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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Sunday Worship
- Interior Landscapes: Possible New Group Forming to Explore the Five Gates of Grief
- Ice Cream Sundae Social and Pledge Trivia
- A Visualization of Peace Photo from Sandra Thaxter
- 2023 Wilson Music Series - Next Concert on Sunday
- Sign up for Living the Pledge
- Newbury Food and Personal Care Drive
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Lifting Your Spirit, new show on Newburyport Media Hub
- Upcoming Fellowship Programming
- Weekly Chalice Lighting Reading
- Thank a UU
- Weekly Wellness Programming
- Monday Night Meditation
- Tuesday Spiritual Practice
- Wednesday Guided Relaxation
- Beyond Our Doors: Events in the Greater Newburyport Area
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Annual Ministry Theme: Peace
February Ministry Theme: Grief
There is some strange intimacy between grief and aliveness, some sacred exchange between what seems unbearable and what is most exquisitely alive.
-Francis Weller
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Worship Service
Sunday, February 22, 2023
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Sunday, February 22, 2023
Space, Music, and Silence: A retreat for you
10:30am in the Sanctuary and on YouTube
Many of us long for a retreat or time away from the demands of our daily lives. We all need sabbath, especially during times of loss and transition. You are invited to come to worship Sunday morning as a time of rest and retreat. Reverend Rebecca along with Stephen-Wolf Foster and Alan Seale will offer music, poetry, and silence as we conclude our monthlong exploration of grief.
“Within yourself is a stillness, a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” - Hermann Hesse
Attend on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FRSyoutube
February Shared Collection Partner - MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence
The Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence brings together over 90 organizations across the state, including First Religious Society, to end the epidemic of gun violence in the United States. The coalition advocates for improved policies around gun safety and partners with community organizations working to end violence in their neighborhoods. Half of each Sunday’s collection not designated as a pledge supports a local partner working to transform our region.
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Interior Landscapes
Possible New Group Forming to Explore the Five Gates of Grief
Are you interested in forming a new relationship with grief? Reverend Rebecca is considering offering a group focusing on the work of Francis Weller and his book, The Wild Edge of Sorrow. The group will meet monthly at a mutually agreed upon time. We will meet for one year to give ample space and time to this life-changing work. We will be using sharing, spiritual practices, and ritual together.
Please email Reverend Rebecca at RevRebecca.Bryan@frsuu.org to let her know of your interest in the group. We will start meetings in March and take July and August off. We do ask that you commit to the entire program.
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Ice Cream Sundae Social and Pledge Trivia
When: Sunday, February 26th
Following worship service, you are invited to the Lower Meetinghouse to join in the fun of building your own ice cream sundae all while learning the fun facts about FRS's Annual Pledge Campaign.
This hands-on learning activity is sure to please your taste buds!
Children are welcome and childcare will be provided in the Hayward Room.
Dairy-free options will be available.
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Photo submitted by Sandra Thaxter: Cushing Island at dawn | |
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An Invitation from Program Council
This year's annual ministry theme is peace and we invite you to submit a photo that best represents your visualization of peace - a personal representation or a broader representation of peace in the community or the world.
You can email your photo to cynthia.walsh@frsuu.org or text your photo to 978-701-5352. Please provide a photo caption and your name.
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Upcoming “Living the Pledge” Workshop Series
Gain confidence in your ability to talk about and confront racism wherever it lives. Join our Pledge to End Racism by attending a “Living the Pledge” workshop series. FRS has trained facilitators to guide you through a national curriculum, specifically developed by and for UUs. The 6-session workshops, interactive and covering themes such as internal bias, responding to microaggressions, and systemic racism, will start in late February either in person and/or on Zoom. The sessions are not yet scheduled; when you fill out the interest form, you’ll be asked to indicate what days and times are good for you, and if you prefer in-person or Zoom.
Click HERE to indicate your interest in the Living the Pledge Spring 2023 workshop series. Contact Director of Faith Formation and Spiritual Exploration, Julie Parker Amery, with questions: julie.amery@frsuu.org.
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Newbury Food Pantry Food and Personal Care Drive
The Community Outreach Group of FRS is sponsoring a food drive to benefit the Newbury Food Pantry during the month of February. Donations can be left on the right shelf at the back of the Sanctuary as you exit. The Newbury Food Pantry is currently serving an average of 480 guests each week. Your donations are gratefully appreciated especially at this time of need. The wish list for food and personal care items includes hearty soups, rice and pasta sides, instant coffee, muffin and quick bread mixes, gluten free products, toothpaste, shampoo, liquid soap, toilet paper, and paper towels. Questions? Contact Linda Buddenhagen at 978-463-0882.
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Lifting Your Spirit
When: Starting February 15 at 11am, replay Thursday, February 16 at 8am, Friday, February 17 at 1pm, Sunday, February 18 at 12pm
Lifting Your Spirit is a new monthly Newburyport Public Access TV show on WJOP, YouTube, and SoundCloud. Each month, guests will be interviewed and asked to share about their spiritual journey, where on the journey they are now, what advice they have on lifting the spirit, and wherever else conversation takes us.
