First Universalist Parish

What We Believe

We believe that enjoyment and satisfaction are enhanced by working in harmony with others toward goals based on shared ideals. Our goals help to create a more just and equitable society, deepen our understanding, and expand our vision. The ideals we share are the Unitarian Universalist seven principles.

Who We Are

Our congregation is a cross section of the peoples of Northern Vermont and Southern Quebec. We come from all walks of life. We are of various ages, religious and ethnic backgrounds. We are religious liberals, searching together to find our own truths. We offer no rigid dogma or creed. Instead are guided by a set of beautifully simple principles. We believe so strongly in the first of these principles, "the inherent worth and dignity of every person", that we have completed the formal process of becoming a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation.
Many of us had become cynical about organized religion before finding our spiritual home in this community. Perhaps you feel this way too and are searching as well. If you're thinking about a new spiritual home, here's what you and your family can expect on your first visit and here's some information about our past that may help you decide to to come see for yourselves.

FEBRUARY Services

February 5, 2012 Popular Culture

Bill Stott, Guest Speaker
Mary Michelli, Lay Leader
Janice Gluck, Musician
Bill answers these questions and others like "when is popular culture subversive," is Shakespeare popular culture: (no, but he started out being, as did Dickens), "why is popular culture so important in America," why isn't popular avant-garde," "where do America's 'ideology' and that of popular culture overlap," "does popular culture follow the 30-year cycle of conservation to social concern that Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., found in American history"? He says, "My answers are brief, bolstered by example, and at times, I hope, entertaining."
Greeter: Susan-Lynn Johns
Social Hour Hosts: POTLUCK

February 12, 2012 The Superman Priciple

Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship leader
Lynn Leimer, Musician
Ever since Cain Killed Abel, there has been conflict in the world. One would be hardpressed to come up with a period of history which there were no wars. In light of humankind's deadly history, is trying to live the Sixth Principle an exercise in fultility, or might it be possible to create a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all?
Greeters: Allen and Kathleen Yale
Social Hour Hosts: Mary and Ken Michelli

February 19, 2012 The Cross

Jim Cunningham, Guest Speaker
Judy Nommik, Lay Leader
Lisa Erwin & Ken Michelli, Musicians
Jim joins us discuss how his Catholic spirituality has been essential to him in living his life when experiencing poverty, disabilities, ill health and prejudice. Jim says, "Through it all, I was/am upbeat and deeply understanding that is was/is what Paul wrote about: 'I make up in my own flesh what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ." (Colossians 1:24)
Greeters: Anjuli Farrington & Susan-Lynn Johns
Social Hour Hosts: POTLUCK

February 26, 2012 Sin

Susan-Lynn Johns, Worship Leader
Ensemble from Newport Area Community Orchestra and Lisa Erwin, Musicians
Is it a sin to tell a little white lie? Is it a sin to eat two pieces of chocolate cake instead of one? When we do something "bad", we may feel miserable after doing it, but does that make us miserable sinners? Susan-Lynn will try to provide answers to these and many other facinating questions regarding sin, redemption, and forgiveness.
Greeters: Paul and Ellie Gavin
Social Hour Hosts: Lynn and Douglas Flint