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This Week
Kaylee Jean Litcofsky
born March 27
a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association,
26 Pleasant Street, Newburyport, MA 01950
Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Church Phone: (978) 465-0602 - Minister's Line: (978) 465-6504 - Fax: (978) 462-0384
Web Page: www.frsuu.org - e-mail: frsuu@netway.com
The Rev. Harold E. Babcock, Minister The Rev. Bertrand H. Steeves, Minister Emeritus
The Rev. Zsolt Jakab, Guest Minister
This Sunday the Rev. Zsolt Jakab, minister of our Unitarian Partner Church in Ujszekely, Transylvania (a region of Romania) will be visiting our church and preaching from our pulpit. Some of you may remember Zsolt from his visit in 1999. He will be accompanied by his wife, Borika, and the president of the Ujszekely congregation, Josif Buzogany, and his wife, Zsuzsa (Susy). Zsolt's brother, Denes Jakab (pronounced like "Danish"), a doctoral student in Budapest, Hungary, will translate. The Jakabs and Buzoganys are ethnic Hungarians whose first language is Hungarian. We hope that you will take this opportunity to learn more about our Partner Church relationship and to greet our Transylvanian visitors! There will be a child dedication ceremony for Lucas Orion Brzozowski during the service this morning.
Flowers: On this day, the 90th anniversary of Martyr's Day, the flowers are given by Claudia Keyian in memory of the two million Armenians who lost their lives in the first genocide of the 20th century, and in honor of those who survived.
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting this week is donated by Amy Badger in loving memory of Mark Badger.
The Rev. Zsolt Jakab, Guest Minister
Transylvania Communion Service
At 4:30 pm, the Rev. Jakab and Harold Babcock will lead a Transylvanian communion service, or "The Lord's Supper," in the sanctuary for those interested. The Transylvanian Unitarians, whose church dates to the 1500's and who are liberal Christians, normally celebrate The Lord's Supper four times a year, at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. There are also occasional communion services. In the Transylvanian Unitarian tradition, communion is a service done simply in remembrance of Jesus, the emphasis of which is on building the beloved community. There is nothing magical or supernatural about it. It is almost identical to communion services from our own North American Unitarian and Universalist tradition. There will be a potluck supper in the Lower Meetinghouse following the service. This will be another opportunity to greet our Transylvanian friends.
New Member Recognition Sunday
Rev. Harold Babcock
"A Faith for All Seasons"
This morning we will once again welcome new members-those who have decided to become legal voting members of the congregation and who have submitted an Application for Membership-into the fellowship of the First Religious Society in a Ceremony of New Member Recognition. If you have been considering becoming a member of the First Religious Society and would like to be included, or if you have questions about membership, please speak to Harold Babcock or call John Mercer, Administrator, at 978-465-0602 before April 28.
Flowers: The flowers for today's service have been donated by Laurie Christiansen and Richard George in honor of their third wedding anniversary.
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting this week is donated by Barbara Burnim in memory of her husband, Bernard H. Burnim.
New Member Luncheon: The annual New Member Luncheon is scheduled this Sunday in the lower meetinghouse, following the worship service. If you have joined the FRS since November of 2004, you will receive a personal invitation by mail. Please RSVP to Ann Kemp and let her know if you will attend and need babysitting services. We look forward to getting to know one another better over brunch and good conversation.
You know how this works: you bring a dish of something--a main course, a salad, vegetable, bread, or the like--and then you get to sample lots of other dishes made by your friends and neighbors. Come share your cooking and share the fellowship with our Transylvanian visitors at a potluck supper, following the 4:30 Sunday service. The potluck will be in the Lower Meetinghouse, not in the Parish Hall, so bring dishes that don't require reheating, if possible. Barbara Owen is coordinating this supper; to find out what to bring or simply to let her know you're coming, please call her or send her e-mail at owenbar@juno.com.
Congratulations to Julie Parker Amery - An excerpt from Julie Parker Amery's sermon of February 6, "This Little Life of Mine," appears in the "Reflections" section of the current UU World magazine.
Sunday, May 1
Supporting the Women's Crisis Center
The Human Services Committee will be sponsoring an FRS team to walk for the Crisis Center this year. Eileen Fitzgerald and Florence Mercer will be handing out pledge forms and collecting pledges after church on April 24. We did a great job last year but we know we can do even better this year.
