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Erika entertains
Photo here and below
courtesy of Lusann Wishart
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
Christina Sillari, Ministerial Intern
UN Sunday
Rev. Harold Babcock
"The Situation in Darfur"
It has been called a genocide, but so far little progress has been made in addressing the situation in the troubled part of Sudan known as Darfur. Hundreds of thousands have been killed, millions displaced. President Bush has declared that another genocide will not take place during his administration ("Not on my watch"). Yet, the United States has to date exercised little leverage when it comes to influencing the events unfolding in Darfur. I will be joined in the service by Becky Dill, a member of our church and one of our youth advisors, who is knowledgeable about and committed to this urgent cause.
The Young Church Choir will sing.
There will be a Congregational Meeting immediately after the service to act on the music committee request to place the church's Steinway Grand piano in the sanctuary.
Flowers: The flowers this Sunday are given by Jim and Nancy Warner in memory of their parents, James and Marjorie Warner and Felix and Julia Caracciolo.
Steeple: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated by Charlie and Betty Baker in memory of Henry Bailey and Fanny Gray Little.
Coffee Hour Hosts: Walter and Ann Power, Charles and Jane Purinton, Michael Wack and Susan Pursell, Gary and Alicia Raddatz
FRS Current Events Forum: 9:30 in Lower Meetinghouse Conference Room. The topic is "Should the United States continue its unconditional support of Israel?"
Christina Sillari
"Our Sacred Lives: A Pondering on Presence"
Our student intern minister, Christina Sillari, will be preaching this morning for the first time at the FRS. To begin the pondering, she offers these words from Ralph Waldo Emerson:
and what lies before us
are tiny matters compared to
what lies within us.
Flowers: The flowers this Sunday are given by Gayden, Rob, and Jim Morrill in memory of their father, Frank Morrill, and his "better half," Frances.
Steeple: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated in remembrance of D'Arcy VanBokkelen by his wife, Louise, and children James and Katrina.
Ushers: Cynthia and Manfred Raschke.
Coffee Hour Hosts: Ruth Rankin, Manfred and Cynthia Raschke, Tina Rawson, and Richard and Carolyn Reedy.
Jazz Vespers
Madden, Worden & Co.
You can't make 'em move
if it ain't got that groove
Sunday, October 21, 11:30 a.m.
Article 2: To act upon any other business that may legally come before the Parish.
Our music program has grown to include Jazz Vespers, three youth choirs, the Wilson Series, an active adult church choir and the Candlelight concerts, each of which would greatly benefit from having the Steinway grand piano in the sanctuary. With the grand piano we could try, for example, to develop solo piano or chamber music, options we don't now have.
Over the years, the Music Committee has been looking for a way to move the Steinway grand piano into the sanctuary and keep it there. Several plans have been proposed, but none has moved forward for a variety of reasons. The congregation's main concern, and ours, has always been to keep alterations to our beautiful historic sanctuary to a minimum, and moving even a small grand piano into the space may require some alterations. Any plan to do this will balance our evolving needs as a vibrantly alive congregation with responsible stewardship of our beautiful historic building.
With input from other committees in our church, the Music Committee has developed a new proposal to install the grand piano in the sanctuary and will present this plan to the congregation for a vote on Sunday, October 21, 2007. Please join the discussion and see if you agree with the Music Committee's plan to finally make this a reality.
Saturday, November 3, at 7:00 p.m.
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The FRS as an entity and several of its hard-working members are supporting the Concert against Hunger, featuring four exciting musicians and all in the aid of local soup kitchens and meal providers. Tickets are $15.00 at the door. So support good works and hear some good music at the same time. |
Ever get curious about the role? The duties? The rewards? The pains? Ever think about a career as a minister?
Rev. Babcock and the Committee on Ministry would like to offer you an opportunity to learn more about what it's like to serve as a minister and to allow you to ask questions you may have about anything that might interest you on the subject. We will be holding a meeting before church services on Sunday, 11 November, at 9:00 a.m. in the Conference Room, Lower Meeting House. We'll even give you a light breakfast. Please give us some idea of your interest by notifying the church office at (978) 465-0602.
