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This Week
FRS's Ministerial Intern
just before addressing the congreation on June 3
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
Senior Youth Group
"The Inherent Dignity and Worth of all Living Things"
This year, members of the Senior Youth Group found themselves struggling to choose between two themes for their upcoming Youth Service: protecting the environment and advancing human rights. One member tried to help end the debate in favor of the environment by declaring that advancing human rights would be pointless without a planet for us all to live on. After the laughter subsided, we all realized that the two issues were not as separate as the debate made them seem, but how were they connected? A group member hit upon it in an instant: in fact, what imperils us all is precisely what links endangered humans and their endangered environment: the common failure of human beings to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of other humans and a lack of "respect for the interdependent web of existence, of which we are a part." UU Principles one and seven merged to become a single thought loaded with promise: what if we all strove to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of all living things and their interconnectedness? What if, in our dealings with each other and our world, we paused to place ourselves in the place of the 'other'-- even if that other were merely the ant we incidentally squashed with the heel of our sneaker? These questions and more are explored in reflections, readings, music and hymns chosen by the Senior Youth Group of the First Religious Society for the June 10th Youth Service.
Flowers: The flowers this Sunday are given by Susan Ricker and Bill Zarakas and family in memory of Susan's sister, Janet Ricker.
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated by Swift and Virginia Barnes in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Swift Barnes, Sr., and Mrs. William Simonds.
Ushers: Marge and Jerry Peterson.
Coffee Hour Hosts: Mary Miles and Roy Rigor de Eva, Gerald and Marjorie Peterson, Kevin and Maura Moore, and Kary and Matt Moscardini.
Rev. Harold Babcock
"Aestivation"
A few years ago my friend and colleague, John Gibbons, from our UU Church in Bedford, MA, introduced me to this word. According to Webster, it means "to pass the summer in a state of torpor ('a state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total insensibility: extreme sluggishness or stagnation of function')." There's got to be a sermon in there somewhere! This will be our closing worship service of the current church year (see information on summer UU services elsewhere in your Steeple Biweekly). I look forward to seeing you in church!
Flowers: The flowers on this Fathers Day are given by Howard and Dorothy Fairweather to honor the memory of Howard's father, Arthur Fairwether, and Dorothy's father, William Woodley.
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated by Barbara Burnim, in loving memory of her father, Joseph A. O'Neill.
Ushers: Gina and Tim Downs.
Coffee Hour Hosts: Tom and Susan Moses, Walt Mott, Barbara Moynahan, and Edward and Katherine Mulligan.
Harold's letter of agreement with the First Religious Society calls for one month of vacation and one month of on-call and study time. Harold will be in Portland, OR, from June 18 to June 25 attending the UUA General Assembly. (Also attending GA from the FRS this year will be Julie Parker Amery, Alex Mezey, and Tom Stites.) He will be back in the office from June 26 through June 29. During July, Harold and Sabrina will be traveling to the Grand Canyon and points along the way. If there is an emergency (death, accident, or serious illness) during his absence, the church office will be able to provide ministerial back-up. The church office's hours during the summer will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon weekdays, and staff members will be responding to e-mail and voice-mail messages throughout the summer.
It's Not Too Early...
to sign up to teach in the fall for Young Church! Once again, we'll be doing a small group ministry model, with mixed-age groups of about 10 kids in each. Young church worship circle each week is followed by a related activity as well as a social service project. This model was hugely successful with last fall's teaching teams, partly because the groups are smaller, partly because there is worship every week, and partly because there is really no preparation involved at all. If you're thinking of teaching next year, the fall is an ideal time! Sign up now before the slots are filled! As always, all teachers work as part of a team and training and supplies are provided. Please contact Julie Parker Amery if you are interested.
Nursery Care Provider Needed for Next Year
We are seeking a nursery care provider for next church year. This is a paid position. Anyone who is at least 16 years old and who is available on Sunday mornings is eligible to apply. Please contact Julie for a complete job description and application.
Goodbye, Nicole, and Thanks!
Thank you to Nicole Stiles, our nursery care provider for this church year, who has so capably overseen the nursery and who has provided a reassuring presence to the youngest church-goers each week. Nicole is heading to school in California in the fall and we wish her the best of luck!
