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InTouch
The weekly newsletter from North Universalist Chapel Society in Woodstock, Vermont
Our Mission
Guided by Unitarian Universalist principles, the North Chapel aspires to be a congregation that nurtures the growth and supports the needs of its members, sustains a strong spiritual life within a loving church community, and seeks to have a positive impact on the world around us.
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We strive to offer opportunities for our church community to participate in local, regional, and national events, and to share information about causes, action opportunities, organizations, and publications which relate to upholding our Seven Principles.
The Seven Unitaran Universalist Principles
I. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
II. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
III. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
IV. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
V. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
VI. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
VII. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
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Worship Theme for the Month
October - Legacy
One river gives its journey to the next.
We give because someone gave to us.
We give because nobody gave to us. ~Alberto Rios
We are shaping a legacy worth passing forward, that future
generations can look on with pride.
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This Sunday, October 25, 2026
Reflection by Judith Taylor
"Reaching Home"
The 17th C Japanese poet, Matsuo Basho wrote: Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home. We're all pilgrims, meant to learn from everything and everyone we encounter. Where is your path leading you?
Judith Taylor's work as a writer and visual artist reflects her interest in how the energy and mystery of the creative process may inform our life.
Service Coordinator - Anne Macksoud
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Last October 18, 2026
Reflection by Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley
“When Love Comes to Your Door…”
…say ‘yes,’ if you are able. When love comes to your door, say ‘yes’ in a healthy way. In this strange moment in time, when it feels like the wheels are falling off the wagons of the world in so many ways, saying ‘yes’ to love, to joy, to hope, to God, to life is revolutionary. Learning to say ‘yes’ with grace may take years and years of practice. Saying ‘no’ often takes no more than a moment’s fear. What does it mean to practice saying ‘yes’ when love comes to your door.
Service Coordinator - Mollie Traver
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Please check the calendar on the link above before scheduling a meeting or event at North Chapel. For more information and to reserve space, email Administrative Assistant Joanne Boyle at the office or call or text 802-369-9838. | | |
Join the Upper Valley Singing Resistance
ALL PODS SING
TONIGHT
Thursday, October 21tst in the Social Hall
Bread & Soup at 6 pm, Then Sing from 6:30 - 7:30
Upper Valley Singing Resistance, with its smaller group pods, is organizing for singers to rehearse and sing at protests in the area.
This week all of the local groups have been invited to gather for soup and singing!
The group meets the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 at Bethany Mennonite Church,
(169 VT-100A, Bridgewater Corners, VT 05035) and the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 at North Chapel. All are welcome to join!
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North Chapel’s Chamber Music Concert Series Continues
This Sunday, October 25, at 2pm in the Sanctuary
On Sunday, October 25, at 2pm, pianist Diana Fanning will perform Six Variations in F by Beethoven, Six Piano Pieces by Janacek and Chopin’s Sonata in B minor. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed.
See more about the concert here: https://www.northchapelvt.org/music
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Thank you to a mysterious elf
for her initiative and assistance in cleaning out the big office which will become a working space for David Cook, our Treasurer and Michael Zsoldos, Director of Music.
Later, while cleaning out the storage spaces off the narthex (the main entrance) she found this painting, dated 1890, that we would like identified.
The artist is from New York, Caroline W. Pitkin (1858-1937) who was a possibly a distant realative of the late Jane Pitkin Curtis of Woodstock.
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It's Time to Help with the North Chapel’s Annual
Red Flannel Hash Dinner Preparations
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NEEDED:
RED FLANNEL HASH DASHERS TO
Peel 60 lbs. potatoes Sunday, November 1st, in the kitchen right after church
Bake pies, 6 apple and 6 pumpkin
Bake 12 quick breads
Donate 18 lbs cabbage
Donate 1-1/2 quarts Miracle Whip, 12 apples, 1 small box raisins
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AND:
Cut and box pies on Saturday, November 7th
Pack take out containers 11/7
Move takeouts curbside and distribute 11/7
OR:
You can make financial contribution towards corned beef ANYTIME NOW!
