October 11, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Sunday Worship Service
• Justice Sunday with Soup & Salad
• Young Church News
• Looking Toward the 4th Century
• FRS Fall Auction
• 1619 Discussion Series
• Exploring Elderhood Together Interest Survey
• Renaissance New England, a transgender support group
• Fall Arts at the FRS
• We Need to Hear From You: Take the FRS Communication Survey
• Ways to Engage & Volunteer Your Time to Support Our Parish
• Fellowship Programming
• Download the FRS October Worship and Events Calendars
• Thank a UU
• Call on Parish Friends
• Beyond Our Doors: History talk given by Ghlee Woodworth; Opportunity to volunteer on Saturday and help preserve history in Highland Cemetery, Newburyport

Annual Ministry Theme: Interconnectedness

Sri Chakra Yantra Diagram - drawn by Sri Amritananda Natha Saraswati (known as Gurugi) in late 1980's. Preserved by the Sri Vidya Trust.

This symbol is the complex mapping of universal ideas to the individual. Each of the 108 intersections on the drawing has a mantra representation, an aspect of the Goddess and a mapping to the chakras in the energetic body. This symbol, in 2D and 3D form, is used in Goddess worship.

October Ministry Theme: Mindfulness

Sunday, October 15, 2023

10:30am, in person and streamed on YouTube

"The Axis Mundi: its role in mindfulness and across disciplines"

Our ability to be mindful enhances many important things in life, including how we listen, observe, and inquire about reality. Central to mindfulness is one’s ability to know and return to our inner axis mundi, or still point, around which our lives and minds revolve. The axis mundi, also known as the axis of rotation, cosmic axis, and world tree, is recognized in disciplines including astronomy, botany, and mythology. Rev. Rebecca will be supporting the journey to our internal axis mundi through the use of mantra, music, and mindfulness.

"Every Microcosm, every inhabited region, has a Centre; that is to say, a place that is sacred above all." --Mircea Eliade

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

October Shared Collection Partner – Greater Newbury Elder Pet Fund

Large print Orders of Service, hymnals, and earphones for sound amplification are available. Please ask ushers to provide them.

Accessibility Inclusion Ministry (AIM) Justice Sunday

As a follow up to Rev Helen's sermon on October 1, 2023, entitled "Mindfulness: Ways to Navigate Life Transitions," we will participate in a group discussion about our mindfulness practices that help us through the inevitable stages of change, transition and transformation throughout our life span. As we age, changes are more frequent; we will explore the differences between aging without disabilities and aging with disabilities. 

Come in person or via Zoom. The link will be in the Steeple. 

AIM is asked to provide the SOUP! We need four crock pots of soup. Please email Rev. Helen at murgida@comcast.net if you are able to bring soup.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Rev. Helen. Participation is all voluntary!

Our next AIM Zoom Meeting is Wednesday October 18, 5-6pm via Zoom:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/99103050998?pwd=T28rT294WFNLWDdJS3lDeE43bndsUT09

Meeting ID: 991 0305 0998

Passcode: 548750

Dial by your location

Meeting ID: 991 0305 0998

Young Church News

Click on the yellow button to read more

Support the FRSUU Little Free Diverse Library!

We’ve all heard about book bans across the U.S., and increasingly these bans focus on books that feature protagonists of color or characters who reflect the LGBTQ+ experience. How can you take action?

By donating to the Little Free Diverse Library! 

To access the LFDL Wishlist on Amazon click on the yellow button below. You can purchase books here OR get title ideas and purchase books at a local bookstore! Book donations can be put directly into our library, or in the collection basket located in the vestibule. Thank you!

If you are interested in getting involved with the FRSUU Little Free Diverse Library, please reach out to August Doherty Mead (he/they) at augustdoherty@gmail.com.

Photo: Banned books advocacy table was set up om the vestibule. Sign the petition to say no to book banning!

