Minister's Reports

Since our meeting on December 8, I have preached three times, participated in the Christmas pageant, and conducted the Candlelight and Christmas Eve service. With Julie Parker Amery, I conducted four child dedications at the Christmas Eve service.

I attended the following church committee meetings: Welcoming Congregation (2), Adult Education, Shared Ministry Group Task Force, Staff, Building and Grounds, Ministry, Social Action, Finance, Human Services, and Ministry to Youth. I met with PC Chair Cecilia Healy and Treasurer's Stan Cecil and Stan Kilty to come up with a proposal for funding the painting of the church steeple.

I attended the Women's Alliance Christmas luncheon, the Staff Christmas luncheon, and the Retired Guys Out to Lunch.

I took part in an informational session for youth and parents on travel to Transylvania.

In the wider community, I attended a meeting of the Mass Bay District UU Minister's Association, a UU Partner Church Council Regional Meeting (Jan 7-8 in Belmont), spoke before students and faculty at Governor Dummer Academy, and met with colleagues from the Central, Belleville, and First Parish Newbury churches to plan the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. combined worship service (to be held this year at Central Congregational Church). I was successful in securing Prof. Diana Eck of Harvard University as the guest speaker for that service.

I was encouraged by the turn out at the last Building and Grounds Committee meeting and have been actively soliciting new members. Currently the committee is without a chair as Peter Erickson has stepped down (though he remains on the committee), so I am chairing the committee for the time being.

I am aware that the annual canvass is looming and that we still need to find a canvass chairperson. The canvass will need to be our first priority during the next couple of months as we have a proposed kick-off date of March 6.

The Partner Church sub-committee has been successful in raising most of the funds to bring our Partner Church minister and president, their wives and a translator here from Transylvania in mid-April. Stand by for more information.

Just a reminder about the Creating the UU Church of the Future conference in Newton on February 12. I am hoping that we can put together a good team to attend.

I will be in Phoenix, AZ from Feb. 2-7 attending a meeting of the UU Partner Church Council Executive Committee. During that time I will also be preaching about Transylvania at the UU Congregation of Phoenix in Paradise Valley. (Julie Parker Amery will be preaching in my absence.)

The Congregational Survey has been distributed. Please encourage everyone to fill it out before the end of the month, and don't forget to do so yourselves! Happy New Year to you all!

Respectfully submitted,

Harold Babcock

Since our last meeting, I have attended the following church committee meetings: Music, Human Services, Welcoming Congregation, Worship, Staff, Women's Alliance (2), Adult Education, Building and Grounds, Board of Trustees, Ministry, Shared Ministry Group Task Force, and Social Action.

I have officiated at three weddings and one service of Holy Union and performed four child dedication ceremonies.

I attended the annual church picnic at Maudslay Park and had lunch with the Retired Guys Out to Lunch.

In addition, I have attended meetings of the UU Church of the Larger Fellowship Board, the UUCLF Nominating Committee, the Swasey Health Fund, the Mass Bay District Chapter of the UUMA, the Harvard Divinity School Alumni/ae Council, and (via teleconference) the UU Partner Church Council Executive Committee. I served on a panel discussion of Transylvanian Unitarian Christianity at the fall meeting of Christian Churches within the UUA and took part in a silent vigil in Market Square marking the 1000th American casualty in the war in Iraq. I also attended the Harvard Divinity School Convocation.

As we approach the wire of this year's national election season, I am especially aware of the strong feelings which exist on both sides of Presidential divide. I would not be at all surprised (though I would be disappointed) to see some fall out as a result of the election process and perceptions about the church that we are 1)too liberal or 2)too conservative. Those who feel most strongly feel either that I am 1)not partisan enough or 2)too partisan. Too many assume that there is some kind of political homogeneity here (there is not, nor, last time I checked, was political affiliation a qualification for membership). Some would like to see the congregation take a stronger stand (which is clearly illegal and at any rate would be destructive of community). How do we support folks who disagree with us? How do we continue to be a community in the midst of these national tensions and divisions? How do we continue to treat one another with love and respect? What is the proper role of the church in these difficult times? I believe these questions will be a challenge for us not only this year but also in the foreseeable future.

