MINISTER'S ANNUAL REPORT May 26, 1999

The following members and friends of the First Religious Society have died since the last Annual Meeting (May 27, 1998).

Since our last Annual Meeting we have also welcomed 31 persons into the membership of the First Religious Society. There have been 19 child dedications, 4 weddings, and 13 funerals and memorial services, and one out-of-state committal service. Your minister emeritus, Bert Steeves, has conducted several of these services and assisted with several others (as well as preaching and providing ministerial backup during my vacation--thank you, Bert.)

As always, your church staff has done an outstanding job dealing with an increasingly busy and growing institution. My sincere thanks to Marge Killam, Laurie Loosigian, Barbara Owen, Carol Lattime, Claudia Keyian, Beverly Olson, Julia Farwell-Clay, and Cori Thurlow. I also want to offer special thanks again to Louise VanBokkelen, who besides serving as a Trustee, volunteers to pay the church bills. And I want to recognize the work of Rochelle Perry-Platine, Chair of the Religious Education Committee, in keeping the religious education program on track in the absence of a Director of Religious Education during the first third of the church year.

Highlights of this year have included the reinvigoration of our Space Needs program (with thanks to Ron Pullins and Peter Erickson and a visit from the Rev. Ed Lynn of Danvers); a second very successful services and goods auction (with special thanks to the Fairweathers); the continued strengthening of our relationship with our Partner Church in Ujesekely, Transylvania; another successful canvass with increased participation from the congregation, leading to a balanced budget; our second annual "People Helping People" month; the receipt of the UU Service Cornmittee's "Human Rights Award" for work with "Promise Massachusetts Children" and "Just Works"; the repair and painting of our church steeple; the restoration of the paladium window behind the pulpit in the Meeting House; the circulation of a 200th anniversary survey; the formation of the 20/30 Something group, the "Men Can Read, Too" group, and the Retired Guys Out to Lunch group; increased adult education offerings; our second annual Talent Show; slide presentations by Steve and K.C. Swallow (Transylvania) and Harold Babcock (UUSC Just Works); the visit of a representative of the Penn Center in South Carolina; the negotiation of a new antenna contract with AT&T; the hiring and installation of a new DRE (with thanks to Fred Long and the DRE Search Committee); and a celebration of Barbara Owen's 35 years as church organist and music director.

Last year for the first time we sent youth delegates to the UUA General Assembly in Rochester, NY. The First Religious Society continues to be an Honor Society in its giving to the UUA and Mass. Bay District, and we have again increased the number of individual memberships in the UU Service Committee. For the fourth straight year, Sunday attendance has continued to grow, and total adult membership now exceeds 300.

Much of the work of the church is carried out by committed laypersons. Special thanks are due to our outgoing committee members, officers, and chairpersons, as well as to those who will be staying on. Special thanks are due to this year's Parish Committee Chair, John Harwood.

As your minister this year, in addition to the special services mentioned above, I have:

• led adult education opportunities on The Larger Faith, Transcendentalist Spirituality, and L{felines;
• been active in the Greater Newburyport American Red Cross as Secretary and served on its Executive Committee, Service Delivery Committee, and Golf Committee; in the Greater Newburyport Clergy Association; in the Mass. Bay District Chapter of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association; in the Society for Ministerial Relief as a board member; in the Merrimack Bible Society as Treasurer; and in the Merrimac Cluster of UU Churches. (I have recently been elected to the Harvard Divinity School Alumni/ae Council);
• served on the Mass. Bay District UUA Nominating Committee;
• served on the Mass. Bay District UAA Chapter Nominating Committee;
• served as co-convener of the Harvard Divinity School UU Alumni/ae event at UUA General Assembly;
• attended the fall and spring sessions of the Stone House Study Group and the annual retreat of the Mass. Bay District Chapter UUMA;
• participated in the annual joint Martin Luther King, Jr. and Association Sunday services;
• exchanged pulpits with the Rev. Wendy Fitting of Gloucester;
• helped out with the "Friendship Table" dinners at the Salvation Army (thanks to Steve Swallow for again organizing these opportunities for community service);
• preached in Hampton Falls, NH;
• worked at the May Breakfast, and performed at our Talent Show;
• visited with our Young Church classes;
• attended canvass training sessions;
• participated in goal-setting with the Committee on Ministry as a basis for future ministerial evaluation;
• -spent two weeks working on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation as part of the UUSC's "Just Works" program;
• attended the Smarts' 50th wedding anniversary celebration;
• attended programs on the Cambridge Platform of 1648 and "The American Church in the Last Fifty Years" (in recognition of Carl Scovel's retirement from King's Chapel);
• attended UUA General Assembly and the Mass Bay District UUA Annual Meeting;
• conducted two worship services at Brigham Manor Nursing Home;
• took part in the community interfaith Thanksgiving Service;
• attended a welfare rally on Boston Common;
• contributed two religion columns to The Daily New's;
• attended the 200th anniversary of the First Universalist Church of Norway, ME;
• attended church meetings, called at nursing homes and hospitals, visited and counseled, and distributed charitable funds to needy persons in our community.

This summer I will again be attending (with my son Joshua) a Unitarian Universalist Service Committee sponsored work camp among the Lakota Sioux at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. I am looking forward to this new opportunity for service, inspiration, and renewal, and hope to return to you ready to embark on what promises to be yet another busy church year.

Next to the continued growth and vitality of the church, I am most excited by the feeling I got at the Space Needs meeting on May 4 that we are finally ready to take the next step toward a solution to our space shortage. I urge your support of the proposal to hire an architect to study and make plans for improving or adding to our existing buildings. It is an exciting time to be a part of this great and historic congregation!

