Community Lunch
2025-01-12 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Parish Hall, Alliance, Chapel
On Sunday, Jan 12 immediately after the service (~11:30) we will offer all-you-can-eat soup (vegan and gluten free Portuguese kale soup and vegetarian cold cream of butternut squash soup), salad, bread, and fruit for the congregation for $5 each (kids under 12 are free).

To make this happen we need volunteers! Please sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0949ABA729ABFAC07-54047888-fuusn

New to Unitarian Universalism Class
2025-01-18 09:30 - 12:00 | Chapel
The New to Unitarian Universalism class from 9:30 AM to Noon in the Children’s Chapel is an opportunity to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and FUUSN and to find out more about becoming a member of our congregation. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about us, and we strongly urge you to attend. Please RSVP.

Worship Service: Pluralism and Equity
2025-01-19 10:15 - 11:30 | Sanctuary and Zoom
Rev. Joel Miller
Pluralism and Equity are two of the newly adopted shared values of the UUA. Rev. Joel will explore them in the context of honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

City of Newton's 57th Annual Community Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.
2025-01-20 09:00 - 11:00
Newton’s 57th Annual Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. is right around the corner, and this year, FUUSN was selected to host the event.
Join FUUSN, the Harmony Board and the City of Newton, dedicated event partners, and fellow community members on Monday, January 20th, starting at 9am, for reflection, music, student voices, children’s programming with Story Starters, and a community reception.
This year’s theme will be “Only When It Is Dark Enough Can You See the Stars“.

Learn more here about the event and program and our annual food drive (Jan. 13-18) organized by the Rotary Club of Newton and Village Bank.
Please note that registration is requested to help with our planning and to ensure we are able to communicate with you in case of a weather emergency (or as needed).
Kindly register using this link: bit.ly/NEWTONMLK25.
If you have any questions at all, please send an email to harmonyfoundationnewton@gmail.com.

Over 60s Sponsored Presentation: Philosophical Religion: FUUSN’s Heritage
2025-01-26 12:00 - 13:30 | Alliance Room and Zoom
January 26, 2025, 12-1:30 pm
Alliance Room and Zoom
Lunch bites provided
Presenter: Arthur Anderson, JD, author of The Transcendentalists and the Death and Rebirth of Western Philosophical Religion: Part 1, Ancient Philosophy as a Religious Way of Life; Part 2, Abrahamic Religion against Freedom of Thought
Independent Researcher, Teacher
In a radical departure from Abrahamic faiths, the Transcendentalist movement in 19th century Unitarianism saw the locus of religious authority as residing within the individual rather than a religious organization or sacred text. Transcendentalists were greatly influenced by ancient philosophy as a religious way of life which was based on the locus of religious authority within the individual. Arthur will discuss how the freedom of religious thought found at FUUSN and in contemporary UU is rooted in classical philosophical religion or ancient philosophy as a religious way of life.
This will be a wonderful opportunity to discuss and learn from Arthur who has an historical perspective providing an illuminating look at history, our Concord/Boston inspiring figures/FUUSN founders in 1848 and our Unitarian roots. Do join us Sunday, January 26, 2025 for this Stimulating Presentation!
Small bites for lunch.
Zoom link sent out close to the event.
Information re: A. Anderson’ research and work can be found at https://arthur-anderson.com/

Musicians Concert
2025-02-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Sanctuary and Parish Hall
Come and hear the wonderful musicians of the First Unitarian Universalist Society in concert on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2pm in the FUUSN Sanctuary. This concert is a fundraiser for the UU Urban Ministry. You’ll hear classical chamber music by pianist Paul Antonucci, cellist Debra Minard, and guitarist Bob MacWilliams. Of course, the intrepid FUUSN Band will be rocking the house. Enjoy the fantastic array of musical styles and moods: a cappella singing, classical works, bluegrass tunes, jazz and more. And we’ll continue our tradition of Cookies at Intermission!
The concert is free and open to the public. Donations will be gratefully accepted for the UU Urban Ministry.

