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The April
Spire
the electronic newsletter of
First Parish of Norwell,
Unitarian Universalist
In - Spire - ing News UUs Can Use
March 26, 2026
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please submit May Spire information by Tuesday, April 28
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April Worship
Sunday Worship Zoom
FY27 Pledge Thank you!
"Meet a UU"
Religious Exploration Corner
Parish Committee Corner
The Congregational Care Team is Here for You!
Caring Corner
New Membership
"Get to Know UUs,” a new member/visitor series
Easter at FPN
Opportunities for Transgender Allyship at First Parish
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Transgender Day of Visibility
Material Aid and Advocacy Program Helps Us to Help Our Unhoused Neighbors
Side with Love Overpass Gathering
Racial and Immigrant Justice Team Zoom Meeting
Visit to the UU Urban Ministry
Community Dinner
Art and Inspiration at the James Library
Alliance Program
Material Aid and Advocacy Program Helps Us to Help Our Unhoused Neighbors
First Parish Merch Store
Women’s Circle
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James Library
Raising Trans Kids: Book Read Wrap-up
FPN Craft Fair in the Stables
Book Club
Trivia Winners
Recurring Events
April Happenings
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APRIL WORSHIP
Our April worship theme is "Interdependence." We hope you will join us one or all of the Sundays.
Sunday, April 5- "Breakfast is Waiting" with Rev. Tricia Brennan
Easter comes as it does every year in this part of the world, when spring is “on its way”, often elusive yet still trusted to arrive into a world in need of hope and healing. Let us let the Easter story have its way with us, born as it was in a long ago war torn world, told and retold from one person to another, one community to another, one century to the next. Let us listen for what the story can awaken in us: perhaps a sliver of hope, or a yearning for justice, maybe forgiveness, hopefully love.
~Julia Traggorth, worship associate
Sunday, April 12- "O, Jesus" with Rev. Danielle Di Bona
Since the beginning, Unitarians, Universalists and Unitarian Universalists have had a relationship with the historical Jesus. For some a good relationship; for others a conflicted relationship. Today, the question for us might be.... was Jesus a holy, special "son of God" or a prophetic voice of his time? And, how does the prophetic voice speak to us today?
~Elizabeth Robinson, worship associate
Sunday, April 19- Rev. Ylisse Bess will Explore our Interdependent Relationship with Nature
~Mary Mercier, worship associate
Sunday, April 26- "Our Interdependent Inheritance" with
Rev. Elizabeth Carrier-Ladd
Often we look to other cultures and spiritual paths to understand the spiritual truth of our interdependence. What if we looked closer at our own inheritance from our own traditions history to under grid our understanding of how we are called to live into our interdependence now? What would shift if we truly understood our covenant and what it means to be conventual people?
~Les Taylor, worship associate
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Sunday Worship Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86879292412?pwd=1kHbHex09QCKw1eEQLEJcHjIoaus2Z.1
Meeting ID: 868 7929 2412
Passcode: SundayAM
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Stewardship Update from the Finance Committee
Pledge letters have gone out to church members and as of Tuesday 3/24, 24 households have pledged a total of $62,000. That is a terrific start. If you didn’t get a letter, available here, but would like to pledge simply email our bookkeeper Donna McDonald,
donna@firstparishnorwell.org the amount you can give.
We have two goals; the total amount but also the number of households contributing. So pledges of all amounts are vital to our success. Thank you for your investment in our shared community.
Thank you to the following people of have already sent in their pledge for FY27!
Matt and Amanda Adams
Cathy Harder-Bernier
Nestor and Cynthia Camino
Peg Carpenter
Susan Chorley
Alan Comeau and Heather Lawson-Comeau
Ernie and Jan Cormier
Elliot and Sallie Dunner
Jacqueline Garceau
George Goodwin
Paul Kelly and Susan Damasco
Diane and Phillip Koury
John McCann and Deborah Chase
Dot McCann and Jim McDevitt
Mary Mercier
Jim and Marie Miller
Joan Nahigian
Edie Knight
Bernie Perry
Dexter and Sue Robinson
Paul and Denise Shaw
Gregory and Tove Smith
Duane and Sue Wilke
Dave and Julia Traggorth
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Patrick Kelly
What are you looking forward to in he church year? I have found deep and real meaning between the sermons we hear every week from both Susan and our sabbatical ministers. They’re both timely and timeless. I hope to continue my spiritual and ethical education in this supportive and embracing community. I also hope I can give more of my time to helping out volunteering with RE as I think that’s a critical part of why FPN is a successful and vibrant community.