Our continuing mission, of course, is one of helping people, not only within, but beyond our walls. I believe that there is a hunger for the kind of opportunities we offer for spiritual growth and human service. I encourage you to continue to bring your concerns and hopes for our church and its ministry to me, or to speak to a member of the Committee on Ministry.

Thank you for all your support, encouragement, helpful criticisms, and well wishes, but most of all for your commitment to the First Religious Society. It is an honor to serve as your minister.

Respectfully submitted,

Harold E. Babcock

Adult Education Committee Annual Report 1998-1999

It was with great sadness that the committee witnessed the passing of one of its most vital and vocal members, Mr. William Jenks. He is, and will continue to be, sorely missed.

As the fourth year of the Adult Education Committee comes to a close, we are both gratified by the number of programs offered this past year and excited by the tremendous prospect of programs to be offered once again in the coming year.

Ongoing programs in place this year were:

Sahaja Meditation

Play Readers

Harold's Series

Men Can Read Too

AfterWords

Women's Book Group

Gay&Bisexual Men's Spirituality

Programs offered this year:

Enneagram

Genogram

Colonial Gravestone Art

Tarot

Storytelling

Higher-self Meditation

Canticles to the Cosmos Series

Transcendentalism

We were pleased to see the Sahaja Meditation return to our space. They extend to us their most sincere appreciation for the use of our space and have made a most generous unsolicited monetary contribution to the Church in gratitude. On that same note, it has come to the attention of the Adult Education Committee that not only were we frugal with our budget, we actually took in money in excess of our expenses by a large margin. Although we are not disappointed at the income, fund raising was not the intent of this committee. Now that we have become more experienced in budget matters, it is the intent of this committee to provide more programs that are free to the congregation who have, in essence, already contributed generously through pledges to the support of the programs offered.

Space is increasingly becoming a problem for programming. The need for "parlor" type and more intimate and pleasant surroundings is an issue. We have three groups, both "Book Groups" and Play Readers meeting at parishioner's houses. The most appealing spaces we have for small groups is the Choir Room or in the minister's robing room in the church, but heat is a costly issue in those spaces. Due to recent security measures accessing that space has become more complicated as well. Juggling the schedule to hold events run up against meetings and other committee events and trip over one another. Groups often opt to meet at local coffee bars. Although the Adult Education is eager to add to the resident programs, space may be an curtailing factor inevitably.

Programs Proposed for 1999-2000:

Journey Toward Wholeness Workshop MBD

Simplicity

Y2K

Tarot, part II

Reike

Colonial Gravestone Art (encore)

New UU

Storeytelling

Family History & Genealogy for beginners (possibly followed by an encore of Genogram)

Spiritual Autobiography

Higher-self Meditation

Canticles to the Cosmos(encore)

Discussion on Co-housing

Respectfully submitted, Sue Ellen Creed, Chair

HISTORICAL COMMITTEE

ANNUAL REPORT

MAY 1999

A subcommittee of Lindsay Cavanagh, Pat Skibbee and Anne White have been continuing their work on updating Minnie Atkinson's history of the First Religious Society of Newburyport, which terminates in the 1930s. We have been investigating the publishing rights and permissions to prepare for the reprinting of Minnie's book as well as continuing our own research on the three ministries that have existed since 1933; Hayward, Rettig, and Steeves. We have been taking notes on annual reports (almost thirty years of reports are completed) and other memorabilia and sorting through archival papers that have been piled up for years on the table in the archives room.

We have continued our interviewing of church and nonchurch members who have known the twentieth century ministers. Some of these people are: Esther Macomber, Joe Welch, Will Rogers, Kay Mulligan, and John Mercer.

Barbara Owen will be writing the music history of the church. Chris Snow is working on the special collections and artifacts of the First Religious Society. Hope Wood has been collecting accounts from women of the church and Vinnie has been writing up some of the information about the buildings. Scott Pike has been researching Reverend Higginson, and Tempa Pagel will be writing up the history of the Sunday School. We could still use some volunteers to work on the history of the church, notable parishioners, etc.

A very special thank-you to Marge Killam for her many hours of transcribing tapes and helping us to locate materials, run the copying machines, etc. We couldn't be doing this without her.

Respectfully submitted,

Anne White, for the Historical Committee

HOSPlTAL1TY COMMITTEE

ANNUAL REPORT 1999

The Hospitality Committee would like to thank all those who volunteered for coffee hour and our other activities this year. We couldn't have done it without all of you. The responsibility for coffee hour changed hands in December when I was unable to continue with that aspect of the job. Linda Fuller graciously took over for the remainder of this church year. Next year Vicki Dyer will be coordinating coffee hour for us and Anne Verret-Speck will be chairing the committee. We thank them both for volunteering for these positions.

First Night was again given to the Junior YR.UU to coordinate as a fundraiser for their group. The kids had a wonderful time, worked hard, and raised a substantial sum. May Breakfast went very well this year. We enjoyed a beautiful day as we prepared breakfast for over one hundred eager patrons. The Annual Meeting will be held on May 26th this year and, as is the tradition, will be preceded by a covered dish supper.

Looking to the future, we have decided to put together a cookbook that will be ready for the 2001 celebration of our church on Pleasant Street. Over this summer we will decide which cookbook company to go with, and then next fall we will start recruiting for volunteers and recipes. We think that this will be a lot of fun and a welcome way to showcase all of our great cooks. If you are interested in working on this project, please give me a call.

As I end my year as Hospitality Chair, I would like to thank my committee members for so generously and graciously helping whenever asked and whatever way it was needed. You are a dedicated and wonderful group of women, and I have learned so much from all of you. I would like to also thank all of our parish members who have also willingly given of their time and talents to make our programs work. It has been an honor to work with all of you. I look forward to continuing on the committee and working with each and every one of you on our 2001 celebration. Thank you!

