Learning Together Ministries
Animal Bereavement Support Group
If you have ever had to say farewell to a beloved animal companion, then you have known the heartache and grief that follows such a loss. Yet as a society, we don’t recognize, understand, or honor how heartbreaking that experience is, nor the impact it can have on someone’s emotional and physical well-being. Those who grieve often feel isolated, afraid to talk about their loss, and risk being embarrassed for caring so much about “just” an animal. There are many in our beloved community and beyond who have had this experience, and felt the need to carry their grief in silence – for far too long.
When: First Friday of the month at 6:30pm in the Lower Meetinghouse
Rev. Rebecca, Nancy Kidd, and Renee Wolf Foster invite you to come together to share our stories, our photos, and our sorrows in a loving, listening group of kindred spirits. All are welcome.
Exploring Elderhood Together
If you’re over 60, you’re part of what Aronson and other experts embrace as a third major and distinctive phase of life — after childhood and adulthood. It’s called Elderhood.
Though getting older can have its challenges, it can also be a time of personal and spiritual growth. And it should be looked at, writes Aronson, with the same concern, curiosity and creativity as the first two thirds of life. Exploring Elderhood Together, aims to do just that by presenting talks by thought leaders on relevant topics, followed by small breakout discussion groups for deeper conversation.
Alex Mezey alexandramezey@gmail.com
Friday Book Group
Friday Book Discussion meets every week at 10am. Each meeting covers the next section of a fiction or nonfiction book.
Click here for more information and how to join!
Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
The GSA is an intergenerational space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (supporters) to learn and grow. Our main values are support, education and advocacy. The GSA meets bi-weekly on Sundays from 5pm to 6pm* on Zoom beginning Sept 25. Please only sign up if you are able to commit to regular attendance. If you are not able to commit now, another open enrollment will happen in February for spring meetings.
Questions can be directed to August at augustdoherty@gmail.net or Phi at shimmel579@gmail.com. *Notes: All-Ages GSA members need to be in middle school or older. Some Sunday meetings will be 6pm to 7pm. Full schedule available soon.
Monday Night Meditations Group
Monday Night Meditation in Lower Meetinghouse (enter via Unicorn Street entrance)
When: Mondays, 6:30pm
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 FRS UU 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.
Retired Old Men Eating Out
Retired Old Men Eating Out (ROMEO) meets at a different area restaurant on the second Tuesday of every month. Join other retired guys for lunch and sociability. The bill is split equally, so please bring small bills.
For more information contact Les Ferlazzo at sealore@gmail.com
Soul Sisters Gathering
Meets Monthly
Tuesday Short Story Discussion Group
Short Story Discussion Group meets on first and third Tuesdays at noon for a lively, laughter-filled conversation. Bring your lunch, or not. Upcoming titles are announced in the newsletter and in a group email.
Click here for more information,
Tuesday Morning Spiritual Practice
Join us for 45 minutes of listening within and sharing in community, as we engage with a poem. We listen to the poem several times, each time guided by an invitation to notice something different. This is not poetry analysis, but rather, noticing what a poem is saying to you in this particular moment. Occasionally, we use a similar process with a painting, photograph, wisdom tale or piece of music. All are welcome!
For more information contact Julie Parker Amery at julie.amery@frsuu.org
Wednesday Guided Relaxation
Wizards and Sages
Join us for worship in the sanctuary followed by conversation over lunch in the Lower Meetinghouse. The worship service is briefer and less formal than a Sunday service—providing a slightly different experience that includes music, quiet, and reflection. Bring a bagged lunch to enjoy in fellowship with Reverend Rebecca, church staff, and other parishioners and friends. All are welcome!
Takes place once a month from 12:30-2:30pm. For more information contact Julie Parker Amery at julie.amery@frsuu.org