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Annual Report 1999 - 2000
Contents
- MINISTER'S ANNUAL REPORT
- Adult Education Committee
- Auction Committee
- Building Committee
- Historical Committee
- 2001 Celebration
- Hospitality Committee
- Human Services Committee
- Membership Committee
- Committee on Ministry
- Memorial Gifts
- Music Committee
- Nominating Committee
- Religious Education
- Space Needs Committee
- Swasey Fund
- Trustees
- Up and Coming UU's
- Worship Committee
- Finance Committee
- Parish Committee
MINISTER'S ANNUAL REPORT
May 31, 2000
The following members and friends of the First Religious Society have died since the last Annual Meeting (May 26, 1999).
Since our last Annual Meeting we have also welcomed 23 persons into the membership of the First Religious Society. There have been 16 child dedications, 20 weddings, 1 commitment service, 10 funerals and memorial services, and one 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 again, Bert.)
As always, your church staff has done an outstanding job dealing with an increasingly busy and growing institution. My sincere thanks to our outgoing staff members Marge Killam and Laurie Loosigian--they will be missed; to Barbara Owen, Carol Lattime, Claudia Keyian, and Julia Farwell-Clay; and to Cori Thurlow, who worked part of this year. I also want to offer special thanks again to Louise VanBokkelen, who besides serving as a Trustee, until recently volunteered to pay the church bills. Louise has done an outstanding job over the years and provided yeoman service to the FRS.
Highlights of this year have included the continuation of our Space Needs program, including completion of a Feasibility Study and conceptual plans--thanks to all who have served so ably on the Space Needs Committee; another extremely successful services and goods auction (with special thanks to John Mercer and friends); the visit of our Partner Church minister Zsolt Jacob and his parents, Denis and Eva; yet another successful canvass, with thanks to John Mercer and Steve Swallow, co-chairs; our third annual "People Helping People" month; the installation of a communications antenna in our church steeple; expansion of our participation in the meals program at the Salvation Army; congregational participation in the local Walk Against Violence; the planting of our Peace Pole; completion of the Survey 2000 by the Committee on Ministry; the creation of a church web page, www.frsuu.org (thanks again to John Mercer!), and the formation of DRE and Administrator Search Committees.
Last year we sent two lay and one ministerial delegates to the UUA General Assembly in Salt Lake City. The First Religious Society continues to be an Honor Society in its giving to the UUA and Mass. Bay District, and we have once again increased the number of individual memberships in the UU Service Committee. Sunday attendance remains high.
Much of the work of the church is carried out by committed laypersons. 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, Linda Fuller for all of her help during a year of transitions in the church staff
As your minister this year, in addition to the special services mentioned above, I have:
- led adult education opportunities on New England Transcendentalism and Unitarian Universalism;
- been active in the Greater Newburyport American Red Cross as Secretary and served on its Executive Committee and Service Delivery 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; in the Unitarian Universalist Historical Society as a board member and nominating committee member; in the Harvard Divinity School Alumni Council as a director; and in the Merrimac Cluster of UU Churches;
- served on the Mass. Bay District UUA Nominating Committee;
- served as co-convener of the Harvard Divinity School UU AIumni/ae event at UUA General Assembly;
- attended the fall session 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;
- helped out with the "Friendship Table" dinners at the Salvation Army (thanks to Steve Swallow and Gen Gootkind for again organizing these opportunities for community service), and participated in the Walk Against Violence;
- preached in Hampton Falls, NH;
- worked at the May Breakfast, and performed at our Fellowship Event;
- visited with our Young Church classes;
- participated in goal-setting with the Committee on Ministry;
- spent one week working on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation as part of the UUSC's "Just Works" program;
- attended programs on domestic violence prevention, mid-sized church transitions, and on Universalist women's ministry pioneer Olympia Brown;
- attended UUA General Assembly and the Mass Bay District UUA Annual Meeting;
- conducted a worship service at Brigham Manor Nursing Home;
- taken part in the community interfaith Thanksgiving Service;
- contributed two religion columns to The Daily News;
- attended the installation of Lee Bluemel as minister in North Andover;
- attended church meetings, called at nursing homes and hospitals, visited and counseled, and distributed charitable funds to needy persons in our community.
This summer Sabrina and I will be traveling to Transylvania with the Swallows to visit our Partner Church and to build on the relationship we have been growing there.
The most important challenge facing our church in the weeks and months ahead is the decision of whether to proceed with the building project which the Space Needs Committee has proposed to us. It is my hope that we will find the way to make this congregational dream a reality! I know that with your support, it can and will happen.
In the coming year 2001 we also look forward to celebrating the 200th anniversary of our beautiful old meeting house, which was built in 1801. A number of events and endeavors are planned as part of this year long celebration. I hope that you will plan to participate and to help out with our celebration as much as you are able.
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 (Bob Smart, Susan Ricker, Dorothy Fairweather, Cary Plumer (outgoing) and Linda Fuller (incoming).
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
In 1999-2000 year we had a budget of $2000 of which we have spent about $400. It was the committee's hope to be able to expand programming and events in this Parish for Adult Education during the year, but last year's ambitions were unrealized. Due to committee member attrition and unavailability to host programs, the committee held it's last monthly meeting in November 1999. Currently, the Adult Education Committee meets on an "as needed" basis. People desiring to initiate programs contact the chair who sees to it that the program is carried forward. To date, there are two programs which will occur this spring. It is recommended that the Parish Committee allocate $500 for the Adult Education budget next year. This would adequately supply seed money to start any given program and cover any short fall not collected from program participation donations or fees.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Creed, chair
Adult Education Committee
Annual Report 2000 -- Auction Committee
"Puttin' on the Ritz," this year's version of the First Religious Society's Annual Auction, held on November 6, 1999, yielded $13,373.00 in bids from 51 buyers. The winning bids on the auctioned 113 items ranged from $2.00 to $925.00; the median bid was $65.00, the average $118.35. Expense for the auction were less than $1,000.00.
