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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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Worship Theme for the Month
September 2026
Water
Water shifts in form yet remains itself, reminding us that change is constant and necessary. It carves stone, nourishes life, and connects all beings across distance and time. In its movement and depth, we are called to adapt with courage and to honor our place within the interdependent web of existence.
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Sunday, September 6, 2026
Reflection by Gerry Hawkes
CHANGE: We Didn’t Planet This Way
Gerry grew up near Woodstock and obtained a forestry degree from the University of Maine. He served as a forester in the Peace Corps where he provided forestry, environmental and appropriate technology consulting in Africa, Asia and North America for USAID, The World Bank, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N., and the U.S. Dept. of Energy. He also managed 30,000 acres of privately held land in the Woodstock area. 30 years ago, he shifted his attention to focus on protecting and improving the health and sustainability of forests through methods and technologies that reduce adverse environmental impacts. Gerry has been awarded 6 U.S patents and has 3 patents pending. In 2025 he was named Vermont Tree Farmer of the Year.
Service Coordinator - Mary Banton
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This Sunday, September 13, 2026
Reflection by Rev. Leon Dunkley
"The Joining of the Waters"
Join us this Sunday for North Chapel’s Water Communion Service. As we begin another year together, we reflect on the special places in our lives, places that bring us peace and joy. We reflect on the sources of water that nourish those places and we remember how we feel when we are there. If we can muster the magic (and you know we will), we can join these waters together. Join us!
If you have water that you would like to bring to contribute to the service, by all means bring it, but we will have some ready for you if you don’t.
Service Coordinator - Jayne Hufferdine
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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. | | |
From Polly Forcier:
250th History Program: History of Stenciled and Hand-Decorated Walls
Tomorrow Evening, Friday, September 11th from 5:30-6:30 at the Woodstock History Center
Polly Forcier will provide an overview of historic stenciled walls from northern New England. The presentation will be followed by an opportunity to see one of the Woodstock History Center’s new artifacts - a piece of a stenciled wall from the Noah Wood house in Woodstock and enjoy historic treats.
https://www.woodstockhistorycenter.org/calendar
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The Choir will be singing this Sunday, September 13th!
After a lovely summer break, our church choir, led by Director of Music Michael Zsoldos, has started rehearsing on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm in the parlor and will again at 9:00 am on Sundays in the sanctuary starting on the 13th. Join us!
Contact Michael for more information - michael.zsoldos@gmail.com
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From David Green:
North Chapel’s Chamber Music Concert Series
September 13, 2026, at 2pm in the Sanctuary
On Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 2pm, Woodstock’s North Universalist Chapel Society will present the next concert in its Chamber Music Concert Series.
The Adaskin String Trio (violin, viola and cello) will be joined by oboist Tom Gallant to perform works by J.C. Bach, Jean Cras, Josef Haydn, Hans Eisler and Josef Fiala.
Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
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We’re Having a Pizza Party!!
Sunday, September 20th After the Service
We will be celebrating the children of North Chapel during the service on Sunday, September 20th.
After the service we will be having a pizza party out back.
Everyone is welcome!
If you can bring:
- a prepared topping or a salad to share with 6 other people
- utensils for serving
- what you would like to drink
- your own plate and utensils
We will provide water, pizza dough (regular and gluten free), sauce and cheese.
We have pizza pallets, cutters, and a hot oven.
Donations are appreciated, to help us cover the cost of the dough, sauce and cheese.
Suggested donation of $3 to $5 a person.
NOTE: If you have experience working with the pizza oven and will help, please contact Joanne at 802-369-9838.
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Farewell & Gratitude: Thank You to Agata, Radek, and Kuba Marzec
After nearly 20 years of faithfully caring for all of our church property, our sextons, Agata, Radek, and their son Kuba have given their notice and will be leaving at the end of September.
We are incredibly grateful for their two decades of dedication.
To send them off with our warmest thanks, we are collecting donations to purchase a gift card of gratitude. If you would like to make a donation, please mail or drop off a check at the church office. Contact Joanne for details.
Please join us in wishing Agata, Radek, and Kuba the very best in their next chapter!
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Christmas Wreath Sales Assistance Needed
Help decorate our community for the winter holidays!
