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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Christmas Eve Worship Service
- Poinsettia Plants
- Serenity in the Sanctuary
- Rev. Rebecca on WJOP's "The Morning Show" with Mary Jacobsen
- January 2nd: UU Study Group
- Looking Toward the 4th Century
- Rooster Pins for Sale
- Daily Muse for Sale
- Snapshot Moments from Last Week
- FRS's Volunteer Board
- Faith Formation and Spiritual Exploration Opportunities
- Thank a UU
- Fellowship Programming
- Call on Parish Friends
- Beyond Our Doors
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Annual Ministry Theme: Interconnectedness | |
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Christmas Eve Worship Service
Friendly Reminder: Sunday Service is at 5:30pm.
There will be no 10:30am service this Sunday
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December Ministry Theme: Body, Mind, and Spirit
Christmas Eve Service
Sunday, December 24, 2023
5:30pm, in-person and streamed on YouTube
All are welcome at our annual, all-ages Christmas Eve Service. Enjoy this beautiful time, together in community, remembering the true meaning of Christmas and experience the peace of the season.
The service will include the Christmas Story, carols, and "Silent Night" sung by candlelight. Everyone is invited to stay for caroling and hot cocoa, immediately following the service, on the steps in front of the church.
Rev. Rebecca preaching and featuring guest musician Danny Harrington on saxophone.
**No morning worship service on December 24**
Attend on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FRSyoutube
December Shared Collection Partner – Community Action Inc. Energy Program
Large print Orders of Service, hymnals, and earphones for sound amplification are available. Please ask ushers to provide them.
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Poinsettia Plants
Thank you to all who donated poinsettia plants this year! They are a beautiful addition to our Sanctuary for the Candlelight and Christmas Eve services.
If you donated a plant, you may take it home to enjoy after the Christmas Eve service. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
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Serenity in the Sanctuary | |
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Serenity in the Sanctuary: Peace Within, Peace Without
Peace can be found within
FRS will open its sanctuary at noon for one-hour programs of poetry, guided meditation, silent meditation, and blessings.
Thursday, December 21, 2023 - Solstice Blessings: The Light Returns
Rev. Alan Seale
The shortest day of the year, the longest night. Join Alan Seale as we touch the light deep within the heart of our being and the life-giving light at the center of our solar system.
Friday, December 22, 2023 - Beauty in the Darkness
Julie Parker Amery
The long nights of winter offer opportunities for rest, healing, and hope. Join us for poetry, readings, and music that celebrate the darkness.
Saturday, December 23, 2023 - A Mid-Night Clear
Rev. Jane Tuohy
What or whom are we waiting for? What is the mystery of incarnation? In this sacred space and silence, we turn to the light within ourselves, the light among ourselves, and the light that transcends us.
For more information, contact Rev. Jane Tuohy at jt@cambridgehill.com.
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Reverend Rebecca on "The Morning Show"
Reverend Rebecca will be a guest on "The Morning Show" with Mary Jacobsen on Thursday December 21 at 9am. Click here to tune in.
“We are One”
Reverend Rebecca Bryan, minister of the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist church, joins us to reflect upon the meaning of interconnectedness and the hope it holds for our lives and the world. Rev. Rebecca will share her thoughts about how experiences of connection change us and inspire us. Her motto is to live connected to oneself, others and something greater than oneself. How do we do that and what difference does it make? She will offer practical suggestions as well as poetic reflections in the hope of maximizing peace and joy.
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Looking Toward the 4th Century AT FRSUU
Be Part of Establishing Our Priorities
Our goal is to hear from at least 200 parishioners - please step up and participate in one of the many sessions we are offering!
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The Congregational Insight Team will host a series of workshops to hear your ideas and together develop strategies to realize your dreams and wishes for our beloved community.
Please plan to attend one of the following workshops:
Friday, January 12 from 6-8pm
Sunday, January 21 from 12-2pm
Wednesday, January 24 from 6-8pm
Sunday, January 28 from 12-2pm
Click on the black button below to register.
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Rooster Pins are for Sale
A limited number of brass Rooster Pins are for sale now. A perfect gift for a loved one or yourself, they are $40 each and available for purchase after church or at the church office, via cash, check, or credit card, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm.
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The “Daily Muse” Is Ready for Purchase!
Just in time for the holidays, the “Daily Muse” is a perfect gift for a loved one or yourself. A small flip calendar of daily quotes, the Muse sits on a window ledge, shelf, or desk, where you will see it throughout the day for a regular dose of inspiration. This year’s edition includes quotes by Frederick Douglass, Harvey Milk, Maya Lin, Hafez, Maya Angelou, and hundreds more!
Each Daily Muse costs $20 and will be available for purchase by cash, check, or credit card after church.