October
During October, one half of the loose plate will be divided between Refugee Immigration Ministry (RIM) and The Shalupe Foundation. For more information, see http://www.r-i-m.net/ or http://www.shalupe.org/homeenglish.htm.
Friendship Table: Our next commitment to the Friendship Table will be on Thursday, November 15. The Friendship Table provides a hot meal for local residents at the Salvation Army on Water Street. Please consider bringing a main dish, salad or dessert. We also need volunteers to help serve the meal. There will be sign-up sheets at Coffee Hour. You can also call Ginger Bard if you would like to participate.
Food Drive Collection for November: Our annual Newburyport Community Services Food Drive takes place during November. There is a table in the vestibule to receive your donations in the coming weeks. We also have shopping lists for you to pick up on the table. The items most needed this fall are peanut butter, jelly, rice, spaghetti sauce, boxed potatoes, coffee, crackers, cereal, canned meats (spam, chicken, deviled ham, tuna) and cookies. Please be sure that expiration dates are current. The need has increased this year (they ran out of peanut butter and jelly last month) so whatever you can drop off will be greatly appreciated. We thank you for your support.
Attention Shoppers! The Community Human Services Committee will be selling hand-woven textiles to benefit Mayan Hands, a fair-trade organization working with weavers in Guatemala. Plan to shop until you drop on Sunday, November 11, during coffee hour. Proceeds further the mission of Mayan Hands as they help women raise themselves out of poverty. Please visit their website www.mayanhands.org or call Eileen Fitzgerald.
At its last meeting, on October 10, the Parish Committee, the FRS's senior committee, heard a report from the Organ Task Force it had appointed last year. Essentially, the task force said that the FRS's 1834 pipe organ made by Joseph Alley is in need of considerable repair and care. The Task Force focused on four possible options: maintain it one repair at a time as needed; renovate to what it was; renovate and enhance it; or replace it. The Parish Committee thanked the Task Force members and released them from duty, then reappointed a somewhat smaller Task Force. The Parish Committee asked the new Task Force to continue its study , refining the options by (1) gathering requirements for the renovation option and (2) gathering requirements for the renovation and enhancement option, setting priorities on each enhancement. More news will follow when the Task Force returns to the Parish Committee. For their hard work and clear thinking, great thanks from the entire parish are due to Task Force's original members: Ann Bardeen, Lindsay Cavanagh, Walter Clay, Bill Heenehan, Ben Labaree, Lark Madden, Ed Metcalf, and Frances Burmeister (ex-officio), as well as to consulting expert Barbara Owen.
The next Lunch with the Minister will be on Tuesday, October 23. We meet at noon in the lower meeting house. We will continue reading from the anthology Faith Stories, edited by C. Michael Curtis. The story for the 23rd will be "Full Day" by Reynolds Price. The story for Tuesday, October 30, will be "The Third Generation" by Tova Reich. All are welcome.
During the worship service on Sunday, November 11, 2007, we will once again welcome new members at a New Member Recognition Ceremony. If you have any 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.
There will be "Exploring UUism and FRS Membership" Adult Education classes after church at 11:45 a.m. on Sundays, October 21, October 28, and November 4.
A Film from the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)
sponsored by the FRS Social Action Committee
Sunday, November 18, at noon
Heroes of the Spirit is a short documentary (28 min.) about Martha and Waitsill Sharp. Before and after World War II, a very courageous group of Unitarians, including Martha and Waitsill Sharp, did inspiring work to aid refugees fleeing the Nazi advance in Europe. They risked their lives on several occasions to help a large number of Jews and anti-Nazi dissidents find safety outside Europe. They were founders of the Unitarian Service Committee which later became the UUSC. As part of our efforts to share the remarkable history of our founders, UUSC has supported efforts of members of the Sharp family to share their story with our members and supporters and the public. That work culminated on June 13, 2006, with a solemn ceremony in Jerusalem and the posthumous recognition of the Sharps by the Yad Vashem Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority.
We hope that the Sharps' story will inspire a new generation to take action for human rights and justice. UUSC is dedicated to helping our members and supporters carry on this legacy.
