{Click Here to View as Webpage}

The October Spire

the electronic newsletter of

First Parish of Norwell,

Unitarian Universalist

In - Spire - ing News UUs Can Use

September 25, 2025



click on the spire to visit our website!

for best results viewing the Spire, kindly view on desktop mode

please submit November Spire information by Wednesday, October 29

In This Issue



October Worship

Soulful Centering

"Meet a UU"

MAAP Service Project

Blood Drive

Religious Exploration News

Inclusion Corner

Beginning Small Group Ministry at FPNUU

"Get to Know UUs, a new member/visitor series"

Inspiration & Justice

Through Art

Fall Pride

Joyful Songs Choir

Community Dinner

Searching for the Future

at FPNUU (All Church Gathering)

Overpass Gathering

Racial Justice Action Team Brainstorming Meeting

LGBT & History Month

Climate Justice Team Announcement

Helen Fogg Outreach Committee

Youth Group

Pumpkin carving for a

good cause



FPN Holiday Fair

James Library

Caring Corner

Health & Wellness Action Team

Alliance Talk

Women's Group

Book Club

Symposium on White Christian Nationalism

Recurring Events

October Happenings

Soulful Centering

Join Rev. Susan on Zoom on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays, 8:30-9pm for a 30 minute centering time with music, a reading and a time of guided meditation.

This year the 2^nd Sunday will be live and the 4^th Sunday will be pre-recorded and sent via email. 



MEET A UU!

Quick and Easy Service Project Making Hygiene Kits for Unhoused People and Outreach

Sunday, September 28

from 11:15-11:45.

This Sunday, come help us create 150 hygiene care packs for unhoused people. In just half an hour, you'll hear a quick explanation of why these kits are needed and how hygiene is essential to dignity.

Then, we'll use an assembly line to fill gallon bags with toiletries and monitor our progress with a chart that kids can help update. When we reach the top and meet our goal, we'll celebrate and thank everyone for their help and generous hearts. All are welcome to participate, so feel free to invite a friend.

This service project, and the Outreach Offering during the Worship Service, is in partnership with the Material Aid and Advocacy Program (MAAP, found at https://www.maapma.org/), which works to empower unhoused and underhoused community members through material aid, access to resources, organizing support and advocacy opportunities. It's part of a monthly series of "quick and easy" service projects that we host and fund throughout the year.

Blood Drive on Friday, October 3

There is a national blood shortage, and donations are desperately needed. The blood drive is from 12-5pm, and we have many empty slots.

If you cannot donate blood, please help by spreading information about this blood drive over social media and/or inviting your friends to donate. We can make a huge impact if we get the word out and get donors in!

Sign up here!

Religious Exploration News

New Staff: Our year of learning about the UU values is off to a great start in Religious Exploration, with two new staff members rounding out our team and four classes offered every Sunday morning for young people.

Anna Ritchie, a member of our Youth Group, is the new assistant in our nursery and provides supervision during Social Hour. She is a student at Braintree High School and plays on their volleyball team, and she loves babysitting.

Percy Child is our new Youth Director, so they teach the 4^th-6^th graders on Sunday mornings and co-lead the 7^th-12^th grade youth group with Becky Smock two Sunday evenings per month. Percy also works at the Hanson Public Library and volunteers for SSHAGLY, and they were a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fellow at Mount Holyoke. We are so pleased to welcome Anna and Percy to the team!

Youth Governance: Remember that any young people who are interested in becoming a member of a committee should contact Amanda Adams so she can help to fill youth spots in our organization.

Register your child for RE: If you have not done so, please register all young people for the RE program.

Volunteer: We still need volunteers to assist in the RE classrooms! You don’t have to teach, just be a second safe adult who can help when needed. All volunteers will need to update their CORI forms this year. Please sign up to volunteer!



Inclusion Corner: Diverse Abilities Drive Innovative Brains



We’ve talked before about universal adaptations, modifications and innovations that are developed with disabled people in mind but are beneficial to all people. (We listed examples like nametags, closed captioning, picture schedules, and noise-cancelling headphones.) Did you know that many universal adaptations were innovations created by people with disabilities? You’ve probably heard of Temple Grandin, the autistic woman who invented humane livestock management devices. But you may not know that Satoshi Tajiri, the inventor of Pokémon, is autistic, and his fascination with categorizing bugs helped him to develop his massively popular gaming system. (Just ask the kids playing with their cards during Social Hour).