It's time to think about our Annual Wreath sale. Many, many local businesses, retail stores as well as inns and restaurants have been purchasing holiday wreaths and garland through North Chapel for decades.
Mary Blanton has organized the wreath sale for the past 3 years.
Thanks to a sore knee and possible October travel, she is unable to organize it this year.
It is time for her to train several others to do it.
With a detailed spreadsheet of past sales, Mary is happy to help and stay on as a consultant. Joanne has offered to organize this year's important fundraiser.
We need at least two more volunteers who don't have trouble getting around.
The wreath sale usually brings in between $5,000 and $6,000.
Please contact Mary or Joanne if you are interested in helping by visiting area businesses.
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Book Club for September
Meeting on Thursday, October 1st at 6pm on Zoom
At 6:00 on Thursday, October 1st, we'll discuss The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali. During the Iran revolution, two girls experience much of their lives in opposite ways. The story of their friendship is remarkable, and you'll learn some of the culture of Iran.
Contact Sherry Belisle at sherry.belisle@gmail.com or 802-457-1919 for the Zoom link and more information.
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Join Us in the Oneness Meditation Center
Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:15 pm
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 toour 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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From Jeannie Lindheim:
Upcoming Classes
The Art & Joy of Hospital Clowning, Saturday, September 12, 10- noon , $25.00
Trusting the Moment: Unlocking Your Creativity and Imagination, Saturday, September 19, 10-noon, $25.00
The Ecstasy of Creativity, Saturday, September 26, 10-1 pm, $25.00
At Artistree: 2095 Pomfret Rd, Pomfret, VT 05067
Jeannie Lindheim has taught acting, movement, improvisation and auditioning, for over 30 years at Boston College, The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Wheelock College, Lesley College Expressive Therapies Graduate Program, Antioch College, Boston University, Harvard University Law School, American University, and George Washington University. In 1996, she went to Russia with Patch Adams and other clowns. She founded the Hearts and Noses Hospital Clown Troupe that has entertained over 80,000 children. After Hurricane Katrina, she clowned and did ‘by the cot’ visits to over 1,000 people in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center. She wrote a Hospital Clown Training Program that has sold in 23 countries.
Jeannie has acted professionally and studied at Boston University; the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, England; New York’s Herbert Berghoff Studio; and the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. She holds a Master of Arts from the University of California and a Master of Fine Arts from Brandeis University. www.center4creativity.org
1) The Art & Joy of Hospital Clowning
“Each of us has at least two people within us. The person that the world sees and the person we secretly believe we are. This secret person, the person of our dreams, is where the clown resides.” Avner the Eccentric
Hospital clowns are very different than regular clowns. We empower the child and people we clown for. We give choices on everything we do. We always ask permission to enter a room. Our clowning is soft and gentle.
Clowning is not about being funny. It’s about being present!
2) Trusting the Moment: Unlocking Your Creativity and Imagination
Come Play! Why learn improvisation?
Improvisation teaches us to risk, feel free, become even more spontaneous, act on our creative impulses, become more flexible, make new discoveries, and so much more!
Class Requirements
- No experience necessary. All you need is the desire to have fun and learn!
What you'll learn
- Learn techniques that great improvisers use.
- How do you stay centered
- How do you say yes… and
- How do you create different characters
- How do you stay connected to your partner(s)
- How to float the judges away
3) The Ecstasy of Creativity
In the business (busy-ness) of our lives our creative selves often get lost! In this experiential workshop, you will reconnect with your creative energy!
Through exciting and stimulating exercises, you will:
• Begin to live your cherished dreams
• Stay centered and creative even in times of stress and change
• Clarify your Creative Goals
• Decide on 10 exciting risks you can take
• Learn centering techniques you can use every day
And you will leave with a Creative Plan of Action for the next 3 months.
Contact Jeannie at jeannielindheim@gmail.com for more information.
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Coffee Hour After the Services
In September the Board is hosting.
Please join us after the Sunday Services for coffee hour in the social hall downstairs.
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From Linda Galvao:
This is Iker Lian Vera Curz.
Iker will be 5 years old on September 9th and lives in Guayaquil, the biggest city in Ecuador. He lives with his mother, Juleysi, and has two sisters – Ammy, who is 7, and Luisana, 3. Iker is described as affectionate and friendly. He loves playing with friends and making art.
