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The September Spire

The electronic newsletter of

First Parish of Norwell,

Unitarian Universalist

In - Spire - ing News UUs Can Use

August 28th, 2026

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In This Issue



September Worship

Sunday Worship Zoom

Women's Circle

RE Corner

Playground Hangout and Pickup Basketball

Side with Love Overpass Gathering

Blessing of the Backpacks

"Welcome Back" Coffee Hour Cookout

Soulful Centering

Art and Inspiration

Caring Corner

Families and Children Justice Team Update

James Library Events

North River Regatta and Pizza Pool Party



Creativity and Worship

Book Club

Recurring Events

September Outreach and Service Project Sunday

Sunday Worship Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86879292412?pwd=1kHbHex09QCKw1eEQLEJcHjIoaus2Z.1

Meeting ID: 868 7929 2412

Passcode: SundayAM



Call for Water Photos



Please send a photo to Rev. Susan of water that you saw this summer or water that is special to you - your photos will be part of the worship service. 



Blessing of the Backpacks

During the Time for All Ages on September 13^th, we’ll have our annual “Blessing of the Bags and Backpacks.” Everyone is invited to bring their backpack, briefcase, purse, knitting bag, or other frequently-used carry-all for this special blessing. Young people will receive another bead to add to the keychains that we started building last year, and we’ll have lots of new keychains for those who didn’t get one or have misplaced theirs. 

Welcome Back Coffee Hour Cookout

After the service on September 13^th, the FPN’s dads’ group will be grilling us some tasty beef and veggie burgers and hot dogs. Drinks will also be provided. We are asking the congregation to contribute salads, sides or desserts to this pot-luck welcome back coffee hour. It will be so much fun to see one another again and enjoy a sit-down picnic together. No need to sign up, just bring whatever you wish. See you soon. (Any questions, contact Heather.)

RE Corner

Register your family for the 2026-2027 program.

TLDR: Register here!

All families who plan to attend RE classes must register their children.

Volunteer here!

All caregivers should plan to volunteer two times during the year. All members of the congregation are invited to volunteer as well. All volunteers need a CORI and SORI form on file with FPN.

Our program for the 26-27 school year, Faith Traditions, covers beliefs and practices from many different religions. The RE program begins on September 13th with four classrooms:

• Children who are younger than Kindergarten will use the Woven Faiths curriculum, which will include a story, some thematic directed play, and free play in the nursery.
• Kindergartners-2nd graders will be learning about faith traditions using an adaptation of the Picture Book World Religions curriculum, adding dress-up and play-acting as well as crafts. They will meet in the downstairs classroom.
• 3rd-5th graders will learn about faith traditions using an adaptation of the Holidays and Holy Days curriculum, exploring the customs and beliefs connected with a different holiday each week. They will meet in the Skylight Room.
• 6th-8th graders will use the Crossing Paths curriculum, which includes visits to neighboring congregations from many faith traditions. They will meet in the Fogg Parlor. Caregivers in this class will be invited to help chaperone at least one visit to a local congregation.

Each classroom has a lead teacher from the RE Team that is there every week. Each classroom also has an assistant. All caregivers will be asked to volunteer at least twice as an assistant to ensure that our program is fully staffed with two teachers in each class. Thank you for helping to support our program. Sign up for your Sundays here!

To track important information about the participants in our program, we need every family to REGISTER HERE.

Thank you for taking the time to help us keep our information up to date.

New this year: Our high school-aged members of the congregation will be invited to work part time in several church positions, including as RE assistants. If your high school student is interested in participating in this program, please contact community@firstparishnorwell.org.

Regatta and All-Church Pizza/Pool Party

Let’s end the summer in community with two opportunities to have fun together on Saturday, August 29th!

First you can participate in a kayak or canoe ride on the North River. Tides are a bit wonky this summer for morning launches, so we’ll meet at the Union St. launch in Marshfield at 12:00pm. 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 at 5. If you want to join the crowd for swimming on the beach but don’t want to paddle there, it’s possible to park nearby and walk 1/3 of a mile. Our friends at the NSRWA published a great set of directions for this short hike. 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).

Then, we’ll gather for 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. Bring your own beverages, a snack or side to share and $5 per person for pizza. You may also want to bring a camp chair so you can sit and relax and catch up with your First Parish friends.

Those looking to rent a motorized boat can reach out to Roht Marine:

https://rohtmarine.com/boat-rentals.html

Side with Love Overpass Gathering

Join us on Saturday, September 5th at the Rt 3 River Street overpass from 8-10am to celebrate acceptance and positivity on the South Shore. We post signs and flags with messages of positivity – bring your own or borrow ours. Parking is available at the North River Theater. 

The Alliance Program: Book Talk at The James

Local Children's Author Talk: Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony by Lisa Rogers

Saturday, September 19 from 3:00-4:30

Join award-winning author Lisa Rogers for Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony!

