Keep It Ringing Capital Campaign

It's so exciting that after talking about this for several years, we are so close to our million-dollar goal! In only a few weeks, we have 137 pledges for $900,758! 

We had a well-deserved celebration last Sunday as we came to the end of the main part of the campaign. Thank you to everyone who has returned their pledge cards and made a donation so far. But it's not too late to join in and there are still pledges coming in from the congregation, the community, and other parts of the country. Pledges and donations range from $18 to $100,000. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will help get us over the top. 

We have heard so many wonderful stories from people about ringing the bell on their wedding day, going up to the tower to watch the sunrise after a youth group sleepover, and all the ways this church has been a support in times of joy and in times of sadness in their lives. 

We are so grateful we will be able to restore our bell tower and steeple, fix our leaky roof, and replace our elevator so our building remains accessible to all, as well as continue to support mission and youth programs. We look forward to celebrating the 200th birthday of this beautiful meeting house in 2025.

Children in Church

Children are an integral part of our faith community–with all their wonderings, wiggles, and ways of learning how to participate in worship. People of all ages show us who God is. 

Child Care for infants to 4 years olds is provided in "The First Meeting House” room on the second floor, and is available during our 10:00 service, from 9:50 and anytime during the service.

Children are welcome to stay in the Sanctuary with their families; feel free to move about as needed. There are activities, such as worksheets, markers, finger puppets, and other items to engage in the Narthex. If your kids need a break from worship, you will also find space in our Parish Hall (where we offer coffee hour); go to the right as you leave the Sanctuary, go through the doors past the restrooms and elevator and go down the stairs. 

We are glad that you are here! Thank you for bringing your children to church! 

Summer Worship at Chandler Hovey Park

Begins next Sunday, June 4th at 8am



Again this year we are looking forward to our annual summer tradition of worshiping together at Chandler Hovey Park. There is something unique and spiritual about gathering in worship where ocean waters meet solid rock and the light shines to guide people safely. Our first Lighthouse service will be next Sunday, June 4th, weather permitting, and continue through Labor Day. As in past years, the Lighthouse service will begin at 8 am. Remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. As in the past, if it is raining at 8 am, the service will be moved to the Sanctuary. Look for the sandwich board sign at the Devereaux Beach entrance: if green, go to the Lighthouse; if red, the service will be held in the Sanctuary.

This first Lighthouse service will include a Blessing Of The Fleet. This is a coastal tradition for centuries across the globe as people ask God’s blessing on sail and motor, wind and water. You’ll be invited to share the name of any boat even as we bless every boat and mooring in the harbor around us. Please share this news with other seafaring folks. 

After several years of declining attendance for the summer 10am service in the Sanctuary, this service will be suspended until the Sunday after Labor Day. We are so fortunate to have the privilege of worshiping together in a setting as inspiring as Chandler Hovey Park. Please consider inviting friends and neighbors to join us at the 8am service at the Lighthouse. Looking forward to seeing you!

ONC Annual Meeting Wednesday June 7



The 339th Annual Meeting of the Church will be held on Wednesday June 7 at 7:00pm in the church Sanctuary. The Annual Meeting will be preceded by an Ice Cream Social featuring Don Morgan's homemade ice cream, in the Parish Hall at 6:30 pm.

Agenda items include: Approval of the Minutes of the of the 338th Annual Meeting on June 15, 2022 as well as approval of the Minutes of the Annual Budget Meeting on January 29, 2023. There will also be an update on the search for a settled pastor, a financial update, a Prudential Board update, a Capital Campaign update, and a vote on Board and committee members for the 2023-2024 program year. Annual Reports are available in the Narthex and by clicking here.

This is our first in-person Annual Meeting since 2019, prior to the COVID pandemic. We need to have a quorum of 50 members in attendance in order to proceed with this very important meeting, so please make every effort to attend.

Attention, walkers and runners!

First come, first served!



