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The Spire


the electronic newsletter of

First Parish of Norwell,

Unitarian Universalist


In - Spire - ing News UUs Can Use


May 9, 2024



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click here to email the Church Office

In This Issue

Sunday Worship


From the Director of Community Engagement


Spiritual Snack


Caring Corner


Congregational Care Team


Stewardship Update


Community Dinner

Annual Reports


Annual Parish Meeting Date


Helen Fogg Outreach Committee


Yoga


New Members' Series


Golf Tournament


Side with Love Overpass Gatherings

Mental Health Action Team


James Library


First Parish Book Group


Lunchtime Poetry Group


May and June Events Poster


Ongoing/Recurring Events

Multiplatform Services on

Sundays at 10 am


Rev. Susan Chorley preaching unless otherwise indicated

Our worship and Soul Matters theme for May is Pluralism. We will use our time together on Sundays to celebrate the diversity of belief and thought within our Unitarian Universalist community.


May 12: "Love Unbound" 

Honoring mothers and accepting the invitation of the Confucius practice of self-reflection and change. 


May 19: "What the Principles Mean to Me" - led by our FPN youth group (with youth advisors Jonathan Babcock and Karen Bernier)  


During Coffee Hour, the ice cream truck from Nona's will visit as a thank you to all who pledged during the Stewardship Drive. The winner of the NSRWA boat cruise will also be drawn.


May 26: "A Time for War and a Time for Peace"

On this Sunday before Memorial Day, we will honor those who have died in service to our country and reflect on moving towards peace in a world with a proclivity for war 


click here to join


Meeting ID: 816 8328 2836

Passcode: Plural


Dial by your location

+1 646 876 9923

Meeting ID: 816 8328 2836


Please send your joys and concerns to Rev. Susan by 8:00 am on Sundays. Be sure to tell her if your news can be shared with the congregation or if it should be kept private. The 4th Sunday of each month will include am "open mic" component to Joys and Concerns.

From the Director of Community Engagement


Hello, First Parish Community,


Our study of World Religions this year is wrapping up! It has been fascinating and fun to deepen our understanding of and connection to so many faiths. I am grateful to everyone who has participated in this journey: the RE teachers and volunteers, the poetry group attendees, the children who learned and shared their understandings joyfully, the people who have attended Multi-Gen services and reflected on our themes, and the religious and lay-leaders of our community who shared their knowledge and perspectives. Thank you all for learning together!


In May, we are learning about Taoic traditions: Taoism, Confucianism and Shintoism. These Eastern perspectives share many values with our Unitarian Universalist traditions. Shintoism emphasizes the interconnected web of existence by honoring the spirits in everything, Confucianism stresses the importance of heritage and working to build a better society, and Taoism celebrates the uniqueness of every individual. All of those themes are highlighted our Inclusivity Night on Wednesday, May 29 from 5:30-7 pm. Join us to learn about how our community is strengthened when we work to truly accommodate and appreciate everyone.


I’d also like to shout out the accomplishments of our teens at First Parish! Our middle school class just completed the OWL course with First Parish Cohasset, making fast friends and talking with maturity about important information. Our high school Youth Group is leading the service on May 19, sharing what the UU principles mean to them. I hope everyone can attend this youth-led service and ice cream social on May 19.


Happy May!

Amanda

Spiritual Snack


"Expect Life"


Do not live too far in the past or future. Live now


In each moment expect a miracle; ten kinds of birds at the feeder, and the tracks of a fox in the snow.


Pick up a magnifying glass and scrutinize that crocus. See the pollen at the center of the daffodil, life's dust, death-defying life. Be astonished by the flower, arrested by its beauty.


Run naked through the garden in the early morning and hope the wild geese fly by.


Get silly and laugh loudly with your grandchildren or your grandparents. Refuse to leave the dead behind, but bring their memory to all your chores and games and corners of quiet, warm tears.


Know always that joy and sorrow are woven together, one cannot be without the other. If you love, know that sometimes your love will bring you tears; if your grieve, know that is is because at some time you were willing to love.


Do not be afraid to die today. But expect life!



~Elizabeth Tarbox


Rev. Elizabeth Tarbox (1944-1999) served as a student minister at FPN. After she was ordained, she served congregations in Middleborough and Cohasset. She is the author of "Evening Tide: Meditations".

