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 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.
Sunday, June 1, LMH Main Room, 9:15-10:15am. The Parish Board will meet with the congregation to talk about the warrants being voted on at the annual meeting.
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.
First Sundays, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, LMH Room A, 11:45am-12:45pm.
First and third Mondays, LMH Nursery/Conference Room, 11am-1pm. 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.
Mondays, May 5 and June 2, LMH Room A, 11-12:30pm. Led by Nancy Kidd.
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.
All who love poetry, and who enjoy listening to poetry are invited to join the FRSUU Poetry Group. This poetry listening and appreciation group meets on Tuesday mornings for 45 minutes via Zoom. We read the same poem several times, respond to prompts, and share perspectives, wisdom, humor, and collegiality. There is no poetry writing in this group. Please join us and give your soul and psyche the gift of poetry on a Tuesday morning. This group is facilitated by Rev. Jane Tuohy. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/94623863916?pwd=ufFubM2s4b4YAjU2la9RPOy25lM6Hy.1
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/
Tuesdays, February 25, March 11, March 25, April 8, April 22, May 6, May 20, June 3, Lower Meetinghouse Main Room, 6:30-8pm.
Wednesdays, May 21, May 28, June 4, LMH Nursery/Conf Room, 6-7:30pm. Join Marianne Vesey, co-chair of Newburyport’s Human Rights Coalition, and Rev. Laurel Gray for this three-part series about different ways to take action against authoritarianism, discern the work that is best for us to do, and make sure we have the tools to sustain our efforts.
Wednesdays, May 28 - July 30, LMH Room A, 10-11am. Led by Cynthia Tolbert. For almost 20 years Cynthia Tolbert has practiced Centering Prayer, a silent meditation of consent to the presence and action of the Divine within. In essence, contemplative prayer is simply a wordless, trusting opening of self to the Divine presence, however you name that presence, The Divine, the One Light, God, the Creator. It is not a guided meditation, you do not offer any words in prayer, you just listen and open yourself to the Divine.
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
First and third Wednesdays of the month, Morse Conference Room (across from Gift Shop) at Anna Jaques Hospital, 12:30-2pm. This support group for patient family members and staff is facilitated by Rev. Jane Tuohy, interfaith minister and chaplain; Nancy Kidd, retired hospice trainer and bereavement support counselor; and Linda Harding. For information, email Rev. Jane at jane.tuohy@frsuu.org or Nancy Kidd at nankdd@gmail.com.
The Addictions Ministry Team occurs monthly on the first Wednesday from 3:00pm-4:00pm in the LMH Nursery/Conference Room.
First Thursdays, LMH Nursery/Conf Room, 6-7:30pm. Join Rev. Laurel for an informal monthly conversation in which we ponder the mysteries of life's big questions. What is evil? Is goodness inherent? What happens when we die? Bring your questions and your curiosity.
Fridays through June 6, Market Square Bullnose, 11am. Please join us as Rev. Rebecca leads these weekly gatherings to reflect on and remember our commitment to peace, love, and compassion as we navigate the turbulence and daily horrors of our troubled world.
Friday, June 6, Parish Hall 1st Floor, 6-8pm. (Space reserved from 4-9pm to allow time for setup and cleanup.)
Sunday, June 8, Lower Meetinghouse and Unicorn St. courtyard/lawn, 11:30am-1pm. Come celebrate 300 years of FRSUU with pizza, birthday cake, and bell ringing!
Sunday, June 8, Sanctuary, 10:30-11:30am. This year's annual meeting will be combined with the worship service.
Second Sundays, April 13, May 11, June 8, LMH Room A, 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.
All who love poetry, and who enjoy listening to poetry are invited to join the FRSUU Poetry Group. This poetry listening and appreciation group meets on Tuesday mornings for 45 minutes via Zoom. We read the same poem several times, respond to prompts, and share perspectives, wisdom, humor, and collegiality. There is no poetry writing in this group. Please join us and give your soul and psyche the gift of poetry on a Tuesday morning. This group is facilitated by Rev. Jane Tuohy. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/94623863916?pwd=ufFubM2s4b4YAjU2la9RPOy25lM6Hy.1
The EET Steering Committee meets monthly on the second Tuesday in person, LMH Room A, 2-3:30pm.
Wednesdays, May 28 - July 30, LMH Room A, 10-11am. Led by Cynthia Tolbert. For almost 20 years Cynthia Tolbert has practiced Centering Prayer, a silent meditation of consent to the presence and action of the Divine within. In essence, contemplative prayer is simply a wordless, trusting opening of self to the Divine presence, however you name that presence, The Divine, the One Light, God, the Creator. It is not a guided meditation, you do not offer any words in prayer, you just listen and open yourself to the Divine.
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, December 4; 2nd Wednesdays beginning in January, LMH Room A, 4-5pm.
Second Wednesdays, 7pm, Zoom. 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.
Sunday, June 15, Sanctuary, 10am with livestream on YouTube. Epicurus, the Original UU? – led by Doug Latham. Probably no ancient Greek philosopher has been more reviled and misrepresented that Epicurus. We will explore the truth of his philosophy and how his ideas continue to have a major impact on our lives today. You may find you agree with Lark Madden’s observation that, “Epicurus was the original UU.”
First and third Mondays, LMH Nursery/Conference Room, 11am-1pm. 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.
