Mah Jongg: Play All Day - May 4

Join us for a fun day of playing Mah Jongg!  

Come alone or with friends. All levels are welcome, but some experience is required. Bring your 2024 NMJL card and $5 in change to play with. 

$30 fee includes door prizes and lunch.  Coffee and mini muffins served if you arrive before play starts. Register by 4/24/2024. 

When: Saturday, May 4, 2024 - 9:00 am to 2:30 pm

Where: First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin

To register click on "Upcoming Events" at fusf.org

Mah Jongg: Play All Day - May 4

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, April 18

 

The 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node will hold our next meeting this Thursday, April 18, 7:00-9:00 pm.  Please add it to your calendar.

The meeting will be on Zoom: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274    Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

Whether or not you attend the meeting, we ask you to complete two easy but important tasks.

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

1. Legislative Update: Call/email your legislators to push our 350 Mass priority bills, using our BRAND NEW TOOLKIT! It's very informative, giving you everything you need to know. You will find a script for a phone call and text for an email. Please take these actions this week or next week, before May 1.  

2. It's a "No Brainer" that we tell ISO-New England to stop sending our money to fossil fuel peaker plants! Read about it and sign the statement here.

Please sign up for the Climate Weekly email if you are not yet receiving it. 

Check out upcoming events on our website. 

 

Please try to join us for Thursday's meeting. We will maintain our schedule of meetings on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. 

Thank you.

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   

What’s Your Story? An Evening of Storytelling - April 6

First Universalist Society in Franklin hosts

What’s Your Story? An Evening of Storytelling

April 6, 2024  = 7:00 pm to 8:30 PM

Inspired by The Moth Radio Hour, the theme of the night is “Surprises.” Join us for an evening of fun as amateur storytellers dare to share their personal stories about surprises they have experienced. Snacks and beverages will be provided during intermission but feel to bring your own. 

What’s Your Story? is a family-friendly event hosted by the First Universalist Society in Franklin in our beautiful meetinghouse. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12-18. Tickets can be purchased in advance at FUSF.org/upcoming events. Cash or checks are also accepted. 

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (fusf.org) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA.  For more information about the Society please contact Interim Minister Beverly Waring at 508-528-5348 or minister@fusf.org.  

What’s Your Story? An Evening of Storytelling - April 6 

Does Food Count as a Basic Human Right? - March 17 at 10 AM

Join us for worship on March 17, as the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) Food Insecurity Team, and their special guest, Tina Powderly, the Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, explore their collective and personal journeys from focusing on alleviating food insecurity to that of Food Justice. 

Food Justice is the belief that access to food is a basic human right which can only be achieved if one advocates for structural change across the entire food system. Unfortunately, our current food system rests upon many inherent, deeply entrenched barriers to equity.  

This worship service will be interactive; if you have one, please bring your phone to voice your opinion on-line during the service.  All are welcome to attend, we look forward to meeting you.       

   

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 Interim Minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org 

March 17, 2024  10:00 AM

First Universalist Society in Franklin

262 Chestnut Street Franklin MA

Does Food Count as a Basic Human Right?

Are you going to the family "barn dance"?

Put on your dancing shoes and come on down to the First Universalist Society in Franklin on March 2 for a festive evening! New England Country Dance is a fun, accessible "barn dance" that is suitable for people of all ages, from 4 to 88. Families, college students, teens, and the young at heart are most welcome!

The dancing does not require any previous experience. The dance caller walks everyone on the floor through simple steps, helps the group put them together, and then the music starts. Perfection is not expected -- cooperation and laughter among the dancers make sure that everyone stays mostly on track and has a wonderful time together. 

New England Country Dance

Doors open at 7:00 pm. There will be two sets with a brief intermission in between. Water and comfortable seating will be available should you want to sit out a specific dance. Treats will be available for purchase.

It is highly recommended that tickets be bought in advance since this is anticipated to be a popular evening and only a certain number of dancers can be accommodated. Tickets can be purchased at FUSF.org/Upcoming Events. Admission is $5 for students 13-18, $10 for individuals. Children under 12 are free. Checks or cash will be accepted at the door in addition to electronic payment.        