Texting is a feature first invented by the deaf community to give them equitable access to the life-changing advantages of using a telephone. 1964, Robert Weitbrecht, a deaf electronic scientist, developed an acoustic coupler that converted sounds into text – this was the system that developed into the TTY and then the modern text message. Ralph Teetor, a blind engineer, invented cruise control. Vinton Cerf, considered one of the “fathers of the internet,” led the engineering of MCI Mail, which became the first commercial email service to be connected to the Internet in 1989. He and his wife met while getting hearing aids, and his work with email was designed to help her communicate despite her increasing deafness. 

There are more examples to list, but we know the Spire is long enough as it is, so let’s get to the point. These innovators didn’t come up with their ideas despite their disabilities – they came up with them BECAUSE OF THEIR DIVERSE ABILITIES. They have different perspectives, experiences with struggle, and a dedication to create something better and more accessible. Their innovative brains have improved all of our lives. This hits particularly close to home as this administration talks about the “autism epidemic” and dismantles protections for disabled people. Autism is neither contagious nor a chronic illness, so it can’t be an epidemic – and to call it that robs autistic people of their worth and dignity. People with autism, just like people with other disabilities, deserve a society that accommodates and includes them, allowing their unique brains to continue to innovate and enrich our society.

Let’s be grateful to those with diverse abilities who have struggled in a world that didn’t fit them and created something life-changing for others. And moving forward, let’s work to create life-changing inclusiveness for them. 



Beginning Small Group Ministry at FPNUU!

We are thrilled to share we are beginning small group ministry this Fall. This idea grew out of a spoken and shared desire from many in our Parish who are looking for ways to deepen their connections with other members and friends, as well as recognizing in this challenging time it is even more important for us to grow our relationships.

Small groups will meet on a monthly basis and will be co-facilitated by members of our congregation. The co-facilitators will provide a theme for each gathering and will begin with a reading and lighting a chalice. The group will be equal parts personal check-in and space to reflect on the theme for the gathering.

Rev. Susan and other members of our congregation are aware of how important small group ministry is to the health and mutual flourishing of a congregation. Join us as we begin this journey.

Stay tuned in the next few weeks to sign up for small groups!

"Get to Know UUs," a New Member/Visitor Series"

Our membership team is hosting monthly gatherings we're calling "Get to Know UUs." These gatherings will 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 first gathering is coming up on Sunday, Oct 12th and will feature the work of the Fogg Outreach Committee and the Action Teams (Climate Justice, LBGTQ, Racial Justice, Food Justice, Health and Wellness).

Join UUs! (and check out the dates/topics for the future gatherings below):

Sunday, Nov 9th at 11:30am: RE/Preschool/Alliance  

Sunday, Jan 11th at 11:30am: Music & Worship/The James 

Sunday, Feb 1st at 11:30am: Congregational Care and Shared Ministry 

Sunday, March 8th at 11:30am: Budget/Finances 

Sunday, April 12th at 11:30am: Church governance/Bylaws & Parish Committee 

Sunday, May 3rd at 11:30am: Activities, Buildings & Grounds, Denominational Affairs 

Inspiration and Justice Through Art

a monthly collaborative group with The James Library and Center for the Arts

Join Rev. Susan and Liz Helfer, Director of The James, for a one- hour art and mindfulness group on Friday, October 3 at 3pm in the downstairs gallery at the James Library (the beautiful yellow building on the other side of the Kent House).

Future groups will include field trips to visit artist studios, museums and galleries in the South Shore. Mark your calendars for the following Fridays all at 3pm: November 14, December 12 and January 9.

Fall Pride

Fall Pride at First Parish is on Sunday, October 5. October is LGBTQIA+ History Month and includes National Coming Out Day. To celebrate, we are having a special Fall Pride.

This is BRING A FRIEND TO CHURCH SUNDAY! Our worship service will be followed by a joyful and delicious Pride Picnic, and everyone is asked to bring a salad (you choose what type, from green to tuna to fruit to pasta) to share.

We are looking forward to celebrating Fall Pride with you!

Joyful Songs Choir

Don’t want to commit to Thursday night choir? Join us on Sunday, October 12 arriving by 9:15 if you'd like to sing a new UU hymn with the Joyful Songs Choir.

This opportunity is available the second Sunday of every month throughout the church year. All are welcome!



Community Dinner

Join us on Tuesday, October 14 at 5pm for a home-cooked meal and great company.

Donations of chicken and rice casserole and apple crisp are needed!

Contact Heather Comeau. Children will be supervised on the playground.

ALL are very welcome!