The Auction Committee members had too good a time to thank themselves, so wish to honor specifically--
Rochelle Perry-Platine for all-round magic and exceptional decorational magic in the Parish Hall
Frank Wetencamp for nonpareil food and refreshment supply and general life-saving techniques
Chris and Jean Snow for excellence in auctioning, good humor, and positive attitude in dealing with rookies
The donors and buyers for their generosity
And everyone who dressed up--you looked marvelous!
The same nucleus committee has committed itself to next year's auction already, has added important reserves to itself, and has selected Saturday, December 2, 2000, for the event. Expect abundant Christmas shopping opportunities.
John Mercer
for the Auction Committee (Julia Farwell-Clay, Robin Lawson, John Mercer)
Building Committee
May 2000
The following items were considered by the Building Committee over the past year. This is by no means a complete list. However, these items represent a good cross section of business and issues discussed in the last twelve months.
Addition of a second antenna to the church steeple: We have two major reservations concerning this matter. First, the proposal calls for a generator and other equipment to be located outside behind the church. Do we really want that? In addition, the proposed location of the equipment room in the basement of the church conflicts with the architectural plans for the proposed renovation project. Which project should take priority?
We were asked by members of the Music Committee to look into the feasibility of constructing a raised platform in the sanctuary. This project would involve removing twelve pews (50 seats) and installing a large platform to accommodate the Steinway piano, various music events, pageants, etc. The cost of constructing the platform has been estimated at $12,500.00, not including carpeting.
We were asked to look into panic hardware for the doors in the Parish Hall. We did and concluded that the cost of installation was excessive and unnecessary.
We have hired a local contractor to paint the church this summer.
Vinnie Wood continues to peck away at the endless number of small repair jobs. His work is a labor of love and deserves our gratitude.
We wish senior committee member Roy Tattersall a speedy and complete recovery from his recent surgery.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg Garnache
Outgoing Chair, Building Committee
Historical Committee
Annual Report
May 2000
A subcommittee continues working on updating Minnie Atkinson's history of the First Religious Society of Newburyport, which terminates as of 1933. An indexing of Minnie Atkinson's book has now been completed and typed. Her book should be ready shortly for reprinting. Ron Pullins has been providing advice and direction on publishing matters. Jay Stevens is assisting in copyright issues. As of now there is a draft of an introductory piece for the updated history as well as 30 pages on the first 15 years of Bert Steeves's ministry. Research and writing on Reverend Hayward and Heinz Rettig are in progress. We continue to interview, sort information * and to research and write up important events. In doing so, we have developed a time-line of church facts and events from 1954 to 1980 with various summary charts as well as note cards on annual reports from 1955 to1994. This is a work in progress.
Barbara Owen is writing a chapter on a musical history for the updated book as well as writing a comprehensive work (to be published separately) which will include the history of previous centuries of music. Chris Snow continues working on the special collections and artifacts of the First Reli-gious Society. Hope Wood has been collecting accounts from women of the church. Vinnie Wood has put together an exceptionally detailed account of the repairs and renovations that have been made to the church and the Parish Hall over much of the 1900's. Tempa Pagel is compiling notes and writing about the Church School. Bert Steeves has researched the births, deaths and burial sites of all the Unitarian ministers of the First Religious Society. Finally, thanks to Susan Nickerson, we have a copy of "The Delightful Side of Church Life" by Mrs. Robert Driver which we hope to use in the celebration ceremonies next year.
Marge Killam has continued to give many hours to transcribing tapes of oral interviews, to helping us to locate materials and information, and to deal-ing with the temperamental Xerox machine. This project is truly indebted to her enthusiasm, diligence and dedication.
Respectfully submitted,
Lindsay Cavanagh
Pat Skibbee
Anne White
For the Historical Committee
* Undated written material is very difficult to catalogue. For future archivists it would be helpful to always have a yearly date as well as a day and month included on printed text.
2001 Celebration Committee
Report 2000
The 2001 Committee has been very busy planning an interesting calendar of events and activities for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of our church building. A lot of work went into applying for the Woburn Grant. Unfortunately we were turned down for the grant, which may provide some financial challenges ahead. However, there are still financial avenues to explore and if you can offer help in this area it would be greatly appreciated.
As far as activities are concerned we are very excited. Many of our church committees, groups and members are taking ownership for the various events we hope to offer.
There is a nice balance developing of spiritual, historical, and social opportunities for our congregation and community to participate in.
We are still welcoming new ideas and encourage your involvement and support as everyone's energy will be necessary to ensure that this celebration will be a success.
Respectfully submitted,
Liz Kray
Rochelle Perry-Platine
Hospitality Committee
Annual Report 2000
Coffee Hour, coordinated this year by Vicki Dyer, has been modified in an effort to handle our ever larger, but welcome, numbers. At the request of the Religious Education Committee, we are now asking Coffee Hour hosts to make juice for Young Church members, and to put out baskets of pre-purchased small cookies or crackers for all -- children and adults -- to enjoy away from the coffee table. This has turned out to be a much simpler way of providing snacks and drinks. We very much appreciate the patience and cooperation of the hosts and "consumers" as we have tried to find the best and safest way to serve everyone.
