Home
Minister
Young Church
Music
Governance
Calendar
This Week
Time: The Minister Considers It
Remember to FALL BACK on Sunday, October 30
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
Rev. Harold Babcock
"From Nationalism to Globalism"
This Sunday is traditionally celebrated as United Nations Sunday. The sermon will explore our collective need for a more global, less nationalistic vision for our world. Nationalism continues to fuel many conflicts around the world. Unless we can learn to live together as one people, it is hard to see how we can continue to survive on our ever-shrinking planet. The sermon will investigate.
Flowers: The flowers for this morning's service are donated by Jim and Nancy Warner in memory of their mothers, Julie Caracciolo and Marjorie Warner.
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated by Linda, Bob and Will Fuller in loving memory of Bob's grandmother, Frances Bryant Fuller, and Linda's grandmother, Gladys Gammon Lindquist.
Coffee Hour: Lee McLaughlin and Dotty DiChiara of the Welcoming Congregation Committee.
October 30, 10:30 a.m.
Rev. Bertrand Steeves
"William Ellery Channing"
A minister is frequently asked "Where do you get your sermon ideas?" The credit for the idea of this sermon goes to our member, Tom Stites, editor of the UU World for publishing Rev. Jack Mendelsohn's article on William Ellery Channing. The content is mine. Do not blame Tom, or Jack.
Flowers: The flowers for today's service are donated by Gayden, Rob and Jim Morrill and their families in memory of their father Frank Morrill and "his better half," Frances.
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated in remembrance of D'Arcy VanBokkelen by his wife, Louise, and children, James and Katrina.
Coffee Hour: Marie Murphy and Florence Mercer of the Adult Education Committee.
FRS Current Events Forum: 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. in Lower Meetinghouse Conference Room - "Does Jane Need Tarzan? Part II - More on Sorting out Relationships between Men and Women."
. . . early 20th century France when the Candlelight Choir and organists Frances Burmeister and Robert Littlefield present a program of choral and organ music on Sunday, October 30, at 7:00 p.m. at the First Religious Society. Featured on the program are the Solemn Mass by Louis Vierne for choir and two organs (choir and small organ versus the great organ) and organ works by Alain, Langlais, Dupré, and concluding with the Widor Toccata.
A $10 donation will be accepted.
Dear Members and Friends of the First Religious Society:
Many, many thanks for all of the kind words, letters, cards, and gifts received during my 10th anniversary celebration weekend! It was a wonderful occasion, one which I will never forget. Thanks especially to all who worked so hard to make it happen. Thanks to the Pit Band for the wonderful music. Thanks to Ron Pullins for seeing my book through publication, to Cecilia Healy for making it happen, and to all who helped with its creation along the way. Sabrina and I appreciate all your kindness and care. It is truly an honor to serve as your minister!
They sounded great from the pulpit, and now they look great on the page. If you were unable to attend the tenth anniversary party and, thus, have yet to receive a copy of Harold's book, Sunday Sermons, call the church office, where they are available at $12.95 a copy.
from the FRS Director of Music
Rehearsals start on Sunday, November 6 from 2:00 - 3:30. We'll be singing Vaughan Williams, Arvo Pärt, and a couple of old chestnuts. Please join us!
Young Church Families Meet the Minister - Sunday, October 23, from 11:45 to 12:30 p.m.
All families new to the FRS are invited to come to the Lower Meetinghouse after church to meet our minister, Harold Babcock, as well as other new families. Grab a cup of coffee next door, then come on over!
Fourth Friday Family Night - Friday, October 28, at 6:00 p.m.
The Religious Education Committee invites all to come to the Lower Meetinghouse for some Halloween fun on Friday, October 28. Come at 6:00 for pizza, Charlie Brown, and Halloween crafts. The original Harry Potter movie will be shown at approximately 7:30. Bring sleeping bags and pillows for comfortable viewing. Hope to see you there!
Ministry to Youth Committee - Sunday, October 30, from 9:45 to 10:00 a.m.
