Minister’s Musings by Rev. Julie Lombard Courage is one of those rare virtues that can go unnoticed. People don't have courage to get noticed, do they? Often folks do not want the attention or recognition for their courageous acts, yet many crave a better understanding of this virtue. Where does courage come from? What qualifies something as a courageous act? In the month of October our worship theme is Courage. We’ll hear many stories of acts of courage by men and woman and people of all ages from around the world. This is a great time to also reflect upon the courageous people who have made a difference in your life. We learn so much from these people and their stories. Some are unsung heroes, while others have received the broadest of praises. Steve Jobs stated, “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma --- which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” Is that where we store our courage reserve, in our hearts and intuition? Nelson Mandela said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” I think he confirms something that we all knew already, that courage’s dance partner in life is fear.

For many courage is a word that brings to mind standing on principles in the face of great opposition. Others think courage is demonstrated by taking a stance against them. Either way, there’s plenty to say about what defines courage. The word is commonly defined as the ability to do something that frightens one. It originates from Middle English (denoting the heart, as the seat of feelings): from Old French corage, from Latin cor “heart.” The definition refers to the ability to do something brave out of a motivation from the heart.

Maybe Steve Jobs was right about finding courage in our hearts, maybe that’s where we store all that is needed to overcome our fears. I feel inspiration and love play a part because I agree with Lao Tzu when he said, “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage,” and “from caring comes courage.” Many of the folks in this loving faith community know well how courage comes from caring acts because they have either given or received that care. What if we believed that this faith community is a creative birth place of courage, born through our care of one another and for the social justice of all? Could this self-generating form of courageous love conquer any fear?

October 2017

Theme: Courage OCTOBER 1 SUNDAY SERVICE 10:30 am

Hidden Acts of Courage

Rev. Helen C. (Holly) Baylies We all have different ideas and examples of courage displayed by our public servants and everyday citizens. Some make headlines, others do not. What changes your life? Someone who came forward when it was easier to stay silent? Or the one that takes a risk for the betterment of another who would never know if what they did would matter? Too many acts of courage go unsung and unspoken and their stories are never told. I hope to introduce you to some who have made a difference in my life and of the lives of many others. Those you will never read about or ever meet. The Rev. Holly Bayles has served our churches in Massachusetts and in upstate New York for the past 25 years. She is presently retired and living in Reading, MA; enjoying swimming, kayaking, ushering at the Stoneham Theatre and teaching woodworking to 7 to 11-year-old girls at the Boys and Girls Club in Stoneham. It is a pleasure for her to be invited to speak at the Danvers UU Church.

Music: Margo McGowan, clarinetist with Judy Putnam at the piano OCTOBER 8 SUNDAY SERVICE 10:30 am

A Derivative Virtue Rev. Julie Lombard

Lao Tzu has much to say about courage, “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” and “from caring comes courage.” Faithful folks world-wide believe that courage is a derivative virtue that is empowered by something else, something larger than us. I cannot say if this is true for each person that discovers the power to overcome their fears and be courageous. We will explore various acts of courage from around the world to investigate from where courage comes from and if there is one source or many. Music: Singing Group sings for this service. Helen Brandt, Director and Judy Putnam at the piano. OCTOBER 15 SUNDAY SERVICE 10:30 am

Beyond the Traditional God Ben Lithgow and Peter VanDeBogert

Ben and Peter will have a thoughtful conversation about the ideas of authors Sam Harris (The End of Faith and Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality without Religion) and Greg M. Epstein (Good Without God: What a Billion Nonreligious People Do Believe.) There will also be an opportunity for the congregation to share their thoughts and ideas. Ben is a Sam Harris scholar and a guide at the House of the Seven Gables. Peter is a 40-year member at NSUU.

Music: Judy Putnam, solo piano for this service

OCTOBER 22 SUNDAY SERVICE 10:30 am

St. Theresa of Smyllum Park Rev. Julie Lombard

Theresa Tolmie-McGrane was six years old when she arrived at the Smyllum Park Orphanage, Lanark, Scotland in the 1970’s. The sexual abuse began at age eight. By age 17 she escaped the horrors of abuse when she left the home to study at the University of Glasgow. She’s grown up to become a courageous psychologist in Norway. Today, she helps people tackle their own brokenness. As she looks back at her childhood, a childhood many did not survive, we consider the determination it took to face her fears. What does this kind of endurance look like? Music: Singing Group sings for this service. Helen Brandt, Director and Judy Putnam at the piano.