Save the date
The FRS's annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 25. A pot-luck supper at 6:30 p.m. will precede the meeting at 7:30 p.m. It is at the annual meeting that the FRS members make most of the decisions that guide the running of the Society for the next fiscal year. Your counsel is requested.
from the FRS Social Action Committee
Social Action will meet on Tuesday, May 3, at 7:00 p.m. in the Lower Meetinghouse. Anyone interested in helping out with the Spring Speaker event, please join us! We are also looking for a new committee chair for next year. No previous experience necessary! If you've been thinking about joining the committee please come!!
Mark Your Calendars - Saturday, May 21 at 6 pm in the Lower Meetinghouse - for The Social Action Committee's Third Annual Spring Speaker: Sean Sheehan, Outreach Director for Center for a New American Dream. Sean will be speaking about how to Simplify... and Make a Difference. Come for a light supper and a dynamic conversation! To find out more about the Center for a New American Dream, visit www.newdream.org. No admission fee. Open to the public! Families welcome!
Did you know . . . there is actually a solid waste dump planned for Concord, NH, right on the Merrimack? We'd like to encourage action to stop this from happening, as the dump stands to pollute our water and the water of every town south of Concord, NH. We can stop this from happening! We need to take action. Oxbow NH has started a legal fund. For more information or to donate time or funds, visit www.oxbownh.org. Look for information on our upcoming discussion "Garbage on the Merrimack: a closer look at landfill upriver" in the next Steeple Biweekly.
NAMI Walk - On May 14, 2005, Carole Bisgrove, a parishioner here at First Religious Society, is going to be participating in the inaugural NAMI Massachusetts WALK for the Mind of America. Walking in memory of her brother who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, Carole hopes to raise awareness about mental health issues and the impact on individuals living with mental illness and their families.
NAMI, The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, is a non-profit "grassroots" organization established in 1979 by family members of individuals with severe mental illness. NAMI coordinates local support programs, community education and awareness building activities, and advocates for better services and funding for people with mental illness. All net proceeds from the WALK will be used to increase community outreach and education, build future leaders, and further NAMI's mission to new families and individuals living with mental illness.
Carole will be walking with the NAMI North East Essex Team. She will have materials on the walk at COFFEE HOUR ON APRIL 24TH with information on how to walk or pledge or both. She can be reached at family@bisgrove.com. You can get more information about NAMI and/or the WALK by going to their web site www.namimass.org, or by calling 781-938-4048.
Joys: FRS members Jeff and Laura Litcofsky announce of the birth of Kaylee Jean Litcofsky on Easter day, March 27.
May 7
from the FRS Hospitality Committee
May Breakfast is soon upon us! We will be taking sign ups for breakfast items for this most delicious church fundraiser at coffee hour beginning April 3. If it's easier, please call me or send me e-mail at obrien_p@jud.state.ma.us to let me know how you'd like to help: which item you'd like to bring (ham, baked beans, breakfast muffins/breads/coffee cakes, fruit salad) or whether you would like to sign up to serve breakfast or both. Please drop off your goodies on Friday evening, May 6, between 5:00 and 6:30 or the following morning before serving hours. Thanks!
Coming Soon: A UU Coffeehouse!
A coffeehouse, hosted by eight youth in our church who are raising money to go to Transylvania this summer, will be held in the Parish Hall at 7:00 p.m. on April 30. They are looking for acts of three or fewer people. Types of acts include music (acoustic), drama and comedy. All performers must be high school aged or older. Please pick up a registration form and performer's guidelines outside Julie Parker Amery's office in the Lower Meetinghouse. And even if you don't perform, please plan to attend the event and support our youth!
from the FRS Membership Committee
Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 14, when the Membership Committee will next sponsor Circle Dinners. These have been a favorite event for some time, since they offer us all the chance both to broaden and to deepen our community. Help spread the word, especially to newcomers and the shy! Look for sign up sheets in the Parish Hall during coffee hours on April 24, May 1, or May 8, or call Jane Nocera or write to her at edgarnocera@hotmail.com.
These are dinners for eight, a wonderful way for all adults in our community to get together in small informal groups in the homes of various volunteer hosts and hostesses. Those new to the community are particularly welcome! This is a strictly social event. If you prefer, you may sign up to attend or to host a family circle dinner that includes your child or children.
