Bringing Unitarian Universalism to the Daily Grind - June 29

Bringing Unitarian Universalism
to the Daily Grind - June 29

Please join us for our first lay-led service of the summer.

Bringing Unitarian Universalism to the Daily Grind

Sunday, June 29 @ 10:00 am

Do you ever feel like there are just too many things on your to-do list to possibly add a faith journey to your plate?

Caitlin MacDonald, President of the FUSF Board of Trustees, aspiring local activist, full-time music educator, and married mother of three will share her experiences with bringing her Unitarian Universalist values to the daily grind.

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.

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

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1AARswMdp8/

Talking about labyrinths with Bobbi Gerlits (audio)

FM #1445 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1445 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Bobbi Gerlits. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. 

Our conversation talked about the restoration of the labyrinth at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF).

• Labyrinth installation in 2008, restoration in 2025

• A non-denominational tool for navigating life

• 4 R’s to guide walking a labyrinth

• The labyrinth at FUSF is open to the community from sunrise to sunset

• Workshops and walks will be scheduled

The conversation runs about 37 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1445-talking-about-labyrinths-with-bobbi-gerlits-05-06-25/

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FUSF page  https://fusf.org/worship/sacred-spaces/ 

World page for FUSF space ->

https://labyrinthlocator.org/labyrinth/first-universalist-society-in-franklin/?fwp_city=Franklin 

Nathan Wiles’s labyrinth designer page  https://innatecreations.org/ 

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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 out. 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"

Talking about labyrinths with Bobbi Gerlits (audio)

Mah Jongg Play All Day Event - May 3

Come alone or bring your regular group. We will rotate tables throughout the day.

All levels welcome, but some experience is required. 

Be sure to bring your own 2025 NMJL card, along with $5 in change to play with.  If you run out of money, we will have extra for you to use.

Mah Jongg Play All Day Event - May 3

Cost: $35, includes door prizes and lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request). We will also have coffee and mini muffins to start your day. 

To Register:

●  Register by April 25, 2025 to reserve your spot. For more details and to register please visit FUSF.org/Upcoming Events. Once you register you will receive confirmation and more details about the day.

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

Reminder: An Evening of Conversation Regarding Food Sovereignty and Access - Apr 24

The FUSF Food Justice team invites you to share an evening of thoughtful discussion with our special guest, Sister Anna Gilbert–Muhammad. Sister Anna will focus on the current state of food justice, access and sovereignty issues in Massachusetts. This is a particularly timely topic given the current pressures on our food system from climate change and the rapidly changing policies at the federal level.  Her discussion will include actions we can take to make an impact. 

A reception with light snacks will follow the speaking event. Donations to FUSF will be gratefully accepted but are not required to attend.  We hope to see you on April 24th!   

Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammad currently serves as the Equity Director and Food Access/Webinar Coordinator for Northeast Organic Farmer’s Association - MASS Chapter (NOFA/MA). Anna is responsible for the alliances of NOFA/Ma, with groups working on food access issues, food policy and food sovereignty efforts. In her home town of Springfield, MA, Anna works with the “Youth Leader Organic Gardening/Cooking Program” at Home City Housing, “The Open Pantry Community Garden Project” and smaller projects in the Boston and Springfield Area. Sister Anna wants to see all residents in all communities in Massachusetts have the access they deserve to fresh, wholesome food and to assist all that wish to grow food in their homes.

An Evening of Conversation Regarding Food Sovereignty and Access  - Apr 24

Hosted by: the FUSF Food Justice Team  

Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM 

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

An Evening of Conversation Regarding Food Sovereignty and Access - Apr 24

The FUSF Food Justice team invites you to share an evening of thoughtful discussion with our special guest, Sister Anna Gilbert–Muhammad. Sister Anna will focus on the current state of food justice, access and sovereignty issues in Massachusetts. This is a particularly timely topic given the current pressures on our food system from climate change and the rapidly changing policies at the federal level.  Her discussion will include actions we can take to make an impact. 

A reception with light snacks will follow the speaking event. Donations to FUSF will be gratefully accepted but are not required to attend.  We hope to see you on April 24th!   

Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammad currently serves as the Equity Director and Food Access/Webinar Coordinator for Northeast Organic Farmer’s Association - MASS Chapter (NOFA/MA). Anna is responsible for the alliances of NOFA/Ma, with groups working on food access issues, food policy and food sovereignty efforts. In her home town of Springfield, MA, Anna works with the “Youth Leader Organic Gardening/Cooking Program” at Home City Housing, “The Open Pantry Community Garden Project” and smaller projects in the Boston and Springfield Area. Sister Anna wants to see all residents in all communities in Massachusetts have the access they deserve to fresh, wholesome food and to assist all that wish to grow food in their homes.

An Evening of Conversation Regarding Food Sovereignty and Access  - Apr 24

Hosted by: the FUSF Food Justice Team  

Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM 

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

Mah Jongg Play All Day Event - May 8

“I’ve got Mah Jongg!”

