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The Messenger
A Newsletter of the First Universalist Society in Franklin,
a Member of the Unitarian Universalist Association
Together On
Our Journeys
fusf.org
April 2015
Ministerial Musings
Jen Johnson, guest columnist
This week I found myself in two unexpected places. The first was an
actual, physical place. The second is of the spiritual variety.
On Wednesday morning, I boarded a plane bound for Chicago from
Logan airport. An older gentlemen, struggling to settle his brief case into the overhead
bin, was holding up the line of passengers. He was my "row-mate" and I waited, with a
perhaps less than patient expression on my face. He looked queryingly at me and I
pointed to the window seat next to his. He moved aside ever so slightly and gruffly told
me to "Go ahead." His face was familiar, and his voice was unmistakably recognizable.
I was to be row-mates for the next three hours with the longtime, now retired
Massachusetts Representative in Congress, the first openly gay member of that
institution. Barney Frank.
I'm a supporter and fan of the outspoken and liberal legislative powerhouse, but I got
the distinct impression that he was not much into small talk. So I pulled out the latest
issue of The Atlantic magazine while he scarfed a cranberry muffin and noisily rustled
the pages of his New York Times. As I made my way through my magazine I came
upon an article about the very gentlemen seated to my right, a positive review of his
newly published memoir, Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to Same Sex
Marriage.So that's how I found myself sailing atop a sea of clouds, seated just
centimeters away from a dozing Barney Frank, while reading an article about Barney
Frank. An unexpected place, indeed.
I bring this up because, well, it's a cool story, isn't it? (And there's more to it. I did
summon the courage to strike up a conversation and he signed his photo in the
Atlantic article). But that's not the only reason. I was struck by a quote from his book
included in the article that relates to that unexpected spiritual place where I also found
myself this week.
"It took me far too long to achieve a happy, fulfilling domestic existence ... Looking
back, I think I was pretty good at my job. Now it is time to be good at life, and with
Jim's help, I think I can be."
Jim is Frank's husband, whom he fell in love with at the age of 67 and married in 2012.
Frank's his life trajectory is in one way the inverse of mine. I met my husband when I
was 15 and married him at 24. I've been pretty good at domestic life, marriage and
parenting, love and friendship, creating and managing a home and family. My job, well
that's another (rather dull) story.
Which takes me to that unexpected spiritual place, a point on a spiritual journey that
began the very first day I walked into our meetinghouse. The reason for my trip to
Chicago was to visit Meadville-Lombard Theological School, a UU seminary that
educates, trains and nurtures those called to UU ministry. In the last year and a half,
this is a call I have begun to hear in my own heart. One I never would have recognized
if I had not found this beloved FUSF community.
Early in February, Barbara Aspland-Wolf, a graduate of Carol's sermon-writing
workshop, delivered a stirring sermon about winter and plants. She used the metaphor
of the seed to describe those possibilities of the spirit and soul and intellect which lay
dormant, hidden beneath the crust of earth and snow. But given the right conditions,
some will emerge above the surface where they can flourish and grow in the warmth
and light of spring.
We all contain those seeds of possibility. Barney Frank discovered the joy and and
satisfaction of domestic life and intimate partnership which eluded him for so many
decades. For me, this call to ministry, a life of service and witness, feels like something
that has always been a part of me, a small seed tucked away and well protected.
Yet at FUSF, I experienced an awakening of spirit and a community that has so
generously given me encouragement, support, love, and acceptance. Just the right
conditions to allow for germination of that small seed. I am deeply grateful for all of
you, and I look forward to witnessing all the seeds that will ripen and bloom within this
beloved community.
Blessed be,
Jen Johnson
In Memorium...
Our FUSF community has experienced another devastating loss with the tragic death of
Joan Rubin. Joan and Jerry were visiting their youngest daughter, Julia who has been
in school in Perth, Australia, when a terrible car crash took the life of Joan and resulted
in serious injuries for both Jerry and Julia. Their other daughters, Leah and Rebecca,
have traveled to Australia and will return to the states when Julia and Jerry are well
enough to travel.