Respectfully Submitted,

Elizabeth Kray

2001 COMMITTEE REPORT

The 2001 Committee was formed this year to begin plans for the 200th anniversary of our church building on Pleasant Street. Although the year 2001 seems very far away, we just have one year to plan our activities and celebration. A survey was sent to all who receive the Steeple Weekly requesting your input. The response has been coming in slowly; however, the ideas conveyed provide us with a solid beginning. Hopefully as these projects are put into action, it will help to spark further interest and more ideas. The Historical Committee has been working hard to put together the history of our church and it is expected to be completed in time for 2001. As of now, these are the ideas that have been submitted:

1. A historical reenactment, parade and period dress
2. Sea Revels (our own production)
3. Cookbook (this is being coordinated by the Hospitality Committee)
4. Handbell Choir
5. House Tour (tied in with the Maritime Museum tour in December)
6. Art Show and Auction
7. Gardening: a memorial garden, a chalice garden, general garden rejuvenation.
8. History of Religious Education
9. Strawberry Festival
10. Children's coloring contest
11. Videos of events
12. Murals painted on boarded windows in upper and lower parish hall
13. Celebration related mementos
14. Large Party

If you are interested in participating in any of these activities, please call one of us, and we will put you in touch with other interested people. Your interest and participation will ensure the success of our celebration, and it will be a fun way to get involved with our church and make new friends. Our planning will begin in earnest in September; however, if you would like to start earlier, please feel free to contact us. Some projects will require more organization and approvals; therefore, these will need to be planned well in advance. We would like to involve everyone and look forvard to hearing from you.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rochelle Perry-Platine and Elizabeth Kray

Human Services Committee Activities

1998-1999

Fall/winter - 1998

Promise Massachusetts Children

Many church members signed the petition asking Massachusetts state legislators to continue support of families in need after the two-year end date for welfare by Adopting the Federal Five-Year Welfare Time Limit for Families (s.642). Some members also contacted representatives directly. For our church participation in this UUSC-sponsored program we were given the "1998 Human Rights Award." (See the Human Services bulletin board.)

Salvation Army Dinners

Fall through spring, Steve Swallow organized the food preparation and serving for four dinners presented at the Newburyport Salvation Army providing about 50 individuals (men, women, and children) with a much needed hot meal and leftovers to take home.

Guest At Your Table

At Thanksgiving, Roger Hatch organized GAYT box contributions to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee totaling $2,186. This is more than double the amount contributed by the church in 1997. We will receive the "Vision of Justice Banner Society Award" because more than 20 percent of our members are now U.U.S.C. members.

Our membership also supported the UUSC by purchasing $314 worth of 1998 holiday greeting cards.

We also qualify for the James Luther Adams Award given to congregations for annual line item budget contributions equal to at least one dollar per member ($310 in our case).

Community Service Food Bank Drive

During the holidays, church members contributed to the Newburyport Community Services Food Bank by filling a number of boxes with basic food items. (See the thank you letter from CSFB.)

Visit to Newburyport Adult Literacy Program Open House

Lindsey Cavanaugh, Beth Riley, and Karen Franson attended the opening of the Coastal Common Ground Adult Literacy Program to establish a link to the church. Volunteer requests were included in the Steeple Weekly and the People Helping People Brochure.

Affordable Child Care for Everyone (ACE Campaign)

Church members signed the petition to encourage landmark legislation to make child care more affordable by Promoting Affordable ChildCare for Evervone (ACE) (hd. #3378 and s. #636).

Speakers for Young Church

Beth met with the teen group in the fall to tell them about the Human Services Committee and the kinds of service work provided by the church. Lindsey met with the Young Church teachers in the spring to tell them about our committee work and promote environmental projects. We talk regularly with Laurie Loosigian to coordinate and highlight human service opportunities and projects such as the Walk Against Violence, Walk for Hunger, Community Food Bank, Transitional House for Women and Children, and environmental activities.

People Helping People Brochure

Lindsey Cavanaugh updated this brochure which lists human service organizations in the Newburyport area and volunteer opportunities of many kinds. Updated copies are provided to church members, the Chamber of Commerce, the local Welcome Wagon, and tile Newburyport Daily News.

Human Services Committee Brochure

Beth Riley updated this committee brochure listing the major human service events undertaken by the church this year. This brochure is given to members, visitors, and the Young Church.

Spring Activities - 1999

Daffodil Sunday - American Cancer Society

Karen Franson organized church member's contributions of $320 to the American Cancer Society by purchasing daffodils for Daffodil Sunday on the first Sunday in April and by making direct donations.

Wakpala Sioux Reservation Service Project

Harold and Beth created a poster-board presentation of Harold's service work at the Wakpala Sioux Reservation in South Dakota last summer. This was used to highlight service work in a presentation Harold gave to the Young Church.

Helping Hands Bulletin Board

Beth set up a bulletin board area in the Parish Hall to give church members an opportunity to request or offer services to each other including home repairs, yard work, transportation, meals, and child care.

People Helping People Month

Beth and Lindsey organized opportunities for church members to contribute to several service projects in the month of May. Pledge forms were mailed to church members, Steeple Weekly reminders provided, and a write-up of member's accomplishments will be published. People Helping People activities in May included:

Walk Against Violence - The Women's Crisis Center

Church members contributed $460 to the Women's Crisis Center, a local agency providing support services to women and children experiencing domestic abuse. Approximately 24 adult and young church members participated in the walk in Newburyport, many under the Unitarian Church banner. Donations were made at church and through pledges for walkers.

Walk for Hunger - Project Bread

Church members contributed $300 to Project Bread, a Boston area agency providing food for the needy. Several adults and 6th, 7th, and 8th graders from the Young Church participated in the walk in Boston. Donations were made at church and through pledges for walkers.