OCTOBER 29 SUNDAY SERVICE 10:30 am

The Web of Life Linda Weltner

The seventh of our Unitarian Universalist Principles calls us to affirm and promote “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” How do we as individuals and communities address this concept in these challenging times of climate change and political uncertainty? Linda Weltner, an environmental activist who resides in Marblehead, will be our guest as we explore together the meaning of respect for the interdependent web of life. Please join the Green Sanctuary Team for lunch following the service to learn more about our NSUU response to these issues in preparation for seeking UUA Green Sanctuary certification. We will have important details about congregational projects and initiatives and how you can be part of this journey. Music: Singing Group sings for this service. Helen Brandt, Director and Judy Putnam at the piano NOVEMBER 5 SUNDAY SERVICE 10:30 am

For All Saints and Souls: A 50th Anniversary Worship Service Rev. Charles Wilson, Rev. Edwin Lynn, and Rev. Julie Lombard

On All Saints' Day there's a call to live as saints, to remind us how we're supposed to live. On All Souls' Day, we're talking about those people who have died before us and we ask all that is holy for compassion and understanding. This Sunday, we say, “Come one, come all” to a multigenerational celebration of the life of this church. Fifty years have passes since the door first opened here in Danvers at Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church. This service is especially designed to lift our spirits for another 50 years while we honor our history, celebrate our shared ministries, and revere our sacred time together. We will peek at our very beginning, the long and winding road in between, and to the present which points us towards a bright future. A catered reception will follow the worship service in the fellowship hall.

Harvest Festival

As nature’s paintbrush transforms the landscape, thoughts turn to apple cider, pumpkins, and corn mazes. These perennial symbols of fall signal the onset of the holiday season, and that means gift shopping. Check your list and head to our Harvest Festival where you can shop for a wide selection of handcrafted items and enjoy a delicious lunch in a lovely woodland setting. Survey the displays of over 20 regional crafters in the Craft Boutique. Talented artisans and crafters will offer such unique, handcrafted products as jewelry, stained glass, ceramics and pottery, hand painted cards, seeded bird houses, hand knit and crochet work, silk flower arrangements and Rabbets (bean bag frogs) for every occasion! Check out the Divine Delights Bakery where you will be tempted by the aroma of home baked goods– cookies, cakes, cupcakes, pies, brownies, and bread. Gluten-free and nut-free goods too. Fudge and candy will satisfy your sweet tooth, and children’s snack bags will be the perfect take-along treat. In support of small farmers worldwide, fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate will be for sale. New this year--- homemade apple crisp! Visit Grandma’s Attic and give a household item a new home. Turn someone else’s castaway into your treasure. Don’t miss the Jewelry Rummage where you might find the perfect earrings and necklace to accessorize your wardrobe. You can’t beat the prices! Plan a stop at the Harvest Café where you will be able to grab a snack or lunch of salad, quiche, and homemade soup. Sit with friends as you renew your energy for more shopping. Weather permitting, there will be seating at our lovely outdoor patio. Get your face painted with a beautiful design from nature. Try your hand at Pollinator Golf in the Ecology Room. What can you do to help our threatened colonies of bees survive, to help us grow the food we eat? Don’t forget to try your luck with the 50/50 Raffle where you could win half of the collected proceeds.

HAVEYOUMARKEDYOURCALENDAR?To Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of NSUU

An entertaining evening on Saturday November 4, 7-10 pm Bring whatever drinks and snacks you prefer

AND A 50th Anniversary Worship Service on November 5th

That Rev. Julie Lombard has “designed to lift our spirits.” Charles Wilson and Ed Lynn will also participate.

A catered reception will follow the service.