Do you find keeping track of the kids at coffee hour overwhelming? Starting on October 21, the upper parish hall will be open during coffee hour with treats for the kids to give them more space to run around in and interact and less chance to escape unnoticed! Parents, kids and all others are welcome - the intention is not to interfere with intergenerational communication, but to enhance it by providing more space to kids, parents and others who find coffee hour too hectic and overcrowded. The first Sunday will be hosted by Marlyn Miller and Jodi Delibertis. Anyone who would like to volunteer to host later Sundays should send e-mail to mlmiller@colby.edu.
The Candlelight Chorale
On Sunday, October 28, at 7:00 p.m. the Candlelight Chorale, under the direction of Frances Burmeister, will sing J.S. Bach's "Magnificat" and Cantata # 80, "A Mighty Fortress," with five soloists, the Amesbury High School Chorus, a chamber orchestra, and festival trumpets.
The pieces that Ms. Burmeister has chosen are among Bach's most majestic and compelling works. Both were written when he was capellmeister, or director of music, in Leipzig, itself perhaps the most important center for secular and sacred music in Germany at the time (1723). The "Magnificat" is one of his most magnificent vocal works, and Cantata # 80, "A Mighty Fortress is our God," has been called one of the highest achievements in the history of the choral cantata.
This outstanding musical event will bring five acclaimed soloists to the candlelit sanctuary. Featured are the internationally celebrated soprano Jayne West of Amesbury; mezzo-soprano Francesca Scopick; tenor Neal Ferreira of Newburyport; and Donald Wilkinson, baritone.
Please join us for this powerful and joyous musical experience. A donation of $15 and $10 for seniors will be accepted. Students may attend free of charge.
Volunteer Projects
There are many projects around the church that neither the staff nor the Building and Grounds Committee can ever get to. So we offer them to you. If you are interested in taking on one of these, please call Vicki Dyer at (978) 465-0602 so that she can make sure that our good-hearted volunteers don't overlap in their efforts. Thanks to those who responded to our last listing:
- Lucie and Mark Gallagher for volunteering to prune and trim the boxwoods
- Marion Olsen for weeding the base of the chestnut three and applying mulch around it.
- Pews - Stuck, warped, or need repairs
- Shrubs - Planting according to plan and maintaining
- Wells - Window Wells on right side of church - clean out
- Bulbs - Need various bulbs donated and planted according to plan
- Winter Prep - Set out sand, salt and shovels
- Dogwood - In front of Parish Hall - trim up
- All Over - More Weeding
Join Daniel Berrigan at this year's Collegium!
Collegium is an association for liberal religious studies whose mission is "to bring together the best academic, ministerial, lay, and other resources to bear upon the intellectual life of Unitarian Universalism through encouraging, sharing, and distributing scholarly and other creative work."
- Meet once a year with other Collegium members for a weekend retreat
- Engage with colleagues in sectional sessions focused in theology, history, and ethics (justice & public policy)
- Benefit from constructive critiques of your own scholarly work
- Join the ranks of past Collegium participants such as James Luther Adams, and Sharon Welch
Thursday, November 15, 2007, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m
You are invited to participate in a public conversation with Dr. Avi Chomsky, Professor of History, Salem State College and author of They Take Our Jobs! And 20 Other Myths about Immigration. The conversation will be moderated by Barbara Hildt, former Massachusetts State Representative.
"What our government does about immigrants who are without proper documentation should be a concern to all of us because many people's lives and our economy will be affected by this public policy," says Hildt. "Friends (Quakers) believe we have a social responsibility to begin civil dialogue so that people can voice concerns, listen with empathy to understand, and seek solutions that do the least harm."
At the Center for Peace and Social Action, Amesbury Friends Meetinghouse, Corner of Greenleaf and Friends St., next to Amesbury Park.