The Hospitality Committee is very grateful for Vicki's willingness to continue to coordinate Coffee Hour next year. We hope everyone appreciates as much as we do the amount of time she spends making phone calls, working out schedules, and stocking the kitchen on behalf of all of us. Please respond to her voice messages if you're not at home when she calls. This will prevent her wasting time on making multiple calls to households.
We had a gloriously beautiful day for May Breakfast this year, which may have contributed to the cheeriness of the 125+ adults and children that we served. It was so lovely, in fact, that we even offered outdoor service. Thanks to all the volunteers who staffed the event and/or provided the delicious food, we raised money for the Church and had a good time in the process.
The Hospitality Committee is proud to be preparing and serving dinner for the UU Mass Bay District Board on the 24th of this month. Our own church member, Steve James, is taking over as President of the Board this year.
A new First Religious Society Cookbook will be one of the Hospitality Committee's contributions to the church's 200th Anniversary Celebration. Liz Kray has been collecting recipes, with testing help from others on and off our committee. She is now beginning to lead us through the slow, but interesting, task of proofreading all the recipes before they are sent to the publisher. We expect to have them ready for sale next fall. Sample recipes will be posted from time to time on the church website, www.frsuu.org, to give a glimpse sneak pre-publication preview.
I joined this Committee last year, mostly to enjoy the camaraderie of the wonderful women who were already on it, and I was not in the least disappointed. We will be looking for more members next year, and I hope others will join us. We plan, in addition to our usual events, to be organizing a few 200th Anniversary events: a "kickoff" party in January and possibly a Strawberry Social early next summer.
Respectfully submitted,
Anne Verret-Speck, Chairman
Human Services Committee Activities
1999-2000
Throughout the year
Salvation Army Dinners
Steve Swallow and Gen Gootkind organized the food preparation
and serving for eight dinners at the Newburyport Salvation Army,
providing about 40 individuals with a much-needed hot meal. This
represents a doubling of our church's commitment; in previous
years we have served four dinners each year.
Pettengill House and Turning Point, Inc
We have been collecting canned goods, towels, bed linens and
personal care items for the above local organizations throughout
the year. This has resulted in at least six large boxes being
delivered. At our February meeting we were visited by Jeanne
Settipane from Turning Point; we were able to hear first hand
how some of our activities benefit the women and children living
in the safe recovery housing.
Social Action Table
Five times during the year a Social Action Table was set out
and manned by Pat and Phil Hurzeler. Some issues were, housing
needs, gun control and the death penalty. This was a new activity,
designed to raise the profile of social action both within the
Committee and the church.
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 how to contribute to national and international disasters.
Volunteer Opportunities
Lindsey Cavanagh continued to maintain the list of area volunteer
opportunities and ensured the appropriate agencies were informed
of any changes.
Fall/Winter 1999
Guest At Your Table
At Thanksgiving, Roger Hatch and Eileen Fitzgerald organized
GAYT box contributions to the Unitarian Universalist Service
Committee totaling $2,056. We will once again receive the "Vision
of Justice Banner Society Award" because more than 20 per
cent of our members are now U.U.S.C. members. We will 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 ($500 submitted).
Our membership also supported the UUSC by purchasing $210 worth
of holiday greeting cards.
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.
Ringing the Salvation Army Bell
Also during the holiday season, Gill Chatfield and Betty Pike
from the Committee, together with others from the church, rang
the Salvation Army Bell outside Marshall's department store.
We raised $244.
Speaker from the pulpit
It was agreed with a representative from the Women's Crisis Center
that they would provide a speaker from the pulpit for October,
2000. This will coincide with Violence Against Women month.
Spring 2000
Souper Bowl 2000
Gill Chatfield organized our first Souper Bowl collection. This
coincided with the NFL Super Bowl weekend, with the aim of collecting
cans of soup, or similar, for The Pettengill House. Over 100
cans and various dried goods were donated by church members.
(See attached thank you letter). It was decided that this would
become an annual 'fixture'.
Promise Massachusetts Children
The Human Services Committee and church members signed a petition
organized by Promise Massachusetts Children on behalf of The
Greater Boston Interfaith Organization Housing Campaign. This
called on local, state and federal governments to increase spending
on housing needs in a variety of ways. The aim is to protect
and increase affordable housing for renters and homeowners.
American Cancer Society: Daffodil Sunday
Karen Franson organized church members' contributions to the
American Cancer Society by purchasing daffodils for Daffodil
Sunday on March 26 and by making direct contributions. A total
of $310 was raised.
People Helping People Month
Beth Riley and Gill Chatfield organized opportunities for church
members to contribute to several service projects in the month
of May. Pledge forms were mailed to church members and a write-up
of members' accomplishments will be published.
People Helping People activities included:
Walk Against Violence - The Women's Crisis Center
Church members contributed $545 to the Women's Crisis Center,
a local agency providing support services to women and children
experiencing domestic abuse. Approximately 17 adults and young
church members participated in the walk in Newburyport, with
other young church members walking as part of the Middle School
team. Jen Kray and Hannah Creed acted as Team Leaders as part
of their Up and Coming Program.
Strongest Link Aids
Church members contributed $50 to Strongest Link Aids Services,
a North Shore agency providing support services to people with
HIV/AIDS throughout Essex County.