Strongest Link Aids

Church members contributed $35 to Strongest Link Aids Services a North Shore agency providing support services to people with HIV/AIDS throughout Essex County.

Transitional House for Women & Children in Amesbury

Church members will be contributing to the personal care products drive (shampoo, conditioner, soap, & paper products) to support the ten women and twenty children living at THWC. This activity was also promoted by the Young Church.

Speaker on Domestic Violence

Jeanne Berger, Development Associate from the Women's Crisis Center, will speak about women and domestic violence. Discussion will be encouraged and delicious desserts served. Donations will be made to the Women's Crisis Center.

Summer Camperships for THWC

Church members will have the opportunity to contribute to one-week summer camperships to local Y-camps for several children currently living at the Transitional House for Women & Children in Amesbury. We anticipate providing about four camperships for about $240.

Steeple Weekly Notices

Throughout the year we have posted Steeple Weekly notices highlighting service projects and volunteer activities in the area, plus topics such as the free meals at local churches and how to contribute to Hurricane Mitch, Kosovo refugees, and Oklahoma City area tornado victims.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

ANNUAL REPORT MAY 1999

It was another successful year for the Membership Committee; 31 new members between September 1998 and May 1999. New Member Sundays were held in November, February, and May. An interest survey form accompanied by a letter from Harold went out shortly after each New Member Sunday. The purpose is to familiarize the new member with the various activities and to alert chairpersons of a new member's interest. A new, updated form was just completed. Thanks to Marge Killam for her help.

Events and activities sponsored by the committee:

Bring a Friend Sunday was held October 18th, 1998. This has been a great annual activity and we feel should be continued.

Nebulous Party a social gathering again held at Lynn Kettleson's and Robin Lawson's home on Saturday, October 24, 1998. Attended by approximately 60 people who enjoyed singing, entertainment, great food and camaraderie.

Follies Fun Night - a social event for all ages held Jan.23. A potluck dinner was served as well as a pizza party for children with entertainment just for them. this was followed by a show performed by many talented members.

Circle Dinners for 8-10 were held on May 8th in seven homes and attended by 60 people. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know people in church who possibly we have never met. Everyone participates in bringing food so the hostess is not overburdened.

The Visitor's Tables in the church and parish hall are an ongoing project of the committee. Everybody seems to enjoy doing it and the visitors welcome the information given to them both verbally and in print. The committee follows up by phone to each individual that has signed the sheets. It is always gratifying to hear the positive responses these callers receive.

20s/30s Group - a new venture thought up by Russ Mead of the Membership Committee. This committee is off to an extremely active schedule with a great variety of endeavors. A lot of enthusiasm is being displayed.

Retired Guys Out to Lunch - also invented by Russ Meade. They meet once a month with a Big Guy each month being responsible for the place and other details. From all reports, a good time is being had by all.

Respectfully submitted, Dawn Bennett and Janet Corrigan, Co-Chairs

Music Committee Report for 1998-99

The Music Committee has had an active year, beginning with organizing a special recognition event in honor of Barbara Owen's 35th year as Music Director of the First Religious Society. The event, a surprise for Barbara, was held during regular worship service in October. A tribute by Minister Emeritus Bert Steeves and a special sermon about church music by The Rev. Babcock were highlights of the service. The Music Committee presented Barbara with remembrances from choir members and a gift of over $1000 raised from generous church members.

The Music Committee began discussions about the possibility of replacing the "temporary" plywood platform in the sanctuary with a permanent structure. To date, we have sought input from The Rev. Babcock, and the Building and Religious Education Committees. At year end, we have retained the services of an architect to render suggested options. We also explored the possibility of moving the Steinway piano from the Parish Hall to the sanctuary, consulting with piano expert and church member Mark Snelling about the best conditions for the instrument.

During the fiscal year '98-99, tentative plans were put in place for a joint concert in the spring of 2000, including the First Religious Society, Central Congregational and Belleville Church choirs.

The regular Music Series included three varied performances: a trio of strings, organ and voice (including our own Loren Pearson); a choral concert; and the Portland String Quartet. All were well-attended. A special fund-raiser for the church, organized by Barbara Owen and Young Church Choir Director Claudia Keyian, took place on Nov. 1 with Claudia on piano, Stephen Schiffman on clarinet, and Ruth Kaumeheiwa, also on piano. Robin Lawson, Claudia and Barbara have begun planning a fourth annual fall benefit concert for 1999.

Membership in the adult choir remains strong, while the Cherub and Young Church choirs continue to grow. The Cherub Choir, which began as first and second-graders, expanded to include kindergarten children. Now numbering 30, the Cherub Choir sang in "big church" twice during the year.

Membership in the Young Church Choir now totals 35 and includes some second-graders as well as those in grades three through eight. (Some second-graders sing in both choirs.) The Young Church Choir rehearses every Sunday for one hour. The children sang in church twice in the fall and at the Candlelight, Palm Sunday, Easter and Youth Sunday services. For the first time, the choir sang a piece in three-part harmony and also performed a combined anthem with the adult choir on Palm Sunday. Besides leading both Cherub and Young Church Choirs, Claudia accompanies singing during the children's Worship Circle. As part of its responsibilities, the Music Committee put in place a job description for the Young Church Choir Director for the first time this year. JoAnne Vose continues as our Young Church and Cherub Choir accompanist.

Our Music Director has continued to seek soloists to supplement the choir's musical contribution during worship services, calling upon musicians within our church family who are willing to perform as a service to the church. Our thanks to all who gave their talents in the past year, including Karen Franson, Todd Herrmann, Bettina Turner, Sue & Hannah Creed, our brass players, Alec White's recorder group [and also Robin Lawson-ed.].

