In the Interim

Well, that was a fast four months! Since starting with you all last August, we’ve had a very busy and engaging time. I’d say we are off to a wonderful start.

At this point, you may be wondering about more of the specifics of what a two-year interim period is like, and what happens when.

I want to give you a bit of an overview –– at least for the next couple of months –– and encourage you to ask me any questions at any time. Sometime in January or February, we’ll have more small group conversations which will be somewhat like the ones we had last fall. For those of you who couldn’t attend one, or all, of

those meetings they brought together a wide swath of members of the First Parish community who shared deeply about their journey to F.P., what keeps them here, and what hopes they have for the years to come. Thanks to Jen McGonagle, there is an easel in the Sloop Room with a written record. I encourage you to seek it out and spend time with the thoughts and feelings folks shared.

As I wrote in my first newsletter column, the interim years are “a time for looking back and for looking ahead, for uncovering who you have been and discovering who you want to become together.” An interim period is intentional time you have given yourselves so that you can do the best you can to ensure a solid foundation as you create your next chapter together.

In general, it is a time for us to examine and attend to any issues or goals that are

lingering from the previous ministries. In addition to the normal responsibilities of

congregational ministry, Interim Ministers possess specific skills in assisting a congregation in what are called the UUA describes “The Five Developmental Tasks of Interim Ministry.”

They are:

We know we have been successful when, as a congregation, you become more cognizant of your strengths and weaknesses; more clear in your mission, purpose, and vision; more accomplished in the things you achieve regardless of who is serving as its minister; and better- positioned to engage a new long-term settled minister. Specifically, an interim period is a time to engage in the UUA’s search process, with the goal of voting to call a new settled minister in the Spring of 2025, who would begin serving you in August of 2025. Which is so far down the road and just a blink of an eye away.

Erin Interim Minister

The Christmas Eve Pageant needs your help! There are still parts for kids and youth to be sheep, shepherds, Kings, Queens, and Angels. In other words, we need more!! Please let Erin know if you have a budding star ready to sign up!  As a reminder, the Pageant will be at 4:00 on Christmas Eve. There will be a quick (not mandatory if your schedule really won’t allow) rehearsal after the service on the 17^th.  Please let Erin know or sign up after the service.

Social Justice News and Denominational Affairs Committee

Next Meeting of the Social Justice Committee

December Special Collection

Via the First Parish website under the One Time Gifts option and specifying “Scituate Food Pantry” in the notations box.

Through the Scituate Food Pantry website

From now until Sunday, December 17th, a large wicker basket with a labeled sign will be in the foyer accepting your generous donations. Please do not hesitate to contact me Carol with questions.

Carol, Social Justice Committee

Music Memory Café

The Snowflake Fair

The elves are pumped and ready to go,

Just 2 days to wait for the Sloop Room to glow!

With decorated wreaths, yummy fudge, baked goods and jam,

Artisan crafts, paper-whites, and sparkly jewels adds to the glam!

And with a twinkle in their eye and a bounce in their step,

The elves created 2 new tables this year to add some extra pep!

A pop-up Plaid store with flannel galore,

Will have all our visitors clamoring for more.

There’s also a table with a birding/nature specialty

To add one’s gift giving a bit of sensibility

And purpose for our Reduce-Reuse-Recycle theme

Wait till you see them; 2 great additions to our table team.

Yes, The Snowflake Fair Day is finally here;

It seemed so far away and now it's near.

Please invite family, friends, and all who are dear

This Saturday the doors will open with festive and merry cheer!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our R-R-R theme. You’ll see all the items you donated (tea cups & saucers, jeans, flannel shirts, picture frames, paper towel rolls, clothes pins, jars, flower vases, fabric, felt and thread, wine corks, yarn, festive do-dads) used in VERY creative and imaginative ways. We hope you find something special to make your holiday sparkle! And there are still ways to pitch in and get involved. Thank you to everyone who signed up to pitch in at the fair. There are still many spots available so please join us in the Sanctuary by 8:30 am with coffee/water ready to pitch in, hear some quick announcements and help out at the fair.

Have a great fair and as always THINK SNOW!

Eileen and Kim, Co-chairs Snowflake Fair

Looking for happy folks to greet churchgoers as they stream into church on Sundays. Easy way to contribute. Fun for all ages. Great way to meet people and include your kids in church life. 

Ann, Parish Committee Co-Chair

Tuesday, November 21st, we earned $125.00. Mike and Mark sorted, and Howard and Mark transported.

Mike took all of the last-minute drop-offs and the sorting equipment back to the garage behind the church.

Tuesday, November 28th, we earned $91.00. Mike and Eileen D. sorted, and Howard and Mike transported. Cathy reported that we have earned $3778,00 since we started in April.

Mike, Mark, Damion and Howard are always looking for people to help us with this Fund-Raising Project. Please sign up on the sign-up Genius.