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This Week
looks like fun
1/27/2007
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
Dr. William F. Schulz
"After Ecstasy, the Laundry"
From the refugee camps of Darfur, Sudan, to the poorest villages in India; from the prison cells of Monrovia, Liberia, to the business suites of Hong Kong to Louisiana's death row, Dr. William F. Schulz has traveled the globe in pursuit of a world free from human rights violations. As Executive Director of Amnesty International USA from 1994 - 2006, he headed the American section of the world's oldest and largest international human rights organization. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress in Washington, DC; a Fellow at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government; and an Adjunct Professor at the New School in New York City.
During his twelve years at Amnesty, Dr. Schulz led missions to Liberia, Tunisia, Northern Ireland, and Sudan and visited other places as diverse as Cuba and Mongolia. He was tailed by Tunisian secret police, threatened with assassination by Liberian warlord Charles Taylor and his appeal for reconciliation of Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland brought tears to the eyes of then Prime Minister David Trimble.
He also traveled tens of thousands miles in the United States, spreading the human rights message from campuses to boardrooms to civic organizations. A frequent guest on television programs such as Good Morning, America, The Today Show, Hardball and Nightline, Dr. Schulz is the author of two books on human rights, In Our Own Best Interest: How Defending Human Rights Benefits Us All (2001, Beacon Press) and Tainted Legacy: 9/11 and the Ruin of Human Rights (2003, Nation Books); the contributing editor of an upcoming book from the University of Pennsylvania Press entitled The Phenomenon of Torture: Readings and Commentary and is regularly quoted in The New York Times and other national publications. All of this prompted the New York Review of Books to say in 2002, "William Schulz . . . has done more than anyone in the American human rights movement to make human rights issues known in the United States."
An ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, Dr. Schulz came to Amnesty after serving for fifteen years with the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA), the last eight (1985-93) as President of the Association. This Sunday, Bill will be exploring why UU values are so critical at this particular point in our national life.
Flowers: The flowers this Sunday are given 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: Pat and Richard Ouellette.
Coffee Hour Hosts: Mark and Lucienne Gallagher, Greg and Catherine Garnache, Joanne Gay, and Bruce Esposito.
Current Events Forum: 9:30 in the Conference Room -- "What can we do to make Current Events Forum better?"
"A Short History of Jazz" - 6:30
Jazz Vespers - 8:00 p.m.
You can't make 'em move
if it ain't got that groove
This month we will feature Tom Stites as reader and David Schumacher (Director of the Jazz Program at Pentucket High School) and his six-piece group of instrumentalists, including alto, trombone, guitar, piano, bass, and drums. And come to the "A Short History of Jazz" with Tom Stites in the Lower Meetinghouse at 6:30 p.m.
Rev. Bradley Greeley
"The Core of Unitarian Universalism"
Rev. Greeley writes, "I would describe the sermon as an attempt to look at the sine qua non of our free religious faith." Brad Greeley was born and raised and Unitarian Universalist in Lexington, attended Crane Theological School at Tufts, and served several small UU churches in Maine before being in Mentor, Ohio, for a decade and Devon, Pennsylvania, for more than a score of years. He retired from Devon as Minister Emeritus and moved with his wife to New Castle, NH, a half dozen years ago. He served with Harold Babcock on the board of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association and, most recently, the board of the Church of the Larger Fellowship. He is a member of the Portsmouth UU church. Some of his time these days is spent volunteering for Star Island and as the Ministerial Settlement Representative in northern New England.
Flowers: The flowers this Sunday are given by Mary Doyle, in memory of her parents, Louise and Robert Doyle.
Steeple Lighting: 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: Lisa and Mei Li Johnson.
Coffee Hour Hosts: Nick and Traci Gere, Bill and Marsha Gette, Scott and Betty Pike, and Pam Girardi.
February 4, 2007 at 4:00 p.m.
Lois Shapiro, piano
| Come hear Jean's favorite pianist, Lois Shapiro, in a solo recital of works by Mozart, Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, and ArleneZallman. Hearing well-played music in the sanctuary as the setting sun plays over the meetinghouse walls may well shore up your inner person in the face of a Super Bowl that, strangely, lacks a local contender. See www.frsuu.org/2007_Wilson Series.htm for more information on the concert. |  |
Seeking small, broken appliances
Do you have any broken appliances lying around? We're looking for a few for one of our upcoming Young Church classes, when we'll be taking things apart to see how they work. If you've got anything that sounds like it would be safe, and not too tough to take apart, please let Julie know. Thank you.
