Welcome

Welcome to the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington. For more than 200 years we have been a religious home for open-minded and big-hearted Vermonters. We are diverse in our thinking and beliefs, but we are united in our desire to live out the principles of Unitarian Universalism. We support each other in our religious and spiritual explorations, drawing on many different sources.

We have no creed. We create our community around a shared covenant or promise:

We are united in our commitment to live out our mission to inspire spiritual growth, to care for each other and our community, to seek truth, and to act for justice.

Our iconic building sits at the top of the Church Street Market Place, inviting all to worship, fellowship, justice-making, and compassionate care. We are an inclusive congregation welcoming all people––of whatever age, class, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, or sexual orientation––into our Beloved Community.

We hope you’ll continue to explore our website and join us this Sunday!

Upcoming Services

Summer Worship Services

All services at 10:00 A.M. through Labor Day.

There will be a Reflection for All Ages at every service. Nursery and child care will also be provided every Sunday.

May 26th—10 a.m. “Memorial Day Service”
Bridget Meyer, Worship Associate. Memorial Day began as a day to commemorate those who had died during the Civil War and later became a day to remember all those Americans who died fighting for their country. Bridget Meyer, who was raised in a military family, will lead this service. We'll explore how to honor the courage and sacrifice of soldiers while acknowledging the huge costs and tragedies of war and affirming our commitment to peace.

June 2 “Yuuth Sunday” Annual meeting following. Our high school Yuuth Group explores the theme of transformation and change during this multigenerational worship service! Come be inspired to reflect on this theme in your own life! What unexpected changes have you had to face? What changes have you been challenged to initiate? How does community help you through change? Is it true that change is the only constant? We will also recognize our graduating seniors, and as usual, this service promises youth-filled spirit and energy!

June 9 “The Freedom of Jazz” This special service for Jazz Fest reflects on improvisation in life and in jazz with music led by Tom Cleary with Ellen Powell and Steve Wienert. Rhythmic clapping and percussion opportunities will invite joyful participation from children and the congregation. Worship Associate Megan Epler-Woods coordinating.

June 16 Rev Roberta’s “Last Thoughts” This is Rev. Roberta’s last Sunday and we are planning a festive and upbeat service. The choir will sing, Tom Cleary and Barry Finkelstein will play tangos. We will celebrate Flower Communion; please bring a cut flower for each person in your family, plus an extra for visitors. We will also recognize our newest members.

June 23 Jeanne Parsley on her trip to India with the UU College for Social Justice Worship Associate: Maeve

June 30 Maeve McBride “Happy, Happy, No Joy?” How has the American pursuit of happiness led to 1 in 10 Americans taking anti-depressants? This morning we consider this quandary, and the concept of collective joy, as a possible antidote to this phenomenon and other social ills. Musical guest: Burlington Kirtan.

Reverend Mara Dowdall called to serve First UU Society of Burlington

On Sunday, May 19th, our congregation voted overwhelmingly to call Reverend Mara Dowdall to become the 15th settled minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington. Following an opening reading, Board President Bill West called the meeting to order and announced that 203 members were present, coincidentally in the 203rd year of our Society. Former Society ministers Reverends Bob Senghas and Roddy O'Neil Cleary were acknowledged and received standing ovations from the congregation.

Ministerial search committee co-chairs Tom Hyde and Debby Bergh made and seconded the motion to call Reverend Mara to become our new settled minister. Several members voiced their support for Mara and endorsed the search committee's selection. While the ballots were counted, Bill expressed the congregation's gratitude and appreciation to the committee for their leadership, diligence and persistent efforts. He presented each member with a book of UU meditations and prayers from around the world and a gift card for some well deserved R&R.

Following the announcement of the vote, which was nearly unanimous, the front doors to the sanctuary swung open and Reverend Mara entered with her family to the congregation's standing ovation clapping to the music of Phillip Phillip's "Home". Mara humbly accepted the call to become our 15th settled minister. It was a joyous occasion filled with love, joy, hugs and tears. Welcome Reverend Mara, Ben and Dean to your new home! 

 
Find out what's happening at the First UU Society!

Click Here for Updates on Our Ministerial Search

Click Here to Read The Latest Enews Blast! 

Click Here to Read The Latest Newsletter!

Click Here to Sign Up to Volunteer or Bring Food to the Sunday Food Shelf Dinners!

Using Our Building

The First UU Society Meeting House is centrally located in downtown Burlington and offers several excellent rooms for events. Our building is accessible and is located near city parking and public transportation.  To use our space for your wedding or other special event, click here.