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Order Your Red Flannel Hash Dinner Now
For Saturday, November 7th - Pick up from Noon - 1:30
This is an Important Annual Fundraiser
To Order: Meals of corned beef hash, cole slaw, bread and pie
contact Ann Wynia at annwynia0516@gmail.com or (802) 457-2217.
Please let her know what kind of pie you would like with your dinners - apple or pumpkin?
Payment of $20 per dinner can be sent by check to North Chapel, 7 Church Street, Woodstock, VT 05091, or can be made by cash or pre-prepared check at pickup.
A Little History:
The North Universalist Chapel Society found itself in a difficult financial situation during the Depression and, by 1933, had no choice but to close the church. The church was opened only on special occasions and there was no settled minister or regular services.
By 1939, the society was forced to sell the parsonage. It was also a pivotal year in what would become the rebirth of the church. That November, a group of women formed the Women’s Social Group. Although the church building was closed, the women agreed that it was important to provide Sunday school for the children. They organized the program and taught the classes and were also important fund-raisers for the church. From paying ten cents a month in dues to organizing bean suppers, plays, and bazaars to selling knives and cookbooks, their financial contributions provided crucial support for the maintenance and upkeep of the building.
Eventually, when the church reopened, the group provided a substantial portion of the minister’s salary. In 1946 the ladies of church "saved the North Chapel by raising money with a red flannel hash supper”.
For those who have never tried it, this classic New England dish dates from Revolutionary War times when legend has it that it was a staple of the Green Mountain Boys’ diet. The recipe remains a closely guarded secret but involves a lovingly stirred fry-up of corned beef, beets and potato. And judging by the number of people who would never miss the event, it is highly addictive!
During the pandemic, community dinners were not happening, so we started serving the meals to go and will again this year in takeout form as the “Hash Dash".
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Book Club for October
On Thursday, November 19th, we'll discuss what comes to mind about the autobiographical novel The House at Sugar Beach by reporter and NYTimes diplomatic correspondent, Helene Cooper, who grew up in Liberia. She helps us to understand Liberian history, leading to a better understanding of how a Liberian, an African, thinks. This may be our best discussion yet.
Contact Sherry Belisle at sherry.belisle@gmail.com or
802-457-1919 for the Zoom link and more information.
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Change the World Kids Annual Fundraiser
- para La Tierra -
October 25th, 5pm at the Woodstock Inn and Resort
Change the World Kids is a local, youth non-profit (ages 8-18) that has been operating in the Upper Valley for over 28 years! We provide direct service to community members in need and work to make the world a better place with our environmental and humanitarian initiatives.
We hope you will join us for our annual para La Tierra (for The Earth) fundraiser at the Woodstock Inn and Resort on Sunday, October 25th at 5pm!
Executive Chef, Matthew McClure will be preparing an incredible, locally sourced three course meal (with wine!) and dinner will be served by us, Change the World Kids!
The evening will feature a live auction and an exciting presentation about our work here in Vermont and in the mountains of Costa Rica. We planted over 4,000 trees this summer to mitigate deforestation impacts and can't wait to tell you all about it!
Tickets are $165 per person with all proceeds supporting the work of Change the World Kids. Please make your reservation by October 18th on our website or by email.
A Special Note:
Rachel Apple, the CTWK fascilitator said that childcare and pizza will be available for kids 6 and under! Just add a note to the “Comments or Questions?” section on the registration form.
Thank you for your ongoing support and we hope to see you on the 25th!
With gratitude,
Lucia, Addy and Addison for Change the World Kids
Change the World Kids
www.changetheworldkids.com
“No one can do everything, but everybody can do something.”
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Woodstock Window Dressers Build - We Need Your Help!
Because of the after school program in the social hall,
WindowDressers are building at the Masonic Hall this year, November 5-12th!