The Music Committee meets on an as-needed basis during the church year. The Feb. 26 meeting was held at Rossi's, where we were entertained by Bob Allison at the piano. Thanks to all committee members for their loyal attendance at meetings and mailing parties and to our music professionals for their energy, expertise, creativity and inspiration.

Respectfully submitted, Robin Lawson, Music Committee Chair

Religious Education Committee

Annual Report 1998-1999

There have been many changes this year with our Religious Education program. Kim Wootan, our previous Director, resigned in the summer and has moved to her new position as Director of Religious Education for the Portsmouth church. We wish her well. In October we welcomed Laurie Loosigian as our new DRE. Laurie comes to us from Exeter and has brought us an interactive Christmas Revels celebration, Sunday morning teacher meetings complete with bagels, an engaging workshop on bullying, musical talent, memos, fresh ideas and a different perspective. Nancy Crochiere moved on from chairperson of the RE Committee to Parish Committee member. Many members of the R E. Committee left for other adventures in volunteering, and we have been joined by many new faces. Bev Olsen still runs the Junior Youth Program but stepped down as coordinator. Julia Farwell-Clay took over as coordinator for the Youth Group Program and works with the Senior YRUU group as well. Julia and Bev have been assisted by Nancy Sullivan, Dan Ulfelder, Pat Hurzeler, and Eric and Gen Goothind. Our talented young Church Choir Director, Claudia Keyian, once again taught our children and led them in several beautiful performances throughout the church year. Claudia also expanded the Cherub Choir to include kindergarten with the first and second graders. JoAnne Vose continued as accompanist to the choirs - thank you JoAnne.

We've been busy!

147 children, Nursery through High School, registered. 50 individuals volunteered to teach our youth. Children visited two local churches in connection with our Neighboring Faiths curriculum, studied UU values, and learned about ecology through storytelling and mythology.

YRUU members conducted a worship service, helped out with First Night, volunteered at one of the Salvation Army dinners, attended a Youth Conference, joined the Walk for Hunger in Boston, and hosted an Ecology Youth Conference at our church.

In addition to our monthly meetings and planning, Committee members cleaned the Robing Room, attended a curriculum workshop and a Sea Revels program, organized the Young Church Worship books, coordinated snacks, sold t-shirts, and worked on curriculum.

Next fall we will be offering OWL ( Our Whole Lives) a completely revamped sexuality program from the UUA. We also hope to have renewed interest from adults and youth alike in the Up and Coming UU's, our mentor program.

As usual space continues to be a challenge. The Senior group has worked hard to carve out a spot in the basement and will be realizing that goal soon. Committee members will be moving RE. supplies to various stations in the Parish Hall in order to make the RE. office a more multi-purpose area and of course we remain ever hopeful for the progress of our church's space needs proposals

Thank you to our dependable Nursery attendants: William Fuller, Megan Heenehan and Ashley Perry-Platine. Thanks to Roger Hatch for calling our attention to the need for a fire drill plan and thanks to Melanie Bennett for sharing her storytelling skills to aid our teachers with their Ecology through Mythology lessons.

Our deepest gratitude to all of you who give of your time and energy. The implementation of our Religious Education program depends on the contributions of so many volunteers.

Working with the RE. program can be an opportunity for learning growth and challenge. We extend an invitation to all of you to join us.

Respectfully submitted, Rochelle Perry-Platine, Chair

Members: Harold Babcock, Ex Officio: Nancy Crochiere, Mary Harrison, Rae Mathieu, Secretary: Peg Nicol, Jack Petras, Kathy Seidel, Cori Thurlow, and David Turner

The Swasey Fund Annual Report

The Swasey Fund is set up to help people and organizations in need. The organizations helped this vear:

Newburyport Police D. A. R. E. Program

Amesbury Fire Dept. program for telling children what to do when there is a fire.

Women's Crisis Center when they have called to help women in need.

Individuals helped with food, rent, rent storage unit, car inspection, gas, phone bills, utilities, school clothes, prescriptions, bus fare, camperships and Christmas gifts.

Several individuals have received help on more than one occasion - single parent of disabled child; another as a single parent living in a motel with 12-year-old daughter.

We expended about $3,500

These are all done with the discretion of the minister.

Respectfully submitted, Cary G. Plumer

WELCOMING CONGREGATION

ANNUAL REPORT

MAY 1999

In the last year, we had a successful summer film series with an average of ten plus people attending each of the three weeks.

This spring we have started a potluck/games group at the church which is looking hopeful to continue into the near future.

We are planning to continue to have the potlucks and possibly some outings in the Newburyport area, including in June of 1999 a trip to Maudslay Park in town for a picnic and outdoor games (weather permitting).

Respectfully submitted,

Peter Hope and James Bannon

THE WOMEN'S ALLIANCE - ANNUAL REPORT

MAY, 1999

The Women's Alliance has enjoyed a year of interesting programs, beginning in June 1998 with our annual picnic. Our membership has increased, with the inclusion of several men as well as women of the church. All are invited to attend our meetings, usually held on the first Tuesday of the month at 2:15 p.m. except for January and February

June 1998:	Our annual picnic was held at the Whittier Birthplace, hosted by Betty and Scott Pike.
September:	Martin and Donna Seim presented a program of Norwegian customs with slides and artifacts.
October:	We hosted a guest night dinner with the Hospitality Committee, with the Reverend Peter Richardson of the Andover Congregational, official photographer for the U.U. General Assembly "Religious Sites in India."
November:	Our own Sabrina Babcock presented a program concerning the philosophy of the Waldorf School program and its history.
December:	Our annual Christmas luncheon was held at O'Malley's Pub in Newburyport.
March 1999:	Our Church Secretary, Marge Killam, brought us beautiful slides of her voyage through "The Canadian Waterways."
April:	Music Director and Organist Barbara Owen introduced us through slides and music to "The Other Hussites - the Moravians."
May:	Our program was "Our Two Months in North Yorkshire" presented by Bob & Joan Smart and Blake & Ruth Hughes.

