"Carrying Our Values Into the World ": The service at FUSF for Sunday, August 24

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for August 2025.  Please join us as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism and Love.  All services start at 10:00 am. Afterwards, we invite you to stay for cookies and conversation. 

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org.  

August 24:  Carrying Our Values Into the World 

"Carrying Our Values Into the World "

Each Sunday we sing our Unison Affirmation and our Farewell Song, both of which speak of our values, of being together, supporting one another, and how we aspire

to be out in the world. Join Rev. Bev Waring and Director of Religious Education Sara Allegretti for the last summer service of 2025, as we explore how everyone, of all ages, can take our good news of Unitarian Universalism out into the world.   During this worship service we will be blessing backpacks, computer bags, and satchels of any type. This is a service for all ages.

"A Journey Toward Contemplative Activism": The service for FUSF Sunday, August 17

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for August 17 ~ 27, 2025.  Please join us each Sunday as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism and Love.  All services start at 10:00 AM. Afterwards, we invite you to stay for cookies and conversation. 

"A Journey Toward Contemplative Activism"

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org.  

August 17:  A Journey Toward Contemplative Activism

Our Unitarian Universalist Value of Transformation encourages us to “adapt to the changing world” and to “collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically.”  Transformation is a journey that involves continuous learning, adaptation, and self-discovery.  

Join us as Bobbi Gerlits, one of FUSF’s lay leaders, shares details of her journey toward contemplative activism and provides us an opportunity to experience one form of this type of activism.

"To Bee or Not to Bee" - That is the topic for Sunday's service at FUSF August 10

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for August 10 ~ 27, 2025.  

Please join us each Sunday as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism and Love.  All services start at 10:00 am. Afterwards, we invite you to stay for cookies and conversation. 

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org.  

August 10: To Bee or Not to Bee 

Visualize a meadow with an infinite view of beautiful flowers that vary in color, boldness, and scent. In the distance, a grove of fruit trees offers their seasonal bounty. Imagine how each trunk, branch, leaf, pedal or stem invites Earth’s creatures to thrive and live in natural harmony.  

Join FUSF member Deb Prudhomme to reflect on the importance of bees in the web of life and the 7th principle in Unitarian Universalism: Respect for the interdependent Web of all existence.  Buzz in to reflect on our interconnectedness and for a hands-on project to support bees.

Interdependence and Pickles! Aug 3 at 10 AM

The next service in our summer series is August 3rd at 10 AM.

Unitarian Universalism teaches us to honor the interdependent web of all existence.  This is a broad concept that ranges from individuals' roles in society to humanity's branch on the family tree of living things to the stardust in our cells.  

Interdependence and Pickles! Aug 3 at 10 AM 

Join us as we focus on exploring specific aspects of interdependence that involve pickles.  FUSF member Ann Gillette Parsley, who is studying to become a minister, will lead the service and provide the pickles!  (Please note, you will not have to eat the pickles -- all are welcome at UU churches, even people who do not like pickles.)

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Our Minister is Reverend Beverly Waring. 

For more information about FUSF please visit our website at Fusf.org. 

or contact us at info@fusf.org or call 508-528-5348.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1eraXabB2U/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, July 27, 2025 ???

Sunday, July 27

10:00am A Conversation on Healing (First Universalist Society Franklin)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

12:00pm Wind Phone Welcome (13 Common St, Natick)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm Sunday Funday (live music) (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

7:00pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

FUSF is Seeking to Hire an Office Administrator

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is seeking an experienced candidate for the part time position of Office Administrator. Working independently and collaboratively, the Office Administrator will support the Minister, Staff, Board of Trustees, and various committees. 

Primary responsibilities will focus on: church office management and general administrative support; internal communications; limited bookkeeping and building and facilities management. A more detailed job description can be found here. 

This position is 20 hours per week during the church year and 10 hours per week during the summer, at a rate of $20-$25 per hour. 

Please contact Joan Toye at joan.toye@fusf.org to apply or for more information.

screen grab of FUSF.org webpage

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, July 13, 2025 ???

Sunday, July 13

10:00am A Very Tolkien Creation Story (First Universalist Society Franklin)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

1:30pm Sunday Funday (live music & more) (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

7:00pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Reminder: A Very Tolkien Creation Story Sunday, July 13 @ 10:00 AM

The Fourth Unitarian Universalist Principle says that member congregations will affirm and promote the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. As Unitarian Universalists we are encouraged to be open to the experience of awe as we encounter the great mysteries of life. We are challenged to find our own sources of truth and meaning in our lives, whether through sacred texts, encounters with nature, or the exquisite alchemy of our relationships.

A Very Tolkien Creation Story Sunday, July 13 @ 10:00 AM

In this service, FUSF lay leader Dave Gerlits will share his own search for truth and meaning, and how he finally found a Creation Story that he could embrace. It appeared in a most unexpected place: the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien.  Please join us for this special service! 

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Our Interim Minister is Reverend Beverly Waring. For more information about FUSF please visit our website at Fusf.org. You can also contact us at info@fusf.org or by calling 508-528-5348.  

A Very Tolkien Creation Story Sunday, July 13 @ 10:00 AM

The Fourth Unitarian Universalist Principle says that member congregations will affirm and promote the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. As Unitarian Universalists we are encouraged to be open to the experience of awe as we encounter the great mysteries of life. We are challenged to find our own sources of truth and meaning in our lives, whether through sacred texts, encounters with nature, or the exquisite alchemy of our relationships.