I think we are off to a good start in the new church year. Most committees are up and running well though a few are struggling. How do we make a closer connection with the UU movement as a whole? The whole issue of fundraising will continue to be a topic of conversation as various committees and constituencies of the church try to fund their programs and visions. Volunteerism will increasingly be a challenge as the church grows and becomes more programmatic. We will need to find a Canvass Committee Chairperson to replace Susan Ricker (a difficult task!) who is unable to run the canvass this year, and, at any rate, has served above and beyond the call in that capacity over the last few years. The care and upkeep of the building and grounds pose a large challenge to a committee which may be experiencing a degree of burnout (the steeple needs to be painted, and we need to figure out how to pay for it.) Inevitably, the church staff is taking more responsibility for jobs that used to be accomplished by volunteers.

In spite of these and other challenges, the FRS continues to be a strong and vibrant congregation with many exciting and inspiring programs. There are many new volunteers in the Religious Education program, and many new faces on Sunday mornings. We continue to attract new members, and I believe that we have an excellent image in the community at large. Our renovation has been almost universally praised. This does not, however, do much to change my frequent sense that we have a tiger by the tail here!

Thanks again for your willingness to serve at this interesting time in the history of our church.

Respectfully,

Harold Babcock

Welcome back to all of you members of the First Religious Society Parish Committee! I am looking forward to an exciting and productive church year under Cecelia's leadership and the pleasure of working with all of you. Thanks again for your willingness to serve the FRS in this important capacity!

Since our last meeting on June 9 I have conducted 4 child dedication ceremonies, one memorial service (Liam Sullivan), 9 weddings (one same gender), and one ceremony of renewal of marriage vows. I preached four times (twice in June, in July at the FRS during Yankee Homecoming, and in August at Hampton Falls, NH). I also traveled to Transylvania with John Mercer and spent 6 days visiting and working in our Partner Church village of Secuieni/Ujszekely, where work on the church's guest cottage continues apace. As you can see, it was a busy summer!

I also spent relaxing and stimulating time in Budapest, Hungary, Freiburg, Germany, Basel, Switzerland, Colmar, France, and Sullivan, Maine. Inspired by my German friends, I purchased a new bicycle and intend to commute to work by that means for as long as the weather permits. I read some interesting books (The Spiral Staircase by Karen Armstrong, Embers by Sandor Morai, and Population 485 by David Perry, come to mind), and did extensive research at the Andover Harvard Theological Library on Transylvanian Unitarianism (my personal library now contains almost everything in print in English).

This year I will be continuing my service on several local and denominational governing boards: the Swasey Health Fund, Inc.; the Clergy Association of Greater Newburyport (President); the Society for Ministerial Relief (Director); the UU Church of the Larger Fellowship; the UU Partner Church Council; and the Harvard Divinity School Alumni/ae Council. I remain active in the twice-yearly gatherings of the Stone House Ministers Study Group.

This year also I will speaking to students at Governor Dummer Academy on the general theme of "What Shall I do with My Life?" and participating in a panel discussion of Transylvanian Unitarianism at the fall meeting of the Convocation of Christian Churches Within the UUA.

This year marks my tenth as minister of the FRS, but on a personal level it marks the (at least for the time being!) beginning of Sabrina's and my sojourn as empty-nesters. Our son Joshua is a freshman at Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont. On the other end of the scale, our son Ben is a senior at Bowdoin College and beginning to explore career possibilities. It will also be his final season on the Bowdoin football team, so Sabrina and I are looking forward to being fans at most of his games this fall.

Sabrina starts a new class cycle at the Cape Ann Waldorf School, where she has taught since 1996, as she begins teaching 21 first graders; she will remain with the class until they graduate from 8th grade! Our lives remain very interesting, full, and busy.

This fall at the FRS we will initiate the first of our Shared Ministry Groups as well as offering training for others who may be interested in becoming group facilitators. In the spring I hope to take a class on English Spirituality being offered at the Episcopal Divinity School. The FRS Partner Church Committee and I are exploring ways to bring our Partner Church minister Zsolt Jakab, his wife Borika, and congregation president Joszef Buzogany and his wife Susanna here to Newburyport for a visit. We will also be considering travel and work opportunities in Transylvania for next summer. All in all, it looks to be an exciting year!