In 2025, the FRSUU will celebrate 300 years since our parish was first established. As we look to the now and what is next, the Congregational Insight Team will host a series of workshops that will provide an opportunity for your voice to be heard to create together our dreams and wishes for our beloved community as we enter our 4th Century. Workshops will be held on the following dates and people are asked to RSVP for one workshop:

Wednesday, November 1 from 6-8pm

Sunday, November 5 from 12-2pm

Sunday, November 19 from 2-4pm (Zoom only)

Wednesday, December 6 from 6-8pm

CALL FOR DONATIONS 

GRATEFUL GATHERING, THE FRS AUCTION 

November 17 at 6:00pm

Newburyport Community Center, 331 High Street, Newburyport

We are looking to offer fellowship experiences for this year's auction. Can you host a dinner party or event in your home? Do you have a unique experience or service you can offer? Tickets to events? Do you have a vacation home? We are looking for experiences that create fellowship among us. There will be a sign-up table after services, or to sign up online click here. The donation deadline is October 27.

If you would like to participate in the planning the auction, our meetings are on Zoom, Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm, https://bit.ly/FUUNTeamZoomMeeting

1619: A Discussion Series

Four hundred years ago, a ship carrying enslaved Africans arrived in the English colony of Virginia. This series examines the long shadow of that fateful moment. Join members of the FRS Anti-Racism Initiative for discussion of the six-episode documentary series 1619, which seeks to reframe our country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of our national narrative. Episode themes include Democracy, Music, Fear, and Justice.

Conversations will be on Zoom on Monday evenings. There will be two opportunities each week prior to watch the episode being discussed. If you’d like to watch the episode at the church, you can come to the church for a viewing either Thursdays, 5:15-6:30pm or Fridays, noon-1:15pm. Dates of discussions and viewings are below. You can also opt to watch the episodes at home (they are available on Hulu). Please let us know if you cannot make either of the church viewings and do not have access to Hulu and we’ll see what we can do to help.

Click here to register for the discussion, and we’ll send you the Zoom link:

Please note that you do not need to attend all sessions. Registering will simply allow you to receive the link for any discussions you wish to attend.

You do not need to register to come to the church to watch the episodes.

Episode showings at the church (lower meeting house):

Episode 1: Thursday, Oct 19, 5-6:15 OR Friday, Oct 20, noon-1:15

Episode 2: Thursday, Oct 26, 5-6:15 OR Friday, Oct. 27, noon-1:15

Episode 3: Thursday, Nov 2, 5-6:15 OR Friday, Nov. 3, noon-1:15

Episode 4: Thursday, Nov 9, 5-6:15 OR Friday, Nov 10, noon-1:15

Episode 5: Thursday, Nov 16, 5-6:15 OR Friday, Nov 17, noon-1:15

Episode 6: Thursday, Nov 30, 5-6:15 OR Friday, Dec 1, noon-1:15

Discussions on Zoom (register to get Zoom link):

Episode 1: Monday, Oct 23, 7-8pm

Episode 2: Monday, Oct 30, 7-8pm

Episode 3: Monday, Nov 6, 7-8pm

Episode 4: Monday, Nov 13, 7-8pm

Episode 5: Monday, Nov 20, 7-8pm

Episode 6: Monday, Dec 4, 7-8pm

Exploring Elderhood Together Interest Survey

Exploring Elderhood has been holding robust gatherings since the fall of 2020, when we were still deep in the pandemic. For the first year and half, all gatherings were held online. Last year, we met in person for most sessions, with one on Zoom. At this time, it feels important to take stock of the program and how well it is filling needs. Please take a few moments to give us your feedback and suggestions. Please also consider how you can help keep the program going. Thank you!

Renaissance New England, a transgender support group

Renaissance New England, a transgender support group, is holding its bi-monthly (every other month) group meeting in the Lower Meetinghouse at FRS on Saturday, October 14 from 4-6pm. The meeting is open to transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive adults, together with their partners and allies.

The meeting will be hosted by Melissa Rose who is a member of the FRS Welcoming Committee.

