The First Universalist Society in Franklin Invites You for a "Holiday Cookie Walk" on December 9

Holiday Cookie Walk

Saturday December 9, 2023 - 10:00 AM to 1 PM

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) will hold their first annual “Holiday Cookie Walk” on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 10 AM until 1 PM. 

Come and stroll through the festively decorated Meetinghouse at 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, as you select from a delicious assortment of homemade treats provided by more than 30 bakers. 

You are sure to find the perfect confections for your holiday table, a hostess gift, or your next party. Cookies will be available for $10 per pound. Containers, decorated with your choice of holiday sticker, will be provided. 

Cash, check, or electronic payments accepted. Make this event part of your holiday fun! 

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. For more information about the event or FUSF, please contact us at info@fusf.org or call 508-528-5348.  FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation.

Holiday Cookie Walk  on December 9

You're invited! To see the Chestnut St Review return to perform Nov 11, 2023

       The Chestnut Street Revue Hits the Stage
                                  November 11th at 7 PM!
  

Chestnut St Review

The Chestnut Street Revue will hit the boards on Saturday, November 11th.  7 - 9:30 PM.  Doors open at 6:30 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin,  262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA  www.fusf.org

The showcase of talent is sure to BRING THE HOUSE DOWN and RAISE THE ROOF! You won't want to miss it. 

Instrumentalists young and old will toot their horns, strum their strings, bang their drums, or tickle the ivories.  Singers will have you humming along, laughing aloud, or gobsmacked in awe. Storytelling will weave a tale to transport you to new places. And did you know, there will be DANCING! Not only will you be entertained by one of our youngest members, but also the FUSF Dance Team will make their first public appearance. 

This fundraiser will also feature a bake sale of delicious treats and beverages and a raffle of some fun stuff. 

So, mark your calendars and join us this Saturday!!

TICKETS ARE $10 per person or $25 MAX per family.

Please bring cash or checks for refreshments and raffle tickets. 

BRING A FRIEND to this EVENING OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT!

"The Chestnut Street Review Variety Show" returns - Nov 11 at 7 PM

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce The Chestnut Street Review is back after a two-year hiatus.  

The FUSF Community prides itself on its musical and artistic talent. Don’t miss this jam packed evening of music, singing, story-telling and more! Something for all families and the young at heart to enjoy.  All while sampling delicious treats from the Bake Sale Table made by our expert bakers. 

We look forward to seeing you!

November 11. 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM

The First Universalist Society in Franklin 

262 Chestnut Street, Franklin

$10/person and $25/family 

Bake Sale at Intermission

For more information, please email the First Universalist Society’s Music  Director, Michele Kelly, at musicdirector@fusf.org

"The Chestnut Street Review Variety Show" returns - Nov 11 at 7 PM

The Chestnut Street Revue Variety Show - Nov 11

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce The Chestnut Street Revue is back after a two-year hiatus. The FUSF Community prides itself on its musical and artistic talent. Don’t miss this jam-packed evening of music, singing, storytelling and more! Something for all families and the young at heart to enjoy.

$10/person and $25/family

Bake Sale at Intermission Sample delicious treats from the Bake Sale Table made by our expert bakers.

We look forward to seeing you on November 11, 2023.

November 11. 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

262 Chestnut Street, Franklin

The Chestnut Street Revue Variety Show - Nov 11

Shared from -> https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02J4Tk1uEZ7XDDe9LqBGr8jyYjocpvPiHcvEThSafsAGd8Lkuu9bJwsp3yQSaLJ7zTl&id=100064728883709&mibextid=Nif5oz

Reminder: Interactive Halloween Story Walk at FUSF, Friday, October 27

An Interactive Halloween Story Walk....

Interactive Halloween Story Walk

Friday, October 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM

Join the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) at 262 Chestnut Street for an evening of fun.  Come as you are or come in costume. The event features music and friendly characters along with a dose of mischief!  All are welcome.

A Bake Sale will be available so you can end your walk with delicious treats – or TRICKS!

For more information call or text Jen Corey at 508-517-1298 or email: gabrielsmummy2004@gmail.com

LGBTQ History Month recognized Oct 22 at First Universalist Society in Franklin

In recognition of October as LGBTQ history month, First Universalist Society in Franklin is pleased to invite all to two opportunities on Sunday October 22, 2023 to honor LGBTQ individuals and allies alike.  

At 10:00 AM, our worship service will focus on the contributions of LGBTQ folk to our religious tradition and society at large. Then from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM we will view a movie described as a teen romance/comedy. This sweet movie explores teen relationships, connections and the nature of love. Following the 1 hour and 44 minute movie there will be an opportunity for discussion and conversation.

