Rev. Patricia Hart, with Cheryl Herrick & Ginger Hobbs
"Changing Stories"
It seems, sometimes, that we’re living in a threshold time in our country’s history – or maybe even in the world. So much has happened and is happening still… so many important stories are unfolding. We all have roles to play, whether we feel ready or not. A story-filled service for our time.
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Sunday, May 2, 9:15 - 10 a.m.
An opportunity for families with children to connect to our Unitarian Universalist rituals and each other! We will be focusing on Earth Day and the April theme of “Story.” Geared towards families with children but open to all. We light the chalice, share joys and sorrows, sing and have interactive activities to complement our worship! This week, come with an object or picture that is connected to a family story and be ready to share! Zoom link
Save the Date: "Beyond These Walls" MUUsical RevUUe
Raising funds to let First UU Society of Burlington connect with people everywhere!
Spring this year, perhaps more than ever, is a dance of unfurling - each of us finding our own pace for participation in the emergence, releasing ourselves in some ways and bracing ourselves in others. After all we've been through, how do we open our hearts to the vaccinated "new leaf" emerging with the new leaves?
Vespers is back with a Spring series where you're invited to join others in living such questions and finding ways of "unfurling," together. Vespers services are an opportunity to take a mid-week pause, share in music and meditative silence, poetry and presence, gratitude and grief, breath and blessings. Come as you are. All are welcome.
Wednesdays at 6 p.m. atzoom.us/j/91243888402. For audio only, call (646) 876-9923 (meeting ID: 912 4388 8402).
Hold the Date! Second Saturday Campfire & Open Mic
Todd Schlossberg
Next Saturday, May 8 at 7 p.m.
Let’s soak in the warmth the month of May brings
As we gather, tell stories, read poems, and sing
And though social distance, we yet will abide
‘Round our fire, we may still warm our virtual hides
Our theme this month is “story.” Share spoken word, a song, an instrumental piece, a parlor trick, a little-known talent, or just enjoy the community and music. Feel free to mesh with this theme or whatever else moves you.
To join our email list or sign up for the open mic, email Todd:
From Values to Action: What Can White UUs Do for Racial Transformation?
You are invited to a panel discussion about the racial justice work of white people at FUUSB. The Racial Justice Team has been promoting reading groups and activities to learn more about racism and white supremacy. Our panelists - Gene Bergman, Zoe Hart, and Pam Laser - will speak about their efforts to put their faith into action. What does it mean to practice anti-racism? What does it mean to show up for BIPOC in Vermont? What anti-racist movements and organizations are we supporting? After we hear from our panelists, participants will reflect on what they can do in small groups. Come join the discussion on Monday, May 10 from 6:30-8 p.m.
Karim Golding, a Muslim Jamaican immigrant, came to the US as a child. At 21 he was incarcerated on drug and weapons charges with dubious evidence. He served 10 years in prison, but after finishing his sentence, instead of being released, he was transferred to ICE. ICE has detained him for the past 4 years. He has been granted a stay of removal, but ICE refuses to release him, deeming him a "threat to public safety,"
The Courts have recognized his good character, and he has a record of community relationships and community work. Conditions where he is held, at the Etowah County Detention Center in Gadsden, Alabama, are deplorable. He has had COVID-19 twice. His detention is unjust and inhumane.
ICE must free him now. Organizations leading the effort to #FreeKarim include Adelante Alabama Worker Center, Al Otro Lado, Family & Friends of Karim Golding, National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild, New Sanctuary Coalition, Shut Down Etowah, and VietRISE. Will you join us in calling for his release from ICE detention? You can make calls (script provided), send emails or tweets, or sign a petition. Find out more at this link.
UUA General Assembly - Register Now!
Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance
The annual gathering of UUA member congregations, General Assembly (GA), will be June 23-27. This event will once again be totally online, which means it's easier than ever to participate. Those of us who attended last year's online GA found it to be one of the best GA's ever! The registration fee is minimal, there are no travel expenses, and you can easily pick and choose which workshops and events you want to attend.
Registration - Registration is $200. The UUA website has financial aid opportunities, and FUUSB also has some scholarships available for members who wish to participate. If you would like a FUUSB scholarship to pay your registration fee, please email Christina at [email protected].
Delegates - Each congregation receives a number of delegates based on their certified membership number. Delegates are the official voting representatives for our congregation and are able to vote at all business meetings at GA. If you are interested in becoming a delegate for FUUSB at this GA, please email [email protected].
Programs - In addition to Business Meetings, GA offers a ton of great programming, including Workshops, Worship Services, Lectures, and Children & Youth programs. Please check out all that GA has to offer.
This year's GA Theme is Circle 'Round for Justice, Healing, Courage. It promises to be a wonderful time to gather with other UUs across the nation. We hope you will consider registering for this inspiring event. Please reach out to Rev. Tricia, Christina, or Erika if you'd like to know more about GA.
In Memoriam
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Ann Livingston passed away on April 23. A longtime First UU Society member, Ann signed the membership book in 1974, and served as president of the FUUSB board of trustees. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ann's family, including her daughter and FUUSB member Carol Livingston.
Join us for a virtual bash and support VIA. Brew yourself a spot of tea, come as your favorite Alice in Wonderland character and play a few rounds of BINGO with us! Click here for more information!