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This Week
 Eilen Jewel will be appearing at FINCH Coffeehouse this Friday evening (2/20). [Click on picture for more info] |
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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 |
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Association Sunday Rev. Eric Cherry "A Faith without Borders" Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote "the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all." UU congregations have found various ways to fulfill this commitment and have experienced both the complexities and the blessings of this unique variety of ministry. Rev. Cherry will share reflections about the history, theology, and emerging opportunities for international engagement, and make the case that our faith depends upon crossing borders. Biography: Reverend Eric Cherry has been the Director of International Resources for the Unitarian Universalist Association since August 2007. Previously he served as the parish minister of Unity Church of North Easton, MA (2001-2007) and the UU Fellowship of Burlington, IA (1994-2001). He is a graduate of Earlham College and Meadville/Lombard Theological School. Eric and his wife, Linda, make their home in Mansfield, MA. Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been donated by Roxie and Janet Kalashian in loving memory of Carol Ann (Kalashian) Mullen. Flowers: The flowers are donated by Ginger and Jeff Bard in memory of Ginger's mother and father, Leon and Peg Dubuc, and Jeff's father, Bruce Bard. Ushers: Jane and Richard Nocera. Coffee Hour Hosts: Rebekah and Alby Marshall, Robert and Ann Poirier, Jay and Nancy McCarthy, and Thomas and Karen McCarty. Collection for Cause: One half of the loose plate in February will go directly to the Unitarian Universalist Association's (UUA's) "Now is the Time!" fund. In focus groups, surveys and roundtable discussions, Unitarian Universalists said the UUA could most help congregations by doing one thing: "Help us grow!" In response, the UUA has launched a five-year comprehensive fundraising campaign to generate $20 million in immediate resources and $30 million in legacy covenants. Rev. Harold Babcock "Pilgrimage to the Khasi Hills" By the time you get this Sabrina and I will have returned from our visit to the Khasi Hills of India where we attended the annual convention of the Unitarian Union of North Eastern India. My sermon will reflect on this experience as well as relate some of the history of Unitarianism in India, its beliefs and practices, and its current situation. I look forward to sharing a bit of this "pilgrimage to the Khasi Hills" with you. The Young Church Choir will sing. - Harold Babcock 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 are donated by the Fairweather family in loving memory of Dorothy's aunt, Othelia Bansley. Ushers: Deb Blagg and sons, Sam and Walker Staples. Coffee Hour Hosts: Amy Smith Marshall and Robert Marshall, Ted Bailey, Mary Miles and Roy Rigor da Eva, and Kevin and Maura Moore. Current Events Forum: 9:30 in Lower Meetinghouse Conference Room. Jazz Vespers Madden & Co.
You can't make 'em move At this vespers, the band will be joined by Mark Earley, baritone and tenor saxophone player with Roomful of Blues. Bob Bell, Manager of Roomful of Blues, has this to say of Mr. Earley: "Born in Ross County, Ohio in 1961, raised in Cuyahoga Falls, Mark started on alto at the age of ten, and first worked professionally at the age of nineteen traveling with the Guy Lombardo Band under the direction of Teddy Phillips. After working around Cleveland with the Easy Street Band, he moved to Denton, Texas and earned his Bachelors in Music at the University of North Texas. While in the Lone Star state he played with Dallas Brass and Electric, the Emerald City Band, and the great R&B pianist Karl Berkebile. In 1993 he moved back to Cleveland, mainly working high society with Timmy Prida and His Fabulous Tuxedos. Mark moved to Boston in 1995, spent two years honking and walking the bar nightly at Jake Ivory's on Lansdowne St. and then spent five years entertaining Boston's North Shore with John Keegan and Madhouse. As a longtime fan of Roomful of Blues, and their respect of the tradition, he has finally arrived home. Mark names Sonny Stitt as his main man, with more than a nod to Sonny Rollins and Dexter Gordon leading him to Lester Young and an appreciation for the depth and history of the music. His tone, ideas, deep bottom and charismatic stage presence further burnish what is already a legendary horn section." (In this quotation there followed a 204-word sentence of some of the people Mr. Earley has played with; suffice it to say, the man has played with everyone.) Reminder: former FRS Field Student Frank Clarkson's installation at 3:00 p.m. on March 1, 2009, in Haverhill--Harold Babcock preaching. Lunch with the Minister: We will resume at noon on Tuesday, February 24, with the short story, "The Rabbi in the Attic" by Eileen Pollack. We will meet again on Tuesday, March 3, when we will be discussing the short story "Roof Work," by