A Very Tolkien Creation Story Sunday, July 13 @ 10:00 AM

In this service, FUSF lay leader Dave Gerlits will share his own search for truth and meaning, and how he finally found a Creation Story that he could embrace. It appeared in a most unexpected place: the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien.  Please join us for this special service! 

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Our Interim Minister is Reverend Beverly Waring. For more information about FUSF please visit our website at Fusf.org. You can also contact us at info@fusf.org or by calling 508-528-5348.  

Existence as Resistance Sunday, June 15, 2025 @ 10:00 AM

We exist!  

When turbulence blows in and lives become rattled, we unite to grow stronger.  We strengthen our community and use our actions and voices to resist.  

The LGBTQIA+ community and their allies have weathered these ferocious storms in the past, and we will again!  

Existence as Resistance Sunday, June 15, 2025 @ 10:00 AM

Our existence is our resistance, and once again we must stand strong against the opposing winds!  

The FUSF Welcoming Congregation Team will be sharing their personal stories. Please join us and gather together in solidarity.  

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Our Interim Minister is Reverend Beverly Waring. For more information about FUSF please visit our website at Fusf.org. You can also contact us at info@fusf.org or by calling 508-528-5348.  

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, April 24, 2025 ???

Thursday, April 24

Library & Senior Center events

** Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit (Norfolk Public Library)

10:30am Animal Affair! (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm Rockin' Rhythms (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

6:30pm Running Your First 5K (Pond Street Recreation Facility)

7:00pm An Exploration of French Wines (333 E Central St)

7:00pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:00pm An Evening of Conversation Regarding Food Sovereignty and Access (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

 

 

**  Meetings today   **

Zoning Board of Appeals ZBA Meeting

Thursday, April 24 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04242025-1676

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, March 15, 2025 ???

Saturday, March 15

* "Look Up" Gallery (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church) 

9:30am Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) (Franklin Public Library) 

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

7:00pm Country Dance: Reels and More! (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:30pm FPAC: Mel Brooks "The Producers" (THE BLACK BOX)

For additional details on Library events ->    

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** NO Town Meetings today   **

-------------

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Moving Towards an Indigenous Worldview & Find Your Oxygen Mask - An Interactive Workshop - Jan 19

Moving Towards an Indigenous Worldview

Sunday January 19, 2025 @ 10:00 AM

Moving Towards an Indigenous Worldview

Our planet faces so many crises, it can be hard to read the news. And yet, throughout the world, Indigenous communities and nations hold out a different way of being. Guest preacher, Claire Karl Muller will speak to this vision, finding our personal stake in it and what UU Mass Action is doing with Indigenous leaders here in Massachusetts to get there. Find out more about UU Mass Action on their website www.uumassaction.org

About CLAIRE KARL B.W. MÜLLER (THEY): Claire Karl is a force of nature. They are a 5th generation Germanic settler to Eastern Massachusetts and identify as a white, middle-class, non-binary, small-fat, queer organizer. Their values are curiosity, compassion, and truth and people power. They feel called to work with other white middle class folks on racial, economic and climate justice and joined the team at UU Mass Action in 2020. Claire Karl is coordinator of the statewide climate justice coalition Mass Power Forward, which they co-founded in 2015, as well as the UU Mass Action staff lead for Indigenous Solidarity.

Find Your Oxygen Mask - An Interactive Workshop 

Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM

The FUSF Welcoming Congregation Initiative Team invites you to an interactive workshop titled, “Find Your Oxygen Mask.”  Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, their allies, and anyone interested in learning more, are welcome to attend. We will connect, learn, and share resources, fears, and hopes during these uncertain times. We hope that whoever you are, wherever you are from, whomever you love, whether your heart is heavy or light, you will join us. 

2nd Annual Cookie Walk Scheduled for Saturday, Dec 14

2nd Annual Cookie Walk Scheduled for Saturday, Dec 14

The First Universalist Society in Franklin 2nd Annual Cookie Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 14, 2024 from 10 AM - 1 PM. More than 40 bakers will provide you with lots of holiday goodies at only $10/lb.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CrpEkPzZ8/

Kathleen & Norman talk about their development of the forthcoming performance of "The Belle of Amherst" by William Luce (audio)

FM #1293 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1293 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Kathleen Mary Mulligan, Actor and Producer, and Norman Johnson, Director. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Monday, Oct 14, 2024. We talked about their roles in the forthcoming production of “The Belle of Amherst” by William Luce. The play will be performed on Saturday, Oct 26 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin.

During the discussion we find out about a connection between Emily Dickinson and Beirut, Lebanon, where a series of performances of “The Belle of Amherst” were interrupted by the uprising in October, 2019. 

The recording runs about 55 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1293-belle-of-amherst-promo-10-14-24/

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Wikipedia entry for the play -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Belle_of_Amherst 

FUSF link for tickets -> https://fusf.org/2024/08/22/the-belle-of-amherst/ 

Kathleen’s profile page at Ithaca College -> https://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/kmulligan 

Norman’s profile page at Ithaca -> https://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/njohnson 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Kathleen Mary Mulligan, Actor and Producer