First Friday Family Night - Friday, February 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tweener Game Night
This night is geared for kids aged 9-12. Please bring some games and come prepared for fun! Siblings, of course, are welcome. Hope to see you there!
Community Human Services Committee During February, we will be collecting food stuffs and personal items for the Pettengill House.
- Canned foods - soup, vegetables, and juice
- Dried foods - cereal, pasta, and rice
- Personal items - toothpaste, shampoo, and soap
from the FRS Historical Committee
- The History Committee would like to add two new members. The FRS Bylaws describe the committee's duties this way: "It shall be the duty of this committee to maintain artifacts, archives, and data relevant to the Parish, its properties and members. These materials will be available for the use of the Parish and the community." If you are interested in working with this committee, please call Marise Fraser.
- After the gift-giving deal around the holidays, the price of the two-volume FRS History has gone to $35.00.
Every Sunday, some hymnals need to journey from pew to pew in a vain attempt to serve our growing congregation. Giving a hymnal is a great opportunity to memorialize a friend or loved one; bookplates with the donor's inscription are put in donated hymnals. Recently, for instance, Marquita Jackson gave four hymnals in loving memory of Carol Kalashian Mullen. If you are interested, in giving one hymnal or more to the FRS, please call Vicki Dyer at (978) 465-0602, x401. Each hymnal, plus shipping and handling, costs $32.00.
from Cynthia Salloway, Director, Friends of the Unitarian Universalist Association
Stewardship & Development
As a supplement to periodic mailings, Friends of the UUA will be conducting a fundraising phonathon beginning during the week of February 19th and continuing through the third week in March. Outreach Associates, a telemarketing firm located in Pittsburgh, will be phoning members who are currently active Friends of the UUA to ask them to renew their support. The contract with this firm requires that all callers must be courteous, respectful, and succinct as they offer identified Unitarian Universalists an opportunity to support the UUA directly. Members may call (617) 948-6525 to leave a message to ask to be placed on the "no call" list or to share a comment directly with a UUA staff member. Your willingness to support the UUA enhances our ability to provide services and programs to member congregations and presents avenues for future growth of Unitarian Universalism throughout the country.
Valentines Day
Picture Frame Sale
sponsored by the FRS Social Action Committee
Friday, February 9, 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 10, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
at the Parish Hall
COME TO THE
Close out Sale on all Fine Frames with Italian Moldings from
The Picture Product Company in Baltimore MD
Sizes to 9x12
Some leather, gold, silver and colors
These FRAMES were sold at Nieman Marcus and other Fine Stores
LOW LOW PRICES, Fractions of original costs
All Proceeds go to AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry
from the FRS Social Action Committee
One-half of the loose plate collection in February will be donated to the UU Urban Ministry.
The Rev. Joseph Tuckerman, a Unitarian minister, created a ministry at large to work in low-income neighborhoods of Boston in 1826. Tuckerman believed that dedicated ministry could provide education and skills that would enable people to overcome poverty. He also believed that if clergy educated the affluent about the nature of the new urban poverty, they would work in their own communities to reform society and end these conditions.
In 1834, several Boston Unitarian congregations organized the Benevolent Fraternity of Unitarian Churches to financially support the ministry at large and to lend other support by their involvement. Today, the Benevolent Fraternity is doing business as the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry. Nearly 60 Unitarian Universalist congregations pay dues and make contributions as supporting members of the Urban Ministry.
Throughout its nearly 200-year history, the Urban Ministry has created many channels to conduct its work, including settlement houses and chapels, and has addressed many social issues. The forms the ministry takes unfold according to the needs of people and communities at different times. Today, efforts are concentrated primarily in two areas: domestic violence and at-risk youth, especially those in the greater Roxbury area.
Our ministry is rooted in direct experience and service with those in Boston who are struggling for decent lives. Our work is grounded in a conviction that all life is one; in love of neighbor through compassion and action; and in respect. We seek to build bridges of understanding and mutuality so that people in various economic circumstances can work together to effect change. Our goal is to create a human community which is peaceful and just.