A Note from the Director of Religious Education
Thank you to all who have so generously given of your time this church year and who have helped to make our Young Church the wonderful place that it is. Good things happen here through the efforts of many, many committed individuals (and I am happy to say that it is not only parents who are dedicated, but several FRS members who do not have children in the program, as well). Each year, I am reminded again and again not only what a great bunch of kids we have here at FRS, but how lovely the grownups are, as well! Thank you to all who have contributed in all your unique ways--in such busy times--and best wishes for a wonderful summer.
May 30, 2007
These officers were elected
| Parish Committee (3 year term) | Judith Grohe Marie Murphy Jonathan March |
| Auditor | Les Ferlazzo |
| Moderator | Walter Shivik |
| Parish Clerk | Judy Shivik |
| Treasurers | Stan Kilty Walter Power |
| Trustee (3 year term) | Peter Cullinan |
| GA Delegates | Julie Parker Amery Alex Mezey |
| Adult Education Chair | Florence Mercer |
| Building and Grounds Chair | Jon Steeves |
| Committee on the Ministry | Nancy Crochiere |
| Community Human Services | Ann Power |
| Denominational Affairs Chair | Tom Stites |
| Finance Committee Chair | Bill Heenehan |
| Historical Committee Chair | Marise Fraser |
| Hospitality Committee Chair | Leanna Sorcar |
| Membership Committee Chair | Jane Nocera |
| Music Committee Chair | Bettina Turner |
| Religious Education Com. Chair | Alicia Raddatz |
| Social Action Committee Chair | Rob Burnham Dan Iascone |
| Welcoming Congregation Chair | Maureen Adams Kristine Murphy |
| Worship Committee Chair | Michael Fosburg |
The parish voted a budget of $491,024, 11% higher than last year's, $7,804 in deficit with the belief that that deficit will be closed by continued pledging, a year-end surplus, and a New Englander's grip on expenditures.
Carol and Stan Kilty will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 15. They write: "We have weathered the sorrows and been glad for the joys -- among them our children and grandchildren and close friends who will be here to celebrate with us. We are also glad for the church community that gives us support in the spiritual path we have chosen."
The First Religious Society is closed from mid-June until the Sunday after Labor Day, September 9. In the summer, many of our parishioners attend, either regularly or occasionally, The First Congregational Society (Unitarian) in Hampton Falls, NH. Services there are at 10:45 a.m.
| June 17: Rev. Henry Stonie June 24: Rev. Terry Burke July 1: Rev. Jeannette Baron July 8: Rev. Kenneth Clark |
July 15: Rev. Thomas Wintle July 22: Rev. John Burciaga July 29: Rev. David Blanchard Aug. 5: Rev. Holly Bayllies |
Aug. 12: Rev. Deborah Knowlton Aug. 19: Rev. Bertrand Steeves Aug. 26: Rev. Harold Babcock Sept. 2: Rev. Joseph Bassett |
The church is on Route 88, just past Applecrest Farms: take Route 95 North to Route 107 East to Route 1 North. Go through Seabrook to Hampton Falls. Turn left on Route 88 at the center of Hampton Falls. Go about 3 miles down Route 88 to the church just past Applecrest on the right. Parking is in the rear of the building.
Womens' Alliance: The Annual Picnic of the Women's Alliance will be held at the home of Marise Fraiser, 5 Eaton Woods Road, East Kingston, NH, on Tuesday, June 12, 2007, at noon. Please bring a bag lunch. Drinks and dessert will be provided. We will meet at 11:20 a.m. for car-pooling at the parking lot near Hyman's Shoes, off Storey Avenue in Newburyport. This will be the last meeting of the season. All are welcome.
One half of the loose plate collection in June will be donated to Refugee Immigration Ministry (RIM), Amesbury Cluster: RIM assists people seeking political asylum in the United States.
The FRS's annual book sale will be held during Yankee Homecoming, from Thursday through Saturday, August 2 through 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. This announcement should stir FRS members and friends into feverish action of several kinds:
- Donate books, books, and more books to the FRS offices from 9:00 to 12:00 noon weekdays starting on Monday, June 18.
- Volunteer to help with book sale setup and sales (and get a first look at the collection). Sales shifts will be two hours long, but many people like to work more than one shift during the sale. Call the office to volunteer.
- Start putting aside money for the excellent purchases available to you.
If you are an FRS adult yearning for more social interaction with like-minded people (especially if you are single and living alone), you might be interested in joining our Adult Fellowship Group. With the summer coming and the community dispersing for a few months, it is easy to feel disconnected. Not so anymore!