You can sign up to be a host or a guest. Hosts open their home and provide the table settings and something for the shared meal. Hosts also coordinate the dishes that the various guests will provide. Guests bring a dish for the shared meal (hors d'oeuvres, main dish, side dishes, or dessert) as well as their own beverages.
a service project of the Monday Shared Ministry Group
On Saturday, May 7 (the eve of Mother's Day), the Monday Night-Shared Ministry Group will host, feed, and entertain your children, aged one and up from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Plan a special evening and leave your children with us at the Parish Hall. Dinner and fun are included!
Children will be cared for by experienced Moms and Adult Babysitters, who are members of the Shared Ministry Group and are pleased to offer this event as their service project. Sign-ups will be offered at coffee hour on Sunday, April 24 - look for our table.
If you have any questions or would like to sign up now, you may also call Julie Parker-Amery at the church office.
This past Sunday, an African woman from Heifer International spoke to the Young Church Sunday School classes. When I asked her what she might be interested in bringing back to her family from this trip, she mentioned a camera. With so many people converting to digital cameras, it might be possible that someone has a simple point-and-shoot type camera no longer being used. If you would like to recycle it by passing it along, please get in touch with me, and I will arrange for pickup.
from the FRS Human Services Committee
The Lakota Project -- I am told that the Lakota people are among the poorest people in the western hemisphere, second only to the people of Haiti. As a Mid-westerner, I know that South Dakota has a cruelly cold winter, and many children do not have the proper clothing to keep them warm. Consequently, we are attempting to collect as many new and gently used winter coats as possible. If you see a warm coat at a used clothing store or yard sale this spring, consider buying it for the Lakota children. Or you could donate your children's old outerwear (clean and in good condition, of course). Spring seems to be here, so as you prepare to put away your children's outgrown winter things, consider donating them to the Lakota Project. There will be a collection box for these coats on a table in the church vestibule.
Rummage Sale! - Deliver clothing items to church office Monday through Thursday, April 25 - 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; come buy on Friday, April 29, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
At their meeting on Wednesday, April 14, the members of the Parish Committee paused to express their awe-struck appreciation for the devoted work of Anne Verret-Speck in leading this year's canvass and of Linda Tulley and Candace Erickson in organizing and leading the auction. The appreciation was further emphasized by the frequent use of the word, "Wow!"
MEDITATION OR TAI CHI? Are you interested in meditation or tai chi? Show your interest by attending a free meditation demonstration by Chris Morton on April 26, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., in a classroom in the lower church. Paul Mahoney will give the tai chi demonstration on April 28, 7-8pm, in the lower church. If enough people are interested, the Adult Education Committee will organize classes.
SPRING BIRDING ON PLUM ISLAND, Sunday, May 8, 7:00 to 9:30am, fee $10. Birding with Bill and Marsha Gette is a joyful experience. You won't believe the number of birds you will see: egrets, herons, many species of ducks, and colorful warblers stopping at Plum Island on their northward migration. Bring your binoculars to the Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center. Act quickly: sign-ups close for this program on Thursday, May 5.
In 1915 Sarah Doolittle gave her family home to the Universalist Convention of Massachusetts to be used as a residence for the elderly, especially those of the Universalist faith. Over the years there has been a strong relationship between the Home and the UUA. Now, the current Chair of the Board of Trustees, who is a fundamentalist Christian, is trying to sever that tie. He even hired a policeman in uniform to keep people who disagreed with him (UUs who are members of the corporation) out of last year's Annual Meeting. Rev. Harold Babcock, who was once a trustee of this home, says, "This sad story shows what can happen when we don't take enough responsibility for our institutions."
The legal costs to fight for Doolittle are mounting. Please contribute - a large check if you can, but a small one if you can't. Checks should be made out to: The UUA Fund for Doolittle Home, Inc. and sent to the UUA, Attention Jerry Gabert, 25 Beacon St. Boston, MA 02108. Please be generous. We are very grateful for your support. For more information call Rev. Dorothy Boroush, 508-824-2953, dboroush@aol.com.