Sign up by calling Vicki Dyer at (978) 465-0602, x401
Restoring a Historic House in Newburyport
Saturday Nov. 10, 10:00 a.m. to noon
Led by Kem Widmer
Lower Meetinghouse
You don't have to be an expert to renovate your old house. FRS parishioner Kem Widmer has been renovating his High Street house (with some expert help from sub-contractors) for several years. He will discuss the process--from stripping old paint to installation of "old glass" windows. He will take us through the entire restoration process-what is important, the sequence, and how much time each phase may take. These three items that should be examined and/or corrected as a priority on any old house restoration: the roof, the foundation, and water. Kem will also talk about windows (replace or keep the old? If the latter how do we keep old man winter out?), painting (exterior versus interior), minimizing exterior wood rot, saving old plaster and wood, Widmer's golden rule for contractor. Please come with questions you have about your own renovation plans.
Katrina Voices
Saturday Nov. 17, 10:00 a.m. to noon
Led by Catherine Garnache
Lower Meetinghouse
Catherine, who has worked on damaged houses in New Orleans, will moderate a panel of local church people who have worked in various capacities in New Orleans. We hope to inspire more people to volunteer to help Katrina victims.
Traces of the Trade, a documentary of New England's hidden enterprise
Sunday, November 18, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Lower Meeting House
Katrina Browne and Perry Dain
In Traces of the Trade, Producer-Director Katrina Browne tells the story of her forefathers, the DeWolf family, the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history. Given the myth that the South is solely responsible for slavery, viewers will be surprised to learn that Browne's ancestors were Northerners. The film follows Browne and nine family members on a remarkable journey which brings them face-to-face with the history and legacy of New England's hidden enterprise.
Sign up by showing up
Every Monday night, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., there is a Buddhist Meditation Group meeting. This is an open group open to experienced as well as newcomers to meditation. The group is co-sponsored by the First Religious Society and Buddha Heart USA. There is no charge to attend.
The meditation group consists of Qi Gong and Kai Gong practice. This is Chinese gentle exercise intended to open the body, release tension and prepare for meditation. Next the group chants. Chanting allows the meditator to articulate an intention which stimulates vibration within the body and fills the mind with the intention. Finally the group does a sitting meditation for 15 minutes. Sitting meditation can be performed either on a cushion, kneeling on a bench, or sitting in a chair. Meditating in a group is very beneficial and most obtain best results in a group.
This group will meet every Monday through the year. If there is a holiday or inclement weather, call Peg Travers, group leader, or the church regarding cancellation. For questions call Peg.
November 10, 2007, 8:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
at First Unitarian Society in Newton (FUSN)
Death, Dying, and Community: A workshop exploring community response and support around death and dying, from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. Hosted by the lay ministers of the First Unitarian Society in Newton (FUSN), this workshop will cover topics including ethics, palliative sedation, euthanasia, legal and medical issues.
When: Saturday, November 10, 2007, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where: FUSN, 1326 Washington St., West Newton (intersection of Mass 'pike (I90) and Rt. 16, across from Newton Police station).
Presentations will include these:
- Rev. James Ishmael Ford - What is the UU approach to death?
- Gail Gazelle MD - A Good Death, is this an oxymoron?
- Holly Zalinger LICSW - Compassionate Choices
- Bernadette Mead MD - Hospice & Palliative Sedation
- Don't be Caught Dead . . . Plan Ahead: What You Need to Know about Funeral Pricing, Purchasing and Your Options as a Consumer
"Miss Navajo," Documentary Screening
Friday, October 26, 7:00 p.m.
6 Eliot St, First Church in Jamaica Plain, Unitarian Universalist FREE
http://www.jamaicaplainforum.org
How many beauty contestants can say "I competed in a pageant where I butchered a sheep"? Crystal Frazier can. Follow this introverted, self-proclaimed tomboy as she makes bread, weaves a rug, sweats her way through a language quiz-and that's just the first day-on her quest to be the new MISS NAVAJO.
FRANCE MOORE LAPPE - When Hope Triumphs Over Fear: An Invisible Global Revolution
Thursday, November 1, 7:00 p.m.
6 Eliot St, First Church in Jamaica Plain, Unitarian Universalist FREE Bestselling author Frances Moore Lappe visits the Jamaica Plain Forum to discuss how to combat our nation's political disallusionment. She proposes a "living democracy" and shares stories of community empowerment and change.
