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The First Religious Society Newsletter
The Steeple Biweekly
November 17, 2015
Scroll down to find these news sections.
- Sunday Worship
- Ministerial Transition
- Joys and Sorrows
- Events and Programs
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- Within Our Community
- Beyond Our Doors
- Journey of Faith
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Sunday Worship
Sunday, November 22 at 10:30 a.m.
Thanksgiving Sunday-"Being Conscious of our Treasures"
Playwright Thornton Wilder once wrote, "We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." I
t's a message that never gets old. As we prepare to celebrate another Thanksgiving h
oliday, let us be conscious of and grateful for all our blessings: the blessings that belong to us on each day of our lives.--Harold Babcock
Join an informal conversation about today's sermon during Coffee Hour.
Sunday, November 29 at 10:30 a.m.
"The Commonplace Miracle"
"The commonplace miracle," writes Polish poet Wislawa Szymborska, "that so many common miracles take place." As we enter the holiday season of miracles, it's a good reminder. The sermon will investigate perhaps the greatest believer in the commonplace miracle from our own tradition: Ralph Waldo Emerson. I look forward to seeing you in church!
--Harold Babcock
(Harold will be away from church November 30 to December 2 attending the fall meeting of his ministers' study group.)
Half of November's unpledged cash collection plate donations will go to Christmas Tree Santas, founded by an FRS member. This organization was featured in the latest
UU World magazine.
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Next steps for our ministerial transition
As you have heard by now, the Parish Board is preparing to hire an interim minister for two years when Harold Babcock retires at the end of this church year. Interim ministers are specially trained to support congregations who are in transition, such as ours. By rule, an interim minister cannot be a candidate for our next settled minister, but will work with us in discerning our direction and priorities as we prepare to call a new minister. Read more...
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Events and Programs
Wednesday, November 18: Retired Ladies Lunch.
At Seaglass in Salisbury, noon. Purely social! Newcomers welcome. Call Peg Mays to reserve a seat.
Sundays, November 22, 29, and December 6: Learn about interim ministry.
Lower Meeting House, 11:45am. Join members of the Parish Board for a 15-minute video about interim ministry, followed by conversation about what it means for FRS beginning next fall. You can also watch the video on your own, and visit our website for more details.
Sunday, November 22: Sermon conversation.
Sanctuary, 11:45am. Join an informal conversation about today's sermon.
Tuesday, November 24: Lunch with the Minister.
Lower Meeting House at noon. The short story for discussion will be "The Burning House," by Ann Beattie. All are welcome!
Sunday, November 29: Harold Celebration Committee.
Conference Room,9:30am. How shall we thank Harold and celebrate his ministry before he retires? Bring your ideas and energy to this planning meeting.
Tuesday, December 1: FRS Movie Night.
Newburyport Screening Room, 7:30pm. Join a group to see "A Walk in the Woods" based on Bill Bryson's hilarious adventure hiking the Appalachian Trail. Buy your own ticket. Optional coffee and discussion afterwards. Coming up: "Phoenix" on December 15 and "Room" on December 29.
Wednesday, December 2: Stir the Pot comes home.
Lower Meeting House, 7pm. Local Poverty Matters Study Group welcomes Ellie Davis from the YWCA, Pam Palombo, Newburyport Public Health Nurse, and Nancy Earls from the Newburyport Learning Enrichment Center. Their topic is "Nourishing the North Shore," a mission to ensure equal access to healthy food and nutrition to all in the community. Read more...
Wednesday, December 2: Jazz Vespers.
Sanctuary, 8pm. Celebrate the inspiration of Jazz, Blues and Swing music. Featuring music by the house band led by Lark Madden, with readings and time for reflection. All are welcome.
Sunday, December 6: OWL Parent Orientation.
Upper Parish Hall, after church. There is a mandatory meeting for parents of FRS 8th graders who will be participating in the OWL (Our Whole Lives) sexuality education program this winter and spring. Please plan to stay until 2:00. If you absolutely cannot make it, please contact Julie Parker Amery to arrange a make-up session.
