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See short biography below
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
"Who Are We and What Are We Called to Do?"
At our vision retreat in January, I suggested that the purpose of our visioning process over the last couple of years was an attempt to provide some answers to this question. Are we as a congregation here simply to serve ourselves, our own needs and desires, or might there be a wider and grander vision we should embrace? The sermon will investigate. The Young Church Choir will join us to sing.
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated in memory of Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Little and Mr. and Mrs. H. Greenleaf Noyes by Edmund G. Noyes and Leon L. Noyes.
Flowers: The flowers for today's service are donated by the Fairweather family in loving memory of Dorothy's aunt, Othelia Bansley.
Chalice Lighters: Jonathan and Erik March
Ushers: Elaina and David Sayles.
Coffee Hour Hosts: Barbara Boulay, Pat Bashford, Robert Matthews and Taika Brand Matthews, and Mark and Carole Bisgrove.
FRS Current Events Forum: 9:30 a.m. in Lower Meetinghouse Conference Room.
"What does it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist? Voices from our community"
Bettina Turner: "A Sense of Belonging"
Mike Dorsey: "A Faith of Belonging"
"I think that one of our most important tasks is to convince others that there's nothing to fear in difference; that difference, in fact, is one of the healthiest and most invigorating of human characteristics without which life would become meaningless. Here lies the power of the liberal way: not in making the whole world Unitarian [Universalist], but in helping ourselves and others to see some of the possibilities inherent in viewpoints other than one's own; in encouraging the free interchange of ideas; in welcoming fresh approaches to the problems of life; in urging the fullest, most vigorous use of critical self-examination." Adlai Stevenson
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated by Elaina and David Sayles in celebration of their families. Their generosity, support, and love are always appreciated.
Flowers: The flowers for today's service are donated by Anne and Alec White in loving memory of Grace Van Winkle Weld, Penelope Weld White, and Harold T. White.
Ushers: Stan Barrett and Leslie Lawrence.
Coffee Hour Hosts: Brent Mitchell and Jessica Brown, Will and Linda Buddenhagen, Darryl and Monica Brile, and Linda Lu Burciaga.
Those folk know how to give a party
A most grateful thank-you to Steve and KC Swallow for their hosting of the jolly Midwinter Party on February 16.
Please keep Maureen Adams in your thoughts as she mourns the loss of her dear mother. Her mom truly enjoyed life and her family, as was confirmed by the sparkle in her eyes.
John Mercer - "On the Piero Trail" - Photos and Talk
Hostesses: Marion Olsen and Beverly Logan.
Bring your own brown bag lunch. Coffee and dessert will be served.
from the Ministerial Intern
What is religion? It is not a theory; it is not a creed; it is not a gathering of certain formulas. Religion is the underlying current of human life that carries it upward. It is the science of the highest development of humanity. It is that something that makes life worth living. It is that which saves you and me and forgives the universe.Ida C. Hultin (1858-1938) was a minister, suffragist, teacher, and public speaker. She was born in Michigan and was educated at Michigan High School and Michigan University. Her father, Dr. Karl Constance Hultin, was born and educated in Sweden, and her mother, Susan Parkins Soman, was born and educated in Michigan. Miss Hultin was raised a Congregationalist and initially served several independent liberal churches in Michigan, where she often drove her horse and cart over 40 miles a day over rough terrain to "tend to a passel of churches there." It appears that Rev. Hultin never married or had children. After being called by Reverend Mary Safford in 1884, she served Unitarian churches in Iowa, Illinois, and Massachusetts, including Moline, Illinois, where she was serving at the time of the 1893 Parliament. Her last two parishes were in Massachusetts, in Allston from 1900 to 1903 and Sudbury from 1903 to 1916. She was president of the Women's Western Unitarian Conference and was elected vice-president of the Central States Conference of Unitarian Churches. She was an ethical-basis Unitarian, active in the Free Religious Association, a group who defined themselves beyond or outside traditional Christianity and focused on a religion of humanity or "rational religion." She was a rare and prophetic speaker engaging her listener's with topics on religion, war, women's rights, ethics, and patriotism. She was often invited to be a guest minister and to deliver conference sermons. At the turn of the century a strong movement for women's rights developed in many Unitarian churches. When Rev. Ida C. Hultin went to All Souls in Washington to deliver an address before the Women's Suffrage Convention, there was a movement to call her to the pastorate of All Souls Church. After conservative members objected, the congregation voted against Rev. Hultin. Yet, the fact that she was given consideration created a sensation in Washington and in the Unitarian denomination as a whole. Rev. Hultin spent the end of her life on Four Acre Farm with Mary M. Jewett in Lincoln, Massachusetts. She died in Sudbury after a prolonged illness.- Ida C. Hultin, 1893, World's Congress of Representative Women.