Religious Exploration News

Hello and welcome back to the new church school year. I hope everyone had a great summer and are beginning to enjoy the crisp days of fall. I am very excited to be offering two new curriculums this year. Chalice Children intended for grades K-3 and A Stepping Stone Year, intended for grades 4-6. The curriculums are rich in UU history and I think the children will enjoy working with them. We are looking to have two separate classes this year. The younger children will be meeting in the RE classroom and the older group will meet in the Library. All classes will follow A Time For All Ages in the Meeting Hall. When you arrive at church on Sunday morning look to see if there are any changes. There will be a post on a board near the entrance should there be any changes. Beth Beringer, Anne Lombard, Susan Folkins, Priscilla Tobey, Elise Ruggles, Jack Lombard and myself will comprise the teaching staff this year. l am waiting to hear from two more individuals to confirm their interest, but hopeful they will be on the team, as well. Jenny Beauregard has offered to stay on as a substitute teacher. You may be thinking we have enough staff, however, we could definitely use another one or two people. In particular, it would be great to have another male teacher as part of the staff, too. The first day of RE will be Sunday, October 1. Coming of Age/Confirmation Group: This RE program is open to all 8th graders interested in continuing on with Religious Education. Rev Julie initiated the group last year with the Maple Street Church and the plan is to continue to meet with them moving forward. Details are being sorted out, so more information will be provided in the future. Youth Group News: There are lots of planned activities already in the works. For starters, a welcome back gathering is being coordinated now, however, a few more details need to be ironed out. You will definitely want to come though. I can promise YOU WILL HAVE FUN! So stayed tuned. Youth Group will be helping at Lifebridge on Sunday, October 22. Please mark your calendars now, because I would like to see a great turnout for this organization. I’ve heard from others that the youth group participants really enjoyed this activity. Please plan to come and as we get closer to the date, I will provide more details. Keith Goggin, the youth group advisor from First Parish Beverly has shared that he is resigning from the position. However, he is willing to stay on until a replacement can be found. Let’s hope he can come to our first meeting though. I know many of you will miss him and I will too. Cathy Sullivan-Bradley and Hal Morse have offered to be youth advisers for our youth group. I’m so excited to have both of them on the team. Cathy and Hal bring such great backgrounds and enthusiasm and I am sure it is infectious! They may take turns with attending, but you will definitely meet them and I am sure you will enjoy having them as part of our youth group. Do not feel you need to wait for our first meeting to welcome them into our youth group. I'm sure they would appreciate getting to know you before we start the year.

Harvest Festival: All children will be invited to participate in the Harvest Festival. The RE Committee has chosen to make apple crisp to provide to the attendees. Stacey will be supplying the apples, but she needs to know who is willing to make apple crisp. If you need a recipe, we have a few we can share. It would be great if we had several individuals making apple crisp. In addition, we need people to be available to help at the table at the Festival. Serving, replenishing the crisp, plates, and spoons; and squirting on whipped cream. We will be going apple picking as a group activity on Sunday, October 1 at 12:00 at Connor’s Farm. (Just down the street from the church.) Since the apples for the apple crisp will be supplied, whatever you pick at Connor’s will be for your family’s enjoyment. If you have any questions or suggestions about any of the above information, please reach out to Stacey Sherman. Discover What Environmental Justice Means to Your Congregation and Community This fall the Green Sanctuary Team will be conducting a five-session workshop based on the UU Ministry for Earth curriculum: "Our Place In the Web Of Life." We will hold the sessions at NSUU from 6:30 to 8:30 on Wednesday nights, November 1, 8, 15, 29, and December 6 (but NOT Nov. 22). A soup and salad supper will be provided. Sign-up begins Oct.8. Watch for it! "This highly-engaging, five-session class invites participants to look deeply at the consequences of their actions on people and the environment---close at home and then further away in communities across the nation and world. Through film, music, participatory research, visual mapping, ethical reflection, meditation and ritual, participants wrestle with what it means to be faithfully and justly part of an inter-connected community of life." News from the Social Action Committee

October 1 -- Soul Work Forum: Our first Soul Work Forum will focus on the situation for refugees in the United States. Ray Tilton of the Danvers Interfaith Council Aiding Refugees will speak and answer questions. The Council has recently settled a refugee family from the Congo in Peabody. Please join us in the meeting room at 12 noon. A light lunch will be served.

October 1 -- Share-the-Plate: The offering taken up on October 1 will benefit the family supported by the Danvers Interfaith Council Aiding Refugees. To donate by check on October 1, please make your check payable to NSUU and write “Refugee Families” in the memo line.

October 1 – Food Sunday: NSUU supports the Danvers Food Pantry with donations of food, checks, and gift cards. Nonperishable food items may be left in the Food Pantry basket in the Fellowship Hall on Food Sunday, October 1, or at any other time. Checks and gift cards may be given to the Scottgales for delivery to the Food Pantry.