What is something you would like to see us accomplish this church year? Continued relationship building among the parishioners, as well as in our surrounding communities, with opportunities to support our towns and state and country in these unprecedented times.
Besides church activities, what do you enjoy doing with your free time? Most of my free time is spent shuttling my kids between activities, but when I’m not doing that, I am an avid reader. My current recommendation is a book called Against the Machine by Paul Kingsnorth. I also volunteer on two Norwell town committees: the recreation commission and the community preservation committee, where I enjoy being able to have a direct impact on the lives of my neighbors and friends. I’m also part of the Cub Scout Pack 66 leadership team here in Norwell. When the sidewalks are plowed, I enjoy getting out for a nice run down route 228 with my neighborhood running club (me and one other guy!)
A quote/ message or wish for other UU’s:
Two maxims I try to live by are:
“How you do anything is how you do everything,” and
“Maybe I’m wrong but who’s to say what’s right?”
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Religious Exploration Corner
We’re so glad to see our RE program growing!
If your child is attending, please register here.
If you have a Sunday or two to volunteer in the classroom, please sign up here.
Volunteers are needed!
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Parish Committee Corner
The Parish Committee has had a change in our make-up. Gabe Carroll, who has selflessly served our congregation in various positions over the years, including as DRE, has stepped down. Wendy Brown was voted in to fill the remaining four months of Gabe’s term. We thank them both for their time and service to the congregation.
We are also pleased to announce that our budget shortfall has been filled by generous members who stepped up and donated additional funds. We thank you for your generosity!
Contact the Parish Committee Chair directly at: PCChair@firstparishnorwell.org
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The Congregational Care Team is Here for You!
The Congregational Care team exists to help members of the congregation who are struggling in any way. We can help provide rides, meals or meal trains, get well cards or sick visits, help around the house on a temporary basis or just friendly conversation.
We want the congregation to know that we are here, and you can ask us for help! Reach out to any of the members of the Congregational Care team, or contact community@firstparishnorwell.org.
Congregational Care Team Members: (find us in the Online Directory)
· Debbie Chase
· Dona Wilson
· Marcia Babcock
· Heather Comeau
· Amanda Adams
· Peg Kitchenham
· Cara Moretti
· Paige Railsback
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Caring Corner
~Sending love and care to Elizabeth Robinson while she recovers from a horse related injury.
~Our thoughts are with the Howard family after the passing of Joanne's brother, Robert A. Babcock.
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New Membership
We are building a bigger table and beloveds are coming and joining our church. We are excited to say just this past few months we have 9 new members!
Jan-March 2026 New Members
Ernie Cormier
Janice Vinacco-Cormier
Marissa O’Brien
Jim O’Brien
Dawn Elaine Gundlach
Lizz Wilson
Patrick Kelly
Josie Stewart
Mary Ann Freeman
-Heather C, Wendy B, Jan Cormier, Betsy Gordon -Membership Committee
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"Get to Know UUs,” a new member/visitor series
Our next gathering for new members/visitors is Sunday, April 12. These gatherings sponsored by our Membership Committee happen monthly in Fogg Parlor at 11:30am & provide a way for new and longtime members, friends and visitors to meet leaders in our congregation, learn what we are up to and how you can get involved.
Our April gathering is centered on Church Governance/Bylaws & Parish Committee. Join UUs! (and check out the dates/topics for the future gatherings below):
Sunday, April 12 at 11:30am: Church governance/Bylaws & Parish Committee
Sunday, May 3 at 11:30am: Activities, Buildings & Grounds, Denominational Affairs
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Easter at First Parish of Norwell
Easter is a special celebration of community and charitable giving at First Parish of Norwell, and all are invited to participate!
It starts with an Easter Breakfast at 8:30am – you can sign up to bring a dish at the welcome table on 3/29. After enjoying a meal together, we’ll hear from guest minister Rev. Tricia Brennan, who will share a sermon on the call to all of us in the Easter story.
During the service, our young people will come together to learn about five featured charities selected by the teens of our congregation.
