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Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse

Springfield, Vermont

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The Meetinghouse holds an annual May Festival with plant sale, music, flea market and craft booths and refreshments. Several times a year we hold themed fundraising dinners; past themes have included Jamaican, Latin American, Hawaiian and German. 

We hold an annual labyrinth service, generally in January, where folks can walk a labyrinth set up in our sanctuary or use a lap labyrinth. A highlight of the year is our Annual Winter Solstice Candlelight service with high tea held near the Solstice in December.  We also have indoor Coffee House music, and seasonal outdoor popup concerts featuring local artists.

 


Past Events

April 2022 Events

Howard Thurman Discussion Group
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 pm EST, through May 10, 2022


Facilitated by Rev. Mellen Kennedy on Zoom.  We gather twice a month to explore more deeply the life and teachings of Howard Thurman, using as a springboard, short passages from the book, "For the Inward Journey".  We'll explore how to apply his insights in our own lives. It turns out the book is very slow in arriving for those who have ordered it, so we're trying a different approach. This edited book is a compilation of many of his short inspirational pieces which stand alone. Group members will select a few passages to focus on each meeting. So, You don't need to have the book. If You're interested, please sign up so You know which passages we're covering.  It's okay to just drop in if You just want to give it a try. For the next meeting on February 8, we'll look at the first section through from page 67 on. Same link as for services. For more, see https://uuspringfieldvt.org/howard-thurman-medicine-for-these-times

 

2nd & 4th Thursdays: Art Adventures, 10 am (through April)

A Zoom group for folks who like to play with color, drawing, reinventing objects, & general creating. There might be laughter, daring & surprises. Meeting 10:30-11:30 on the second and fourth Thursdays each month through April.

                      Interest & questions? Contact; Toni Streeter, Ann Marie &/or Ti Knoepfel. Or email Deb at uuspringfieldvt@gmailcom

 

Saturday, April 30, 5 pm

Potluck at the Meetinghouse, In-person

We will be having a church potluck on April 30th.  We’ll meet at 5:00. and eat outside if the weather permits. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we will set up tables in the activities room.  You are invited to bring your favorite dish to share. If you have questions you can call Ellen Allman at 802-463-5129 or email: ellenallman@gmail.com

 


March 2022 Events

Spring Bonfire Gathering
on the Vernal Equinox

March 20, 2022 at 5 pm


Let’s celebrate the first day of spring on Sunday, March 20, 2022 with a bonfire in the Meetinghouse parking lot, starting at 5:00. Bring yourselves and some snacks to share and we’ll provide hot drinks. Dick Andrews and Rich Cofrancesco will bring kindling and wood and get the fire started. See you there! 

 

Howard Thurman Discussion Group
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 pm EST, through May 10, 2022


Facilitated by Rev. Mellen Kennedy on Zoom.  We gather twice a month to explore more deeply the life and teachings of Howard Thurman, using as a springboard, short passages from the book, "For the Inward Journey".  We'll explore how to apply his insights in our own lives. It turns out the book is very slow in arriving for those who have ordered it, so we're trying a different approach. This edited book is a compilation of many of his short inspirational pieces which stand alone. Group members will select a few passages to focus on each meeting. So, You don't need to have the book. If You're interested, please sign up so You know which passages we're covering.  It's okay to just drop in if You just want to give it a try. For the next meeting on February 8, we'll look at the first section through from page 67 on. Same link as for services. For more, see https://uuspringfieldvt.org/howard-thurman-medicine-for-these-times

 

2nd & 4th Thursdays: Art Adventures, 10 am (through April)

A Zoom group for folks who like to play with color, drawing, reinventing objects, & general creating. There might be laughter, daring & surprises. Meeting 10:30-11:30 on the second and fourth Thursdays each month through April.

                      Interest & questions? Contact; Toni Streeter, Ann Marie &/or Ti Knoepfel. Or email Deb at uuspringfieldvt@gmailcom

 


February 2022 Events

Howard Thurman Discussion Group
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 pm EST, through May 10, 2022


Facilitated by Rev. Mellen Kennedy on Zoom.  We gather twice a month to explore more deeply the life and teachings of Howard Thurman, using as a springboard, short passages from the book, "For the Inward Journey".  We'll explore how to apply his insights in our own lives. It turns out the book is very slow in arriving for those who have ordered it, so we're trying a different approach. This edited book is a compilation of many of his short inspirational pieces which stand alone. Group members will select a few passages to focus on each meeting. So, You don't need to have the book. If You're interested, please sign up so You know which passages we're covering.  It's okay to just drop in if You just want to give it a try. For the next meeting on February 8, we'll look at the first section through from page 67 on. Same link as for services. For more, see https://uuspringfieldvt.org/howard-thurman-medicine-for-these-times

 

2nd & 4th Thursdays: Art Adventures, 10 am (through April)

A Zoom group for folks who like to play with color, drawing, reinventing objects, & general creating. There might be laughter, daring & surprises. Meeting 10:30-11:30 on the second and fourth Thursdays each month through April.