The first Ministry to Youth Committee meeting will be held on Sunday, October 30, from 9:45 - 10:00 in the Lower Meetinghouse. All youth in grades 7 through 12 are encouraged to come have a say in the youth programming of the church. If you have questions, contact Julie Parker Amery at the church or by email at Julie.amery@verizon.net.
Young Church Orientation - Sunday, October 30, from 11:45 to 12:30 p.m.
Earlier this year Bura received 12 heifers and 36 beehives from the Greater Newburyport Bura Alliance. The GNBA has pledged $22,000 to this project. One half has been sent, and the Bura Alliance is now fundraising for the goat component.
So, come to the presentation! Bring a sandwich, and the Alliance will provide coffee, tea and dessert. Find our how you can help and become involved in the Heifer Project. (Moms - be able to tell your kids how they can help next spring with their fundraising in Young Church and explain how the project works and where the money goes.) If you cannot attend and would like to help, you may make donations using the project ID number 21-0334-01 payable to Heifer International.
Yo, I'm a U U dude, are you a U U too?
Parishioner Ben Labaree is a local historian and former professor of history at Williams College. The course will focus on Newburyport as it was in the years 1640, 1770, and 1940. Our church figures in that history, though much else was happening. Ben has studied Newburyport (and environs) history for many years and presents it in a very engaging way.
Three Prophets of Religious Liberalism: Channing, Emerson, Parker
Conrad Wright's oft-reprinted book offers three of the pivotal, historical statements of American Unitarianism: Channing's "Unitarian Christianity," Emerson's "Divinity School Address," and Parker's "Transient and Permanent in Christianity." We will read and discuss these essays in three sessions. Read the first essay before the first meeting.
Flight from Death: The Quest for Immortality
Though the title is daunting, this turns out to be a very entertaining and thought-provoking film. Three sociologists set out to test the theories of Ernest Becker, who said that death anxiety can cause people to turn against outsiders and even resort to violence. Filmed all over the world, this documentary examines death anxiety on spiritual, cultural and psychological levels, leaving the viewer with a heightened awareness of how this plays out in our everyday lives. One of the best films in the 2004 Newburyport Film Festival, this is a must-see experience. Munchies & drinks provided. All are welcome.
Knitting Workshop
In preparation for New Member Sunday on November 13, all are invited to attend
"Meet the Minister" with Harold Babcock on October 23 after church in the
Conference Room. You are also invited to attend "Introduction to First
Religious Society Membership" with John Mercer on Nov. 6 after church in the
Conference Room.
Lecturer: The Rev. Peter T. Richardson author of The Boston Religion: Unitarianism in its Capital City, Four Spiritualities: A Psychology of Contemporary Spiritual Choice, and several other titles. He is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Historical Society, Secretary of the U. S. Chapter of I.A.R.F., and President of the Maine Association of Psychological Type.
Tuesday, November 8, 12:00 noon
First Religious Society Alliance will host Nancy Sullivan's presentation and experiences with the Greater Newburyport Bura Alliance. This is a formal organization between Newburyport and Bura (in eastern Kenya); a friendship-based development that works through exchanges of people and ideas. Nancy has been to Bura, Kenya, three times and has worked with the villagers on an AIDS education project involving training and traveling. Nancy is also gathering a group of interested people to travel to Kenya to experience the village, visit our friends there, and observe the Heifer Project in action.
To make sure that your thoughts appear in the scrapbook we will be putting together and presenting to Harold, we will need to receive them by the end of October, however you get them here.
H.E.B
by Liam Wilbur
Performed on October 7, 2005
Yeah, I run around town wit my U U crew
We show all these crazy people how a U U do
I got that UU cool
I ain't no U U fool
You know the golden rule
Don't be a UU tool.
Now Harold, he's the leader of the pack
He be rockin on the sermons, pick it up, bring it back
He be cruising wit the robe 'cause he ain't no slack
And I'm gonna have a crazy U U rap attack.
Yo, I'm a U U dude, are you a U U too?