Joan's death has sent so many in our congregation reeling because her connections
with us were deep and strong. Not only was Joan in various leadership positions
throughout her 20+ years of active involvement at FUSF, but she was also a good and
trusted friend to so many of us. Joan and Jerry were in the middle of teaching OWL,
FUSF's year-long human sexuality program for youth, when this happened. This was
the third time that they had taught OWL, which means that many of our youth and
young adults are grieving Joan's death just as much as those of us whose friendship
with Joan goes back decades.
There has been an out-pouring of support for Leah and Rebecca as they've made plans
to travel to Perth, and our support will also be needed over the long term when Jerry
and Julia return home. You will all be notified when meals, trips to doctors, and
companionship will be welcomed.
A Service in Memory of Joan will take place at a later date.
May each of us hold our loved ones, and each other, a little closer...
With love to you all...
Carol
Sunday Services and Religious Education Classes
10:00 a.m. in the Meetinghouse
Visitors welcome!
April 5th
"The Story Never Ends"
Rev. Carol Rosine
A Reflection for Easter Sunday
April 12th
Senior Youth Group service
April 19th
"Something Profound & Possibly Life Altering!"
Rev. Carol Rosine
What this means is that as this newsletter went to print, Carol had just returned from
sabbatical and wasn't quite ready to wrap her blissed out brain around what this
sermon might be.
April 26th
" What Moves Us to Move?"
Andrew McKnight
On this Sunday we welcome a folk & Americana artist from Virginia's Blue Ridge
Mountains! Andrew says that it was the 2011 march to save historic Blair Mountain in
southern West Virginia from mountaintop removal and by the Arab spring that toppled
dictatorships in Egypt and Tunisia, that inspired him to explore the powerful forces that
stir us to move. He says, "in our linked, instantaneous wireless world, what would it
take to move a million people into the streets of Washington to march for justice, to
our desks to write our legislators, or simply to the aid of a stranger in need? Andrew's
presence with us comes courtesy of Circle of Friends.
DRE Corner*
By Aoife Barrington-Haber
The death of a beloved community member inevitably spurs many
questions, from adults as well as children and teenagers. Finding
the answers is never easy when we are grieving, but as parents
and teachers, it is one of the most important jobs we can do.
Very young children may just want to know the basics mechanics
of what death means. They are literal thinkers and may get
confused by terms such as "lost" or "passed away," so though it might feel scary to say
the "D" word, it will help in their understanding. It's normal to want to shelter young
children from hurt and pain, but don't be afraid to show your feelings. Show them, too,
how a community comes together in positive ways, by involving your child in making
food, sending a card, or offering a prayer of love to those who are hurting.
Older children may be wondering more abstractly about the existence of a soul or
afterlife, or if there is a god who makes bad things happen. They, and you, may
wonder how and why such a bad thing could happen to one who was so good. Again,
there are no easy answers; if there were, we wouldn't be Unitarian Universalists. But
this is a very appropriate time for you to share your own beliefs; "Nobody can be
certain what comes after death, but I believe...." Hearing this from a role model can be
very comforting in a confusing time.
Teens may be feeling shocked, angry, and unsettled. They may be afraid that
something similar could happen to them or their parents. Be there to listen as best you
can, and give them space if they need it. Carrying on with normal activity might seem
daunting in the midst of sadness, but can also be reassuring that everything will be
alright, and that things will feel normal again.
We can all try to look for the positives, like what an amazing thing it is to be a part of
this loving community, and how grateful we are that Joan lived a life full of kindness
and service. If we can carry on that loving spirit in service to others, then she will not
have left us.
There are several excellent books available in my office and in the RE lounge for
families to borrow, and if I can be of any help in any way, please do not hesitate to
ask.
