The Spire

the electronic newsletter of

First Parish of Norwell,

Unitarian Universalist

In - Spire - ing News UUs Can Use

November 22, 2023

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In This Issue

Sunday Worship

From the Minister

Advent Reflection Group

Holiday Open House

Reflection on Generosity

Spiritual Snack

From the Director of Community Enrichment

Plymouth Day of Mourning and Leftovers Gathering

Winter Weather Issues

Holiday Concert

Fair Trade Coffee Tasting

Christmas gifts for Foster Children

Women's Holiday Party

Movie Night

Congregational Conversation

Community Dinner

Mental Health Action Team

World AIDS Day

Monthly Poetry Group

First Parish Book Group

Holiday Happenings

Ongoing/Recurring Events

Multiplatform Services on

Sundays at 10 am

Rev. Susan Chorley preaching

unless indicated otherwise

November 26: Multi-generational worship led by David Roth – Marie Miller, worship associate

We are taking a special outreach collection during the service to benefit our neighbors at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom in Hingham, who received a bomb threat on Sunday. Our donation to them will help pay for additional security measures. Our Helen Fogg Outreach Committee has designated $1000 from their funds towards this need. We invite you to consider contributing additional funds to assist in offsetting the cost for safety and security for our Jewish siblings. Additionally, all are welcome to sign the poster in the Parish Hall during Coffee Hour with well wishes and words of solidarity to be delivered to the staff at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom this week along with our donation.

click here to join on Zoom on November 26

Meeting ID: 842 6936 2902

Passcode: Generosity

Dial by your location

+1 305 224 1968

Meeting ID: 842 6936 2902

The Soul Matters theme for December is Mystery

December 3: Sacred Preparation

(Our service will include preparing our Meetinghouse for the season of Advent.)

Donation item: new gloves and socks (see Amanda's article below for more information)

Join Rev. Susan for a Courageous Conversation at 11:30 am in the Fogg Parlor. Early in the year our congregation shared in a discernment process around calling a new minister. And now that Rev. Susan is voted in as our Settled Minister, she is inviting us into a conversation on shared purpose. This too is a process of discernment for our community as we seek to clarify the direction for the congregation for the next 3-5 years. What are the greatest needs in the world? How do we at FPN position ourselves to best provide support/resource our members and the broader community? Your perspective, engagement and "big ideas" are desired.

December 10: Seeking Light

In a time of darkness, may we center ourselves on tending the light/goodness of self and the world.

Donation item: non-perishable food

December 17: Yule School

The RE program's presentation will focus on the solstice and Saturnalia.

Donation item: new twin sheet sets

December 24 at 10 am: Joyful Beginnings Join us for an interactive telling of the Christmas story and the miraculous birth in a stable with animals, angels and shepherds

Donation item: diapers (any size)

December 24 at 5 pm: join us for a traditional Christmas Eve service with carols, scripture and candles.

please click here to join any morning service in December

Meeting ID: 823 4971 7448

Passcode: Mystery

Dial by your location

+1 301 715 8592

Meeting ID: 823 4971 7448

please click here to join the 5 pm service on Christmas Eve only

Meeting ID: 834 1659 0319

Passcode: Xmas

Dial by your location

+1 646 931 3860

Meeting ID: 834 1659 0319

Please send your joys and concerns to Rev. Susan by 8:30 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 Minister

Dear Ones,

What a joy to see so many at the Holiday Fair this past Saturday. Much appreciation to Peg Kitchenham, Marcia Babcock, Heather Lawson-Comeau, Amanda Adams and so many others who came together to create such a festive and engaging experience for all who came.

As we make our way to December and celebrating the season of winter holidays ~ Hanukkah, Solstice, Advent, Christmas ~ we are reminded of the great need for light and miracles, goodness and wonder in our world.

May this Thanksgiving be a time for you to appreciate all the goodness that is in your life, despite the struggles. And may you find places to breathe, slow down, marvel in the beauty of nature and the simple delight of a shared meal.

Our Soul Matters theme for December is Mystery. Together we will reflect on the great mysteries encompassed in ancient stories of birth, light, darkness and distinctive shifting in the universe. Inherent in this time is space for unknowing, space for deep questions and space for pure hope.

Pleased to be on this mysterious yet familiar journey with you this season.,

Rev. Susan

Advent Reflection Group

Mondays, December 4, 11 and 18 at 1 pm in the Fogg Parlor

All are welcome to join Linda Twomey and Rev. Susan for a group centered on the dynamic impact of classism in the biblical Nativity story. This perspective allows the reader to see how revolutionary this narrative truly was within the tight structures of class society of the time. Jesus’ birth story provides a new context around human relations across difference and sets the context for the teachings of acceptance and love, so integral to the Christian tradition.

Reflection on Generosity

During the service on November 19, Bev Gardner shared her reflection on generosity. It was so popular, we want to share it with anyone who couldn't attend. You can find it on our website here; just scroll halfway down the page.

Parsonage Open House and Cookie Swap

Saturday, December 2 from 2 to 4 pm

Rev. Susan welcomes everyone to drop by the Parsonage (644 Main Street in Norwell) for some hot cider and cookies. You are also invited to bring a batch of your favorite Christmas cookies (plus the recipe, if you're willing to share) and leave with a new assortment of cookies for your home.

Spiritual Snack

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

~President John F. Kennedy

From the Director of Community Engagement

December can be a bit outsized. In our desire to make things the most magical, the most meaningful, we sometimes feel the need to make everything BIG: big experiences, big gifts, big celebrations, big gestures, big spending. I’m often left wondering if my big bills really purchased a happy holiday season for anyone.

This year, First Parish is offering ways to spend small (or not at all) in the spirit of generosity – because when you are giving some of what you have to someone else who needs it more, that’s a surefire way to know you’re making the holidays happier for them AND for you. It’s a great December return-on-investment, and it doesn’t have to be big.

Start this Sunday, November 26 with the coins in your pocket. The children of FPN will be collecting coins for the Guest at Your Table program at the start of the service. Put a dollar (or some beautifully jingly quarters) in their cans and feel good about making those kids happy while you also support human rights work around the world.

Next, visit Julia and Rachel’s table during Coffee Hour to sign up for a gift bag for a foster child – choose one child, buy a few items on their list, and make their holiday so much happier.

Every Sunday in December, we’ll be taking a collection for new items; choose a week that works for you. Bring gloves and socks on December 3, non-perishable food on December 10, twin sheet sets on December 17, or diapers on December 24.

On Sunday, December 10 at noon, give a gift that’s completely free by visiting with the seniors at the Norwell Housing Authority at our monthly service project, a Caroling and Pizza Party. The woman who planned this event with me said with tears in her voice that it is “so very needed right now.” Come be a part of meeting that need – and have fun with friends! Alex Gordon will accompany our carols on the keyboard.

On Tuesday, December 12, make a tray of food and/or drop a dollar in the Food Pantry donation basket at the community dinner – then stay for the ukelele concert by Linden Ponds and Norwell Council on Aging musicians. Your presence and shared company will be a gift.

Your December calendar is filled with joyful opportunities to give to others in small ways that make a big impact! I can’t wait to spend the month living this generosity with all of you.

(Look at the bottom of this newsletter for a graphic that includes all December events in one place.)

Amanda

Plymouth Day of Mourning and

Leftovers Gathering

Rev. Susan and Amanda invite any who are interested to go with us to the National Day of Mourning on Thursday, November 23 from 12-3:30 pm in Plymouth. If you haven’t been before it’s a powerful day of speakers, music and walking across Plymouth to pay respect to the Indigenous peoples and to learn about the true history of this land – sponsored by the United American Indians of New England (UAINE). Contact Rev. Susan about transportation. If you are joining the First Parish crew and want to arrive together, you can meet at the corner of Main and Brewster Street (in front of the Spire Center for the Performing Arts) at 11:45 am. Remember to bring a mask and dress for cold weather.

Then on Friday November 24, all are welcome to a 5 pm gathering in the Parish Hall with food (bring your leftovers!), games and hanging out. Contact Amanda Adams with questions about this gathering.

Winter Weather Issues

As we move into the winter months, extreme weather may require us to reschedule or cancel events. We will post a message on our website, as well as on our Facebook page. You don't have to be a Facebook user to view these posts. Simply click on the blue and white "f" logo at the bottom of any Spire or Weekly Update. Power outages or lack of internet access may make it harder for us to be in contact with you. Please be cautious and use your best judgement!

Holiday Concert

Join the Alliance for the Broad Cove Chorale's Holiday Warm-Up Concert. The concert will be Wednesday, December 6 in the Meetinghouse. Admission: $10 to Broad Cove Chorale at the door. The First Parish Alliance is paying to sponsor this Christmas concert and Alliance members will get in free. Please gather in the Parlor at 9:30 with other Alliance members for refreshments. Joining now for $15 will help to sponsor the concert, and you will get in free. You will enjoy the wonderful voices and seasonal spirit of this annual event. This concert is one of the highlights of the Holiday Season! Please click here to view the full poster.

Fair Trade

Coffee Tasting

Our Climate Justice Team is interested in our congregation purchasing and serving Fair Trade coffee in an effort to align our practices with our values – supporting more sustainable farming practices and compensating coffee farmers fairly. Join us in the effort to decide which beans to purchase. Following the service on Sunday, December 3, we will host a coffee tasting – with 2-3 varieties of Fair Trade coffee to chose from. Through your participation in the tasting and the voting, we will choose a more environmentally friendly product for our community to enjoy. The Climate Justice team offers appreciation to the Helen Fogg Outreach Committee for funds to support this effort.

Christmas Gifts for Foster Children

Many of you have already sponsored a foster child for Christmas - thank you!

We still have thirteen children needing sponsors, ranging in age from infants to 14. If you would like to sign up for a child, please do not reply to this newsletter as it will automatically go to Hope's email in the Church Office. Instead, please email Rachel Hughes.

Gifts are due back at the church by Sunday, December 3. Please see the graphic below for more information.

Women's Holiday Party

Calling all women of FPN! You are invited to our Annual Women’s FPN Holiday Party and Potluck: Friday, December 8 at 6:00 pm in the Fogg Parlor. Bring a dish to share and a gift to swap. Click here for all the details (and a lovely picture of the hostess). To RSVP (or if you have questions), email Kerry Ouellet.

Adults' Pizza and Movie Night

The First Parish of Norwell LGBTQ+ Support Group is sponsoring a screening to see a new, upcoming Netflix release called, “Rustin.” This 1 hour, 46 minute movie is about Bayard Rustin, the architect of 1963’s momentous March on Washington, who was one of the greatest activists and organizers the world has ever known. And he happened to be a gay man.

The screening will take place on Friday, December 1 at 5:30 pm. Les and Marlon Taylor have offered to host at their home in Marshfield. Popcorn will be served during the movie and pizza and salad will be provided following the movie as we discuss Bayard Rustin’s fascinating life.

As we will need an accurate headcount, an RSVP in advance is necessary. Please reach out to Les Taylor if you are planning to attend or have any questions.

Congregational Conversation

Sunday, December 10 at 11:30 am

Our Shared Ministry Team invites all to join us in the Fogg Parlor for a community conversation on our Right Relations Covenant. This will be a chance to reflect more deeply on welcoming and hospitality and furthering diversity the first two values in our covenant. How are we doing this well? How can we improve?

All are welcome to come to share in discussion and offer feedback.. (The Shared Ministry Team will offer this space every other month to create an open dialogue on how our community is doing in line with our values.)

