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Thanks to Liss Campbell for the photo
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
Rev. Harold Babcock
"Through Sunshine and Shadow"
Today is Sabrina's and my 29th wedding anniversary. It doesn't seem possible! We were married on Twelfth Night in 1979. My sermon title is taken from the "declaration of intention" in our wedding ceremony. I think it pretty much sums up the reality of most any marriage. As poet Wendell Berry has written of marriage, "It is to be/ torn open. It is not to be/ reached and come to rest in/ ever. I turn against you,/ I break from you, I turn to you./ We hurt, and are hurt,/ and have each other for healing./ It is healing. It is never whole." The sermon will investigate the venerable and always challenging institution of marriage.
Flowers: The flowers for today's service are donated by Elaina and David Sayles in loving memory of Elaina's grandfather, Dominic Franco, and David's grandmother, Agnes O'Keefe.
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated by Tempa and Tom Pagel in remembrance of Harold Bondurant Jones.
Ushers: Candace and Peter Erickson.
Coffee Hour Hosts: Mike Dorsey and Janet Sutherland, K.C. and Steve Swallow, Kathy Straubel, and Susan Swanson-Spellman.
FRS Current Events Forum: 9:30 a.m. in Lower Meetinghouse Conference Room. The topic is "Culture Wars."
Collection for Cause: One half of the loose plate in January will go directly to Cankatola (chan kha toh la) Ti Ospaye (tee oshe pay yeah) Foundation. This organization's mission is focused on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation in South Dakota, the lowest per capita income region in the country. The Foundation works with tribal leaders in their struggle to preserve families by promoting native cultural ways and spiritual traditions. The Foundation also serves as a financial resource in times of crises.
Rev. Harold Babcock
"The Dream of Universal Peace"
Postponed from December 23, when we rescheduled the Christmas pageant because of stormy weather, my sermon title is borrowed from a sermon of the same title, preached in the 1930s by the Rev. Dr. Amandus Norman, one of my predecessors at the Nora Unitarian Universalist Church in Hanska, Minnesota. The sermon will investigate the current status of the dream of universal peace.
Flowers: The flowers for today's service are donated by the Fairweather family in honor of Albert Schweitzer's birthday, January 14.
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated by Ann and Walter Power in loving memory of Madeline Coyne.
Ushers: Carolyn Dawson and Fran Sullivan.
Coffee Hour Hosts: Linda Tulley, Kevin and Maura Moore, Matt and Terri Walsh, and Amy Wallace.
Happy New Year! I hope that your holidays were meaningful and at least a little bit relaxing. Sabrina, Ben, Josh, and I wish to thank you all for your cards, gifts, and good wishes during the holiday season; it is a joy to be your minister!
We have entered a new year: 2008. Let us pray that it will be a more hopeful and peaceful year than the last. Now we begin the long, slow descent from winter into spring. In some ways it is the best time of year: so much to look forward to, so much to anticipate. I hope that it will be a good year for you and yours.
As part of my responsibilities as a ministerial internship supervisor, I will be attending a class this month at Andover Newton Theological School entitled "Formation in Ministry Supervision." The class takes place on three full days and one evening. I am looking forward to this opportunity to reflect on my work as a supervisor.
In February my work as Chair of the Board of the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council (UUPCC) will take me to Louisville, KY for our annual winter board meeting. While in Louisville, I will be preaching on partnership at the First Unitarian Church in Cincinnati, OH on February 24. (I know, it sounds like a non sequitur, but apparently Cincinnati is only a couple of hours from Louisville!)
In late April I will be traveling on behalf of the UUPCC to Kolozsvar/Cluj Napoca in Romania for a meeting with the Transylvanian Unitarian Partner Church Council. We will also be meeting with ODFIE, the Transylvanian Unitarian youth organization, with the Bishop and Consistory (or governing body) of the Transylvanian Unitarian Church, and with the Church's women's organization.
In June I will be attending the annual Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly, to be held this year in Fort Lauderdale, FL. It promises to be a busy winter and spring.