Caring Corner


Ella Cullen is graduating with her Master's in Nursing on Saturday and just found out she will receive full funding for her PhD program.


Bella Sulc, a student at South Shore Vo-Tech High School, won the state's Skills USA competition in their field - Graphics Imaging - Sublimation.


Our love and deepest sympathies go to Cara Moretti and her family. Cara's mother passed away on May 7.


Teri Dalco is home and recovering from neck/back surgery.


Healing thoughts go to Lisa Forman who is recovering from a recent surgical procedure.


Pearl Jayko passed away on April 24 at her granddaughter's home in Billerica. She will be remembered at a memorial service here at First Parish; the date is TBA. Please click here to view Pearl's obituary, written by her granddaughter Melinda.

Congregational Care Team


Just a warm reminder that our congregation has a group that is here to assist you when you may need emotional or logistical support with meals, transportation or errands following a surgery or other life changing/challenging event. 

 

Feel free to reach out to Rev. Susan or to Marcia Babcock when you have a need and they will be happy to think through what is needed and connect you with someone on our team that can work closely with you to get the resources you need. 

For a one page poster listing all our May and June events, scroll down to the very bottom of the newsletter!

Stewardship Update


Our Stewardship Campaign is in the final stretch. Thank you to the 60 households who have pledged a total of $129,165 to support FPN in the coming year. As we wind down the campaign, Finance Committee members will reach out by phone if we haven’t heard from you. Simply email Hope Weinman in the Church Office with your pledge in whatever amount works for you. We hope to include as many parishioners as possible in our base of support. If for whatever reason you won’t be making a pledge this year, please email Hope and we’ll skip the phone call. Thanks to everyone and good luck in the NSRWA river tour drawing!

 

Our thanks go to:


Matt and Amanda Adams. Jeff Angley, Jon and Kristen Babcock, Scott and Marcia Babcock, Larry and Karen Baker, James and Jamie Barber, Karen Bernier, John and Peg Carpenter, Susan Chorley, Alan Comeau and Heather Lawson-Comeau, Noel Constantino, Patty Crumley, Edward and Ella Cullen, Bob Cullum, Betsey Detwiler, David and Betsey Drollett, Peter and Roberta Fairbanks, Jacqui Garceau, Bernie and Bev Gardner, Jim and Bethany Gavin, George Goodwin, Ralph and Betsy Gordon, Cathy Harder-Bernier, Carl and Ellen Herling, Dave and Joyce Hockman, Steve Hurt, Joan Kenworthy, Chris and Peg Kitchenham, Phil and Diane Koury, Tommie Magazu, Dot McCann and Jim McDevitt, John McCann and Debbie Chase, John and Debi Meddaugh, Mary Mercier, Don and Joan Messinger, Jim and Marie Miller, Prue Miller, Paul Bourque and Jeannette Mitchell, Cara Moretti, Joni Nahigian, Bernie Perry, Harold and Lorna Phillips, Page Railsback, Elizabeth Robinson, Dexter and Sue Robinson, Paul and Denise Shaw, Greg and Tove Smith, Paul and Becky Smock, Derek and Jen Sulc, Sue Sulc, Les and Marlon Taylor, Dave and Julia Traggorth, Crista Trapp, Peter and Linda Twomey, Jack Wallace, Duane and Sue Wilke and George and Donna Wilson.

 

For the Finance Committee,

John McCann

Community Dinner


Come one, come all! Our second spring community dinner is Tuesday, May 14 from 5-6:15 pm. This is a free event and all are welcome. Bring your family, your friends and your neighbors. We will be serving gourmet macaroni and cheese, scrumptious salad, bread and yummy chocolate eclair cake! Hope to see you there.

Annual Reports


Attention. committee chairs! It's time to submit an annual report. Our Annual Meeting will take place on Sunday, June 2. Please plan to have your report in digital form to Hope Weinman in the Church Office by 9 am on Friday. May 17.

Yoga at FPN


Yoga classes will meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month (still at 7 pm). The May 9 yoga class will take place at 7:30 pm. Participants will sign up via a text message to our instructor, Susan Walsh by 7 pm on Tuesday (339-933-1201) . A minimum of 5 people is needed to run the class. The price per class is $15; students pay Susan directly in cash or via Venmo. Susan is an excellent teacher who makes accommodations for all levels of fitness. Please consider joining us!

