North Parish of North Andover
Unitarian Universalist

...a welcoming spiritual community

Visitors FAQ North Parish Calendar contact / directions

Outreach

North Parish Unitarian Universalist Church
190 Academy Rd.
North Andover, Massachusetts,
01845-4022

978-687-7948

Social Action at North Parish

We strive to continue our historical role of being catalysts for progressive change in our local communities. Through active personal involvement we advocate for social justice in our local communities, our nation and our world. We do this in the context of the Unitarian Universalist principles and from the perspective of our place in the intricate web of life.

Here are some of our current initiatives:

Our Partner Church

Marosvasarhely (Marh-var�-sha-hay), Romania, is one of the earliest centers of Unitarian Universalism dating back to the 1600s. It�s a place where the Hungarian population is struggling with many social and economic issues. And it is also the home of our Partner Church, the First and Second Parish Unitarian Universalist.

For more information about our connection with the Unitarian Church in Marosvarsahey, Transylvania, check out our Partner Church page or speak to Pam Amarilian.

Meals for Bread and Roses

Bread and Roses is a soup kitchen located at 58 Newbury St. in Lawrence which serves dinner family-style five nights a week at no charge to all who enter.

We at North Parish join together to prepare that meal one Saturday each month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the church kitchen. If you would like to participate, please contact Keith Wentzel.

If you would like to help greet and serve guests, please call the Bread and Roses office at 978-681-8768.

Caring Team Ministry

We are here to help members of the North Parish community with their emergency or short-term needs. Please contact us for help with transportation, emergency babysitting, errands or if a greeting card from the church is appropriate.

Two levels of involvement are possible: to serve as a member of the coordinating team (some training required) or to be on a list of volunteers willing to provide food, rides, and do errands for those in need. Contact Lora Stewart, Loretta Middleton, Lee Bluemel

If you or someone you know would like to be mentioned in the Steeple Talk “Among Us” column, please contact Lianne Patenaude.

Jericho Road Lawrence

Jericho Road Lawrence was established by a core group of parishioners from North Parish who wished to help improve the quality of life in Lawrence by providing pro bono white collar professional help to the city's nonprofits in order to keep their charitable organizations strong. Recently, we have been joined by the Reading Unitarian Universalist Church in supporting Jericho Road Lawrence's mission.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering your professional skills on a short project to help a Lawrence nonprofit, call Joan Kulash at 978-604-8803.

Merrimack Valley Project

As a proud member of Merrimack Valley Project the North Parish joins with over 30 congregations, unions and community groups actively working toward creating better jobs, working conditions, and more affordable housing throughout Merrimack Valley. Among the Merrimack Valley Project's recent successes was shepherding a fair transportation bill for temporary workers through the State House. Current projects are focusing on creating more affordable housing. For more information contact Ed Warnshuis.

North Andover Thrift Shop

Started by North Parish in 1955, we have become a fixture in the community and offer loads of good deals in clothing, books, jewelry, and small household items. Volunteer-run, all profits are donated to local scholarships, community programs and organizations. The Thrift Shop is located on Sutton Street at the bottom of Main Street in North Andover's downtown.

We gratefully accept donations of clean, good quality items during regular shop hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by arrangement.

The Thrift Shop closes for summer break during July and August.

Partakers Prison Ministry

Partakers, Inc. is an organization that helps prisoners take educational courses leading to high school diplomas and college degrees along with other restorative programs that help inmate transition to free citizens.

A group of North Parish members interested in facilitating prison reform make up a subcommittee of Partakers, Inc. Our subcommittee has made a commitment to help Jerry Carter in his efforts to earn a bachelor's degree from Boston University while incarcerated at Norfolk State Prison. This involves providing moral, educational, and emotional support to him while he undertakes this task, an opportunity available to few prisoners in the United States.

We visit our prison friends in pairs once monthly visit, as well as keep up an active correspondence by letter.

To join us please contact Edwina Goodhue.

People's Pantry

Join North Parish and other volunteers in giving emergency food to those in need.

Food is distributed in the Parish Hall, downstairs in the main church Meeting House, 190 Academy Road, North Andover, generally every other Tuesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. The schedule is occasionally adjusted due to variability in the schedule of food distribution from our warehouse so please consult the calendar below.

Parking is available on the street on in the municipal lot on Johnson Street up the block from the church.

The pantry's schedule through the 2009 Calendar Year is as follows:

Tuesday, August 18

Tuesday, September 1

Tuesday, September 15

Tuesday, September 29

Tuesday, October 13

Tuesday, October 27

Tuesday, November 10

Tuesday, November 24

Tuesday, December 8

Tuesday, December 22

We continue to serve very large numbers of families. That means we use lots of food and constantly have the need to replenish. Please donate something like: salad dressings, beans, canned chicken (like tuna), instant mashed potatoes, soups are some suggestions. These may be left in the parish hall near former pantry location during regular church office hours. We thank you for your support of our effort to help those in our little corner of the world who live with food insecurity.