Blessed Be,
Aoife
RE News
Coming up:
April
April
April
April
5th: Easter service with mixed-age activity
12: Classes/ 6-7th graders attend the Sr. Youth service
19th: Classes
26th: Classes
Warmest thanks to Peg Bullers for the Wishlist donations!
If you would like to donate an item go to Amazon (use the portal link on our website)
and search for the "FUSF Religious Education" wishlist.
Dig Doug's Diatribe
By Doug Randall
An Extended Family
As we move from shock to grief, our extended family absorbs
another punch to the gut. I had told Sarah that Joan's death is just
part of the burdens and benefits of being part of a close-knit
community. Had we never joined FUSF, we would be blissfully
unaware of this tragedy.
But we are members of this extended family and we are deeply affected and involved
with the grieving and healing process our group is going through. And I am so glad we
are.
Last Sunday, as we gathered for the first time following the horrific news, Vicki Coates
thanked me for volunteering to serve as president. I stammered and stumbled through
some sort of response that was less than eloquent and somehow implied that I
wouldn't be doing it if it weren't for Sarah.
This exchange forced me to ask the question, "Would I be a member of FUSF if it
weren't for Sarah?" Sadly, the answer to this would likely be, no because we probably
would not have sought out a community had we been on our own.
This realization makes me so thankful that we did join this community. We are grieving
for Joan because we knew her and loved her as part of our extended family. We would
not be feeling this pain had we not joined and our family would be much smaller and
poorer as a result. FUSF is our family's home and we are so fortunate because of that.
Spotlight on New Members
By Laura Cerier
Meet Jennifer and Joe Corey, and their children Jackson and Gabriel.
Jennifer grew up in Medway and graduated from Dean College. While on a practicum
for Dean, Jennifer assisted in a 5th-grade classroom-Joe Corey's! It was his first year
as a teacher. His pupils in the next year's class that Jen also helped in were so sure
that Joe and Jen would get engaged that our own Maggie Gravina, daughter of Charlie
and Sue Gravina, brought plastic flowers and a fake diamond ring to help Joe propose!
(Alas, Joe and Jen didn't get engaged for another five years! It takes a while on a new
teacher's salary to save up for a non-plastic ring.) The Corey family owns Elegant
Elephant Antiques and Estates in Uxbridge at Bernat Mill Antiques. Jen is also a Level 2
Reiki Master. Jennifer dreams of one day buying a cabin in the White Mountains of New
Hampshire-her spiritual home. Jennifer is interested in learning more about kid- and
allergy-friendly cooking and natural living.
Joe grew up in Weymouth. Upon graduating from Emerson College, Joe worked for the
Patriot Ledger Newspaper for eight years before earning a Master's in Education from
Boston College. He started teaching in Franklin in 1994, and soon became known as
"Mr. Corey-the-teacher-with-the-long-hair." Joe has been teaching 5th or 6th grade in
Franklin for nearly 20 years. Joe plays both bass and guitar in his band Dupree's
Diamonds. In fact, he has played in various bands since he was 16 years old. Joe loves
to read, listen to and play music, and savor all things Red Sox. The 2004 World Series
Championship on the 25th anniversary of his first Grateful Dead concert helped him
begin to get over having been at the Bucky Dent game in 1978.
Jackson is 12-years-old in the 6th grade. He enjoys nature, NH, history, photography,
NH, singing, NH, and performing in theatre. His favorite role was as the Mad Hatter in
"Alice in Wonderland" with the Un-Common Theatre Company.
Gabriel, 10, is in the 5th grade. He loves fashion, singing, dancing, baseball,
amusement parks, and computers. He also enjoys theatre performance. His favorite
role was as Private Yao in "Mulan."
The newest member of the family-Lincoln, a rescue dog from Puerto Rico-has already
brought much joy to the family!
About Us
The sympathy of this congregation is with Bill Atamian, whose stepfather, Harry
Paksarian, died this month. Some of us who have lived in Franklin for a while may
remember Harry from Harry's Hometown Paint in Franklin. Harry was a local
institution!