Third Mondays, 2:30-3:30pm on Zoom. The Anti-Racism Initiative team has decided to change our meeting day/time for the remainder of the church year to better accommodate member schedules. We invite anyone interested in issues related to the 8th Principle to join our team.
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.
All who love poetry, and who enjoy listening to poetry are invited to join the FRSUU Poetry Group. This poetry listening and appreciation group meets on Tuesday mornings for 45 minutes via Zoom. We read the same poem several times, respond to prompts, and share perspectives, wisdom, humor, and collegiality. There is no poetry writing in this group. Please join us and give your soul and psyche the gift of poetry on a Tuesday morning. This group is facilitated by Rev. Jane Tuohy. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/94623863916?pwd=ufFubM2s4b4YAjU2la9RPOy25lM6Hy.1
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.
Wednesdays, May 28 - July 30, LMH Room A, 10-11am. Led by Cynthia Tolbert. For almost 20 years Cynthia Tolbert has practiced Centering Prayer, a silent meditation of consent to the presence and action of the Divine within. In essence, contemplative prayer is simply a wordless, trusting opening of self to the Divine presence, however you name that presence, The Divine, the One Light, God, the Creator. It is not a guided meditation, you do not offer any words in prayer, you just listen and open yourself to the Divine.
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
First and third Wednesdays of the month, Morse Conference Room (across from Gift Shop) at Anna Jaques Hospital, 12:30-2pm. This support group for patient family members and staff is facilitated by Rev. Jane Tuohy, interfaith minister and chaplain; Nancy Kidd, retired hospice trainer and bereavement support counselor; and Linda Harding. For information, email Rev. Jane at jane.tuohy@frsuu.org or Nancy Kidd at nankdd@gmail.com.
The Parish Board meets monthly on the third Wednesday in LMH Main Room.
Sunday, June 22, Lower Meetinghouse Main Room, 10:30am. Join us at 10:30am for coffee or tea and fellowship. We will livestream the UUA General Assembly worship service at 11am. This year's service will be led by Rev. Dr. Nicole C. Kirk (she/her), the Rev. Dr. J. Frank and Alice Schulman Chair of Unitarian Universalist History at Meadville Lombard Theological School and a historian of American religious history. She has served UU congregations in Ohio and New Jersey and is currently the Program Minister (part-time) at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She joined the Meadville Lombard faculty in 2012 after serving eight years in the parish and earning her Ph.D. at Princeton Theological Seminary. Her research interests include religion, business, mobility, and material culture in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Dr. Kirk’s publications include Wanamaker’s Temple: The Business of Religion in an Iconic Department Store (New York University Press, 2018, 2023) and chapters in several edited volumes.
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.
All who love poetry, and who enjoy listening to poetry are invited to join the FRSUU Poetry Group. This poetry listening and appreciation group meets on Tuesday mornings for 45 minutes via Zoom. We read the same poem several times, respond to prompts, and share perspectives, wisdom, humor, and collegiality. There is no poetry writing in this group. Please join us and give your soul and psyche the gift of poetry on a Tuesday morning. This group is facilitated by Rev. Jane Tuohy. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/94623863916?pwd=ufFubM2s4b4YAjU2la9RPOy25lM6Hy.1
Wednesdays, May 28 - July 30, LMH Room A, 10-11am. Led by Cynthia Tolbert. For almost 20 years Cynthia Tolbert has practiced Centering Prayer, a silent meditation of consent to the presence and action of the Divine within. In essence, contemplative prayer is simply a wordless, trusting opening of self to the Divine presence, however you name that presence, The Divine, the One Light, God, the Creator. It is not a guided meditation, you do not offer any words in prayer, you just listen and open yourself to the Divine.
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.
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
Sunday, June 29, Sanctuary, 10am with livestream on YouTube. The Great Game of Red Rover: Shamanic Insights on Thriving through Today’s Upheaval Join Kristen Miller, FRSUU member, former FRSUU Youth Music Director, Shamanic Sound Healer, and cellist for a service that aims to leave you strong, grounded, and ready to face the world with hope and joy.
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.
All who love poetry, and who enjoy listening to poetry are invited to join the FRSUU Poetry Group. This poetry listening and appreciation group meets on Tuesday mornings for 45 minutes via Zoom. We read the same poem several times, respond to prompts, and share perspectives, wisdom, humor, and collegiality. There is no poetry writing in this group. Please join us and give your soul and psyche the gift of poetry on a Tuesday morning. This group is facilitated by Rev. Jane Tuohy. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/94623863916?pwd=ufFubM2s4b4YAjU2la9RPOy25lM6Hy.1
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/
Wednesdays, May 28 - July 30, LMH Room A, 10-11am. Led by Cynthia Tolbert. For almost 20 years Cynthia Tolbert has practiced Centering Prayer, a silent meditation of consent to the presence and action of the Divine within. In essence, contemplative prayer is simply a wordless, trusting opening of self to the Divine presence, however you name that presence, The Divine, the One Light, God, the Creator. It is not a guided meditation, you do not offer any words in prayer, you just listen and open yourself to the Divine.
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
First and third Wednesdays of the month, Morse Conference Room (across from Gift Shop) at Anna Jaques Hospital, 12:30-2pm. This support group for patient family members and staff is facilitated by Rev. Jane Tuohy, interfaith minister and chaplain; Nancy Kidd, retired hospice trainer and bereavement support counselor; and Linda Harding. For information, email Rev. Jane at jane.tuohy@frsuu.org or Nancy Kidd at nankdd@gmail.com.