Stand and Deliver MCAS Mentoring

Join approximately 35 other North Parish members in making a difference in the life of an 8^th or 9^th grade student in the Lawrence schools by being a mentor. Mentors tutor their student friend to prepare them for the MCAS exam. Tutor and student pairs meet once a week for an hour at the Lawrence Public Library or other agreed upon public location. We provide study materials.

For more information contact Ed Warnshuis or visit MCAS Mentors.

Greater Lawrence Habitat for Humanity

Greater Lawrence Habitat for Humanity has built 41 homes in Lawrence, Methuen and Haverhill with volunteer labor. The houses are then sold at material cost to local families in need of decent, affordable housing. Five more homes are currently in progress.

Ethiopian Child Sponsorship

Children in the fifth grade Religious Education class and the Social Action Committee jointly sponsor two Ethiopian children through Wide Horizons for Children, an adoption organization in Waltham that has been an important part of the lives of several members of our congregation.

In this country that has been devastated by war, famine, drought and the plague of AIDS, millions of children have been orphaned. Through exchanging letters with the children, the children in RE are learning about the life of a child whose experiences are very different from their own, but with whom they share some of the same joys and dreams. They are also learning more about Ethiopia, and its vital place in the history of religion and of evolution.

In addition to the money that we have already sent, we have collected $400 to be used on behalf of orphans in Ethiopia, plus what the 5^th graders made with their recent bake sale.

If you would like more information, or if your family is interested in sponsoring an orphan on your own, please contact Cara Marshall at 978-685-8816, or you can directly contact Wide Horizons for Children at 781-419-0340 or visit Wide Horizons Ethiopia Sponsorships.

North Andover Thrift Shop

We gratefully accept donations of clean, good quality items during regular shop hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by arrangement.

The Thrift Shop closes for summer break during July and August.

Welcoming Congregation

North Parish is a Welcoming Congregation, consistent with the guidelines of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We actively welcome lesbian, gay. bisexual, transgender, and intersex people as full participants in the life of the church. For more information, see our Welcoming Congregation page.