And of course, there is all the usual activity, social, educational, and spiritual that we have become accustomed to here at the FRS. Your staff is already hard at work planning and administrating the many programs of our growing congregation.

I would like to close by noting that pledge receipts for the 2003-2004 fiscal year ended up coming in at 3 to 4% above pledged amounts, and that we find ourselves in a strong financial situation as begin the 2004-2005 fiscal year, with a checking account balance considerably higher than at the same time last year. (This bodes well in a year when priority needs to be given to getting our steeple painted and repaired.) The commitment of our membership remains strong!

I hope you have noticed work which has been ongoing on beautifying our church grounds and keeping up with the myriad of small repairs to our wonderful old meeting house. Of course, upkeep to our buildings remains a never ending challenge!

All in all, we have much to be grateful for as we begin another church year. Inevitable crises lie ahead, as they always do, but I think we can all be proud of state of our church and its potential to make a difference in our lives and the lives of those in the Greater Newburyport community. It's good to be together!

Respectfully,

Harold Babcock

Your minister's activities since the May 14, 2003 Parish Committee Meeting:

• preached one time; participated in Young Church Sunday service
• conducted two committal services (Donald Souther and Kenneth Young)
• performed two weddings
• met with the following church groups and committees: Religious Education, Worship, Human Resources, Staff, Building and Grounds, and Renovation; Women's Alliance (annual picnic); General Assembly delegates; and those traveling to Transylvania this summer
• attended the second annual Social Action lecture with Ward Morehouse
• helped out at the Friendship Table dinner at the Salvation Army
• led a field trip for about 12 people to UTJ historical sites in Cambridge and Concord
• attended Betty Gillette's 90th birthday party
• attended a meeting of the Swazey Health Fund board
• attended a meeting of the Harvard Divinity School Alurnni/ae Council
• attended Harvard Divinity School Alumni/ae Day activities
• attended a meeting of the Society for Ministerial Relief board
• attended an FRS Circle Dinner
• called at the hospital
• met weekly with student minister Frank Ciarkson

I hope that you will feel very good about all of our accomplishments this year! Summer now approaches with all of its promise for rest and relaxation. We will return to an enlarged facility which promises to enhance our administrative efficiency and church programming. I look forward with great anticipation to our occupation of the newly renovated space below our historic meeting house, and to another year of partnership with dedicated volunteers like yourselves! With best wishes for warm and gentle breezes for each of you.

Respectfully submitted,

Harold Babcock

• preached five times
• conducted one memorial service (Dr. Robert Wilkins)
• performed two weddings and one service of gay Holy Union
• celebrated one child dedication
• led one session of "An Introduction to the Bible for Religious Liberals"
• met with the following church committees: Staff, Renovation (2), Religious Education, Human Resources, Music, Building, Membership, Trustees, and Adult Education
• attended the informational meeting about the renovation project
• helped out at May Breakfast
• attended the church auction
• attended a teacher breakfast
• spoke at the OWL closing celebration
• met with the "Exploring Unitarian Universalism" group
• welcomed eleven new members during the May 4 worship service
• met weekly with student minister Frank Clarkson
• called at the hospital
• participated in a teleconference of the Church of the Larger Fellowship to interview interim religious educator candidates
• attended a meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Historical Society Board
• attended a meeting of the Stone House Study Group
• participated in the annual Walk Against Violence
• attended the monthly meeting of the Greater Newburyport Clergy Association where we wished farewell to Father Bob Connors who is moving on from the IC Church to take a position with the Boston Archdiocese.

I hope that many of you will be able to attend the Service of the Living Tradition during UUA General Assembly on June 29. It will be held at the Fleet Center and is free (except for the Offering!). Four of our children will be performing with the GA children's choir.

Your staff is beginning to think about our new space and the move into it, which we hope to accomplish this summer. It might be time to consider establishing an ad hoc committee to consider this move and the eventual use of the new space. As I will be away during much of July and the first half of August, we might want to consider a meeting sometime before the end of church and the beginning of General Assembly (June 25 for me).