Joe Ashby Porter. All are welcome! On the road again: I will be returning to Transylvania from March 4 to 10 to attend the installation of the new Bishop of the Transylvanian Unitarian Church, The Rev. Ferenc Balint Benczedi. During this trip I will also be spending a couple of days in our partner church village of Ujszekely and visiting with our friends there. The FRS Teen Choir is open to singers in grades 7-12 and rehearses every Sunday morning from 9:00 to 9:40 in the upper parish hall. New members are welcome! The Young Church Choir is for children in grades 1-6 and rehearses every Sunday morning from 9:40 - 10:20 in the upper parish hall. New members are welcome! The Cherub Choir is comprised of all children in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, grade one and grade two and rehearses during the first few minutes of the Sunday School hour each week. The Cherub Choir will not meet on days when there is children's circle with Julie or when there is Circle in Big Church. The FRS Treble Choir, made up of Teen Choir members Julia, Natalie, Kathryn, Katherine and Katrina, will be meeting on Sunday mornings from 8:30 to 9:00. We will be preparing some pieces to sing during a worship service this spring. The FRS Senior Choir, made up of all of our graduating seniors, will be rehearsing from 11:45 to 12:30 on Sundays beginning on March 29. We plan on singing in church on Young Church Sunday, May 17. All 7th and 8th grade Teen Choir girls will be singing with the Young Church Choir on Easter Sunday, April 12. We will be doing a combined anthem with the adult choir. Beginning March 1, all 7th and 8th grade treble voices of the Teen Choir will be rehearsing with the Young Church Choir, from 9:40-10:00. (Young Church Choir members will continue their rehearsal and end at 10:20.)
March 1--Young Church Choir March 8--Teen Choir April 12, Easter--Young Church Choir and Teen Choir May 17, Young Church Sunday--Young Church Choir and Teen Choir Best regards, Claudia Keyian
Director, Youth Choirs www.ClaudiaMusic.com Saturday, February 21, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 252 High Street, the home of Pat and Phil Hurzeler It couldn't be easier: (1) you bring your own beverage and an appetizer or dessert, (2) you show up. Scooter Available: As a result of the fine work being done by Richard George, we have recently uncovered a Razor scooter in the Parish Hall closet. If it's yours or if you want it, please claim it by calling Vicki Dyer at (978) 465-0602, x401. March 10 - Panel discussion with the parents of students who traveled to Transylvania in the summer of 2008 April 14 - To be determined May 12 - Elderservices in Newburyport - Bonnie Sisson, Outreach Director June 9 - Annual Picnic from FRS parishioners John and Joan Harwood We need a caring person to visit with Joan's mother when we are away from our home in Newbury for a few hours for regularly scheduled and one-time events during the day or evening. Our immediate need is for Monday evenings from 6:00 to 9:45. Please contact Joan & John Harwood at jcharwood162@hotmail.com. Turning Point On behalf of all the staff and residents at Turning Point's Division of Family Services, we would like to thank you and the members of the First Religious Society Unitarian Church for your very generous Christmas gifts. These gifts helped provide the moms and children with a wonderful Christmas that would not have been possible without the help of caring community. Especially in this year's economic climate. We are grateful to live in a supportive, generous community that gives of itself to those less fortunate. Again, thank you, and may you find peace and health in the coming New Year. Sincerely, Jeanne Robertson, Coordinator, Division of Family Services
Community Service of Newburyport, Inc.
Our Neighbor's Table In these days of financial difficulty for so many individuals as well as the agencies that serve them, it is nice to know there are caring individuals who are so willing to share God's gifts. We are ever grateful. Sincerely, Rosemary Werner, Executive Director from the FRS Community Human Services Committee Throughout February the Community Human Services Committee will be taking donations of food, personal items (shampoo, toothpaste, etc) and dollars for Pettengill House. The needs this year are greater than ever. Please bring donations of non-perishable food and leave them on the table in the vestibule. If you do not wish to shop, Carol Kilty or another member of the committee will be in the vestibule after church to collect your donations. We will do the shopping for you. Thanks for all your contributions in the past. They make a difference. The FRS is starting a pilot program offering B&B to visitors in volunteer FRS homes. There are now two households, and we would welcome anyone else who is interested. This would be coordinated through the church office by FRS Office Administrator Vicki Dyer, with hospitality provided by volunteers from the congregation. The host families provide a room for visitors to stay and they provide breakfast. All money would go to the Annual Fund of the church.
The Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards 2009: On February 8, FRS teens Lindsay Ford, Mei Li Johnson and Galen March were honored as winners of Silver Keys for their artistic accomplishments. Eilen Jewell Performs on Friday, February 20th, at 8:00 p.m. Newburyport is in for a real treat on Friday, February 20th when the FINCH Coffee House welcomes Eilen Jewell. A 2008 Boston Music Award nominee, Eilen's heart-achingly hushed style and intimate grasp of roots music has made her a local favorite at places like Club Passim and Johnny D's. Provocative originals and timeless country and blues classics sung in her soft soprano voice are her recognizable signature. The Boston Globe recently wrote about Eilen, "Jewell's music has the languorous quietude of Gillian Welch or Norah Jones, but there is something more direct, almost in your face, about her neo traditional melodies, subdued vocals, and confident, slow-swaying groove." Eilen's keenly visual way of articulating deep emotion is palpable and she always wants you to know how her songs feel, whether she's drowning her sorrows or yearning for the good life that always seems like it's right around the next hard corner. FINCH Coffee House continues to offer nationally known folk artists in a warm, inviting environment at affordable prices. Tickets are only $15 per person. Doors open at 7 p.m. for light fare and good conversation. A special raffle will take place pre-show with donations from several merchants in Newburyport who support FINCH. Performance starts at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at DYNO Records on Middle Street, Newburyport and at the door, on the evening of show. Advance ticket purchase is recommended as seating is limited. For more information, please call Karen at (978) 465-5767. For more information on Eilen Jewell, please visit her website at www.eilenjewell.com FINCH (Fridays in Newburyport Coffee House) opens its doors once a month at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Pleasant Street in Newburyport. FINCH is a collaborative effort of several folkies in the community who enjoy good music and good company, and think music should be affordable to everyone! Saturday March 7th 12:30 - 5:00pm 190 Academy Road, North Andover Come enjoy an afternoon sampling a wide variety of wellness workshops, treatments, and experiential classes, offered by North Parish's own network of wellness professionals.
Yoga, Massage, Meditation Reiki, Stress Reduction, Dream Maps Spirituality, Nutrition, Zero Balancing Life-Coaching, Sexuality, Personal Mandalas and More 12:30-1:00 Check In, Peruse Schedule, and Create Your Day - Multiple offerings running concurrently let you choose the perfect day for YOU!
$20 pre-registration/$25 at the door includes admission to all offerings and complimentary refreshments. Childcare available with pre-registration ages 3+ $10 first child/$5 second child. For more information or to pre-register, contact Grace Durfee Grace@balancewithgrace.com or (978) 689-0147. Sponsored by The Wellness Network as a fundraiser for North Parish Unitarian Universalist Congregation. More than ever! You Are Needed to Volunteer - Relief and Recovery Service Trip to the Gulf Coast - For College Students and Adults Sponsored by: Gulf Coast Volunteers For the Long Haul
Our Mission: Helping people in the Gulf Coast region rebuild their homes, their neighborhoods, their communities and their lives for as long as it takes You are still needed: Volunteers are providing the lion's share of help in the Gulf Coast recovery efforts and are deeply appreciated. So join us to work in elementary schools (tutoring, setting up libraries, painting, gardening and art projects), rebuilding houses and churches - plus there's still some gutting to be done. Almost three years to the day after being struck by Hurricane Katrina (and then Rita), Louisiana was battered once again by Hurricane Gustav and high winds from Ike. Join us to repair and restore damaged homes and yards, provide tutoring, and work on projects at New Orleans elementary schools. Trip Costs: Everyone pays for their own airfare to New Orleans. Long Haul provides housing, groceries, on-the-ground transportation, work sites and group leaders. A $100 contribution is requested to help offset expenses (college and grad students exempted). Bring $30 toward dinner out one night. Our space at Aurora United Methodist Church provides a shared kitchen and air mattresses. Who We Are: Gulf Coast Volunteers for the Long Haul is an all volunteer, non-profit, tax-exempt organization, started at the Winchester Unitarian Society. Long Haul has sponsored 15 week-long service trips to New Orleans, southern Louisiana bayou country, and Mississippi. Our volunteers range in age from 15 to 84. We have a special commitment to taking young people on our relief trips. For More Information or to Sign Up: Contact Trina Heinisch at trinah2.0@gmail or visit us on the web at www.longhaulvolunteers.org. Welcoming