Searching for the Future at FPNUU

(All Church Gathering)

Saturday, October 25 from 2-5pm

Our congregation is holding a visioning workshop, Searching for the Future, on

Saturday, October 26. Sara Green, who led the Next Steps Weekend in April 2025, will be back as the lead facilitator.

The goal is to create a vision

by which we can live and operate as a congregation over the next few years.

Visions (and missions) are what we use to make decisions, and therefore need

to be revisited regularly to ensure that they still reflect the thoughts, feelings and goals of our membership. A significant turnout is crucial to our success.

Our session with Sara and facilitators from our congregation will be held on Saturday, 10/25 from 2pm-5pm. Please arrive on time for snacks and to get a beverage and mingle a bit before we get started.

In addition to as many attendees as we can get on Saturday, we need ten or

more facilitators to help run the sessions on Saturday. On Friday, October 25th, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm, we’ll hold a facilitator training. On Saturday, facilitators will be divided amongst the groups in each session, two facilitators to each group. We will have at least one Zoom group for those who are unable to come in person.

You can sign up at the welcome table over the next couple of Sundays or you can contact Amanda Buron in the church office.

We know that this Next Steps Weekend is asking for a big-time commitment during a precious weekend time. Your presence and wisdom is very much needed and wanted. And we hope that you will see the value and importance in this work and will join us in setting a path forward. Your commitment to our beloved community at FPNUU is greatly appreciated!



Side With Love Overpass Gathering

Meet us on the River Street overpass of Rt 3 on Saturday, October 4 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 place.



Colorful clothing and signs of positivity are welcome!

Parking is available at the North River Theater.

Racial Justice Action Team Brainstorming Meeting



The FPN Racial Justice Action Team is thinking about possible projects for this year, and we would love to hear from you.

Drop in to the Zoom meeting at 7pm on Wednesday, October 1 to share your ideas for things you’d like to see happening in the racial justice space. Some ideas have already been discussed, such as researching and writing about the history of enslavement and abolitionist work at First Parish Norwell, collaborating with BIJAN Boston to assist immigrant who have been detailed by ICE, and beginning a justice work library.

You are invited to attend to simply find out about FPN’s racial justice team and/or share your ideas – there is no future commitment or involvement required unless you so choose! We’d love to hear from you.

Join Zoom Meeting at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87207038703pwd=duBhTEWftfVrrRxGW9UaUZJqyVIwhq.1

OCTOBER IS LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH

(WHICH ALSO INCLUDES NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY)

LGBT+ History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. LGBT+ History Month in the U.S. was first celebrated in 1994 when it was declared a national history month by President Barack Obama in 2009. The goal is to encourage openness and education about LGBT history and rights.

LGBT+ History Month provides role models, builds community, and represents a civil rights statement about the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. In the United States, along with several other countries, it is celebrated next month to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 11th.

National Coming Out Day is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating and supporting individuals in the LGBTQ+ community as they share their authentic selves with the world. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of coming out, challenge stereotypes and prejudices, and promote acceptance and inclusion. It encourages people to embrace their true selves and live openly, free from fear and discrimination.

First Parish of Norwell is proud to recognize and honor these October observances in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Important Announcement from our Climate Justice Team

We are excited to share with you all that over the summer (under the leadership of Les Taylor) we submitted the required forms for our parish to earn the designation of a Green Sanctuary congregation through the Unitarian Universalist Association. And just this week we received this positive email message (see image below)!

Our Climate Justice team is THRILLED with this achievement and looks forward to continuing our innovative, climate-centered work into the coming year. We know we couldn't have done this without all of you and your participation and care for our planet home. 

Our Climate Team includes: Bernie Gardner, Ellen Herling, Crista Trapp, Les Taylor, Steve Hurt, George Goodwin, Eowyn Babcock, Kristen Babcock, John McCann and Alan Prouty 

Helen Fogg Outreach Committee

The Helen Fogg Outreach Committee makes a tangible difference in the lives of many deserving people. Members and friends, both long-time and new, see this as fulfillment of the church’s purpose and find it energizing to be invited to participate in the direct action taken within the congregation. So in addition to benefiting the health and welfare of the people served through outreach, the congregation’s own health and welfare is also enhanced.

By coordinating social justice and outreach activities for First Parish of Norwell (FPNUU), The Helen Fogg Outreach Committee is key to our congregation putting into action the words of our covenant: "...to minister to each others' needs and to those of humanity." We strive to make a difference locally, nationally, and internationally, supporting both direct action and education on a broad set of pressing issues of conscience.