The Annual Meeting and picnic will be held on June 7 at the Whittier Birthplace in Haverhill hosted by Betty and Scott Pike.

Our gifts to the First Religious Society through May 1999 include:

Annual Pledge $2,500	Donations to Charities	Steeple Lighting
Music Series - $60	Wreathes for Christmas	Card Tables

Respectfully submitted, Joan Smart, President

Worship Committee - Annual Report 1998-1999

Members: Leanna Sorcar, Chair: Rebecca Robertson; Todd Herrmann; Julie Loring; Josee & Greg Kantak; Rick Anderson; Ruth Allen; Linda Fuller; Rev. Harold Babcock, Minister; Barbara Owen, Organist & Director, Church Music.

The purpose of the Worship Committee is to assist the minister when he is out of the pulpit due to such instances as vacation, visiting the young church, a pulpit exchange, or other commitments. The committee compiles and pursues information from various sources, including the congregation, in order to offer creative, stimulating and thought-provoking Sunday services.

This season we have invited the following ministers and others to address the congregation: local favorite Anna Smulowitz, intern Benjamin Hall, Rev. Jan Bowering, Rabbi Stanley Sadinsky, Minister Emeritus Rev. Bert Steeves; and on June 6th Nick Page will lead an intergenerational service. We assisted Rev. Wendy Fitting in a pulpit exchange. As a church-wide effort, the committee is orchestrating a (hopefully) annual Clean-Up Sunday and picnic for the final church program.

Our accomplishments include last year's summer service programs as well as those scheduled for this summer, filling the pulpit when needed, including more children in the service through chalice lighting, and incorporating "Joys & Concerns," in most guest services.

Last year's summer services were held each Sunday of the entire season. All were lay-led, excluding the traditional Yankee Homecoming Service presented by Rev, Doris Hunter, our past Interim Minister, and included the following: Todd Herrmann (2 services) "Thanksgiving in June" and "Music"; Fred Long "Mindful Consumption or Whose Child Am I Eating"; Bill Grover (2 services) "The Hidden Heart of the Cosmos;" Rebecca Robertson (2 services) "Meditation for Addiction" and "The Hidden Heart of the Cosmos"; Francesca Ricci "Yoga"; Peggy Mays, Leanna Sorcar & Bob Allison "Water Ceremony; Ron Pullins, John Dodge, Nancy Crochiere, & Karen Franson "Local Writers."

The importance of the summer services is to give continuity to our parishioners looking for spiritual/educational camaraderie, to open the sanctuary to any interested or curious folks, as well as provide information on our church's history and offerings (via the Visitors' Table), and to explore creative approaches in the worship setting (i.e. Joys & Concerns).

This summer's services will offer a different type of worship. From June 27th through July 25th the church will be open for quiet meditation; the Visitors' Table will be out and a member will be on hand to greet and answer questions. August 1st is Yankee Homecoming with which we will assist. The following four Sundays of the month will be lay-led programs on World Religions including Growing Up Catholic, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The last Sunday, September 5th, will be one of quiet reflection. Our regular services will resume September 12th..

For the coming season we will begin with a change of leadership to Rebecca Robertson. Our goals include compiling a running list of 'chalice lighting children' who will attend the regular worship service, light the chalice (alone or with friends/family), then return to Sunday School. Also, the Worship Committee strives to reinvigorate lay-led services, brainstorm with our fellow committees and our sister worship committees, and increase hymnal purchases. Finally, we would like to find a service from the Worship Committee to become an annual event.

We appreciate all ideas and volunteers.

Respectfully, Leanna Sorcar

Building Committee

Annual Report - May 26, 1999

Beginning the Annual report for 1998-99 1 want to thank all the members of the Building Committee for coming out to evening meetings all these years as well as the entire congregation for its deep appreciation for the church, as architecture, and the role it plays in bringing us together and inspiring us. Without such appreciation the congregation would not have made the financial commitment to manage and maintain these facilities.

And now, we are poised to do more.

The past year has seen brightening of the pulpit windows, whitening of the steeple and enlightening debate over preservation of the weathercock . . . to let it rest on display or to gold leaf and put 'er back up. (For the answer to that debate just look upward from almost anywhere in the town.)

Now we have begun yard maintenance. Together with our neighbors, the Montessori School, the side yard will be re-seeded and fenced.

The steeple sports an AT&T antenna which is the result of much good Unitarian negotiation and debate and will provide an escalating stream of revenue to help support the programs which are so vital to what we are all about. An interesting sign of the times.

But the best is yet to come.

Personally I am looking forward to the challenge of working with the Space Needs Committee to identify and construct approximately 4000 square feet of accessible program space, classrooms and offices which will shape our role in the 21st Century (there, I've made my one and only millennium reference).

Greg Garnache will head the Buildings and Grounds Committee, and I'm sure he will be looking for a few new (enthusiastic) members.

With all the talk of space needs, it's important to remember what is unseen as well as what is seen. I'm referring, of course, to the need for a fire suppression system in both the Church and the Parish Hall. With the technology now available there is no good argument against installation of a sprinkler system. As an effective means of life safety and asset preservation, there is no better investment. Please vote yes.

As a wrap-up to my over-stay as Chairman of the Building Committee, I am recalling that our primary goal was to establish a means to perpetuate the care and upkeep of our buildings and grounds. We're within reach of that goal, thanks in large part to some unforeseen circumstances. These include the generosity of benefactors no longer with us, income from our steeple antenna, and the increased size of the congregation.