Sustainable Woodstock's fifth annual Window Dressers Community Build is coming up November 5-12th! We are in need of many more volunteers to help make this event possible.
During this week-long event, volunteers come together to construct insulating window inserts for low- and moderate-income community members. These inserts act as interior storm windows, reducing drafts and insulating homes.
There is a job for everyone at our Community Build. Some volunteers will bring lunch and snacks for others to eat, some will greet and sign in volunteers as they enter, and the rest of the volunteers will construct the inserts themselves. Absolutely no carpentry or building skills are necessary– we have taught steps in the process to children as young as 12 years old, and to many adults without experience.
Sign up to join us at https://signup.com/go/eZXxYyY
Window Dressers estimates that on average, 10 inserts will save 105 gallons of heating fuel per year. This means that our five builds combined will save over 10,000 gallons of fuel for our community this winter.
Join us to meet new friends, help your neighbors, and help the environment. We could not run this impactful program without those of you in our community who generously volunteer your time.
If you are a returning volunteer, THANK YOU! We are in a new location at the Woodstock Masonic Hall this year. We look forward to seeing you there!
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From Anne Macksoud:
"THE ARCHITECTURE OF INTIMACY"
November 6th and 7th at The Billings Farm Theater, 7-9 pm
Dear Friends.
Joyce Dann (my sister) wrote a play that will be performed at The Billings Farm Theater on Friday, November 6th and Saturday, November 7th. It's a small theater and I am hoping it will be filled each of the two nights - for two reasons:
# 1 It's an interesting exploration of a vital subject
#2 It was written by my sister and performed by her friends so, of course, I want to support them. 🥳🥂🎈
There's yet another sister, Suzanne, who wants the play to be seen. She sent out an email to her friends about the event and I thought what she said was good, so I am copying it here:
When I asked my sister, Joyce, what had prompted her to write a play, she answered saying, "I wanted to write a play that I would like to see."
The result is a highly imagined, unorthodox, complex examination of love.
About Tickets: The play opens at 7 pm on Friday November 6th and closes on Saturday the 7th. The Billings Theatre has 95 seats. Good idea to book your tickets right away.
Price: $14.98. As you will note, there is a QR Code on the poster below.
For those who do not scan QR codes, here's a link that will take you to ticket sales.
https://events.humanitix.com/the-architecture-of-intimacy-a-symposium-on-love
Hope to see you there. ~Suzanne
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The Woodstock Community Food Shelf Thanksgiving Project Needs Non Perishable Food Items for Thanksgiving Baskets
Donations of shelf stable food items for the WCFS Thanksgiving Baskets are now being accepted at the Woodstock Community Food Shelf located at 21704 Maxham Meadow Way, Unit 1E, the Mill Building, Woodstock VT.
A typical Thanksgiving basket for a family of 4, for example, would include the following.
NONPERISHABLE items:
- bagged or boxed stuffing mix; canned gravy; canned cranberry sauce; canned pie fillings- pumpkin, squash, apple.
- piecrust, quick bread and dessert mixes.
- Extras might include nuts, pickles, and olives, coffee and tea.
- Also baking supplies: flour, sugar in 2-5 lb bags or boxes; spices- cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, all spice; confectioners sugar, small cans or sticks of Crisco shortening;raisins, choc chips, unsweetened chocolate (baker's chocolate), nuts.
- Or any other baking ingredients guests might use to complete their dinner.
WCFS is accepting donations of these items through Saturday, Nov 14.
Call 802 457-1185 with any questions.
*Please note: the Food Shelf purchases all frozen turkeys the day of distribution, as we have limited freezer space, so asks that turkeys NOT be donated. Thank you for understanding.
However, those wanting to supply a turkey might consider a cash donation.
Just $25 will buy a frozen turkey, while the average cost of a complete basket is around $45. Of course, as always, any donation is very welcome, and may be made at any time.
