First Religious Society of Newburyport

Afghan Group Meeting
2024-12-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-12-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | LMH Nursery/Conf Room
Thursdays, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12, LMH Nursery/Conf Room, noon.

Finance Committee Meeting (Hybrid)
2024-12-12 10:30 - 11:30 | LMH Room A, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Second Thursdays, LMH Room A, 10:30-11:30am.

Jazz Vespers
2024-12-11 19:30 - 20:30 | FRS Sanctuary, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Wednesday, December 11, Sanctuary, 7:30pm. FRS welcomes poet Alfred Nicol of West Newbury for readings and Mark Earley (Room full of Blues) on saxophone, Chris Plante on piano, and Josh Schultz on bass.
Alfred Nicol lives in West Newbury and is an award winning poet who worked in the printing industry for 20 years after graduating from Dartmouth College where he received the Academy of American Poets Prize. A long-time member of the Powwow Poets, he edited the Powwow River Anthology. He was a recipient of the Richard Wilbur Award in 2004 for his first book of poems, Winter Light. His poems have appeared in Poetry, The New England Review, Dark Horse, Commonweal, The Fromalist, The Hopkins Review,and the Best American Poetry in 2018.
Mark Earley is a two time Grammy nominated and W.C. Handy Award winning saxophonist who knows how to channel the spiritual magic of music to make the flow of a party groove in just the right way. In venues from NYC’s Lincoln Center to the San Francisco Blues Festival, the Moscow International Performing Arts Centre to Le Meridien Etoile’s Jazz Club in Paris, he has collaborated with scores of world-class musicians. Jay McShann, Albert Collins, Louis Bellson, Joe Williams, James Cotton, Billy Boy Arnold, Otis Clay, Gerald Levert, Joey McIntyre, Bobby Brown, Taj Mahal, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Victor Wainwright, and Roomful of Blues are but a handful of world-renowned artists who have recognized his extraordinary talent. Equally at home as a featured performer or setting the mood for an intimate gathering of friends, Mark will share the notes from his lifelong musical journey.
Chris Plante, a.k.a Modslee, is a composer and producer based in Newburyport, MA. Chris was studying classical piano and became a member of National Piano Guild from ages 5-15 before being taken under the wing of legendary jazz musician and theorist Les Harris Sr. at the age of 13. As lead singer and songwriter, Chris helped form nationally touring indie rock band The Brew and performed alongside The Black Keys, Michael McDonald, Bruce Hornsby, The Allman Brothers and many more. In 2015 Chris formed his company CP Pro Audio Inc. to pursue film scoring which was his major during his time at Berklee College of Music. Chris’s produced material has accrued over 50 million streams on Spotify and landed on dozens of editorial Spotify playlists. His work with local lyricist /artist Betsy Woodman has seen over 6 albums released and the duo have written for NBC Sports coverage of the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.
Joshua Schultz is a bassist and educator living in Groveland MA. After starting his musical journey on the cello, Joshua found his passion on the upright bass at age 13, starting his professional career on the instrument by 15. After a recommendation by Chris Plante, Joshua studied with Les Harris Sr. and expanded his musical horizon. Under the mentorship of bassist Keala Kaumeheiwa, Joshua is studying classical & jazz music on the upright bass; with pianist Rusty Scott, Joshua is learning jazz piano; with guitarist Al Whitney, Joshua is studying guitar. Combined with Les’ teachings, Joshua continues to widen his understanding of small ensemble music.
Please come and join us at 730 PM In the Sanctuary for jazz and poetry and a chance to unwind midweek with a stellar ensemble.
Vespers is free – bring some friends!

Green Team Meeting
2024-12-11 18:00 - 19:30 | LMH Main Room, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Wednesday, December 11, LMH Main Room, 6-7:30pm. The FRS Green Team focuses on education and advocacy for care of the environment and the many measures we can take to address climate change and its unequal impacts on various communities. Please join us. We meet on the second Wednesday of the month, often on Zoom, occasionally in person. Be in touch with Annie Madden at madden.anne.b@gmail.com to find out more and/or get on our distribution list for notice of meetings.

