Upcoming Sunday Services

10:30am

in-person in the Sanctuary

and on Zoom (link below)

April 28th

No Contest

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Good, better, best. Top 10 Lists. My Favorites. Greatest Of All Time. Ranks and ratings come easily to our human minds. What is the cost of this habit? Author adrienne marie brown says, “Humans are unique because we compete when it isn't necessary. We could reason our way to more sustainable practices, but we use our intelligence to outsmart each other. We compete for fun, for ego.” Let’s consider together how and why competition can be in contest with our UU values of mutuality and interdependence. 

To attend services via Zoom,

please go to the Northshore Church website nsuu.org

& click on "Join Service."

 Religious Services Notes

Guest Musician Update and Survey

Dear Members and Friends of NSUU,

As we near the end of the Church year and begin planning for 2024/2025, we want to get your feedback on our guest artist series that will conclude on June 2nd. Rev. Caro is creating a Online Survey that will be posted as a link on our NSUU website, and we urge all of you to provide input by May 1, 2024, so that we can continue to host wonderful guest musicians and dancers, which we will share with the community. If you are not comfortable filling out online surveys, please contact Andrea Kaiser directly with your comments. As a reminder, the following artists appears this church year: Dillon Bustin, folklorist; Ryan Li, young pianist; Akili Haynes, singer/guitarist; Sol y Canto, Pan-Latin Duo; Jo-Me Dance; Priscilla Odinmah; Samba singer with Ethan; and upcoming Triveni Dance, Indian Classical dance on June 2.

The Massachusetts Cultural Council has released a request for proposals from non-profits that produce festivals and artist series. The grant application is due in May for the next fiscal year, and Andrea Kaiser has agreed to submit the proposal in early May. We will also submit another application to the Danvers Cultural Council next September to support our series next year.

We propose the title of the series be named "RISING STARS" and the focus be on young, talented artists who represent a broad range of musical and dance styles. We are considering including a wind ensemble, a string quartet, pianists, an acapella singing group, and a recent winner of the regional Metropolitan Opera competition. We would also like to know if you would like the Jo Me Dance II company to return with new choreography. 



NSUU's application will be very strong, as two of the Mass Cultural Council priorities are being fulfilled because we are a new applicant to this category of funding and because we do not charge for the events. We do, however, need to come up with a new format , as the Mass Cultural Council CANNOT fund "worship services".

We would like your input on our idea to invite these artists to participate in our 10:30 services, break for a "brown bag" lunch, and host a 1 pm concert, open to the public. We would serve drinks and dessert. The Mass Cultural Grant is a set amount of $2500, so once approved in June, we would be able to sign contracts with the artists. 

So far, we are thinking about presenting the acapella singers in December, when holiday music would be most popular and Jo-Me Dance II in March. We believe that the grant will be able to cover the cost of five 1:00 pm concerts, and then, if we receive another grant from the Danvers Cultural Council, it will help us fund the music presented during the Sunday services.

Guest Artist Series Feedback Form

Thank you,

Ethan and Andrea

June 2 - Treveni Dance Company

Triveni School of Dance is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and performance of Indian Classical dance, social awareness, and the celebration of cultural diversity. It was founded in 1971 by Neena Gulati, an accomplished dancer from New Delhi, India. The curriculum includes three forms of dance: Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Odissi. Attendees will also get to see the elaborate costuming and makeup that is integrated into the performance. Ms. Gulati will present dancers from the various companies that perform in the community.

Church Announcements

 Staff News

This week, Rev. Caro Barschow signed a new contract with NSUU. Rev. Caro will continue to serve as contract minister in the 2024-25 church year, which begins July 1st. This one year contract extension was approved by the Board of Directors, following a review process between the Board and the Minister. Next year, Rev. Caro will continue to serve for a three-quarter time contract ministry, working a schedule of 3 weeks on and 1 week off each month.

From Rev. Caro: “It’s been a delight to get to know so many of you in this community. We share many of the same values, such as spiritual and intellectual growth, creative expression through music and art, and social justice for all beings and the Earth. I look forward to another church year together, and to discovering new ways to live out our values as a community.” 

