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FRS Meetinghouse
by Blake Hughes
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THE STEEPLE BIWEEKLY
of The First Religious Society in Newburyport,
a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association,
26 Pleasant Street, Newburyport, MA 01950
Office hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (M - F)
Web Page: www.frsuu.org
e-mail: frsuu@netway.com
Church Phone: (978) 465-0602
Minister's Line: (978) 465-6504
Fax: (978) 462-0384
The Rev. Harold E. Babcock, Minister
The Rev. Bertrand H. Steeves, Minister
Emeritus
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Deadline for submission for next Steeple Biweekly: Friday, Oct.
23
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Worship
Service - October 18, 10:30 a.m.
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Rev. Harold
Babcock
Family Service
"Going Outside"
Krishnamurti, the 20th century Indian mystic
and philosopher, has written that, "We live in a little room, we
paint on a little canvass, thinking we have grasped life by the hand or
understood the significance of death; but we have not. To do that we
must go outside."
2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the re-start of the UU Partner Church program. The sermon will
investigate some of the lessons learned by "going outside"
during the last twenty years. As I near the end of my term as Chair of
the Board of the UU Partner Church Council, it is good to reflect on
how far it, and I, have come. As Mark Twain
said with truth, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and
narrow-mindedness." See you in church!
- Harold
Babcock
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been
donated by Charlie and
Betty Baker in memory of Henry Bailey Little and Fanny Gray Little.
Flowers: The flowers for today's service are donated by Jim and
Nancy Warner in memory of their parents, James and Marjorie Warner and
Felix and Julia Caracciolo.
Ushers: Tom and Tempa Pagel.
Coffee Hour Hosts: Bill Zarakas,
Robert Matthews and Taika Brand-Matthews,
Carolyn Dawson, and Virginia Hallman.
Current Events Forum: 9:30 in Lower Meetinghouse Conference
Room.
Collection for Cause: One half of the loose plate contributions
for October will go to Our Neighbors' Table, described below.
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Worship Service October 25,
10:30 a.m.
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Rev. Harold
Babcock
"Remembering Servetus
This Sunday in many Protestant churches is celebrated as
"Reformation Sunday." It seems like a good time to
remember one of our Unitarian Universalist martyrs. Michael Servetus (Miguel Serveto)
was a 16th century Spanish theologian, physician, humanist, and
cartographer. The first to publish a description of the blood's
circulation through the lungs, he came into conflict with the Reformer
John Calvin over his treatise On the Errors of the Trinity. Servetus was subsequently burned at the stake for
heresy in 1553. The sermon will investigate the life and work of
Michael Servetus.
- Harold
Babcock
Steeple Lighting: The steeple lighting for this week has been
donated in remembrance of
D'Arcy Van Bokkelen by his wife Louise and
children James and Katrina.
Flowers: The flowers for today's service are donated by Gayden, Rob, and Jim Morrill and families in memory
of their father, Frank Morrill, and his "better half,"
Frances.
Ushers: Yvonne Chabrier and Carolyn
Dawson.
Coffee Hour Hosts: Maureen Adams and Lee McLaughlin, Anthony and
Deedee Allen, and Sally Benjamin.
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The
Gala!
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The Organ Fundraising Gala will be held on
Saturday, October 17, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Atrium in The
Courtyard to benefit the capital campaign to fund organ repairs. There
will be no charge for this event, but reservations are required since
there is a limited amount of space. Libations will include champagne
and wine, coffee and tea and sweets to accompany them. Please join us
in this fundraiser to preserve and improve our historic and beloved
organ.
Please call the church office at (978) 465-0602, x401 before Friday at
noon to register and to get directions.
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New
Members?
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During the worship service on Sunday, November 8,
2009, 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, FRS Administrator, at (978) 465-0602, x404, or send him an
e-mail at frsuu@netway.com.
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Lunch
with the Minister . . .
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. . . will resume on November 10. Look for information in the next
Biweekly.
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Did You Miss the Picture?
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Olan-Mills representatives will be taking
photographs again in Newburyport, this time at St. Paul's Episcopal Church
on High Street, from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, and
Thursday, October 22. FRS parishioners will be allowed to sign up in
these sittings. To be included, just send e-mail to our Olan-Mills representative, Frank Richardson, at
frankrichardson@olanmills.com or call Vicki Dyer at (978) 465-0602,
x401.