Mission Possible! Pledge Drive Music Gala
2025-03-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Parish Hall
Join us for an extravaganza of musical talent,
organized and produced by the intrepid Anne Watson Born!
Rumor has it that Rev. Joel will perform – don’t miss it!
This year, rather than many small house parties, we are gathering as one fantastic community at a large after-dinner party to kick off our Annual Pledge Drive and showcase the tremendous creativity and talent our community offers. Our music program is just one of the truly extraordinary features of FUUSN that deserve our support, so sit back and enjoy the show as you snack on hors d’oeuvres and desserts created by your fellow FUUSNites. Beer, wine, and soft drinks will be served unshaken and unstirred.
Visit the website for more information!
We need volunteers to make this event a success!
Sign up to volunteer. Bring dessert or help at the event!
Do I need to RSVP?
RSVP here. Suggested but not required.
Become part of possible as we reach our giving goal!

Worship Service: Justice
2025-03-09 10:15 - 11:30 | FUUSN, 1326 Washington St., West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Rev. Dr. Debra Haffner
One of the new UU core values is Justice. We’ll explore what a commitment to justice means in the light of attacks on our democracy as well as the efforts to dismantle DEIA programs (diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility).
Religious Exploration: EPIC Exploring Congregational Stewardship

Worship Service: Music Sunday
2025-03-16 10:15 - 11:30 | FUUSN, 1326 Washington St., West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Anne Watson Born
“I will lift mine eyes to the hills” – for centuries, humans have turned to the Biblical Psalms for comfort and guidance. We will sing various psalm settings along with other renewing songs of our faith.
Religious Exploration: Soul Matters (Theme: Trust)

Worship Service: Faulty Failures
2025-03-23 10:15 - 11:30 | FUUSN, 1326 Washington St., West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Rev. Joel Miller
Nothing is risk-free in life – which make avoiding all risk costly and impossible. I aim for risks that allow even my failures can have benefits.
Religious Exploration: Spirit Play

Worship Service: Singing Loudly and Walking Together
2025-04-06 10:15 - 11:30 | FUUSN, 1326 Washington St., West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Rev. Mary margaret Earle
In this time of intense challenge, how do we build community and strength across differences? Rev. Earle is the Executive Director of the UU Urban Ministries.
Religious Exploration: EPIC Exploring Congregational Stewardship

Co-Ministers Installation
2025-04-06 16:00 - 17:30 | Sanctuary and Zoom
Attend in-person or by zoom — link to zoom: https://bit.ly/fuusn-worship-2024-2025

Charles River Cleanup
2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:00
Please join other FUUSNites in the Annual Clean-up along the Charles. We will be assigned a location in Newton where we will pick up trash and return the walking paths to their natural beauty. This is a quick and easy way to engage your environmental spirit and love of nature. We anticipate fielding a team of a dozen or more volunteers. Ages 8+ are welcome.
Please email rsmith@crwa.org that you are joining the FUUSN team and notify Betsy Harper you have registered ASAP.

UU Plant-Based Eating Club - Large Group Potluck
2025-05-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Parish Hall and Kitchen
Sign-up to attend:

RSVP required to attend. Click May 4 Potluck to register by May 3rd!

Venue:

First Unitarian Universalist Society of Newton, 1326 Washington St, Newton MA 02465

All Potlucks:

Plan to bring a plant-based, whole foods dish to share (no animal products/ingredients including eggs, cheese, dairy).
Bring list of ingredients and/or recipe.
Join our Club’s e-mail list at uu-plant-based-contact-us@googlegroups.com to sign up for an event. After sign-up, registrants will receive info about locations, menu themes, potluck contact info, and other topics.

POTLUCK SCHEDULE FOR THIS YEAR (Aug 2024 – July 2025)
Small Groups:

2024 – Sept 22, November 10, December 15
2025 – January 12, February 9, March 9, June 1
Small group gatherings in homes, typically from 7 to 10 people.