Food items may be dropped off at the WCFS on Mondays from 3:45-6:15pm Wednesdays from 12:45-3:15 pm and Saturdays from 9:45- 12:15 pm. If there is a line outside the door of guests waiting to shop, just explain you have a delivery, and knock on the door. A volunteer will let you in.
Please note; if other locations for donations are established- schools, churches, businesses etc, there will be an announcement.
If these times are not convenient for you, please phone the Food Shelf directly at 457-1185 to speak with a volunteer, or phone Sheila Murray at 457-1701.
Checks should be made payable to the Woodstock Community Food Shelf with 'Thanksgiving' noted in the memo field. Checks may either be mailed to our mailing address: Woodstock Community Food Shelf, PO Box 570, Woodstock, VT. 05091; or dropped off at the Food Shelf at 21704 Maxham Meadow WayUnit 1E, Woodstock.
If it is more convenient, donations may also be made by PayPal through our website: www.woodstockfoodshelf.org
Finally, if you, or anyone you know, would like to receive a basket containing all the ingredients needed to make a Thanksgiving dinner for your family, please sign up in person at the Food Shelf when it is open- [ sign up open thru Wednesday, Nov 11].
ALL are WELCOME!
Diana Brown volunteer
Woodstock Community Food Shelf-phone 802 457-11185
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'Grow Some, Feed Many' with Change the World Kids!
Do you have excess carrots, onions, potatoes or squash in your garden this year? Or do you know someone who does? Change the World Kids would like to store your excess root vegetables in our root cellar to be donated to area food shelves throughout the winter.
Please help us fill our bins! No amount is too small or too big. Our root cellar is located behind the Woodstock Elementary School and we can meet you for delivery or schedule a pick up. Please email us at changetheworldkids@gmail.com if you would like to donate.
Change the World Kids is a local, youth non-profit (ages 8-18) that has been operating in the Upper Valley for over 28 years! We provide direct service to community members in need and work to make the world a better place with our environmental and humanitarian initiatives. For more information, please visit our website.
Thank you!
Rachel Apple for Change the World Kids
www.changetheworldkids.com changetheworldkids@gmail.com
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Saludos desde Ecuador!
Greetings from Ecuador!
Linda Galvao is working with Children International, a highly rated global child sponsorship organization.
She has invited the congregation to participate in supporting Iker Vera Cruz, a 5 year old in Ecuador.
If you would like to learn more or help, contact Linda at lindagalvao@hotmail.com.
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Oneness Meditation
Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:15 pm in the Meditation Chapel
Please join us as we gather to celebrate Spiritual community.
Whether you are new to the spiritual path or a seasoned meditator, we welcome you to our weekly gatherings. We will be offering you teachings, practices and all the compassionate support and connection you need to create peace in your life from a beautiful state of being.
No fee. Meditation mats and chairs provided. Bring water if you would like to.
For information contact Mary Blanton marywbvt@gmail.com or Sarah Hall
venutau@gmail.com
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Mindfulness Meditation
Fridays, 10:00-11:00 am in the Meditation Chapel
Please join us for Mindfulness practice and discussion in the beautiful lower sanctuary of North Chapel on Friday mornings., 9:45-11. Our growing sangha welcomes everyone, beginners and experienced meditators alike.
Mindfulness is a condition for so many good things: kindness; happiness; equanimity; and compassion. And Mindfulness is a prescription for our pain and suffering, too. Without developing kind attention, how would we know what is true in any given moment?
All donations go to the North Chapel, which generously continues to share its facilities with us. Parking is available behind the church; enter through the lower level of the chapel.
In peace and joy,
Judy McClain 802-369-4719
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A Circle of Men
1st and 3rd Thursday Evenings in the Parlor
We are a group of committed men stepping into our vulnerability, our joy, our sadness, our wonder. If you want to explore more deeply into the man you are and to find the man you want to be, reach out to us, you are welcome!