Celebrate the creative process of pioneering American abstract painter Joan Mitchell in this beautifully illustrated STEAM picture book, perfect for all kinds of young creators.

Following a read along of Rogers’ book, kids will participate in an art activity where they’ll paint what they’re feeling–just like Joan Mitchell.

Playground Hangout and Pickup Basketball

Come play around with us on the last Sunday before church services resume. We’ll meet at Hanover Playground (495 Hanover St) at 1pm for a playground hangout. Play a game of pick-up basketball or volleyball on the courts or just enjoy the climbing structures and swings. We’ll be there playing from 1-3. All are welcome! If there’s something we can do to make this event more inclusive or provide accommodation, please contact Amanda. 

Art and Inspiration

in partnership with The James Library and Center for the Arts 

This year our Art and Inspiration Group will continue to deepen our relations with our program at The James. Please save the following dates to join Rev. Susan and James Library Director, Liz Helfer for the following events:

Friday, October 9th 4-6pm:

Join us at the James for a book talk by Dr. Danielle Drees on her September 2026 release Sleep with Spectators: Feminist Performance and Practice. The book explores how artists and thinkers utilize sleep as a radical counter to the exhaustion of confronting inequality. 

Saturday, January 9th 11:30am-12:30pm 

Join Rev. Susan at The James to view their “Emerging Artists” show, followed by lunch at Cheever Tavern.  

Friday, February 5th 6-8pm: 

Come and enjoy the opening reception of the Norwell High School AP Art Show. Meet the artists and their families, support our connection with student artists. 

Saturday, April 10th 7-9pm: 

Any aspiring poets out there? Always wanted to learn about crafting a poem? Join us for a Poetry Workshop & Open Mic hosted by Trident Booksellers. It is SURE to be a fun night!  

Racial & Immigrant Justice Library at First Parish Opening in September

The Racial and Immigrant Justice team is delighted to announce that, starting on September 27th, we will be offering a lending library of books on race, immigration and justice. Some of the books have been donated by members of First Parish and others were purchased from the funds provided to RIJ from the Fogg Committee. The purchased books were carefully researched to provide perspectives on a variety of subjects and issues pertaining to race, immigration and justice. There is a mix of fiction and non-fiction boots suitable for a wide age range from adults to teens to picture books for younger children. We hope to expand the offerings over time with both donations and further purchases as funds allow.

The library will be available every other week. There will be a table in the Parish Hall with a rotating selection of books. As with any library, books will need to be signed out and there will be a form to fill out. Books can be kept for a maximum of 4 weeks and be returned either to the library on the Sundays it is open or to the church office. The table will initially be staffed by members of the RIJ Team but it’s our hope that some other folk will step up and volunteer as the church year progresses and there will be a sign-up sheet available.

We’re excited about this project and look forward to meeting you at the table. We would also welcome your comments about the library and any ideas you have for additional books, particularly those appropriate for our young people.

--Sallie Dunner for the Racial and Immigrant Justice Team

Call for Art: 2026 Fall Juried Show

Hosted by The James Library

Exhibition Dates: October 30, 2026 to December 5, 2026

Opening Reception: Friday, October 30, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

How to Submit

Coffee Hour

Coffee hour is brought to you by YOU. There is a wonderful, welcoming energy at our after service gatherings, and all of the ideas and food at Coffee Hour comes from our members.

The idea that the congregation assists with providing the food, while a separate group called the Coffee Hour Crew does all the set up and clean up, came from you. The generous volunteering of many of the committees here at FPN, came from you. The idea that a few times a year, we come together for a sit down coffee hour, came from you.  Thank YOU!

Here’s how it works.

1. We are asking that you sign up a few times this church year to bring food. The signup sheet with suggestions is on the Welcome Table and it’s set up for the whole church year. Please bring 3 things each time. (There will be a total of 3 people bringing food every week) There is an extensive list of suggestions. We do try to have a cheese/cracker tray, fruit offering, a vegetable plate and a Gluten Free treat every week so everyone can be included. Items can be homemade or storebought. If finances are tight, 1 thing is fine. We are so grateful for everyone’s help!
2. Drop off your contributions before the service in the kitchen. The coffee hour crew will plate your offerings, set them out and do all the clean up. Your contribution can be: sweet, savory, or salty, healthy fruit and veggies, gluten free and vegan options, it can be hot or cold, it can look like breakfast or lunch!

Anyone can bring a contribution any time! Any and all food contributions are welcome.

Thank you to the Coffee Hour Crew! These folks work with Alan and Heather to set up the tables, cutlery, coffee etc. They also do the clearing of the tables, sweep, take the trash/recycling out, etc. This crew helps out on a rotating basis all year. Want to be part of this crew? Talk to Heather. Any help is gratefully accepted.