Yeah, I run around town wit my U U crew
We show all these crazy people how a U U do
Yo I know I rock these beats with a U U mood
And after church I know where to get that U U food
And H to the Arold he's the man with the plan
He's knows what's goin on, he's the leader of the clan
He ministers to his flock from high atop his perch
Hey, where else can you write a rap about church?
Yo, I'm a U U dude, are you a U U too?
Yeah, I run around town wit my U U crew
We show all these crazy people how a U U do
Now it's been 10 years, ten long years
With joys and sorrows, laughter and tears
But one thing remains the same as the years go by,
Harold is the man, he's the go to guy
He hails, from Maine,
From far off Castine
I hear the hood is pretty tough and the streets are pretty mean
NOT REALLY!
Well yeah, but I hear the church is nice,
theirs is pretty good, but ours is better by twice
I bet when He was growin up, he could never foresee
That he would be the leader of a ministry
Well, he's doin a better job than I could ever do,
so all we have to say is:
Hats off to you!
Yo, I'm a U U dude, are you a U U too?
Yeah, I run around town wit my U U crew
We show all these crazy people how a U U do
from the FRS Adult Education Committee
Newburyport: Three Centuries of Change, 1640-1940
Thursdays, November 3, 10, 17, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Led by Ben Labaree
Register by calling 978 465 0602 x401 Deadline October 27
Fridays, November 4, 11, 17, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Led by Harold Babcock
Register by calling 978-465-0602 x 401 Deadline: October 28
Program Fee: $16 (for book)
DVD viewing - free
Saturday, November 5, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Lower Parish Hall
Every other Saturday in the Lower Meetinghouse Conference Room
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Next workshop is October 22.
Those lovely centerpieces created by Rochelle Perry-Platine seen recently at Harold's celebration party at the Kiwi are actually for sale! The set includes a gold charger, festive garland, candle and trifle bowl, all for $20.00. Also for sale are the smaller amber glass candle bowls with wire ribbon rims for $5 for two amber glass candle bowls or $6 for three bowls. Available at coffee hour on Sunday.
The Fall Rummage Sale will be on Friday and Saturday, November 4 and 5. Clothing donations may be dropped off at the church office on the earlier days of that week.
During the worship service on Sunday, November 13, 2005, we will again welcome new members at a New Member Recognition Ceremony. If you have questions about becoming a member of the First Religious Society, please speak to Harold Babcock or call John Mercer, Administrator, at (978) 465-0602, ext. 404, or send him an e-mail at frsuu@netway.com.
We have received donations for ten new hymnals but are seeking donations for twenty more. The choir is often in need of hymnals on a Sunday; with the church ever more full, the supply is running short. Hymnals are available, with bookplate for memorial statement, for $28.00 apiece. To purchase one or more, call the FRS office at (978) 465-0602, ext. 401.
People come to our churches to be lifted out of the ordinary, to be drawn up from the mundane, and to seek relief from the rampant materialism of our culture. People come into religious communities to wrestle with life's ultimate questions, looking for a place to seek meaning about living and dying and the time in between. Shared Ministry Groups provide a way to nurture deep relationships between members as they share their lives and their faith together. Since its inception at our church last year, this program has grown to include 35 members in five active groups. This year we'd like to expand it even further. If you'd like to know more about our Shared Ministry Program please pick up a flyer in the church office or contact Rick Anderson at Rick.Anderson@ca.com. A pot luck dinner will also be held in the lower meeting house on Sunday, October 23. Please come and learn more about this exciting opportunity for spiritual growth.
Special Thernes Celebrating 375 Years!
The MINNS LECTURES for 2005
All lectures are free and open to the public
King's Chapel House, 64 Beacon Street, Boston
First church, John Eliot Square, Roxbury
First Church, 66 Marlborough Street, Boston
First Parish, 35 church Street Watertown
Fall Conference and Pot of Gold 2005
Saturday, October 29, 2005, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Andover Newton Theological School, Newton Centre
More Information