Sunday-Night Suppers at Lifebridge: Special Need: We need a few more team leaders to plan the meal and lead a team of volunteers two or three times a year. Please see Marcia Lassar if you are willing to be part of this important work. Thanks to a dedicated crew of team leaders, who plan and organize, and volunteers, who buy food, cook, and serve, we provide a hot meal for about one hundred clients of Lifebridge in Salem on the fourth

Sunday of each month. We welcome new volunteers. We are now signing up volunteers for the November 26 and January 28 dinners. The Youth Group will be taking care of the October 22 dinner. The time commitment is 5:00 to 7:00 pm. You can sign up on the white board in Fellowship Hall. If you would like to donate money for the purchase of food, you can make out a check to NSUU, write “Lifebridge” in the memo line, and put your check in the offering any Sunday. October 8 – Operation Troop Support Sunday: NSUU is a collection point for Operation Troop Support. Donations for the troops (both male and female) include toiletries (razors, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.), socks, puzzle books, candy and other snacks. Donations may be left in the Operation Troop Support box in Fellowship Hall. Friday, October 20: Lifebridge will hold a fundraiser at the Tedesco Country Club in Marblehead. Tickets are $60/person; $100/couple. The event will be a whimsical evening of tarot readings, magic, and jazz music. Live and silent auction items. To purchase tickets: http://www.lifebridgesalem.org/events-1.html November 12 – Soul Work Forum: Discussion of Common Read: Our common read for this fall is Cultivating Empathy: The Worth and Dignity of Every Person—Without Exception, by Nathan C. Walker. In this personal exploration of conflict, the author introduces a creative way to develop empathetic responses. Through engaging, real-life vignettes, he endeavors to find connection with skinheads, murderers, homophobic preachers, privileged one-percenters, and Monsanto executives. He offers a model that can help us all nurture greater empathy for those we have previously held in contempt. Nathan Walker is a UU minister, who spent 15 years serving congregations in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. He is the executive director of the Religious Freedom Center of the Newseum Institute in Washington, DC. A few copies of the book are available in the Social Action Lending Library on the ledge in Fellowship Hall. Black Lives Matter Banner: After the service on September 10, Rev. Lombard blessed our banner. It is hanging (or will soon hang) outside the church. Family Promise North Shore Boston: Family Promise North Shore Boston is a non-profit, interfaith hospitality network that provides temporary shelter, meals, hospitality, and case management for families experiencing homelessness on the North Shore of Boston. The goal is accomplished through the participation of hundreds of volunteers from North Shore congregations. Currently, the Social Action Committee is developing a group of volunteers from NSUU. A volunteer commits to two hours of service four times a year. The service may take the form of providing a meal, serving a meal and visiting with the families, driving, spending time at the day center with families, etc. Cathy Sullivan-Bradley is the volunteer coordinator for NSUU. If you are interested in volunteering, contact her at catherinegaia@comcast.net or 978-335-7878. Lending Library: The Social Action Committee has a small collection of DVDs and books on social justice topics. They are located on the ledge in Fellowship Hall. If you would like to borrow a DVD or book, we ask that you sign it out and return it within two weeks so that others may borrow it.

Share-the-Plate Applications: The Social Action Committee welcomes proposals for the share-the-plate program. If you support a charitable organization whose goals are consistent with UU principles, please consider submitting an application for that organization to share the plate. Blank application forms are posted on the Social Action Committee bulletin board near the front of Fellowship Hall.

Refugees: Our NSUU congregation has been very generous in support of two refugee families from the Congo: the Habyarimana family in Gloucester and the Kyanga family who just arrived in Peabody this month. For more information about the families and to see pictures of them, look at the display in Fellowship Hall. There is a

need for the following resources if you would like to support these lovely newcomers to the U.S: people who speak French for the Peabody family; drivers for both the Gloucester and Peabody families; tutors in English for the adults and educational support for the 6, 14, and 17-year-old children in the Peabody family. Contact Jean Koulack-Young at jeankoulackyoung@gmail.com (978-587-2935) or Sharon P. Clark at sharonmarie22@gmail.com (508-813-6281) for more information.

The Social Action Committee welcomes new members. Our next meeting is Sunday, October22, after the service. Contact Lois Markham for more information.

Open Mic Night Come to perform or just to listen

Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church 323 Locust Street, Danvers, MA

Donations welcome Contact Barbara at 978-729-5422

Attendees are welcome to bring beverages and snacks