Annual Ministry Theme: Journey
September Ministry Theme: Connection
“How did I get so lucky to have my heart awakened to others and their suffering?”
-
Pema Chödrön
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Deepen into
Mission
Vision and
Values
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Dear Ones,
Many have been asking me about my hopes as we embark on our second year together. I have a lot of hopes, as you might imagine. Among them are nurturing the good energy we began last year and putting that energy to good purpose. Another is expanding our work for justice into the broader community.
Deepen
is the word that best encapsulates my hopes.
I hope that we will deepen our commitment to each other and our faith, and to being a source of good in this world. I hope that our worship and creativity deepen. I hope that we deepen our relationships with one another and our care of each other.
The mission, vision and values work that we do together this year is the key way we are going to deepen our connection with each other and shape the future of our beloved congregation. Together, we will discern and commit to a clear and explicit mission and vision statement supported by our values. This statement of our deep commitment will guide our priorities, budgeting and efforts over the next five to eight years.
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You may be skeptical about this work. I ask you to reconsider, deepen your curiosity and join in this journey. I have been a part of this transforming work at other congregations, and I have no doubt that it will do the same for ours. Clarity and a deep focus on mission, vision and values is essential when there are so many competing demands on all of us.
Join us on this journey. We need you. We will decide together who we are called to be in this world at this time. Together we can do what we could never done alone.
This is deeply spiritual work that is an invitation to transformation for us all, collectively and personally. I hope you will join us.
Here we go, together.
With love and gratitude,
Reverend Rebecca
Please join us! You will hear much more in the weeks and months ahead about how you be involved in this work!
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Engaging in Connection Strengthens Our "power of we"
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By Nicole Salemi,
Director of Community Engagement
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"Together we can do that which we cannot do alone."
- Rev. Rebecca Bryan, Opening Service, Sunday, Sept. 8
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As we transition from slow, languid summer days to the brisk busyness of fall and getting back to church and its related business, it is an opportune time to take a moment and refocus our intentions of engagement for the coming year.
In a month where the ministry theme calls for connection, many may be asking “how” or thinking perhaps “I’m already too busy”. It is tempting to answer the call for connection and engagement with the modern-day feeling of overwhelm. Yet, when we do this, we miss opportunities to make crucial contributions that strengthen our connections and “the power of we” here at FRS and within our broader community.
The UUA saw the deep importance of this and took up “the power of we” as its theme for the 2019 General Assembly. The larger message is simple, there can be no larger “power of we” without each individual connecting and making their own contribution
s to the whole. Perhaps you connect by contributi
ng a dish to share or taking on a regular task to support church staff or bravely finding attitudes within yourself you wish to challenge. All of these contributions are important and integral to how we connect and create “the power of we” here at FRS.
So, I invite you to take a moment to think what connection and “the power of we” means to you and to FRS, and to find some new ways that stretch how you connect and engage.
Read more
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Opportunities to engage are currently available in the following ministries:
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Bring your energy and your passion - Join us!
I am very excited about the mission vision process we are about to embark upon. Over the last several years it seems we have been in a position of responding and reacting to change. A lot of change - both within and without our congregation. Through it all there have been countless acts of kindness, compassion, and rebellion by our members. My hope is that this process will harness all that energy and love and passion so that we can be a collective and dynamic force of change both within our church and beyond our doors.
-
Parish Board Chair Karen Young
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September 15, 2019—Out of the Shadows
September is National Recovery Month. Rev. Rebecca and the FRS Addictions Ministry Team will be leading a service dedicated to everyone who has struggled or is struggling with addiction or has a loved one who has or is. Addiction comes in many forms and is an epidemic in our country. Connection is a critical part of recovering from any addiction. Addiction affects us all. Come join us as Rev. Rebecca preaches about the power of hope and coming out of the shadows. There will be members of the FRS Addiction Recovery Team available during and after the service.
September 22, 2019—The Art of Listening
In this busy and fast-paced world filled with fear, upset and tension, listening has become a forgotten art. What if listening is one of the most important things we can do for one another? Rev. Rebecca will preach on the power and role of listening in our lives. To whom do we listen, and how? Join us in this powerful exploration.
September 29, 2019—Pine Ridge Reflections
In June, a group of 19 FRS teenagers and five adults traveled to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota for a justice learning and service trip. Please join us for this service in which they will share learnings and reflections from their trip.
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Collection for a Cause - September
Half
of September’s unpledged cash collection will go to the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center, an organization that works to empower individuals and engage communities to end domestic violence.
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Wednesday, September 11, FRS Alliance presents - Wendy Whiston - “The New Genealogy”.
Lower Meeting House. Join the Alliance for its first meeting and presentation on genealogy research. Schedule: 11:30am-12:15pm, Bring-your-own lunch and socializing; 12:15-1pm, Business Meeting; 1-2pm, Presentation.
While there will always be the need to conduct a great deal of genealogical research in person at libraries and archives, the vast offerings of online resources have made family history easily accessible to those interested in exploring their roots. Despite the obvious benefit of these resources, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Wendy Whiston will take us on an exploration of new research resources into genealogy. She holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, is a member of the Association Professional Genealogists, and is a DNA Specialist in the areas of adoption, emigration and immigration, federal records, French Canadian connections, land records, military records, naturalization, and court records.
