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The Summer Spire
the electronic newsletter of
First Parish of Norwell,
Unitarian Universalist
In - Spire - ing News UUs Can Use
May 28, 2026
click on the spire to visit our website!
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June Worship
Sunday Worship Zoom
Flower Communion
Annual Parish Meeting
Summer Worship
Services 2026
RE Corner
Donate Children’s Books to Prevent Summer Learning Loss
Side with Love Overpass Gathering
Parish Committee Corner
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Adopt-a-Garden Program at FPN
Summer Family Fun Events
First Parish of Norwell Craft Fair in the Stables
Annual First Parish UU Golf Tournament
June 6 at Squirrel Run
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
UUA Assembly
Caring Corner
From the Climate Justice Team
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North River Regatta and Pizza Pool Party
FREE Pilgrim Belle Paddleboat Cruise
Pride Festivals
Book Club
Coffee Hour Survey
Recurring Events
June Happenings
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JUNE WORSHIP
Our June Worship theme is "Grounded in Love."
Sunday, June 7- Music Multigenerational Sunday
Our choir and Music Director will lead a morning filled with songs and reflections about the joy of music.
~Marie Miller, worship associate
Sunday, June 14- "The Love that is Grounded in Awe!" with Rev. Jo Murphy
In his book "awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder", Dachner Keltner, a psychology scholar, defines “awe" as "the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world." In my experience “awe" is a concept not often felt by UUs. We greatly value logic, rationality, and critical thinking, which though are important, can sometimes block our ability to experience “awe." Where we could learn and expand our imagination through "transcending our current understanding of the world?" Let us explore this and allow ourselves to feel awe and allow it to lead us to a world much more just and wonder filled than the one we currently live in.
~worship associate tbd
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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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Flower Communion
This Sunday May 31, we will have a Flower Communion during our worship service. This traditional UU ceremony has a rich history and lovely symbolism.
If you can, please bring a flower to church with you on Sunday.
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Annual Parish Meeting
The Special Parish Meeting will be held on Sunday, May 31 at 11:45am in the Meetinghouse . There are 6 items on the agenda requiring a vote by voting members of the Parish. The two most important items include voting on the General and
Capital budgets.
See the AGENDA here
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Summer Worship Services 2026
Every Sunday from 10:00-11:00 AM we gather in Fogg Parlor during the summer recess to connect, discuss interesting topics, and learn more about each other.
During these small-group sessions, there is no RE or coffee hour. No refreshments will be served, with the exception of the Coffee House on July 26, kindly provided by Heather Comeau.
Schedule of Small Group Leaders:
July 5: Amanda Adams
July 12: Percy Child
July 19: Amanda Adams
July 26: Duane Wilke and Friends “Uke'phoria”
August 2: Linda Twomey (We will still have plenty of time to get to the Pilgrim Belle Paddleboat)
August 9: Rev. Susan
August 16: Percy Child
August 23: Rev. Susan
August 30: Pam Giovannini
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RE Corner
We’re wrapping up our year-long study of the UU Values, and we’re so grateful to the kids, staff and volunteers who have made this a meaningful experience.
We’ll be thanking them all in a ceremony on June 7. Check out the projects we made - and look forward to them to appear on the wall soon!
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Donate Children’s Books to Prevent Summer Learning Loss
Our Families and Children’s Justice Team is collaborating with the South Shore YMCA to help prevent summer learning loss. We are collecting used children’s books for the YMCA to use in its summer programs and donate to families who want resources to encourage their kids to read while they’re out of school.
The Quincy Y branch offered a table full of books to families recently and they were gone before lunchtime, so we know these donations will be needed and appreciated! Books should be in good shape and appropriate for kids (from toddler board books through novels for teens). Please drop off your books during coffee hour on
Sunday, June 7.
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Side with Love Overpass Gathering
Join us on Saturday, June 6 at the Rt 3 River Street overpass from 8-10am to celebrate acceptance and positivity on the South Shore.
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Parish Committee Corner
Welcome Summer! We're entering our final weeks together this church year. Thank you all for making it a joyful one. As we break for the summer and look forward to long, lazy days, I would like to take a moment to personally thank Derek and Gabe for their service on the Parish Committee. I'll miss your thoughtful contributions and sage advice.
I'd also like to thank Rev. Paul Sprecher and Rev. Danielle DiBona for their time as interim ministers. Each brought a unique perspective to our community and I look forward to welcoming them back as friends when they return to First Parish.