The 31st Annual Walk for HAWC takes place next Sunday, June 4, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on the Salem Common, rain or shine! (Healing Abuse, Working for Change—the organization addresses domestic violence and helps shelter and protect its victims.) Through your Outreach Ministry Board, Old North has supported HAWC over the years. We have *five* free registration spots: when you fill out your registration form on June 4, simply write “Sponsor23” in the box in the upper right-hand corner and your registration is free.

This is a fun event that includes a pet parade and family fun festival! Be there! Rain or shine. For more information, email Becky Burckmyer at [email protected] or call 781-632-6505.

Old North Reading and Discussion Group, Wednesday, June 14



The next meeting of the Old North Reading and Discussion Group on Preserving our Democracy and Environment will be on Wednesday, June 14, from 8:30 to 10:00 AM. This is the latest of a series of meetings on this subject that have been hosted for all by the ONC Men’s Group. You are invited to participate regardless of the amount of your preparation or whether you have attended a previous meeting. 

Having finished our discussion of The Tyranny of Merit, by Michael Sandel in our May meeting, we will begin discussion of The Soul of America: The Battle for our Better Angels, by Jon Meacham, Random House, 2018, during the June meeting.



The meeting will be hosted on Zoom, and will be open 15 minutes early for logon and general discussion. To log in, just click on: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83905794961?pwd=Z0RsRUhkK3h2RFJTamtBUVd4bmRSUT09. If you would then like to use your telephone for audio, dial 1 929 205 6099 and follow the operator’s instructions with Meeting ID: 839 0579 4961 and Passcode: 272381.  

Dinner Club Enjoys Dinners at Host Homes 

This past Saturday, nineteen people gathered at three host homes for an evening of conversation and wonderful food. Thanks to Joan Hosman, Jen Jackson and Ginny and Rick von Rueden for opening their homes to members of the congregation.

Our next event will be a picnic at the Lighthouse on Wednesday, June 28 at 6pm. Bring your own picnic and chair and join us at the flat area of the park to the left of the bathrooms, weather permitting. All are welcome whether you are part of the Dinner Club or not. No RSVP required.  

Contact Judy Conner, 978-594-5205 or [email protected] if you have questions.

ONC Scrabble Group



The newly-formed Scrabble Group has now begun to meet weekly on Wednesdays from 1-3pm in the Great Room at Stacey St. All are welcome!

Clothing Drive for South Africa



We appreciate the wonderful support and generous donations and have closed our clothing drive for South Africa. You can all be assured your gifts will be very much appreciated by the Pholela Congregation when we visit them in August. 

Leadership Board Meeting Notes



The Leadership Board meets monthly to discuss the ongoing strategic priorities of the Church. The Board's April 13, 2023 meeting notes can be found here.

Gifts of Cheer



If you know of anyone, either here at Old North or in the wider Marblehead community who is going through a difficult time, the Community Life Board would like to reach out with a little plant and a friendly note. Please contact Lynda Hare at [email protected] or 781-639-0107 if you know someone who would appreciate a little extra cheer.

Saving Trees, Reducing Waste



Did you know that 58 billion paper coffee cups are thrown away in the U.S. every year? Or that 20 million trees are cut down to make those cups? Coffee cups are coated with plastic and can’t be recycled. However, there is a solution. Bring a reusable travel cup wherever you get your coffee. That would include Coffee Hour after church service. Make every day Earth Day!

Lectio Divina

A monastic practice of scripture, reflection and prayer dating back to the 4^th century, at Old North lectio divina has been adapted and practiced for more than ten years on every Tuesday morning from 9 to about 10:30 am. When Dennis was here, he led the practice. Since his leaving, we all take turns being the leader to select the readings. We have welcomed newcomers, some not from Old North, who seem to find soul food in the practice and the shared reflections that are part of it. We meet at 9 am both in person in the “Great Room” on Stacey St. and on Zoom.

We begin each meeting with a context-setting call to worship. Then we pair a scripture reading with a poem, chosen by the leader for the day and read aloud. We then move into 21 minutes of silent meditation, marked by chimes, and finally we share in “safe space” our responses – personal and intellectual. We end each session with prayers for healing and the Lord’s Prayer.



It is a rich time of being together in community and quite like no other. We invite you to give it a try.