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. If you have questions about this event or FUSF please email info@fusf.org or call 508- 528-5348. FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation. 

New England Country Dance scheduled for March 2, 2024 7:00 PM

Put on your dancing shoes and come on down to the First Universalist Society in Franklin for a festive evening! New England Country Dance is a fun, accessible "barn dance" that is suitable for people of all ages, from 4 to 88. Families, college students, teens, and the young at heart are most welcome!

The dancing does not require any previous experience. The dance caller walks everyone on the floor through simple steps, helps the group put them together, and then the music starts. Perfection is not expected -- cooperation and laughter among the dancers make sure that everyone stays mostly on track and has a wonderful time together. 

Doors open at 7:00 pm. There will be two sets with a brief intermission in between. Water and comfortable seating will be available should you want to sit out a specific dance. Treats will be available for purchase.

It is highly recommended that tickets be bought in advance since this is anticipated to be a popular evening and only a certain number of dancers can be accommodated. Tickets can be purchased at FUSF.org/Upcoming Events. Admission is $5 for students 13-18, $10 for individuals. Children under 12 are free. Checks or cash will be accepted at the door in addition to electronic payment.        

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. If you have questions about this event or FUSF please email info@fusf.org or call 508- 528-5348. FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation. 

What We Say Matters: A Timely Conversation Exploring the Power of Words to Shape Others and a Person’s Own Behavior - Jan 28

What We Say Matters: A Timely Conversation 

Exploring the Power of Words to Shape Others 

and a Person’s Own Behavior 

Dr. Drew Bogner, President Emeritus of Molloy University, and a lay member of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, will speak about the power of words and phrases to shape the behavior of others and ourselves.   He will incorporate the research of Dr. Masuru Emoto on the impact of negative and positive words, and share conversations he has had on this topic with individuals ranging from Buddhist monks to Paul Rusesabagina of Hotel Rwanda. In the second part of the service, Drew will focus on how what we say to ourselves can influence how we experience the world. This includes how we can respond to caustic, hateful, and demeaning language that others use.  

What We Say Matters: A Timely Conversation

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

Sunday January 28, 2024 - 10:00 AM 
First Universalist Society in Franklin 
262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA 

Live Music and CD Release by Second Son Band - Jan 27 at 7 PM

Brian Cousins, guitarist and singer for the Upton, MA-based group, Second Son,  is releasing  his third album, “Dissonance”.  A CD release party will be held on January 27, 2024 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, MA. “With this Dissonance album”, Cousins said, “I really tried to bring my many musical influences together into a coherent musical cycle which explores the challenges of this moment in time. And of course, I had to have a couple of love songs, just because”, he added.

Tickets are $10 per person/$25 max per family. Treats will be available for sale. Cash, checks or electronic payment accepted.  

When: January 27, 2024 = 7 PM to 9 PM

Where: First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA

About Second Son

Formed in mid-2023, Second Son’s songs range from folk and folk-rock to more Americana and singer/songwriter styles. Second Son consists of Brian Cousins (guitar, vocals), Stirling Noel Cousins (bass, vocals), Brian J. Podesta (piano, keyboards) and Carl Roberts (percussion, harmonica, vocals). Second Son’s live performances are energetic, interactive, funny and personal. Since their founding, Second Son has been playing throughout eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.

Find the Second Son Band web page -> https://secondsonma.com/ 

 

Live Music and CD Release by Second Son Band  -  Jan 27 at 7 PM

Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament and Sale - Jan 19 or Jan 20

Team Tournament: Enter your team to puzzle against other teams in a friendly and fun competition on either Friday night or Saturday morning. Each team receives the same 500 piece puzzle and races to finish first. Prizes given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place.  It’s only $10/person for teams of up to four people and your team goes home with the completed puzzle. Team registration and puzzle tournament rules can be found at FUSF.org. For questions call Vicki @ 508-654-6740.  Cash, check or electronic payment accepted.  