After the service, our Charitable Egg Hunt begins! The children will find eggs filled with candy and wooden tokens, and each token represents a dollar donation. After they’ve found their eggs, they choose how to use those wooden tokens to donate money to the featured charities. The kids love feeling empowered to donate to their favorite charities, and the congregation loves the spirit of giving! First Parish of Norwell will donate $600 to the charities on Easter. Everyone is invited to join in the fun!
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Opportunities for Transgender Allyship at First Parish
With transphobic legislation and rhetoric on the rise, your vocal support of the transgender community grows in its importance.
Trans Day of Visibility is March 31, and you can prepare to celebrate visibly and vocally by making a button to proudly wear your support. We’ll have a button making station set up during coffee hour on Sunday, March 29 along with some information about great reading material.
Want to learn even more? Join Percy Child in the Fogg Parlor after the service on April 26 for a presentation and discussion on transgender allyship. This workshop will cover basic terminology and etiquette as well as guidance on supporting transgender people of all ages. If you have any questions that you would like to ask anonymously before the presentation, please fill out this form (https://forms.gle/n2ry2Mm7uGRzF9fbA).
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🏳️⚧️ Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) 🏳️⚧️
Each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people. It is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, acknowledging the determination it takes to live openly and authentically, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces.
International TDOV was created in 2010 by trans advocate Rachel Crandall. Crandall, the head of Transgender Michigan, created TDOV in response to the overwhelming majority of media stories about transgender people being focused on violence. She hoped to create a day where people could celebrate the lives of transgender people, while still acknowledging that due to discrimination, not every trans person can or wants to be visible.
The crushing and intensifying backlash toward trans people, be it through legislative measures which, according to the ACLU, includes 616 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced across state legislatures last year alone (up from 479 in 2024), to direct physical violence, declared an epidemic by the American Medical Association since 2019, which disproportionately affects Black trans women with a majority being young people of color.
While backlash is a reality that trans people and allies are experiencing, new data indicates that the vast majority of voting groups oppose candidates who campaign against transgender people’s access to healthcare and youth sports participation, and acceptance continues to rise with personal familiarity and exposure to trans stories in the media.
Join FPN as we celebrate the joy and resilience of trans and non-binary people everywhere by elevating voices and experiences from these communities. Today and everyday, we must embrace all trans and non-binary people and combat disinformation, discrimination and hate impacting our country.
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Side with Love Overpass Gathering
Saturday, April 4 from 8-10am
Join us on the Rt 3 River Street overpass from 8-10am to celebrate acceptance and positivity on the south shore.
We wave to cars, dance to music, and come together in solidarity and support for a loving, safe space. All are welcome!
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Racial and Immigrant Justice Team Zoom Meeting
On April 6 at 7pm, the Racial and Immigrant Justice Team will meet over Zoom to discuss our lending library project and our plans and proposed budget for next year. All are welcome to participate in these discussions, whether or not you want to join the team. If you feel passionately about racial and immigrant justice, we want to hear from you! Contact Sallie Dunner with any questions.
If you read the article in last month’s Spire about volunteering with BIJAN and you’re interested in learning more, contact Colleen Farrell for details.
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"Seeing Ourselves in the World” Visit to the UU Urban Ministry on Saturday, April 11
We have an exciting opportunity for our 12-18 year olds, as well as some adults. On Saturday, April 11, from 11am to approximately 2pm, we have been invited to the Urban Ministry in Roxbury.
Their youth program members will give us a tour of the grounds; it’s historical, impressive and a must-see. After this, we will attend a workshop presented by our hosts (teen program members).
Find additional information about the program at https://www.uuum.org/seeing-me-in-world.
We suggest packing a lunch/bringing snacks or hitting a nearby neighborhood restaurant for takeout (they have a few they recommend). Lunch is not provided.
Participants are encouraged to carpool from our parking lot. We can provide a list of who is going/who is driving etc. There is free parking at the church in Roxbury, 10 Putnam Street
Roxbury, MA 02119. Please contact Becky Smock with any questions and to sign up.
Space is limited.
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Community Dinner
Join us at our next Community Dinner on Tuesday, April 14 from 5-6:15.
Please check with the Welcome Table to sign-up and bring something.
ALL are very welcome to join!