Your staff is considering holding a retreat sometime during the middle of August as a way of strengthening our relationships with one another.

So, life at the FRS continues to be busy and productive. I continue to be thankful for all your labors on behalf of this church!

Respectfully submitted,

Harold Babcock

Minister's activities since the March 12, 2003 Parish Committee Meeting:

• preached two times (Julie Parker Amery and Tom Stites preached once each)
• conducted two memorial services: Kathleen Asmussen and Donald Souther (our sexton Carol Lattime's brother)
• led three sessions of "An Introduction to the Bible for Religious Liberals"
• met with the following church committees: Bylaws Subcommittee, Human Services, Human Resources, Staff, Building and Grounds, Trustees, Parish Council, and Ministry
• attended meetings of the Women's Alliance and the Retired Guys Out to Lunch
• participated in the church Variety Show
• attended a farewell dinner for Chuck Kennedy and Anne Dodge
• attended the performance of Fauré's Requiem presented by our Music Director Frances Burmeister
• attended the Religious Education Visioning Retreat
• attended the annual canvass leadership event at Bill and Maura Perkins'
• met weekly with student minister Frank Clarkson
• met with Steve James and Julie Amery to discuss Safe Congregation issues
• met with OWL facilitators to discuss Safe Congregation issues
• spoke with the confirmation class from First Parish Newbury (Congregational) about Unitarian Universalism
• attended a three day meeting in Boston of the Church of the Larger Fellowship Board of Trustees, on which I serve as Membership Committee Chair
• attended the monthly meeting of the Mass. Bay District Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association chapter
• conducted a worship service at Brigham Manor Nursing Home
• lunched with ministers of the Merrimac Cluster of IJU Churches
• called at the hospital

I also felt that the sorrow in question was written ln a potentially inflammable manner, and have told the writer this. I personally do not want the Joys and Sorrows to turn into a place for moral one-upsmanship. But I also realize that it is impossible to control someone else's expression. As I at least implied in my sermon on March 30, we are not perfect people yet. We all need forgiveness from time to time.

The question that is raised: what is worship for? Obviously, the church must sometimes afflict the comfortable. How (how often?) should this be done? I do not believe in censorship, and would prefer that individuals censor themselves. However, I also do not want to stifle freedom of expression--that was never my intention.

At this difficult time, I think we all need to exercise judgment and tolerance. While I would prefer for the Joys and Sorrows to remain non political, I think we all need to be prepared in these times for some dissonance. We need to be prepared to hear some things we don't agree with. And I think we ought to encourage, not discourage, debate about the war, which despite our military's success I still find morally questionable. The question is, where and in what kind of forum? Your guidance on this question is welcomed.

I believe that I have made clear my personal doubts and objections about the war, as well as my wish that our community not become divided over it. Many of us come to church to escape from the war news; however, I think it is naïve to think that we can keep it completely out--nor should we. It is in my nature to want to have some control over that question, but perhaps it is unhealthy to attempt to exercise such control. In any case, I don't think this decision should be mine alone. I hope that we can all learn something from the question, and be willing to listen to one another even when we disagree. There is much more positive going on here than otherwise. Attendance is strong, and new people continue to seek us out. Financial support for the church remains strong in these hard economic times. Let us be careful of one another's feelings even as we seek to be true to ourselves and to our highest ideals. I would personally hope that we would not turn our worship service into a forum on the war; however, I also feel strongly that restricting freedom of expression will not serve us well in the long term.

May the spirit of this beloved community unite us in this troubled hour. That is my prayer for each and every one of us.