First Universalist Society in Franklin is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin.

For more information, please contact our interim minister, Rev. Bev Waring at Minister@FUSF.org or 508-528-5348.

The FUSF Welcoming Congregation Team with Interim Minister Rev. Bev Waring

Interactive Halloween Story Walk at FUSF, Friday, October 27 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM

An Interactive Halloween Story Walk....

Interactive Halloween Story Walk

Friday, October 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM

Join the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) at 262 Chestnut Street for an evening of fun.  Come as you are or come in costume. The event features music and friendly characters along with a dose of mischief!  All are welcome.

A Bake Sale will be available so you can end your walk with delicious treats – or TRICKS!

For more information call or text Jen Corey at 508-517-1298 or email: gabrielsmummy2004@gmail.com

Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth: A Discussion Series

Please join us at the First Universalist Society in Franklin for an engaging spiritual journey, centered around the groundbreaking PBS six-episode series.

World renown mythologist and professor of religion Joseph Campbell and journalist Bill Moyers discuss myths as metaphors and the path to transcendence in dialogues that adroitly span millennia of history and far-flung geography.

Joseph Campbell

We will view each episode, and then engage in a lively discussion of how it moves and inspires us.

The six episodes are:

1. The Hero’s Adventure

2. The Message of the Myth

3. The First Storytellers

4. Sacrifice and Bliss

5. Love and the Goddess

6. The Masks of Eternity

This discussion series is FREE of charge. Please pre-register by emailing David Gerlits: davegerlits@gmail.com ; 508-446-4453. Contact him with any questions. 

When -> Mondays: October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and November 6  7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Where -> First Universalist Society in Franklin

262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA 02038

Exploring Risk-Taking Through the "Spirituality of Music" at First Universalist Society in Franklin - Oct 1 at 10 AM

Please join us for our annual lay-led, inter-generational music service at First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) on Sunday, October 1 at 10:00am. Critical Mass is a 9-member band, comprised of FUSF congregants and friends, who cover a wide range of songs and artists from modern pop to classic rock and roll.  

This year, in keeping with the summer service theme of sharing spiritual practices, Critical Mass will be exploring through their music, what it feels like to take a personal risk, especially when the outcome is uncertain.  Singing along, and even dancing, is encouraged!

First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation, and is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, Massachusetts. Please go online to “fusf.org” for more information. 

Exploring Risk-Taking Through the "Spirituality of Music"

Dean College and The Universalists: Is that a new band? No, some interesting history

Dean College has always shared a strong connection with the Universalist Church. It’s founder, Oliver Dean was instrumental in the growth of Universalism in Franklin.

Rob Lawson

Our next Second Sunday Speaker will be Dean History Professor, Rob Lawson, who will explore that connection and the relationship the Universalists had with the school. Historic documents will be on display from the First Universalist Society Franklin. 

Join us Sunday September 10 for this revealing discussion on Franklin’s history. Doors open at 1:00 PM and the presentation starts at 1:15. 

The gift shop is open during regular museum hours, Saturday mornings 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Come in and find your history.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, we are wheel chair accessible and always FREE. The Second Sunday Speaker Series are sponsored by The Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Dean College and The Universalists Featured in September Presentation

Sunday's service at FUSF: "Everyday Spiritual Practices" – Aug 27

The description for this coming Sunday's service "Everyday Spiritual Practices"  at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF). The service will be led by Rev. Bev Waring.

Plato said, “The life which is unexamined is not worth living.”  An extreme position that Rev. Scott Alexander addresses in the introduction to a book he edited, “Everyday Spiritual Practices; Simple Pathways For Enriching Your Life.” He writes: “many people get caught in a rut, meandering through their days, doing only what comes easily…” 

Join us for this last summer service as Rev. Bev Waring offers some options for how you can spiritually examine and shape your life; options that engage the mind, the body, the heart, the will and the soul will be discussed in this quick review of everyday spiritual practices.

 

NOTE: This service is in-person only and is open to people of all ages.  We will begin the service with a blessing of the backpacks for children and youth. Following the blessing, children and youth will leave the sanctuary with our Director of Religious Education for some fun activities in the grove. 

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, Aug 20 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF), at 262 Chestnut Street. 

FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. 

For more information about the FUSF, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Sunday's service at FUSF: "Everyday Spiritual Practices" – Aug 27

Sunday's service at FUSF: Trees: Bridges to Spirit - Aug 20

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "Trees: Bridges to Spirit" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).