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Circle the Date for Circle
Dinners
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Saturday, November 7
The first circle dinners of the year will be held on Saturday, November
7. Sign-ups will be on Sundays through November 1 at coffee hour. You
may also call, or send e-mail to, the church office to sign up.
Circle dinners are small dinner parties consisting of six to ten
people. They are designed as intimate events so members can get
together in the home of a host, and guests are asked to bring a dish
and beverage of their choice. This is a wonderful opportunity for
making new friends and sharing a sense of community. We need volunteers
to serve as hosts for these dinners. If you have any questions, please
speak to Vicki Dyer at coffee hour.
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Rummage Alert
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We need it all: Volunteers,
Donors, and Buyers
Volunteer: Call (978) 465-0602, x401
Donate: Monday through Thursday, November 2 through 5 (Church
Office)
Buy: Friday evening and Saturday morning, November 6 and 7
(Parish Hall)
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Where have all the artists
gone / long time passing . . .
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The Foot-of-the-Swoosh Gallery, with its
excellent new lighting, lacks only a long list of upcoming shows to be
a complete success. Call Vicki Dyer at the church office to offer up
your art for a monthly showing. And make sure to admire Bettina
Turner's arresting show currently in place.
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FRS Variety Show Date Set
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For Your 2010 Calendar
Mark your calendars for the FRS Variety Show on Saturday, March 20, at
7:00 p.m. Dust off that ukulele, polish up those tap shoes, memorize
that ballade, and let the church office know what part you'd like to
play. In 2003, Frank Clarkson described the FRS Variety Show as
follows:
. . . the
Variety Show, formerly known as the Talent Show, happened on a night in
March, just a few days before the war in Iraq began. Standing at the
edge of the audience, upstairs in the Parish Hall, I felt like I could
be a filmmaker, because everywhere I looked I saw vignettes that seemed
important, or profound, or beautiful. I saw sleepy children in their
parents' laps, and older folks sitting next to teenagers. I saw couples
holding hands and tapping their feet to the music, and I saw a number
of people wiping tears from their eyes after the cherub choir sang.
Though there was little, if anything, in the Variety Show that was
expressly religious or spiritual, I found it to be a profoundly moving
experience. I saw people gathered together for the joy of it, and I
sensed that there was more to this community than I had assumed. I felt
this church in a new way.
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We want to know what you want
to know!
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from the FRS Historical Committee
The Historical Committee has embarked on a two-year journey, tracing
the paths of our FRS UU forbears in America. During the current church
year we will examine the period beginning in 1635, when the Great Migrators arrived at ParkerRiver,
through 1764, when Newburyport became a municipality separate from
Newbury. We will look at the lives of our local colonists at home, at
church, at work, and managing a growing community - no easy task, as we
are learning!
The Historical Committee has a new bulletin board (see it in the Parish
Hall; you'll know you're in the right spot when you sense our first
minister, the Reverend John Lowell, staring at you). It may pique your
intellectual and emotional wonder: this fascinating period in our
history has enough facts and stories and ideas and objects to satisfy
every curiosity. We therefore need your help in determining areas on
which we should focus our energies during this church year.
At Coffee Hour on Sunday, October 18th, we'll have a brief 'What Do You
Want to Know?' survey -- a five-question check-off, with a
non-obligatory 'Comments and Suggestions' section). We're eager for
your feedback. Please let us know what you want to know!
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Our Neighbors' Table
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October's Collection for Cause
Our Neighbors' Table was established in 1991 through the Amesbury
Council of Churches. In its first year of operations, funding for this
weekly project was rotated among the various churches of Amesbury. In
1992, the endeavor reached out to the community for support. Currently,
businesses, organizations and individuals from Amesbury, Newburyport
and Merrimac generously fund this program through donations.
Meals are served every Wednesday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Main
Street Congregational Church. Our Neighbors' Table rents the kitchen
facilities from this church but remains distinct as a separate
organization. Each seating serves 80 women, men and children. Those
served come from eight different towns, and the senior bus brings those
from Newburyport.