The only thing you have to risk is that you might be changed.
We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday evenings in the parlor and we ask that you contact myself Ben Kelley-Outten, bkelleyovt@gmail.com 802-356-9506 or Aaron Darcy, mkpdarcy@gmail.com 478-338-4878 before you come.
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Coffee Hour After the Services
Please join us after the Sunday Services for coffee hour in the social hall downstairs.
In October the Music & Worship Committee will host.
In November the choir will host.
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Our Church Calendar
Please check the calendar on the link above before scheduling a meeting or event at North Chapel. For more information and to reserve space, email Administrative Assistant Joanne Boyle at the office or call or text 802-369-9838.
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Leon's Open Office Hours
Tuesdays from 3 to 5 pm and Wednesdays from 12 to 2 pm.
Please text or call or text him at 802-369-5104 to be sure his schedule has not changed.
Joanne's Church Office Hours
Administrative Assistant Joanne Boyle is usually in the church office on
Monday and Friday from 11-1 and on Wednesday and Thursday from 11-4.
She also works from home.
Please call or text her at 802-369-9838 before stopping by.
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New to North Chapel?
What does it mean to "Sign the Book"?
Become a Member of the North Universalist Chapel Society
Are you curious about all things Unitarian Universalist? Thinking of joining our membership? Contact Sherry Belisle or Ann Wynia to answer your questions about moving forward on that path.
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Please Join Our NC Listserv and Our Church directory!!
The North Chapel Listserv
Our listserv is a place for all of us to post any notices like want ads or classifieds.
The listserv will be in inboxes the morning after a notice is posted.
To receive the North Chapel Listserv or to place an ad, send an email to the office.
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The North Chapel Directory is Updated Monthly
If you would like a PDF of the newest directory sent to you
or would like a copy printed for you contact the office.
To add your information to the directory, please send your name, spouse or partner's name, mailing address, email address(es). land line and cell phone numbers and your kids names. Thank you.
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Do You Want a Name Tag?
At the Sunday services, you may have noticed many of us have hand made name tags that we wear on a string around our necks. They are stored on a board in the entry to the sanctuary. Want one? If you’re new, we would love to learn your name.
If you have been a member or friend of North Chapel for a while, you may have lost yours. Here's an opportunity to replace it.
Just email Ann Wynia or look for her on Sundays. She usually sits in the back row near the guest book table. She will be happy to take your name and create a name tag for you.
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North Chapel Emergency Procedures 2026
There is always a chance an emergency will arise at the North Chapel that requires such a rapid response that normal board or committee or individual personnel procedures are hard or impossible to follow.
Emergency situations like this require more clarity in how to respond.
The following procedure will be implemented for extended power outages or other emergency situations.
First: The board chair or co-chairs, in consultation with the minister and others directly connected to the nature of the emergency, will make the needed decisions.
Second: If these individuals are not reachable, Board Members Dana Hall, Michael Zsoldos and Amy McElroy, Woodstock village residents, would be consulted.
Third: A sheet with email addresses, cell and landline phone numbers of the North Chapel Leadership, employees, committee chairs and members has been posted on the bulletin board in and in the old office. It has been distributed to the minister, board members and employees.
Fourth: The congregation will be made aware of the situation by email and on the church website and listserv. We encourage everyone to sign up for our Constant Contact emails here: https://bit.ly/4625KkM
Please be sure we have your cell phone numbers for texting if power is out or the internet is down.
Click here to download the North Chapel Leadership Contact Information.
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Rental Spaces Available At North Chapel
Please share this information with friends and business associates who may be interested in holding meetings and events at North Chapel.
Sanctuary - Social Hall - Kitchen - Parlor - Library - Meditation Chapel
The Back Lawn "Riverside Garden" and the Pizza Oven
We welcome you to inquire about holding conferences, meetings, classes or events in any of the spaces at North Chapel.
Look on our website here or contact the office for a rate sheet and more information.