                      Interest & questions? Contact; Toni Streeter, Ann Marie &/or Ti Knoepfel. Or email Deb at uuspringfieldvt@gmailcom

 

Friday Film Discussion Series
At 7 pm EST on Occasional Fridays

Watch the films on your own - link provided - and we'll meet over Zoom to discuss them.
Meetinghouse Zoom link  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6130779853 .

Film Discussion of "TrustWHO"

Friday, February 11

 
As a follow-up to the worship service on January 23rd, on Science and Ethics, you are invited to discuss the documentary "TrustWHO" with Dr. Seth Frisbie and Dr, Erika Mitchell. Seth and Erika are especially knowledgeable about the relationship between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the nuclear industry that is described toward the end of Trust WHO. Without knowing about this documentary, they independently published the attached review of the WHO's decision to increase (make less protective) their drinking water guideline for uranium.
This 2016 Journeyman Films production is 85 minutes.  You can see the trailer or rent it here: 
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/trustwho
Or watch this documentary for free at https://www.bitchute.com/embed/y8MfHar0JPCD/
 
 
Discussion of “Walk with Me” about Thich Nhat Hanh
Friday, February 25
 
In honor of the passing of this great teacher, we will discuss videos about Thich Nhat Hanh, particularly the video, “Walk with Me.”  There are also many free videos of talks by Thich Nhat Hanh that You can find on-line.  This discussion will be a lead up to the service honoring him on Sunday, February 27 at 10 am, led by Rev. Mellen Kennedy.  Rev. Mellen will also facilitate the Friday night discussion. 
 
This film is “a cinematic and immersive exploration into the world-famous monastery of Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh. … With unprecedented access, this visceral film is an insightful rumination on the pursuit of happiness, and what it means to devote one’s life to mindfulness and living in the present moment – a welcome remedy to the stresses of a world in turmoil.
 
You can watch the 93 minutes, 2017 film on Netflix or Vimeo.  See how, as well as watch the trailer, here:
https://walkwithmefilm.com/

 

 


January 2022 Events

Tuesday January 11: Howard Thurman Book Group, 7:30 pm

For the Inward Journey by Howard Thurman
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:30 pm, January-May 2022

On Zoom, Facilitated by Rev. Mellen Kennedy

 

We'll be discussing For the Inward Journey: The Writings of Howard Thurman published in 1984.  About the book: The essence of Dr. Howard Thurman (1900-1981) and his thought emerges in a message of hope, reconciliation, and love. An anthology of the most important and eloquent writings of Thurman, minister, philosopher, educator, and spiritual leader whose influence on leaders of the civil rights movement and on Americans at large has been likened to that of Martin Luther King, Jr. You can sign up for the book-club on our website Here https://uuspringfieldvt.org/howard-thurman-book-club- or send an email to Deb Diegoli at uuspringfieldvt@gmail.com

You can buy the book by following the link on our the Howard Thurman section of our website:https://uuspringfieldvt.org/resources-an-introduction-to-howard-thurman   (We encourage you to purchase books through  local independent bookstore, which you can find by clicking "IndieBound"  in the left column of the Google book page). Please be aware that there are two Howard Thurman books with similar titles; the one we'll be discussing is FOR the Inward Journey (not the book simply titled "The Inward  Journey." )

 

Wednesday Evenings in January: Handcrafts Night, 7 pm

Drop in via Zoom any Wednesday from 7-7:45 to share the company of others who will be making, mending and musing about what they're doing. At times word and trivia games may also appear - the kind that can be played while still doing the task at hand.
Chrissie will be "hosting" from her home in St. Albans. Folks from all over can join in. Come once a week, once a month or as your schedule allows.
Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6130779853

 

Wednesday, January 12: Post-Holiday Tea Time with Toni Streeter, 4 pm

All are welcome to join us for a time to socialize on Zoom. Reconnect with old friends, make new friends. Bring your own hot cocoa, mulled cider or tea and join the fun! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6130779853

 

2nd & 4th Thursdays: Art Adventures, 10 am (through April)

A Zoom group for folks who like to play with color, drawing, reinventing objects,

& general creating. There might be laughter, daring & surprises. Meeting

10:30-11:30 on the second and fourth Thursdays each month through April.