Rev. Caro Barschow visiting the Peabody Institute Danvers Library for a library card. Photo by Hal Morse.

From the Pledge Drive Committee

The Pledge Campaign Team wishes to thank everyone who promised their support of our church. We are all stewards of NSUU, growing together.

General Assembly is June 20-23

Each June, Unitarian Universalists from around the US and around the world gather for a national conference called General Assembly. This year, the conference will take place exclusively online. The theme of the conference is “Love Unites Stories Ignite.” Registration and program schedule available now. Financial aid is offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association to attend the full conference. 

Each year, the General Sessions at the General Assembly are where matters that impact the whole denomination are discussed, and then voted on by delegates. Congregations can send delegates each year. Northshore UU Church is eligible to send 2 delegates. If you are interested in serving as a delegate to represent NSUU, please contact Rev. Caro. (No-cost registration options available for delegates only)

This year’s General Sessions, will be the first of two years of voting on amending the UUA Bylaws to revise the statement of belief that includes the “7 principles and 6 sources” statement. This process is known as the Article II Bylaws Revision. 

Article II Workshops

Rev. Caro will present two informational workshops at NSUU prior to General Assembly. These workshops will review the proposed changes to the UUA Bylaws Article II and provide time to dialogue about the changes as a congregational community. Learn more from the Article II Study Commission. 

Wednesday, May 22 

7-8:30pm

Zoom only 

Sunday, June 9 

Noon-1:30p

in the Sanctuary and on Zoom

From the Board of Directors

Budget Meeting

The budget meeting scheduled for May 2, 2024 at 7 pm will be cancelled.

The Budget discussion scheduled for May 5, 2024 after church will be moved to May 12, 2024 after the service. We will be sending out the proposed budget on May 9, 2024. We welcome your comments. 

Nominating Committee

Congratulations to our Nominating Committee! Audrey Merkle, Cindy Salloway and Elaine Van de Bogert did a splendid job of filling all the positions for next year's Board. And to those who said "Yes", to one of these committee members, we thank YOU!

Church Sexton Retirement

For the past seven years, Jeff Liacos has been a dedicated NSUU staff member. As the Church Sexton, his responsibilities included regular building maintenance. Jeff gave notice recently that he is ready to retire from this role. His last day as Sexton will be on May 1. We are happy for Jeff and will miss him very much! We are grateful for his many years of faithful service.

Minutes from March 13, 2024

Board of Directors Meeting -

click link below

From the Social Action Committee

SAVE THE DATE

Danvers Pride Flag Raising and Festival is on Saturday, June 1^st from 12 to 3:30 pm. The Social Action Committee will have a table at this event on the library lawn. Please come and help us show our support to the LGBTQ+ community and show that we are a welcoming church.

North Shore Pride Parade and Festival is Saturday, June 22, 2024. NSUU has participated in this event for many years carrying our banner. The assembly of the parade starts at noon. Join us if you can.

Support for Refugees

Short Term Housing: UU Mass Action Immigration Team is looking for people who may be able to host immigrant individuals and families in their homes short term. Their situations are dire with some being forced to sleep at the airport and be transported to centers during the day only to return to the airport for the evening. For more info and to attend the next UU MA Action Immigrant Justice Team Meeting on Tuesday, May 21 from 12-1 pm. Go to uumassaction.org.

Accompaniment of Undocumented Community Members to hearings at the JFK Federal Building in Boston. Contact: Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network at BIJANaccompaniment@gmail.com

Danvers Food Pantry and Operation Troop Support



We continue to collect items for these important causes. Place your donations in the baskets located in the Fellowship Hall. Thanks for your on-going support.

Any questions: Please call Barbara at 978-729-5422.

 Share the Plate

The Social Action Committee will be re-instituting the Share the Plate program. If you have ideas about non-profits (prefer local ones) that can benefit by the program, please fill out a Share the plate form found on the Social Action table in the fellowship hall and give to a committee member. Thank you.

From the Green Sanctuary

** THIS SATURDAY **

Common Ground is a new film about how regenerating the world’s soils has the potential to rapidly stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems, and create abundant food supplies.

