m. - In-person – under the canopy in the Memorial Garden
Thursday, May 26, 6 p.m. – on Zoom (A link will be shared soon)
RSVP not required but appreciated, especially for the in-person session where we would like to provide light fare. Email [email protected].
Religious Exploration Under the Garden Tent!
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Memorial Garden, Tuesdays May 24 and 31, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Picking up the series he began in February, new member and longtime scholar of the world’s religions, Phillip Brentwood, will present two 90-minute sessions, one exploring Buddhism, and one exploring Islam. Sessions will be enhanced by the backdrop of a multimedia presentation, as well as the beauty of our Memorial Garden. Specially prepared finger foods will be provided by Phil's wife, professional chef Linda Vogler, to round out the magic of the evening! More information and registration: here for Buddhism, here for Islam.
Mark Your Calendars! - Annual Meeting
FUUSB 2022 Annual Congregational Meeting
Monday, June 6, 2022
7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Stay tuned for more information and the Zoom link!
8th Principle Vote Coming Up - June 6
Zoe Hart
Learn what you need to know about the 8th Principle and be ready to vote at our June 6 Annual Meeting. The Radical Welcoming Team 8th Principle Group has put together an 8th Principle web page to help you, with links to a slide show and Frequently Asked Questions. Have a question that's not answered or a concern that's not addressed? Email us at [email protected] and we'll do our best to respond.
Your Generosity Is Essential
Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance
We are nearly through the 2021/2022 Fiscal Year. Only seven weeks remaining. And do you know what? There are still $91,000 in pledges that haven't been paid. That's a little over 10% of our total budget.
Did you make a pledge for the 2021/2022 fiscal year? You did? You're not sure? You didn't even come to FUUSB then? I'm here to share some information with you. First of all, it's not too late! You can pay your pledge right now. If you're not sure what your pledge was, it's ok, we can help. You can look up your pledge through your Realm account OR you can email Christina at [email protected] and she can let you know what your pledge amount is. And if you've been coming for a while, but never made a pledge, it's still not too late! You can make a non-pledge gift to FUUSB at any time during the year.
We need all of our pledge income in order to meet our budget: pay staff, pay for building repairs, pay taxes, and to pay for everything that makes FUUSB a special place. So please check to see if you still owe on your pledge and do your best to pay it off by the end of June.
Pledges can be made online, by texting STEEPLE to 73256, or by sending us a check in the mail. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Meal Train for a FUUSB Family
Please join us in helping the Harringtons (Nina, Tom, and family) as they care for newborn baby Jaycee, who was in the hospital, and also grieve the loss of Tom's mother. Your support and help is so appreciated.
Neighbors are putting together a Meal Train for the family and would like to ask for your help. You can make a meal, or donate a gift card to a local restaurant or GrubHub. For more information and to sign up to share a meal, visit mealtrain.com/5m9ner. Thank you!
Spring Auction - Thank You
A Huge Thank You
to all the members, friends and community businesses who donated, bid, and helped make the FUUSB Spring Auction a huge success. We nearly met our goal, with earnings of $10,337!
In addition to supplementing the funding for our society's programs, many winning bidders have wonderful dinners, get togethers and outings to attend between now and September, meeting and building upon relationships with others in our community.
We especially want to thank the following businesses who contributed gift certificates and/or items to the fundraiser:
Courtyard Marriott + Designer's Circle + ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain + Fjall Raven + The Flynn Theater + The Gryphon + Halvorson's Upstreet Cafe + Hilton Garden Inn + Hotel Vermont + kru Coffee + Montstream Studio + Outdoor Gear Exchange + Spectrum Youth & Family Services + Sweetwaters + The Vermont Comedy Club + The Vermont Flannel Company + Vermont Juice Company
From the Auction Committee:
Nina Harrington, Rebecca Gurney, Mark Kuprych, Hope Baker-Carr
and the FUUSB Board of Trustees
Mary Williams, Society Administrator
We are seeking article submissions for the June Steeple newsletter! The deadline to submit articles is May 25, and the word limit is up to 400 words. The newsletter will be published the week of June 13.