FRSUU Events Calendar
This calendar lists FRSUU activities inside our buildings and in the community. It also shows when FRSUU spaces are being reserved by outside groups. Click on an event to see its location and more information.
If you need to reserve space space for your meeting or event, please fill out [this form].
For questions regarding church ministry related events and meetings, please contact the Church Administrator at diane.carroll@frsuu.org.
For external inquiries including private events and rentals please contact nick.place@frsuu.org.
Zach Field returns to FRS for the annual Gong Meditation and Relaxation service to help us bring in the new year with peace and calm. The soothing sounds of pitched gongs distract the mind as Zach leads us in meditation. Zach's percussion studio and music school, ZFDM, is located at the Tannery in Newburyport. 10:30am, in-person and on YouTube
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.
Monday Night Meditation at 6:30pm in Lower Meeting House (enter via Unicorn Street entrance). These weekly sessions are led by Joyce Haydock, Senior Dharma Teacher with the International Kwan Um School of Zen. She has been with the school since 1989. This FRSUU Monday group was established over ten years ago. Our sessions consist of two or three chants, two readings/teachings and 30 minutes of sitting meditation. Beginners are welcome. Contact Joyce at 978-363-5457 or email joycehaydock@outlook.com to be added to our list and receive access information.
LMH Room A. We meet weekly and read both fiction and non-fiction books chosen by participants. Each book is read and discussed over a period of several meetings, with the reading for each determined by the group.
Sanctuary, first Sunday of the month, led by Rev. Alan Seale. Contemplation has been described as “a long loving look at the real” and “a pure intuition of being, born of love” (21st-century mystic William McNamara). Join Rev. Alan Seale at 8am on the first Sunday of the month for a half-hour contemplative worship experience—a space and time to be present with the simplicities and complexities of life in the quiet embrace of the FRS Sanctuary. The sanctuary will be open to welcome you from 7:50am. The service will include quiet piano music, a brief message or reading, and periods of silent reflection and meditation. If this contemplative worship experience calls out to you, we hope you will join us.
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.
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.
First and third Mondays, LMH Nursery/Conference Room, noon. Join Rev. Laurel for our Maker Monday offering during lunch hour on the first and third Monday of each month. Bring a creative project, start a new hobby and connect with other makers in our FRS community. Invite a friend if you feel called, and bring a lunch if you prefer. All are welcome.
Monday Night Meditation at 6:30pm in Lower Meeting House (enter via Unicorn Street entrance). These weekly sessions are led by Joyce Haydock, Senior Dharma Teacher with the International Kwan Um School of Zen. She has been with the school since 1989. This FRSUU Monday group was established over ten years ago. Our sessions consist of two or three chants, two readings/teachings and 30 minutes of sitting meditation. Beginners are welcome. Contact Joyce at 978-363-5457 or email joycehaydock@outlook.com to be added to our list and receive access information.
The Tuesday Short Story Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, noon, Lower Meeting House (with a Zoom option available). For more information please visit: https://www.frsuu.org/short-story-group/
Wednesday, January 8, Lower Meetinghouse, 9-10:30am (special time for this date only).
Join FRS member and LICSW Susan 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. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87349458812?pwd=dXdIUVBJb0F1MnVjL0ZDakErVlRIdz09
The next meeting of ROMEO is at 12pm on Wednesday, January 8, at Loretta, 15 Pleasant St, Newburyport, MA 01950. The Officer of the Day is Forrest Speck, forrest.speck@gmail.com or 978-360-8235. No reservations are required, but $$$ to pay your share of the tab is needed. Please feel free to contact Forrest if you have any questions or concerns.
Wednesday, January 8, Michael's Harborside, 12-1:30pm. Monthly gathering for women from FRSUU to share a meal and conversation.
Second Wednesdays, December 11 and January 8, 2025, Anna Jaques Hospital, 12:30-2pm. The Reverend Jane Tuohy and Nancy Kidd, retired Social Worker and Grief Counselor, are offering a monthly Bereavement Support Group. The group meets in the conference room of the Administrative unit, first floor of main building at Anna Jaques Hospital. This group is open to members of the community. For more information contact Rev. Jane at jane.tuohy@frsuu.org or Nancy Kidd at nankdd@gmail.com.
Thursday, January 9, Lower Meetinghouse Main Room, 9:15010:30am. The purpose of this meeting is to review proposals from architects.
LMH Room A. We meet weekly and read both fiction and non-fiction books chosen by participants. Each book is read and discussed over a period of several meetings, with the reading for each determined by the group.
