April Theme: Kindness
Annual Ministry Theme: Interconnectedness
SUNDAY, April 28, 2024
Jazz Sunday
SERVICE STARTS at 10:30am
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Jazz Sunday
10:30am in person and on YouTube
Jazz and blues, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, strengthen us when courage begins to fail; they have provided much of the power behind the movement for justice in our country. Today, a fine jazz combo will enrich our worship, and longtime member Tom Stites, who has conducted jazz services in UU congregations from coast to coast, will preach about how creativity is crucial to our justice efforts.
“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”
Amelia Earhart
In Memoriam
Reverend Helen M. Murgida (1943-2024)
It is with great sadness that we grieve the sudden and tragic death of our beloved Affiliate Minister, Reverend Helen Murgida. This is a journey of healing that will take a long time, and we have the time and love we need to do this together. This situation is something we can all relate to regardless of whether we knew Rev. Helen. It is also apt to touch into other losses you have experienced recently or long ago. All of this is normal.
We will be together in the ebbs and flows of all that lies ahead, and we will be stronger as a religious community for it. We bereaved are not alone. We belong to the largest company in all the world – the company of those who have known suffering.
– Helen Keller
Introducing Our New Assistant Minister of Congregational Life!
Reverend Laurel Gray
We are excited to introduce Reverend Laurel Gray, our new Assistant Minister of Congregational Life! Reverend Laurel’s ministry will focus on three primary areas of church life: membership, adult faith formation and programming, and supporting Mara Flynn, Director of Youth and Children’s Ministry, in creating vibrant children’s, youth, and young adult religious education and programming. She will also preach over the course of the year and serve in Rev. Rebecca’s absence for vacation and study leave.
Rev. Laurel will start her ministry at the FRSUU on August 13. We will share her email and other contact information at that time so you can help welcome her to our beloved community. There will also be welcome activities at the start of the church year after Labor Day.
Welcome to FRSUU, Reverend Laurel!
Read more about Rev. Laurel in Rev. Rebecca’s letter to the congregation HERE.
FRS Annual Giving Campaign theme is “Building Sacred Connections In Our Interconnected World”.
“The strength of our church community is dependent on the gifts and commitments – financial, time, and talents – of our members, friends, and supporters. I am inspired and humbled by how we come together to make this happen each year. Thank you for helping us Strengthen Sacred Connections.”
-Reverend Rebecca
The Latest News & Events
In the Spirit: Beyond words, beyond beliefs, we are interconnected
By Reverend Rebecca M. Bryan Republished with permission from The Daily News of Newburyport in which the column originally ran on September 22, 2023. Every year, my congregation focuses on one theme that we explore and learn about together. We intend that the...
The Short Story Group
The Short Story Group meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from noon-1pm in the Lower Meetinghouse
Unitarian Universalist Association Letter to Congress
The Unitarian Universalist Association has joined 27 other denominations and organizations in signing a letter calling on Congress to take proactive steps to de-escalate the ongoing violence in Israel/Palestine. Specifically, the letter asks Congress to: Publicly call...
1619: A Discussion Series
Four hundred years ago, a ship carrying enslaved Africans arrived in the English colony of Virginia. This series examines the long shadow of that fateful moment. Join members of the FRS Anti-Racism Initiative for discussion of the six-episode documentary series 1619,...
Wednesday Night Fellowship
Wednesday Night Fellowship is back from 6-7:30pm in the Lower Meetinghouse. After a long hiatus, this pre-pandemic offering returns the second Wednesday of each month. Join us for a potluck dinner followed by a brief worship/ritual and program. Great for all ages!...
UU Theology, Values, and Belief: A monthly discussion group with Reverend Rebecca
UU Theology, Values, and Belief A monthly discussion group with Reverend Rebecca First Tuesdays from 6:00pm – 7:30pm Next discussion group will be Tuesday, January 2 Join others in engaging conversation as we learn, share stories, and consider what it means to be a UU...
Habitat for Humanity: Service is Our Prayer!
Habitat for Humanity Build Day, Saturday, October 21, 2023 FRS Habitat is a team of volunteers building homes for qualifying families affiliated with Habitat for Humanity. The FRS team joins these Habitat families and other volunteer groups on the third Saturday of...
Love in Action -You can support the FRSUU Little Free Diverse Library
Support the FRSUU Little Free Diverse Library! We’ve all heard about book bans across the U.S., and increasingly these bans focus on books that feature protagonists of color or characters who reflect the LGBTQ+ experience. How can you take action? By donating to the...
Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s 27th annual Mother’s Day Walk for Peace
A BIG "thank you" to all the walkers and all the donors who contributed to make Team FRS a huge success at this year's Mother's Day Walk to benefit the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute! As of this writing, our donations total $6,902.... $4,402 beyond our team goal of...
