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of the church steeple . . . was brought from Market Square . . .
was one of three that came to Massachusetts from England in 1726 . . .
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. Bertrand Steeves
"Every Day Is Judgment Day"
Professor Ali Asani in his talk on "Understanding Islam" indicated that the major religions all have a "Day of Judgment." On Sunday, February 18, we will look at the Day of Judgment from the Liberal Religious point of view.
Rev. Bertrand H. Steeves is a graduate of the Harvard Divinity School and served as minister of the First Religious Society from 1956 to 1994. He served for two years as ministerial consultant to the Universalist Church of Gloucester, which is the first Universalist Church in America. Upon his retirement he became the interim minister of the Kearsarge UU Fellowship of Andover, NH. Following his retirement he was elected Minister Emeritus of the First Religious Society by the membership and continues to assist the current minister, Rev. Harold Babcock, at various church functions.
Flowers: The flowers this Sunday are given by Jennifer Day and Marc Cendron in loving memory of Harold and Betty Whiting and Brice Day Cendron.
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated by Dorothy and Howard Fairweather in loving memory of Oliver Fairweather, one of the sweetest beings who ever lived.
Ushers: John and Florence Mercer.
Coffee Hour Hosts: Eric and Genevieve Gootkind, Richard Gorski and Deborah Lewis, Lydia Grew, and Judith and Steve Grohe.
Current Events Forum: 9:30 in the Conference Room -- "What is the role of a parent in a child's education?"
Rev. John Hickey
"Holding Hands, Walking With the Wind"
The service on Sunday, February 25, will be preached by the Rev. John E. Hickey, Senior Minister and Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry. One of the oldest social service agencies in the country, the Urban Ministry has a long tradition of working with underserved communities in Boston and providing a means for Unitarian Universalists to put into action their commitment to social justice. With increasing violence in the inner city, UU's are making a significant contribution with programs for at-risk youth and those suffering from domestic violence. John will share his thoughts about what it means for Unitarian Universalists to engage in justice work - in a theological, spiritual, and everyday context. The title of his sermon is drawn from the autobiography of civil rights activist and Congressman John Lewis.
John graduated from the Harvard Divinity School in 2002 and, before joining the Urban Ministry, served as the acting minister of the First Church in Belmont. Before entering the ministry, John enjoyed a thirty-year career as a corporate executive and international lawyer. He is a graduate of Wesleyan University and Columbia University Law School. He has had a life-long interest in social justice issues, including continuing service as a trustee of The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. He also serves on the Board of the Star Island Corporation, and previously served on the boards of Partakers, the Corporate Board Association, and was a founding director of the Pro Bono Partnership, dedicated to harnessing corporate legal skills for community nonprofit organizations.
John will be meeting with interested people following the service on the second floor of the Parish Hall. If you have some ideas about social justice you would like to share, want to learn more about the UU Urban Ministry and opportunities to volunteer with or support them or have some questions about the message of the service, please join him.
Flowers: The flowers this Sunday are given by Ginger and Jeff Bard in memory of Ginger's mother, Margaret Dubuc, and Dottie Small.
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated Roxie and Janet Kalashian in loving memory of Carol Kalashian Mullen.
Ushers: Elaina and David Sayles.
Coffee Hour Hosts: Virginia Hallman, John Harwood, Cap and Jane Purinton, and Andrea Healy.
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 24, 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. We hope to see you there.
from the FRS Committee on the Ministry
Short-term pastoral care and counseling services for which members and friends would ordinarily go to Rev. Babcock are available in his absence by FRS member Rev. Stan Barrett. Stan has been a chaplain with Hospice of the North Shore for three years and, before that, was a pastoral counselor for fifteen years. Anyone in need of such services should call Vicki Dyer or John Mercer in the church office.
. . . from Carol Young in loving memory of Kenneth H. Young
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.
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
March 4, 2007 at 4:00 p.m.