Respectfully submitted,

Harold Babcock

Minister's activities since the Feb. 12 Parish Committee meeting:

• preached two times; participated in Association Sunday service in Haverhill (Frank Clarkson preached once)
• conducted one memorial service (Caroline B. Dodge)
• took one week winter vacation
• met with Retired Guys for monthly luncheon
• rehearsed for FRS Variety Show
• led two sessions of"An Introduction to the Bible for Religious Liberals" and one session of "Transcendentalism: A Unique and Authentic Unitarian Universalist Spirituality"
• met with Lynn Kettleson regarding budgeting for 2003-2004
• attended the second concert in the FRS concert series
• met with Greg Garnache to survey buildings for the Building Committee
• gave a talk on my sabbatical experiences to the Women's Alliance monthly meeting
• attended the following church committee meetings: Ministry, Building, Human Resources, Renovation,Worship, and Adult Education
• attended a dinner honoring Transylvanian Unitarian Bishop Arpad Szabo at the UU Society ofWellesley Hills
• attended a district "Safe Congregations" conference with Julie Parker Amery
• participated in a conference call meeting of the Church of the Larger Fellowship Board of Directors
• attended a meeting of the Greater Newburyport Clergy Association
• attended an information gathering meeting on the direction of the Newburyport Public Schools
• attended a meeting of the Seacoast Affordable Housing Coalition
• attended a meeting of Harvard Divinity School Alumni/ac Council
• met regularly with student minister Frank Clarkson
• called at hospital and nursing home

Positive signs: good church attendance, many newcomers (particularly in adult education); pledging to capital campaign and operating budget continue strong; many activities being offered and taken advantage of; new space to look forward to; music program going well in transition.

My near term goals: complete successful pledge canvass; resolve staff issues; plan trip to visit Partner Church inTransylvania; complete renovation project; invite presenter to talk about small group ministry; reactivate inactive committees.

Many wedding and commitment ceremonies scheduled between now and September, and activity at the church continues to grow.

Respectfully submitted,

Harold Babcock

Since the January Parish Committee meeting:

• preached three times (Frank Clarkson preached once in my absence)
• participated in the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. combined worship service at Belleville Church on January 19
• attended the following church committee meetings: Human Services, Worship, Staff, Religious Education, Human Resources, Ministry, Parish Council, Trustees, Building, Music, Finance, and Adult Education
• met with the Senior Teen Group
• attended Parent and Teacher breakfasts
• attended the Auction Wish List party at Ericksons
• attended the Midwinter Party at Dyers
• attended AfterWords
• met with Florence Mercer regarding the Nominating Committee process
• met with Todd Herrmann and Gillian Chatfield regarding status of the sanctuary platform plans
• met with Frances Burmeister regarding the music program
• met weekly in supervision with student minister Frank Clarkson and completed mid-year evaluation
• provided a guest column on Young Church attendance for Julie Parker Amery's "Young Church News"
• attended the first concert in the annual FRS Concert Series
• called at the hospital

• gave the invocation for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast
• attended a meeting of the Swazey Health Fund Board
• attended the monthly meeting of the Mass Bay District UU Ministers Association chapter
• attended the memorial service for Jeremy Dorfman, a young man from our community who committed suicide, as part of local clergy support effort for young people
• participated in one memorial service (in Colorado)

I am still in the process of seeking a presenter for a program on Small Group Ministry and have acquired the name of a person from the Newton Unitarian Universalist Church.

On February 23 we will once again participate in a combined Association Sunday service with the UU congregations of Haverhill, North Andover, and Andover. The service this year will be held in Haverhill with the Rev. William Sinkford, President of the UUA, speaking.

The building renovation project is underway and progressing well. Other new initiatives include the creation of a new church picture directory. The Music Committee is planning an April production of Faure's Requiem, open to choir singers from the greater Newburyport community.

Planning for this year's pledge canvass has begun. I intend to be actively involved with budgetary and other tasks. This year we plan to try something new, as will be reported by Lynn Kettleson of the Finance Committee.

I will be offering two adult education opportunities in the coming weeks: beginning February 27 for six Thursday evenings I will be offering "An Introduction to the Bible for Religious Liberals." On March 2 after church I will be offering "Transcendentalism: A Unique and Authentic Unitarian Universalist Spirituality."

I am also involved in planning a group trip to visit our Partner Church in Transylvania during the summer. Plans include helping to complete the guest cottage being built on church property and visiting in Budapest, Hungary and our Partner Church village and area.

My thanks to all, lay people and staff, for the good work you do on behalf of the FRS. Together we are building the beloved community!