On Saturday, January 11 from 8–10am The FRS Men’s Group will be cooking a deluxe breakfast honoring women as an FRSUU auction item. We hope to sell 100 tickets to this event. All women are welcome regardless of payment. The suggested donation is $20/person and children under 12 are free. You can arrive any time to enjoy your breakfast, on your schedule. The deluxe breakfast includes made-to-order omelets, fruit, freshly baked pastries, pancakes, breakfast meats, and beverages. There will also be gluten-free options. If you signed up for the breakfast at the auction, the payments were not collected at the time and we need you to re-confirm your interest in the breakfast. Look for the sign-up table in the vestibule after church or sign-up on-line here. The Snow date is January 25.
Saturday, January 11, Sanctuary, 3pm. Scott Ouellette is a self-taught fingerstyle guitarist living on the east coast of the United States. He first began playing the guitar at age 7, listening mostly to popular rock music from the 1970s. In his early teen years, he became interested in the sounds of legendary classical guitarists Andrés Segovia, Christopher Parkening, and John Williams. By the age of 16, Scott had already graced the stage of The Palladium in New York, performed on television, and was getting work as a professional guitarist. After graduating high school in 1986, Scott was accepted to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts where he studied guitar performance. In 2003, Scott began composing instrumental modern pieces for solo guitar and has been giving concerts of his music since. Scott will be performing a mix of original music, traditional Spanish pieces, along with music from Brazil and many other parts of the world. Purchase tickets HERE.
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.
Sunday, January 12, LMH Room A, 9:30-10:30am. Monthly meeting of the Community Outreach Committee.
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.
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.
Alternating Mondays, starting January 13, LMH Main Room, 9:30-10:30am.
Monday Night Meditation at 6:30pm in Lower Meeting House (enter via Unicorn Street entrance). These weekly sessions are led by Joyce Haydock, Senior Dharma Teacher with the International Kwan Um School of Zen. She has been with the school since 1989. This FRSUU Monday group was established over ten years ago. Our sessions consist of two or three chants, two readings/teachings and 30 minutes of sitting meditation. Beginners are welcome. Contact Joyce at 978-363-5457 or email joycehaydock@outlook.com to be added to our list and receive access information.
The EET Steering Committee meets monthly on the second Tuesday in person, LMH Room A, 2-3:30pm.
Join FRS member and LICSW Susan 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. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87349458812?pwd=dXdIUVBJb0F1MnVjL0ZDakErVlRIdz09
The Parish Board meets monthly on the third Wednesday in LMH Main Room.
Thursday, January 16, Lower Meetinghouse Main Room, 1-2:30pm. Come join us as we explore the connection between movement and brain health. We’ll start with a short video of Dr. Sanjay Gupta, author of many books, including Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age. Ree Coleman, guest speaker, will focus us on movement. She will teach us gentle exercises that can be done sitting or standing. Ree is a certified Kundalini Yoga, specializing in Eyes On Yoga combining yoga with the Bates Method Vision Improvement, as well as Brain Gym to coordinate eyes with brain and body for greater balance.
LMH Room A. We meet weekly and read both fiction and non-fiction books chosen by participants. Each book is read and discussed over a period of several meetings, with the reading for each determined by the group.
Friday, January 17, Sanctuary and Lower Meetinghouse, 5-7:30pm reserved.
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.
Sunday, January 19, Parish Hall 1st Floor, noon-1pm. Please join the Anti-Racism Initiative team for Justice Sunday after the MLK service! We look forward to sharing soup, salad and a recorded interview with Isabel Wilkerson, author of Caste, in anticipation of our upcoming Congregational Read. The interview will be followed by a brief Q&A facilitated by members of the Anti-Racism Initiative team.
Sunday, January 19, LMH Room A, 9:30-10:15am. Planning for next congregational/board meeting.
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.
Monday, January 20, Lower Meetinghouse, noon. Our Maker Monday circle is open to all, especially on this inauguration day. For anyone who needs a space away from watching the inauguration, join Rev. Laurel and fellow FRS members from 12-1pm in the Lower Meetinghouse. We'll have crafts available for anyone who needs one. Feel free to bring your lunch.
Monday Night Meditation at 6:30pm in Lower Meeting House (enter via Unicorn Street entrance). These weekly sessions are led by Joyce Haydock, Senior Dharma Teacher with the International Kwan Um School of Zen. She has been with the school since 1989. This FRSUU Monday group was established over ten years ago. Our sessions consist of two or three chants, two readings/teachings and 30 minutes of sitting meditation. Beginners are welcome. Contact Joyce at 978-363-5457 or email joycehaydock@outlook.com to be added to our list and receive access information.