In a town known for historic and beautiful buildings, the North Chapel Unitarian Universalist Church stands out. We are proud to have preserved and enhanced our facility to offer a spiritual gathering place, community resource, and historic treasure for Woodstock area residents and visitors. Our beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces were renovated in 2009-2010 and are ADA compliant/accessible.
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See More Photos, Floor Plans, and a Drone Video Here:
Thanks to Laird Bradly and his
connections for providing these images that assist in the rental of our spaces.
Click on the link below to take a tour of the interior of our beautiful church.
North Chapel now has a new Matterport 3D Virtual Tour of the North Chapel!
Our Church in 3D
Walk through the light-filled Sanctuary then continue through the door on the back left. Turn left and down a few steps to see the first floor Parlor and Library. Head down the large staircase on the right to view the ground floor Social Hall and Kitchen. Step outside and to the left through the side entrance to see our Meditation Chapel.
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Guitar, Piano or Bass Lessons with Ben Kogan
If you've been teaching yourself from the internet and want to be held accountable, if you're a parent of a child that has expressed some interest in playing an instrument, or if you feel stuck and want to learn how to improve contact Ben Kogan 305-495-9962.
I teach many students from the Woodstock and Upper Valley area in the parlor at North Chapel.
Piano, Bass (Upright and Electric) and Guitar
I teach all levels and most styles.
- Ages 8 to 88
- Bluegrass, Jazz, Rock, Classical, Blues, Pop and Boogie Woogie(piano only)
- By ear or written music
- Convenient Woodstock Vermont Village Location (at North Chapel)
- Custom lessons. I like to teach songs you want to learn and sneak in the theory and technique. I call this tricking people into learning. Depending on the level, I'll suggest some songs then once a certain amount is achieved we can move on to songs you pick.
- I run a weekly bluegrass etc... Jam Session every other Monday night at the Ottauquechee Yacht Club in Woodstock from 6:30-9 if you want to come by and join the jam or just say hi.
Feel free to call or email if you'd like to sign up! I only have a few spots left.
Ben Kogan
bkogan2@gmail.com
305-495-9962
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Woodstock Community Food Shelf
The Woodstock Community Food Shelf witnesses firsthand the ongoing rise in the need of Vermonters for help, and reaches out to those in need.
According to Hunger Free Vermont, the state is the ninth hungriest in the United States. Approximately 14% of the population receives some assistance to supply their food needs.
Please consider supporting our neighbors by donating:
North Chapel collects non-perishable foods and other items in the collection bin in the narthex - the main entrance to the sanctuary.
Financial donations can be made here: http://woodstockfoodshelf.org/donate/
Check the Food List on the right side of that webpage for the items that they need.
For those struggling:
WCFS welcomes folks from our community, our state, the Upper Valley - in fact from anywhere. No barriers: no questions other than registration by name so that guests may shop once a week. Regardless of income, age, whereabouts, employment, race, age, other assistance, gender identity, belief systems, WCFS is open three times a week, to provide nutritious food to individuals and families who need our help. We protect everyone’s privacy, all records are confidential.
Open 4-6 on Mondays, 1-3 on Wednesdays, and Saturdays 10-noon.
217 Maxham Meadow Way, Woodstock, VT 05091
Call 802-457-1185 for more information.
http://woodstockfoodshelf.org/
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Transportation Service
Rideshare service available for the Woodstock/Quechee area and surrounding towns.
You can call or text to arrange a ride, and at that time Jane will quote the fare.
Available 7 days a week. She travels often to: Dartmouth Coach, Lebanon Airport, Manchester Airport, Rutland Amtrak, Burlington Airport, Bradley International and Boston Logan. Please note her vehicle is nothing fancy, just a practical multi-use vehicle.(Tacoma Double-Cab). Cash or Venmo preferred. Looking forward to sharing a ride with you!
Jane Warren - Rideshare Service - 603-486-8778
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