Respectfully submitted,

Harold Babcock

Since the December Parish Committee meeting, I have

• preached two times
• participated in the Christmas Pageant
• conducted the Candlelight and Christmas Eve services
• officiated at one wedding (Francis X. O'Leary and Julie Ann Stramecki)
• conducted one funeral (Kenneth H. Young)
• performed one child dedication ceremony (Ethan Ellis Basson)
• attended the following church meetings: Ministry, Staff, Membership, and Adult Education
• attended the monthly meeting of the Mass Bay District Chapter UU Ministers Association
• participated in a conference call meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Historical Society

I am in the process of seeking a presenter for a program here at the church on Small Group Ministry.

Holiday services this year were well attended; I heard many positive comments about the Candlelight Service in particular. The free will offering taken at the Christmas Eve service raised almost $600.00 for support of our Partner Church.

On January 19 we will once again participate in a combined Martin Luther King, Jr. commemorative service with the Belleville, Central, and First Parish Newbury Congregational Churches, The service will he held this year at the Belleville Church. There has been some discussion about whether to continue this service; your input is welcomed.

The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast will be held on January 20th j~ Hampton Falls, NH. The FRS has reserved two tables for ten; cost is $12.00 per person, or folks are invited to sponsor a teen, I will be offering the invocation this year.

There will be a Lay Ministry Training program at the First Parish in Wayland (UU) on January 25 from 9 to 1. Florence Mercer and I are planning to attend and would welcome others who are interested. Cost is only $5.00.

The building renovation project has begun and promises to provide various challenges during the remainder of the year. This is a good problem!

As always, my thanks for your labors on behalf of the FRS: I appreciate it!

Respectfully submitted,

Harold Babcock

Since the Parish Committee meeting on November 13:

• preached three times (Frank Clarkson preached once)
• celebrated two child dedication ceremonies
• conducted one memorial service (Elizabeth Atherton)
• facilitated four sessions of adult education
• attended the New Member Luncheon
• participated in the Partner Church potluck and program
• attended Parent and Teacher breakfasts
• attended the annual Women's Alliance Christmas luncheon
• attended a party in honor of Anne White's authorship of the new FRS history
• attended the following meetings: Adult Ed., Music, Staff, Visiting Group, Building and Grounds, Human Resources subcommittee, Renovation Steering, and Bylaws subcommittee.

I meet weekly with our student minister, Frank Clarkson, in a supervisory capacity and call regularly at the hospital. Worship attendance during the last four weeks has been up to an average of 186.5. Pledge statements have been sent out since our last meeting. We have had five new members join the church since the New Member Sunday on November 10.

I completed my adult education offering "Lifelines" on November 22. Feedback from both the morning and evening sessions was very positive.

I hope you have been considering the possibility of attending some or all of this year's UUA General Assembly in Boston. The annual "Service of the Living Tradition" is open to all (free) and will be held this year at the Fleet Center (!). It takes place on the Sunday morning during GA. My colleague and friend Gary Smith (a fellow Maniac) of Concord is this year's SLT preacher.

The Meirose TJU Church no longer needs to use us as a neutral pulpit site, so I will be leading worship on January 5. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday will be held at Bellville Church on Jan. 19. Thank you for your dedication to the FRS!

Respectfully submitted,

Harold Babcock

Since our Parish Committee meeting on October 9, I have:

• preached 4 times
• participated in the Nov. 3 groundbreaking ceremony
• welcomed 8 new members to the FRS
• performed 1 wedding
• conducted 2 child dedication ceremonies
• facilitated 4 sessions of adult education
• attended the reception for our new Music Director, Frances Burmeister
• participated in 1 session of "The New U"
• with John Mercer and Chris Snow, helped move historical items from the FRS to the Cushing House Museum
• helped out at the "Friendship Table" dinner at the Salvation Army
• attended the following meetings: Congregational, Ministry (2), Renovation (2), Building, Staff, Adult Education, Worship, Finance, and Women's Alliance

Our average attendance at worship this year has been 164.5, down a bit from last year's average (which was skewed by the post 9/11 reaction), but almost exactly the same as our last "normal" year, 2000-2001. Average Sunday attendance is up from the winter/spring when I was on sabbatical, which is to be expected. There have been many new people attending services this fall, and the spirit in the congregation seems good. The impending building renovation does not appear to have scared anyone away. I am not sure to what extent Julie's maternity absence may be affecting the Young Church enrollment and attendance; it will be good to have Julie back as she is an important member of our program staff.