We would also like to thank Amanda Buron and wish her well on her next endeavor!
See you all on the Paddle boat on Sunday, August 2, when we welcome Rev. Susan back into the fold.
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Adopt-a-Garden Program at FPN
Do you enjoy gardening? Our beautiful gardens at FPN require some consistent upkeep, and while they’ve been cared for by a few individuals for years (thank you so much, Linda Twomey and Noel Constantino!), it’s too much work for two people. We need more hands to help take care of these gardens!
We are looking for people (perhaps a family or a pair of individuals or families working together?) to volunteer to adopt a small section of garden and care for it during the gardening season. You would be responsible for weeding, watering, and general upkeep. Linda will teach you what each garden needs and show you how to access the hoses and other materials that you can use.
Adopting a garden does not cost any money – just some time and labor and love for the earth. To sign up, reach out to community@firstparishnorwell.org. First come, first claimed. Respond now to get the garden of your choice!
Available gardens:
- Small circle near church roadside church sign
- Garden in the photo near the side door
- Parsonage – needs two families to team up
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Summer Family Fun Events
FPN families are putting together plans for some fun events over the summer.
Save the dates for July 19 and August 9– we’ll be gathering on those Sundays for something fun and family-oriented. Should we play basketball or throw water balloons?
Go hiking or paint garden rocks? If you want to help decide what we’ll do, contact community@firstparishnorwell.org to help plan the events. We’re excited to play together! Watch your email for more details.
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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. Come shop crafts & support First Parish of Norwell.
Reach out to Heather Comeau for more information.
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Annual First Parish UU Golf Tournament
June 6 at Squirrel Run starting at 1pm
(32 Elderberry Drive, Plymouth)
Join us for a FPN Gold Tournament! Tee time is at 1pm for this “best ball” tournament. Most players arrive about noon, which gives time to pay the $100 fee, find their assigned foursome, and buy mulligans.
The fee includes the greens fee and a contribution to First Parish Norwell. Most players walk, however, if you want to ride in a cart there is an additional fee. If a child would like to play with a parent the cost is $50 per child.
After the tournament, most of us, and guests, go to The Tinkers Son in Norwell center for dinner and the prize presentation at about 5:30pm. (Each couple or person pays their own way for dinner).
If you want to contribute, but do not play golf, you can sponsor a hole with a business or personal sign. The donation is $50.
To sign up, get more information or make a donation contact:
Larry Baker
(781) 799-0093
larry@lawrencebaker.net
Don Messinger
(781)264-5044
messinger.don@gmail.com
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Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
Join your neighbors from across the South Shore at the Bandstand at the Hingham Harbor on Friday, June 19, to celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day with free family fun for ALL!
This year, the Hingham Unity Council is partnering with members of the South Shore Unity Council to produce this event, including Abington ASPIRE, Duxbury for All, First Parish of Norwell Unitarian Universalist, and others. We are very excited to mark this as our SIXTH ANNUAL celebration of this important holiday on the South Shore!
The Racial and Immigrant Justice Team at First Parish of Norwell is sponsoring this event as well as providing children’s activities. Come be a part of this important celebration featuring live music, black-owned food trucks and vendors, Kids’ relay races, face painting, balloon art, a sensory station and more. We hope to see you there!
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Caring Corner
Jan Cormier had a fall that resulted in a displaced hip and a broken leg. She and Ernie are assessing their needs and may ask for a meal train or some other support in the future, but for now said caring cards or notes would be lovely.
Summer Memorial Services at FPN
Betsey Detwiler
A celebration of life will be held at FPN on Saturday, June 13 at 11am with Rev. Vicki Weinstein as guest minister. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Road to Responsibility or Friendship Home.
Rev. Richard Fewkes
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life Reception will be held at FPN on
Saturday, July 11 at 11am. Contributions in his memory may be made to the: First Parish of Norwell Student Ministry Fund.
