When Can Old North Church Meet Again?

Yesterday, July 2, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker, a member of Old North Church, announced Phase Three re-openings in Massachusetts beginning Monday, July 6 th . This welcome development is due, in large part, to the willingness of residents of the Commonwealth to observe the recommendations of our public health officials regarding social distancing and wearing face masks. We are awaiting more details on what regulations and recommendations will be in place once Phase Three begins before we announce plans. While we do not anticipate a safe re-opening of the meetinghouse on Washington Street during this new phase, we will be assessing the possibility of regathering for Sunday worship at the Lighthouse, if it is safe, practical and feasible. Watch this space for details. Meanwhile, stay safe and stay well. And have a happy Fourth of July!
Sunday, July 5, 2020
Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

Readings: Isaiah 61:1-4 and Galatians 5:13-15
Rev. Dr. Dennis Calhoun's sermon: "A Declaration of Interdependence"

Thanks to composer/guitarist Raymond Gonzalez for his contribution of original compositions from his album, "Unknown Mariner" for today's service. 

This week's worship video will be posted by 8am this Sunday.
Please click here on Sunday morning to view the service.

Please click on "Show More," found below the youtube video, if you would like to access the "Suggested Listening" portion of our online services.

Please note that the zoom Coffee Hour will now be held at 9:30am!

Please click here for a copy of Sunday's bulletin.
Our Latest News and Activities
Worship Service and Coffee Hour Links

The early church met in houses, instead of in sanctuaries; in this pandemic time, we'll be bringing you worship from our houses, for you to participate in from yours. This Sunday's worship will be on YouTube, and can be found by clicking  here or by entering this link in your browser:
It will be posted by 8am. 

Coffee Hour Time Change!
After worship, at 9:30am we'll gather for coffee hour via Zoom, an online meeting platform. You can call in with your phone, or join with video and audio from a smartphone or computer. It'll be a little weird, and a little clunky, but it will be so nice to see your faces. (You'll have to make your own coffee). Here's the Zoom information: 

Either click here or enter this link: https://zoom.us/j/566308766
Or call this number: 
    +1 312 626 6799 (Meeting ID: 566 308 766)

Anti-Racism Group at ONC

In the past few months, momentum has been building among white people to join in on anti-racism work that has been led by Black people in this country for centuries. This is necessary, soulful, and uncomfortable work, and we hope that you have been finding ways to read Black writers, listen to Black thinkers, donate to Black causes, and work on the racism that is present in yourself (as it is in all of us!). A group of Old North Church folks are committing to get together regularly to hold ourselves accountable to doing this work. We *won't* be a book discussion group (there's a fabulous one already at Old North, led by Duncan Cox!) and we'll all be doing different work in our own lives; this group will not primarily be a teaching space, but will be a time for sharing and accountability about how we are participating in the work Jesus calls us to do in unraveling white supremacy--whether that's confronting racist language in our families and friends, supporting Black organizers in the local area, immersing ourselves in learning from people of color, or many other things. We're still figuring this out, and we'd love for you to be on the journey with us.

Join us either on Monday, July 13 at 7pm or Wednesday, July 15 at 12:30pm via Zoom ( https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84605394239 or dial +1 929 205 6099 and enter meeting ID 846 0539 4239) Contact Lindsay ( lindsaypopper@gmail.com ) if you have questions!

Children's Faith Formation

Sabbath for All

“Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8

Faith Practice Spotlight: Silence. A minute of silence. How long is a minute? What does it mean to have a “Sabbath Minute” Find a comfortable place to practice being quiet or silent for a full minute. How does it feel?

Suggestions for ways to setting aside time for Sabbath

• Set aside certain periods of the day where all electronics are turned off, and family members spend time together in conversation, relaxation, and prayer.

• Take one day out of the week that is dedicated to church and family.

• Talk about what feels restful to your family and make a plan to try different restful things.

• Make it a habit to have an extra special family meal one day per week. The meal doesn’t have to be fancy in order to be extra special: just spend time together! Perhaps use special plates or candles.

• Spend some time in nature on your Sabbath day. Go on a nature walk, or simply spend time in your own backyard.

Rev. Traci Smith, Treasure Box Tuesdays
Author of Faithful Families


Welcome the Stranger Update
Sharing some good news!

On some rare days, we receive news that makes our heart sing, news that represents the culmination of a long, arduous effort. Last Monday was one of those very special days: Danie’s application for Asylum has been approved and she and her family can now live permanently and legally in the US!!!

Please take a few moments to pat yourselves on the back and take in what you've accomplished over the last 4 years. Three congregations (with the help of a fourth congregation; the Clifton Lutheran Church) working together welcomed a stranger from Haiti; and now that stranger is truly our friend and neighbor.

We don't have the words to express our gratitude to all of you for all of your hard and heartfelt work. We are proud to live in such a generous community.