We have begun to make plans for gathering several times in July and August, and our kick-off event will be a 4th of July picnic gathering at Castle Hill on Crane's Beach, where we'll gather on the lawn and stay for the fireworks. Canoe trips, kayaking, and summer concerts are also on our list of things to do this summer. All adults in our community who find themselves lonely over the summer or in want of connection are welcome to join us. If you are interested, please get in touch with me.
Items left in the Parish Hall kitchen and the Lower Meetinghouse kitchenette here will be moved along during the summer, probably by donation to the Salvation Army. So if you've left a pan or some other item at the church, now's the time to come and retrieve it.
FRS Welcoming Congregation Summer Film Series
August 1, 8, 15, and 22 at 7:00 in the Air-Conditioned Lower Meetinghouse
August 1 - "Imagine Me and You" - Rachel and Heck, long time friends and lovers, finally tie the knot, and during the celebration, Rachel starts a friendship with their florist, Luce. And while Rachel originally intended to match her new friend, Luce, up with her husband's friend, Cooper, she soon finds out that Luce is a lesbian. During their friendship, Rachel starts to question her own sexuality. And though she comes to realize she may have feelings for her new friend, Rachel must decide whom she will ultimately find the most happiness with: Heck, her new husband who is also adored by her family, or Luce, who has turned her life and everything she thought she knew about love upside down.
from the Transylvania Travelers
The members of the youth group traveling to Transylvania in August 2008 invite you to join them for pizza and lemonade after church on Sunday, June 17. Buy your Dad lunch on Father's Day. On the Parish Hall lawn, pizza will be sold for $2.00 per slice or $12.00 per pie and lemonade for $2.00 for a very large glass. What a deal!
An Invitation
Dee and Henry Kruschwitz will be repeating their wedding vows on their 60th anniversary on Sunday, June 24, at 1:30 p.m. with Bert Steeves officiating, Barbara Owen as organist, and Neal Ferreira as tenor. They would like the congregation to know that all their friends are welcome.
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Seeking college or older child care for a two-and-a-half year old and seven-month old. Flexible time schedules, essentially whatever you can do will be appreciated and remunerated - weekdays, weekends, or both. Call the church office to inquire further.
Poverty Program Movie Series
Lord of War and Arms Deals' Effect on Third World Poverty
The arms trade and its effect on poverty, especially on poverty in the Third World, will be the topic of the sixth monthly presentation of the Newburyport area Poverty Program this June. The film, Lord of War, inspired by a true story, will be shown June 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the Amesbury Friends Meetinghouse. A discussion of the topic will be led by Samuel Baily, clerk of the Meeting, following the film. The film starring Nicholas Cage and Ethan Hawke concerns an opportunistic businessman who stumbles on a huge cache of Soviet weapons at the end of the Cold War and who sells them to unstable third world nations willing to pay cash with few questions asked. Ultimately his success merits the attention of an Interpol agent who is convinced that the businessman is not playing by the rules.
According to "Control Arms", a program run by Amnesty International, Oxfam and IANSA, "There are around 639 million small arms and light weapons in the world today. Eight million more are produced every year. Without strict control, such weapons will continue to fuel violent conflict, state repression, crime and domestic abuse. Unless governments act to stop the spread of arms, more lives will be lost, more human rights violations will take place and more people will be denied the chance to escape poverty."
The Poverty Program, started by Catherine Gould in January of 2007 and involving many area churches and other groups, seeks to draw attention to the devastating effect that world poverty has on all of us. The educational movie series has included presentations and discussions related to various aspects of poverty--its relationship to education, aid/debt, and human rights. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free. For further information on this program, call Samuel Baily at (978) 255-1133 or send him e-mail at baily@rci.rutgers.edu. For more information on the Poverty Program or to become involved in it, call Catherine Gould 978 463-0507 or send her e-mail at catherine_gould@hotmail.com.
Celebration of Congolese Independence Day
Shalupe invites FRSUU friends to a Celebration of Congolese Independence Day: June 30th 2007, from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight at St Michael's 61 West Neptune or 25 Elmwood Avenue Lynn MA 01905. This celebration sponsored by Shalupe will feature Congolese visual artists, hand crafts, sculpture, African music, beautiful fashion items, African food, auction and a lot of dancing. All proceeds will go towards the Shalupe projects in the Congo (details at website www.shalupe.org). For tickets or reservations please call (339) 219-3114 or (339) 226-7460 or send e-mail to info@shalupe.org. Please join us!