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Educational Opportunities
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from the FRS Adult Education
Committee
REGISTER by calling 978 465 0602 x401 or emailing frsuuadmin@netway.com
Empowering Women - Self-defense for Women 13 and Up
Saturdays, October24 - November 28, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Hannah Creed
Lower Meeting House
Be proactive. Learn to be safe. Be prepared. This unique self-defense
class is designed for the typical woman. We live in a busy society and
we are always multitasking, so we are not always aware when danger
enters the scene. This course is not about going head-to-head with an
attacker. The objective of this six-week course is to develop and
enhance the options of self-defense for women, so that they may become
viable considerations for the woman who is attacked. Empower yourself.
Become be more confident and learn to trust yourself. Wear workout
clothes, tie up long hair, and bring water. Be prepared to sweat!
Hannah has a 3rd Degree Brown Belt in Shaolin
Kempo and has been practicing martial arts
and self-defense for four years.
China through the Eyes of an Interpreter
Thursday, October 22, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Claudia Dutra
Lower Meeting House
While attending the XVIII World Congress of the International
Federation of Translators, in Shanghai, this Massachusetts court
interpreter had the opportunity to join a Chinese friend, whose
sensibility led this traveler through roads less traveled. Quoting
Robert Frost, "And that has made all the difference." The
lecture is an overview of this trip with many pictures of China including
landmarks such as the Terra-Cotta Soldiers, the Great Wall, and the
Forbidden City.
Exploring Unitarian Universalist Identity
Friday mornings, October 30, November 6, 13, 20, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Harold Babcock
Exploring Unitarian Universalist Identity, by Peter Richardson
$15.00 for the book
Lower Meeting House
From Emerson and the Transcendentalists forward, Harold will trace a
grounding in liberal traditions which prepares Unitarian Universalism
for raising global consciousness and extending our ministry to embrace
the world as a multifaith denomination.
Richardson argues that we are challenged by the radical right in
America because of our weak spiritual focus and vision.
Special notice from the
instructor:
Those participating in my class on Exploring UU Identity should read
Chapter 1 of Peter Richardson's book of that title before the first
session.
For the complete Adult Education Catalogue, stop by the office, pick
one up on a Sunday, or use the web.
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Climate Convocation October
18
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Please join UUA President Rev. Peter Morales,
Rev. Fred Small, Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons, and keynote speaker
Bill McKibben for the Climate Convocation at
Harvard's Memorial Church Sunday, October 18, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. In
anticipation of the October 24th International Day of Climate Action,
people of faith and people of conscience, educators and community
leaders, scientists and students will call for an international plan
that meets the latest science and safeguards our irreplaceable earth
for future generations. Writer and environmentalist McKibben
will offer his penetrating insights on global and local efforts for
climate justice and the individual, institutional, and political change
the crisis demands. Fred Small will lead his climate justice anthem, "Three Five O". Take a
stand for climate justice!
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Gary Sredzienski
and the Serfs
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presented Live in Concert by FINCH Coffee House
Friday, October 16 in the Parish Hall.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Concert at 8:00 p.m.
Eastern European melodies merged with rockabilly and surf instrumentals
to produce the Serfs, who draw upon a large array of Old World musical
traditions to boldly go where few believe the accordion belongs! ETHNIC
. . . INSTRUMENTAL ROCK . . . XTREME POLKA!!! Tickets at the door for
$15.00.
