Unitarian Universalism holds Pluralism as one of its central values. We celebrate the theological diversity in the world and within our own congregation. Historically rooted in two Christian denominations considered, at times, heretical, the sources of our faith include those aspects of Jewish and Christian traditions, Humanist teachings, and teachings from Earth-centered traditions.  

Many among us come from different religious backgrounds, honoring those origins while fully embracing their Unitarian Universalist identity. Many among us have spiritual practices inspired by or rooted in traditions such as Buddhism or Paganism – always striving to do so without cultural appropriation.

The holiday celebrations and traditions we mark communally at FUUSB reflect this diversity.  Following the rhythm of the calendar year, beginning in September:

Water Ingathering

 The beginning of the congregational year is typically the first Sunday after Labor Day. We celebrate a great coming together after the quieter days of summer by holding our Water Ingathering. At this Sunday service, congregants are invited to bring a small container of water from a source meaningful to them (it could be from traveling, it could be from the beloved Champlain watershed, it could be from a home faucet). We join these waters together, recognizing that Water is Life. A form of this service, called by many names, is observed by many Unitarian Universalist congregations, often around this time of year.

Pride

 We recognize the holiness and wholeness of the LGBTQIA+ communities – ourselves, our friends & neighbors, in the larger community and nation and world. We join with our local friends & neighbors in celebrating Burlington’s Pride, which typically falls on a Sunday. While we celebrate Pride as part of our Sunday service, we participate in Pride activities outside our sanctuary walls as well.

Service of Loss & Remembrance

 An annual service for years now, this service is typically held on a Wednesday evening at the end of October or in early November. Open to the wider community, this is a chance to mark transitions and losses in our individual and communal lives through ritual, music, word and silence.

Winter Solstice 

 Typically, the Sunday morning closest to December 21st is a multi-generational Winter Solstice service, recognizing the human connection to the turning of the seasons, and the imperative to “embrace the night and celebrate the coming of the light.”

Christmas Eve

At FUUSB we celebrate Christmas Eve with candlelight services. The afternoon service is especially appropriate for children and families and features a “no-rehearsal” Christmas Pageant. The two evening services (same service, two different times to accommodate attendance) contains lessons and carols, and features music from our choir.

Earth Day

Typically, the Sunday morning closest to Earth Day (April 22) marks this important secular holiday as an opportunity to connect with our spiritual practices and our Unitarian Universalist Values that reminds us of our Interdependence within the web of all existence.

Flower Ceremony/Festival

This delightful and beautiful ritual celebrates human diversity, theological and otherwise. Rooted in our own Unitarian Universalist history, first started in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1923, congregants are encouraged to each bring a flower to the Sunday service and end up leaving with a different flower.  This service is typically held in early June.

Summer Services

We hold Sunday services throughout the whole year. In July and August, things get a little quieter. Services are often led by congregants and we welcome guests in our pulpit. In August, weather permitting, we hold our services on our front lawn – while we provide chairs, folks are encouraged to bring their own folding chair.