May 17, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Sunday Worship
• May Shared Collection and Diaper Drive
• Join Us for a Dessert Buffet!t!
• RSVP for the FRS Annual Meeting
• Distribution of Shared Collection Allocation for 2023-2024 Church Year
• Photos from the Louis D. Brown Annual Mother's Day Walk
• A Visualization of Peace from Diane Carroll
• Merrimack Valley AGO Members Organ Recital
• Upcoming Fellowship Programming
• Parish Friends
• Thank a UU
• Weekly Wellness Programming
• Monday Night Meditation
• Tuesday Spiritual Practice
• Wednesday Guided Relaxation
• Beyond Our Doors: Events in the Greater Newburyport Area

Annual Ministry Theme: Peace

May Ministry Theme: Spiritual Teachers

“I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom."

-Rosa Parks

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Young Church Sunday

10:30am

Outdoors at Atkinson Common

388 High Street, Newburyport

and streamed on YouTube

This outdoor service will be led by our children, youth, and families and will feature a reflection by Reverend Rebecca and a Blessing Ceremony for graduating seniors.

**The FRS church building will be closed on Sunday morning**

“Every child you encounter is a divine appointment.”

- Wes Stafford 

Attend on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FRSyoutube

May Shared Collection Partner - Emmaus

Each year Emmaus, Inc serves more than 2,000 homeless women, men, and children from the Merrimack Valley and North Shore. On any given night roughly 300 people call Emmaus “home.” More than 80,000 meals are served yearly to shelter residents, and many housing and program participants receive emergency food from Emmaus’s food pantry. And 91 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to Emmaus programs.

First Religious Society Annual Meeting - Sunday, June 11

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 a brown bag lunch will be provided.

RSVP by clicking the blue button below!

Distribution of Shared Collection Allocation for 2023-2024 Church Year

The Community Outreach Group has the responsibility of scheduling the organizations that aid individuals and families in need that will receive one half of the loose plate offertory collected at Sunday service each month.

Prior to establishing the schedule for next year, we would like recommendations from the congregation. If you would like to submit a recommendation for an organization serving the Merrimack Valley, please click on the blue button below to complete the form by Friday, June 2, 2023.

Please email the form to Jeff Bard at jeffbard@hotmail.com.                                   

Merrimack Valley AGO Members Organ Recital

Sunday, May 21 from 2-3pm in the Sanctuary

The American Guild of Organists, Merrimack Valley Chapter, presents an organ recital featuring the beautiful instrument at FRS. AGO members who are local organists will present a fun and eclectic program featuring music by Bach, Vierne, Barber, and more. Admission is free.

This past Sunday, The FRS participated in the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute's 27th Annual Mother's Day Walk in Dorchester and raised $4,567!

The Annual Mother’s Day Walk for Peace (MDW4P) was founded in 1996 by the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s President and CEO Chaplain Clementina Chéry. The MDW4P was created for mothers of murdered children to receive support and love from their neighbors. When Chaplain Chéry’s son, Louis, was murdered, she wondered how she could grieve her son on Mother’s Day and also celebrate her living children. Twenty-seven years later, the MDW4P continues as a powerful way to honor loved ones who have been murdered and embrace our shared responsibility of peacemaking.

The Walk is organized by the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, a Center of Healing, Teaching and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss.

Photo submitted by Diane Carroll: "Sunrise on Southport Island"

Exploring Elderhood Together

When: Thursday, May 18 from 1-2:30pm in the Lower Meetinghouse

Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life

Video program with author Dacher Keltner, Ph.D. and others

Have you ever been stopped in your tracks at the sight of the moon on the rise? Maybe you’ve been moved to tears by the music of Beethoven, or by watching a child’s first steps. In such moments you may find yourself opening to a sense of awe, a long-overlooked emotion that can inspire wonder, a deep sense of connection, and belonging to something larger than ourselves.

Opportunities for awe are all around us, in music, dance, art, sporting events, and nature. Studies show that appreciating such experiences can make our lives feel more meaningful. We need only to slow down, open up, and take notice.

