Rev. Edwin Lynn and Peter VanDeBogert

The Religious Services Committee will present a special service with a dramatic reading of the last act of Thorton Wilder’s poignant drama OUR TOWN.

Cast

Director – Charlie Gravina
Stage manager (narrator) – Charlie Gravina
Emily Webb (upstanding young lady) – Jillian Steeves
George Gibbs (upstanding high school boy) – Chance Kluckman
Mrs. Gibbs (George’s mom) – Terri Hansen
Dr. Gibbs (George’s dad) – Leonard Swanson
Mr. Webb (Emily’s dad & town paper editor) – Nelson Scottgale
Mrs. Webb (Emily’s mom) – Marcella Guerriero
Wally Webb (Emily’s younger brother) – Leonard Swanson
Simon Stimson (church organist & alcoholic) – Bob Harris
Mrs. Soames (the gossip) – Genevieve Moen
Constable Warren (the watchful cop)- Chris Ruggles
Joe Stoddard (the undertaker) – Peter VanDeBogert
Sam Craig (Emily’s cousin) – Bob Ferris
IN ADDITION there are several bit parts

Because of this special service, there will be no story for all ages or cares and celebrations. There will be printed scripts for members who use hearing assistance devices. Some of those scripts will be highlighted with very minor speaking parts that will be read by members with the highlighted scripts.

Bonnie Anderson returns to delight us with her virtuosity and soulful piano music.

Rev. Julie Lombard

We set aside a special day to remember departed souls, and this ritual of remembering is a spiritual practice. There are many customs that stem from a diversity of cultures which celebrate All Souls: some decorate graves, other light candles, and some bake cakes or breads. The sentiment is the same: to honor those once in our lives who now live on in our hearts. Please bring something special to remember them by and be open to the idea that some may choose to remember a dear one from another species. All Souls are welcome to this celebration of life.

Rev. Ed Vaeni

When a life-altering experience calls into question our every spiritual assumption and belief, how can we find appropriate ways to seek out new spiritual resources in the midst of crisis? Using examples taken primarily from my hospice experience, I will reflect on how we can learn to be open to new and creative ways to express and find comfort in our personal spirituality in the face of a significant life crisis, such as the death of a loved one.

Ordained in 1973 by the Central Association of the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ, Ed spent 44 years engaging in a number of ministries. For the final ten years of his active ministry, until retirement in 2017, Ed served as a Hospice Chaplain. Ed’s other ministry roles included, Community Missioner at an ecumenical lay academy, local church pastor, intentional interim pastor, Community Rep. for the former Massachusetts Office for Children, Ex. Dir. of a youth and family services council, and Licensed Practical Nurse.

SoulSong, our comfort choir, will sing to accompany Rev. Vaeni’s sermon.

Rev. Julie Lombard, Andrea Kaiser and Helen Brandt

Rev. Gary Kowalski said, “People who come to Unitarian Universalism seeking spiritual goods are likely to be disappointed so long as they have the outlook of consumers in search of material goods. If their connection to our liberal faith is to grow into something more rewarding, they have to give up the consumer mind set and begin to think of themselves instead as share holders, investors, co-owners in what happens in church. Just as the parties in a marriage see themselves as partners rather than competitors with a joint share in the success of the enterprise.” Hear the inspirational stories from our own leaders and their experience with lay-leadership as a spiritual practice. Please join us for worship and fellowship you cannot forget.

Judy Putnam will play a special piano selection and Helen Brandt will sing a piece by Elizabeth Alexander.

Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

Every spiritual journey leads to a better understanding of our place in the world. Spiritual practices help us connect with the Self, which is merely a drop in the sea of consciousness. As we connect with consciousness, we learn that there is an intelligent design underlying our life, and that the spiritual realm contains all you need to know. How might we define spiritual practice? If it is the simple act of getting in touch with your Self, can being a prankster help you to arrive at enlightenment? Let us explore what might guide your choice of practice: Religion or tradition need not matter, except to your heart. Follow your intuition, not your mind (or another’s). Practice will make all the difference. Spirituality is an experience, not an intellectual pastime. Please join us as we consider the many ways one might take this journey.

Singing Group will provide the music to deepen the meaning of the October theme of spiritual practices.

Rev. Art McDonald

Art will share some personal insights from his transition from Roman Catholic roots and priesthood, and, after marrying, his subsequent wandering into a Unitarian Universalist context in Boston and Pittsburgh, eventually entering the UU ministry in Pittsburgh and Essex. He’ll discuss the challenge of beginning again in a new religious tradition, and what exactly to do with one’s former spiritual and religious context and roots. In this sermon he’ll use some insights from theologian John Dunne, especially from one of his books entitled THE WAY of all the EARTH.

Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

Rev. Edwin Lynn, Minister Emeritus of Northshore UU Church, believes that there are life lessons to be learned from the sea. Could the shifting sands of Ferry Beach help us to understand the hold of regret and resentment? Join those gathered in the grove for worship at our Ferry Beach Retreat to explore the sacred lessons sand can teach us.