Listen here and catch Rev. Rebecca who was the show's first guest!
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Upcoming Fellowship Programming | |
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Let’s Make Pysanky (Ukrainian Decorated Eggs)!
When: Friday, March 10, 4-7pm in the Lower Meetinghouse
Eliza Goodell has over twenty years’ experience creating beautiful Ukrainian Easter Eggs. In this 3-hour workshop, participants will learn how to make these lovely eggs using a stylus, beeswax, and dyes. The class includes a demo and discussion of the symbols used in this ancient Ukrainian folk art. You will then have time to complete one to two eggs. Beginners are welcome and no artistic talent is required.
Suggested donation is $20 to cover costs (but nobody will be turned away. Please pay what feels right for you). We will also take up a collection for Ukrainian relief efforts.
Class limited to twelve members and friends of FRS. Registration deadline is March 3. Register here.
Questions? Contact Julie Parker Amery, Director of Faith Formation and Spiritual Exploration, at julie.amery@frsuu.org.
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Exploring Elderhood Together
Paint Your Memories in Words
When: Thursday, March 16, 1-2:30pm and Thursday, March 23, 1-2:30pm (this is a 2-part session), in the Lower Meetinghouse.
Part One: Discussion and Writing Exercises
Part Two: Experiential Writing Exercises
Click here for more information.
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Tuesday Short Story Group
When:1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, Lower Meeting House (Zoom option available)
Click here for more information.
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Friday Book Group
When: Fridays from 10-11:30am, Lower Meetinghouse Room A and on Zoom
We meet weekly and read both fiction and non-fiction books chosen by the participants. Each book is read and discussed over a period of several meetings, with the reading for each determined by the group.
For more information, click here.
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Save the Date: Old Hill Burying Ground and Highland Cemetary Tour with Ghlee Woodworth
When: Saturday, March 25 (weather permitting), time to be announced
To RSVP, email cynthia.walsh@frsuu.org.
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Weekly Chalice Lighting Reading | |
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Lighting a chalice is an honored and beloved ritual of our faith. We take time to light a chalice and offer a reading or time of silence before the start of every meeting, gathering, or worship service. Doing so reminds us of our connection to one another and our values. It helps us to center and calm our minds and bodies. Each time the chalice is lit we are invited to return to ourselves and to peace.
We are delighted to start a new practice of offering a weekly chalice lighting reading in the Steeple newsletter. You are invited to use the reading to light a chalice before a meeting or a meal or at the start or end of your day.
The chalice lightings for the month of February will be written by Black authors in honor of Black History Month.
We hope everyone joins in creating this collection of readings. Please submit your reading to cynthia.walsh@frsuu.org or RevRevecca.Bryan@frsuu.org.
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First Lesson
by Philip Booth
Lie back, daughter, let your head
be tipped back in the cup of my hand.
Gently, and I will hold you. Spread
your arms wide, lie out on the stream
and look high at the gulls. A dead-
man's-float is face down. You will dive
and swim soon enough where this tidewater
ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe
me, when you tire on the long thrash
to your island, lie up, and survive.
As you float now, where I held you
and let go, remember when fear
cramps your heart what I told you:
lie gently and wide to the light-year
stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you.
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Thank you to everyone who pitched in to create the FRS "Growing the Gardens of Peace" art poles! Special thanks to Joanna Fernandes, Sue, Nash, Christian Hansen, Minnie Flanagan, Eliza Goodell, Jean Noonan, and our incredible art visionary Amy Tauchert. | |
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Special appreciation to Julie Parker Amery. Julie has been a wonderful educational resource to us as new members of FRS. She offers a wonderful array of church activities and groups (virtually and in person) that allow each of us to explore our interest in spiritual exploration.
We also want to recognize Susan Cooper who brings the weekly Wednesday morning meditation into our homes and provides a loving and peaceful opportunity to commune with other church members seeking calm, balance, and heart to carry us through the day and in the days ahead. She is a welcomed presence in our lives.
Likewise, we also want to recognize Reverend Rebecca who presents positive, relatable sermon topics that serve to encourage us spiritually and emotionally. She is also very quick to offer open arms for a hug at the end of each church service. Hugs help heal and we are grateful that she offers them so freely.
Many thanks, Holly and Heidi
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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.
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Weekly Wellness Programming | |
Beyond Our Doors
Events in the greater Newburyport area
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Deeper Mind, Deeper Heart: The Intersection of Insight Meditation and Centering Prayer
When: March 18, 2023, online
Fore more information click here.
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If you would like to publish an announcement or event in the Steeple,
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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; Audio-Visual Engineer–Rob Close; 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, Michelle Kimball, Annie Maurer, Tom Stites. | |
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First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist | 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport MA 01950
978-465-0602 | frsuu.org
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