Interest & questions? Contact; Toni Streeter, Ann Marie &/or Ti Knoepfel. Or email

Deb at uuspringfieldvt@gmailcom

 


December 2021 Events:

Holiday Teas (via Zoom)

Monday, December 6, 4 pm with Rev. Mellen Kennedy (this one has a French theme!)
Monday, December 13, 4 pm with Sharon Mueller
Wednesday, December 22, 4 pm with Jeff Taft-Dick, Dianne Yelton and Rev. Mellen
Wednesday, January 12 at 4 pm with Toni Streeter (post holiday check-in)

All are welcome to join us for a time to socialize on Zoom. Reconnect with old friends, make new friends.  Bring your own hot cocoa, mulled cider or tea and join the fun!, Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6130779853

 

Winter Solstice Bonfire IN PERSON

Local folks, please join us on Tuesday, December 21, 4 pm * at the UU Meetinghouse, 21 Fairground Rd., Springfield VT.  Dick Andrews will have a topburn fire ready to go, most likely in the lower parking lot.  Hot Chocolate will be available, or bring your own hot beverage. See you on the Solstice!                        

*In case of bad weather (steady rain, severe cold or a bad storm), rain date is Wednesday, December 22, same time.

 

Singing Meditation with Julane Deener

Join Julane Deener for a Singing Meditation on New Year's Eve, 5 pm, or New Year's Day, 10 am, via Zoom. Join us for one or both. Begin the New Year in tranquility.  Singing Meditation is an interfaith spiritual practice in which sound and silence are alternated. It is not a rehearsal or a performance.  It is singing for the purpose of facilitating a connection with Spirit. Songs and chants, originating from many faiths, are followed by periods of silence in which participants meditate, contemplate, or pray.  (Since we are on zoom, participants will be muted for most chants.  We’ll include some toning which we can do unmuted, in order to hear each other and connect on a personal level.)  Wear comfortable clothing, and have a relaxing chair or cushion, and perhaps a candle for centering.  “The paths are many, but the peak is one.”  No experience necessary – all are welcome. Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6130779853

 

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Film: "Mission Joy" - watch for free through December 2nd

Interfaith Power & Light network has been offered a unique opportunity to be among the first to share the new film, Mission: JOY. We are offering this inspiring film to you as a small token of our gratitude for your steadfast support of Interfaith Power & Light. You are the heart of the network and we appreciate you!

Watch the trailer and register here.

Deeply moving and laugh-out-loud funny, Mission: JOY is a documentary with unprecedented access to the unlikely friendship of two international icons who transcend religion: His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu. In their final joint mission, these self-described mischievous brothers give a master class in how to create joy in a world that was never easy for them. They offer neuroscience-backed wisdom to help each of us live with more joy, despite circumstances.  Inspired by New York Times bestseller The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in Changing World, the film showcases the exchange between these two Nobel Peace Prize winners that led to that book. 

First Friday Film Discussion of "Mission Joy" - Friday, December 3, 4 pm

Facilitated by Rev. Mellen Kennedy, via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6130779853

 


Welcome Weekend Gathering at Tree Farm Campground, August 21, 2021

Friends from near and far, join us under the pavilion at the Tree Farm Campground, 53 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT., 05156  We'll gather at 5 pm for conversation and other activities. Free admission.  Optional tent camping Saturday night, $10 per tent. A Games & Crafts Night will also be held.

 

http://www.treefarmcampground.com/

 


July Popup Concerts at the the Meetinghouse

 
July 11: Dan and Faith Senie Outdoors* at the Meetinghouse, 3-5 pm
 
Dan and Faith are an award-winning, New England-based husband and wife singer-songwriter duo who describe their music as dream-inspired folk. Come on out to enjoy some music at our outside popup concert!
FREE event but tips are encouraged for musicians.
*Rain or shine. If event is moved indoors, masks and "social distancing" will be required.
 
July 25: Pat Daddona in Concert Outdoors* at the Meetinghouse, 3-5 pm
 
Pat Daddona will be here to entertain us, playing original and cover songs. Stop in on this summer afternoon, relax and enjoy. Held rain or shine,
FREE admission; tips are gladly accepted for the musician/
*If event is moved indoors, masks and "social distancing" will be required.
 
EVENTS CO-SPONSORED BY BILL BRINK MUSIC AND THE SPRINGFIELD UU MEETINGHOUSE
Held on the lawn and lower parking lot at 21 Fairground Road.  Please park in the upper lot if able and walk down.