We are excited to be hosting a free, in-person screening of this powerful film at Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church (323 Locust St., Danvers) on Saturday, April 27, from 3:00 til 5:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

Common Ground is follow-up documentary to Kiss the Ground (Netflix), and was a winner of the Tribeca Film Festival. It explains why transitioning to regenerative agriculture could be key in rehabilitating the planet while simultaneously invigorating a new sense of hope and inspiration in viewers. People are calling Common Ground “The Most Important Film You’ll Ever Watch” -- which is a really big claim. But it just may be true.

View the trailer here

Join us for a discussion after the film about ways we can support food justice and healthy soil in our community.

From the Art Committee

We are asking for your help in finding artists who may be interested in showing their work in our sanctuary. You can find a “Call for Artists” invitation on the social action table. Also, we are considering an art show comprised of our own members’ art work. If you have some of your own work that you would like to share with us, please contact us: Cheryl Ferris, Marcia Lassar or Maureen Duram. 

Current Art Exhibit is brought to us by Susan Oleksiw, a writer and photographer. One wall of the exhibit includes a series of photographs related to the harvest festival, Pongal, celebrated by the Tamil community of southern India (a center of traditional Hinduism) to thank Mother Nature.

Local Announcements

Andrea Kaiser has been able to secure 30 tickets to Sol Y Canto's 30th anniversary concert at Shalin Liu Theater in Rockport on Sunday, September 24, 2024 at 5 pm. These are prime center orchestra seats in Rows E, F, G and H and discounted from $26 to $20. We need to confirm early. Please feel free to invite friends. Later we will decide if we want add a lunch somewhere. We will help arrange rides for those unable to drive. Contact Andrea directly to reserve seats. Ccstpg@verizon.net or 781 789 4841. 

Community Partner Events

ECCO Organizing Hub

Announcing Essex County Community Organization's new Organizing Hub program. The Organizing Hub will gather people from all around the North Shore on the first Tuesday of each month to learn together from seasoned coaches how to organize for change from start to finish. 

All are welcome, whether you’ve been involved with ECCO for many years or have never attended an event. For more information, email Colette Lima (colette@eccoaction.org). 

When: Tuesday, May 7th, 6-8:30pm, and the first Tuesday of each month through May

Where: First Church in Swampscott. 40 Monument Ave. Swampscott, MA 01907

What: Join us to connect, eat delicious food, and learn how to make your team bigger and more powerful. Dinner and childcare provided. Stipends available for low-income attendees!

Minister’s Schedule

Rev. Caro Barschow weekly schedule:

Sunday-Thursday and occasional Saturdays

Monday is a writing/study day

Friday is a Sabbath day 

Minister’s Office Hours:

Tuesdays and Thursdays, by appointment (in-person or Zoom) 

Please call or email Rev. Caro directly to make an appointment.

Rev. Caro’s April Week off Sunday 4/21- Saturday 4/27.



Rev. Caro works full-time 3 weeks a month and takes 1 week off, to fulfill NSUU’s 3/4 time contract. During this time, Rev. Caro is available for pastoral emergencies - please call them directly by cell phone.

How to be in touch:

Email: rev.barschow@gmail.com

Cell phone: 978-473-7980

Church Administrator’s Schedule

Ariana LaMey-Colon works in the office Tuesday through Thursday from 8am to 2pm. Please call or email to schedule a meeting beforehand as office hours can vary from time to time.

How to be in touch

Email: nsuu@verizon.net

Office phone: 978-774-7582

Online Calendar

The NSUU website features an up-to-date calendar of church activities. Follow the link to view the calendar. On the calendar page, hover your mouse over the title of the event to find out the time and location.

Good Things Are Happening

Please contribute announcements by Wednesday at noon for NSUU's weekly e-newsletter "Good Things Are Happening." You can do so by sending an email with the announcement to nsuu@verizon.net. Please put in the subject line "For Good Things Are Happening." Please indicate how long you would like the announcement to appear and a contact email or phone number for readers to get more information.

Deadline: Wednesday at noon