The Pettengill House and Turning Point, Inc
Church members are contributing to the personal care products
drive to support the above local charities. Eileen Fitzgerald
spoke with the Seventh Graders from Young Church, who then organized
a fundraiser to purchase a non violent toy for the children living
at the safe recovery housing. $300 was raised.
Summer Camperships for Turning Point, Inc
Church members have the opportunity to contribute to one week
summer camperships for children living in both the Safe Recovery
and Mainstream Housing Programs. We anticipate providing about
$125, with additional funding from the Swazey Fund.
The Dove Campaign
Beth Riley worked closely with Laurie Loosigian to help publicize
the first annual Dove campaign in our area. Church members became
involved in a variety of ways, including volunteering time at
the Violent Toy Turn-In on May 6 and helping to plan and operate
a play station at the New Ways to Play Day on May 13.
Million Mom March
Pat Hurzeler and Gill Chatfield helped publicize the Million
Mom March, scheduled to take place in Washington, DC on Mother's
Day. This is a march calling on Congress to pass common sense
gun control laws.
Salvation Army Soup Kitchen
On Thursday, May 25, church members will have a final opportunity
for this church year to support our efforts at the Salvation
Army Soup Kitchen.
T-shirts for Transylvania
The Human Services Committee organized the purchase and printing
of T-shirts, for the young people in our partner church in Transylvania.
The shirts depict both churches. Donations to help defray costs
were collected after church on May 7 and reached a total of $660.
This will result in the Babcocks and the Swallows delivering
40 T-shirts during their trip this summer. In addition, the remaining
funds, approximately $400, will be donated to our partner church.
Membership Committee
1999 - 2000
The Membership Committee did not operate as a full-fledged committee this year due to the lack of willingness of anybody to assume the responsibility of the chairmanship. Most fortunately this has changed. Bettina Turner stepped into this role, effective in late April.
Bettina headed up a very successful winter party which was held at the home of Julia Farwell-Clay and Walter Clay in January. Barbara Galizia was chairman of the always popular Circle 8 dinners held on April 27th in seven homes. Thanks to all who contributed in making these two events so much fun.
The Visitors Table was continued each Sunday in the church. Ann Kemp did all the compiling and ordering of the hand-out materials. The "caller of the month" followed up with phone calls to answer questions and welcome newcomers.
The "retired guys out to lunch" and the 20's--30's have flourished. Thanks to Russ Meade for igniting these groups.
There were 25 people who became new members between October 1999 and May 2000.
I would just like to thank all the participants of the Membership Committee throughout the years. It has been a great experience and one that I will cherish as we embark on our move to Maryland.
Respectfully,
Memorial Gifts Account
1999-2000
In Memory of:
C Louise Bowl
Frank Fletcher
Robert W. Fraser
There is a balance of $4738.04* in the memorial Gifts Savings Account. These monies have traditionally been used to purchase items, as needs arise, at the discretion of the minister and the Parish Committee.
*A restricted gift of $1000 was recently deposited into this
account. The individual making the gift requested that the money
be spent on an Individual, or individuals, in need.
Committee on Ministry Annual Report
May 2000
The committee on Ministry met monthly to carry out its regular responsibilities: to review the monthly reports of the minister to the parish committee, to review and discuss the minister's goals for 1999-2000, to attempt to improve communications between committees and the minister thereby, hopefully, to reduce the number of meetings that must be attended by the minister, to evaluate and discuss any issues that arise in the relationship between the congregation and the minister.
In addition to these responsibilities, this year the committee conducted survey 2000, an attempt to survey the opinions of the congregation regarding the performance of the minister, and the performance of the various church programs. This involved many working meetings to develop the questionnaire, distribute it to the congregation, compile, evaluate, and edit the results for distribution to the congregation. In addition, individual committee members have been meeting with committees and staff personnel for detailed presentation of results that bear on areas of their concern and responsibility. This is just now being completed. In this process, the committee wishes to thank Cynthia Raschke for her invaluable assistance on the quantitative analysis.
Respectfully submitted,
Cary Plumer
Dorothy Fairweather
Susan Ricker
Harold Babcock, Ex Officio
Robert Smart, Chair
Music Committee Report, 1999-2000
Our congregation has been vocal about the importance of music in the life of the First Religious Society, and the Music Committee hears that message as clear as a bell.
2001: 200th Celebration
We kicked off the year with a planning meeting for the 200th celebration, brainstorming ideas for musical participation with Liz Kray and Rochelle Perry-Platine. Since then, we have researched and actively pursued the ideas best received by the two committees: a Sea Celebration, an inter-generational event celebrating Newburyport’s seafaring heritage, and a handbell choir. Planning efforts are ongoing.
Church-Sponsored Concerts
Last year, the Music Committee initiated plans for a joint church choir concert, with the intent of expanding musical offerings for our congregation and community, and to provide a new and challenging musical experience for our Church Choir along with fellowship with other singers. Rehearsals began in February 2000, with a program developed by Music Director Barbara Owen and her colleagues from the First Parish Church in Newbury, Central and Belleville Congregational Churches in Newburyport (all donating their time). The concert, presented May 7, included singers from all four churches and a few others, and succeeded in raising $500 for the Friends of Music in the Newburyport Schools.
In November, Barbara Owen organized our third annual fall concert, a fund-raiser for our church, featuring musicians from our congregation who volunteered their time and talents: Barbara, our organist; Bettina Turner, recorder; Florence Pearson, violin; Karen Franson, French horn; and Robin Lawson, soprano. The regular Music Series, which was particularly well-attended this year, presented three varied programs by professional musicians on Sunday afternoons in January, February and March. This was all in addition to the annual Candlelight Service in December.