Wednesday, December 9: Alliance holiday luncheon.
Bradford Tavern, Rowley, noon. We'll have a private room, and order from the extensive menu of American fare. Separate checks. Handicapped accessible and easily accessed parking. Bring your wrapped thrifty, but nifty gift for a Yankee Swap if you wish. All welcome. Sign up during Coffee Hour or with a member of the Alliance.
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If it is eternity now,
if past, present, and future are contained in this moment of time, then death is nothing to be feared. What is to be feared is that we fail to live our lives fully while we still have the opportunity.
--Harold Babcock, "Eternity Now"
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Within Our Community
Stepping Up in our community: support the November food drive
Our annual Community Service of Newburyport Food Drive takes place in November sponsored by the Human Services Committee. You can support this project by bringing food to the table in the vestibule and/or make a donation and we will do your shopping. Any questions, please contact Linda Buddenhagen.
Read more....
Calling all instrumentalists
The FRS People's Band is back! This is an opportunity for people of all abilities and ages to come together to play some Christmas music for our holiday family service on December 13. Have an instrument kicking around in your closet that you haven't played since the Reagan administration? Dig it out, dust it off, and join us for two stress-free and fun rehearsals. Under the able leadership of Lark Madden and Steve Lichty, the band will rehearse in the sanctuary after church on November 29 and December 6. Kids and teens are especially welcome! Questions? Contact Julie Parker Amery
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Step Up! Young Church teachers needed for winter term
Have you thought about teaching, then wondered if you "know enough" about Unitarian Universalism? Well, fear not! Teaching in Young Church is less about teaching and more about guiding and encouraging. It's about listening and being yourself. It's about asking questions and exploring together. Read more...
Donate a toy to fill a child's wish
Beginning on Sunday, November 29, there will be sign-up sheets at Coffee Hour for the annual Turning Point Toy Drive. Every year we try to fulfill three wishes for each child residing with their mothers at Turning Point, a recovery program for mothers suffering from addiction issues and domestic abuse. Last year we were able to fulfill all the wishes and hope to do so again this year. If the thought of Toys R Us is too much at this time of year, we will be happy to accept donations and do the shopping for you. Please contact Ann Power with any questions.
Order your holiday wreath to benefit FRS
Catherine Garnache is taking orders for our annual holiday wreath sale. You'll get a large balsam wreath decorated with pine cones and a large red bow, made in Maine. Cost is $35 and all profits benefit FRS.
In the Tiny Gallery this month
Cara Gonier is a contemporary landscape artist on Boston's North Shore. Her work has been described as atmospheric, meditative and evocative, alluding to landscape in minimal detail while keeping the viewer's interest with subtle flux in tones and textures. Read more...
Seeking the book on the Reilend family history
Frances Reilend's family history is missing from the church library. If you have borrowed it, please let Diane Young or Marise Fraser know.
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Beyond Our Doors
UU Mass Action offers programs on restorative justice, asylum-seekers
Learn and take action on issues important to you. UU Mass Action invites you to workshops, conference calls, expert panels, and massive mobilizations.
Appalachian church seeks funds to rebuild
The Unitarian Fellowship of Huntington, West Virginia is trying to get their church re-established after a fire. They need to raise $8,000 by December 2. Donate at their Faithify Crowdfunding page (UU's official crowdfunding site).
Praises and Prayers at Gloucester UU
Spectrum Singers present "Different Ways to Pray" by Mohammed Fairouz and music by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Charles Ives. Sunday, November 22, 3pm at the Gloucester (MA) UU Meetinghouse. $50-15.
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given by Barbara Garnis on November 8
Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, I began my journey with the Baltimore Catechism and questions like: "Who made you? Why did God make you?" Like many Catholic girls, I was going to be a nun. I prayed often in front of the statue of St. Theresa of the Little Flower. I also remember fearing that my father was going to Hell. After all, when asked on Monday morning whose parents attended Mass, I could not raise my hand. Read more....
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The deadline for the
December 1
Steeple Biweekly
is Friday, November 27 at noon.
Send your submissions to
Diane Young.
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