The committee met on September 21 with renewed energy and 11 people in attendance. First Parish of Norwell is, by providing a budget for the Fogg Committee to disburse, is doing good in this world. Together, we are already supporting:

➢   A September Outreach for the Material Aid and Advocacy Program (https://www.maapma.org/) supporting unhoused people. The executive director is coming and speaking to the congregation and Amanda will be running a service project making care kits.

➢   An October Outreach for TRUUsT (Transgender Religious professional Unitarian Universalists Together). October is LGBTQ History month. TRUUST – transuu.org

➢   "One big donation" to the Health and Wellness Action team out of the $25,000 the congregation voted for us to disperse. For the past 2 years, the Fogg Committee, on behalf of the congregation, has voted to set aside $10,00 to fund:

○     $4,000 for the Financial Aid Assistance fund

○     $2,000 for the Pilgrim Belle paddleboat cruise mid-summer 2026 $2-4,000 for programming – (at least one program for younger members with kids, and one for the older folks – more or less as interest from the congregation and our schedules dictate)

➢   An allocation of $500 for outreach expenses this year for the Climate Action Team

➢   An allocation of $500 set aside for Community dinner to be used for flowers and food purchases.

Led by our dedicated Action Teams and our Community Development staff (Amanda Adams), it is important to note that historically 70% of these funds directly supported work performed by congregational volunteers. These Action Teams—all represented on the Fogg Committee—drive hands-on change in vital areas:

●     Children in Foster Care (Christmas collection)

●     Climate Action

●     Racial Justice

●     Community Dinner/Food Justice

●     Health & Wellness Action

●     LGBTQ+ Allies

Additionally, guests at our Community Dinner contribute to local food pantries —further demonstrating the power of collective generosity.

The Ongoing Impact & Why It Matters

This level of outreach—both financial support and direct action—has energized our congregation, lifting enthusiasm and engagement across First Parish. Giving is not just a tradition at FPNUU; it is a core expression of our values, helping us build deeper connections with one another and with those we serve.

By continuing to support these meaningful efforts, FPNUU becomes an even stronger and more welcoming place to attend and contribute. We are grateful to every member who made this possible—your generosity fuels change.

Please join us. All are welcome.

Attending our September meeting: Sallie Dunner, Bev Gardner, Jack Wallace, Marcia Babcock, Scott Babcock, Debbie Chase, Les Taylor, Cathay Harder-Bernier, Cara Moretti, Peter Twomey and Bernie Perry.

Youth Group Launches Sunday, October 19

Our 7^th-12^th grade Youth Group is combined with First Parish Cohasset, and this collaboration means our teens come together with their friends for fellowship, service and fun.

Led by Becky Smock, Percy Child, and Kate Sullivan of Cohasset, this group will meet from 5-6:30 two Sunday evenings per month. They will pack lunches each month for Father Bill’s shelter and participate in some other service projects with South Shore youth groups from Quincy to Plymouth.

The first Youth Group meeting of the year is Sunday, October 19 at 5pm, and it will include dinner.

Caregivers are invited to this first meeting. We hope to see you there! 



Pumpkin Carving for a Good Cause



Join us Wednesday evening Oct 22 from

5-6:30 to carve pumpkins for the New England Wildlife Center. We pledged to bring 15 jack-o-lanterns to support their Night of a Thousand Faces fundraiser.

Come have fun with FPN friends and help us make it happen! Pumpkins and tools will be provided, just bring yourselves. (This is a great chance to ask a new FPN friend to meet you at the event – you can chat while you carve.)

Let’s make it social event as well as an opportunity to serve a local non-profit!

The annual First Parish of Norwell Holiday Fair is quickly approaching on (November 22)

Below is some helpful fair information!

Welcome to Liz Helfer as new Executive Director at the James Library:

The James Library & Center for the Arts is proud to announce the appointment of Liz Helfer as its new Executive Director, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the organization’s interdisciplinary arts and education programming.

Helfer joins the James with a rich background in public arts leadership, nonprofit management, and community-centered creative practice. She is the Public Arts & Culture Planner for the City of Watertown, where she oversees public art policy, city-wide events, and grant initiatives. Her previous role as Hatch Coordinator at the Watertown Free Public Library showcased her talent for volunteer management, partnership development, and operational excellence.

A practicing sculptor and founder of Liz Helfer Studios, Helfer’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with permanent installations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Latvia. Her public art projects—such as Freedom’s Silhouette in Concord and Guardian of Balance in Brookline—reflect her deep commitment to storytelling, civic engagement, and environmental awareness. She holds a Master of Liberal Arts in Museum Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Harvard University Extension School.