To see a recent article from the UU World on the UU Urban Ministry, click here: http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/10083.shtml
Sunday February 25th
Food and Meeting our Neighbors: 12:00 noon
Presentation and Discussion: 12: 30 p.m.
Where: In Lower Meeting House
Welcome our African neighbors and learn why they have come
You may see these African neighbors on our streets or in the supermarket. Do you know who are they and why have they come here to our community? At this forum we will meet some of them, young and old. We will be able to learn about the countries these refugees have fled and hear about their lives here. The director of the Shalupe Foundation will talk about the services they provide to teenagers, young adults and families who are here in their Massachusetts centers and their programs for street children and their shelters in the Congo.
Featuring a Conversation about youth and war
Two young Congolese college students living in the US have made a movie about Child Soldiers. We will be able to watch this movie and talk to some of the young refugees who were part of this experience. Barbara Hildt, founder and director of Youth Empowerment Services and director of Help Increase the Peace, will lead this discussion.
All are welcome from the church and wider community to attend this eye- and heart-opening event. We especially invite young people to come and participate in a youth to youth discussion.
The Social Action Committee offers this event as part of opening our congregation and the community to the wider world.
from the FRS Adult Education Committee
Understanding Islam, February 3, 10:30 a.m. to noon
People Like Us: Thinking about Social Class, starting February 13; deadline for sign-up February 6
Short History of Jazz, February 7, at 6:30 p.m., preceding the Jazz Vespers
America's Morality Tales - Classic Westerns - Shane, February 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Getting There from Here, starting March 22, deadline for sign-up February 16
See the Adult Education Brochure or www.frsuu.org/biw20070103.htm#2007Spring for more information. In all cases, you sign up by calling the church office at (978) 465-0602, x401.
"Tis the good reader that makes the good book; in every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakably meant for his ear; the profit of books is according to the sensibility of the reader; the profoundest thought or passion sleeps as in a mine, until it is discovered by an equal mind and heart."
from the FRS Welcoming Congregation Committee
Admission Free - Refreshments Served
KINKY BOOTS - Charles Price may have grown up with his father in the family shoe business, but he never thought that he would take his father's place. Yet, the untimely death of his father places him in that position, only to learn that Price & Sons Shoes is failing. While in despair at his failed attempts to save the business, Charles has a chance encounter with the flamboyant drag queen cabaret singer, Lola. Her complaints about the inadequate footwear for her work combined with one of Charles's ex-employees, Lauren, leads to a suggestion to change the product to create a desperate chance to save the business: make men's fetish footwear. Lola is convinced to be their footwear designer and the transition begins. Now this disparate lot must struggle at this unorthodox idea while dealing with the prejudice of the staff, Lola's discomfort in the small town, and the selfish manipulation of Charles's greedy fiancée who cannot see the greater good in Charles's dream.
GOOD FORTUNE
written and directed by FRS Parishioner Stacey Fix
and in the cast are others well known to us --
Joe Fix
Galen and Erik March
Ryan Mitchell
Jack and Julia Petras
At the Firehouse in Newburyport
February 3, 4, 10 and 11th Saturday & Sunday, at 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 3rd at 7:00 p.m.
An original script that blends favorite Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean stories together.
Good Fortune is a mythical village where a spoiled Princess Leelee makes such extreme demands that she is cast out of the village. As she travels a fanciful journey, she learns meaningful lessons about life and herself. This is a play that includes hearty characters in brilliant costumes, playful language, mesmerizing music and dance, while sharing a message.
from the FRS Membership Committee
Need a spiritual lift?
Want to laugh with friends?
Want to have an evening of fun?
The annual Adult MidWinter Party will be held on Saturday, February 24th in the home of Candace and Peter Erickson from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Please bring your best friend, your favorite appetizer or dessert, and your beverage of choice. We'll take care of the rest, and we promise a good time will be had by all. Please mark your calendar. We hope to see you there.
from the FRS Social Action Committee
During December, members gave generously in the loose plate collection to help underwrite the cost of one and possibly two meals at the Amesbury-based Our Neighbor's Table Food Pantry. Meals provided at the pantry provide the basics. Help brighten a needy person's weekend by sharing a favorite dessert. On Friday, February 2, please drop by one of your favorite desserts in the FRS office in the lower church between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. or from 6:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. during First Friday Family Night. If you have any questions, please call Chris Hyde.
