JULY MINISTRY THEME: POSSIBILITY
Annual Ministry Theme: Life
SUNDAY, JULY 12
GROWING INTO HARMONY WITH THE DIVINE
SERVICE STARTS
AT 10AM
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Reading Frederick Douglass Together
10am, Brown Square, rain location: FRSUU, no livestream
Please join us for the annual community reading of Frederick Douglass’s speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Meet in Brown Square across from City Hall (rain location, FRSUU) at 10am. No sign-up required. Light refreshments will follow. Lawn chairs are encouraged. Co-hosted by the Friends of William Lloyd Garrison, the YWCA of the Greater Northshore, Museum of Old Newbury, and Congregation Ahavas Achim, with support from Mass Humanities and Mass Cultural Council. No livestream. More information at www.WLGarrison.com.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Growing into Harmony with the Divine
10am, Sanctuary and YouTube
Drawing from Steve McIntosh’s Evolution’s Purpose, the story of cosmic, biological, and cultural evolution, the service will explore how familiar phrases from our FRS Affirmation of Faith and Doxology can speak to our lives today. The service will be led by David Turner and will include harmonies from choir members and video reflections and songs from Alban and Erinda in Albania.
FRSUU Welcomes New Interim Minister!
The FRSUU Board of Trustees and the Interim Minister Search Team are excited and proud to announce the selection of Rev. Connie Simon as our new interim minister. Rev. Connie, who is completing her interim ministry at the River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, MD, will start her two-year ministry at FRSUU on August 1. Her first official Sunday in the pulpit will be September 13, Opening Sunday for the 2026-27 church year.
Rev. Connie explains her approach to interim ministry on her website: “I’ve chosen to focus my ministry on transitional work because I genuinely love it. There’s something deeply meaningful about accompanying congregations through periods of change—helping them reflect on their history, clarify their identity, strengthen their leadership, and step intentionally into their future. Transitions are challenging, but they’re also extraordinary opportunities for growth, healing, and renewal.”
Read the full announcement HERE.
Summer Sunday Worship
July 19 and 26
10am in the sanctuary with livestream on YouTube
Click here for the full schedule of summer services and events.
The Latest News & Events
The Bluebird Concert
FRSUU is pleased to serve as the host venue for The Bluebird's next concert on Saturday, January 17 at 7pm in Parish Hall. This local arts group's mission is to bring people together with musicians and their seldom heard instruments. They seek to expand our cultural...
Breakfast Celebrating Women
The FRSUU Men՚s Group is pleased to announce the second annual Breakfast Celebrating Women on Saturday, January 17 from 8-10am in Parish Hall. This is a payment-optional event with a suggested donation of $20, but all women are welcome regardless of payment. Children...
Christmas Eve Service
Merry Christmas! Join us in the FRSUU Sanctuary at 5:30pm on December 24 for our traditional Christmas Eve service. This all-ages service will include the Christmas Story, carols, and “Silent Night” sung by candlelight. Rev. Rebecca will lead worship, with Danny...
Serenity in the Sanctuary
Do you sometimes get overwhelmed by the commercialism and materialism of the season? Or feel tired just thinking about family expectations around the holidays? Give yourself a present in these busy days! FRSUU opens our Sanctuary on Friday 12/19, Monday 12/22, and...
100th Annual Candlelight Service
Join us on Sunday, December 21 at 7pm in the FRSUU Sanctuary for this annual service, a Newburyport tradition since 1925. Anthems and carols for the season will be sung by the Candlelight Chorale, augmented by readings that celebrate the magic of Christmas. Join in on...
Winter Solstice on the Beach
Join Rev. Rebecca and FRS friends on Sunday, December 21 at 10:30am as we celebrate the Winter Solstice at Salisbury Beach State Reservation. A not-to-be-missed time by the ocean that will help connect us to the rhythms of nature and to a place of peace. This...
Holiday Tea
On Tuesday, December 9 from 2-4 pm, the Community Outreach Committee invites you to join us in the Parish Hall for our 2nd Annual Holiday Tea! As you enjoy your tea and desserts, share with others your favorite holiday memories. RSVP here.
Justice Sunday with Rev. Liz Walker
Rev. Liz Walker is a former WBZ news anchor and Pastor Emerita of the Roxbury Presbyterian Church, where the "Can We Talk..." program was developed in response to gun violence that directly and deeply affected families in the church. "Can We Talk ..." is the focus of...
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,...
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.