Reaction to our new music director seems mostly positive. There have been a few defections from the choir, but I think that is probably inevitable with such a dramatic change in personnel (Barbara was/is an institution). What have you been hearing?

I have been enjoying working with our student minister, Frank Clarkson, and would be interested in your reactions to having a student working here at the church. I would also appreciate your thoughts and ideas for meeting the $3000. stipend for Frank's services (have paid $500. so far).

Attendance in my adult education groups is strong, with about ten persons in each (Thursday evening and Friday morning). Discussions have been wide-ranging and deep. The Adult Education Committee has published a very nice program brochure. The Worship and Adult Education Committees are showing revived energy. Thanks also to Steve James for the fine service created by the Denominational Affairs Committee on October 27.

It is not too early to be thinking about attending this year's General Assembly in Boston. We are eligible for 7 lay delegates, plus alternates. Weekend registrations are also accepted. Speak to Steve James if you are interested in attending all or part of GA.

My winter vacation plans are currently on hold. We have Ben Tousley scheduled to lead a service on December 29 and have offered our pulpit to the Melrose UU Church on January 5. I believe that Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday will be at the Bellville Congregational Church this year. Association Sunday will be held in Haverhill with the new President of the UUA, Bill Sinkford, preaching.

The Committee on Ministry is currently reviewing my Letter of Agreement and will be suggesting some changes for your approval.

Thank you for your work on behalf of the FRS!

Respectfully submitted,

Harold Babcock

Activities since last Parish Committee meeting:

• preached twice (Bert Steeves preached Sept. 29)
• led children's worship Sept. 29
• performed one wedding ceremony
• celebrated two child dedication ceremonies

I have attended the following church meetings: Building and Grounds, Human Services, Human Resources, Parish Council, Membership, Worship, and Women's Alliance. I meet weekly with our new student minister, Frank Clarkson, for supervision. I attended the picnic after church on September 22.

Beyond the church, I have attended the following meetings: CLF Board, Unitarian Universalist Historical Society Board, Seacoast Affordable Housing Coalition, and Swazey Health Fund Board.

I also helped out at the Salvation Army "Friendship Table" and participated, along with Claudia Keyian and members of our Teen and Young Church Choirs, in the Women's Crisis Center's "Vigil Against Domestic Abuse."

I have visited at the hospital and counseled with congregation members. (Incidentally, it may be a consequence of my lengthening tenure here at the FRS that more people are seeking me out for individual advice and counsel.)

The Melrose UU Church has requested a neutral pulpit date for pre-candidating in their ministerial search process. This is an important associational responsibility from which we benefited during our search process in 1995. I have decided to offer them the date of January 5th because of some possible post-Christmas travel plans. This will mean that I could be out of the pulpit for two Sundays immediately after Christmas, but I trust that the congregation, having survived five months, can survive two weeks without me!

The Bylaws Revision Subcommittee has not met, but has taken under advisement a name change request for our "Social Concerns" committee. Other Bylaw revision requests/suggestions should be forwarded to the subcommittee--we will plan to act on any revisions at the Annual Meeting in May.

We seem to be off to a good start in the new church year, though I am feeling the absence of our Religious Education Director, Julie Parker Amery. It will be good to have our whole staff back at work when Julie returns in mid-November. Our new Music Director, Francis Burmeister, has presented inspiring musical offerings during the worship services. In spite of the difficulty of the Music Director transition for some of our older and longer-term singers, I have heard only positive comments about the Sunday morning music. Efforts are underway to increase the number of singers in the choir.