Worship Services
During the winter and spring, the Music Committee turned its attention to Sunday services, brainstorming about ways to increase the variety of music during worship. We came up with a number of ideas, including:
- An adult quartet comprised of trained singers in the congregation (unpaid)
- Tapping other musical resources within our congregation, encouraging their participation and ideas (unpaid)
- Handbell choir (depending on funding)
- Paid professionals (budget permitting).
The Piano
One important key to expanding the variety of music during worship services is a piano. A piano in the sanctuary would provide accompaniment for choirs and solo singers, as well as opportunities for piano solos and duets and trios with other instruments. The Music Committee is strongly in favor of moving our Steinway piano permanently from the Parish Hall to the sanctuary, which will entail construction of a permanent platform to replace the present "temporary" platform. Our plans to present a proposal to the congregation continue to await a construction estimate from the Building Committee.
Hymn Sing
The Music Committee explored with Harold how we might increase the variety of hymns chosen for worship services, which opened up a discussion of the "singability" of certain hymns, and the congregation’s lack of familiarity with some of the melodies. That discussion led to a suggestion to hold a hymn sing sometime in the fall, aiming to reach out to those who are unfamiliar with traditional hymns, and to teach the congregation some newer hymns.
Choirs
At year end, the Music Committee began discussing the possibility of splitting the Young Church Choir into two, grades 2-6 and grades 7-12. We have a number of older singers who have outgrown the Young Church Choir, including several boys whose voices have changed. A separate choir permits continuity in choral singing for our older children; responds to the needs of this age group; creates another way to keep them connected to the church; and further expands variety of music during worship services! The Music Committee proposes that Claudia Keyian direct both choirs (as well as the Cherub Choir). We are seeking an "angel" to fund an addition to Claudia’s salary; if successful during ‘00-01, we will fund this increase through the budget.
Throughout the year, our Church Choir contributed regularly to worship services, and to the Candlelight Service. The Young Church Choir joined the adults twice, singing a piece together at Candlelight, and performing the very challenging Lloyd Webber Pie Jesu during a Sunday service in April. In total, the children contributed to five services during the year, while the Cherub Choir sang in church twice. All choirs continue to grow. (The Young Church Choir is now 36 singers strong.) Also contributing to musical offerings at services were soloists Sue Creed, Susan Farnum, Todd Herrmann, Claudia Keyian, Robin Lawson, Bettina Turner, Eleanor Wrigley, and the Easter brass quartet.
Thanks to the Memorial Fund, we were able to purchase new choir robes for the Young Church Choir. During ‘00-01, we hope to find funding to replace the ancient robes of the Church Choir. We’d also like to express our gratitude to Julie Loring for volunteering to help with the Young Church Choir, and to JoAnne Vose, our Young Church and Cherub Choir accompanist.
The First Religious Society is fortunate to have an energetic and creative Music Committee whose members are serious about supporting, strengthening and expanding the music programs of our church. Many thanks to all committee members for their loyal attendance at meetings and mailing parties, and to our music professionals for their dedication, talent and inspiration.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Lawson, Music Committee Chair
Nominating Committee Report
2000-2001
| Position | Candidate | End |
| Parish Committee | Nancy Crochiere | Jun-01 |
| Pat Hurzeler | Jun-02 | |
| David Turner | Jun-02 | |
| Dorothy DiChiara | Jun-01 | |
| Valerie Hogan | Jun-02 | |
| Peter Hope | Jun-03 | |
| Peg Nicole | Jun-03 | |
| Scott Jordan | Jun-03 | |
| Peter McNamee | Jun-01 | |
| Parish Clerk | K.C. Swallow | Jun-01 |
| Treasurer | Barry Kray | Jun-01 |
| Auditor | Lark Madden | Jun-01 |
| Moderator | Florence Mercer | Jun-01 |
| Trustees | Les Ferlazzo | Jun-01 |
| Louise Van Bokkelen | Jun-03 | |
| Roxie Kalashian | Jun-02 | |
| Adult Education | Sue Creed | Jun-01 |
| Bui1ding Chairperson | Unfilled | |
| Denominational Affairs Chairperson | Unfilled | |
| Finance Chairperson | Sue Ricker, with Canvass Chairs Steve Swallow & John Mercer | Jun-01 |
| Hospitality Chairperson | Anne Verret-Speck & Vicky Dyer | Jun-01 |
| Human Services | Gillian Chatfield w/Eileen Fitzgerald | Jun-01 |
| Membership Chairperson | Bettina Turner | Jun-01 |
| Music Chairperson | Unfilled | |
| Religious Education Chairperson | Amy Weickert | Jun-01 |
| Social Concerns Commitee | Unfilled | |
| Welcoming Congregation Chairperson | Sandra Horn | Jun-01 |
| Worship Chairperson | Rebecca Robertson | Jun-01 |
| Ministry Committee | Linda Fuller | Jun-03 |
| GA Delegates | Julia Farwell-Clay, Sue Creed Hanna Creed, Jennifer Kray, Rochelle Perry-Platine, Laurie Loosigian, and Steven James | Jun-01 |
Nominating Committee:
Valerie Hogan, Chairperson
Dorothy DiChiara
Eric Gootkind
Religious Education Committee
Annual Report 1999-2000
The Religious Education program at the First Religious Society continues to grow, evolve and challenge us. In the fall we held a parent orientation and hope that in the future this will generate increased parental involvement and support. This fall we also conducted a successful fire drill for Young Church and acquired valuable input from the Newburyport Fire Department.