People as They Are by Greg Buckland, Youth and Young Adult Ministries In Fall 2007 I walked through the doors of the First UU Society of Exeter, NH seeking sanctuary. My job as a Field Organizer in the harrowing NH Presidential Primary demanded seven long days a week, with only a brief break on Sunday morning. I needed somewhere to be still and be touched; to connect with human beings, if only briefly, outside the context of work. The relatively accessible hours (the congregation offered 9am and 11am services) allowed me flexible access to the worship. I found warm smiles welcoming me at the open door. The folks in the next pew slid over to introduce themselves. "I don't know if I've seen you before… I'm Jill." They didn't assume I was new, only that they hadn't met me, and maybe they had something to learn. Neither did they bombard me with questions or expectations. We worshipped together. The music was varied and thoughtfully chosen. The congregants were engaged in multiple ways: from singing with heart, to sharing stories of joy or sorrow, to being both centered and challenged by the sermon. I had to rush off after the service, but from that point on I dedicated that space and time on Sundays. Nine out of ten Sundays, I was there. Campaign life is extreme, but many young adults (18-35) are in a similar place. Overworked, facing student debt, a poor economy, a society focused on TV and consumption, we are seeking connection to others, wisdom to understand, and strength to persevere. Most of us are no longer living in the communities of our youth. Work may be frantic or dehumanizing. Early Sunday morning may be a time to sleep in or to recover. What I found in New Hampshire though was a true ministry: a strong community of caring, where members took good care of each other, and welcomed the stranger, willing to accept me just as I was. I was a part of the church for only a few months before I was transferred for work. But the welcome, the respite and the warmth I found there helped me understand genuine hospitality is possible and we as Unitarian Universalists can be its vessel. Resources for Young Adult Ministry:
(617) 393-4216 Register at www.mbduua.org SMALL GROUP FOR SOCIAL ACTION CONNECTION AND REFLECTION Bi-weekly beginning Feb. 24, 7:00 p.m.; ends May. MBD Offices, 182 Main St., Watertown convened by Gil Rosenberg This covenant group will be an opportunity for soul-nurturing, re-thinking ways to engage social action in UU churches, and forming new relationships for possible future social action work. Targeted specifically to UU ministers and social action Leaders (official or otherwise), we will meet every other week. (Free)
LAY PASTORAL CARE TEAMS TRAINING a Learning Congregation program
SPIRITUALITY DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE (SDC) FOR YOUTH AND ADULT ALLIES
ANNUAL MEETING / SPRING CONFERENCE
Annual Meeting - 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Spring Conference: Seeking Wholeness in a Fragmented World-10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Five Alaskan UU fellowships invite you to experience our eco-cultural and spiritual program this summer in our 13th year! See REAL Alaska, with UU homestays in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. UUs host events and lead tours. We visit Tlingit and Inupiat Native Alaskans, see lots of wildlife like bears, moose, caribou, whales, sea otters and bald eagles and visit Denali and other National Parks. Dave Frey, a 28-year Alaska resident, leads the programs. Visit www.whalecoastak.org. Reservation deadline is March 21 but tours usually fill early. Email dfrey@whalecoastak.org for information, or call 907-322-4966. Alaska UUs would love to share our awe-inspiring state with you! "Napa was as delightful as I had expected. What were equally important and somewhat unexpected were the profound connections I felt with my hosts and hostesses." - Carol Lim, Los Angeles The UU's of Napa, California proudly announce an addition to our successful Wine Country Excursion program which we have offered the past three years. In a year when overseas vacations are harder on the budget, why not plan a trip here in America? There is so much to see and do in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, e.g. wine education and tasting, art, history of the regions, gourmet dining, bicycling and hiking to explore the natural beauty of our hills and valleys and only an hour to San Francisco! We offer two choices: Comfortable lodging in members' homes with full breakfast (up to 3 nights), or lodging plus our renowned Wine Country Excursion two-day tour package. In 2009 our program will run from April through October. Our fees for lodging are at least 25% below market rate (and include a scrumptious breakfast!) and tours are about 50% below commercial rates. All proceeds go to our small fellowship. We have limited openings, so contact us now for details. Tom Wilson - (707) 254-7443 or 2wilsons1dog@comcast.net  |