Pam Williams was hospitalized for a few days with a heart scare. We are so relieved
that it was a false alarm and that you are ok, Pam!
FROM THE DESK OF HELEN HAMANT - Ladies Circle 1894-1896
The reports for these years are very brief. Only a line or two stating
where they met, number present, and often "no business transacted". Note
was made if a supper or a fair was to be held.
January 15, 1895 - Met at the parsonage - 8 present. Annual reports read
and accepted. Voted that $300 be paid toward the church debt. a vote of
thanks given to Mr. Chas. J. McKenzie for his kind and generous
contribution of the oysters for the supper at the Christmas Sale on Dec
11, 1894. Also a vote of thanks given to Mr. & Mrs. Erastus L. Metcalf
for so kindly giving the Circle the use of the Music Hall for the same
night and also for their kind assistance during the day and evening.
March 27, 1895 - Voted that the Circle pledge the sum of $100 towards
the singing and give more if they see fit.
March 18, 1896 - Letter read from Mr. & Mrs. E. K. Ray and Mr. & Mrs.
J.F. Ray thanking the Circle for the ivy wreath sent to the funeral of
the late Mrs. James P. Ray. Voted that the bill of $10 for the ivy
wreath be paid.
June 10, 1896 - Met in the church parlor - 15 present. Voted to adjourn
until further notice. Ladies gave gentlemen a supper in the dining room
at 6:30, 10 being present, 35 in all sitting at the tables.
October 21, 1896 - Voted that three suppers be given this winter and 18
ladies volunteered to serve on them. Mrs. Hodge reported that Mrs.
Chamberlain had some squares of patchwork ready for putting together and
would give them to the Circle to make into a comforter, if they would
accept it, which they voted to to do.
Annual Report 1896 - There have been 17 meetings held, with an average
attendance of 13 members. There are 37 members.
Announcements
A Maundy Thursday Worship led by Rev. Carol Rosine
Thursday, April 2nd, 7-8 PM
in the sanctuary of our meetinghouse.
This will be a time to remember the last meal that Jesus shared with his disciples
as well as a time to acknowledge the losses in our own live.
Art Show
Once again the Aesthetics Team will be hosting a Congregation Art Show. The show
will be hung the beginning of May and run until the end of June. Do you paint or draw?
Are you an amateur or professional photographer? Show your work on our Art Wall in
the Sanctuary. All work must be framed and wired for hanging. Contact Susie
Gonsalves - [email protected] - if you would like to participate. This show has
been a great success in the past, showcasing work from people of all ages in many
different mediums. Deadline for entering work is April 24.
DRUM CIRCLE
The next drum circle will be Thursday, April 9 from 7pm to about 8:30 in the
sanctuary. Richard Fields and Jonathan Weismoore will facilitate. We invite all to take
part including beginners and children. If you have a drum, or anything that can make
a "bang or boom", please bring it. If you have no drum, Jon and Richard have several
drums and we'll gladly share. In fact, sharing drums will always be part of this circle.
Come and drum, dance, sing, play flute...however the spirit moves you.
LiveARTS News
Sunday, April 12, 3:30 PM, in our meetinghouse:The LiveARTS String Quartet. Formed
in the fall of 2009, the LASQ performed its inaugural concert in the sanctuary of our
meetinghouse and received the name it has kept ever since. Its members have
performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, Boston Ballet Orchestra,
and many more, and the quartet has graced our stage each year since it was founded.
This year's lineup includes Irina Muresanu (violin), Gregory Vitale (violin), Donald
Krishnaswami (viola), and Jan Muller-Szeraws (cello). Tickets, available at the door,
are $20 (general admission), $15 (seniors 60+), $10 (youth ages 13-19), and children
12 and under free. (Please no children under 6.) For more information, please visit
www.liveartsfranklin.org.
FUSF Winetasting Fundraiser
Mark your calendars! Thursday, April 30th at 6:30 p.m. FUSF will have its Spring Wine
tasting at Pour Richard's in Franklin. For the first time, we will also have live music,
featuring our very own Heath Nisbett on guitar.