Trees: Bridges to Spirit - Barbara Aspland-Wolf

Let us see the forest AND the trees as we explore how they can aid us in our spiritual practice with a mind, body, and soul connection.

Sunday's service at FUSF: Trees: Bridges to Spirit - Aug 20

We will be serving lunch after the service.

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, Aug 20 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF), at 262 Chestnut Street. 

FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. 

For more information about the FUSF, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices  

Sunday's service at FUSF: Respect for All Living Things - Aug 13

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "Respect for All Living Things" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).

Stirling and Brian Cousins

The shared covenant of Unitarian Universalism is based on the eight principles that join us all together.  The seventh principle is: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.  In this service we will explore Living the Seventh Principle in our everyday lives.  

Sunday's service at FUSF: Respect for All Living Things - Aug 13

We will be serving lunch after the service.

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, Aug  13 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF), at 262 Chestnut Street. 

FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. 

For more information about the FUSF, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:

August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit  

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices 

Sunday's service at FUSF: "The Spirituality of Nature through Poetry and Verse"

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "The Spirituality of Nature through Poetry and Verse" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).

We are spiritual creatures, who long to make sense out of life and to seek purpose in our existence. How do we come to know the answers to those most important questions in life?  Where do find insight and enlightenment?  

Nature is one such place. I will share a small selection of my poetry that speaks to a few elements of my spiritual journey that comes from my interaction with nature; the wonder and awe that I see and experience, the lessons nature teaches me, and the way in which it centers me, reminding me of what is most important in life. 

"The Spirituality of Nature through Poetry and Verse"

 

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 16 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF), at 262 Chestnut Street. 

FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. 

For more information about the FUSF, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:

July 16: Writing Poetry

July 23: Walking the Labyrinth

July 30: Prayer as a Portal

August 6: Mindfulness 

August 13: Veganism

August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices

"Spirituality of Fishing" at FUSF Sunday, July 9, 2023

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "Spirituality of Fishing" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).

"Spirituality of Fishing"

As FUSF launches their summer theme of individual spiritual practices, Laura will explain how she first got “hooked” on the art of fishing and why she finds it deeply spiritual and peaceful—both on a warm summer day as well as on a bone-chilling day in the depths of winter—all the while trying not to get frustrated when the fish refuse to bite.

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:

July 9: The Spirituality of Fishing

July 16: Writing Poetry

July 23: Walking the Labyrinth

July 30: Prayer as a Portal

August 6: Mindfulness 

August 13: Veganism

August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices

FUSF is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin and is a Unitarian Universalist  LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. For more information about the First Universalist Society in Franklin, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Reminder: Summer Services at First Universalist Society in Franklin

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce its summer worship services. These services will explore the theme of individual spiritual practices.  The series starts on July 9 and runs through August 27, 2023.  

Services begin at 10 AM and all are welcome to attend. 

Each Sunday, members of FUSF will share a spiritual practice that resonates deeply within them.  Attendees will have the opportunity to explore practices such as prayer; mindfulness meditation as inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh or walking the labyrinth.  Connection with nature underlies several other services. We will also explore poetry writing as a spiritual practice.  

During the last service of the summer, Reverend Beverly Waring, Interim Minister, will explore a multitude of ways to enhance your daily life through engaging your mind, body, heart, will and soul with themes such as contemplation, activity, relationships, action and creativity. 

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:

July 9: The Spirituality of Fishing

July 16: Writing Poetry

July 23: Walking the Labyrinth

July 30: Prayer as a Portal

August 6: Mindfulness 

August 13: Veganism

August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices

FUSF is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin and is a Unitarian Universalist  LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. For more information about the First Universalist Society in Franklin, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Summer Services at First Universalist Society in Franklin

Summer Services at First Universalist Society in Franklin

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce its summer worship services. These services will explore the theme of individual spiritual practices.  The series starts on July 9 and runs through August 27, 2023.  

Services begin at 10 a.m. and all are welcome to attend. 

Each Sunday, members of FUSF will share a spiritual practice that resonates deeply within them.  Attendees will have the opportunity to explore practices such as prayer; mindfulness meditation as inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh or walking the labyrinth.  Connection with nature underlies several other services. We will also explore poetry writing as a spiritual practice.  

During the last service of the summer, Reverend Beverly Waring, Interim Minister, will explore a multitude of ways to enhance your daily life through engaging your mind, body, heart, will and soul with themes such as contemplation, activity, relationships, action and creativity. 