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Ice's Crossing - A drama of
loving, dying, and letting go
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A play by FRS
member Ron Pullins
October 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31
7:00 Thursdays and Sunday
8:00 Friday and Saturdays
The Actors Studio of Newburyport at The Tannery
Reservations recommended - 978-465-1229
$15 adults, $13 students and seniors
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Calendar
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SANC =
Sanctuary
PH = Parish Hall (1 = lower floor, 2 = upper floor)
LMH = Lower Meetinghouse Hall
MH = Lower Meetinghouse classrooms (A, B, C, and D)
CONF = Conference Room
Friday, October 16
8:00am - Volunteer Job Fair (All spaces)
10:00am - Friday Morning Discussion Group (CONF)
7:00pm - FINCH Coffeehouse (PH-1 & 2)
Doors open at 7pm - Concert at 8pm
Saturday, October 17
8:00am - Volunteer Job Fair (All spaces)
9:00am - Historical Committee Meeting (CONF)
7:00pm - Champagne-Chocolate Soiree at the Courtyard
Sunday, October 18
9:00am - Teen Choir Rehearsal (PH-2)
9:00am - Adult Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
9:30am - Current Events Forum (CONF)
9:40am - YoungChurch Choir Rehearsal (PH-2)
10:30am - PartnerChurch Sunday Service
10:30am - YoungChurch Worship/Small Ministry
Groups
2:00pm - Candlelight Chorale Practice (LMH)
5:00pm - Junior Youth Group (LMH)
8:00pm - Sunday Night AA Meeting (PH-1)
8:00pm - Sunday Night Alanon (PH-2)
Monday, October 19
7:30am - Contemplation/Meditation (PH-2)
3:30pm - Rehearsal (Newburyport Summer Stock) (PH-1)
5:00pm - Private: H. Murgida (CONF)
6:30pm - Buddhist Meditation Group (LMH)
7:00pm - Building and Grounds Committee (CONF)
Tuesday, October 20
8:00am - Artists en plein air (PH-1)
12:00pm - AA Meeting (PH-1)
12:00pm - Retired Guys Out to Lunch
3:30pm - Rehearsal (Newburyport Summer Stock) (PH-1)
7:00pm - AA Step Sisters Meeting (PH-1)
7:00pm - Denominational Affairs Committee (MH-D)
7:30pm - Creative Writing Class (MH-A&B)
7:30pm - Committee on Ministry (HB office)
7:30pm - R. E. Meeting (CONF)
Wednesday, October 21
12:15pm - Ladies Out to Lunch: SeaglassSalisburyBeach
3:30pm - Rehearsal (Newburyport Summer Stock) (PH-1)
5:30pm - Worship Committee (MH-D)
6:00pm - Cakes for the Queen of Heaven (CONF)
7:00pm - AA Meeting (PH-1)
Thursday, October 22
12:00pm - AA Meeting (PH-1)
3:30pm - Rehearsal (Newburyport Summer Stock) (PH-1)
6:00pm - Tai Chi (PH-1)
7:30pm - Adult Education: Views of China (MH-A&B)
7:30pm - Adult Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
Friday, October 23
10:00am - Friday Morning Discussion Group (CONF)
12:00pm - Deadline for Steeple Biweekly
3:30pm - Wedding Rehearsal (SANC) (HB)
Saturday, October 24
9:00am - Rehearsal (Newburyport Summer Stock) (PH-1)
9:30am - Adult Education: Self-Defense (MH-A&B)
1:00pm - Wedding: Klibansky-Blanchard (SANC)
(HB)
Sunday, October 25
9:00am - Teen Choir Rehearsal (PH-2)
9:00am - Adult Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
9:40am - YoungChurch Choir Rehearsal (PH-2)
9:45am - YoungChurch Teacher Breakfast (LMH)
10:30am - Reformation Sunday
10:30am - Young Church Worship/Small Ministry Groups
11:45am - FRS Garden Club (MH A&B)
12:00pm - Music Committee Meeting (CONF)
2:00pm - Candlelight Chorale Practice (LMH)
5:00pm - Up & coming Opening KickOff
(LMH)
7:30pm - Science-Spirit Study and Practice Group (LMH)
8:00pm - Sunday Night AA Meeting (PH-1)
8:00pm - Sunday Night Alanon (PH-2)
Monday, October 26
7:30am - Contemplation/Meditation (PH-2)
10:00am - Shared Ministry Group: Turner (CONF)
3:30pm - Rehearsal (Newburyport Summer Stock) (PH-1)
6:30pm - Buddhist Meditation Group (LMH)
Tuesday, October 27
8:00am - Artists en plein air (PH-1)
12:00pm - AA Meeting (PH-1)
1:00pm - Staff Meeting
3:30pm - Rehearsal (Newburyport Summer Stock) (PH-1)
7:00pm - FRS Trustees Meeting (CONF)
7:00pm - AA Step Sisters Meeting (PH-1)
7:30pm - Creative Writing Class (MH-A&B)
Wednesday, October 28
3:30pm - Rehearsal (Newburyport Summer Stock) (PH-1)
6:00pm - Cakes for the Queen of Heaven (CONF)
7:00pm - AA Meeting (PH-1)
7:00pm - Adult Education Meeting (CONF)
Thursday, October 29
12:00pm - AA Meeting (PH-1)
3:30pm - Rehearsal (Newburyport Summer Stock) (PH-1)
6:00pm - Tai Chi (PH-1)
7:30pm - Adult Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
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