Be the one to shout that out at the Mah Jongg Play All Day Event

Saturday, May 3, 2025, 9 AM – 2:30 PM at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (262 Chestnut St. Franklin, MA 02038)

Details:

Mah Jongg Play All Day Event - May 8 

● Come alone or bring your regular group.

● We will rotate tables throughout the day.

● All levels welcome, but some experience is required.

● Be sure to bring your own 2025 NMJL card, along with $5 in change to play with. If you run out of money, we will have extra for you to use.

● Cost: $35, 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 25, 2025 to reserve your spot.

● Register online and buy ticket using PayPal at www.FUSF.org, under UPCOMING EVENTS - go directly to -> https://fusf.org/2024/12/23/mah-jongg-play-all-day-event/

● You will receive a confirm receipt and more details about the day.

Questions?

● Contact info@fusf.org or call 508-528-5348

Climate: What will you do? - First Universalist Society in Franklin - April 6

The issue of climate change is an immense problem which can seem overwhelming. The Unitarian Universalist values of Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, Generosity and Love remind us of our responsibility to protect the earth and all beings from exploitation and to respect the interdependent web of existence. 

Climate: What will you do?

Please join us for this Lay Led service as several members of FUSF's Climate Justice Team share personal perspectives and the steps they are taking to put UU Values and their faith into action! They will also share examples of relatively simple steps one can take to make a difference. 

You are cordially invited to continue the discussion after service over coffee and treats in our Fellowship Café.   

When: Sunday, April 6, 2025 @ 10:00 AM

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

Country Dance: Reels and More! at FUSF on Saturday, March 15

“Country Dance” is a fun, accessible style of dance that includes Virginia Reels and more. It 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.  

Country Dance: Reels and More!

Doors open at 6:45 pm. There will be two sets with a brief intermission in between. Comfortable seating will be available should you want to sit out a specific dance. Snacks and water will be provided. 

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. 

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

Life’s Journey: The Relationships We Build along The Way - March 2

Life’s Journey: The Relationships We Build along The Way - March 2

Please join the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) on March 2, 2025 for an inspirational service of music led by the band, “Critical Mass”.  Centered around the theme that we are all on a journey, the band will explore, through spoken word and song, “How we start on a journey at birth, gather friends and family, enter into or end relationships, assemble our chosen families and, most importantly, how all of these people join to support us on our personal journey.” 

  

“Critical Mass” is comprised of members and friends of FUSF who have been playing together for over twenty years. This service will include songs by James Taylor, Josh Radin and the Traveling Willburys, among others.  We hope that you will join “Critical Mass” and FUSF on March 2nd.  Singing along is encouraged!

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, January 24, 2025 ???

Friday, January 24

• No Trash/Recycling Delay scheduled due to MLK Jr Holiday Monday
• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)

10am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

6pm Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament & Sale (First Universalist Society Franklin)

9pm It’s a J Thing (live music) (3 Restaurant)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

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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/node/39/events/upcoming

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

Reminder: Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament & Puzzle Sale - Jan 24 or Jan 25, 2025

Tournament - Friday, January 24, 6-8 PM OR Saturday, January 25, 10 AM - 12 PM

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.  

Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament & Puzzle Sale

It’s only $40/team for teams of up to four people and your team goes home with the completed puzzle.

Team captains should register their team (all team members do not need to register) on Sign Up Genius by clicking this link ->   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084AAAAD23A13-53907469-jigsaw#/

Once registered, the Team Captain should pay in advance either via the Paypal link or by mailing a check to FUSF with “Puzzle Tournament” in the notation line. 

->  https://fusf.org/product/puzzle-tournament/

Only 12 teams can play at once so be sure to pay and reserve your spot early! Last year we sold out!

Tournament rules and details are accessible via this link.

Light snacks and water will be provided but feel free to bring your own snacks and beverages.

For Tournament questions contact Vicki at vicki.coates@fusf.org.

Puzzle Sale

Hundreds of jigsaw puzzles will be for sale both Friday and Saturday. We have all sizes for sale, but an especially large inventory of 1000-piece puzzles! You do not need to enter a Tournament to shop. Puzzles are priced between $3 and $5—some are brand new! Cash, check, or electronic payment accepted.  

Native Plant Seed Starting Workshop scheduled for Jan 18

All are welcome to:

A Native Plant Seed Starting Workshop which is FREE and open to the public. 

Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the First Universalist Society in Franklin meetinghouse (262 Chestnut Street).

Native Plant Seed Starting Workshop

Growing native plants in your yard is essential for supporting pollinators and birds. Join us for a presentation on the importance of native plants and how to grow them in your yard.  

Together we will do some "winter sowing.” We will be planting seeds in gallon jug greenhouses so that you can plant the plants in your yard this spring. We will provide native plant seeds and soil. You provide the gallon jugs for planting in (the kind milk and water come in).

This workshop will be led by Stirling Cousins, a member of the FUSF Sustainable Native Landscape Team. Stirling is a lay member of FUSF and has a background in biology, environmental science and teaching. She is a certified Field Naturalist in both New York and Massachusetts.  She has created native plant gardens in six home and business settings. 

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. 

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

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15pkhWAYyH/

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. 

Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament & Puzzle Sale - Jan 24 or Jan 25, 2025

Tournament

Friday, January 24, 6-8 PM OR Saturday, January 25, 10 AM - 12 PM

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.  

Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament & Puzzle Sale

It’s only $40/team for teams of up to four people and your team goes home with the completed puzzle.

Team captains should register their team (all team members do not need to register) on Sign Up Genius by clicking this link ->   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084AAAAD23A13-53907469-jigsaw#/

Once registered, the Team Captain should pay in advance either via the Paypal link or by mailing a check to FUSF with “Puzzle Tournament” in the notation line. 

->  https://fusf.org/product/puzzle-tournament/

Only 12 teams can play at once so be sure to pay and reserve your spot early! Last year we sold out!

Tournament rules and details are accessible via this link.

Light snacks and water will be provided but feel free to bring your own snacks and beverages.

For Tournament questions contact Vicki at vicki.coates@fusf.org.

Puzzle Sale

Hundreds of jigsaw puzzles will be for sale both Friday and Saturday. We have all sizes for sale, but an especially large inventory of 1000-piece puzzles! You do not need to enter a Tournament to shop. Puzzles are priced between $3 and $5—some are brand new! Cash, check, or electronic payment accepted.  

First Universalist Society of Franklin: Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 PM

Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 PM

"Join us in person or on Zoom at 5:30 pm for our annual Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols. 

An evening of the ancient story told from scripture and from more modern readings with many of the old favorite Christmas Carols. 

We will end the service with a candlelit singing of Silent Night."

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

2nd Annual Cookie Walk: December 14, 2024 - starts at 10:00 AM

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) will hold their second annual “Holiday Cookie Walk” on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. 

2nd Annual Cookie Walk

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 annual holiday fun! 

Reminder: 350 Mass Greater Franklin node MEETING CHANGED to Weds, Dec 11

As mentioned in the earlier alert about changing our node meeting date, we will be meeting both in-person and by Zoom tomorrow night (Dec 11) at 7 PM to review and discuss Monday's Statewide Campaign presentation.  This will help guide us in determining our campaign focus for the foreseeable future. 

If you can come but you'll be late, that's OK. We'd rather you come if you can. And while the meeting will be hybrid, both in-person and Zoom, it is preferable to be in person for a full-fledged discussion. 

Our in-person meeting will take place at First Universalist Society in Franklin at 262 Chestnut Street at 7 PM.

350 Mass Greater Franklin node

Carolyn will be unable to join in person, having tested positive for Covid.  Rand has tested negative three times and will attend wearing a mask. Please bring a mask to wear so our holidays can be healthy.  As a further precaution we will meet in the larger Cooke Room at the back left side of the RE wing for greater separation.

We will share a screen in Zoom to show the YouTube presentation for everyone, allowing us to pause to discuss points.  Sometimes Zoom running a YouTube video can be a bit choppy. If it doesn't work for you, you can run the recording directly. We are also attaching a link to the YouTube presentation here in case there are technical difficulties so all can view it.

Meeting Zoom link:

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

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274    Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

We will postpone our Holiday Party until Thursday, January 2, at which time we will also discuss and provide feedback to the Statewide Steering Team for their Wednesday, February 5, meeting to vote on statewide campaign(s). 

We hope this works for you all. December is always problematic with families having busy holiday plans! 

Please join us!

With gratitude,

Carolyn and Steve

ALERT: 350 Mass Greater Franklin node MEETING CHANGED from Dec 5 to Dec 11

Hi everyone,

Because of the holidays and the Statewide Campaign presentation being recorded Monday, Dec 9, for nodes to review and discuss to determine our campaign focus for the foreseeable future, we need to change our meeting date.

Ordinarily we'd meet this Thursday, Dec 5, but at our next meeting we need to discuss and provide feedback to the Statewide Steering Team for their Jan 8 meeting to vote on statewide campaign(s).

As our next meeting time, Dec 19, is too close to the busy holidays, Steve and I decided we'd change the next node meeting to be Wed, Dec 11, at 7:00 PM, at First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

If you cannot come Dec 11, please let me know and I'll send the recorded presentation to you (after Dec 9). You can view the recording and either call or email me your preferences and thoughts.

If you can come but you'll be late, that's OK. I'd rather you come if you can.

The meeting will be hybrid, both in-person and Zoom. We should be able to have both options available, but it would be best to be in person for a full-fledged discussion.

350 Mass Greater Franklin node

PLEASE PUT THIS CHANGE ON YOUR CALENDAR!  😁

🧀  🍪 🎄🎄🎄🎄 🍪   🧀  

Also, as the holidays are upon us now, we'll have a little holiday party (we won't be ALL WORK as we discuss the campaign selection), so if you'd like to bring something simple and yummy, either hors d'oeuvres or sweets, to share, that would be fun! Rand and I will bring some cider and cheese and crackers. No big deal! 😁

I hope this works for you all. December is always problematic with families having busy holiday plans! 

Zoom link:

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

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274    Passcode: 350ma
Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

Please join us!

With gratitude,

Carolyn and Steve

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/