Peter Sykes, piano
Mr. Sykes will present a Musical History Tour of the Keyboard. He will play music written for a variety of instruments on those instruments - clavichord, harpsichord, organ, and modern piano. Ticket prices are $15 and $10 for seniors. Students are free. See www.frsuu.org/2007_Wilson Series.htm for more information on the concert.
from The FRS Adult Education Committee
Shane, Friday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m.
America's Morality Tales - Classic Westerns
Led by Lynn Kettleson & Catherine Garnache - Lower Meeting House
The America emerging victorious from World War II was changing as the country began to enjoy peace and prosperity. Shane (1953), like many of the Westerns, clearly reflects of the American identity. As our nation's identity changed with each decade and each generation, these shifts were often reflected in the stories told on the silver screen. This is the second of four films being presented, all of which are G-rated. The last two will be Red River (1948) and the classic High Noon (1952). Wear your Stetson (color options: black or white).
Getting There from Here, Thursdays, March 22 - April 19, at 10:00 a.m.
Led by Ben Labaree - Lower Meeting House
Call 978 465 0602 x401 to register - Deadline February 16, class limited to 20
Two Centuries of Change in Newburyport Transportation 1800-2000: Here is an adult education course with a difference. Instead of studying a topic chosen by a leader who knows something about the subject, doing readings suggested by him or her, and then discussing it under that person's guidance, YOU, with other participants, decide on the topic (within limits), research the topic, and present your findings to the whole group. General topics are
1. March 22: Turnpike and Toll Bridge 1800-1840
2. March 29: The Railroad 1840-1880
3. April 5: The Trolley Car 1880-1910
4. April 12: The Automobile 1910-1950
5. April 19: The Interstate Highway 1950-2000
You, along with three or four participants, will choose among Topics 2 through 5. Your team will research your subject and on the appointed day will present your findings and conclusions to the group. The leader will be responsible for the first topic and will assist each team in finding relevant materials among local histories, newspapers, maps, memoirs, and photo collections for their topics. This seminar offers an opportunity to become familiar with Newburyport's vast historical resources and to hone one's organizational and oral presentation skills.
The Jazz Workshop, Part II, Wednesday, March 7, 6:30 p.m.
Led by Tom Stites, MH A&B
Back by popular demand, Mr. Stites explores the roots of jazz. Bring a sandwich for supper, attend the workshop, then the Jazz Vespers at 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
Faith Stories - Short Fiction on the Varieties and Vagaries of Faith, edited by C. Michael Curtis, is a wonderful collection of beautifully written and inspiring stories by some of our favorite writers. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Mary Gordon, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Amy Tan, WIlliam Saroyan, and Alice Walker, to name just a few, explore the "diverse world of faith in all its guises." Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu, Quaker, and Confucion beliefs, as well as Jewish and Christian stories "investigate the boundaries of faith and ritual in every day life . . . With subtlety and surprise, wit and candor, these stories delve into issues of faith such as sacrifice, supersititon, myth, and disbelief. Together, they form an illuminating prism of the religious experience in today's world." (C. Michael Curtis is senior editor of The Atlantic Monthly.)
from the Andover Worship Committee
As part of the Universalist Unitarian Congregation in Andover Worship Committee, I am on a quest to upgrade our worship environment. I am specifically looking for a pulpit or lectern of sorts that may be a donation or we could reciprocate a donation.
Also, we are also looking to upgrade our piano. That is not an easy task as fund raising is difficult. If anyone knows of a piano that is looking for a temporary home or one that is in fairly good condition that can be purchased at a reasonable price, we would love to know!
Blessings and Peace, Sue Imhoff - 978-808-7862
Creative Unitarian Universalists of all ages are invited to submit festive original designs for UUSC holiday cards for the 2007 holiday season. Each year, UUSC holiday card sales help support our worldwide work for human rights. One of these cards could be designed by you. Create an original design that reflects the joy of the holidays, as well as the spirit of justice, equity, and compassion. Please visit www.uusc.org/ia/holiday_cards/2006/contest2007.html for submission guidelines and to the 2006 award-winning card. Submissions must be received on or before April 27, 2007.
Mail submissions to UUSC Holiday Card Contest, 130 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA 02139.
E-mail submissions to volunteerservices@uusc.org.