New Members/Visitors Series Continues


Sunday, May 19 from 11:30 am-12:30 pm in the Fogg Parlor


All new members or those considering joining First Parish of Norwell are invited to a monthly discussion series. The final session will include details around how stewardship and budgeting happens each year. If you would like to join this session, please let Rev. Susan know. Child care is provided.

First Parish Golf Tournament


The 2024 First Parish Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, June 8 at Squirrel Run Golf Course in Plymouth. Players will gather by 12:30 for a tee off at 1 pm. The cost per golfer is $100 which includes two free mulligans (non-transferable) and a $70 donation to First Parish. Dinner for golfers and interested parties will be at Tinker’s Son in Norwell at 6 pm; no signup necessary. Those who attend the dinner will pay the restaurant directly for whatever they eat and drink. Pass the word to potential golfers. Hole Sponsor signs can be purchased for $50 per hole. Friends are very welcome! Sign up for golf or a hole sign with Don Messinger or John Meddaugh.  

Side with Love Overpass Gatherings


The LGBTQ + Support Group welcomes all who wish to join us on the River Street overpass on Saturday, June 1 from 8-10 am. This is an opportunity to be a public witness to the South Shore being a welcoming and open-hearted space for individuals who are often marginalized due to race, gender identity, sexual orientation, class or immigration status. You’re welcome to bring a sign, rainbow or trans pride flag and to dress in bright colors.


Future Side with Love gatherings will happen on the first Saturday of the month through November.

From the Mental Health Action Team


We are grateful to AnnMarie Galvin of Scituate FACTS and Michael Corcoran of South Shore Peer Recovery for their leadership on our webinar on substance use disorder on Sunday. April 28. AnnMarie kindly shared these resources with Rev. Susan.

Happy Birthday to the James Library!


The James Library is turning 150! Join them to celebrate on Friday, May 17 from 7 to 10 pm.  $10 admission - cash bar and silent suction. Live Program at 8 pm with Artist Marcia Ballou, Author Tracy Sierra, Pianist Lenny Williams, and singer and Executive Director Megan Ward. The evening will also kick-off the James’ online Auction of Wishes.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit their website.

First Parish of Norwell Book Group


Please join us for any or all of our monthly book discussions. We meet on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:30 pm on Zoom.


Monday May 20: "The River We Remember" by William Kent Krueger



click here to join


Meeting ID: 847 0898 5879

Passcode: Bookworms

Monthly Lunchtime Interfaith

Poetry Series


Rev. Susan has been leading an Interfaith Poetry Group on a monthly basis this year. We have been learning about a unique world religion, as well as a poet who represents that religion. Join us for a lovely and unique way to learn together through the arts. Our final meeting of the year will be June 13 at 12 pm

Ongoing and Recurring Events

click here to see our full calendar of events

Book Group

3rd Monday of the month

at 7:30 pm


click here to join


Meeting ID: 847 0898 5879

Passcode: Bookworms

Knitters

Tuesdays at 10 am

in the Fogg Parlor


AA

Wednesdays at 12 pm

Parish Hall


They will meet in the Skylight Room or Fogg Parlor when the Alliance has a Wednesday morning event scheduled in the Parish Hall.

Mid-Week Check In

Wednesdays at 8:30 pm


click here to join


Meeting ID: 336 926 144

Passcode: Evensong


Dial by your location

+1 646 876 9923

Meeting ID: 336 926 144

Yoga

2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month at 7 pm

Parish Hall



Text Susan Walsh by Tuesdays at 7 pm if you will be attending (339-933-1201)

Choir Practice

Thursdays at 7 pm

Skylight Room

Lunch Group

Fridays at 12:30 pm

in the Fogg Parlor

Men's Breakfast

Fridays at 8 am

Sam's Restaurant

146 Front Street

Scituate Harbor

The deadline to submit articles for the next Spire is Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 12 pm.

click here to submit a Spire article

First Parish of Norwell, Unitarian Universalist

24 River Street

Norwell, MA 02062

781-659-7122

click on our logo to visit our website!


Rev. Susan Chorley


Amanda Adams, Dir. of Community Engagement


Hope Weinman, Office Administrator


Donna McDonald, Assistant Treasurer


Gingy Grimes, Music Director

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