Welcome

Welcome to First Religious Society, a place where you will be welcomed regardless of your age, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. A place where you can grow spiritually, morally and intellectually. Join us as we celebrate our 300th anniversary.

Welcome

Welcome to First Religious Society, a place where you will be welcomed regardless of your age, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. A place where you can grow spiritually, morally and intellectually. Join us as we celebrate our 300th anniversary. 

Welcome

Welcome to First Religious Society, a place where you will be welcomed regardless of your age, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. A place where you can grow spiritually, morally and intellectually. Join us as we celebrate our 300th anniversary. 

NOVEMBER MINISTRY THEME: TIME

Annual Ministry Theme: Life

SUNDAY, November 16, 2025

Jazz Hands

SERVICE STARTS

AT 10:30AM

Sunday, November 16, 2025
Jazz Hands
10:30am with livestream on YouTube

Join us as we explore the many ways in which we embody a spirit of curiosity and joy in our daily lives. With a little help from the tenets of musical theatre, we’ll ponder the question of how Spirit meets us with a jazz hand, or two. We welcome guest preacher Jason McLin.

Jason McLin is thrilled to be back in this sanctuary. Jason has 26 years of experience as a performer and creative director, including 23 years as a Blue Man, in the show Blue Man Group. He received his Master’s of Divinity degree from Boston University’s School of Theology in Spring 2021. Jason is passionate about the intersection of theology, somatics, and psychology. Out of this passion, Jason has been leading workshops on embodied pastoral care since 2017, and most recently began his studies of analytic psychology as a candidate at the C. G. Jung Institute of New England. Perhaps most importantly, Jason and his family were once very active members of this church. Jason was a chalice circle facilitator, worship associate, enjoyer of the Wednesday short story book group, as well as a board member. Both he and his wife, Sophia, heard the call to ministry while members of this church, culminating in this congregation ordaining Sophia in 2021. Sophia is now the senior minister at First Parish in Watertown. And to this day, his two daughters still consider this their church home.

“… what the seeker seeks is real. –Shunryu Suzuki

The Latest News & Events

Let’s Talk about Aging – Honestly

Let’s Talk about Aging – Honestly

Exploring Elderhood Together invites you to bring your honest thoughts and questions about aging to our meeting on November 20 at 1pm in the Lower Meetinghouse. There is wisdom, resilience, and fulfillment that come with age, while acknowledging the physical,...

FRSUU 2025 Auction

FRSUU 2025 Auction

On Friday, November 7, 5:30-9:30pm at the Newburyport Community Center (331 High Street), FRSUU will host our 2025 Auction: "Celebrating 300 years of Beloved Community." To view all the auction items go to: frsuu.org/2025-auction. Tickets are $50 per person ($60 at...

The Bluebird Concert

The Bluebird Concert

On Saturday, November 1 at 7pm in the FRSUU Parish Hall, The Bluebird presents this concert featuring jazz music by Danny Harrington and Rusty Scott, cello and duduk music by Aneesh Kashalikar and Krysta Brianna Stone, poetry by Tom Miller, and local singer-songwriter...

Downtown Trick or Treat

Downtown Trick or Treat

Stop by FRSUU during Newburyport's Annual Downtown Trick or Treat on Friday, October 24 from 4-5pm for treats from costumed staff and congregants!

Contemplative Meditation Service

Contemplative Meditation Service

Every first Tuesday of the month in the FRSUU Sanctuary from 7-8pm, Rev. Alan Seale leads a Contemplative Meditation Service for grounding, centering, balance, inspiration, and healing. All are welcome.

An Evening of Mandolin Music

An Evening of Mandolin Music

"Vivendo e Abrendendo," the electrifying new album from mandolin virtuosos Isaac Eicher and Ian Coury, is turning heads in the acoustic music world and expanding the boundaries of modern mandolin music. This concert is a must-hear for fans of jazz, Brazilian music,...

Jeanne Geiger Walk Against Domestic Violence

Jeanne Geiger Walk Against Domestic Violence

The Jeanne Geiger Walk Against Domestic Violence is Sunday, October 5 from 9am-12pm at Newburyport's Waterfront Park. Each year, community members gather to walk a scenic 3-mile route in honor of victims and survivors of domestic violence. We also gather in...

Stand Up for Our Immigrant Neighbors

Stand Up for Our Immigrant Neighbors

On September 30 at 7pm in the FRSUU Sanctuary we will have a special program supporting our immigrant and refugee neighbors, workmates, and friends. We will meet with Senator Tarr and Representative Shand to advocate for two bills currently before the legislature that...

The 2025 FRSUU Annual Report

The 2025 FRSUU Annual Report

The Annual Report of the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist contains reports from the Parish Board, committees, staff, and groups; the warrant for the 2025 Annual Meeting; other materials to support the Annual Meeting; and the proposed FY26 budget. To view...

Tour the FRS Campus and Buildings

Follow our drone footage as we fly to the top of FRS’s steeple featuring a glass-eyed gilded weathercock which overlooks downtown Newburyport and Merrimack River. From there, you’ll get a first-hand look at our campus grounds and the interior of our meetinghouse and Sanctuary which dates back to 1801. Rev. Rebecca, our Senior Minister, welcomes you and ALL who seek a place of spiritual community and faith here. Organ music provided by former Director of Church Music Justin Murphy-Mancini on our 1834 Joseph Alley organ. Piano music provided by Director of Church Music Nick Place. We close with a view of the bell from the foundry of Paul Revere and Sons bell.

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