There is a lot going on at North Parish this summer. To view the events calendar and see all that is happening, visit the North Parish Events page or click here for a link to our Summer Services flyer.
Summer Worship Services
Summer worship services are lay-led and inspired, relaxed and comfortable. They provide a wonderful chance to benefit from the wisdom and passions of other UUs! They will be held at 10 am on Sundays in the air-conditioned, well-ventilated Chapel.
Please note: Summer services will be in person only; there will be no zoom service.
Masks are still required to ensure all are comfortable in the space.
Some services may be held outdoors if noted in the description.
August 28th – An Introduction to Unitarian and Universalist Theology
We UUs know what it feels like to attend a UU church, especially if we’re comparing it to a different church–perhaps the one we grew up in. But defining what UUism is can be a challenge; explaining it to someone unfamiliar with the church can be tricky. What do these words “Unitarianism” and “Universalism” actually mean? What is their origin story, and how did we get from those origins to the denomination we are familiar with today?
Leader: Aaron Pawelek is chair of the worship committee at North Parish. He is also involved in the music program and leads a Soul Matters small group. He is a licensed clinical social worker practicing psychotherapy with the New England Pastoral Institute in Salem, NH. He has a dual masters degree from Boston University in social work and theology. While at BU, he learned a lot about the history of Unitarian and Universalist thought and is pleased to share his perspective with you.
September 4th, Labor Day Weekend – no service!
September 11th, Ingathering & Water/Shell/Stone Communion
10:00 am in the Sanctuary, with the Rev. Lee Bluemel & John Middleton-Cox.
Additional Gatherings and Events
A Summer Gathering
At the home of Linda and Jeff King
Friday July 1st, 5:00 pm (rain date Sat. July 2nd)
Register here (Registration closes June 27th.)
Gather at the North Andover home of Linda and Jeff King for social time with North Parish friends. The Kings will supply non-alcoholic drinks and snacks/appetizers. Bring any other drinks you wish. We will have a hot grill available after 6pm if you would like to bring dinner to cook (along with a side to share). Please bring chairs and warm clothes to put on as the sun sets. If the weather allows, we will have a firepit after dinner for those that wish to linger. We will send the address to those who register.
Historic Speeches on the Common
North Andover Town Common
Monday, July 4th, 12:00 pm
Please join The Friends of the 1836 Meeting House including John Lenhoff, Keith Wentzel, and the North Andover Historical Society for this 3rd annual event. The program will include local leaders and activists reading the Declaration of Independence and other historic speeches and documents including segments from the Frederick Douglass speech The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Susan B. Anthony On Woman’s Right to Suffrage, Martin Luther King’s speech I Have a Dream, and President Johnson’s speech to Congress on Voting Rights and the American Promise. https://www.1836meetinghouse.org/events
North Parish @ the Sunday Concerts on the Common
Sundays at 6 pm
Alice and the Groove Diggers on August 21st!
The Sunday night Concerts on the Common are an opportunity for the whole family to meet up with other North Parish members and friends and enjoy some outdoor musical entertainment just outside our doors on the Town Common.
Concerts are every Sunday, July 10th – August 21st at 6pm. North Parish will be out in force on August 7th and 21st, to support our own White Street Band and Alice and the Groove Diggers! Bring your own blanket or chairs; come early with snacks and drinks to socialize ahead of the music. The shows are put on by the town’s Youth & Recreation Services. See the line-up of all the performers here.
Family Outdoor Adventures:
Saturday, July 30th (rain date Sunday July 31)
Saturday August 20th – CANCELLED
Join Keith Connors and Heather McNeil outdoors to connect with each other and commune with nature.
RSVP/Forms/Reservations required. Click here for all you need to know and the RSVP. Email or call Keith at keithconnors@outlook.com or 617.571.7477 or Heather at h_mcneil@hotmail.com or 978.387.4254 for more information.
Tuesday Evening Vespers
In Person, once a month the 2nd Tuesday, 6:30 – 7:15 pm
June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13
Via Zoom once a month the 3rd Tuesday, 6:30 – 7:15 pm
June 21st, July 19th, (skipping August), September 20th
Vespers are an opportunity to refresh your spirit with recorded music, poetry, prayer, and silent reflection. In fine warm weather, we will meet in the Labyrinth, and in inclement weather meet in the Chapel. Please contact Denise VanVooren at dvvreiki@gmail.com with any questions. To view the full Vespers schedule, click here.
Monthly Vespers Themes
June: Approaching Summer
July: In Need of Community
August: Listening
September: Vision of What Can Be