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:

July 9: The Spirituality of Fishing

July 16: Writing Poetry

July 23: Walking the Labyrinth

July 30: Prayer as a Portal

August 6: Mindfulness 

August 13: Veganism

August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices

FUSF is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin and is a Unitarian Universalist  LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. For more information about the First Universalist Society in Franklin, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Summer Services at First Universalist Society in Franklin

Reminder: Registration due April 24 for a fun day of Mah Jongg on May 6 at FUSF

Please join us on Saturday, May 6, 2023, 9 AM – 2:30 PM 

for a fun day of Mah Jongg!

At the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF)

262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA 02038

•  Cost: $30, includes door prizes and lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request). We will also have coffee and mini muffins as you arrive. 

To Register:

•  Register ASAP, but by April 24, 2023 to reserve your spot.

•  Options for payment: Make $30 check out to “FUSF.” Please write “MahJongg” in the memo line.  Fill out registration form below.  Mail check and registration form to: Katie Nunes, 93 Burnt Swamp Rd., Wrentham, MA 02093

•  Or If you prefer Venmo, send $30 to @KatieNunes and include registration info as a comment.

•  Katie will confirm receipt via email and send you more details about the day.

Questions?

•  Contact Katie Nunes at ktnunes2@gmail.com, or call 508-254-7918

==================================================

REGISTRATION: By April 24, 2023 with checks payable to “FUSF.” Write “Mah Jongg” in the memo line. Mail this form and your check to: Katie Nunes, 93 Burnt Swamp Rd., Wrentham, MA 02093 (or see Venmo instructions above)

Download form to use for registration ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nfPuU54BzA112m3bZVkjkEnolTVQ1a_Q/view?usp=share_link

FUSF schedules a Mah Jongg Play All Day Event - May 6

Walk for Peace on World Labyrinth Day - May 6, 2023

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, thousands of people will participate in the fifteenth annual World Labyrinth Day as a moving meditation for peace and celebration of the labyrinth experience. Many participants will “Walk as One at 1” by walking a labyrinth at 1:00 p.m. local time to create a rolling wave of peaceful energy passing from one time zone to the next around the globe. Whether you are familiar with labyrinths or new to the idea of non-maze labyrinth paths, all are welcome to learn more and take part.

Labyrinths are found throughout the world with the oldest dating back thousands of years. In contemporary use, labyrinths provide an opportunity for personal reflection, spiritual practice, or the reduction of stress in many different public and private settings. Over 6,000 labyrinths are listed on the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator website: https://labyrinthlocator.com/ . The outdoor labyrinth on the grounds of the First Universalist Society in Franklin is listed on the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator.

Join us in Franklin, MA as we participate in World Labyrinth Day. You will have the opportunity to walk an outdoor labyrinth, use a finger labyrinth, and learn about labyrinths.

There will be a brief introduction to World Labyrinth Day at 12:30 PM, after which people will be invited to walk the labyrinth. If you have walked a labyrinth many times, or if you have never walked a labyrinth, we welcome you. 

This is a FREE community event for all ages. 

Stop by between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM and be a part of this moving meditation for world peace.

Contact Bobbi Tayne Gerlits with any questions: bobbigerlits@icloud.com

Walk for Peace on World Labyrinth Day - May 6, 2023

A fun day of Mah Jongg! at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) - May 6

Please join us on Saturday, May 6, 2023, 9 AM – 2:30 PM 

for a fun day of Mah Jongg!

At the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF)

262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA 02038

•  Cost: $30, includes door prizes and lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request). We will also have coffee and mini muffins as you arrive. 

To Register:

•  Register ASAP, but by April 24, 2023 to reserve your spot.

•  Options for payment: Make $30 check out to “FUSF.” Please write “MahJongg” in the memo line.  Fill out registration form below.  Mail check and registration form to: Katie Nunes, 93 Burnt Swamp Rd., Wrentham, MA 02093

•  Or If you prefer Venmo, send $30 to @KatieNunes and include registration info as a comment.

•  Katie will confirm receipt via email and send you more details about the day.

Questions?

•  Contact Katie Nunes at ktnunes2@gmail.com, or call 508-254-7918

==================================================

REGISTRATION: By April 24, 2023 with checks payable to “FUSF.” Write “Mah Jongg” in the memo line. Mail this form and your check to: Katie Nunes, 93 Burnt Swamp Rd., Wrentham, MA 02093 (or see Venmo instructions above)

Download form to use for registration ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nfPuU54BzA112m3bZVkjkEnolTVQ1a_Q/view?usp=share_link

FUSF schedules a Mah Jongg Play All Day Event - May 6