chalice with rainbow flame
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Essex County

Samhain at First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn

On Saturday, October 31st, 2009, starting 1030am-1130am in the chapel, join the Gaia Spirit Circle for our SAMHAIN service, followed by an Elizabethan Masque and Medieval Faire.  True to our tradition, our service from 1030-1130 will include a mystery play about the meaning of our holiday, so come for some religious education for all ages on the origins and traditions of Halloween.  Bring a dish--harvest foods like corn, pumpkin, turnips, yams, and apples are traditional.  Punch will be provided, but feel free to bring other beverages.

After the service, enjoy a medieval faire courtesy of the local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism from 12-4pm.  Enjoy dancing from the 15th-mid 17th centuries as taught by Lord Thomas Trueheart.  Enjoy tarot readings and a class on tarot divination by Elisot de Puccehole from the East Kingdom Soothsayer's guild--and many more arts and craftsfrom the middle ages.

Please come in costume.  Those coming in historical costumes for the period 600-1650 will be automatically entered in a special costume contest with prizes awarded to the best costumes in the category. Other prizes to be awarded for costumes as well.  So come and have a ball at our masque while enjoying an authentic period atmosphere and activities.

Questions should be sent to Michael Richardson 718-790-7806 or to Laurel at 908 720 7050 or email

The Gaia Spirit Circle is an earth-based spirituality group of the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn.

Location and Directions for those not familiar with how to get to us: First Unitarian Society of Brooklyn is located at 50 Monroe Place, Brooklyn, NY 11201.  Side street parking is available.  New Jersey Transit Trains to Penn Station or PATH trains to 33rd connect to R, 2,3,4,5 trains R train to COURT STREET (if it is running) is your nearest subway.  Take the exit NEAREST Manhattan to exit Court Street station.  This is the one that has stairs to an elevator to stairs.  So if you are coming from Manhattan, the back of the train, coming from Brooklyn, the front of the train.  Exit the subway.  You will be right against Trinity church, turn the corner onto Clinton and walk up one block to Pierrepont.  You will see a big Brownstone church across the street and to your left.  Cross the street, turn left, and head for it.  First UU is that big brownstone church between Monroe and Clinton on Pierrepont.

2,3,4,5 to BOUROUGH HALL:  NJ Transit connects to this at PENN STATION.  From Brooklyn, connections are also available at ATLANTIC AVE.  This is important if you get lost in the system.  Remember that Borough Hall is TOWARDS MANHATTAN from Atlantic Ave since it is right up against the East River in BROOKLYN HEIGHTS. At borough hall there is an elevator at the very end of the platform.  This is very helpful for many people.  Take advantage of it, especially if you are carrying stuff. At the subway exit is another elevator on court street. take it up and cross the street.  Follow court street up on block to Pierrepoint to the church.  This is two blocks further than court street.