Tuesday, January 21, Sanctuary, 6-7pm. Join Rev. Rebecca and Rev. Laurel for this post-inauguration service in the sanctuary. In this time of immense change and uncertainty, it matters that we gather in community, root down into our deepest values, and remember that we will find our way together. FRS member Greg Garnache will play guitar.
The Tuesday Short Story Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, noon, Lower Meeting House (with a Zoom option available). For more information please visit: https://www.frsuu.org/short-story-group/
Third Tuesdays, alternating between 2pm and 7pm, Zoom. January 21, March 18, and May 20 meetings at 2pm. February 18, April 15, and June 17 meetings at 7pm. Please join us! Contact Sue Fasoli for the Zoom link.
Meets monthly on the fourth Wednesdays, 12:30-1:30pm, Lower Meetinghouse Room A FRS is offering a support group on the 4th Wednesday of each month for caregivers of cognitively-impaired folks (Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc.). All are welcome. For more information, contact Richard George at richardjgeorge@comcast.net or Nancy Kidd at nankdd@gmail.com.
Wednesday, January 22, Lower Meetinghouse Main Room, 9:30-10:30am
Join FRS member and LICSW Susan 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. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87349458812?pwd=dXdIUVBJb0F1MnVjL0ZDakErVlRIdz09
Thursday, January 23, 7pm, Zoom. The Welcoming Committee will be discussing what kinds of programming and events we are interested in planning for this winter and spring to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in the congregation and to connect with the community. If you are interested in getting involved in the Welcoming Committee, have questions, or would like the Zoom link to attend the meeting, please reach out to committee member Holly Cashman at cashman.holly@gmail.com.
LMH Room A. We meet weekly and read both fiction and non-fiction books chosen by participants. Each book is read and discussed over a period of several meetings, with the reading for each determined by the group.
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.
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.
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.
Alternating Mondays, starting January 13, LMH Main Room, 9:30-10:30am.
Monday Night Meditation at 6:30pm in Lower Meeting House (enter via Unicorn Street entrance). These weekly sessions are led by Joyce Haydock, Senior Dharma Teacher with the International Kwan Um School of Zen. She has been with the school since 1989. This FRSUU Monday group was established over ten years ago. Our sessions consist of two or three chants, two readings/teachings and 30 minutes of sitting meditation. Beginners are welcome. Contact Joyce at 978-363-5457 or email joycehaydock@outlook.com to be added to our list and receive access information.
Tuesday, January 28, Parish Hall 1st Floor, 6:30-8:30pm (reserved by Mary M.) For the sixth year in a row, Tinkerhaus will be hosting a Valentine Making Event. This year it will be at Parish Hall starting at 6:30pm. Barbara Burns Dore for paper crafting tips and make Valentines for your own sweeties and some to share with local seniors. The cost for this event is $20. Please register here: https://www.tinkerhaus.org/events/2025/1/28/valentines-popup
January 29, Lower Meetinghouse, 5:30-9pm, Annie Madden We invite all to share a potluck supper at 6 pm, followed by a talk and discussion on the risk of plastics and the associated plastic waste in our lives and for our environment. Molly Ettenborough, of the Newburyport Department of Recycling, Energy and Sustainability will speak, and we hope to have a few vendors to share ideas for various non-plastic housewares and practices. There will be plenty of time to share participants own practices for reducing plastics at home.
Join FRS member and LICSW Susan 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. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87349458812?pwd=dXdIUVBJb0F1MnVjL0ZDakErVlRIdz09
Wednesday, January 29, Lower Meetinghouse, 10:30-noon. This meeting will include anti-racism training.
LMH Room A. We meet weekly and read both fiction and non-fiction books chosen by participants. Each book is read and discussed over a period of several meetings, with the reading for each determined by the group.
Friday, January 31, 2025, Sanctuary, doors open at 7:30pm, concert starts at 8pm. Jason Anderson returns to Newburyport for a very special night of songs and stories at the piano. An award-winning songwriter based in eastern Canada, Jason's evocative lyrics, anthemic melodies, and incredible live performances have taken him around the world, making friends and fans one electrifying concert at a time. Personal, passionate, and poetic, his music crackles with life. Recommended for fans of Bruce Springsteen, Glen Hansard, et al. Jason is the real deal. Follow along: http://instagram.com/jasonandersonmusic. Learn more: http://jasonandersonmusic.net. Purchase tickets HERE!