Spirits in the congregation seem high, with good attendance on Sunday morning in both the big church and the Young Church. For the first time in many years, we have a student minister working with us, and I think Frank will be a wonderful addition to our congregation. The impending building renovation project should also be source of excitement and community visibility once underway; we will need to plan a groundbreaking ceremony at the appropriate time. My deepest thanks to Bill Heenehan and his Renovation Steering Committee for all their fine work on our behalf! The success of any project depends upon the quality of the assembled leadership, and I think we can all agree that we have had outstanding leadership throughout the recent capital campaign and renovation planning efforts. Special thanks to John Mercer, Lynn Kettleson, Howard Fairweather, and Peter Erickson and to all those unnamed behind the scenes for the many hours they have contributed to this cause.

I welcome our two new Parish Committee members, Alex Mezey and Phil Hurzeler; thank you both for your willingness to serve at this busy and exciting time in the life of our congregation!

As always, I can say unequivocally that it is a privilege to serve as your minister. Thanks for all you do for the First Religious Society. Your reward may not be in heaven, but please know that it is appreciated here and now, and that it will be appreciated by those who come after us!

Respectfully submitted,

Harold Babcock

Activities since last Parish Committee meeting:

• preached 6 times (closing Sunday in June, Star Island, Hampton Falls, Yankee Homecoming service, twice in September)
• performed 4 weddings (Bert also did 2)
• celebrated 6 child dedications
• conducted 7 memorial services/funerals/graveside services (Bert also did 2), including the service for Bob Smart, a service in Portland, Maine for Amy Weickert's mother, and a service for Vinnie Wood's brother.

I have attended the following church meetings: Religious Education, Adult Education, Women's Alliance, Music (2), Worship, and Staff (luncheon). Also met with Retired Guys, met once with prospective music director Francis Burmeister; met twice with student minister Frank Clarkson, met twice with architect Andy Sidford, and met with Gillian to discuss tonight's agenda. I attended the "UU Soul Sisters" concert and helped out with the Yankee Homecoming booksale.

Beyond the church, I met with the following groups/individuals: Bradford Greeley (to discuss my new role on the Church of the Larger Fellowship Board), Greater Newburyport Clergy Association (2), Mass. Bay District UU Ministers Association, Seacoast Affordable Housing Coalition, and the Mass Bay District Partner Church coordinating council. I attended the Harvard Divinity School convocation featuring new Harvard President Lawrence Summers. In June I attended the UUA General Assembly in Quebec City, Canada.

I contributed a column to the "In the Spirit" feature in the Newburyport Daily News, gave the invocation at the Red Cross' Heroes Breakfast here in Newburyport on 9/11, participated in the interfaith commemoration service for 9/11/01, and gave the invocation at the pre-Requiem vigil in Market Square. In addition, I have met with couples to plan weddings and visited at the hospital.

I look forward this year with great anticipation to working with our new music director Francis Burmeister, providing guidance to our student minister Frank Clarkson, and seeing our building renovation project finally get under way.

My personal focus and goal for the year is to deepen the spiritual life of the church members by increasing connections and providing vision. As a start I would like to begin our Parish Committee meetings with a brief period of reflection and check-in.

I look forward to working with this new Parish Committee as we do the important work of building community here at the First Religious Society! It promises to be a challenging year, what with our building project and the darkening cloud of world events, but together I know that we can accomplish great things.

For your information I am appending a list of my current activities and involvements:

• Board Member and Nominating Committee--Unitarian Universalist Historical Society
• Board Member and Celebrations Committee--Harvard Divinity School Alumni/ae Council
• Board Member--Society for Ministerial Relief
• Board Member--UU Church of the Larger Fellowship
• Board Member--Swazey Health Fund
• Treasurer--Greater Newburyport Clergy Association
• Treasurer--Merrimack Bible Society
• Member--Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association
• Member--Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
• Member--Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council
• Member--Unitarian Universalist Advance
• Member--Tuckerman Coalition
• Member--Merrimac Cluster UU Minister's Group
• Member--Stone House Study Group
• Member--Harvard Divinity School Unitarian Universalist Alumni/ae Group
• Member--Massachusetts Interfaith Alliance

• Class Agent--2002 20th Reunion Dinner--Harvard Divinity School
• Minister of the Week--2002 "All Star II" Conference, Star Island

Harold E. Babcock