“That dream shall have a name after all, and it will not be vengeful but wealthy with love and compassion and knowledge. And it will rise in this heart which is our America.”
It may seem like the “dog days of summer” when not much gets done, but all sorts of exciting developments are quietly happening at North Parish behind the scenes: the hiring of new staff, the creation of the new stage area in the sanctuary, new partnerships emerging with local musical and religious groups. I can’t wait to unveil it all in the upcoming months!
This sense of rising creativity and connections gives me palpable energy and hope. I’ve noticed that many of my conversations with folks these days often end with some version of the statements “It’s all too much,” or “It’s a crazy, crazy world out there.” When I feel overwhelmed by the national or international news, grounding myself in this place- my geographical and spiritual home- offers a pathway back to sanity and a sense of agency.
COVID has not been easy on congregations and North Parish is no exception. It looks like we will be dealing with it again this year, using what we’ve learned over the past two years to navigate our way through. I hope that many of you will return this September to join the Board in their goal of “creative experimentation”. We especially need folks willing to spend time with our most effervescent members- the children and youth. On August 21st , join us in the backyard between 4 and 6 for a Religious Education social, and then wander across the street to hear our own Alice and the Groovediggers band concert on the North Andover Common.
I must end with such deep thanks to Debb Putnam, manager of the stage project who has been working with Nick Lemire all summer, as well as deep thanks to each of our summer worship leaders. I also want to remind those who knew Kate or Kathy Gilligan that her memorial service is this Saturday at 10:30 a.m., and her husband Jim Greer would be honored to see you there.
Yours in the heat, humidity and heart,
Rev. Lee