Dr. Dacher Keltner is a renowned researcher on emotions (he was a consultant on emojis) and has studied how people experience awe in 26 countries. In this video program, Dr. Keltner will explore the many facets of this elusive emotion and how we can cultivate in our own lives. 

Please join us for what promises to be an enriching program, with time for sharing and discussion. 

Registration is not required. Masks are encouraged. Immunization is required.

Newburyport Pride Parade

When: Saturday, June 3rd

The FRS will participate in the City of Newburyport’s first Pride Parade which is tentatively scheduled to begin at 12 noon. The short route will take place somewhere in the vicinity of downtown. We will have a sign-up soon, but please save the date. We will walk together with the FRS banner. All ages are welcome. If you have questions, please contact christine.doherty@comcast.net.

Do you know of anyone in our church community who could use a helping hand or an encouraging word? If so, please reach out to the FRS Parish Friends. For example, a member may need a ride to an appointment or appreciate a card to let them know we hold them in our thoughts. Or any other temporary support such as a family with a new baby who may welcome a meal! If so, please contact Susan Ricker at parishfriends@frsuu.org. You may also reach out to the church office at info@frsuu.org or call 978-465-0602.

Once a month we will publish a list of thanks to all who help to make our day a little brighter and our community stronger!

If you would like to thank another parishioner, please email cynthia.walsh@frsuu.org.

Spring into Essex: Essex in Bloom

When: May 19-21, Essex, MA

Experience an all ages event with experience art exhibits, floral flash, workshops and live music, all while shopping and fining. Special offerings, tastings, talks, and more.

To see the full schedule of events click here!

Among Friends at St. Paul’s Church

The Community Outreach Committee has committed to providing volunteers for the meal program at St. Paul’s in Newburyport. They provide meals to 85+ guests three days a week. Our dates are May 29, July 31, and October 30. These are all Mondays. We will need a total of six volunteers for each of those dates. Our tasks will be preparing, serving, and cleaning up. We will determine the menu and all the ingredients will be provided. The time is 2-6pm.

Since May 29 is Memorial Day, many have plans, but if you don’t, Ann Power still needs three volunteers to join her. The meal will be simple so there will be minimal cooking this time. Please email Ann at amp486688@gmail.com or call 603-520-1781 if you would like to help.

Ferry Beach Offers Summer Camp for Grown-Ups!

Save the Date: August 27-30

The Ferry Beach Getaway is perfect for those who long ago aged out of summer camp but still yearn for the camaraderie and activities of camp. This year’s offerings include Eco-Printing, a nature walk, New England Country Dance, yoga, and a bocce tournament – along with beach walks, hanging out with new friends on the porch and the beach, and lots of laughter during evening games. You’re a grown-up now so you can do as much – or as little – as you wish. For more information: https://www.ferrybeach.org/the-beach-getaway.html

Minister–The Reverend Rebecca Bryan; Affiliate Minister–Rev. Stan Barrett; Affiliate Minister–Rev. Helen Murgida; Affiliate Minister-Rev. Jane Tuohy; Minister Emeritus–The Reverend Harold Babcock. Staff: Director of Church Operations–Rob Authier; Office Administrator–Diane Carroll; Director of Children's Ministry–Mara Flynn; Director of Church Music–Justin Murphy-Mancini; Director of Church Music Emerita–Barbara Owen; Director of Faith Formation and Spiritual Exploration–Julie Parker Amery; Sexton–Donny Rogers; Director of Congregational and Community Engagement–Cynthia Walsh. Parish Board: Chair–Tina Benik; Vice Chair-Jim Supple; Finance Chair–Renée Wolf Foster; Governance Chair–Tom Himmel; Endowment Treasurer–Kim Kenly; Finance Treasurer–Laurie Evans-Daly; Stewardship Chair–Vern Ellis; Parish Clerk–Kathy Desilets; Holly Cashman, Marissa Dewey, Minnie Flanagan, Bob Higgins, Michelle Kimball, Annie Maurer.

First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist | 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport MA 01950

978-465-0602 | frsuu.org