"Grief Activism: Making Space for Lament & Communal Care"
Grief and loss have been nearly constant companions for many of us over the last few years, as we have navigated a global pandemic on top of the ongoing social, environmental, and political crises. How might we reconsider or re-imagine the practice of grieving when faced with our current reality and the anticipation of even greater suffering in the years to come? If grief is not something to conquer or get past, how could we live well with grief? What traditions or practices might we rekindle or recreate to build a culture of care for each other in these times, a time that Joanna Macy calls the Great Unraveling? Our guest, Maeve McBride, will share her reflections on grief, both personal and collective, and spiritual care in activism and community.
Join us for worship in person in the Sanctuary, or online. The livestream link and order of service will be shared at bit.ly/FUUSBWorship, or visit our YouTube channel.
Following the service, all are welcome to Coffee Hour, either outside in front of the Meeting House or in the Community Room, depending on weather.
While at the Meeting House, anyone is welcome to wear a mask. In the spirit of caring for each other, please stay home if you have any cold or flu symptoms. Thank you.
Summer Sundays for Children & Youth
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
In the summer we take a break from formal programming for children and youth, but opportunities to grow as a community continue! People of all ages are welcome to take part in worship at First UU; for those who need them, we offer coloring/activity pages, fidget toys, and stuffies in stations at the front and back of the Sanctuary.
During the lay-led services in July, the Nursery on the lower level will be open for kids of any age. We will have three staff members so that we can spread into the Library, allowing for older children to use that area. Children can be dropped off anytime after 9:45, but parents should accompany them and sign them in. We assume that children entering fourth grade and above are able to sign themselves out after the service to rejoin their families; if this is not acceptable please let staff know at drop-off. Younger children need to be signed out by a parent.
Monday, July 17 – Sunday, July 23 – FUUSB July Break
Offices closed; no eNews this week; Sunday worship and coffee hour will not be held on July 23 - click here for more details.
Sundays, July 30 – September 3
Outdoor & Live-streamed Worship Services, 10 a.m.
Summer Garden Childcare
Outdoor Coffee Hour
Will move indoors in the event of inclement weather
Monday, September 4 – Labor Day
Offices closed for the holiday
New eNews Schedule for 2023-24
Mary Williams, Society Administrator
After taking a break next week, the eNews will be back on July 26 with a new Wednesday schedule! We will return to our original Monday deadline to submit announcements, and the eNews will be published on Wednesdays. Please help spread the word! Announcements (under 200 words) and images can be sent to [email protected]. Thank you!
From the Immigration Justice Team
Mary Andrews & FUUSB Immigration Justice Team
Join your Immigration Justice Team (IJT) & the National Farm Worker Ministry for a Public Witness in Burlington
NFWM’s mission is to educate about farm worker issues, including lack of labor laws, safety, wage theft, racism, sexual harassment, child labor, exploitation and intimidation, and even slavery-like conditions. NFWM works through its farm worker partners to raise awareness and mobilize the faith community and others to action.
Rev. Yost is visiting for NFWM’s board meeting, which includes reports from NFWM partner Migrant Justice, whose Milk With Dignity Program aims to bring safety and justice to Vermont’s dairy workers.
The IJT invites you to participate in an action at a Burlington Hannaford store on Friday, July 28 in the late afternoon. Hannaford is profiting from labor abuses and human rights violations on dairy farms. Join us and show that workers and consumers are united in demanding Milk with Dignity! RSVP here so time and location of the action can be emailed to you.
Register for OWL in the Fall!
Erika Reif, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
We are excited to offer Our Whole Lives (OWL) for youth in 8th and 9th grades starting in September. 1.5 hour classes will be held on Wednesday evenings through early April 2024. This program is open to the broader community, not just First UU, so please spread the word! Sign up with this link. For more information about lifespan OWL curricula follow this link. For more information about this program contact [email protected].
The Auction Is Alive All Year Long!
Christina Fulton, Director of Operations & Finance
We've been hearing that many of you are cashing in on the items you purchased at the Auction this past year. Boat Rides, Meals, Game Nights, all kinds of things. It's such a wonderful way to get to know people in the congregation that you might not otherwise get to spend time with. If you are having or going to an event, remember to take some photos that we can use! Here are some photos from a dinner at the home of Peter Clavelle & Betsy Ferries. Everyone got to help!
Celebrating the Work of the Spruce Up Team
Nancy Hellen & Peggy Owen Sands, Radical Welcoming Team
Have you walked through the front doors of our Meeting House to see the stunning color and messaging of our beliefs? We take this opportunity to celebrate the transformational work of our Spruce Up Team. Starting with Christina’s initiative, Mary Gade and Sarah Forbes were brought together to create a Spruce Up Team. The additional team members were Ann Kalinoski, Suzanne Stimik, Peggy Derby, and Linda Graves, who each brought their expertise and creativity.
Before considering changes, the Spruce Up Team spoke to representatives of various groups and committees to know what our Society's ultimate overarching goals were and to understand what's really important: To be welcoming? To be forward thinking? To celebrate the past? To reflect our values and principles? Something else? The team believed the updates and design changes would spring from the answers to these questions and help to make decisions.
Work started in the vestibules, transforming the entrances with a bolder welcome and color to reflect who we wish to invite into this historic building, so the physical building would visually reveal our community’s present and future.
The team would love to hear your thoughts and impressions of their work!
Memorial Service for Robin Milne
A memorial service for member Robin Milne will be held on Sunday, July 23 at 2 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington.
In Memoriam
Jean V. Lincoln passed away on June 24, 2023. She was a longtime member of the congregation and a dear friend to many. A private service in the Memorial Garden will be held in August. An obituary is available at this link:
Barbara Heeter passed away this past week. Barbara was a member here for over 40 years. She served as the Board President and also on the Personnel Committee. Her ashes have been interred in the Memorial Garden, and there is no plan for a service at this time.
Deborah Ragione passed away on July 8, 2023 at the McClure Miller Respite House. Deborah was an active member of this Society. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington.
From VIA: Checking in on Our Neighbors
Please click here for a special message from Vermont Interfaith Action about the recent flooding in Vermont, including resources and helpful information.
Upcoming Worship Services
July 23 - FUUSB July Break
No Sunday service
July 30 - Sept. 3 at 10 am
Outdoor & Live-streamed Worship Services:
July 30
“Farm Worker Justice”
Rev. Connie Yost, Guest Minister, with Melinda Lee, Worship Associate, & the Immigration Justice Team