We have focused on repair and maintenance which are and will be ongoing, and now it is time to concentrate on capital improvements to the facilities.

Stay tuned . . . and just keep looking upward.

Peter Erickson, Chairman

Denominational Affairs Committee

Annual Report 1999

The Denominational Affairs Committee seeks to help the church look outward particularly on social issues and to connect our congregation with the larger organizations of the denomination, such as the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Mass Bay District.

This year our Partner church project continued to grow, with a renewed exchange between our congregation and that of our sister church in Ujszekely, Romania (an ethnic Hungarian community in the Transylvania region). In the late summer First Religious Society members Steve and KC Swallow visited Ujszekely during a trip to Romania and participated in a service at the Ujszekely church. They exchanged ideas with Minister Jakab Zsolt and brought gifts from our congregation, including a donation of money, a hymnal, and a beautiful banner with the image of the chalice (made by Rochelle Perry-Platine). In March the Committee hosted a special dinner for our partner church project, featuring traditional Hungarian goulash, a fascinating presentation by KC and Steve of their visit to Ujszekely, and a silent auction of embroidered cloths made by women from Ujszekely. Contributions from the dinner, which was well attended, and the proceeds of the silent auction netted almost $400 which will be donated to our partner church to support its projects in the community.

Before the close of this church year, we will host a visit by Jakab Zsolt, Minister of the Ujszekely church. Zsolt and his family will visit our community before traveling on to Salt Lake City where, with the partial sponsorship of the First Religious Society, he will participate in the 1999 UUA General Assembly. Several events are planned for his stay with our church, including a potluck dinner in honor of the Jakab family (12 June); hospitality, meals and excursions with various members of our congregation; and a special worship service (13 June) in which Jakab Zsolt will preach. We are enthusiastic about his upcoming visit and about the growing relationship with our partner church.

The Committee helped to select and sponsor several church delegates to the UUA General Assembly in Rochester, New York. This year, for the first time, our church delegation included members of the Youth Group. Two members of the congregation participated in the Mass Bay District Annual Meeting which featured "A Room with View," a discussion on how other denominations view us and how we, as Unitarian-Universalists, view ourselves.

Other events organized by the Denominational Affairs Committee include an open meeting and potluck supper in October at which Harold Babcock gave a presentation on his experience working at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in South Dakota, through the Just Works program of the Unitarian-Universalist Service Committee.

Finally, as in past years, the Committee made donations to UU-affiliated organizations, including the UU Service Committee, the UU United Nations Office, and the UU Urban Ministry.

Respectfully submitted, Jessica Brown

For the Denominational Affairs Committee:

Harold Babcock (ex officio)

Florence Mercer

Rochelle Perry-Platine

Ron Pullins

Judy Shivik

Cori Thurlow

 

Finance Committee - May 1999

The Finance Committee is pleased to report a successful year for the church in terms of operating results. Based on results of the first ten months of the fiscal year (reported in the Treasurer's Report), we are likely to end the year within the budget approved at the May 1998 annual meeting. The reasons for this outstanding performance are many:

• Pledge and non-pledge contributions are strong, which likely reflects the high level of commitment we all feel for our church community
• A highly successful Service Auction, chaired once again by Howard and Dorothy Fairweather, raised over $12,000
• Additional fundraising events, such as the rummage sales, book sale, May Breakfast, and Candlelight Service, were strong sources of income
• Self-funded activities of the Adult Education Committee
• Healthy returns on our endowment funds
• Committee chairpersons and church staff have done an outstanding job of managing expenses relative to their budgets.

The Annual Canvass for 1999-2000 was a huge success in terms of the pledges received, the fellowship experienced through canvass visits, and the wonderful kick-off cabaret. Over 70 canvassers and other volunteers worked hard and accomplished much. To date, pledges total $173,000, which represents an increase of 16% over pledges for 1998-99. In total over the last three canvasses, we have seen an increase of 70% in pledges. This is impressive and, judging from comments and feedback received during the canvass, reflects a high level of commitment and enthusiasm we all have for our church and its programs. Support for our minister is strong and program initiatives on the part of our very active committees are obviously much appreciated. Our challenge now is to make sure we all fulfill our pledge commitments in the coming year and continue our support of the church in the future. Also, we are still seeking and accepting pledges for the 1999-2000 fiscal year. [A more detailed Canvass Report follows.]

Given the success of the canvass and anticipation of another great year for fundraising, we are able to present a balance budget for July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000. Details of the proposed budget also follow.

The contract entered into with AT&T for rental of our steeple for telecommunications purposes is quite an asset for our church. We should consider ourselves fortunate to be receiving these funds and owe thanks to those who worked so hard to secure this contract. Funds received will allow us to strengthen our endowment, focus further on maintaining our buildings and grounds, and initiate new programs. It is important to note that this is externan to our operating budget.

The Finance Committee introduced a new program this year where individuals may donate used automobiles to the church. This is offered through a program managed by Volunteers of America. The church received funds from Volunteers of America for one car that was donated to this program. We are hopeful that this program is utilized more in the future.

As we look towards goals for 1999-2000, the Finance Committee hopes to see an improvement in actual receipt pledge income when compared to pledges made. We hope to achieve this through improved communication. We also hope to make even greater use of outside grants to fund some of our programs.

Thank you to all who have contributed so much time and individual effort to making this such a successful year! And a special thank you to our Assistant Treasurer, Louise VanBokke1en, who continues to donate so much of her time to the many tasks associated with managing the churches financial operations.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Ricker, Chairperson

1999-2000 Canvass Report

5/25/99

We have received pledges from 214 friends and members of our church with a record contribution level of $172,927 ($800 average). This represents an increase of 16% over total pledges for the 1998-99 fiscal year.