Host Families Needed
Youth for Understanding is looking for Host Families for Muslim Students from Pakistan, Kwait, Oman, Bangladesh, Bahrain and Yemen. These are bright educated creative young people interested in sharing their culture with you.
Musaed, a 15 year old male from Kuwait - Building robots or traveling? Musaed has done both by participating in robot competitions and going to summer camp in Spain for Expo Science Europe. He hopes to go into aviation as a career one day. He admires his family and hopes to be like hisfather, who is "always there" for him, when he grows up. He gets along well with his four siblings even though their interests vary drastically and would make a great host sibling. Musaed is looking forward to the opportunity to come to the USA and "wants to learn about American traditions, society and lifestyle" as well as sharing some of his own!
Randa, a 15 year old female from Oman - Randa is a caring young woman who loves volunteering in her community, especially with children, and hopes to continue her altruistic ways while she is in the States. She is also a writer for the school newspaper and likes to write poems in English. She has seen many American movies, and is curious to see if true American life is like what she has seen on the big screen. Randa says that she does well when problems come her way, which is an excellent skill for an exchange student to possess! She has dreamt of coming to America for a very long time and is very excited that her wish is finally going to come true!
Sheikh, a 16 year old male from Pakistan - Sheikh is a very active student who can't wait to try new things like rugby and playing the drums while he is in the United States! He has been involved in volunteering in his home country to raise money for the earthquake victims, and hopes to continue this work while in the US, possibly with Special Olympics, which he has heard much about. Sheikh is also a table tennis player and a member of the calligraphy club at his school. While on exchange, he hopes to learn about the American culture as he knows it is very different than his own. Sheikh also hopes to be close to his host family as he would like to share all of his own exchange experiences and culture with them as much as possible!
Tasmeem, a 16 year old female from Bangladesh - Tasmeem loves to express herself both in music and art. She is a skilled pianist and also plays the Hawaiian guitar; she says that making music is a magical experience for her. Painting is her other creative outlet and it helps her to express her everyday thoughts. Tasmeem also spends some of her free time doing volunteer work and may like to volunteer to work with small children during her exchange. While in the United States, Tasmeem would like to share her values with her new family as well as learn American values and traditions that she is currently unfamiliar with. She says she can't wait "to explore a different life and get to know new people"!
Budoor, a 15 year old female from Bahrain - Budoor, nicknamed Badari, is eager to try new activities in the USA. While she enjoys all her current activities, she also is interested in learning new things like tennis, Spanish and cheerleading. She attends a bilingual school so she is fluent in English and Arabic. She has also taken 10 years of French, which she uses as a "secret language" with her sister when they don't want their brother to understand something. Every Friday, her family has breakfast together then lunch at her grandmother's house, where she sees all her cousins, aunts and uncles. While she doesn't have responsibilities at home she is prepared to help her host family as any American teenager. Besides hoping to help clear up stereotypes that Americans might have of Bahrain, Badari "wants to see if there really is a big difference between the life of a young girl in America and a Bahrani girl."
Abdulla, a 15 year old male from Yemen - A soccer player, Abdulla hopes to continue working on his sporting skills while he is in the States. He has heard that soccer is not the popular in the States, and he hopes that he can show his new host family some of his soccer skills. Aside from this, he is also interested in volleyball, volunteering his time with the elderly and disabled, and playing chess and other games with his family. Abdulla is eager to dispel some of the myths regarding those who live in the Middle East, and feels that the best way to do this was to become an exchange student. He is eager to experience life in America and hopes to make many new friends during his stay.
To get involved or ask questions call FRS member Sandra Thaxter or send her e-mail at sandra@thaxter.net.
Second generation UU and a long time member of a Boston UU church seeks spare room or even spare couch for occasional use. I'm editing a tv show in Amesbury nights and weekends this summer, and I'm finding it tough to drive home to Boston safely on Friday and Saturday nights. I'm wondering if you have any society members in Amesbury who might have a spare room or spare couch I could rent for Friday and Saturday nights in June. The schedule in July and August is unclear, and we could sort that out then. Basically I work until at least 9:00 p.m., would sleep for eight hours, shower and go back to work. Not very hospitable, I'm afraid - but also not very demanding. I would manage breakfast on my own. A shower would be great,but there's one at the office if need be. Pets are fine.
Our minister can vouch for me if you need a reference - as can our music director or our church adminstrator. If you can help this young person out, call the church office.
