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.  

The UUA award said, in part, “We were impressed by the intentionality you have put into crafting a robust program that embodies solidarity rather than charity in the practice of mutual aid.  The longevity of your partnership with the Franklin Food Pantry, coupled with your leadership’s waiver of rent for Pantry activities and your team’s collaboration to develop multigenerational opportunities to engage, is a profound example of the impact congregations can have locally when they are attuned to the needs of their broader community.  Furthermore, the range of ways your team and congregation have shown your commitment to a complex understanding of food insecurity - including collecting donations, advocating for critical legislation, and organizing a community care campaign during a time of real crisis - is reflective of the power and responsibility we know congregations have to be engaged in collective and transformative care.”

“While this is not why we do this work of social justice,” said FUSF President Caitlin MacDonald, “it is an honor to be recognized by the national office of our denomination.” 

FUSF’s minister, the Rev. Beverly Waring added, “This award represents our commitment to social justice as a congregation. We consciously work to put our faith into action in many ways. FUSF believes in giving back to the greater Franklin area community.” 

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) begins a new year of Religious Education and Sunday Worship Services with their minister, Rev. Bev Waring on Sunday September 7, 2025. All are welcome to join us each Sunday at 10 a.m. to explore our Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism and Love. 

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, please visit www.Fusf.org, email [email protected] or call (508) 528-5348.