Puzzle Sale:   Hundreds of jigsaw puzzles of all sizes will be for sale both Friday and Saturday. Choose from children’s puzzles, 100-, 300-, 500-, 1000- and even a few 2000-piece puzzles! You do not need to enter a tournament to shop. Most puzzles are priced between $3 and $5 - Some are brand new! Be sure to stock up for all those puzzlers in your life (or yourself). Cash, check or electronic payment accepted.  

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

Friday, January 19, 2024 6 PM to 8 PM OR 

Saturday, January 20, 2024 10 AM to Noon 

First Universalist Society in Franklin 

262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA 

Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament and Sale -  Jan 19 or Jan 20

Joe Jencks Leads First Universalist Society MLK Service - Jan 14

Joe Jencks, international touring musician, award-winning songwriter and celebrated vocalist will lead the service on January 14 at FUSF as we celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. All are invited to join us this morning. 

Joe Jencks Leads First Universalist Society MLK Service - Jan 14

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

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF)

262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA 

January 14, 2024 @ 10:00 AM

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, January 4, 2024

The 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node will hold our first meeting of the new year, Thursday, January 4, 2024, 7:00-9:00 PM. 

This will be a HYBRID meeting: you can attend in person, or join on Zoom.  

Those of us who have been meeting in Franklin have enjoyed the chance to come together. We hope others will do the same. 

 

·    Location of the in-person meeting: First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

 

·    OPTION:  Join on Zoom   

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09             

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274

Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

 

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, January 4, 2024

With the start of the new year, 350 Mass and all the regional nodes are making plans to continue the work on the two major 350 Mass' campaigns: Make Polluters Pay and Emissions Free Buildings. Read about them here.  Then join our meeting to discuss options for activities across and within the communities that comprise the Greater Franklin region. This is your chance to make a difference in 2024 and take on the challenges that we face in climate and energy.

350 Mass invites everyone to two January events, listed here. 

• First, on this coming Sunday, January 7, the Make Polluters Pay Campaign will have an afternoon of strategizing and socializing to go over our accomplishments from 2023 and plan out our campaign strategy for 2024 over tea and cookies.
• Second, on January 17 join Climate Cafe. a supportive place to talk over your reactions to climate change, possible solutions, or climate activism.

If you haven't already done so, please sign up for the Climate Weekly email. Also, check out upcoming events on our website. 

Please try to join us for Thursday's meeting. We will maintain our schedule of meetings on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. If you have questions or items for the agenda, you can contact the Node coordinators,   carolyncbarthel@gmail.com    and/or       ralph.halpern@comcast.net. We will send a reminder on Thursday.  

Thank you.

 

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   

New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk at First Universalist Society in Franklin - Dec 31, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) — 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA — will host a New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk on Sunday, December 31, from 5 to 7 PM. 

This annual, free, event offers an opportunity to experience a candlelit labyrinth in our sanctuary. Finger labyrinths will be available for people who want to experience the labyrinth but have mobility issues. 

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. Labyrinths are located in both public and private settings and vary in style. The FUSF indoor labyrinth is a Chartres Labyrinth. 

 

Please allow at least 30 minutes to walk the indoor labyrinth. Socks are required for the indoor walk.  Booties that cover footwear will be provided for those who need shoes to walk. 

Call Judy at 508-769-6664 for more information about the New Year’s Labyrinth event. In the event of a storm, or unsafe driving conditions, the walk will be canceled, and a notice will be posted to the FUSF Facebook page.  For more information about the First Universalist Society in Franklin please visit FUSF.org or call 508-528-5348.

New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk at First Universalist Society in Franklin - Dec 31, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM

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

"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

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

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

Dean College and The Universalists Featured in September Presentation

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 1:00PM 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: 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: Nurturing the Fruits of Mindfulness - Aug 6

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

Sue Savoy and Ann Willever

Experience mindfulness practices based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Master.  Come into the present moment and share in the joys of being together as a sangha, a community of friends growing in awareness.  All are welcome to share in walking, sitting, and singing, regardless of experience with meditation.

Sunday's service at FUSF: Nurturing the Fruits of Mindfulness - Aug 6

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, August 6 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 13: Respect for all living things

August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit  

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices