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The Spire


the electronic newsletter of

First Parish of Norwell,

Unitarian Universalist


In - Spire - ing News UUs Can Use


May 23, 2024



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click here to email the Church Office

In This Issue

Sunday Worship




Multiplatform Services on

Sundays at 10 am


Rev. Susan Chorley preaching unless otherwise indicated

Our worship and Soul Matters theme for May is Pluralism.


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 on May 26


Meeting ID: 816 8328 2836

Passcode: Plural


Dial by your location

+1 646 876 9923

Meeting ID: 816 8328 2836



The Soul Matters theme for June is Renewal


June 2: The Evolution and Revolution of Unitarian Universalism

Join us for a conversation on the proposed revision to our UU principles from the UUA.

 

June 9: Pride Sunday - An Invitation to Be You

This Sunday we will celebrate the life and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in our congregation and in our world. This year is our congregation's 25th anniversary of becoming a Welcoming Congregation in the UUA.


We will also have a Flower Communion (bring a flower to share) and welcome our new members.



click here to join either of our June worship services


Meeting ID: 823 2206 9825

Passcode: 122907


Dial by your location

+1 646 876 9923

Meeting ID: 823 2206 9825


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.

Summer Sunday Small Groups

 

Though we do not have full worship services over the summer months, some do like to continue gathering each week. Once again this summer, Linda Twomey from our Worship/Music Committee has graciously offered to assist in coordinating a small group gathering on Sundays starting on Sunday, June 23.


We are still working out all of the details and will send more information in the next Spire. 

The plan thus far is to meet in Fogg Parlor (with air conditioning!) on Sundays from 10-11 am with a fellowship time to follow. Each Sunday will include a chalice lighting, a theme to explore together and space for sharing Joys and Concerns. (No childcare is offered during summer Sundays.)

 

If you would like to be involved in planning or lead a small group one Sunday, please reach out to Rev. Susan or Linda Twomey.

Caring Corner


We are sad to report that the body of Bill Donovan, a friend and hiking companion of Dexter Robinson's, was found in the White Mountains on May 13 after an exhaustive search by NH Fish and Game. We send our loving support to Bill's family and friends, including Dexter.


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 on Saturday, June 29 at 11 am, officiated by Rev. Danielle DiBona. Please click here to view Pearl's obituary, written by her granddaughter Melinda.

Spiritual Snack

.

"I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world."



~Dolly Parton

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

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING AGENDA

 

The members of First Parish of Norwell are hereby notified of the Annual Parish Meeting, to be held in the Meetinghouse, Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. to hear and act upon the following items:

 

ITEMS TO BE VOTED ON:

 

ITEM 1:                To act upon the acceptance of new members.

                          

ITEM 2:                To approve the report and recommendations of the Nominating

Committee.

             

ITEM 3:                To accept the report of the Parish Committee, the reports of all other

committees and organizations as printed.

            

ITEM 4: To approve the report of the Parish Treasurer.

                                                     

ITEM 5:                To act upon the General Budget for the fiscal year 2024/2025 (beginning

July 1, 2024) as presented by the Parish Committee.

 

ITEM 6:                To act upon the Capital Budget for the fiscal year 2024/2025 (beginning

July 1, 2024) as presented by the Parish Committee.       

 

ITEM 7:                To determine whether the Parish will amend the First Parish of Norwell

Bylaws, Article 8, Standing Committees, first paragraph, as follows:

(strikethrough words are deleted)

 

                            ARTICLE 8.

Standing committees are permanently constituted non-elected committees of the Parish. Standing committees shall include: Activities, Property Management, Pastoral Care, Religious Education, Helen Fogg Outreach, Worship and Music, and Publicity.


The Parish Committee may create additional standing committees.

 

All standing committees shall perform the duties usually associated with such committees and shall report to the Parish at the Annual Meeting.

 

ITEM 8:                To determine whether the Parish will amend the First Parish of Norwell

Bylaws, Article 10, Minister, first paragraph, first sentence as follows:

(strikethrough word is replaced by bolded words)

 

                            The Minister is called by either the recommendation of a Ministerial Called

Minister Search Committee or the conversion of a Contract Ministry to a

Called Ministry. 

 

ITEM 9:                To determine whether the Parish will amend the First Parish of Norwell

Bylaws, Article 6, Section 4, as follows: (strikethrough words deleted)

 

Section 4. James Library and Center for the Arts Board and Charitable Trust Trustees

The Board of the James Library and Center for the Arts, hereafter referred to as the “James Board”, shall consist of nine (9) members each serving a staggered three (3) year term. A majority of the James Board shall be voting members of the Parish.  The Trustees of the James Library and Center for the Arts Charitable Trust, hereafter referred to as “Trustees”, shall consist of three (3) members each serving a staggered three (3) year term. Trustees shall be appointed by the James Board, in accordance with the provisions of the James Library and Center for the Arts Charitable Trust. The James Library and Center for the Arts building, being the possession of the Parish, shall be under its general control and supervision. The James Board shall have full management of the activities of the Library and Center for the Arts, and they shall conduct the same in a manner which they consider to be in the best interests of the Parish and the general community.  The Trustees shall manage the provisions of the James Library and Center for the Arts Charitable Trust. The James Board and the Parish Committee shall consult with each other on matters of mutual concern.


ITEM 10:              To determine whether the Parish will amend the Bylaws of the James

Library and Center for the Arts, Articles 4 & 8, as follows: (strikethrough

words deleted, bolded words added)

 

ARTICLE 4. ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS


The Board shall consist of nine (9) members each serving a staggered three (3) year term. A majority of the Board shall be voting members of the Parish. The majority of the Board shall be Non-Parish Voting Members with at least one mandatory Parish Voting Member serving as the Parish Liaison and with as many as 3 additional Parish Voting Members serving on the Board. Vacancies may be filled by majority vote of the Board at any of its regular meetings after prior notice has been given.