from the FRS Auction Committee
Thanks to all our generous donors and bidders at the First Religious Society's Eighth Annual Auction, held on April 9; the Auction's net profit was more than $15,000, well above the amount budgeted. Much merriment ensured, and wonderful hats were espied. The official hat contest winners were Pat Ouellette and Laura Roberts. Carolyn Dawson was the winner of the special Egg prize, the lovely necklace pictured in the Auction Catalog.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! |
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| A big, thank you to Candace Erickson, Co-Chair, who was unable to be with us the night of the Auction-she was a big part of everything that went into planning and carrying out the Auction and we missed her and Peter's presence. Greeters: Beth and Scot Cawley, Pat Bashford, Ann Kemp Auction Catalog: Vicki Dyer Bar Tenders: Judy Shivik, Anne Verret-Speck Bar Setup: Forrest Speck "Egg" Coordinator: Donna Seim. A sincere thank you also to all the merchants and individuals who donated items for the Egg prizes. Communications: (strategy and wordsmithing): Wendy Ford Auctioneers: Bill Hennehan, Steve Swallow, John Mercer, Chris Snow, Jean Snow, Tom Stites Sound System: Edson Worden Transport and setup: Jon Steeves, Bruce Ford, Martin Seim, Forrest Speck Silent Auction setup: Allyson Lawless, Donna Seim, Skye Wentworth |
Table Decor Design and Execution (also design of our invitation): Rochelle Perry-Platine assisted by Cori Thurlow Slide Show (a new and much complimented feature of the Auction): Cyd Raschke and Brent Mitchell. We would also like to thank Westy Ford for the photographs he took before the Auction to contribute to the slide show. Dinner: Greg Pugh, owner of Mad Martha's Café, and his staff Pies and Cakes for dessert: Jon Roberts Assistance with Wine and Beer purchases: Walter Clay and Candace and Peter Erickson "Back of the House"/Checkout: Vicki Dyer, Marna Badavas, Pamela Herman Vetting of donated items prior to Auction: Tom Stites, Chris and Jean Snow Crew Sustenance during Auction Setup: Marty Seim Youth Helpers: (Egg Sales, Runners, all around helpers): Westy Ford, Samantha Steeves, Liam Wilbur Coffee: Cecilia Healy |
Now that spring has finally sprung, come visit the FRS Parish Library, in the new space below the Lower Meetinghouse. Many interesting titles arrived over the winter, representing a range of subjects, for which many thanks to our several benefactors. Our administrator, John Mercer, draws your attention specifically to the several copies of The Almost Church by Michael Durall, who, as a church consultant, is responsible for much of the innovative thinking buzzing around UU churches. This year a ten-person team from the FRS attended a seminar presented by Mr. Durall and returned appropriately invigorated and renewed in vision. The book is a short, easy read that could easily change the ways UU churches operate.
from the FRS Nominating Committee
The Denominational Affairs Committee is looking for FRS members and interested persons to join this liaison committee. It is a great way to keep involved with the UUA and its programs. A letter from the Association's president, Rev. William G. Sinkford states: "As I look around our hurting world, I cannot help but believe that the world would be a better place if our Unitarian Universalist message of love and acceptance were more widespread. And I know that you share this belief with me. Several months ago I was delighted to announce that the Association was making available to our congregations resources to help you raise the visibility of Unitarian Universalism in your communities. At that time, basic resources designed to focus on "in-reach" within our congregations (what we've called The Uncommon Denomination: Tier 1) were offered on our website. We've heard from many of our congregations that they are using these resources, are seeing their effectiveness, and are eager for more." If you would like to be involved with this committee, please call me or send me e-mail.
UUSC's Holiday Card Design Contest 2005
You're invited to submit your designs for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's 2005 holiday cards. Your card should be attractive, engaging and thoughtful. Artists of all ages and skill levels are urged to share their work. Winners' names and congregations will appear on their cards which will be purchased and shared by UUs nationwide. Proceeds benefit UUSC's worldwide efforts to advance human rights and social justice. Visit www.uusc.org/holidaycards for more details and submission guidelines. Submissions must be received by UUSC by May 6, 2005.