Large Groups:

2024 – Oct 20 at First Parish Waltham
2025 – May 4 at FUUSN, July 12 & 13 picnics at members’ homes
Typically 30 to 40 participants for gatherings in parish halls; 8 to 15 per home for July picnics
Venues include FUUSN, First Parish of Waltham, and members’ home for picnic

Sandy Island Retreat
2025-05-23 - 2025-05-25 | Offsite
We head up to a lovely YMCA camp on an island on Lake Winnipesauke in New Hampshire to spend a joyful and relaxing weekend together. To find more information and to register, sign up here.

Sandy Island Retreat
2025-05-24 - 2025-05-26 | Sandy Island

Annual Summer BBQ
2025-08-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Offsite
Location: Auburndale Cove in Newton, Site #2
Member services will have grills going for you to grill whatever you like. We’ll also have condiments and paper plates, napkins, etc.
Please bring whatever you want to grill and something to share. No alcohol allowed.

Worship Service: Home Coming
2025-09-07 10:15 - 11:30 | FUUSN, 1326 Washington St., West Newton, MA, 02465, United States
Join us for our joyous start of the Congregation year.
Join Us On Zoom: https://bit.ly/fuusn-worship-2025-2026
Share Your Joys or Sorrows
Religious Exploration This Week
Pre-K – 5th Grade

Community Lunch
2025-11-23 11:15 - 13:00 | Parish Hall and Kitchen
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat lunch with other FUUSNites for $5. Kids 12 and under eat free! Have even more fun and volunteer to help!

Winter Solstice Service (No Zoom)
2025-12-21 17:00 - 18:00 | Sanctuary
Join us for our annual Solstice Celebration at 5 pm. Wear warm clothes as we will conclude with our traditional outside ritual.

7:00 PM Worship Service: Christmas Eve
2025-12-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Sanctuary and Zoom

10:00 PM Worship Service: Christmas Eve (NO ZOOM)
2025-12-24 22:00 - 23:00 | Sanctuary
This service will not be available on Zoom.

Pledge Drive Kickoff Party
2026-02-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Parish Hall
Join us for the Pledge Drive Kickoff Party on Saturday, February 28 at 6:00 PM, featuring an evening of fun, creativity, and entertainment as we begin this bold journey together. Food, beverages and desserts provided by the community. FUUSN will provide a Mediterranean dinner and soft drinks. We’re asking the bakers and dessert lovers among us to bring something sweet to share — and wine or beer as well, if you’d like. Connect with us in the Parish Hall on Sundays or reach out to us at pledgedrive@fuusn.org
Join us and our FUUSN community to celebrate – boldly! Dress boldly, come ready to pledge as we build our future — Bold Together!
RSVP for the party — Your RSVP will help us plan a great event. Volunteer — We need a few helping hands!

Visit the website for more information: Annual Pledge Drive 2026 – 2027

Musicians Concert
2026-03-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Sanctuary and Parish Hall
Come and hear the wonderful musicians of the First Unitarian Universalist Society in concert on Sunday, March 8, 2025 at 2pm in the FUUSN Sanctuary. This concert is a fundraiser for the UU Urban Ministry. You’ll hear classical chamber music by pianists Paul Antonucci and Lois Shapiro, along with guitarists Bob MacWilliams and Chris Welles. Of course the intrepid FUUSN Band will be there, rocking the house. Enjoy the fantastic array of musical styles and moods: a cappella singing, classical works, bluegrass tunes, jazz and more. And we’ll continue our tradition of Cookies at Intermission!
The concert is free and open to the public. Donations will be gratefully accepted for the UU Urban Ministry.

Charles River Cleanup
2026-04-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Offsite
Please join other FUUSNites in the Annual Clean-up along the Charles. We will be assigned a location in Newton where we will pick up trash and return the walking paths to their natural beauty. This is a quick and easy way to engage your environmental spirit and love of nature. We anticipate fielding a team of a dozen or more volunteers. Ages 8+ are welcome.
Please contact Betsy Harper to sign up and crwa.org to register. You will be requested to sign a waiver. Please use “FUUSN” as your group affiliation

Annual Summer BBQ
2026-08-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Offsite
Update your FUUSN friends and greet newcomers with what you’ve been up to this summer. Bring something to grill and a side dish and beverages to our summer BBQ.