Danie’s gift to us is serving as the focal for creating this interfaith partnership
of our faith communities.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts , 

WTS Steering Committee
Marcy Bernstein     Temple Emanu-El
Lynda Hare            Old North Church
Steve Hahn           St. Andrews Episcopal Church
Deahn Leblang       Temple Emanu-EL
Richard Thibedeau  Old North Church
Deb Seiberg           Temple Emanu-EL


All Hands In For Peace

Although we are apart let us join together for a virtual art project! Please send me a selfie of your Hand, a high five, a fist pump or Peace. I will join them together to create a piece of virtual art. Please text me at 978-335-6244 or email kwkilty@gmail.com . Or send an outline of your hand to my home at: Karen Kilty, 14 Carolyn Drive, Danvers MA 01923.

 I look forward to weaving our hands together in peace.

ONC Reading Group- Wednesday
July 8th at 8:30 am via Zoom

This is the latest of a series of meetings on preservation of our democracy and environment that have been hosted by the ONC Men’s Group. The discussions are supported by background reading assignments. You are invited to participate regardless of the amount of reading you have done. At this meeting we will discuss the book, How to Be an Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi. We may also begin discussion of the book, Not Born Yesterday: the Science of Who We Trust and What We Believe, by Hugo Mercier, which is a candidate for reading during the following month. Undoubtedly, there will be much discussion of current world and local affairs. To join the Zoom meeting, on July 8 th please click on the following link : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86382283183?pwd=alBLM3BQZG5wMmtuUFplUk5FYllhUT09

Art From the Heart: Reflections From Quarantine

We are living in extraordinary times. Our lives have been forever changed. Our very sense of our “selves” has been challenged. And yet, we persevere and prevail.

One of the greatest ways to study history, is through art. From the first forms painted on caves we have shared our lives through art. To pass on the essence of ourselves, in our own way, to the future. In this light we invite EVERY member of ONC to share their “Art from the heart: Reflections from quarantine.” While the final project ideas have not been nailed down, we would like to start receiving digital copies of anything you have done during the quarantine. Art is a form of meditation. It is in no uncertain terms God's work though your own mind and hands. But art isn’t confined to conventional ideas. We want to see “you” through the wonderful, joyous, splendor of Gods Grace. Have you written a poem, story, song or piece of music? Have you planted a garden? Did you cook a new recipe or perfect an old one? Did you discover an old place on your regular walking route that you never noticed? Did you do your children's art assignment with them just so they wouldn’t work alone (I've done many) Did you knit, sew, sculpt, clean? Did you restructure your company to aid in the fight against the virus? What have you done during this time that best shows “you”. The possibilities are endless.

There are different ways that ONC would like to use these artistic expressions. Some ideas have been as a video background. Website for the Church. To be archived in our history. In a time capsule. A picture book. But we need material first and this is where everyone counts. Each and every piece, provided it can be transmitted in some digital form, is welcome. We can provide assistance on how to make that happen. From uploading a performance to transmitting a picture of your favorite meal. Personal stories and reflections via audio or text will be greatly appreciated as well.

Thank you, I very much look forward to working with everyone on this project. You may email your submissions to Karen Kilty, kwkilty@gmail.com

James Horgan
Ways to Connect With Us During the Week

So that we might stay connected, we've set up several times throughout the week to gather on Zoom. You can join from a computer, iphone, or ipad using the links below, or you can call +1 929 205 6099 and enter the meeting ID (listed with each event). 

Lectio Divina (Tuesdays 9am)
https://zoom.us/j/532654567 (Meeting ID: 532-654-567)
A time of contemplative prayer, with scripture and poetry, led by Dennis. 

Breakfast Group (Fridays 8am)
https://zoom.us/j/568995512 (Meeting ID: 568-995-512)
A time to gather with one another, with your breakfast and coffee. 
Church Building Access and Office Hours

We are limiting access to the church and office buildings to critical business needs only. Our office is closed for normal business but some of our staff are in periodically to ensure that critical operations are maintained. Please reach out to us via email at office@onchurch.org if you have any questions. Thank you for staying home and staying safe!
Do You Need Assistance? Here are some Resources.
 
We are sharing a list of resources which Gordon Lothrop thoughtfully shared with us from the Marblehead Masonic Lodge.

List of Resources
  • Swampscott Council on Aging: click here
  • Marblehead Council on Aging: click here
  • Marblehead Community Support Forum:  click here
  • Nahant Council on Aging: click here
  • Anchor Food Pantry Swampscott: click here
  • The Nahant Veteran’s Food Bank operates the first Wednesday of the month for veterans living in Nahant.
  • Marblehead Food Pantry, 80 Atlantic Ave. (781)631-5335: click here
  • Town of Marblehead:  click here
  • Town of Swampscott: click here 
  • Churches
  • Synagogues
  • Schools
Contact Us: 781-631-1244

Church Address: 35 Washington St., Marblehead, MA 01945
Mailing Address: 8 Stacey St. Marblehead, MA 01945