Wednesday, September 11, Climate Action Project (CAP).
Lower Meeting House Conference Room, 7-8:30pm. New members are welcome, and the room is accessible to all. Discussion topics will include: Church Environmental Policy–next steps; 10/4 Potluck with XR and CCL; Paris to Pittsburgh Movie–host an event on 10/18?; Options for church electricity purchases; Coordinate events with JAM regarding food sourcing and preparation, reuse of items, MA SAVE Energy Audits, etc.; Energy/Environment legislative advocacy; RSVP and questions to
Bill Clary
918-645-7525 (yes, 918).
Saturday, September 14, FRS Habitat for Humanity build day.
The Habitat for Humanity homes under construction at 22 Old County Road, Salisbury, now have walls and roofs and are beginning to look like houses. Consider contributing a Saturday to this good work. Sign up for this coming Saturday. Future dates: October 26; November 23; and December 21. Email
[email protected]
to sign up.
Sunday, September 15, Online registration opens for Chalice Circles.
Meet others from FRS, share your thoughts on spiritual topics, and practice deep listening. Session topics include FRS ministry themes giving participants a chance to more deeply engage with Rev. Rebecca’s sermons. Circles start in October and meet twice monthly through May, except for a weekly circle that meets for 10 sessions and ends mid-December. Register
online
, or sign-up in person on Sept. 22 during coffee hour at the Chalice Circle table. Registration closes Sept. 25 at 1pm.
Read more
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Sunday, September 15, Action Passion Fair.
Parish Hall, 11:30am. Join us during coffee hour to meet representatives of the groups that serve our congregation. Find out about their work and explore the many ways you can serve our beloved community.
Read more
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Sunday September 15, Justice Action Ministry (JAM) End Mass Incarceration Now.
Parish Hall 2nd Floor, 12:45pm (NOTE new time). Join JAM for an informational session and discussion on supporting individuals who have been incarcerated. Hear about one group’s efforts to assist former inmates successfully transition to society. Contact
Sandra Thaxter
or
Leslie MacDonald
.
Tuesday, September 17, The Short Story Group.
Lower Meeting House, Noon-1pm. The story for reading & discussion will be “Here We Are”, by Dorothy Parker.
Wednesday, September 25, Wizards and Sages resumes.
Sanctuary and Lower Meeting House, noon-1:30pm. We start in the sanctuary with a brief worship service and sermon by Reverend Rebecca, after which we hold a discussion and then enjoy brown bag lunches. Please note that Wizards and Sages is open to all ages! A great way for some midday inspiration and fellowship.
Read more
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Thursday, September 26, Cakes for the Queen of Heaven.
Lower Meeting House Room A&B, 5:30-7:30pm. Cakes for The Queen of Heaven is a woman honoring adult religious education curriculum of feminist theology that examines pre-Judeo Christion cultures that worshiped the female as divine. This group requires registration and meets for 5 consecutive Thursdays, September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24. No Fee for FRS Members, $10 Fee for Non-Members. Registration forms available
online
and at the front office or email Reverend
Helen Murgida
.
Read more
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Change of date notice: Wednesday night church starts Oct. 16.
This year as we hold Wednesday night church for all ages on the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. We will share a meal together, brief worship and programming for adults, teens and children.
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Saturday, September 14, UUA General Assembly 2020 meet and greet reception.
Graduate Hotel, Summit Ballroom, 11 Dorrance Street, Providence, 2-4pm. Interested in volunteering on the Local Area Task Force for General Assembly 2020 in Providence? If so, we cordially invite you to a meet-and-greet reception with the General Assembly Planning Committee and Local Arrangements Coordinator.
More information
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Wednesday, September 18, When housing is not affordable: What can we do?
Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb Street Newburyport, 7pm. Explore the ways other communities have increased affordable housing. Presented by Pennies for Poverty: 2 Cents 4 Change, Inc.
Friday, September 20, UU Mass Action Boston Climate Strike.
Boston City Hall and Statehouse. 10-3pm. More information at strikewithus.org.
RSVP
at the UU Mass Action.
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The deadline for the next Steeple newsletter is Sunday, September 13, at 4pm.
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Minister
–The Reverend Rebecca Bryan;
Affiliate Minister
-Stan Barrett;
Affiliate Minister
-Helen Murgida;
Minister Emeritus
-The Reverend Harold Babcock;
Minister Emeritus
-The Reverend Bert Steeves.
Staff:
Religious Education Assistant
–Sharon Broll;
Office Administrator
-Diane Carroll;
Youth Group Coordinator
-Becky Dill;
Director of Finance and Administration
–Kristen Fehlhaber;
Director of Church Music
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Justin Murphy-Mancini;
Youth Music Director
–Kristen Miller;
Director of Faith Formation and Spiritual Exploration
–Julie Parker Amery;
Sexton
-Don Rogers;
Director of Community Engagement
–Nicole Salemi;
Director of Children's Ministry
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Parish Board:
Chair
–Karen Young;
Vice Chair
- ;
Clerk
–Ann Haaser;
Treasurer
–Rich Johnson;
Finance Chair
–Kim Kenly;
Maureen Adams, Juliana Beauvais, Rebecca Brodish, Micah Donahue, Vern Ellis, Judy Fayre, Art Henshaw, Jason McLin, Forrest Speck.
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First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist | 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport MA 01950
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