May Theme: Nature
Annual Ministry Theme: Interconnectedness
SUNDAY, May 19, 2024
Young Church Sunday
SERVICE STARTS at 10:30am
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Young Church Sunday
10:30am in person and on YouTube
Join us for our annual Young Church Sunday service, back in the sanctuary this year! This service will be led by our children, youth, and families and will feature a reflection by Reverend Rebecca and a Circle of Blessing for our children and youth
“Precious gems are everywhere in the cosmos and inside of every one of us.”
-Tich Nhat Hanh
Strengthening Sacred Connections In Our Interconnected World
As of today, the Annual Giving Campaign has reached over 90% of its goal of $575,000. We thank all of you for your generous support. To maintain the work of our church, however, we need those of you who are still considering your pledge to help us with this final 10%. As well, we will need those who’ve already pledged to consider increasing their pledges.
We have received the extraordinary support of a small group of members to establish a $25,000 “1-to-1 Match Fund” that will double any new pledge or any increase to an existing pledge for 2024-2025 before May 15. For example:
- A new pledge of $1,000 would result in $2,000 in support to FRSUU for next church year.
- A pledge increase of $100 would result in $200 in support to our church.
Any pledge or increase in pledge in any amount will go a long way in helping support the mission of the FRSUU.
Please help us sustain the work of this beloved community.
Introducing Our New Director of Church Music!
Nicholas Place
We are excited to introduce you to our new Director of Church Music, Nick Place. Nick is an accomplished musician with an array of talents and experience who can build on the legacies of former DCM Jay Lane and current DCM Justin Murphy-Mancini while also stretching the FRSUU further into more diverse musical offerings. We are in for exciting music ahead. Know that as we diversify our music, we remain dedicated to strengthening our sacred music, including integrating other professionals and organists into our repertoire.
Nick will join our church staff on August 1. We will share his email and other contact information at that time so you can help welcome him to our beloved community. There will also be welcome activities at the start of the church year after Labor Day.
Welcome to FRSUU, Nick!
Read more about Nick in Rev. Rebecca’s letter to the congregation HERE.
FRS Annual Giving Campaign theme is “Building Sacred Connections In Our Interconnected World”.
“The strength of our church community is dependent on the gifts and commitments – financial, time, and talents – of our members, friends, and supporters. I am inspired and humbled by how we come together to make this happen each year. Thank you for helping us Strengthen Sacred Connections.”
-Reverend Rebecca
The Latest News & Events
“Once Known” Dedication Ceremony
When: Tuesday, May 21 at 3pm, at the Old Hill Burying Ground, opposite #20 Auburn Street behind Bartlet Mall. Join Reverend Rebecca, Ghlee E. Woodworth, City officials, donors (including FRS), and friends for this Dedication Ceremony. Ground penetrating radar...
Drumming and Spirituality Workshop with Matt Meyer
Drumming and Spirituality with Matt Meyer - May 26, 12-1:30pm This 90-minute workshop is a chance for people of all skill levels to participate in hands-on rhythm-making. We’ll tour instruments from around the world and experience the connection of community...
FRSUU Dinner for Two Anywhere in the World Raffle is Back!
Imagine flying to San Sebastian, Spain to experience some of the finest tapas, or sitting at a seaside restaurant off Italy's Adriatic coast enjoying some fresh foods from the sea! This could all be yours with the Dinner for 2 Anywhere in the World Raffle. This...
FRS Annual Meeting: Sunday, June 9!
SAVE THE DATE: ANNUAL MEETING 2024 Mark your calendars – Sunday, June 9, 10:30am – noon! This will be our first combined worship service and annual meeting. We hope that this keeps the overall time shorter and reminds us that the work we do together is also spiritual...
All-Ages Trashion Fashion Show & Potluck for the Planet
All-Ages Trashion Show and Potluck for the Planet at FRS! Connect with people of all ages while channeling your eco-anxiety into shared artistic expression! Congregants of all ages are invited to create wearable art made from recyclables and trash to be showcased at...
In the Spirit: Silent Struggles by Reverend Rebecca M. Bryan
Silent Struggles Published in the Newburyport Daily News on March 22, 2024 Eight of us sat in the small conference room in the lower level of my church discussing how we could get out the message about addiction recovery. Two weeks earlier, 22 people had crammed into...
Building Sacred Connections In Our Interconnected World
The First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist holds its Annual Giving Campaign. During this time each year when we ask all of our friends, supporters, and members to pledge for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025). These pledges are essential and are...
Friday Book Group
When: Fridays from 10-11:30am, Lower Meeting House, 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...
Weekly Mindfulness: Monday Night Meditation, Tuesday Online Spiritual Practice, Wednesday Online Guided Meditation
Monday Night Meditation at 6:30pm in Lower Meeting House (enter via Unicorn Street entrance) These weekly sessions are led by Joyce Haydock, Senior Dharma Teacher with the International Kwan Um School of Zen. She has been with the school since 1989. This FRS UU Monday...
