Acting Director of religious education at FUSF appointed

FUSF has appointed Sara Allegretti as Acting Director of Religious Education!

Sara Allegretti

A longtime Unitarian Universalist, Ms. Allegretti holds a Masters Degree in education. Most recently she worked in the Franklin Public Schools as an Interventionist. She has also been active on FUSF’s Welcoming Congregation Committee and the Franklin LGBTQ+ Alliance.

“Sara is a highly-qualified professional who values collaboration and creativity in her work, and cares deeply about the children of our congregation. We are delighted to have Sara join FUSF as our Acting Director of Religious Education.” —Board President, Caitlin MacDonald

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF and its religious education program please explore our website at fusf.org or contact Sara Allegretti, Acting DRE at 508 528-5348 or dre@fusf.org

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/2FXUCmTnMzCWoVpH/

Art Wall at FUSF - Artist Reception, Sunday, Sep 8

Artist Reception, Sunday, Sep 8 from noon to 2:30 PM. View the painting by Roon. 

Art Wall at FUSF - Artist Reception, Sunday, Sep 8

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/yB3oPVH5QmghUbPh/

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF): An Expression of Love - August 18, 2024

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series through August 18, 2024.  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, please plan to stay for cookies and conversation

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF): An Expression of Love - August 18, 2024

UU Values:  An Expression of Love - August 18, 2024

FUSF Lay members, Stirling and Brian Cousins believe our shared UU Value of Transformation calls on each of us to collectively transform ourselves and to grow spiritually and ethically. In this sermon they will explore how the personal choices we all make enable us to undergo ethical transformation related to our relationship with the interdependent web of life (Value of Interdependence).  They will further discuss how transformation applied to the ethics of our personal choices is a full expression of Love.

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. 

Wasted Food, Hunger, and the Climate Emergency: How Food Recovery Helps - Sep 12

September is Hunger Action Month — a yearly, nationwide campaign to raise hunger awareness and inspire people to take action. This year, the Franklin Food Pantry is bringing attention to food rescue and recovery.

Join us as we welcome Liz Miller, Community Relations Manager at Spoonfuls, a Massachusetts-based food recovery organization, as she examines how collecting fresh, edible food that would otherwise go to waste, and distributing it to social service agencies like The Pantry can help address food insecurity and the climate crisis.

Get Tickets

• When: Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 7 to 9 PM
• Where: First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF), 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA
• RSVP: To secure your spot, please click HERE.       

How Food Recovery Helps - Sep 12

Admission is free however tickets are limited, and registration is required. If you would like to make a donation to support The Pantry, please click HERE.

This event is open to anyone in the community who aspires to learn about food insecurity and is hosted by FUSF's Food Justice Team.

For more information, please email info@franklinfoodpantry.org.

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF): Winds of Change - August 11, 2024

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for August 4, 2024 through August 18, 2024.  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, please plan to stay for cookies and conversation

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF): Winds of Change - August 11, 2024

UU Value of Transformation:  Winds of Change - August 11, 2024

Change can be a whirlwind.  Some see transformation as an exciting new chapter in life and accept it freely like a breath of fresh air.  Others may find change frightening and difficult to embrace.  In considering the range of emotions we all experience on this topic, where would you place yourself when you reflect on transformations you’ve made throughout life?  How many times have you freely chosen change and how many times has personal change been driven by life’s circumstances?  Please join FUSF member Deb Prudhomme in the exploration, reflection, and embrace of the winds of change.

.

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.  

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF): Embracing Differences and Commonalities - August 4, 2024

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series through August 18, 2024.  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, please plan to stay for cookies and conversation

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF):  Embracing Differences and Commonalities - August 4, 2024

The UU Value of Pluralism: 

Embracing Differences and Commonalities - August 4, 2024

The Unitarian Universalist Value of Pluralism encourages us to “embrace our differences and commonalities with Love, curiosity, and respect.” Bobbi Gerlits, one of FUSF’s lay leaders, has been reflecting on this value for the past few months. Her journey toward a better understanding of pluralism has been shaped by the Sunday before Thanksgiving, three libraries, Henry David Thoreau, rules, Norman Rockwell, and a housewarming gift. Come and hear how each of these played a role in Bobbi’s journey these past few months. 

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.  

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting - in person, August 1

Greetings all!

Our 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting will be held this Thursday night.

It will be an in person meeting at First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, 7:00 - 9:00 PM!