The first term curriculum, "What is God," encouraged the children to formulate personal statements incorporating their ideas about God. The term culminated in a "God Service" developed by the youth, complete with masks they created to represent their ideas. Our Winter Revels Celebration had a Posadas inspiration and was well received with enthusiastic participation from the congregation.
The focus of the second term was Unitarian Universalist principles. The entire congregation was invited to learn our principles and put them into practice. To demonstrate our principles in action, the 5th and 6th grade students interviewed adult members and shared posters they designed about the individuals. The 7th grade collected money for Turning Point. YRUU members sponsored a "Coffee House" to raise funds for flood relief for people in Viet Nam and held a "Penny Drive" to benefit Pettengill House. Youth and adults collected canned goods, "walked against violence," helped at Salvation Army dinners, and generously contributed to the annual "Guest at Your Table" program.
Peace was the theme of the third term. Our youth held a "Peace Conference," participated in the "Dove Campaign" activities, and sponsored Sarah Pirtle's Peace concert at the First Religious Society. At Youth Sunday we dedicated a Peace Pole, which is inscribed with the words "May Peace Prevail On Earth" in four Languages and is the symbol of a worldwide organization dedicated to peace.
This year we offered, Our Whole Lives (OWL), the new sexuality program from the UUA, to the 7th and 8th grades. Many thanks to Steve James and Judy Shivik fir taking the training, leading the program, and educating the parents as well as the youth.
The Youth Service this year centered around the Up and Coming program organized by Kathleen Henderson. Participants Jennifer Kray with mentor Dorothy DiChiara and Hannah Creed with mentor Nancy Sullivan shared their experiences and personal belief statements. Special thanks to Kathleen Henderson and to Julia Farwell-Clay for orchestrating this moving service.
With 151 children registered and over 50 adults volunteering, there are that many people to thank for their contributions. To name but a few: Beth Riley, Gillian Chatfield and Roger Hatch of the Human Services Committee have done a wonderful job coordinating and cooperating with the RE program. Bev Olsen and Eric and Gen Gootkind have been tireless as Jr. YRUU advisors and thanks also to Sr. YRUU advisor Fred Long as well as Julia Farwell-Clay, who was previously mentioned. Thanks to JoAnne Vose, who continues to volunteer as accompanist to the Young Church Choirs, and to Claudia Keyian, our Young Church Choir Director, who shares her musical knowledge and talent with our children each Sunday. Thanks to our reliable nursery attendants, Ashley Perry-Platine, Michael Robertson and Sarah McLean. Thank you to the RE Committee members: Fred Long, Rae Mathieu, Peg Nicol (secretary), Jack Petras, Kathy Seidel, Cori Thurlow, David Turner, and Amy Weickert. Thanks also to our minister, Harold Babcock, for his support.
As with life, "All is change: all yields its place and goes," so it is with the RE program. Amy Weickert will be taking over as the chairperson for the RE Committee. Kathleen Henderson will be the new YRUU coordinator. Bev Olsen is moving to a great job in Portland, Gen Gootkind will be filling her spot as Jr. YRUU advisor and a search committee has been set up to settle a new RE Director. Regrettably Laurie Loosigian has resigned her position as RE Director to pursue other interests. We thank Laurie for her energy, enthusiasm and inspiration. Laurie has had a great impact on the RE program, and we wish her the very best.
In the spirit of "if nothing changes, nothing changes," we look forward to a great 2000 - 2001 church year, to new and renewed friendships and fellowship, and to the continued evolution of our beloved community.
Respectfully submitted,
Rochelle J Perry-Platine, Chair
Space Needs Committee
Annual Report May 2000
Last year's report
During the past year, the Space Needs Committee (Chaired initially by R Pullins, presently by H. Fairweather, A. Verret-Speck, deputy chairperson, P. Erickson, L. Fuller, B. Kray, P.McNamee, N.Crochiere, and P. Hurzeler) continued the work accomplished by many others over the prior years to respond to the urgent needs of a growing and vital church.
A survey was done of the members to obtain their views of the future needs, this information being translated into premises from which architectural work could begin. A summary of these follow:
- FRS will grow to 600 members; Sunday attendance will exceed 200.
- Young church grows to 120-160.
- Sanctuary space is adequate.
- Fire suppression is highly desirable.
- Handicap access is desirable.
- Connection between buildings is desirable.
- Present design, interior and exterior should be preserved.
- Small chapel space should be created.
- A minimum of 10 classrooms, dedicated or easily convertible, need to be created, including rooms for teens.
- Community space is needed, fitting 200-250 , with easy access to kitchen facilities and chair storage; this should be available for rental
- Office space should allow for minister and staff, probably 3 or 4 units with adequate space for equipment and privacy for the minister.
- Meeting space for groups 50-100 in size needs be available for adult education and community outreach.
- Storage space needs to be adequate.
These premises were confirmed in a parish meeting on May 4, 1999 with particular emphasis given to the view that "flexibility of space use is desirable" and "the buildings should be connected and accessible " and the integrity of the buildings should be maintained insofar as possible".
Subsequent to that meeting, TMS Associates , an architectural firm, was hired and, after a number of meetings, produced plans that were exhibited in the church gallery and discussed at a meeting in February, along with a review of structural report, mechanicals, and other information. In sum, the view was that the plans could be achieved without significant problems.
The next phase is to initiate Design Development, not yet approved at this time. (Total cost to date for this work has been $18,126, from an appropriation of $25,000 approved.) At present, work is being completed on obtaining a rough cost estimate for the proposed preliminary plans prior to Annual Meeting and other aspects of the program to bring to fruition the above-noted goals have been set in motion.
Critical to the plan is the ability to finance such a project, and accordingly, the committee, with the approval of the parish on Feb. 6, 2000 approved $6,200 to hire Wayne Clark, UUA Director of Congregational Fund Raising Services, to assist in a financial feasibility study. The results of this study were shared with the congregation at a meeting in early March. A summary of Mr. Clark's conclusions follow.
- The congregation should be able to raise $800,000 in a successful campaign.
- A greater awareness and support for the project must be achieved with a broader base of individuals involved.
- A five year financial projection for the church must be developed, including income and operating expenses as well as capital items.
- Job descriptions and reporting relationships within the church
administration must be refined to allow for proper staffing and
program development.
In accordance with the study's recommendations, and in conjunction with work initiated by the Personnel and Parish Committees, Space Needs Committee is moving ahead on several levels:
- Developing a program to more broadly inform the congregation and build enthusiasm for the project in anticipation of moving into high gear in the fall of 2000.
- Developing information on possible funding sources and examining the ramifications of various types of financing.
- Planning and recruiting leadership for a capital campaign.
We've included schematic drawings of the proposed renovation project in this report. They are also posted on the church's website, www.frsuu.org.
Respectfully submitted,
Howard H. Fairweather
The Swasey Fund
1999 - 2000
The Swasey Fund is set up to help people and organizations in need in our community.
The organizations helped this year:
- Newburyport Police D.A.R.E. Program
- Amesbury Fire Dept. program to tell children what to do when thereis a fire.
- Womens' Crisis Center when they are called to help women in need.
- A woman who needed the Alcoholic Awareness Program.
- Donation to the Y.W.C.A. and Turning Point.
- We have helped people by paying rent, transportation, utilities, food, lodging for the night, car repairs, camperships, and Christmas gifts.
- Several individuals have received help more than one occasion-single parent of a disabled child.
We expended about $3,500.
These are all done with the discretion of the minister.y submitted
Cary G. Plumer
Board of Trustees Annual Report
1999-2000
The Board of trustees of the First Religious Society last met on April 5, 2000. The trustees are Les Ferlazzo, Louise van Bokkelen, Roxie Kalashian, Barry Kray, Treasurer, and Linda Fuller, Chair. The Trustees are charged with stewardship of the endowment funds.
The total net worth of the endowment as of 2/29/00 was $1,969,970.83. Of that total, $119,982.45 was available for check writing. Of the funds in trust, some are restricted in their use, and others are unrestricted, or general endowment funds.
The FRS draws a budgeted amount from the income generated by the endowment. That amount is currently 5%. The Trustees decided at their April meeting to meet again in the middle of the next fiscal year to determine whether to continue at 5% or adjust that figure to 4%.
It was recommended at the April meeting that we switch our account from Prudential to Paine Webber. The vote in favor of this change was unanimous.
The trustees also unanimously voted to withdraw $50,000 from the Stover Fund (a fund restricted to the maintenance of the meeting house) for painting.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda L. Fuller
Up and Coming UUs Program
1999-2000
The Up and Coming Program of 1999-2000 held its first meeting December 4,1999 at cafe de Sienna, with its participants Jen Kray and Hannah Creed and its coordinator Kathleen Henderson.
We discussed a broad outline of the program; its requirements and its challenges hopefully leading to a wonderful spiritual "rite of passage" into adulthood as members of the First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist.
Under the guidance of the Director of Religious Education, Laurie Loosigian, Jen and Hannah participated in various activities:
- recreating the church's banner
- creating their credos
- ushering
- coffee hour hosting
- creating their personal collages
- announcing the Penny Harvest to the congregation
- coordinating and participating in the "WalkAainst violence'1 for the women's crisis Center
Their graduation took place April 30, 2000 in a wonderful ceremony coordinated by the gracious and very talented Julia Farwell-Clay, with their parents, friends and fellow members celebrating their "very special day". This is a very valuable program, for our children for we hold them in high esteem now and always.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Henderson
Up and Coming UU Coordinator
Worship Committee
Year-in-review 1999-2000
Half-hour meditation services in June and July were sparsely attended by a faithful few. In August attendance for the presentations on Hinduism, Buddhism and growing up Catholic picked up to about 5-10 visitors.
In the Fall our first guest speaker was Bert Steeves, followed by Dave Blanchard, and Don's Hunter. Nick Page and Ben Tousley sang for us. Linda-Lu, Schulz and co-speaker Cathy Cordes told us about he Transylvanian Unitarian church, Tim Ashton talked about the mid-sized church, and John Mercer talked about he Power of Prayer. We had 'sharing of joys and concerns' 3-4 times.
We are arranging a flower communion for Mother's Day and we will be coordinating work Sunday.
We initiated the occasional Old-Timer/New-Comers column, and several of us were the fortunate interviewer/writers.
Our plans for the future are these: 'Joys and Concerns' will
be modified in format so that
individual concerns can be written and put into a box upon entry
into the church or during the service up to a point. Harold will
receive these comments and share them. Please let us know if
this method works well after we have tried it a few times. Comments
that explain why you like or dislike a thing are the easiest
for us to understand and incorporate.
We will be continuing summer services this summer in the same format as last summer with the addition of taped music from Barbara Owen for the meditation Sundays, and additional publicity. Please join us.
Respectfully submitted by Rebecca Robertson, Chair,
for the Worship Committee: Barbara Owen, Leanna Sorcor, Roger
Hatch, Rick Anderson, the Kantaks.