Canvass Results
The Canvass, as most of us know, is hard work, and lots of it! On its own, the canvass was an enormous success:
- We raised more than we have ever raised before - a total of $251,000 in pledges have been received
- More family units have made pledges than ever before (240), which bodes well for the future
- Leadership giving continued to be robust
- We had a team of 67 canvassers, who called on more prospects than ever (298)
And very special thanks to our pledgers or those who have estimated their next year's giving. They allow us to make a reliable budget: Lee McLaughlin & Maureen Adams, Jack & Lorraine Adelman, Ruth Pike Allen, Women's Alliance, Julie Parker Amery, Jonathan March & Jeanne Anderson, Richard Anderson, David & Marilyn Archibald, Marjorie Babcock, Rev. Harold & Sabrina Babcock, William Heenehan & Marna Badavas, Ted Bailey, Leslie Lawrence & Stan Barrett, David Stickney & Carol Barron, Patricia Bashford, Ben Staples & Deborah Blagg, Louise Van Bokkelen, David Hildt & Kate Broughton, Brent Mitchell & Jessica Brown, Will & Linda Buddenhagen, Barbara Burnim, Sallie W. Butler, Alexander & Liss Campbell, Charles & Joan Carroll, Lindsay Cavanagh, Scot & Beth Cawley, Stan Cecil, Jim and Ann Chase, David & Gillian Chatfield, Richard George and Laurie Christiansen, P. Coffin, Ned McClung & Anne Comeau, Andrew & Sue Creed, Paul & Nancy Crochiere, Laurie Evans-Daly and Richard Daly, Lorene Daniels, Carolyn Dawson, Marc Cendron & Jennifer Day, Marion DeParolesa, Rich Descoteaux, Jean DeZarn, Chuck Kennedy & Anne Dodge, John M. Dodge & Ann Dooley, Mary C. Doyle, Stephen & Gwen Dudley, James & Vicki Dyer, Erik & Beth Eames, Suzanne Egan-Anderson, Peter & Candace Erickson, Mary Miles and Roy Rigor da Eva, Howard & Dorothy Fairweather, Julia Farwell-Clay, Jo E. Fay, Leslie Ferlazzo, Eileen Fitzgerald, Bruce & Wendy Ford, Marise Fraser, Christine Frisch, Kirby & Kim Gallagher, Anne & Bill Ganzenmuller, Greg & Catherine Garnache, Joanne Gay, Nick & Traci Gere, Bill & Marsha Gette, Betty Gillette, Pam Girardi, Eric & Genevieve Gootkind, John Harwood, Mary Wilkins Haslinger, Roger Hatch, Paul and Cecilia Healy, James & Nancy Henderson, Nancy Herbison-Evans, Pamela Herman, Carol Herzog, Eugene C. Hirtle, Sandra Horn, Marie Huppuch, Philip & Pat Hurzeler, Chris and Veronique Hyde, Todd Herrmann & Dr. Steven E. James, Lisa Johnson, Scott & Rebecca Jordan, Janet Kalashian, Roxie Kalashian, Susan McIntire Kaplan, Steven Rowe & Mary Keeler, David & Heidi Kelleher, Tim Kelleher, Ann Kemp, James & Nancy Kidd, Carol & Stanley Kilty, Murray & Jean Kiteley, Kathleen Kondylas, Scott & Barb Kresge, and Steven & Janice Krusemark.
If you have pledged and your name does not appear here, please let me know.
We had an aggressive goal of $303,000 in pledges to support the committee's budget submissions and the structural increases in the budget, principally the mortgage. We have fallen short of our goal, and the Finance and Parish Committees had to make some painful decisions.
1. All budgets for 2005-2006 will be frozen at their current levels. Neither salaries nor program spending will increase.
2. Structural and operating increases totaling $26,097 will be added to the 2004-5 base as follows:
- Mortgage Commitment - $14,592
- Personnel Health and Disability Insurance increase - $5,713
- Fuel Oil increase - $4,000
- Utilities (sewer and water; gas) increase - $1,000
- Mass Bay District increase - $613
- UUA increase - $179
4. Given the shortfall and the decisions above, amounts for the following items were not funded:
- Ministry - $3500 - Intern Minister
- Religious Education - $900 - expansion of Up and Coming program; carrying out of the FRS Safe Congregation Policy, expansion of family outreach
- Music - $6150 - a second section leader, purchase of UU anthems, added Candlelight musicians
- Building - $4,000 - replacement of room dividers in upper Parish Hall
- Denominational Affairs - $2,500 - general assembly registration
- Adult Education - $2000 - external speakers program - Inviting Religious Inquiry
- Parish Committee - $1500 - leadership development and visioning work
- Partner Church - $3000 - donations to our Partner Church and other Partner Church activties
- Personnel - Return previous levels - $1800 for professional development; $3650 for 14% FRS traditional retirement benefits from last year's reduction to 12%
- Personnel - Salary increases - $6002 for 3% cost-of-living raise; $8866 for other raises recommended by Parish Committee
