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 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?

Sunday, May 25, 9am & 11am
“A Final Sermon”

This morning Roddy will attempt to summarize “everything you wanted to know about…what she has learned from her being with you and from our life together in community.” She will not take offense if the Burlington Marathon prevents you from being present.

Sunday, June 1, 9am (1 service only)
“The Question Box”

Gary’s remarks this morning will be based on questions he receives from the congregation. Want to know how to rear perfect children? Why God permits evil? Or how you can still be religious, even if you don’t believe in God? Please email your queries (metaphysical, historical, personal, socio-political) to gary@uusociety.org at least one week prior to the service. Our annual
congregational meeting will follow the service in the sanctuary, with childcare
provided. Members only can vote, but all are welcome to attend and participate in this important gathering.

June 8, 11:00am (1 service only)
“The Wheel of Life”

Join us for an intergenerational celebration of the transitions within our community–births, graduations, weddings and unions, deaths and farewells. (If you or your children are receiving degrees this spring, please let Gary know, gary@uusociety.org.) This service will be followed by Roddy’s retirement party on the lawn, with bouncy castles for kids and dignitaries aplenty. Please bring your very best dish to share for the potluck.

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
.