Annual Ministry Theme: Unity
September Ministry Theme: Invitation
We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.
-Dorothy Day
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Sunday Worship
"You're Invited"
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This Sunday, Reverend Rebecca kicks off our year-long exploration into the concept of unity. What does it mean to say we believe in unity? Is unity possible, even necessary, or is it a utopian dream? Can we have unity within ourselves, and if so, what does it ask of us?
Advance registration is required for attending worship in person.
In-person attendance is limited to 200 people, with assigned, distanced seating.
If you plan to attend with another person or as part of a pod (three to six people), please assign one person to make the reservation for your group. You will be seated with the people with whom you signed up.
Masks are required in worship, and inside church buildings at all times.
To register for this Sunday's Worship Service, click the button below:
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30-Minute Fellowship Following Sunday Worship Service
Join us on the brick area in front of the church following the service (weather permitting) for a beverage and in-person fellowship, or click on the Zoom link below to say hello during virtual fellowship. Good company and great conversation!
If you are a new member and/or a friend exploring FRS membership, please join us this Sunday for a "get to know you, get to know us" informal gathering that will take place following Sunday's service. For more information, please contact Cynthia Walsh at cynthia.walsh@frsuu.org or call 978-701-5352.
Meeting ID: 937 4167 7716
Passcode: 303533
One tap mobile
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New Process for Sunday Service Joys and Sorrows
For everyone's safety, the journal near the altar for recording joys and sorrows before Sunday services will no longer be available. If you would like to submit a joy or sorrow to be read during the Sunday service, there are several ways to do so:
- Fill out a blank "Joys and Sorrows" form from the Visitors' table in the vestibule and place it in the basket on the table before the service begins. The Worship Associate at the service will bring the completed forms to the pulpit prior to the start of the service.
- Write your joy or sorrow on a piece of paper at home and place it in the basket on the Visitors' table before you enter the sanctuary.
Please note that joys and sorrows will not be published in the Monday morning Between Us email unless they are submitted to betweenus@frsuu.org.
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Zoom Chalice Circles This Fall
Looking ahead to spiritual growth and the opportunity to connect in a safe way during the church year? Chalice Circles offer a chance to bond in a small group to explore thought-provoking topics of spiritual relevance through reflection, deep listening, and sharing.
Now in its 7th year, the Chalice Circle Program is an important part of the shared ministry of our congregation. Chalice Circles are open to FRS members and friends and are facilitated by trained leaders. For Zoom, we have shortened Circle sessions to 90 minutes and reduced the number of sessions to seven. To prevent any issues with using Zoom, a preliminary Tech Check meeting will be held.
Registration opens today! Click here to register. Below you will find a sneak peak at the two Circle options (including the Tech Check meeting):
Tuesdays, October 12th - November 30th from 10am-11:30am with Tech Check meeting on Tuesday, October 12th.
Thursdays, October 21st - December 30th from 1pm-2:30pm with Tech Check meeting on Thursday, October 21st.
For more information email Julie Parker-Amery, Director of Faith Formation and Spiritual Exploration, at julie.amery@frsuu.org.
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New Online Series "Pause for Poetry" with Reverend Rebecca:
A three-week online small group reflection pulling from David Whyte's book of poetry, Essentials.
Join Rev. Rebecca for a 45-minute midday respite as she leads us in reading, centering, and reflecting on these evocative poems.
We'll meet on three Fridays: September 24th, October 1st, and October 8th starting at 12:00pm.
Sign up here. Zoom information will be sent prior to the first meeting.
If you would like to participate but need a different time of day, email Julie Parker-Amery, Director of Faith Foundation and Spiritual Exploration, at julie.amery@frsuu.org.
We will consider offering the series again if there is enough interest.
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Live Your Best Self and Change the World: A workshop for FRS members
Over the past 40 years, Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) workshops have been used in diverse settings to help individuals reduce conflict, trauma, and isolation in their lives and strengthen their community connections. A focus on resilience and connection in the face of challenges is central to the AVP design.
Many people have found participation transformational in their lives. Our workshop series will be held on five consecutive Wednesday evenings from October 20th - November 17th from 5:30-9pm.
For more information and to register please click here.
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Please check out the "Latest News" section on our website to see the full calendar of events taking place within our congregation. Click on the yellow button below: |
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FRS Volunteer Opportunities |
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Volunteer with FRS' Habitat for Humanity
The FRS Habitat team joins other volunteers to complete the construction of Habitat's seven homes. The next service day is Saturday, September 18, starting at 8:15am.
Join us and you will experience fellowship, forge connection, find joy, and contribute service.
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Writers Wanted!
The FRS Communications Team is looking for people who would like to join our writing team to help cover parish and community related stories for our Steeple newsletter. You would be supported by a team of experienced journalists, print designers, and people who love to learn and share stories about our parish.
We meet on the 4th Thursday of the month from 5-6pm via Zoom. In the future we hope to be able to meet in person and share a meal as we brainstorm ideas for stories. This role will bring laughter and enjoyment as you build connections with fellow parishioners.
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Community Events Beyond Our Doors |
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The Art of Storytelling: A Unique Art Event to Support Theater in the Open
When: September 19 from 12-3pm at Pettengill Farm, 45 Ferry Road, Salisbury.
If you heard about this last year, now is your chance to enjoy this unique event with us. This year, we'll be taking over the lovely Pettengill Farm and filling it with a collection of original art donated by friends of Theater in the Open. Of course, we'll also be surprising you with wonderful short performances from our many talented friends.
Don't miss this one-day-only outdoor art museum brought to life with music and theater.
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Minister–The Reverend Rebecca Bryan; Affiliate Minister–Stan Barrett; Affiliate Minister–Helen Murgida; Minister Emeritus–The Reverend Harold Babcock. Staff: Office Administrator–Diane Carroll; Director of Children's Ministry–Mara Flynn; Director of Church Music–Justin Murphy-Mancini; Director of Faith Formation and Spiritual Exploration–Julie Parker Amery; Director of Church Operations–vacant; Director of Congregational and Community Engagement–Cynthia Walsh; Sexton–Donny Rogers. Parish Board: Chair–Holly Cashman; Vice Chair–Tina Benik; Finance Chair–Tim Fountain; Governance Chair–Juliana Beauvais; Endowment Treasurer–Kim Kenly; Finance Treasurer–Micah Donahue; Parish Clerk–Kathy Desilets; Vern Ellis, Minnie Flanagan, Michelle Kimball, Lucy Litwin, Annie Maurer, Jim Supple, Renée Wolf Foster.
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First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist | 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport MA 01950
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