Welcome

Welcome to First Religious Society, a place where you will be welcomed regardless of your age, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. A place where you can grow spiritually, morally and intellectually. Join us as we celebrate our 300th anniversary.

Welcome

Welcome to First Religious Society, a place where you will be welcomed regardless of your age, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. A place where you can grow spiritually, morally and intellectually. Join us as we celebrate our 300th anniversary. 

Welcome

Welcome to First Religious Society, a place where you will be welcomed regardless of your age, religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. A place where you can grow spiritually, morally and intellectually. Join us as we celebrate our 300th anniversary. 

OCTOBER MINISTRY THEME: BEGINNINGS

Annual Ministry Theme: Life

SUNDAY, October 12, 2025

Disrupting Forgetting: Indigenous Wisdom in a Time of Chaos

SERVICE STARTS

AT 10:30AM

Sunday, October 12, 2025
Disrupting Forgetting: Indigenous Wisdom in a Time of Chaos
10:30am with livestream on YouTube

This Sunday, percussionist and singer Dawn Duncan will lead this service of ritual and music along with cellist Miranda Henne. Rev. Rebecca will also participate in the service.

Dawn Duncan, MSW, MSc is the president of the Grant Connection, a company that specializes in helping nonprofits access private and government grant funds for their programs. She is also founder of Circle of Nations, a nonprofit that provides fiscal sponsorship to community projects, based on Native American philosophy and principles. She is part Cherokee and Powhatan (indigenous) and is passionate about public health, racial justice, indigenous culture, hemp/cannabis equity, and singing.

“Disrupt forgetting. Honor the land. Learn from Trickster. These are the steps toward a world that remembers and heals.” –Dawn R. Duncan

September 18, 2025

Dear Members and Friends,

As many of you know, this summer was a time of deep discernment for me. It became clear that the time has come for me to move on to the next chapter in my ministry. This church year will be my last year as your settled minister. This has not been an easy decision.

Our shared ministry has been exquisite. It is both tender and brave, forward-looking and honoring of the past. Together we have weathered many changes within and beyond our church and thrived while doing so. To read the full letter and a message from Parish Board Chair Bob Higgins, click HERE.

The Latest News & Events

Save the Date! FRSUU 2025 Auction 11/7

Save the Date! FRSUU 2025 Auction 11/7

On Friday, November 7 from 5:30-9:30pm at the Newburyport Community Center, FRSUU will host our 2025 Auction: "Celebrating 300 years of Beloved Community." We are currently seeking donations for both the Live and Silent Auctions, including experiences, services, and...

Contemplative Meditation Service

Contemplative Meditation Service

Every first Tuesday of the month in the FRSUU Sanctuary from 7-8pm, Rev. Alan Seale leads a Contemplative Meditation Service for grounding, centering, balance, inspiration, and healing. All are welcome.

An Evening of Mandolin Music

An Evening of Mandolin Music

"Vivendo e Abrendendo," the electrifying new album from mandolin virtuosos Isaac Eicher and Ian Coury, is turning heads in the acoustic music world and expanding the boundaries of modern mandolin music. This concert is a must-hear for fans of jazz, Brazilian music,...

Jeanne Geiger Walk Against Domestic Violence

Jeanne Geiger Walk Against Domestic Violence

The Jeanne Geiger Walk Against Domestic Violence is Sunday, October 5 from 9am-12pm at Newburyport's Waterfront Park. Each year, community members gather to walk a scenic 3-mile route in honor of victims and survivors of domestic violence. We also gather in...

Stand Up for Our Immigrant Neighbors

Stand Up for Our Immigrant Neighbors

On September 30 at 7pm in the FRSUU Sanctuary we will have a special program supporting our immigrant and refugee neighbors, workmates, and friends. We will meet with Senator Tarr and Representative Shand to advocate for two bills currently before the legislature that...

The 2025 FRSUU Annual Report

The 2025 FRSUU Annual Report

The Annual Report of the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist contains reports from the Parish Board, committees, staff, and groups; the warrant for the 2025 Annual Meeting; other materials to support the Annual Meeting; and the proposed FY26 budget. To view...

Janet Applefield Event

Janet Applefield Event

Sunday, September 28 at 2pm in the FRSUU Sanctuary, Holocaust survivor Janet Singer Applefield speaks openly about her experiences as a child survivor of the Holocaust in the hope of raising awareness and understanding of the dangers of prejudice, discrimination,and...

Friday Peace Vigil

Friday Peace Vigil

Rev. Rebecca leads this gathering to reflect on and remember our commitment to peace, love, and compassion as we navigate the turbulence and daily horrors of our troubled world. Every Friday, 11 am, at the Market Square Bullnose.

Tour the FRS Campus and Buildings

Follow our drone footage as we fly to the top of FRS’s steeple featuring a glass-eyed gilded weathercock which overlooks downtown Newburyport and Merrimack River. From there, you’ll get a first-hand look at our campus grounds and the interior of our meetinghouse and Sanctuary which dates back to 1801. Rev. Rebecca, our Senior Minister, welcomes you and ALL who seek a place of spiritual community and faith here. Organ music provided by former Director of Church Music Justin Murphy-Mancini on our 1834 Joseph Alley organ. Piano music provided by Director of Church Music Nick Place. We close with a view of the bell from the foundry of Paul Revere and Sons bell.

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