Finance Committee
May, 2000
The Finance Committee is pleased to report a successful year for the church in terms of operating results. We are likely to end the year within the budget approved at the May, 1999 annual meeting. The reasons for this performance include:
- Strong contributions, which likely reflect the high level of commitment we all feel for our church community
- Additional fundraising events, such as the auction, rummage sales, book sale, May Breakfast, and Candlelight Service, were strong sources of income
- Healthy returns on our endowment funds
- Committee chairpersons and church staff have done a good job of managing expenses relative to their budgets.
The Annual Canvass for 2000-2001 was a success. Over 60 canvassers and other volunteers worked hard and accomplished much. To date, pledges total $188,724 which represents an increase of over 9% in pledges for 1999-2000. In total over the last four canvasses, we have seen an increase of 85% 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. A more detailed Canvass Report follows.
In spite of all this, we are unable to present a balance budget for July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001. Details of the proposed budget also follow.
Thank you to all who have contributed so much time and individual effort to making this such a successful year.
Respectfully submitted,
2000-2001 Canvass Report
5/15/2000
The pledge drive continues and probably will end only with the beginning of the new fiscal year. For this, your Canvass Committee is sorry. We still have to hear from about 20 parishioners, and because of that, we are still feeling certain about reaching our goal of $190,000.
We have received pledges from 215 friends and members of our church with a record contribution level of $188,724.00 ($875.00 average pledge, $520.00 median pledge). The represents an increase of 9% over total pledges for the 1999-00 fiscal year.
- Twenty-four pledges are new this year.
- Twenty-two pledges were increased by 30% or more over last year's pledge amounts.
- Fifty-one pledges are at the Sustaining or Benefactor Level, including six pledges that are new to this level.
- These pledges totaled $108,375 or over one-half of all pledge dollars.
This year, a $5,700 matching fund was created by several generous donors. For those persons who pledged $1,000 or less for 1999-00 and increased their 2000-01 pledge by 30% or more, the amount of their increase was matched. Twenty-two pledges met this criterion, which allowed us to take advantage of $3,921 offered through the matching fund.
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$188,724 |
In historical memory, the parish has never pledged so much money, nor made so many pledges, and for that, we can all be thankful. But even more, we may be thankful that the raising of the money--the way we do it--allows us to meet each other, to enjoy each other, and to reacquaint ourselves with old friends. Even money-raising can become a sociable act of the spirit.
John Mercer and Steven Swallow
Proposed Operating Budget
July 1, 2000 - June 30, 2001
The proposed budget for the 2000 - 2001 fiscal year, presented in detail on the following pages, totals $349,804. This represents a 36% increase in total expenses from the last fiscal year. Also shown is projected income of $261,220, which is 13% higher than income budgeted for the last fiscal year.
The budget shows a deficit of $3,752. Budgeted investment income from the endowment to be used for operating expenses is limited to the prudent amount recommended by the Trustees. A planned withdrawal of capital in the amount of $50,000 will be used to paint the church.
Some highlights of the proposed budget include:
- Increase of 5% for our minister's expenses
- Increased salary of 3.8% for all remaining staff
- Continued funding of a Sabbatical Fund
- Contribution to a Maintenance Fund, in order to help us level out the impact of major building maintenance and repair expenses
- 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
- Funding for the Space Needs Committee
Parish Committee Annual Report
1999-2000
"Nothing endures but change." Heraclitus (c.540 - c.480 B.C.)
These words were spoken by Heraclitus before the start of the first millennium. As the First Religious Society turns the corner into the third such millennium, it is very apparent as to why Heraclitus words live on. He was right!! Webster's defines change as " a passing from one state or form to another". To borrow a marine analogy from a friend, we find ourselves having booked passage on a ship riding out a changing sea….and we most assuredly did not take a parish vote to do so! Change. It has been the watchword of this year of years.
- This church year has found the Parish Committee:Forming a Personnel Sub-committee to address such pressing matters as developing concise, up-to-date job descriptions, annual job reviews, producing an Employee Handbook and establishing policy on benefits. Some of this work has been sidetracked by the resignations of our DRE and church secretary, as the need for forming search committees to fill these positions took precedence.
- Re-evaluating our financial operation, and taking steps to address areas of need. The decision was made to hire an independent accounting firm to work with us. Our methods of financial management had been sufficient when we were a smaller church. That small church has grown to a mid-size church and it has become apparent that we need to grow our methods of organizational operation as well.
- Working with the Space Needs Committee and others towards the ultimate goals of finalizing the plans for renovations to the Meetinghouse and Parish Hall, and launching a Capital Campaign at the appropriate time.
These are just a few of the highlights. The Parish Committee has continued to conduct the usual business of the church as well. As you read through this Annual Report, you will see just how vibrant our church community is. The blend of new and old traditions and the mix of newer and older members in the life of the First Religious Society are wonderful to see. I respect, and depend on, the history and tradition of our church. But I know we can't be smug or complacent. Change is an enduring aspect of all our lives. Even in the life of a venerable old church such as ours.
What truly makes our church a community are the people we find here and the feeling of fellowship that is so evident. As the year has progressed, I am grateful for the incredible support and caring that I have received as the committee chair. The Parish Committee is comprised of a dedicated, hard-working and talented group of individuals. They have given untold amounts of time and energy to conducting the business of the Parish. Our minister, Harold Babcock, continues to stand by all of us as we make our journey. I am indebted to the wonderful people of the First Religious Society.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda L. Fuller