CPR Training for Staff
2024-12-11 14:00 - 18:00 | LMH Main Room, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Wednesday, December 11, Lower Meetinghouse, 2-6pm.

Worship Planning
2024-12-11 10:30 - 12:00 | LMH Main Room, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States

Wednesday Guided Meditation (Zoom)
2024-12-11 10:00 - 10:30 | Zoom
Join FRS member and LICSW Woman Cooper on Wednesdays at 10am for a brief period of mid-week relaxation and renewal. Each 30-minute session will include a guided visualization and reflection on questions around where we hold stress and how we can release it. You’ll also learn some relaxation techniques to use on your own. This is a drop-in program; come one time or many.
If you’d like to reach out to Woman, email susanc0805@gmail.com.
Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87349458812?pwd=[REDACTED]

Grants Team Grantathon
2024-12-10 09:00 - 17:00 | LMH Main Room, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
LMH Main Room, 9am.

The Music of Cole Porter: Danny Harrington and Rusty Scott
2024-12-08 16:00 - 18:00 | FRS Sanctuary, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Sunday, December 8, Sanctuary, concert at 4pm. Join baritone saxophonist Danny Harrington and pianist Rusty Scott for a Cole Porter program. Suggested donation: $20.
Danny Harrington was born in Providence, Rhode Island and now lives Newburyport, Massachusetts with his wife (Risa) and daughter (Nina). He is a Professor of Music at Berklee College of Music, a position he has held since 1978. He is a member of the college’s Harmony Department, which teaches the theory of American popular music from the early 20th century to the present. Danny has been teaching and performing in the New England area since 1978. Before joining the faculty at Berklee College, Danny toured with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under the direction of Buddy Morrow. Since then he has performed with Nick Brignola, Gary Burton, Herb Pomeroy, Gary Smulyan, Joe Lovano, George Garzone as well as leading his own group since 1980. Danny has recorded three CDs as a leader; Risa’s Waltz, Live at the Firehouse Theatre with Tony Germain and The Danny Harrington Quartet Live at the Kiwi Grille. Danny continues to perform throughout the New England area with his quartet, duo, and as a solo clinician.
Both as a leader and a sideman, Rusty Scott has been one of Boston’s premier talents on the keyboard for over 25 years. He plays piano and Hammond B3 organ and tours worldwide with the B3 Kings, his own Rusty Scott Trio, and the five-time Grammy nominee Roomful of Blues. Over the years Rusty has performed with many notable jazz and blues artists, including James Cotton, Bill Pierce, Yoron Israel, John Hammond, “Sax” Gordon Beadle, and “Sugar Ray” Norcia. He has performed at countless venues and festivals including Lincoln Center and the main stage of the Montreal Jazz Festival. In 2013 Rusty was named Outstanding Keyboard / Organ Player in the Blues Audience’s reader’s poll. Rusty grew up in Gillette, NJ, and is a graduate of Berklee College of Music.

Candlelight Chorale Rehearsal
2024-12-08 13:00 - 15:00 | LMH Main Room, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Sundays until December 15, LMH Main Room, 1-3pm.

Youth Group
2024-12-08 12:00 - 13:30 | Youth Room (Parish Hall), 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Meets in Youth Room in Parish Hall. Led by Mara Flynn on 10/27, 11/24, 12/8, 1/12/25. Led by Rev. Laurel on 11/10, 12/22, 1/26/25.

Governance Committee Meeting
2024-12-08 11:45 - 13:00 | LMH Room A, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Meets second Sundays, LMH Room A, 11:45am-1pm.

300th Anniversary Book Launch
2024-12-08 11:30 - 12:30 | Parish Hall 1st Floor
Sunday, December 8, 11:30am, Parish Hall 1st Floor. Come celebrate the launch of the official 300th Anniversary commemorative book. Join us after church for coffee and a chance to purchase the book.