Our semi-annual wine tasting is always a fun event. In addition to wine, there is often
beer and specialty liquors available, plus snacks. This is a 21+ event. Tickets are $15
in advance or $20 at the door. All ticket sales go to FUSF, plus a percentage of sales
during the event. Heath will also have his CDs for sale. Tickets are available after
church from Bill Callahan, or at Pour Richard's, located at 14 Grove Street in Franklin.
Phone: 508-520-9163 Web: pourrichardswine.com.
NEW!!! FUSF Hiking Group-Coming This Month!!
The first local hike of the newly-formed FUSF Hiking Group will be held later this
month, co-led by Becky Papas and Sarah Ostholthoff. Stay tuned to FUSF email and
FUSF Facebook page for details!!
Stewardship
Back in the "dark ages", we had an answering machine that sat on our kitchen counter.
It beeped when there was a message, so I always knew as soon as I got home if
someone was trying to reach me. Now I have to pick up the receiver and listen for a
clicking sound...which I rarely think to do. Messages can sit for days.
What about you? Do you check and return messages? I hope you're a little better than
me; otherwise you will miss a great opportunity. Visiting Stewards are making calls to
arrange short visits with members and friends of our congregation. This person to
person campaign is aimed at building and strengthening the connections between
members and friends of our church home.
This will be a chance to share our stories of how we came to FUSF and why we stay (or
maybe even why we haven't been coming as often!) It will be an opportunity to better
understand the role that this precious community has in our own lives and others.
So, I hope you will answer the call when it comes. This is a wonderful way for us to
become even more tightly connected and more committed to each other and our
religious home.
Donna Williams
Stewardship Chair
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
April 11th Cheryl Wheeler, 8PM, $30
Cheryl Wheeler returns to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on Saturday, April 11th at
8PM. Cheryl is known for her brilliant, often hysterical, performances and beautifully
crafted songs. She'll have you rolling in the aisles one minute, then she'll take off her
glasses, close her eyes, and sing a heart-breakingly lovely song that may bring you to
tears. This is always a sold-out show, so order your tickets soon.
http://www.cherylwheeler.com/
April 25th Deborah Henson-Conant, 8PM, $25
Grammy nominated recording artist Deborah Henson-Conant will appear at the Circle
of Friends Coffeehouse in Franklin on Saturday, April 25th at 8PM. Imagine a harp
shrunk to the size of a crossbow. Brushed chrome, with 32 strings. A woman in a sleek
black bustier straps it on, plugs it in like an electric guitar and pulls sounds from the
strings that you never thought could come from a harp: Hendrix-style wails, Flamenco,
Blues and lush atmospheric sounds capes. Singing with a voice that's been compared
to Carly Simon and Joan Baez, in one-woman shows that are unified like a collection of
musical short-stories.
Board Briefs
Treasurer's Report
As of 2/28/2015
YTD Income
YTD Expenses
Surplus/Deficit
Actual
$172,231
$170,318
$ 1,913
Budget
$ 162,944
$ 172,030
$ (9,086)
Variance
$9,287
($1,712)
$10,999
Operating Fund Balance: $7,552 net of holdings
Our February plate giveaway raised $587.75 for Ecclesia Ministries.
Our March plate giveaway raised $961 for the Good Neighbor
Energy Fund.
Have you paid your UUA and Ballou Channing District Dues? If not,
please consider paying them now. FUSF has 236 members, and
only 80 have paid their dues. The dues are $79 per member.
When you sign the Membership Book, you make a commitment
to support our denomination. This is separate from your pledge.
The money is sent to the UUA and Ballou Channing District to further
and sustain our Unitarian Universalist faith.
This Month's Plate Giveaway
The Greater Boston Food Bank's mission is to end hunger in eastern Massachusetts.