You may also purchase them in the church office, by check, cash, or credit card, Monday-Friday, from 9am-3pm.
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Snapshot Moments from Last Week | |
Photo: Candlelight Service was held last Sunday evening - Young Church singers joined us this year and sang their hearts out! | |
Photo: The 2023 Candlelight Chorale | |
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Susan Ricker invites you to join the Parish Friends network.
Volunteer as a driver, provider of meals, errand person, or chores helper. Your support will make a difference in keeping our church community connected through local rides to medical appointments and church functions, improved independence at home, and overall well-being. A gift.
If you can drive for Candlelight or Christmas Eve Service, let Susan know as we would like to be able to offer a ride to those who might need one.
Also if you or someone you know in our church community might benefit from Parish Friends connections, let Susan know.
To volunteer, request, or simply ask a few questions, contact Susan Ricker at parishfriends@frsuu.org or leave a message with the church office.
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Photo: Submitted from Sandra Thaxter, titled "Peace morning has broken" | |
Faith Formation & Spiritual Exploration Opportunities | |
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Free Drop-in Kundalini Yoga Class
When: Saturday, January 6 from 9-10:30am in the Lower Meetinghouse
Cultivate energy, focus, and peace with this kundalini yoga class led by teacher Sally Cote, followed by yogi tea and tasty goodies. Open to beginners and all fitness levels. Kundalini yoga is an inner practice designed to reset your nervous system, reduce stress, and shift to a neutral mind. This spiritual practice supports the study of Sikhism.
*Please bring a yoga mat if you have one and wear comfortable clothing. There will be yoga mats available if you need one. Bring a yoga mat to share in class if you have an extra one.
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Foundations of UU
When: Tuesdays, January 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 7-8pm, on Zoom
A program for newcomers as well as old-timers who have questions about our Unitarian Universalist history, polity, and beliefs. Without a creed, what makes UUism a religion? Where did Unitarianism and Universalism come from and how did they come together? Do we have Sources of truth to turn to? What are the Seven UU Principles, beyond value statements? These will be covered in the first three sessions; the final session is for Q & A.
Register here by January 7.
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UU Wellspring Program Beginning in January
When: First and Third Tuesdays, 9-11am; begins January 16
Lower Meetinghouse
UU Wellspring is a spiritual deepening course for Unitarian Universalists. It is a program that explores how the foundations of our faith support us throughout our life. It offers an opportunity to connect deeply to your UU values and suggests techniques to ground your social action in spiritual practice. It provides a group of supportive seekers to share in your journey.
The UU Wellspring program has five components:
- Daily spiritual practice
- Small group connections
- Connection with a spiritual companion
- Deeper knowledge of UU history and theology through reading and responding to pre-session assignments
- Reflection and commitment to living our values in the world
The first program in the series is Our UU Sources. This is the prerequisite for all other years of UU Wellspring. Sources offers participants an opportunity for reflection around two key areas: Unitarian Universalist history and theology, and the “big questions” that are central to our Unitarian Universalist faith, including human nature, death, joy, and forgiveness.
The Sources program will be running for the 2024 calendar year, with a break in July and August. We begin on January 16. Register by January 2 by clicking on the blue button below.
Questions? Contact Julie Parker Amery, Director of Faith Formation and Spiritual Exploration, at julie.amery@frsuu.org.
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THANK A UU
If you would like to thank a UU, please send your expression of thanks to cynthia.walsh@frsuu.org to be published in the Steeple.
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FRS Film Forum
When: Wednesday, December 20 from 5-6pm on Zoom (reoccurs on the Third Wednesday of the month)
The movie we’ll be discussing at the December FRS Film Forum is Tuesdays With Morrie, available to stream for free on YouTube. Please watch the movie ahead of time, and come to the Zoom discussion on Wednesday, December 20, 5-6pm.
Contact Julie Parker Amery, Director of Faith Formation and Spiritual Exploration, if you have questions, or if you wish to be put on the email distribution to receive the Zoom link as well as announcements about upcoming films: julie.amery@frsuu.org.
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Weekly Mindfulness Programming
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!
Monday Evening Meditation (in person)
Tuesday Spiritual Practice (online)
Wednesday Morning Guided Meditation (online)
Click here for more information.
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Join the FRS's Green Team
When: Second Wednesday of the month at 7pm via Zoom.
For questions, be in touch with Annie Madden at madden.anne.b@gmail.com or 617-803-8913.
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Tuesday Short Story Group
When:1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, noon, 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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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.
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Mountains & Music 2024 Winter Weekend!
When: March 1-3, 2024
Potash Hill
(Home of the Marlboro Music Festival)
2582 South Road
Marlboro, VT 05344
Learn more 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; 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. | |
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First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist | 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport MA 01950
978-465-0602 | frsuu.org
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