UU ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND PROGRAMS

This is an overview of some of the programs scheduled as well as ongoing programs. Please keep this as a reference and look for individual announcements and reminders in the newsletters and Order of Service.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

UU Campus Ministry

Students at UVM gather bi-weekly for film going, social justice projects and spiritual exploration. Liz Batsford (ebatsfor@uvm.edu) is this year’s campus coordinator. Please contact her if you’d like to connect with other religious liberals in the UVM community

Choir

The adult choir meets every Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Parlors. All singers are welcome - that includes those who read music and those with less experience at reading. Most of the music sung is in four parts and ranges from classical (all periods) to contemporary. The choir sings at two services a month and at the Christmas Eve services. Anyone who enjoys singing and is willing to make a commitment to weekly rehearsals is welcome and encouraged to participate. For info call Jack Austin at 660-1937 or Woody Fulton at 879-1920.

Small Group Ministry

This program offers members of our society a new way of being together. Small groups of 8 -12 people meet twice a month to reflect on their experience and the meaning of their faith as UUs. These groups provide the opportunity for people in a large congregation to come to know themselves and each other on a deeper level. Within these groups, members build strong relationships that generate energy for service to the larger community. Small Group Ministry leaders are Mara O’Connor 860-5097, Gerry Quinlan 864-6654, Janice Lange 878-5256 Deborah Deladurantaye 865-3428, Barbara Heeter 864-4622, Mellen Kennedy 862-6558 and Roddy O’Neil Cleary 862-5630 ext 25. Please contact any of us if you are interested. Two new groups are forming: One with Mellen Kennedy and Roddy who will be co-facilitating a group that began on January 25 and will meet at 10 am every other Tuesday at the church. Also Ken Byers is facilitating a GLBT small group beginning in January. Please be in touch with him if you are interested Kennethbyers@msn.com for further information regarding time and place.

Labyrinth Committee

Our goal is to bring the ancient archetype of the labyrinth to our UU community, and the greater Burlington community, to make it available for walking meditation and to create a sacred place to center ourselves and bring healing and creativity into our lives. We hope eventually to have a permanent labyrinth to celebrate the ceremonies and seasons of our lives. For more information or to offer support contact Jane Packard Bryant at 879-7838 or Carol MacDonald at 862-9037.

A Library That Proclaims Our Faith

Would you like to widen your spiritual practice? Be more engaged with others in building community and helping to bring about social change? Do you wish to learn more about Unitarian Universalism? Come explore our UU library, designed specifically to address the needs of our congregation. We offer books on topics such as UU spirituality in the home, women’s spirituality, issues of sexual orientation and/or gender, anti-racism, civil liberties, UU history, world religions, mindful use of the Earth’s treasures, and more. We are developing a collection of video documentaries available for use here at the Meeting House. The Library is located downstairs next to the RE office. Open each Sunday before service from 10:00 to 10:55am and after service from 12:05 to 12:40pm Please call our librarian, Rebecca Anderson, at 864-5971.

Interweave

Interweave is an organization affiliated with the UUA, dedicated to the spiritual, political, and social well-being of people of all sexual identities and gender. Interweave provides an opportunity to celebrate together differences and similarities, and to work toward the elimination sexual and gender discrimination. Interweave is also a fun, social group which is open to all. Each month, October through May, a potluck is planned for the second Sunday of the month at 12:30 downstairs in the Community Room. Occasionally, Interweave sponsors other activities and programs. Look for notices in the Newsletter and Order of Service. For more information, contact welcongburluu@aol.comor sjones1960@hotmail.com

The Welcoming Congregation (see our web page here)

This committee works to ensure that our congregation is welcoming and affirming of lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, and intersex individuals in all areas of congregational life: social, spiritual and political. The group seeks to nurture and celebrate diversity and equality for all. The WCC sponsors several events over the course of the congregational year, including films, speakers, services, etc. For more information, contact Betsey Lord at 863-5455 bplord@msn.com or Shari Jones at 527-5143 or sjones1960@hotmail.com

Living History Committee

The Living History Committee will capture the history of our society by interviewing and recording the information people have stored in their memories. The Committee will use archives and interviews of members and friends to record recent history (1950 to present) and document the projects and actions of our Society. This is a long-term project to support and enhance the FUUSB bicentennial celebration. For information call Jeanne Lynch, 658-0006.

Zen Buddhist Sitting Group

The UU Buddhist Fellowship welcomes people interested in participating in the traditional formal Zen sitting meditation practice here at the church. The UUBF group joins with the Zen Affiliate of Vermont, an affiliate of the Zen Mountain Monastery in the Catskills of New York. No prior experience is necessary, but for those who would like to participate, a short orientation is needed. Contact Bob Senghas at 985-9207 or Dick Swanson at 878-5992.

Book Discussion Group

The UU Book Discussion Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the church. We discuss novels, non-fiction and biographies in a casual, low-key fashion. Anyone who loves to read, to think and express an opinion or would like to listen is invited to come to one or all of these enjoyable discussions. For information call Bobbee Hirsch at 660-8946.

Yoga at the UU Meeting House

A yoga group will be held every Monday from 6 to 7:30pm This group is a combination of Hatha Yoga and Energizing. Everyone is invited to come regularly or to drop in occasionally. Yoga is a great stress reducer and this easy group can benefit anyone of any physical capability. Bring a mat, come with an empty stomach, and wear stretchy or loose clothing. For more information, call Mara O’ Connor at 860-5097

Burlington UU Circle (Local Chapter of the Covenant of UU Pagans)

You are invited to the UU Circle. Meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month, doors open at 5pm and the circles begin promptly at 6 at the church. Sabbats are celebrated if they fall within one week of the Circle. A potluck feast follows each ritual. Bring a dish to share, a cushion to sit on and a musical instrument (especially drums). A donation of five dollars is suggested. Everyone is welcome regardless of ability to donate. Newcomers are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early to ensure that the Circle begins promptly after introductions.

Women’s Alliance

The Alliance has been a visible part of our Society and Community since 1900 and invites all women of the congregation to join. The Alliance is a social and service group that contributes extensively to the upkeep of our Meeting House and grounds and helps support local non-profit organizations. The Alliance sponsors the annual Holiday Bazaar to which our whole society lends enthusiastic support. We meet at 10:30 on the first Friday of the month. We begin with a brief business meeting followed by a guest presentation and then we have lunch together. For more information call Bridget Meyers at 879-5409.

Second Saturday Social Supper

Are you interested in meeting, talking to, singing and socializing with other new and experienced UU’s? Do you enjoy cooking, sharing your dish and recipes with others? Join the Second Saturday Social Supper held each month at 6pm. If you would enjoy organizing any of the monthly potlucks call Alida Lund, 985-8517 or Shirley McLane, 862-0543 or sign-up on the bulletin board.)

UU Young Adults

Unitarian Universalists aged 18-33 gather periodically for sociability, spirituality and service to the community. Meeting times vary. Contact: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/burlington-uuyan