• Forty-two pledges are new this year.
• Forty-three pledges were increased by 25% or more over last year's pledge amounts.
• Forty-seven pledges are at the Sustaining or Benefactor Level, including nineteen pledges that are new to this level.
• These pledges totaled $101,000 or over one-half of all pledge dollars.

This year, a $4,000 matching fund was created by several generous donors. For those persons who pledged $1,000 or less for 1998-99 and increased their 1998-99 pledge by 25% or more, the amount of their increase was matched. Twenty-five pledges met this criteria, which allowed us to take advantage of the full $4,000 offered through the matching fund. Thank-you to all who responded so enthusiastically

Gift range	Target # of pledges	Actual # of pledges	Actual Pledge Dollars
$2,500 to $10,000	9	11	$37,800	Benefactor Level
2,000 to 2,499	6	5	10,200
1,500 to 1,999	9	12	20,070	Sustaining Level
1,200 to 1,499	15	19	23,313
1,000 to 1,199	18	11	11,260	Basic Level
750 to 999	21	16	12,989
500 to 749	42	63	34,645
300 to 499	45	43	15,530
Less than $300	Many	34	7,114
TOTAL		214	$172,927

Proposed Operating Budget

July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000

The proposed budget for the 1999-2000 fiscal year, presented in detail on the following pages, totals $260,386. This represents a 9% increase over the total expenses for current 1997-98 fiscal year. Also shown is projected income of $261,220, which is also 9% higher than income budgeted for. the current fiscal year.

For the second year in a row, we are proposing a balanced budget (actually a surplus of $834), which represents a major accomplishment for the First Religious Society. Budgeted investment income from the endowment to be used for operating expenses is limited to the prudent amount recommended by the endowment's Trustees and does not include any planned withdrawal of capital.

Some highlights of the proposed budget include:

• Increased salary of 10% for our minister
• Increased salary of 17% for our youth choir director
• Increased salary of 2% for all remaining staff
• Continued funding of a Sabbatical Fund
• Contributions to a Maintenance Fund, in order to help us level out the impact of major building maintenance and repair expenses
• Increased funding for Adult Education
• Funding for major Historical Committee initiatives
• Estimation of pledges that may be unpaid of 5% in order to more accurately reflect expected income
• Contingency expenses of $2,000, to account for unanticipated expenses that may occur over the year
• A decrease in Parish Hall rental income, due to less space available to rent to outside organizations as our own committees make greater use of our space
• Initial funding for Year 2001 initiatives
• Funding for the Space Needs Committee, with AT&T rental income providing these resources

Parish Committee 1998-1999 Annual Report

From the newly gilded weather cock that tops our magnificent steeple to the fresh energy of our youth, who are finding a new use for our Parish Hall cellar, the First Religious Society is vibrant and optimistic in Newburyport as we complete our church year.

Even before we officially began this year on July 1, we were planning a farewell for Kim Wootan, our part-time religious education director, who had resigned to take a full-time position with the Portsmouth, N.H., UU congregation. And we were beginning to search for her replacement. During the summer, a committee led by Fred Long was working when our volunteers are usually dormant. Embarking on a new road, for the first time we hired a religious education director with extensive UU credentials, rather than a member of our society with knowledge of our program and other teaching experience. Laurie Loosigian gained her experience in the Exeter, N.H., UU church, and the New Hampshire-Vermont District. With a partial year of transition behind us, we are looking forward to completing an adjustment to this new style of leadership for our young church. Our thanks to the Religious Education Director Search Committee for their summer and early fall labors. Our chairperson of the Religious Education Committee, Rochelle Perry-Platine, deserves special thanks for always being there to help make this new venture a success.

After a false start with another firm, Omnipoint, we can report as we gather at our May 26 annual congregational meeting that AT&T's installation of cellular phone antennas in our steeple is under way as they become our paying steeple guest. As we derive revenue from this antenna array in the years to come, we should always remember the efforts of three members who contributed their professional talents to make it a reality. Lark Madden negotiated the contract, Scott Hill-Wilton reviewed it with his legal eyes and Chairman Peter Erickson of the Building Committee, an architect, scrutinized its every detail with the aid of his committee members. In addition to supplying funds, this antenna project is also a public service, because its high-tech equipment is as low visibility as it could be, thereby maintaining the charm of a New England skyline dominated by church steeples.

There is a third reason why we can look forward with joyful hearts to the coming year. As the world hurtles toward its millennium in 2000, we are preparing to observe our 2000 bicentennial in the "Pleasant Street Church," as you can see we are called in our annual meeting warrant. Hatched as Third Parish Newbury in Market Square near the Merrimack River, our predecessors dedicated their new meetinghouse on the rock lot in 1801. Co-Chairpersons Liz Kray and Rochelle Perry-Platine of our 2001 Committee are coordinating the many facets of our planned celebration. But that's just half the reason. With the revival in early May of our Space Needs Committee by Ron Pullins, the preliminary program designs of Peter Erickson and the encouraging support of members, the prospects are bright for beginning our third century on Pleasant Street with substantially renovated and enlarged facilities to support the liberal church's mission in the 21st century.

On a personal note, I have enjoyed serving for the past three and half years on the Parish Committee even more than I anticipated I would, in large part because of the society of the other members. Furthermore, the staff has usually made our administrative responsibilities seem easy. Our chief adviser and pastor, Rev. Harold Babcock, has helped us greatly throughout the year. So I thank them all on your behalf I am confident that the new governing board could not be in better hands, both the smooth palms of newer members and the callused fingers of veteran UU's.

John Harwood, chairperson