Young Church
2024-12-08 10:30 - 11:30 | LMH Main Room, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Young Church is for children up through 8th grade. Children sit with their families for the beginning of worship service (about 15 minutes), and then head downstairs to the Lower Meetinghouse with volunteers and the Director of Youth and Children’s Ministry, Mara Flynn.
We offer nursery care for children under age 5 – and “littles” are also welcome to join us in Young Church with a parent/guardian in attendance.
Our Young Church programming engages and allows our K-8th grade children to experience and create meaningful connection through:

Ritual, stories, crafts, games and joyful community building
Special guests, activities and projects that support curiosity and spiritual growth
Explorations of the 7 UU Principles and social justice engagement

If your child will be attending, please fill out our registration form HERE
Questions? Email Mara Flynn, Director of Youth and Children’s Ministry at mara.flynn@frsuu.org.

Sunday Worship Service
2024-12-08 10:30 - 11:30 | FRS Church, 10 Main Street, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Join us for services at 10:30am on Sundays, from the Sunday after Labor Day through late spring. Experience elements of the world religions, including our Christian roots and humanism. Find inspiration in choral and instrumental music (including organ), congregational singing, a time for children, readings, an offering, and meditative silence. Hear a sermon on social justice, spirituality, dealing with life’s challenges, or other issues. We may celebrate a holiday, act out a skit, hold a coming-of-age ceremony, or hear a member’s Journeys of Faith. Services end around 11:30am and are usually followed by a 30-minute fellowship gathering.
For a relaxed service with music from the jazz tradition, come to a Jazz Vespers. Our Christmas Eve service and Christmas Candlelight service are community traditions.

Reserved for Nursery
2024-12-08 10:00 - 11:30 | LMH Main Room, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Reserved from 10:00am-11:30am

Community Outreach Group Meeting
2024-12-08 09:30 - 10:20 | Hayward Room, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Sunday, December 8, Hayward Room, 9:30-10:20am.

Young Church Singers
2024-12-08 09:30 - 10:15 | LMH Room A, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Young Church Singers Rehearsals, LMH Room A, 9:30-10:15am

December Journeys: An Evening of Jazz, Chamber Music, & Poetry for the Holidays
2024-12-06 19:30 - 20:30 | FRS Sanctuary, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Friday, December 6, concert at 7:30pm, Sanctuary. Row Twelve presents a holiday concert featuring Andy Brewster on bass, Katherine Kleitz on flute, Marc Lauritsen on piano, Jeffrey Wu on saxophone, and poet Karen Henry. Free admission. LMH Room A is also reserved, 5-9pm.

SMART Recovery (Contact: 678-378-0786)
2024-12-06 18:00 - 19:30 | Hayward Room, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Meets weekly on Friday

Adult Choir
2024-12-05 19:00 - 20:30 | LMH Main Room, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Thursdays, LMH Main Room, 7-8:30pm

Justice Groups Program Meeting (Hybrid)
2024-12-05 16:00 - 17:30 | LMH Main Room, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Thursday, December 5, Lower Meetinghouse Main Room and Zoom, 4-5:30pm.

Private Rental
2024-12-05 15:30 - 17:30 | Parish Hall 1st Floor
TITO Afterschool Program from 3:30-5:30pm, Parish Hall 1st floor.
Oct. 24
Nov.7, 14 & 21
Dec. 5, 12 & 19

Reserved for Piano Practice
2024-12-05 14:00 - 16:00 | FRS Sanctuary, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Thursdays, Sanctuary, 2-4pm, Gay Pearson

Executive Committee Meeting
2024-12-05 13:00 - 14:00 | LMH Room A, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Meets 1st Thursday, 1-2pm, LMH Room A.

Stewardship Meeting (Zoom)
2024-12-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm on Zoom.

Safety Task Force Meeting
2024-12-04 16:00 - 17:00 | LMH Room A, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Wednesday, December 4; 2nd Wednesdays beginning in January, LMH Room A, 4-5pm.

Addictions Ministry Team
2024-12-04 15:00 - 16:00 | LMH Nursery/Conf Room
The Addictions Ministry Team occurs monthly on the first Wednesday from 3:00pm-4:00pm in the LMH Nursery/Conference Room.

Staff Meeting
2024-12-04 10:30 - 12:00 | LMH Main Room, 26 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
