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
FRS is Going Virtual – A Message from Rev. Rebecca
Dear members and friends, We are going virtual! To protect the health and safety of everyone, the church buildings will be closed effective 5pm, Saturday, March 14 through at least March 30th. All activities including worship and any size meetings will...
Following the Lines of Love – A Message from Reverend Rebecca
Dear members and friends, As of right now, we will be holding church this Sunday. That may change, and the staff and board have been working to prepare for that reality. If it does change, we will continue to hold Sunday worship services online and hope that...
CANCELED: Aging Well in Community Features TED Talk on Second Half of Life
This Aging Well in Community event has been canceled at this time. Wednesday, March 18, Aging Well in Community Features TED Talk on Second Half of Life. Lower Meeting House, 2-4pm. Join us for a thought-provoking TED Talk and discussion on the second half of life....
Join in Mother’s Day Walk for Peace
As members of the MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, one concrete thing we can do is support the work of other Coalition members in their work to bring peace to communities most affected by gun violence. The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute has been doing this for 24...
A Note from Rev. Rebecca
Dear friends and members, Many of you are aware that federal health officials are advising hospitals, schools, churches and other public facilities to make preparations in anticipation of the spread of the coronavirus in the United States. I along with staff are...
We’d Like to Welcome You
We'd like to welcome newcomers to our church this Sunday morning, March 1, at our Welcome Tea with Rev. Rebecca. This will be your chance to get to know our beloved community, ask your questions and meet others within the church community. We’ll meet in the Lower...
March 4—Jazz Vespers
Sanctuary, 8pm Jazz Vespers will feature reader Ann McCrea and the Vespers House Band. Jazz Vespers celebrates the inspiration of jazz, swing and blues music and offers readings and time for silent reflection. All are welcome.
February 26—Wizards and Sages
Lower Meeting House, noon-2pm Are you looking for a way to connect more deeply with folks through mid-day fellowship and a short worship? Join our monthly gathering of Wizards and Sages. All ages are invited, drop ins welcome! Bring a brown bag lunch. Rev. Rebecca...
Fellowship Dinners Coming Up!
This year, we have 18 hosts and host families who will open their homes to a total of 102 guests across the local area. In all, 120 members and friends of FRS will be gathering for fellowship on four evenings in late February and early March. "We anticipate...