Iker’s average family income is the equivalent of $460 per month. He and his family live in a two-room cement house with a thatched roof. The family doesn’t have access to a telephone. They purchase water from a tanquero, or water-delivery truck, for $0.75 to $1 per water container. If a family member is not home when the truck stops by — which could be any time of the day because it is not on a schedule — the family will not have water for a few days.
We’re going to be helping Iker and his family by sponsoring him through Children International! They are highly rated by all the charity watchdog organizations. We'll get pictures of Iker yearly as well as updates, and we can send cards, letters, and pictures digitally through the website. I bet he'd like getting pictures from kids around his age! Iker himself will write two letters per year with the help of his community center worker. The community centers are key to Children International, helping Iker and his family with education, life skills, medical access, and basic necessities. We'll be sponsoring him monthly ($39) and sending additional monetary gifts for his birthday and Christmas. And there's always the option to send extra money to the family. We can't send items, unfortunately. If you want to help with a donation (or to write to Iker or draw him a picture), please talk with Linda Galvao .
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From Jared Rock ~
Please Help Protect Mount Christo Rey
I did not know about Mount Christo Rey in New Mexico until this week. In a recent letter, my Worthy Now Prison Ministry penpal shared this mountain with me as a special location, a place that has meant a lot to him and he looks forward to visiting again. At the top, he told me, there is a statue of Jesus and you can attend a Catholic mass there while being connected to the views at the mountain's base to New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.
I looked up this special place, with its beautiful views of southwestern landscapes, standing as a symbol of universal human connection across political borders. I learned the history of the mountain; of Urbici Soler, the Spanish-born sculptor who travelled North and South America and in the 1930s created the statue of Jesus that now adorns the summit.
I also learned that the mountain is in the middle of a political struggle right now. The U.S. government has claimed eminent domain of the land to build its border wall through this mountain which has become a symbol of connection and common humanity for the people of this area. The Catholic Church has fought this, and there are some political efforts to preserve the mountain without the border wall cutting an instrument of division into its land.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently introduced HR9739 which seeks to prohibit the funding and construction of a border wall on this land which is a "holy site, and a pilgrimage destination visited by over 40,000 people every year" and "a mountain that bears deep religious and cultural significance" for the local population.
When Congress returns from its August recess and lawmakers decide which bills to prioritize, debate, or attach to critical must-pass federal funding packages before the September 30 government shutdown deadline, please urge your representative to make this protection a priority.
May we keep Mount Christo Rey a sacred spot that connects us, not divides us.
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Join the Upper Valley Singing Resistance - Woodstock Area Pod
Upper Valley Singing Resistance, with its smaller group pods, is organizing for singers to rehearse and sing at protests in the area.
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 in the Social Hall.
All are welcome to join!
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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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Meditation Sessions
Friday Mornings 9:45-11:00
in the Meditation Chapel
Led by Judy McClain, the sessions are open to all. Long-time and beginning meditators alike will feel comfortable here.
Enjoy an hour of quiet, spacious Mindfulness practice in community.
Sessions are free; all donations go to the North Chapel. All are welcome.
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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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Free Window Inserts!
Drafty windows? High heating bills? This fall, Sustainable Woodstock will be collaborating with WindowDressers, a nonprofit organization, to make custom-built, interior storm window inserts for residents of: Woodstock, Pomfret, Barnard, Bridgewater, Plymouth, Hartland, and Reading. The inserts are easy to install, removable, and reusable. They let light in, keep drafts out, and reduce heating costs.
We are now taking applications for inserts! Inserts are free, and there is a limit of 10 inserts per household. The inserts are high quality and low cost because they are built at barn-raising-style Community Builds. Everyone who orders inserts also participates in the Community Build. Sign up soon to reserve yours.
To qualify for our community build, participant's income must be below the moderate-income threshold. Check to see what income-level your household falls under at https://www.efficiencyvermont.com/income-limit
If you would like free inserts, now is the time to sign up! Sign up by contacting:
Heather Knoll, Program Coordinator at Sustainable Woodstock: 802-296-1595 or programs@sustainablewoodstock.org
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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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