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From the Climate Justice Team
We are in full swing with the Less Lawn More Life Challenge that featured a kick-off talk by Robin Wall Kimmerer on May 7.
view here: https://www.youtube.com/live/fwhiXpg0SsI?si=erXxihYA-KJipx6o)
It's never too late to join us and follow along! Here are the three challenges that have been shared with us thus far:
CHALLENGE 1: Get Your Score! This week’s challenge is to take the Wildr Score: a free, quick 5-minute quiz to see how healthy your yard is today! (learn more here: https://youtu.be/rnRBdPOHDBA?si=Pw4vVNTBMLzk6ZeW)
CHALLENGE 2: Pick Your Spot! This week’s challenge: choose a 5 ft × 5 ft patch of your yard to transform. (learn more here: https://youtube.com/shorts/icLR7fnT0Do?si=NWv-prNd1DtoeylW)
CHALLENGE 3: Plant Some Natives! This week's challenge: research, find, and get native plants in the ground. (learn more here: https://youtu.be/aDiIlaXXIuk?si=enA63zhPVBbnrfpE and visit our local native plant seller Blue Stem Natives: https://www.bluestemnatives.com/)
We're also thrilled to share that Sue Robinson is very excited that her native pawpaw grove, which has been decades in the making, will have a bountiful crop this year! Maybe we'll need to plan a field trip this summer to help harvest the fruits?!
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North River Regatta and Pizza Pool Party
Save the date! The 2026 North River Regatta will be Saturday, August 29. Tides are a bit wonky this summer for morning launches, so we’ll meet at the Union St. launch in Marshfield at 12:30. We’ll paddle with the tide down to Couch Beach in Marshfield (about an hour), pull in and swim for a couple hours, then paddle back with the outgoing tide, arriving back at our cars @ 5pm.
There’ll be a pizza pool party at 6pm at Colleen and Chris Lux’s house in Norwell, 545 Mt. Blue Street (thank you again, Luxen!) ALL CHURCH MEMBERS ARE WELCOME AT THE PARTY – participating in the boat outing is not required. For newcomers, please be aware this is an unofficial summer activity, so there will be no childcare or lifeguards. Please reach out to Jon Babcock via text at (781) 608-1576 with questions. We have some extra kayaks and canoes, if folks can transport them.
Kayak rentals are also available at Bulman Marine right down river from our launch spot (about a 10 minute paddle).
https://www.bulmanmarine.com/rentals
Those looking to rent a motorized boat can reach out to Rhot Marine:
https://rohtmarine.com/boat-rentals.html
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Pilgrim Belle Paddleboat Cruise
Please join us Sunday, August 2 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. for a free “Welcome Back Rev. Susan” all-church all-ages cruise on the paddleboat Pilgrim Belle out of Plymouth Harbor. What could be more fun or better for one's mental health than a day on the water with friends AND Rev. Susan?! Sponsored in full by the Mental Health and Wellness Action Team, an arm of the Fogg Outreach Committee.
Sign ups are first come-first served. The boat capacity is 85 and I need a final count no later than Friday, July 24. ALL ARE WELCOME!
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| Pilgrim Belle Paddleboat Cruise | | 08/02/26 1:30pm - 08/02/26 3:30pm US/Eastern | | “Welcome Back Rev. Susan” all-church all-ages cruise on the paddleboat Pilgrim Belle out of Plymouth Harbor. | | | | |
Pride Festivals
The LGBTQ+ Justice Team is planning to have a table at three separate Pride events in June (Halifax, Hanover and Plymouth) and we need members of the congregation to help with some of the shifts. Halifax is June 13 from 11-3, Hanover is June 20 from 3-7, and Plymouth is June 28 from 11-5.
Those who participate will sit under our tent in the shade, handing out information about the work of our Justice team as well as resources for families and pride stickers.
This is a fun way to volunteer and a great motivation to attend some Pride events! Please sign up to help for an hour or two and be a part of what makes First Parish of Norwell such a Welcoming Congregation!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FAEAE2EA4FCCE9-63853804-help
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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.
June 15, 2026 – 7:30 pm “A Walk in the Park” by Kevin Fedarko, nonfiction detailing he and his photographer’s 750 mile year long trek the length of the Grand Canyon.
July 20, 2026 – 7:30 pm – "The Lion Women of Tehran” by Marjan Kamali -Coming of age fiction of friendship and feminism in 1950-1980 in Iran.
click here to join
Meeting ID: 847 0898 5879
Passcode: Bookworms
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Coffee Hour Survey
Heather Comeau would love your feedback about coffee hour! Take this quick survey online or fill out a paper version at church. Thank you for your input!
https://forms.gle/5UUV24thzBhiyrS19
| | 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 | | | | |