You Won't Believe These Statistics!

Thank you church! Through your generosity, especially our volunteers, Community Dinner has been a huge success this Fall. We served over 100 people in both September and October and nearly th

at many in November. In our 10 post-pandemic dinners, together, we accomplished:

Nearly $1000 donated to local food pantries
Nearly 500 people served
Casseroles, salad and dessert made to feed all of them (some twice!)
Beautiful tables setup, then broken down and put away
Dishes, dishes and more dishes washed, dried and put away

THANKS TO YOU... we are feeding hungry people, fulfilling a need for fellowship, giving people a reason to get out of the house and feel better about life and fulfilling our purpose as a church community.

Thank you cooks! It was all eaten
Thank you servers! Everyone got fed
Thank you kitchen crew! The food was hot and the dishes were cleaned
Thank you setup crew! The tables were beautiful, and they were all used
Thank you cleanup crew! Tables and chairs were put away
Thank you greeters! Our guests were welcomed
Thank you guests! You add warmth and fellowship to the delicious food
Thank you congregation! Our building was put to good use and showed your support for this important church work

Our friends and neighbors came hungry for food and company and they left satisfied. Our church and your generosity made that possible. Community Dinner is important to our church and everyone at FPNUU has a stake in that.

Our monthly - second Tuesday - Community Dinner Program continues on December 12. If you want to join in with our enthusiastic volunteers - who also have dinner - please sign up per the contact list below::

Prepare food (this can be done on your own schedule) with Betsey Drollett - 781-934-6672 or via email
Set up the morning of the dinner with Marcia Babcock - 781-659-2956 or via email
Work the dinner itself in the kitchen, serving guests, cleaning up or greeting guests at the door with Jack Wallace - 781-834-4696 or via email

Community Dinner helps us feel excited and energized about our church, which makes us want to share the good we do together. Because of the many thank-yous we get from our guests, being at dinner is uplifting. Everyone who volunteers feels like they have fostered this good energy and, in turn, make their fellow volunteers feel special by volunteering with them. Everyone in this church, whether volunteers or not, can be excited by the good we are doing in our community and feel proud of that.

Because friends and neighbors come to dinner, we know our dinner is relevant to them. Being relevant makes us good stewards to the legacy of commitment that came before us AND helps us do the constant work of keeping our own church alive and relevant to current and future generations.

Mental Health Action Team

The Mental Health Action Team (MHAT), an arm of the Fogg Outreach Committee, offers a financial aid assistance fund to aid parishioners of First Parish of Norwell with high deductibles or large co-pays who wish to access mental health services. The application is on the First Parish website and Rev. Susan confidentially reviews all applications. Members of the congregation and long-time attendees are encouraged to apply soon - the money allocated is there for you! Questions and comments regarding the application process may be addressed to Rev. Susan.

World AIDS Day

Every year on December 1, the world unites to commemorate World AIDS Day. This annual event serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to continue working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat. 2023 marks the 35th commemoration of this important day with the theme “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit."

The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988, providing a platform to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and honor the lives affected by the epidemic. Over the past 35 years, we have witnessed significant progress in addressing HIV/AIDS thanks to advancements in medical research, increased access to treatment and prevention, and a broader understanding of the virus. We have also seen a tremendous global advocacy community unite to take on challenges and hold institutions accountable for ensuring access to these advancements.

World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

To learn more AND to donate to the cause, please click here.

Monthly Lunchtime Interfaith Poetry Series

Rev. Susan will be leading an Interfaith Poetry group on a monthly basis this year. On the second Thursday of each month from 12-1 pm we will learn about a unique world religion, as well as a poet who represents that religion. We will then read a poem by that poet and reflect on its meaning for us in this moment as well as its illustration of the religion we are centering. Join us for a lovely and unique way to learn together through the arts.

Thursday, December 14: Christianity