April Worship Theme: Change

The British Unitarian and naturalist Charles Darwin wrote, “It is not the
strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most
responsive to change.” Change means disruption: when a relationship ends,
when we consider a new job, or try to kick old habits. Sometimes change is
the enemy, sometimes our best friend. What clues tell us when to hold onto and preserve our present situation and when to embrace transformation for the sake of a new, larger sense of self?

Sunday, April 27, 9am & 11am
“Transformation Through Art”

Visual artists can celebrate the return of our allcongregation art show, as Gary, Katherine Monstream, and other members of the Society reflect on how the creative process opens us to new visions and wider currents of being. If you are a painter, photographer, quilter, sculptor, potter or print maker, please bring a sample of your work to the parlors between 9:00 and 11:00 am on Saturday, April 26, for our exhibition. Items for sale will benefit our congregation with 30% of the sales proceeds to support our Society.

May Worship Theme: Competition

Our economy is driven by competition. Sports idols strive for the gold. Religions compete for converts in the spiritual marketplace. When is competition a healthy stimulus that encourages us to excel, and when does excessive rivalry foster feelings of envy, jealousy and ill-will? Gary and Roddy
reflect on this month’s worship theme.

Sunday, May 4, 9am & 11am
“Competition”

Does competition bring out the best in people—or does rivalry bring out the worst? In a display of noncompetitive teamwork, Roddy and Gary will present a “dialogue sermon” this morning. There will be no losers involved—but you must be present to win!

Sunday, May 11, 9am & 11am
“Choir Sunday”

Come celebrate music-making and the Society's music programs for our annual Choir Sunday. Both choirs will perform at the early service, and the adult choir and soloists will perform at the 11am service. A mix of eclectic styles and sounds! There will also be a Child Dedication at the later service, in honor of Mother’s Day.

Sunday, May 18, 9am & 11am
“Failure”

In keeping with this month’s theme of competition, Gary will speak this morning on the great constant of human experience. While all of us strive to excel, most of us find ourselves failing to measure up to our own and other’s
expectations more often than not. How do we handle losing? Coming in second place or farther down the pack?

JUMP

We are a JUMP Congregation!
The Joint Urban Ministry Project, Inc., known as JUMP, has operated since July 1988 as an interfaith ministry which responds to the needs of people in crisis. Our ministry takes the form of pastoral care, referrals, emergency assistance, and advocacy for persons with low incomes.

The JUMP ministry operates each weekday morning at the chapel entrance of the First Congregational Church, Burlington, VT. We serve families and individuals in Chittenden County and occasionally those in nearby counties and beyond.  Members from this congregation donate baby formula and baby food to JUMP every week.

Click here to find out how you can help!

Instructions on getting started in Unitarian Universalist Religious Education and registration forms.
Now on line here

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING?

.Unitarian Universalist Religious Education

Visit the Religious Education page here.

What is Unitarian Universalism?  Watch this short video to find out more about our liberal religion:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wezp1W2HKlU
.