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Night Steeple - winter 2006
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
"The Fruits of Compassion"
Imagine if everyone abided by the Golden Rule. Historian of religion Karen Armstrong believes that it is at the heart of all religious traditions. It may be the one thing we all share in common. We live in difficult and challenging times. People are polarized not only across national boundaries, but within them. Religion is sometimes more of a hindrance than a help in this situation; often it is the cause of the polarization. Could it be otherwise? The sermon will investigate "the fruits of compassion."
Flowers: The flowers for this morning's service are donated by Dorothy and Howard Fairweather in loving memory of Howard's father, Arthur Fairweather.
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated by Gayden, Rob, and Jim Morrill and their families in memory of their father, Frank Morrill, and "his better half," Frances.
Ushers: Jon March and Jeanne Anderson.
Chalice Lighters: Jay and Nancy McCarthy.
FRS Current Events Forum: 9:30 in Lower Meetinghouse Conference Room. The topic is 'Samuel Alito and The Supreme Court.'
Rev. Dr. Patrick T. O'Neill
"Of Marble Lions and Imaginary Trees"
Our guest speaker this Sunday, Dr. O'Neill, has been a UU parish minister for twenty-six years. He has served churches in Seattle, WA; Framingham, MA; and for the last nine years in Wilmington, DE. Patrick holds degrees from St. Peter's Jesuit College, the University of Chicago Divinity School, and Meadville/Lombard Theological School.
Of his sermon topic, Patrick writes, "For more than four centuries, we Unitarian Universalists have intentionally resisted Creedal formulas and dogmatic statements of faith. Far more important than formal Creeds to us is the recognition of our common humanity and the shared vision of a world where greater Justice, Peace, and Equity might still be summoned. My sermon speaks to the connection between vision and faith."
Flowers: The flowers for this morning's service are donated by Barbara Burnim in loving memory of her godmother, Barbara Sampson.
Steeple: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated by Ann and Walter Power in memory of their parents, Henry and Barbara Morehouse and Ellen and Michael Power.
Ushers: Pat and Richard Ouelette.
I will be in Devon, PA from February 8 through 12 attending a meeting of the UU Partner Church Council, which I serve as Vice President. On February 12, I will be preaching in Germantown, PA, on behalf of the Council.
A presentation by the Social Action Committee
The Social Action Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 7, at 7:00 p.m. in Rooms A&B of the Lower Meetinghouse will focus on the Genocide in Darfur. Becky Dill of our church community will tell us about Save Darfur campaign (http://www.savedarfur.org/). She has organized a local committee and is gathering support to increase awareness and action in our greater community. The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and Unitarian Universalist Association are part of this coalition. All, of course, are welcome.
The Candlelight Choir would like you to join us in singing the delightful and effervescent Petite Messe Solennelle by Gioacchino Rossini. Rossini himself called it a "sin of my old age" probably because the work is neither petite nor particularly solemn. Rehearsals will be at the First Religious Society on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m., beginning on February 2. The performance will be on Sunday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Accompanying the Rossini is Robert Littlefield on piano, and Frances Burmeister will conduct from the harmonium. A fee of $10 will be charged to help cover expenses.
BRAVO! And thank you to all Young Church Choir members and Teen Choir members for performing so beautifully at the Candlelight service in December. The Young Church Choir did a perfectly delightful rendition of "Go Tell It on the Mountain," which included a lovely solo by the supremely talented Katrina Turner. "Mary's Song," as sung by the Teen Choir, was absolutely superb; and the combined singing of "A Mid-Winter Carol" (quite possibly the most beautiful Christmas carol ever, bar none!) was exquisite! Thanks to all of the singers for your hard work!
The Young Church Choir and the Teen Choir joined forces again on Martin Luther King Sunday, January 15, and sang a song entitled "The Dream of Martin Luther King." It was nice to have the kids participate in this important annual community service.
A belated, yet tremendously heartfelt THANK YOU to the following people who recently made contributions to the youth music program: Wendy Ford, Anne Comeau, Anita Wright, and Diane Horowitz. Your support of our kids means a great deal. Thank you.
Dates we will be singing in church this winter/spring are as follows:
As always, new members are always welcome to both of our youth choirs. The Teen Choir, open to those in Grades 7 through 12, rehearses from 9:00 to 9:40 on Sunday mornings. The Young Church Choir, for children in Grades 2 through 6, rehearses from 9:40 to 10:20 on Sunday mornings. Both groups rehearse in the upper parish hall.March 5 - Young Church Choir
April 2 - Teen Choir
April 16, Easter - Young Church Choir
May 21, Young Church Sunday - Young Church Choir and Teen Choir
Also, I enjoy singing songs with the Cherub Choir, all children in Grades K through 2. Thanks to them for all of their great ideas about things we can sing about and be thankful for.
As part of Newbury's 375th anniversary project last year, local historian Richard Cunningham published The Burying Grounds of Old Newbury, a compilation of all known burial grounds in Old Newbury, an area that includes Newburyport, West Newbury, and the Byfield Parish. The book has a fascinating review of every burial site, from the First Settlers Burying Ground to Quaker burial sites to many family burial grounds. You can find a copy of this charming little volume in the FRS library. It is brimming with local lore and is a "must read" for local history buffs.