I am still hopeful that next summer there will be a trip for some of our youth to visit our Unitarian partner church in Ujszekely in the Transylvanian region of Romania. At this writing we are inching closer to having the critical mass to make such a trip possible.
Let us continue the good work of building the beloved community here at the First Religious Society in Newburyport. We have much to be thankful for. Truly, it is good to be together!
Teach in Young Church!
We're currently recruiting teachers for our winter term in Young Church. The term runs from Jan. 13-Mar 2. Training, curriculum and supplies are all provided.
Why would you want to teach? It's a great way to meet not only our fantastic kids but also other adults (everyone teaches as part of a team so you are never alone). You'll learn a lot, have fun, and feel good about giving back to the FRS community. It's great!
Please contact Julie Parker Amery if you are interested in learning more.
First Friday Family Night
Friday, January 4, 6:30 p.m.
Lower Meeting House
Movie: "The Incredible Mr. Limpet"
Do you remember seeing this movie as a kid? It stars Don Knotts as a man who turns into a fish. They don't make them like this anymore. Bring the whole family for a cozy night on a cold winter's night. Bring sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, anything else to make yourself comfortable. And feel free to wear your jammies!
Knitting for All Ages
Sunday, January 6, 12:00 noon
Upper Parish Hall
Do you love to knit? Want to learn? Are you a kid? A grownup? Want to meet people and provide a service at the same time? Join us for knitting! We're knitting squares that will be put together to make a blanket for the organization "Afghans for Afghans." Please bring needles and natural-fiber yarn if you have some; otherwise, some will be provided.
This program resumes on Tuesday, January 8, at noon in the lower meeting house. We will be reading the short story "The Prophet's Hair" by Salman Rushdie. Bring a lunch and join us - all are welcome!
We would like to thank everyone who brought in toys for the Turning Point Toy Drive. Thanks to your generosity we were able to grant the three wishes for each child receiving services at Turning Point. Our next meeting is Wednesday, January 9th at 7:00 p.m. in the Lower Meeting House. We welcome your ideas for ways in which we can increase our outreach in the community.
I am breathing deep sighs of relief. December was a very busy month both at FRS and at my home. Although it was difficult to be away from my family right before Christmas, I was grateful to be part of the Candlelight and Christmas Eve services. They both touched me deeply. December brought the end of my UU Theology class, which was the impetus for this past Sunday's sermon on the soul. I appreciate all of you who came to the service. I feel supported by you on my path to ministry. I also thank those of you who responded to my request for great occasions. My hope is that FRS continues this new ritual each year.
I am excited about the classes I will be teaching this spring. The first one, Cakes for the Queen of Heaven, which I am facilitating with Alex Mezey, begins on Wednesday January 16th (6:00-8:00 p.m). It is an opportunity for women, young and old, to explore their spiritual selves. I hope to see you there. It is sure to be a lot of fun. I hope you will take advantage of the many adult education classes offered here at FRS. Small groups are a wonderful way to "grow your soul."
As a reminder, I am available for pastoral care and counseling. Providing individual support to people in this faith community is part of my learning agreement. I welcome you to contact me if you are interested in chatting some with me about anything that concerns you or excites you.
I hope the New Year brings all of us opportunities to make meaning from our lives and to see each day as new beginning to both give and receive the light and love that is our birthright.
Ministerial Intern at First Religious Society Newburyport (W) 978-465-0602 X 410 omkrimkali@aol.com
Office Hours: M T F 9:00-12:00 PM W 12:00-5:00 PM
Upcoming Adult Education Program - As you can see in the recently released Adult Education winter-spring calendar, "Cakes for the Queen of Heaven" will be beginning soon, on January 16; so if you're interested, please call soon.
Martin Luther King Breakfast - Monday, January 21 at 7:30 a.m. - Newburyport High School - Speaker: Rosalin Acosta, EVP and Managing Director of Sovereign Bank. The FRS has nine tickets available at $20 apiece; to reserve one, call the church office.
