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The First Religious Society Newsletter
The Steeple Biweekly
Scroll down to find these news sections.
- Sunday Services
- Rev-eries
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Calendar of Events
- Within Our Community
- Beyond Our Doors
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Sunday Services
Monthly worship theme: Presence
December 4, 10:30 a.m. - God, Between You and Me.
December is the month when we celebrate the ancient myth of the divine born into the human. With the theological diversity of Unitarian Universalists, what might God mean to us, particularly as a presence in our lives? One perspective. Jeff Clark will share his Journey of Faith.
December 11, 10:30 a.m. - Pageant in the Pews - Family Service - Julie Parker-Amery, Rev. Susan Milnor, and You.
A holiday pageant that requires no rehearsal but is ever so much fun. Come join us and participate if you like. Of course, we'll sing FRS' unique version of The Twelve Days of Christmas.
December 18, 10:30 a.m. - Burn with Joy - Rev. Susan Milnor.
The great mythologist Joseph Campbell wrote, "Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain." We sometimes use "joy" and "happiness" interchangeably, but they really are not quite the same human experience. Distinguishing between the two can help us to live more deeply in the moment and stay open to the possibility of the presence of joy in our lives, even when life is not at its best for us.
December 18, 7:15 p.m. - Candlelight Service - Rev. Susan Milnor, Dana Maiben, The Adult, Teen and Youth Choirs of First Religious Society and Guest Musicians.
This is the evening when we open our doors even wider than usual to the Newburyport community and celebrate the season with wonderful music, carols, and readings against a background of light. The Candlelight Service tradition continues with favorite carols and a special selection of music including a brass choir, organ, and three choirs. All are welcome - but plan to come early, we expect a crowd!
December 24, 5:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Service - Family Service - Rev. Susan Milnor.
This service, appropriate for all ages, features a story, traditional carols and readings, special music, and individual candle-lighting. A free will offering will be taken to support our Unitarian Partner Church in the village of Ujszekely in the Transylvanian region of Romania.
December 25 - Christmas Day - No Services - Enjoy the holiday!
In keeping with the congregation's practice the last time Christmas fell on Sunday, we will next meet again for service on January 1.
Collection for Cause
Half of December's unpledged cash collection plate donations will go to Salvation Army Fuel Assistance.
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Rev-eries
FRS Members and Friends,
At the approach of the winter holidays, I used to feel very conflicted. While I loved the promise of the season, I felt an always unrealized need to create the perfect holiday. I knew something was off, but in the midst of the cultural hype, it was hard to focus on what. Then I entered ministry. As you might imagine, the holiday season is the busiest time of the year for ministers, and sometimes the most stressful. Yet, for me it saved the holy days. For the first time I was focused on helping others to find truth and beauty in the celebrations as well as deeply engaged in finding the meaning of the ancient stories.
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Calendar of Events
Wednesday, November 30: "Breaking Down the Box."
Lower Meeting House, 7pm. A documentary exposing the torture of solitary confinement and calling the faith community to action. Presented by Phoebe Lanham, student at Barnard College, intern at the Prison Visiting Project, and FRS member. Includes an opportunity to sign up to be a pen pal with someone who is experiencing solitary confinement.
Saturday, December 3: Historical Committee meeting.
Conference Room, 9am. Do you have a thirst for history? The Historical Committee welcomes you to join forces to preserve the stories, artifacts, and traditions of FRS. Come investigate the Committee and its projects and visions to preserve our cherished past.
Sunday, December 4: Escalating Inequality.
Parish Hall, 2nd floor, 11:45am. We will continue our work toward collaboration with other groups concerned with affordable housing. We will also begin to lay plans for a presentation by Chuck Collins on March 7 which will be drawn from his new book. Everyone is welcome as we pursue concrete action for economic justice in the Newburyport community.
Sunday, December 4: Tiny Gallery reception.
Lower Meeting House, 12-5pm. Newburyport artist Ann McCrea will host a reception for "Small Works for the Tiny Gallery." The show will feature sculpted bird ornaments, cards of prints from the artist's collages and her book, "Walking Haiku," for $15 or less. She will also show her framed original collages. The public is welcome and can also meet the artist Sunday, December 11 and 18 from 12-5pm. Read more...
Tuesday, December 6: Short Story Discussion Group.
Lower Meeting House, Rooms A&B, noon. The story for discussion will be "My Kinsman, Major Molineux" by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Wednesday, December 7: Local Poverty Matters. Lower Meeting House, 7pm.
Elizabeth McCarthy, cofounder, Pelican Intervention Fund, a local nonprofit dealing with drug addiction and overdose deaths, will be the featured speaker. Local Poverty Matters is jointly sponsored by the Social Action Committee of the First Religious Society and by Pennies for Poverty.
Wednesday December 7: Jazz Vespers.
Sanctuary, 8pm. Reader will be Jean Lambert. Jazz Vespers celebrates the inspiration of Jazz, Blues and Swing music, and includes readings and time for reflection. All are welcome.
Tuesday, December 13: Retired Old Men Eating Out (ROMEO).
The 1640 Hart House, 51 Linebrook Road, Ipswich, noon. RSVP to Ed Budelmann
. As has been the case for two years now, an anonymous donor is underwriting part of the cost of lunch in order to make this gathering more affordable for the group. Please bring small bills to facilitate payment of your portion of the check, and, as always, reply to this email with any comments or suggestions. First-timers are welcome.
Wednesday, December 14: Alliance holiday luncheon.
Bradford Tavern, Rowley, MA, noon. Contact Patty King so that we can have an approximate number for the restaurant. Yankee Swap wrapped gift for $10 or less. Or regifting is fine. Voluntary participation so please come even if you do not want to join in the Yankee swap. For more information or for a ride please call Patty.
Wednesday, December 21: Retired Ladies Lunch.
CR's in Hampton, NH, noon. It's a festive place, just out of the village. Talk with Peg Mays.
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Within Our Community
What Is B'link?
Hello, I am Liam Amery, one of the many youth in the "B'link"* group going to Tuscon, Arizona next summer. We are going on a justice learning trip to learn about a very pressing issue in our country today, Immigration. After the amazing experience I had on the last service trip to Pine Ridge, I immediately signed up to go on this trip. Read more...
Order your Christmas poinsettias by December 9
Order your Christmas poinsettias in memory or in celebration of friends or loved ones. Cost is $25 for a large plant. Deadline for orders is Friday, December 9 at noon.
Tie a ribbon on the memorial wreath
The Holiday Memorial Wreath, located at the front of the sanctuary, is a way to acknowledge the memory of a loved one. Tie a ribbon to the wreath for those you wish to remember. The wreath will remain in the sanctuary throughout the holidays.
The members of Parish Friends help fellow parishioners with cards, home and rehab visits, rides to church and health care appointments, hot meals, and errands for shut-ins. Over 50 volunteers make up the group. A new volunteer decides which aspect of care they feel most comfortable with. Some of the volunteers are folks who have received help themselves. If you'd like to join the Parish Friends, please contact Nicole Salemi in the church office, Ext. 401.
Join the Women's March on Washington
Interested in being part of this historic protest in support of American democratic principles? FRS hopes to organize a group to go down to DC. If you are interested in going to Washington with your fellow UUs, come to the Social Action Table at Coffee Hour or contact Annie Maurer.
FRS committee resources on web
- Program Council's planning calendar
- The public FRS calendar
- The room-booking form
- "How to get the word out" - publicity tips
- Committee's goals
To get there, click on the "About Us" link from the main page, and choose "Committee Resources" near the bottom of the menu.
Storing anything at church?
If you need to keep anything at church for your group--posters, files, supplies--please talk to Nicole Salemi, Ext. 401, to find a safe place for it. If you need to pass something along to someone else, use the "Pick up and Drop Off" cabinet in the Lower Meeting House hallway.
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Beyond Our Doors
Dos Amigos fundraiser
On November 30, 5-7pm, Dos Amigos will donate $1 for each burrito and $.50 for each taco sold. The funds raised will benefit Nourishing the North Shore and the Learning Enrichment Center at Kelleher Park, purchasing turkeys and fixings for families in needs during the holiday season.
UUA New England Region workshop
Financial Management for Your Congregation
Tuesday, December 6, 7-8:30pm
Presenter: Rev. Karen McArthur,
Congregational Finance LLC
Read more...
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First Religious Society |
info@frsuu.org | 978.465.0602 |
frsuu.org
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