The First Religious Society will be hosting the Friendship Table dinner at the Salvation Army on Water Street in Newburyport on Thursday, March 20th. The committee is seeking volunteers to sign up to bring a main dish, salad, or dessert or to serve at the dinner. This month's main dish is chicken stew. Sign-ups will be at Coffee Hour on March 9th and 16th. If you have any questions, please see Ginger Bard during Coffee Hour or call her.
Would you like to help?
Would you like to help decorate the church on March 23 for Easter? You may order lilies, hyacinths, daffodils, or tulips in memory or celebration of friends or loved ones. After the Easter service you may pick up your plants to enjoy in your home, plant in your garden, or give as gifts. A list of donors will appear in the Steeple Biweekly and the Order of Service. Please complete this form and return it with payment to the church office.
Wording: ___________________________________________________________
I wish to pick up my plant or plants after the service. _____ Yes _____ No
Name:_________________________________________ Telephone or e-mail: ______________________
The deadline for Easter flower orders is Friday, March 14.
from the Ministerial Intern
Spring is coming, and for me its slow arrival brings renewed energy and perspective. I am more than halfway finished with my time here. I have gotten to know so many of you, and my hope is that I am able to connect with more of you. One way for us to get to know each other and for you to get to know other folks in this congregation is to participate in a religious education class. Alex Mezey and I are just finishing our class, Cakes for the Queen of Heaven. Twenty-two amazing women attended, and it has been an honor and a joy for Alex and me to be in the presence of such a powerful group of women. As many of you know, teaching a class is a great opportunity to learn. I am here to learn, and it is you whom I learn from. I appreciate all of you who engage with me in various ways, as it is your energy that is cultivating my growth as a minister. I hope that you will consider signing up for one of my upcoming classes so that we can deepen our experience of the mystery of life through mutual learning and growth. The classes I am teaching are listed below.
Harold, my intern committee, the staff, and many lay leaders here at FRS are also supporting my growth as a minister. The honesty, generosity, inspiration, and support I receive from the people of this church affirm my very being. The First Religious Society is blessed with an amazing group of people who deeply care for this community. They continuously go beyond their call of duty to create a sacred place where "faith and hope with love arise," every day. Without their hard work, dedication, and commitment, FRS would not be the healthy, vibrant community that it is. I am honored to be a part of a community that cares so deeply about the little things like supporting local coffee roasters to the big things like tending to someone who is sick and in the hospital. If you are reading this, you probably know how fortunate you are to be part of such a faith community. My hope is that we all continue to transform our gratitude into action.
from the FRS Adult Education Committee
Spirit in Practice: Spiritual Growth for Unitarian Universalists, Part I
Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., March 5, 19, 26, April 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.
Where Does Our Liberal Religious Faith Come From? A Short Course in UU History
Thursdays 10:00 - 12:00 a.m., March 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.
People Like Us: Exploring Social Class
Mondays 7:00-9:00pm, March 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.
Want to Relax and Rejuvenate?
Wine Country Excursion To The Napa Valley
An hour north of San Francisco are the lush vineyards, world class wineries and picturesque small towns of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. We invite all UUs and friends to share the beauty of our "home" through the UU Fellowship of North Bay's "Wine Country Excursions."
We offer small customized two day tours of our valleys which can include wine tastings, art galleries, museums, scenic trails and much more. We provide private rooms with bath in the homes of our members and experienced guides to conduct tours in their cars.
Napa itself is alive and vibrant with galleries, boutique shops, world-class restaurants, wine tasting rooms and entertainment. Sites of special interest include COPIA (The American Center for Food, Wine and the Arts); Jack London's home (now a state park); the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone; the diRosa Art and Nature Preserve.
Tours are offered from May through October. Plan for two days of touring and a two or three night stay with all local transportation provided. Home hospitality without tours is also available. Our fees are much below market rates for similar services. All proceeds to help our Fellowship grow and purchase property in this expensive real estate market. We have limited openings, so contact us now for details. Tom Wilson 707.254-7443 or 2wilsons1dog@comcast.net
March 9 at 4:00 p.m.
John Hines, bass - baritone
Want an Unexpected Spiritual Opportunity?
Call John Mercer at (978) 465-0602 and volunteer to be a canvasser
Parish Hall
March 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Be There - And appreciate the amazing variety, even the talent.