Teddy Speck, FRS Young Church graduate and son of Forrest Speck and Anne Verret-Speck, reports that Edward F. Speck Wood Design has found a home: efspeckwooddesign.etsy.com. Ted asks that you tell your friends, acquaintances, mortal enemies, everyone, and he sends many thanks to everyone who's helped him get to this point.
House Sitter wanted: How about a winter vacation spot? FRS members Anne Dodge and Chuck Kennedy are looking for a reliable house sitter from January 1st to March 31st. Their three level rowhouse on Water Street is within walking distance to town and a short ride out to the island. Pay only for heat and electricity.
Special thanks to Rob Burham for the donation of an amplifier, speakers and carrying bag to supplement the FRS's AV equipment.
Check out the new FRS Art Gallery (at the foot of the stairs leading to the Lower Meetinghouse). Fort the next several weeks, you'll be able to see three splendid photographs by Ben Staples in that space. If you're interested in showing a small sampling of your artwork there, please call the church office.
Interfaith Martin Luther King Service: On Sunday, January 20, at 3:30pm, Belleville Church (300 High Street) will host a service honoring Martin Luther King Jr., and interpreting his central messages for our present day. The keynote speaker will be Rev Dr. James Antal, President of the United Church of Christ in Massachusetts. We will hear selections from his major speeches, and the music will be a lively mix of African American Spirituals and other songs about social justice. Please come, and invite friends, as we dedicate ourselves once again to work for peace with justice that cares for "all God's children."
One of our shared ministry groups that meets on the first Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. has openings for new members. If you're interested in participating, please call the church office.
The public is invited to attend one or more talks on "Understanding Others' Worship". This series of talks is supported by a grant from the City of Newburyport "Commission For Diversity and Tolerance" and offered by the Chaplaincy Institute of Maine, Massachusetts Satellite. Each talk will take place on the third Thursday of the month, January through May, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at the Newburyport Public Library. A spiritual leader of each faith tradition will speak about the worship services in his or her tradition for twenty to thirty minutes, followed by a question-and-answer period. Light refreshments will be served. The talks are free of charge. Greek Orthodox, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism traditions will be represented.
Schedule:
January 17 - Rev. Dr. Constantine Newman, pastor of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Newburyport
February 21 - Rabbi Stanley Sadinsky, spiritual leader of Congregation Ahavas Achim of Newburyport
March 20 and April 17 - still to be finalized
May 15 - Geshe Gendun Gyatso, Spiritual Director of the Healing Dharma Center (Buddhism), West Newbury
- Rev. Anna Smulowitz, Anna47@comcast.net or (978) 502-8468.
The Essex County Community Organization (ECCO) is seeking volunteer tutors in basic math and reading for nursing assistants (CNAs) at the Brigham Manor Nursing Home on High Street in Newburyport. This program is part of the Health Care Learning Network, a collaboration of ECCO and the North Shore Workforce Investment Board (WIB). The network has obtained a grant to prepare nursing assistants for the next LPN training cycle that will start in the fall of 2008 at North Shore Community College. The nursing homes are in great need of LPNs, and their entry-level workers use this opportunity to start up a career ladder and obtain a living wage.
The program is operating in six nursing homes on the North Shore with six tutors, but we are still looking for volunteers in the Newburyport area. The time commitment is for about two hours a week until May when the students take the entrance exam, although it is hoped that tutors will want to continue if the student is accepted into the LPN program in September.
The tutoring will be conducted at the nursing home where the worker is employed at a time convenient for the tutor but probably during breaks or before or after their shift. Tutors who have time in the afternoon are especially needed. The students are preparing for the entrance exam through an innovative online training program, but the chance to get help face-to-face is critical.