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Art and Inspiration
Friday, April 10 from 3-4pm
Dive into the art at the James, explore the current exhibitions or get inspired by talks with local artists.
All are welcome to join Liz Helfer at the James Library for this learning experience.
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Alliance Program, Magical Hideaways of Turkey on Wednesday, April 15 at 10am
Join us in the Parish Hall for a slideshow and talk by Don Messinger of Norwell, refreshments (some Turkish) and this wonderful program. Hope to see you there!
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The Material Aid and Advocacy Program Helps Us to Help Our Unhoused Neighbors
On Sunday, April 19 during coffee hour, we will be assembling rainy weather care kits for MAAP (the Material Aid and Advocacy Program) in an all-ages service project. We’ll be putting together kits to help people stay warm and dry when they are living outside in spring weather. Plan to help and invite a friend to join us if you’d like! Many hands make light work, and helping makes everyone feel good.
Then, on Friday, April 24 the director of MAAP, Cassie Hurd, will give a presentation at the James Library and Center for the Arts about How We Can Help Our Unhoused Neighbors. She’ll explain why more people are seeking shelter on the South Shore and what local residents can do to be good allies and neighbors. Please attend this presentation and invite friends to help make it a successful event and share this valuable information. Together, we can help make our community compassionate and inclusive.
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First Parish of Norwell Merch Store!
Wear your heart on your sleeve (or chest or back) and order yours today. All profits go to benefit the congregation!
ORDER HERE!
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Women’s Circle
The Women’s Circle will meet on Monday, April 27 at 7pm in the Skylight Room.
Please watch your email for updates. If you would like to receive emails about the Women’s Circle, please email community@firstparishnorwell.org.
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JAMES LIBRARY
Solo Exhibition: What Remains Unsaid
Exibition: March 13 - April 25, 2026
Admission: FREE
Enjoy the latest paintings by Robert Brodesky in a solo exhibition in the Concert Hall. Featuring a collection of large figurative paintings by the artist.
Robert P. "Bob" Brodesky, an artist based in the Boston-area, has been painting all his life. He specializes in figurative painting in an expressionistic style, rendered in oils, paint stick or pastels on canvas, paper, and wood. He likes working big––a surface big enough to allow him to be expansive, and physical.
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BOOK READ WRAP-UP WITH AUTHOR
All are welcome (whether you have read the book or not) to jump on the upcoming Zoom call with author Rebecca Minor who wrote “Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting This.” The group wrap-up discussion via Zoom will be held on Wednesday, April 8 at 7pm.
Should you be interested in reading this excellent book (which could alternatively be titled “Supporting Trans Kids…and All Kids”), please check the Welcoming Table outside the Parish Hall for any extra church copies that may have been returned. Otherwise, please feel free to purchase from your favorite book retail site.
To receive the Zoom link, please RSVP your participation to Les Taylor: lestaylor@me.com or call (781) 733-5232. Thank you!
🏳️⚧️ Sponsored by FPN’s LGBTQ+ Support Team and UCC Norwell’s Racial & Social Justice Ministry Team 🏳️⚧️
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First Parish of Norwell
Craft Fair in the Stables
FPN is sponsoring a craft fair as a fundraising event on Saturday, June 6
from 9-2pm.
Crafters can rent indoor or outdoor spaces at a reasonable price.
CLICK HERE FOR FAIR APPLICATION
Please speak to Heather or Tommie for details. Applications are also available on the welcome table. Come and sell your crafts and join in the fun!
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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.
April 20: "There are Rivers in the Sky", by Elif Shafak. Three stories of the Thames & Tigres.
click here to join
Meeting ID: 847 0898 5879
Passcode: Bookworms
| | 2026 Trivia Night Winners! Congrats to all! | | Ongoing and Recurring Events | | |
Knitters & Company
Tuesdays at 10 am
in the Fogg Parlor
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Men's Breakfast
Wednesday at 8 am
Anita Marie's
349 Union Street
Rockland Center
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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
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Since 1642 First Parish of Norwell has been a spiritual home and caring community for our congregation. We all benefit from the legacy giving of those who came before us. Please join in supporting FPN by considering a bequest to the church when doing your estate planning.
| First Parish of Norwell, Unitarian Universalist | 24 River Street, Norwell, MA 02061 | 781-659-7122 | | | | |