Community Dinner

Hosted by the Food Justice Team

2nd Tuesday of the Month Sept-Dec, and March-May from 5:00-6:30pm

Save the date for our first dinner:

October 13th

Did you know that our church offers a community dinner multiple times a year? These events are hosted by the Food Justice Team and their merry band of dedicated helpers! The goals are to provide a healthy meal with Gluten Free/vegan options, served by our friendly staff, where individuals from within the congregation and from the surrounding communities can come together in peace and fellowship.

Interested in helping? You could help with set up, serving, cooking, advertising, and/or clean up. Please speak to Heather Comeau, Marcia Babcock, Betsy Drollett or Debbie Chase if you are interested in becoming a part of this valuable outreach event. A sign up form will be available on the Welcome Table 2 weeks before the dinner.

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.

September 23rd, 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

Announcements from Our Friends and Partners

2nd Annual Coastal Uke Festival

Oct 4th 1:00-5:30pm

More Info at CohassetUkulele.org


Layers: Photographs by Lynn Bratley

Opening Reception Friday, September 4, 6:00-8:00pm

Show runs through Oct 10, 2026

Lynn says, “I practice meditative photography and focus primarily on water and sky. I live near the Charles River, one of my places for quiet observation. Here are abundant

layers: surface reflections and ice; turtles, fish and rocks below; birds, clouds, solar

circles and the moon above.

Pictures in this exhibit were taken with either my iPhone mini 13 or my Lumix F28

Panasonic. The best camera is the one that I have with me, although most days my

preference is for the iPhone. The exception is when I want to get a good shot of the

moon or the ducks on the far side of the river.

I strive to follow poet Mary Oliver’s instructions for living: ‘Pay attention. Be

astonished. Tell about it.’”

Be Intentional

Group Show Opening Reception Friday, September 11, 6:00-8:00pm

Show runs through Oct 17, 2026

“Be Intentional” is a group exhibition curated by the Massachusetts chapter of the National Association of Woman Artists featuring 2D and 3D works that reflect the Association’s artistic perspectives. The Association’s view is that being intentional starts with clarity and specificity. All artists are political and must accept responsibility. Being intentional means being open about your goals and using emotional intelligence to navigate society's challenges—a significant task for members of the National Association of Women Artists.

Musical Connections Across Time and Space

Sunday, September 13, 3:00-5:00pm

Alison S. Barr, flute, and Lydia Reed-Guertin, piano, featuring works by Telemann, Saint-Saëns, Lili Boulanger, Luís Costa, Komitas, and David Hamilton.

One hundred percent of donations received support MMTA’s Music Connect Program, which provides tuition-free music lessons to students with demonstrated financial need across Massachusetts. Established in 2018, the program has served more than 60 students to date. 

The Traveling Composer with Ben Cosgrove

Saturday, September 26, 4:00-5:30pm

Ben Cosgrove is a traveling composer-performer whose music explores themes of landscape, place, and environment. Described by the Boston Globe as “a sonic plein-air painter… [using] his piano as a paintbrush,” Ben has performed in every U.S. state except for Delaware, collaborated with groups ranging from rock bands to research scientists, contributed music to several radio and film projects (including the recent Ken Burns documentary The American Buffalo), and held residencies and fellowships with many recognizable institutions. Ben’s music has been called "beautiful and fascinating" (The Maine Edge), "deeply impressive" (Independent Clauses), and "immediately evocative and fully arresting... brim[ming] with technical mastery and emotional capital" (Seven Days). Yankee Magazine calls his music "quintessentially American, omnivorous, and democratic," and Sound of Boston has described him as "an expert at painting sonic portraits of curious, unexpected places." For more please visit https://www.bencosgrove.com/.

Local Author Talk: Canticle by Janet Edwards

Sunday, September 27, 2026, 3:00-4:30pm

Join local author Janet Rich Edwards for a special afternoon of reading and conversation centered on her latest novel, Canticle. The event will feature Edwards in conversation with Tracey Palmer, exploring the themes, inspiration, and creative process behind Canticle. Audience members will also enjoy live readings from the book followed by a book signing. Copies of Canticle will be available for purchase through Buttonwood Books.

Canticle was longlisted for the Carol Shields Prize, a New York Times Editors’ Pick, and described by People Magazine as “atmospheric and unforgettable.” From the Washington Post, “Canticle is a daring historical novel steeped in religious ecstasy. Janet Rich Edwards’s debut circles a medieval teenager destined to become a martyr.”

While admission is free, a suggested $10 ticket donation will support GrubStreet, the nationally recognized independent creative writing center dedicated to nurturing writers and storytellers.

The event offers readers and community members an opportunity to engage directly with a local author in an intimate and welcoming setting while supporting literary arts programming.



Ongoing and Recurring Events

Knitters & Company

Tuesdays at 10 am

in the Fogg Parlor

Men's Breakfast

Wednesday at 8 am

Anita Marie's

349 Union Street

Rockland Center

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

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.