North Parish of North Andover Unitarian Universalist ...a welcoming spiritual community Visitors FAQ North Parish Calendar contact / directions
Home Visitors Information About Us Our Staff What We Believe Worship Services Events Religious Education Adult Spirituality Music Membership Governance and Leadership Outreach Faith in Action Partner Church Crossroads Coffeehouse Great Pond Sangha Hosted Groups North Parish Unitarian Universalist Church 190 Academy Rd. North Andover, Massachusetts, 01845-4022 978-687-7948 office@northparish.org
	Social Action at North Parish We strive to continue our historical role of being catalysts for progressive change in our local communities. Through active personal involvement we advocate for social justice in our local communities, our nation and our world. We do this in the context of the Unitarian Universalist principles and from the perspective of our place in the intricate web of life. Here are some of our current initiatives: Our Partner Church Marosvasarhely (Marh-var�-sha-hay), Romania, is one of the earliest centers of Unitarian Universalism dating back to the 1600s. It�s a place where the Hungarian population is struggling with many social and economic issues. And it is also the home of our Partner Church, the First and Second Parish Unitarian Universalist. For more information about our connection with the Unitarian Church in Marosvarsahey, Transylvania, check out our Partner Church page or speak to Pam Amarilian. Meals for Bread and Roses Bread and Roses is a soup kitchen located at 58 Newbury St. in Lawrence which serves dinner family-style five nights a week at no charge to all who enter. We at North Parish join together to prepare that meal one Saturday each month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the church kitchen. If you would like to participate, please contact Keith Wentzel. If you would like to help greet and serve guests, please call the Bread and Roses office at 978-681-8768. Caring Team Ministry We are here to help members of the North Parish community with their emergency or short-term needs. Please contact us for help with transportation, emergency babysitting, errands or if a greeting card from the church is appropriate. Two levels of involvement are possible: to serve as a member of the coordinating team (some training required) or to be on a list of volunteers willing to provide food, rides, and do errands for those in need. Contact Lora Stewart, Loretta Middleton, Lee Bluemel If you or someone you know would like to be mentioned in the Steeple Talk “Among Us” column, please contact Lianne Patenaude. Jericho Road Lawrence Jericho Road Lawrence was established by a core group of parishioners from North Parish who wished to help improve the quality of life in Lawrence by providing pro bono white collar professional help to the city's nonprofits in order to keep their charitable organizations strong. Recently, we have been joined by the Reading Unitarian Universalist Church in supporting Jericho Road Lawrence's mission. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering your professional skills on a short project to help a Lawrence nonprofit, call Joan Kulash at 978-604-8803. Merrimack Valley Project As a proud member of Merrimack Valley Project the North Parish joins with over 30 congregations, unions and community groups actively working toward creating better jobs, working conditions, and more affordable housing throughout Merrimack Valley. Among the Merrimack Valley Project's recent successes was shepherding a fair transportation bill for temporary workers through the State House. Current projects are focusing on creating more affordable housing. For more information contact Ed Warnshuis. North Andover Thrift Shop Started by North Parish in 1955, we have become a fixture in the community and offer loads of good deals in clothing, books, jewelry, and small household items. Volunteer-run, all profits are donated to local scholarships, community programs and organizations. The Thrift Shop is located on Sutton Street at the bottom of Main Street in North Andover's downtown. We gratefully accept donations of clean, good quality items during regular shop hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by arrangement. The Thrift Shop closes for summer break during July and August. Partakers Prison Ministry Partakers, Inc. is an organization that helps prisoners take educational courses leading to high school diplomas and college degrees along with other restorative programs that help inmate transition to free citizens. A group of North Parish members interested in facilitating prison reform make up a subcommittee of Partakers, Inc. Our subcommittee has made a commitment to help Jerry Carter in his efforts to earn a bachelor's degree from Boston University while incarcerated at Norfolk State Prison. This involves providing moral, educational, and emotional support to him while he undertakes this task, an opportunity available to few prisoners in the United States. We visit our prison friends in pairs once monthly visit, as well as keep up an active correspondence by letter. To join us please contact Edwina Goodhue. People's Pantry Join North Parish and other volunteers in giving emergency food to those in need. Food is distributed in the Parish Hall, downstairs in the main church Meeting House, 190 Academy Road, North Andover, generally every other Tuesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. The schedule is occasionally adjusted due to variability in the schedule of food distribution from our warehouse so please consult the calendar below. Parking is available on the street on in the municipal lot on Johnson Street up the block from the church. The pantry's schedule through the 2009 Calendar Year is as follows: Tuesday, August 18 Tuesday, September 1 Tuesday, September 15 Tuesday, September 29 Tuesday, October 13 Tuesday, October 27 Tuesday, November 10 Tuesday, November 24 Tuesday, December 8 Tuesday, December 22 We continue to serve very large numbers of families. That means we use lots of food and constantly have the need to replenish. Please donate something like: salad dressings, beans, canned chicken (like tuna), instant mashed potatoes, soups are some suggestions. These may be left in the parish hall near former pantry location during regular church office hours. We thank you for your support of our effort to help those in our little corner of the world who live with food insecurity. Stand and Deliver MCAS Mentoring Join approximately 35 other North Parish members in making a difference in the life of an 8^th or 9^th grade student in the Lawrence schools by being a mentor. Mentors tutor their student friend to prepare them for the MCAS exam. Tutor and student pairs meet once a week for an hour at the Lawrence Public Library or other agreed upon public location. We provide study materials. For more information contact Ed Warnshuis or visit MCAS Mentors. Greater Lawrence Habitat for Humanity Greater Lawrence Habitat for Humanity has built 41 homes in Lawrence, Methuen and Haverhill with volunteer labor. The houses are then sold at material cost to local families in need of decent, affordable housing. Five more homes are currently in progress. Ethiopian Child Sponsorship Children in the fifth grade Religious Education class and the Social Action Committee jointly sponsor two Ethiopian children through Wide Horizons for Children, an adoption organization in Waltham that has been an important part of the lives of several members of our congregation. In this country that has been devastated by war, famine, drought and the plague of AIDS, millions of children have been orphaned. Through exchanging letters with the children, the children in RE are learning about the life of a child whose experiences are very different from their own, but with whom they share some of the same joys and dreams. They are also learning more about Ethiopia, and its vital place in the history of religion and of evolution. In addition to the money that we have already sent, we have collected $400 to be used on behalf of orphans in Ethiopia, plus what the 5^th graders made with their recent bake sale. If you would like more information, or if your family is interested in sponsoring an orphan on your own, please contact Cara Marshall at 978-685-8816, or you can directly contact Wide Horizons for Children at 781-419-0340 or visit Wide Horizons Ethiopia Sponsorships. North Andover Thrift Shop Started by North Parish in 1955, we have become a fixture in the community and offer loads of good deals in clothing, books, jewelry, and small household items. Volunteer-run, all profits are donated to local scholarships, community programs and organizations. The Thrift Shop is located on Sutton Street at the bottom of Main Street in North Andover's downtown. We gratefully accept donations of clean, good quality items during regular shop hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by arrangement. The Thrift Shop closes for summer break during July and August.
	Welcoming Congregation North Parish is a Welcoming Congregation, consistent with the guidelines of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We actively welcome lesbian, gay. bisexual, transgender, and intersex people as full participants in the life of the church. For more information, see our Welcoming Congregation page.
	Copyright 2009. North Parish, Unitarian Universalist Contact the Web Editor with any comments or questions about this site.