Their objective is to distribute enough food to provide at least one meal a day to those
in need. This is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, and it is among
the largest food banks in the United States. Last year, the GBFB distributed 48 million
pounds of food to organizations including our own Franklin Food Pantry. They acquire
food through food industry product donations, food drives, and financial contributions
that enable them to purchase high-quality and nutritious food. They've been operating
since the 1970s, when Kip Tiernan began distributing food on the streets of Boston out
of her station wagon. (Tiernan later founded Rosie's Place and at least half a dozen
other shelters and halfway houses in the greater Boston area.)
The Greater Boston Food Bank is a 501(c)3 organization.
April Calendar
Apr 1
5:30 p.m. - Passover Seder, foyer
Apr 2
7 p.m. - Maundy Thursday Service, sanctuary
7:30 p.m. - Spectra pipeline discussion, Dean Room
Apr 5
11:30 a.m. - Ferry Beach registration, Dean Room
11:45 a.m. - RE Committee Meeting, Cook Room
6:30 p.m. - Women's Spirituality Gathering (Cook Room)
Apr 8
7 p.m. - Jim Crow Book Discussion Group, Cook Room
Apr 9
7 p.m. -Drumming Circle - sanctuary
7 p.m. - Elder Support Group, Cook Room
Apr 11
8 p.m. - Coffeehouse Performance, meetinghouse
Apr 12
11:30 a.m. - Souper Sunday, foyer
3:30 p.m. - LiveARTS Performance, sanctuary
5 p.m. - Senior Youth Group, Dean Room
Apr 13
7 p.m. - Pathways to Peace, Cook Room
Apr 14
7 p.m. - Board of Trustees Meeting, Cook Room
Apr 19
11:30 a.m. - Ferry Beach Registration, Dean Room
11:45 a.m. - Pathways to Membership, Cook Room
Apr 20
7 p.m. Pathways to Peace, Cook Room
Apr 21
7 p.m. - Lay Ministers Meeting, Carol's office
Apr 25
9 a.m. - Spring Grounds Clean Up, 262 Chestnut Street
8 p.m. - Coffeehouse Performance, Cook Room
Apr 26
5 p.m. - Senior Youth Group, Dean Room
Apr 27
7 p.m. - Pathways to Peace, Cook Room
7:30 p.m. - Let's Laugh Today, sanctuary
Apr 30
6:30 p.m. - Pour Richards Wine Tasting, 14 Grove St, Franklin
Office Hours
Administrator:
Mon 8-1, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8-2
Director of Religious Education:
Tues and Thurs 10-2 and by appointment.
Senior Minister:
Carol is available for appointments Tuesday through Friday. Monday is her day off and Saturday is her
sermon writing day. Please limit routine calls to her home from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. In case of emergency she is
available any time.
Staff
Senior Minister
Rev. Carol Rosine
(508) 520-0672
[email protected]
Director of Religious Education
Aoife Barrington-Haber
(617) 872-6960
[email protected]
Membership Coordinator
Laura Cerier
508-528-0781
[email protected]
Office Administrator
Sue Gravina
(508) 528-5348
Bookkeeper
Barbara Kucich
[email protected]
Lay Ministers
Richard Field
Claire Mallette
Julie Sutherland
Pat Morse
Alan Staley
Maddy Rivera-Bellino
Helen Kinney
Sandy Fellows
Officers
Society President:
Doug Randall
Vice President:
Lea MacNider
Treasurer:
Joyce Adams
Clerk:
Gerri Stalley
Board of Trustees
Jim Hill
Carl Scheinman
Kathy Stankard
Kate Johnson
RE Committee Members
Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert, Acting Chair
Christa Burke-Hill
Kathleen Kassay
Ursula Roxin-Dixon
Mark Gagnon
Bill Callahan
FIRST UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY IN FRANKLIN
P.O. Box 316,
Franklin, MA 02038
OFFICE & MEETINGHOUSE
262 Chestnut St.,
Franklin, MA 02038
[email protected]
(508) 528-5348
First Universalist Society in Franklin | 262 Chestnut Street | Franklin | MA | 02038