Newcomers to the meeting are especially welcome!

Art in the Yard!

We have a sizable contingent of UU artists who participate in the Maudslay Open Air Sculpture Exhibit every year! After this year's exhibit ended, artists in the church were invited to give their sculptures another "run" in our churchyard. Three out of six artists were able to move this year’s installations for another viewing opportunity until the end of October.

Enjoy Rochelle Perry-Platine’s two giant kaleidoscopes, one on the patio and one in the yard, Susan and Brandi Gately’s felted Lady Liberty, and Bettina Turner’s “House of Reflection” under the chestnut tree.

Bettina Turner's "house of Reflection"

Sue Gately's felted Lady Liberty

Rochelle Perry-Platine's Kaleidoscope

Thank you to the 106 people who responded to this survey to date!

If you happen to be one of the 555 people who have not yet responded to this email, no worries! There is still time. Please take five minutes to let us know which email communications you would like to receive from the FRS each week.

To learn more about these communications and select which ones you prefer to receive each week, click on the white button below.

Photo: After Worship service on Sunday, parishioners gathered in the side courtyard for a blessing and toast given by Rev. Rebecca in honor of the Mirzayee family and the many volunteers who have supported this family's journey.

Volunteer to Serve as a Greeter at Church on Sundays!

Please consider volunteering to serve as a greeter on Sundays. This is a wonderful way to meet and welcome people who come to experience worship service each week. As a greeter you will help shepherd people who may be unfamiliar with the FRS and are looking to connect and possibly join our parish, help people find their name tags or request a name tag, and guide people who might be interested in learning more on how to get involved in our congregation.

Please contact Cynthia Walsh for more information at cynthia.walsh@frsuu.org.

The Choir Needs You!

If you love to sing, or you think you might learn to love to sing, we want you! Join the FRS Adult Choir in leading music making at the church. The choir rehearses on Thursdays from 7-8:40pm and warms up for worship on Sundays at 9am. All you need to join is enthusiasm!

There is no audition; being able to read music is helpful but not totally necessary. The choir sings about 3 times per month.

Join us!

For more information, please email Director of Church Music Justin Murphy-Mancini at justin.murphy-mancini@frsuu.org. 

Download the FRS October Worship and Events Calendars

Click on the gray buttons below:

On behalf of the FRSUU, we once again would like to thank the Russell family for the generous donations of apple cider and fresh cider donuts from their orchard. Special thanks to parishioner Holly Cashman who picked up these items and delivered them Sunday morning.

Call on Parish Friends!

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.

The Back Bay Neighborhood Association, made up of 70-80 households surrounding Highland Cemetery in Newburyport, is working with local historian Ghlee Woodworth to donate their time and elbow grease to straighten headstones at the Highland Cemetery. Ghlee is incredibly active in preservation and restoration of local cemeteries, and is generously donating her time and expertise. Please come join this community effort and have a hand in beautifying the cemetery that sits at the center of the city.

On Saturday, October 21 at 9am, FRSUU members Christian Hansen, Joanna Fernandes and Sue Creed, along with members of the Back Bay Neighborhood Association, will donate their time to Ghlee's mission of preserving and maintaining this final resting ground in Newburyport. Please join them as they straighten and move the headstones upright, create community, and preserve the local history. No superhuman strength is needed - just teamwork. Plus, there will be FREE COFFEE and DONUTS!

For more information, please reach out to Christian Hansen via email at: christianchansen@gmail.com.

Newburyport's Early Black Community

When: Wednesday, October 18th, noon-1pm at the Senior Community Center

Ghlee Woodworth will share stories of our early Black community members. Come and learn about former slaves, soldiers, sailors, and business owners. Hear about the young girls who stood up for equal education and the results of ground-penetrating radar in Old Hill Burying Ground. Ghlee is currently researching and designing four Early Black History brochures. Her books will be available to purchase.

This is a free event sponsored by the Greater Newburyport Village.

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–Tina Benik; 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; 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