The FUSF Food Justice Team invites you to Join us for a screening of “Common Ground” and a Potluck - Feb 22

https://commongroundfilm.org/

On Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 12:30 PM, the First Universalist Food Justice Team will be screening the award-winning film “Common Ground”, starring among others, Woody Harrelson, Laura Dern, Jason Momoa and Danny Glover.  “By fusing journalistic expose’ with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. 

The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy”. 

Enjoy a potluck while watching or feel free to bring your own lunch.  Admission is free. The screening and post-film discussion will take place at the First Universalist Society at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA.    

Please also mark your calendars for March 8, 2026 when the discussion of regenerative agriculture farming practices continues with a discussion with Ali Coakley, proprietor, Night Owl Farm, Franklin MA.

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.  

Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament and Sale - Fri, Jan 23 & Sat, Jan 24

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 $40 per team. Each team can be up to four people and your team goes home with the completed puzzle. 

The Team Registration signup and puzzle tournament rules can be found at FUSF.org/events. For questions call Vicki @ 508-654-6740.  

Cash, check or electronic payment accepted.  

Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament

Friday, January 23, 2026 6 pm to 8 pm

OR

Saturday, January 24, 2026 10 am to Noon

Puzzle Sale:   Hundreds and hundreds of Jigsaw puzzles will be for sale both Friday and Saturday. 

You do not need to enter the tournament to shop. Most puzzles are priced between $4 and $6 - Some are brand new! 

Be sure to stock up for all those puzzlers in your life (or yourself). 

Cash, check or electronic payment accepted.  

Jigsaw Puzzle Sale

Friday, January 23, 2026 5 pm to 8 pm

OR

Saturday, January 24, 2026 9 am to Noon

Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament and Sale - Fri, Jan 23 & Sat, Jan 24

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is an 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.  

3rd annual “Holiday Cookie Walk” scheduled for Saturday, Dec 13 at 10 AM

"The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) will hold their third annual “Holiday Cookie Walk” on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

3rd 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 sold by the 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!"

Follow the Facebook event ->  https://www.facebook.com/events/1530714518200274/

First Universalist Society in Franklin Receives Bennett Award

FUSF Receives Bennett Award

"The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is proud to announce that it is one of four congregations nationwide selected to receive this year’s prestigious Unitarian Unitarian Association’s (UUA) Bennett Award for Congregational Action on Human Justice and Social Action. The award  is in recognition of FUSF’s longstanding commitment to Food Justice and their partnership with the Franklin Food Pantry.  "

Continue reading about this award ->   https://www.bellinghambulletin.com/2025/08/26/543994/first-universalist-society-in-franklin-receives-bennett-award 

"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.

One Million Rising campaign - Info session scheduled for Aug 7

INDIVISIBLE One Million Rising campaign

One Million Rising campaign -
Info session scheduled for Aug 7

Indivisible has launched a campaign, One Million Rising, to train citizens in non-compliance against authoritarianism. The Indivisible Middlesex/Norfolk/Worcester Chapter is offering three opportunities to participate in this campaign and learn about eventually training the trainers so we can grow our community connection, resilience, and resistance.

Sign up with the links:

August 7 7:00 - 8:15 PM https://mobilize.us/s/qFluac

(resistance gathering)

August 7 will have a brief introduction to deepen our understanding of the moment we're in, the need for mass defiance, the "pillars" framework, and how we can influence those pillars. It will be an opportunity to learn about the myriads of ways we can resist authoritarianism by recognizing the connections we already have in our lives.

"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/

FUSF seeking gently used puzzles

We are seeking gently used puzzles.

FUSF seeking gently used puzzles

Are you clearing out and organizing? FUSF’s 3rd Annual Puzzle Sale is happening again in January 2026. We are in need of puzzles (lots of puzzles) of all sizes to sell. As you clean out your closets, please consider donating them to FUSF! You can leave the puzzles in the bin outside the front door of the meetinghouse at 262 Chestnut Street in Franklin

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

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

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 20, 2025 ???

Sunday, July 20

7:30am CANCELED - All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

10:00am The Power of Love (First Universalist Society Franklin)

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

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

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

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

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

Yes, And: The Spirit of Improv & UU Values - Sunday, July 6

Yes, And: The Spirit of Improv & UU Values

Join FUSF member, high school teacher, and improv enthusiast Emily Steltzer for a joyful and interactive worship service exploring the surprising connections between the principles of improv and our Unitarian Universalist values of generosity and equity.

Through an introduction to the 5 “rules” of improv and playful exercises, we will build community, boost confidence, and discover how saying “yes, and” can deepen our spiritual practice. 

Come ready to engage, connect, and leave a little lighter and more inspired!

Please join us Sunday, July 6 as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism and Love.  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

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/

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

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/ 

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

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!

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

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.