August 9, 2023

ATTENTION: FOR ANYONE WHO TOOK THIS SURVEY, PLEASE RESUBMIT AS YOUR INFORMATION WAS NOT CAPTURED!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Hampton Falls Sunday Worship
• Opening Sunday!
• RSVP for Opening Sunday Church Picnic
• Seeking Feedback on July's Worship Services
• Historic Church Tours Were a Success!
• Seeking Volunteers For Sanctuary Clean-up
• Upcoming Fellowship Programming
• Parish Friends
• Weekly Wellness Programming
• Monday Night Meditation
• Wednesday Guided Relaxation
• Beyond Our Doors

Annual Ministry Theme: Peace

Sunday, August 27

Sunday Worship Service

10:00am, in person only

First Congregational Society Unitarian Church

143 Exeter Road

Hampton Falls, NH 03844

Rev. Rebecca will continue the tradition of FRS ministers' preaching at our neighboring Hampton Falls congregation. Join us in this historic church space.

More information can be found at

 https://www.hamptonfallsunitarian.org/events.html.

Prior to worship, we invite you to join Rev. Rebecca for breakfast at Linda's Breakfast and Lunch Place, 920 Lafayette Road, Seabrook. Linda’s is a “traditional breakfast-and-lunch place,” and the food is good. We will be meeting at 8:15am!

For more information, please contact Ray Wilson at 603-702-0248 or skypastures@gmail.com.

July-August Shared Collection Partner – Community Action

Community Action, Inc. provides resources and opportunities for individuals, families, and communities to overcome poverty. Programs include adult education, care for children, food and clothing, fuel and energy, and housing. CAI envisions strong, thriving communities free of poverty. They build hope and offer assistance with respect and understanding.

Their programs serve Amesbury, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury. 

Join us on Sunday, September 10 at 10:30am for Opening Sunday Worship Service and Flower Communion. Following service, we will be gathering in the lower courtyard for our annual church picnic!

To RSVP for the church picnic please click on the green button below:

Ways to Support the FRS's Church Picnic

Will you consider bringing a pie or a side dish? Please click here.

To volunteer to help the day of the picnic, please click here.

Last weekend during Yankee Homecoming, we opened our gigantic front doors and invited people to join us for a historic church tour. FRS Director of Church Music, Justin Murphy-Mancini, started each tour day with a 30-minute organ concert. Both local residents and visitors joined us for this special event.

Thank you to Ghlee Woodworth, Alan Seale, Jim Supple, Andy Lobb, and Michelle Kimball for all your amazing energy with leading tours and greeting guests, and making this successful and a lot of fun!

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.

Each week, the FRS offers a series of wellbeing and spiritual practice sessions. These sessions are open to everyone, and we invite you to join us anytime! To learn about Monday Evening in-person Meditations, Tuesday online Spiritual Practice (on summer break and will return in Sept), Wednesday Morning online Guided Meditation click on the pink button below:

A River Called Justice

Register today for your seat at this major climate justice event!

When: Thursday, August 24 from 5-7pm

Location: The Parker River Wildlife Visitor Center, Newburyport Turnpike

Keynote Speaker: Lesly Melendez, Executive Director of Groundwork Lawrence

World renown storyteller and climate activist, Judith Black 

With a moderated discussion about climate justice and antiracism by Dr. Neenah Estrella-Luna. 

Limited seating! Register for your free ticket here: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/.../a-river-called-justice

Organized by the PEG Center for Art and Activism

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–Jim Supple; Vice Chair-TBD; Finance Chair–Renée Wolf Foster; Governance Chair–Tom Himmel; Endowment Treasurer–Kim Kenly; Finance Treasurer–Bob Higgins; Stewardship Chair–Vern Ellis; Parish Clerk–Kathy Desilets; Tina Benik, Lori Clark, Caitlin Creps, Laurie Evans-Daly, Minnie Flanagan, Liss Larsen, Annie Maurer.

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

978-465-0602 | frsuu.org