First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist — Attraction in Newburyport

Since the content of Helen's review is identical to a review posted under a different name on Yelp, I am not sure what is going on here. However, I can say that my 13 years as a member of the First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist is completely contrary to the description posted by "Helen" in the Google review. I have found the sermons of the Reverends Harold Babcock, Susan Milnor and Rebecca Bryan inspiring and thought provoking. Our FRS community is welcoming and supportive to all. FRS has been a key sustainer for me during our country's current divisiveness, violence, growing strength of the white supremist movement, racism and gender discrimination. I invite all who seek a non-dogmatic faith community to join us for Sunday worship and the many programs and activities our...

Sadly, I am disappointed in this church. I recently moved here and expected a progressive church with inclusive values and heart. Instead, I found a solely Christian church - not inclusive of other religious faiths or philosophy. Boring sermons. Pathetic music choices of a very aged school. Compare with West Newton; Santa Cruz, CA; Monterey, CA; NYC; San Francisco. The icing on the cake is the 'steeple fund'. A steeple is an ornamental item and unnecessary. People in the congregation are in need of help yet the church supports and is soliciting funds for a useless piece of ornamentation. The church has its priorities backwards, is out of integrity. The minister's sermons daft. In a recent Gallup poll, people go to church because of the sermon first - some enlightened...

This is a wonderful community to be part of. It is filled with caring and supportive people committed to social justice. In a world filled with such divisive rhetoric, it is a breath of fresh air to find a space that welcomes everyone to join in a faith journey that is right for them. It is an exciting time to be a part of this the church. With a new minister, new music director and a growing membership the energy within the church...