“We are delighted to welcome Liz to the James Library,” said the Board of Directors. “Her creative leadership, strategic insight, and passion for the arts make her an ideal steward for our mission. We look forward to the energy and vision she will bring to our community.”

As Executive Director, Helfer will oversee daily operations, fundraising, and programming, while serving as the public face of the James. She will work closely with staff, volunteers, and regional partners to expand the Library’s reach and deepen its impact across the South Shore.

“I’m honored to join the James Library & Center for the Arts,” said Helfer. “This is a place where creativity, learning, and community converge—and I’m excited to help shape its future.”



To learn more about Liz Helfer and her work, visit elizabethhelfer.com. For upcoming events and programs at the James Library, visit jameslibrary.org.



October events worth a visit at the James Libarary:

●      Synchronicity — Art gallery show (during library hours)

●      Launching Liberty — Doug Most, author talk, 2:00 PM, Sunday, October 5

●      The Anxious Generation — Book club, 7:00 PM, Wednesday, October 8

●      Fall Juried Art Show — Opening reception, 6:00 PM, Friday, October 17

●      Einav Yarden — Piano concert, 3:30 PM, Saturday, October 18

●      Art Unplugged — Hands-on project for all ages, 2:00 PM, Tuesday, October 21

●      Art for Your Mind — Art history lecture, 1:00 PM, Wednesday, October 22

●      Toddler Halloween Morning — Family activities, 10:00 AM, Tuesday, October 28

~Find full details and register at: https://www.jameslibrary.org/current-events



Caring Corner

Patty Crumley has moved into an assisted living apartment in Weymouth. She is making friends and would enjoy cards and visitors. Her address is:

1435 Main Street

Apt. 1323

Weymouth, MA

David Turner has transitioned into living at Bridges of Pembroke, Sally says he would appreciate cheery cards. His address is:

49 Cross Street

Room 314

Pembroke, MA

A Note from the Health & Wellness Action Team

The Health and Wellness Action Team, an arm of the Fogg Outreach Committee, created the ‘First Parish of Norwell Mental Health Services Financial Aid Fund’ in 2022 in response to the urgent mental health needs of so many of us in the wake of the pandemic. The purpose of this fund has been to support members and long-time attendees of First Parish of Norwell who wish to access behavioral health services/mental health services/therapy for their personal well-being, growth and development, but for whom co-payments or large deductibles in their insurance policy are a financial barrier. 

This program has been such a success and we are proud to continue it to this day. The fund provides up to $500 per applicant depending on demand and individual needs. Confidential decisions are made on a rolling basis each fiscal year with an annual allocation from the Fogg Outreach Committee’s Health and Wellness Action Team of $4,000 per year. 

Applications are available from the Church Office or from any Health and Wellness Action Team member. Please contact Rev. Susan, Amanda Buron or Cathy Harder-Bernier for more details and/or forms.

Alliance Talk on Paul Revere

Wednesday, October 15 at 10:00 am

Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and this wonderful program by Rich Nichols, a local early American history buff.

Friends are very welcome!



Women’s Circle

Oct 27, 7-8:30pm at the Parsonage 

(644 Main Street in Norwell)



This group is open to all women who are looking for a place to connect around working, parenting and the challenges of this particular time in life while deepening our spiritual connection with ourselves and with one another. 

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.

Oct. 20 -7:30 Zoom -    “The Book Thief” Marcus Zusac – young girl Nazi Germany. 

click here to join

Meeting ID: 847 0898 5879

Passcode: Bookworms



Symposium on White Christian Nationalism (at Second Church in Newton)

This October, the Second Church in Newton (60 Highland Street in West Newton) is hosting a larger symposium for the wider community to help more people understand the serious dangers of Christian Nationalism. They are bringing in experts from around the country to help us understand:

   1. What is happening in our culture right now?

   2. How did we get to this place of such division and destruction?

   3. What can be done to stop and repair the damage that's being done? ​

Learn more info and find the schedule for the weekend here: https://uniteboston.com/event/christian-nationalism-symposium/

REGISTER HERE ASAP: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/christian-nationalism-symposium

​

NOTE: Registration will be closing October 7th/8th as they need catering numbers, seating plans, etc.  

Ongoing and Recurring Events

Knitters & Company

Tuesdays at 10 am

in the Fogg Parlor

Men's Breakfast

Fridays at 8 am

Sam's Restaurant

146 Front Street

Scituate Harbor

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.

Contact Reverend Susan Chorley if you would like to discuss a legacy gift or bequest minister@firstparishnorwell.org or 781-659-7122.