Mr. Cunningham himself was recently appointed Grand Marshall for this year's Yankee Homecoming.
We will meet on Wednesday, February 8, at 12:15 p.m. at the Andaman Thai restaurant at the tannery. For more information, call Peggy Mays.
from the FRS's Parish Committee, its senior committee
At its meeting of December 14, the Parish Committee approved a recommendation from the FRS Committee on the Ministry to move forward with planning to hire an intern minister. The planning would take place during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2006, and the actual hiring would be in the next fiscal year, starting at July 1, 2007.
An Intern Minister is a graduate of a divinity school who serves together with the called minister of a church in various ways described and overseen by the church. The benefits are on-the-job training in day-to-day ministry for the Intern and an alternative ministerial voice and energy for the church. To call an intern minister will take FRS resources both in dollars and in planning and oversight time, but the Parish Committee judged to the potential rewards to outweigh the costs by as considerable amount. The vote to proceed with the planning was unanimous.
Save the date: April 29, 2006
The Annual FRS Auction is just around the corner. One of our biggest fundraisers, this is an evening not to be missed. What special items or services do you have to donate? Start thinking now. Join with friends, or make an individual donation. Your interests are your talents - share them. You may drop off donations at the church office April 1 through 20 (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) or call the church office (978) 465-0602 for special arrangements. Donor forms are available at the office and on the information table at church and will be available in an upcoming Steeple Biweekly.
Dear Unitarian Church Members,
We want to personally invite you to attend the Organ Dedication Service for the renovation of the Hook Organ at the Central Congregational Church on Sunday, February 12, at 4:00 p.m.
We hope you will join us for the celebration and the reception that follows.
Sincerely, Organ Committee
Winter Film Series
from the FRS Welcoming Congregation Committee
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March 10: Priscilla Queen of the Desert Click on the movie title for a description of it. |
Join us in the Lower Meetinghouse on three Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m. for movies and refreshments, all free.
from the FRS Adult Education Committee
Universalism, The Larger Faith, led by Harold Babcock, will meet in the lower church Thursdays Feb. 16, 23, and March 2, from 6:00 to7:30 p.m. Bring dinner or take-out. Harold will highlight famous names in the history of Universalism such as John Murray, Olympia Brown, and Hosea Ballou. The history of this faith is different from that of Unitarianism and is unique in 18th century America. The group will read the book The Larger Faith. Call (978) 465-0602 x401 to register and order the book ($16). Deadline to sign up is February 9.
Our American Roots, facilitated by Alex Mezey and Julie Parker-Amery, will meet in the lower church five Tuesdays from Feb. 28 to Mar. 28, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. This video-based discussion group will address the history of Unitarian Universalism. Each meeting will feature a video clip and readings on the significant issues and people in our faith history including commentary by contemporary UU ministers. These are our springboard for discussion. This is a continuation of the course started last fall. We'll be starting with a brief review and move on to discuss Emerson, Thoreau and the Transcendentalists, Theodore Parker, the concepts of the Free Pulpit and the Free Pew. This course will give you a unique perspective on the significant role our religious forebears had on the development of our nation. Call (978) 465-0602 x401 to register and order the workbook ($12). Deadline to sign up is February 14. Please register even if you took the first five sessions.
Newburyport: Three Centuries of Change, 1640-1940, led by Ben Labaree will meet in the lower church Thursdays Mar. 2, 9, and 16, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Parishioner Ben Labaree is a local historian and former professor of history at Williams College. At each session Ben 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 area history for many years and presents it in a very engaging way. Back by popular demand! Call (978) 465-0602 x401 to register. Deadline to sign up is February 23.
All during February, the Community Human Services Committee will be collecting for the Pettengill House. Donations of personal items are badly needed: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, combs, brushes, diapers, hand cream, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, feminine hygiene, band aides, essentially anything from CVS. There is also a need for financial aid toward fuel assistance. Donations can be cash or check (made to Pettengill House) and given to Eileen Fitzgerald, Ann Power, or Carol Kilty.
The Race, Education and Democracy Lecture and Book Series, a collaborative effort of Simmons College and Beacon Press, will annually bring to Boston a prominent scholar to deliver four to five public lectures on the topic of Race, Education and Democracy. These lectures will form the basis for a book, which will be published by Beacon Press.
This Lecture and Book Series aims to reestablish in the public imagination the historic connection between public education and the possibility of a robust democracy, against the backdrop of the issue of race in America.
The Series, aimed at a broad audience, will present educational issues in all their complexity, in readily accessible language. The Series proceeds on the assumption that public education is at the center of American public life and that discussions about critical educational issues need to occur in the public sphere and engage Americans from many different backgrounds in thoughtful and complicated conversations.
We are pleased to announce that THE INAUGURAL LECTURES in The Race, Education and Democracy Lectures and Book Series will be delivered by Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, President of Spelman College and author of the award winning book, Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? See http://www.raceandeducation.com/index.htm for more information.