Our focus will be on what the legislature included in the final climate bill which had to be completed by July 31st, the evening before our Thursday meeting. We will be sharing what we know of this based on 350 Mass and other climate group sources.  

Come and join us! 

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting - in person, August 1 

First Universalist Society in Franklin – August Summer Services

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for August 4, 2024 through August 25, 2024.  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 Interim Minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org.  

August 4, 2024:  Embracing Differences and Commonalities 

The Unitarian Universalist Value of Pluralism encourages us to “embrace our differences and commonalities with Love, curiosity, and respect.” Bobbi Gerlits, one of FUSF’s lay leaders, has been reflecting on this value for the past few months. Her journey toward a better understanding of pluralism has been shaped by the Sunday before Thanksgiving, three libraries, Henry David Thoreau, rules, Norman Rockwell, and a housewarming gift. Come and hear how each of these played a role in Bobbi’s journey these past few months. 

August 11, 2024:  Winds of Change 

Change can be a whirlwind.  Some see transformation as an exciting new chapter in life and accept it freely like a breath of fresh air.  Others may find change frightening and difficult to embrace.  In considering the range of emotions we all experience on this topic, where would you place yourself when you reflect on transformations you’ve made throughout life?  How many times have you freely chosen change and how many times has personal change been driven by life’s circumstances?  Please join FUSF Lay Leader, Deb Prudhomme in the exploration, reflection, and embrace of the winds of change. 

August 18, 2024:  An Expression of Love 

FUSF Lay leaders, Stirling and Brian Cousins, believe our shared UU Value of Transformation calls on each of us to collectively transform ourselves and to grow spiritually and ethically. In this sermon they will explore how the personal choices we all make enable us to undergo ethical transformation related to our relationship with the interdependent web of life (Value of Interdependence).  They will further discuss how transformation applied to the ethics of our personal choices is a full expression of Love.

August 25, 2024:  Minister Rev. Bev 

FUSF Interim Minister, the Rev. Beverly Waring (Rev. Bev.) is back in the pulpit and looks forward to seeing you. 

First Universalist Society in Franklin – August Summer Services

Summer Sunday Worship Series: The Artist Within - July 14, 2024

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for June 30, 2024 through July, 2024.  

Please join us each Sunday as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity,  Interdependence, 

Justice, Pluralism and Love.

Summer Sunday Worship Series: The Artist Within - July 14, 2024

All services start at 10:00 AM

Afterwards, please plan to stay for cookies and conversation.

UU Value of Generosity: The Artist Within - July 14, 2024

Lay Leader: Sue Sheridan 

Creativity is an inherent quality in every person. The natural inclination to create 

and innovate is a fundamental part of human nature.  Sue Sheridan, an accomplished artist, and Lay Leader at FUSF, will explore how the visual arts, and painting in particular, can provide a pathway to creativity; and perhaps even lead to a sense of communion with something greater than ourselves. By viewing paintings and describing the creative process involved, Sue will explore how to access the artist within. As one of our UU values states, Generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality. By sharing our gifts of creativity with one another, we are cultivating a spirit of gratitude and hope.

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. 

 

FUSF schedules Special Pride Month Sunday Service - June 2

On June 2, 2024 the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF), a Welcoming Congregation, will be celebrating Pride Month at their 10:00 AM service. The Welcoming Congregation designation of the Unitarian Universalist Association means we intentionally include LGBTQIA individuals in all aspects of congregational life and provide safe spaces that honor every part of our identities, backgrounds, and experiences.

This service will focus on the importance of allies in the lives of LGBTQIA individuals and what it means for people of all ages, gender expressions and sexual orientations to have a Welcoming Congregation such as FUSF welcome them fully into our community.

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 

June 2, 2024  10:00 AM
First Universalist Society in Franklin
262 Chestnut Street Franklin MA

 

FUSF schedules Special Pride Month Sunday Service - June 2

The Seven New Unitarian Universalist Values - May 19 at 10 AM

In June 2024, at the UU General Assembly, the UU Association of Congregations will be voting to replace our current UU Principles with seven new values. This is an exciting time of change and growth!

So what exactly are these new UU values? Where did they come from and why change from our old UU principles now? Together, let's take a broad look at the what, the why, and the how.

The Seven New Unitarian Universalist Values

On May 19, 2024 this 10:00 AM service will be led by the FUSF Worship Committee Co-Chairs, Mary Dennis and Louise Marcoux.  We hope you join us.  

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.

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