For more information, please call Cary Perry at 978-356-4945 or email: caryperry@aol.com.
from the FRS Adult Education Committee
| Start Date | Start Time | Recurrence | |
| Cakes for the Queen of Heaven: A Women’s Religious Journey | Wednesday, January 16 | 6:00 p.m. | Five Wednesdays, excluding 1/30 and 2/13 |
| Writing Your Spiritual Autobiography | Thursday, February 28 | 5:45 p.m. | Eight Thursdays |
| Spirit in Practice: Spiritual Growth for Unitarian Universalists, Part I | Wednesday, March 5 | 6:00 p.m. | Five Wednesdays, excluding 3/12 and 4/9 |
| Spirit in Practice: Spiritual Growth for Unitarian Universalists, Part II | Wednesday, April 23 | 6:00 p.m. | Five Wednesdays, excluding 5/14 |
| Where Does Our Liberal Religious Faith Come From? A Short Course in UU History | Thursday, March 6 | 10:00 a.m. | Three Thursdays |
| The Way Things Are (DVD) | Sunday, March 9 | 11:45 a.m. | One time |
| People Like Us: Exploring Social Class | Monday, March 10 | 7:00 p.m. | Three Mondays |
| Geocaching | Sunday, March 30 | 11:45 a.m. | One time |
| Where’s Caleb? Who Is He and Why Has History Forgotten Him? | Tuesday, April 8 | 10:00 a.m. | Two Tuesdays |
| Vegetable Gardening for Health and Happiness | Thursday, April 10 | 7:30 p.m. | One time |
| The First Three Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey) | Thursday, April 24 | 6:00 p.m. | Three Thursdays |
| UU Tour of Emerson Country | Saturday, May 24 | 8:00 a.m. | One time |
| Walking the Labyrinth | Friday, May 30 | 2:30 p.m. | One time |
Cakes for the Queen of Heaven: A Women's Religious Journey
Wednesdays 6:00-8:00pm, Jan. 16, 23, Feb. 6, 20, 27
Led by Christina Sillari and Alex Mezey
Lower Meeting House
This course explores women's spirituality through feminist "thealogy." Religious myths and symbols, women's bodies, the Goddess, the mother-daughter relationship, and women's power are some of the issues we will delve into through video, song, ritual, poetry, story, art, and conversation. The five sessions are as follows: 1) The Sacred Female, 2) In the Name of the Mother and Daughter, 3) Womanpower, 4) The First Turning - The Shift from Goddess to God , and 5) Reclaiming Women's Heritage of Peace. All women are welcome including older youth.
Writing Your Spiritual Autobiography
Thursdays 5:45-7:15pm, Feb. 28-Apr. 17
Led by Harold Babcock & Julie Amery
Lower Meeting House
Limited to 12 people
"Who am I, and what am I doing here?" These two questions are at the heart of a spiritual autobiography. This eight-week course is for those wishing to engage in this deeply personal writing experience. Through exercises such as drawing a diagram of a childhood room and sketching a road map of one's life, participants will begin to understand their own spiritual journeys. The course culminates in a written autobiography to be shared with the group. Writing will be required between sessions. Because of the nature of the course, we ask that participants please commit to all eight weeks. Please contact Harold or Julie if you have any questions.
Spirit in Practice: Spiritual Growth for Unitarian Universalists, Part I
Wednesdays 6:00-8:00pm, Mar. 5, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 16
Led by Christina Sillari and Alex Mezey
Lower Meeting House
Spirit in Practice explores eight aspects of spiritual growth and introduces an array of practices that can help us deepen our spirituality. The program emphasizes the value of finding practices that fit with individuals' beliefs, life situations, and needs. The eight spiritual practices include Justice Practices, Life Practices, Soul Practices, Body Practices, Mind Practices, Spiritual Partnerships, Communal Worship Practices, and Personal Spiritual Practices. Contact Christina Sillari to register at 978 465 0602 x410.
Spirit in Practice: Spiritual Growth for Unitarian Universalists, Part II
Wednesdays 6:00-8:00pm, Apr. 23, 30, May 7, 21, June 4
Led by Christina Sillari and Alex Mezey
Lower Meeting House
Spirit in Practice explores eight aspects of spiritual growth and introduces an array of practices that can help us deepen our spirituality. The program emphasizes the value of finding practices that fit with individuals' beliefs, life situations, and needs. The eight spiritual practices include Justice Practices, Life Practices, Soul Practices, Body Practices, Mind Practices, Spiritual Partnerships, Communal Worship Practices, and Personal Spiritual Practices. Contact Christina Sillari to register at 978 465 0602 x410.
Where Does Our Liberal Religious Faith Come From? A Short Course in UU History
Thursdays 10:00-12:00am, Mar. 6, 13, 20
Led by Christina Sillari
Lower Meeting House
Join us for a short study and reflection on Unitarian Universalist history and theology. We will explore the history of our European roots, the foundations of Universalism and Unitarianism in America, and our faith and how it plays out in our church today. Please pre-register, as there are readings to do before the first class. All are welcome.
The Way Things Are (DVD)
Huston Smith, 58 minutes, 2004
Sunday, Mar. 9, 11:45am-1:15pm
Discussion led by Catherine Garnache
Lower Meeting House
Huston Smith offers in this film a uniquely personal perspective on his own spiritual journey through life. He speaks with passion and humor about his upbringing, the inspiring and colorful individuals he has known, and the wisdom he has gained from the different religious and philosophical traditions he has encountered.
People Like Us: Exploring Social Class
Mondays 7:00-9:00pm, Mar. 10-24
Led by Christina Sillari
Lower Meeting House
Social class is the 800-pound gorilla in American life that most Americans do not think about. Through video, reading, exercises, and conversation we will explore our attitudes, perceptions, and feelings about the challenging issue of class. The PBS video "People Like Us: Social Class in America" will be used as a resource in the course. Particular attention will be paid to the issue of class within Unitarian Universalism. All are welcome.
Geocaching
Sunday Mar. 30, 11:45am-1:00pm
Led by Ted Bailey
Lower Meeting House
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world. A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook and "treasure," usually toys or trinkets of little value. Today, well over 480,000 geocaches are registered on various websites devoted to the sport. Geocaches are currently placed in 100 countries around the world, and you can find them in Newburyport or Amesbury. Ted will tell you why geocaching is fun and how you can get started. All are welcome.
Where's Caleb? Who Is He and Why Has History Forgotten Him?
Tuesdays Apr. 8, 15, 10:00-11:30am
Led by Jim Dyer
Lower Meeting House
Caleb Cushing was a statesman, soldier, jurist, negotiator, diplomat, ambassador, linguist and scholar-- Newburyport's most distinguished citizen of the 19th century. But he has virtually disappeared from view today. Come look back through the mists of time, get to know Cushing as he was and discover the reasons for his disappearance.
Vegetable Gardening for Health and Happiness
Thursday Apr. 10, 7:30-9:00pm
Led by Greg Garnache
Lower Meeting House
The main topics of discussion will be crop rotation, plant groupings, using flowers for plant protection and garden appearance, integration of garden into everyday lifestyle, and an overview of a typical gardening season. All are welcome.
The First Three Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey)
Thursdays, 6:00-8:00pm, Apr. 24 and May 1, 8
Led by Anne Dodge
Lower Meeting House
The first habit is "being proactive." This habit gives you concrete, practical tools for proactive decision making by helping you identify and separate those things you do have control over from those over which you have no control. Please come with a partner to this session.
The second habit is "keeping the end in mind." This habit has exercises that help you clarify your values and write a personal mission statement. The third habit is "put first things first." Now that you have a mission statement and know where you want to go, how do you prioritize your time? This session has an easy tool to help you "put first things first." All are welcome.
UU Tour of Emerson Country
Saturday, May 24, rain date May 31
8:00am (sharp) - all day
Led by Harold Babcock
Meet at Newburyport Park & Ride, carpool, bring a lunch
Walk in the footsteps of famous Unitarians & Universalists:
- Harvard Divinity Hall Chapel, Emerson's famous address
- Mt. Auburn Cemetery, John Murray, William Ellery Channing, Dorothea Dix, and more
- Walden Pond, Thoreau's splendid isolation
- Concord's Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Emerson, Thoreau, Alcott Family
- Old Manse in Concord & Concord Bridge
Friday May 30, 2:30-3:30pm, rain date June 6
Led by John Burciaga
Meet in the FRS courtyard
There are several labyrinths in the greater Newburyport area, but the Rev. John Burciaga has offered the opportunity for us to walk the labyrinth in his backyard. He will give a short history of labyrinths and directions for the walk which may be as serious or playful as you want.
Tuesdays 7:30-9:00pm
Led by Veronique Hyde
Lower Meeting House
If you have always wanted to write but never did, or if you just need some inspiration, encouragement and a place to practice, join us in this fun workshop. Stretch your imagination and explore your potential using timed free-writes and exercises. Everyone is invited to this non-competitive, stress-free, friendly, and safe group. No experience necessary.
The FRS Current Events Forum
First and third Sundays 9:30-10:15am
Facilitated by Richard Nocera
Conference Room
Call 978 465 0602 x 401 for current topic.
This forum provides our community a platform for free discussion of events occurring in the larger world which are of burning concern to us. It creates an environment in which ideas are respected and may be expressed in an atmosphere of openness and honesty and are met with support and safety - if not always agreement! Each meeting will have a Focus Topic, announced in advance. An occasional outside expert on a chosen topic may be invited to lead the discussion. All are welcome.
Brown Bag Lunch with the Minister
Second Tuesdays, 12-1 pm
Led by Harold Babcock
Lower Meeting House
Discuss a short story chosen by Harold Babcock. Bring a lunch. All are welcome.
Friday Morning Book Discussion Group
Fridays 10-11:30 a.m.
Conference Room
Facilitated by Nancy Herbison-Evans
Call 978 465 0602 x401 for current book title. This group discusses books with ethical or religious themes. Meetings are ongoing and all are welcome.
Small Ministry Groups
These meet every other week, various dates and times
Call 978 465 0602 x401 for list of groups
Lower Meeting House
Led by a trained facilitator, small groups meet every other week to reflect on a relevant life theme such as "friendship" and "acceptance." Once formed, these groups are ongoing and offer our members a chance to forge relationships with each other and to explore the implications of various religious themes on their lives. As our church grows, the challenge of creating closeness with our fellow members also grows. These small groups become more important as a means to maintain connections with each other and the values we strive to live by. Call 978 465 0602 x401 for more information or to sign up for one of the groups.
Exploring Unitarian Universalism and FRS Membership
Sundays 11:45am-12:45pm, Apr. 13, 20, 27
Conference Room
Have you been considering becoming a member of the First Religious Society, but wanted to know more about Unitarian Universalism and what it means to be a member? Here's your chance. Meet FRS members, John Mercer, Administrator, and Harold Babcock, Minister, to talk in a small supportive group. New Member Sunday is May 4. Bring your coffee and join in.
Men Can Read Too Book Group
First Sundays 6:30pm
Participants' homes
This ongoing group is open to all. Please call 978 465 0602 x401 for the title of the current book to be discussed and the place of the meeting.
Retired Guys Out to Lunch
Third Tuesdays
Once a month these guys go out to lunch. All (guys) are welcome. Call 978 465 0602 x401 for current lunch date and location.
Retired Ladies Lunch
Third Wednesdays
Once a month these women go out to lunch. All women are welcome. Call 978 465 0602 x401 for current lunch date and location.
Women's Alliance
Second Tuesdays, noon
Lower Meeting House
This group meets for a program and refreshments. All are welcome. Call 978 465 0602 x401 for the program theme.
Spiritual Literacy
Fourth Tuesdays 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Lower Meeting House
This group will be viewing and discussing videos of Bill Moyers interviewing Joseph Campbell on "The Power of the Myth."
Contact Alex Mezey at alex@lifeclaritycoach.com
Jazz Vespers
First Wednesdays 8:00-9:00pm
Church Sanctuary
Jazz services with music by Edson Wordon, Lark Madden, & company and readings by parishioners. Peaceful. All are welcome.
Green Sanctuary Project
Fourth Sundays 9:30-10:15am
Lower Meeting House
Contact Rob Burnham jcrdburnham@verizon.net