ARTICLE 8. MEETINGS


Actions of the Board shall be taken by majority vote of those present, provided a quorum of 5 are present, three of whom must be members of the Parish. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings, but in the event of his/her absence, the Vice-Chairperson shall preside.


 

OTHER BUSINESS (does not require a vote):

 

ITEM 1: To hear a response to last year’s Annual Meeting suggestions to the Parish

Committee

 

Sally Turner:

Appoint a committee consisting of representatives from (at least) the Parish Committee, the Invested Funds Committee, and the Finance Committee, to:

 

1. Research the origin and history of our two Endowment Funds (South Scituate Fund and Fogg Family Endowment Fund).

 

2. Determine any restrictions pertaining to each Fund.

 

3. Investigate UUA guidelines regarding Endowment Funds.

 

4. Come back in the Parish with recommendations to ensure the ability of the Endowment Funds to support the aims and programs of First Parish into the future.

 

5. Consider changing the name of the Invested Funds Committee to the "Endowment Funds Committee," in order to better describe the central focus of the committee.

 

ITEM 2: To hear new suggestions to the Parish Committee.


ITEM 3: To offer gratitude and acknowledge service to First Parish of Norwell

 


May 12, 2024                                                                                 N. Dexter Robinson

Norwell, Massachusetts                                                                 Parish Clerk

The annual reports will be emailed out on Sunday.

Paper copies will be available, but we encourage you to download

the reports electronically and save a tree or two!

Stewardship Update


Thank you to the 69 households who have pledged a total of over $140,000 to support FPN in the coming year. We met our goal! We will of course be happy to receive any further pledges, just email Hope in the Church Office with the amount that works for you.


Congratulations to Jack Wallace on winning the pontoon boat cruise on the North River for which FPN partnered with NSRWA. Bon Voyage, Jack!

 

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, David Fish, Jacqui Garceau, Bernie and Bev Gardner, Jim and Bethany Gavin, George Goodwin, David and Kelly Gordon, Ralph and Betsy Gordon, Cathy Harder-Bernier, Carl and Ellen Herling, Dave and Joyce Hockman, john and Rachel Hughes, Steve Hurt, Joan Kenworthy, Chris and Peg Kitchenham, Phil and Diane Koury, John Litchfield, 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, George and Donna Wilson and Tom and Abbie Yardley.

 

For the Finance Committee,

John McCann

Community Inclusivity Night

 

Come to the Parish Hall at 5:30 on Wednesday, May 29 to share a meal and learn some practical tips for how to include all of our friends successfully on the playground. We’ll learn about and try out communication boards and non-verbal ways to say, “let’s play” and brainstorm ways to make our games inclusive. While we head out to the playground to practice what we’ve learned, we’ll also show some segments of the movie Crip Camp for those who wish to stay inside and learn more about Inclusivity. This event will be educational for kids and families as well as any community members who wish to learn more about how to include everyone. You can BYOD (bring your own dinner) or RSVP that you’d like pizza by emailing Amanda Adams – pizza provided free by a generous sponsor of this event! 

End of the Year Party!

 

On Sunday, June 9, following our last service of the church year, we’ll have a luncheon party to celebrate! We’re hoping for sunshine so we can enjoy cornhole, volleyball and badminton and other games on the lawn – but rain or shine, we’re looking forward to a delicious lunch and time spent with friends. Please RSVP to bring a dish or help set up here. Please feel free to contact Peg Kitchenham or Heather Comeau with any questions. Look for Peg or Heather at Coffee Hour if you'd prefer to sign up via clipboard.

Community Dinner


Come one, come all! Our next community dinner is Tuesday, June 11 from 5-6:15 pm. This is a free event and all are welcome. Bring your family, your friends and your neighbors.

Thanks a Bunch!


Rev. Susan and Hope would like to thank our hard-working committee chairs for submitting their annual reports before the deadline. You made our jobs a bit easier!

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings at First Parish


The Wednesday AA meeting has been cancelled due to low attendance. If you or someone you know is looking for a local AA meeting, please click here.

Ya Gotta Regatta!


Save the date for the Umpteenth Annual First Parish Regatta. Join your fellow members and friends for a day of fun on the North River on Saturday, August 17 (rain date August 18). Further details, including the start time, will be sent out in late June.

Yoga at FPN


Yoga classes will meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. The next scheduled class is May 30 . 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!

Do You Own an EV (Electric Vehicle)?


Our Climate Justice team is inviting all those who own an EV - and who wish to share your experience with others - to bring your EV to church on Sunday, June 9. During the post-worship party we'll invite individuals who are interested to come check out your EV and talk with you about your experience. 


We'll reserve some spots by the sheds - and we just need to know who will be coming/willing to show and tell. If it's you, please reach out to Bernie Gardner or Rev. Susan

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


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.



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.


June 17: "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese


July 15: "The Knitting Circle" by Ann Hood



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

Scam Alert


A popular scam targets church members. They receive a message supposedly from their minister, asking for help with something important. The person is then asked to buy gifts cards for the minister. While the scam started via email, it has recently branched out to text messages. A big clue that this is fraudulent is that the "minister" only wants to communicate electronically. Please be assured that Rev. Susan would NEVER solicit assistance this way. We have a Minister's Emergency Fund, and she has a church issued credit card as well.

Ongoing and Recurring Events

click here to see our full calendar of events



Knitters

Tuesdays at 10 am

in the Fogg Parlor

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

Sundays at 9 am

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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