June Theme: Offering
Annual Ministry Theme: Peace
SUNDAY, June 4, 2023
“Joyful Defiance”
SERVICE STARTS 10:30am
In Person and on YouTube
Sunday, June 4, 2023
“Joyful Defiance”
10:30am in person and streamed on YouTube
How do we commemorate and celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride now when LGBTQ+ rights are under an unprecedented attack? Reverend Rebecca and the Welcoming Committee invite you to learn about the history of Pride, the experiences of members of our beloved community, and the spiritual calling to lift up and support the most marginalized among us.
“You have to give them hope. Hope for a better world, hope for a better tomorrow.”
– Harvey Milk San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade June 5, 1978
Join us for Justice Sunday
Please join the Welcoming Committee at the next Justice Sunday on June 4th at 12:30 p.m. The program will feature Kimm Topping, Ed.M. (they/them/theirs). Topping will present on “How to be an Ally to the LGBTQ+ Community.” They are a writer, educator, community organizer, and queer historian whose work values youth voice, leadership, and activism. Topping is an Adjunct Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing their work on gender and sexuality. Their YA non-fiction book, Generation Queer, highlights stories of modern LGBTQ+ youth activists and is forthcoming from Tu Books/Lee & Low. This Justice Sunday is open to the public in collaboration with Newburyport Pride. All are welcome.
The FRS Annual Meeting
Please join us for the Annual Meeting of the First Religious Society on Sunday, June 11th following worship service.
Our Annual Meeting is an important gathering for our congregation that demonstrates our commitment to shared ministry in decision-making and governance. It is an important time to reflect on our congregation’s Values, Mission and Ends. We encourage all members to participate.
Important note: membership at the FRS is required to vote. If you are unsure if are a member, and or interested in becoming a member of the FRS, please email cynthia.walsh@frsuu.org.
Registration is required and lunch will be provided.
To register please click here!
A Message from Rev. Rebecca, Summer 2023
Meet Our 2023-2024 Annual Giving Campaign Co-Chairs:
Mary McDonald and Jim Supple
The Latest News & Events
Imagine
A weekly contemplation from Rev. Rebecca Join Rev. Rebecca for a ten-week series this summer exploring the concepts of imagination and paradox. Each Tuesday you will receive an email that includes a short reflection written by Rev. Rebecca, writing prompts, and other...
FRS Worship Themes 2020-2021
Annual Theme: ImagineSeptember Blessing October Belonging November Resilience December Choice January ExpectationFebruary Love March Action April Unity May Praise June Opening
Pastoral Care Schedule for the Summer
Reverend Rebecca is on study leave and vacation from June 25th until August 10th. Please contact the minister on call if you have a pastoral need during that time. They will get in touch with Rev. Rebecca on your behalf and connect you if necessary. June 29 Jason...
FRS Anti-Racism Initiative
FRS has rolled out its FRS Anti-Racism - Black Lives Matter initiative to work together to end systemic racism. The organizing effort on this initiative began with a zoom meeting Rev. Rebecca held on June 1st. Attended by over 50 members and friends, the meeting was...
Summer Happenings – worship services and online programming
Worship services and online programming will continue through the summer. Read all of the details: June 3 Summer Happenings: https://conta.cc/2AWqzm3 June 11 Summer updates in Journeying Together: https://conta.cc/2C1xz1z
As I See It: A Certain Kind of Protest
The following is Rev. Rebecca's "As I See It" column to be published in The Daily News of Newburyport on June 10. A Certain Kind of Protest By Rev. Rebecca Bryan People have been lulled, buffered, and gotten very comfortable with a certain kind of protest. The kind...
“Spread Love, Not Vitriol” – A Message from Rev. Rebecca
Read Rev. Rebecca's letter to the congregation in response to the killing of George Floyd : https://conta.cc/2XieUX9
Help Us Be Good Partners in Responding to Domestic Violence
“Stay home and be safe.” So many times we have read or heard this statement. Yet, for many women*, the threat of violence looms largest where they should be safe – in their homes. The situation we are living in with COVID-19 has increased the risk for the occurrence...
Emmaus Needs Help to Overcome Projected Shortfall Due to COVID-19
Emmaus in Haverhill needs our help to overcome a projected budet shortfall of $150,000, due to COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenues. Emmaus provides shelter and support to homeless families and adults. On any given night 300 different people of all ages call...