September 14 Service at 10:30 AM in the Church and on Zoom – Building Belonging

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

This Sunday we explore the deep human need to belong—how true belonging is rooted not in “fitting in,” but in living authentically from our values. As Unitarian Universalists, belonging calls us into love, equity, pluralism, interdependence, and generosity, reminding us that our communities thrive when each voice is heard and each person is embraced. In a time of division, we practice belonging to ourselves and one another so that we can stay grounded in compassion, resist fear, and build connections across our differences.

September 7 Service at 10:30 AM in the Church and on Zoom – Ingathering Water Ceremony

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

The Tao Te Ching teaches, “Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water, yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it.” In this first Sunday of the new church year, we will reflect on the strength of water. You are welcome to bring water from your tap or from your travels for a water ceremony honoring the power of this element and our sacred interconnections. This service will feature music from the NSUU Singing Group and Music Director Sona Minasian.

August 17 Service at 10:30 AM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Rev. Caro will share her learnings about the Meet the Moment framework from the UUA General Assembly in June, and engage the group in a discussion. Meet the Moment is a new framework helping Unitarian Universalists analyze, discern, and take values-based action in response to today’s religious, cultural, generational, and political realities.

No Services on August 24 and August 31.  Weekly Services resume on Sunday, September 7th at 10:30 AM

August 10 Service at 10:30 AM in the Church and on Zoom 

Music and Reflections Leaders: Jill Updegraph and Hal Morse

Music moves us, motivates us, and brings a community together. During the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s, songs were a source of inspiration and powerful agents of change. Unfortunately, we are facing the same government-sanctioned acts of oppression and discrimination that were in play 60 years ago! It is hard not to feel helpless in the face of these attacks on our communities and on our democracy itself. It is my hope that coming together to revisit some of the protest songs that filled hearts and inspired action then, as well as some songs of freedom and change, will lift our spirits and fill our hearts with passion and power to continue to spread love in the face of hate.

Here is a link to the song sheet showing the lyricls of the songs hightlighted in the Service:

Song Sheet

No Services on August 24 and August 31.  Weekly Services resume on Sunday, September 7th at 10:30 AM

July 27 Service at 10:30 AM in the Church and on Zoom 

Leader: Hal Morse

What are we missing when it comes to healing our world full of social disharmony? Could it be that most people don’t concentrate on their inner being, mind and brain? I will discuss some ways I have found to create a balanced inner life that can then be passed on and shared with others.

July 13 Service at 10:30 AM in the Church and on Zoom 

Leaders: Iain Goddard and Rachel Williams

The state of Sarawak, in Malaysia, is home to many different indigenous and immigrated peoples with different customs, religions, and languages. But they cooperate and collaborate, and have resisted the absorption of their state into the Islamic system of Malaysian government. Rachel and Iain, just back from Malaysia, will try to make sense of how this can be. And, there will be Orangutans!

June 22 Service at 11:00 AM  – Livestream from General Assembly – Revolution Begins with a Dream 

Rev. Nicole Kirk

About the Speaker

June 15 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Join us for a joyful service celebrating Flower Communion and the enduring power of hope. Bring a flower to share as we honor beauty, diversity, and resilience. Through story, song, and reflection, we’ll explore how hope blooms in community and how love connects us all.

June 8 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Guest Speaker: Rumni Saha

The sermon explores the language of trees through personal experiences. What is the pull of these hallowed beings? What do they have to teach us about ourselves and each other?

Rumni is an active member of the Unitarian Church of Sharon where she has lived with her family since 2001. She is currently a Candidate for Ministry with the UUA. She considers herself to be a proud Hindu and a fierce Unitarian Universalist. Rumni has been a long-time public school educator, a newspaper columnist, and a regular contributor to the Huffington Post. She has a Master’s Degree in Education from Boston University. More recently, she received a Master of Divinity Degree from Boston University’s School of Theology. She currently serves as the Hindu as well as the Unitarian Universalist Chaplain at Wellesley College. Rumni also cherishes her time as the Interfaith Chaplain for a non-profit organization, doing community ministry, hospital chaplaincy and interfaith work.

June 1 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Last year, delegates to the Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly voted to reframe our shared principles into a set of shared values. These values place love at the center. What are some through lines in Unitarian Universalism about what love means theologically and collectively? This service will reflect on how love is an anchor to our new shared values, featuring the NSUU Singing Group.

May 18 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Religious Services Committee

Exploring the Books That Have Guided Our Spiritual Journeys

The beloved monk and activist Thomas Merton said, “The purpose of spiritual reading is not to be informed but to be transformed.” Let’s take some time to reflect on the books that have shaped us— spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually – and to offer the titles of our “must-reads” with others. If you have any special books that you would like to pass on to others, please bring them with you that day to add to our “little free library table.” This service is offered by the Religious Services Committee.

May 18 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Guest Musician: Evan Terzakis (guitarist)

What unites us as Unitarian Universalists are common values. What guides us are shared intentions that we set, though our covenants (agreements) and our mission (purpose). This year, we had a congregation-wide dialogue and action planning process around living out our mission What lessons has this process offered to us as a congregation?

May 18th is SHARE THE PLATE SUNDAY in support NORTH SHORE JUNETEENTH ASSOCIATION *Please make checks out to North Shore Juneteenth Association*

May 11 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Guest Speaker: John Newhall

We are a covenantal tradition that draws on centuries and millennia of religious and spiritual thought. What can we learn from the Christian heritage about centering multiplicity within our tradition?  How can we draw inspiration from our heritage as we carve our new path forward?

May 4 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Speaker: Alexis from Ecco

In contemporary times, a move towards nationalism has criss-crossed borders across the globe. Migration and movement of people across the land and sea is an important aspect of human history and many spiritual texts. Today’s worship service will examine themes of home, heritage, displacement while addressing immigration justice in the United States.

Alexis Valeriano-Hernandez will join us as guest speaker. Alexis (he/him) is the Racial Justice Organizer in Latinx & Immigrant Communities at ECCO, the Essex County Community Organization. NSUU is a member of this interfaith social action organization, along with 58 other North Shore Congregations.

April 27 Service at 10:30 AM in the Church and on Zoom 

Guest Speaker and Musician: Marshunda Smith

Marshunda is a conductor, cellist and teacher whose roots are in Memphis but who now calls the North Shore home. She started cello in 6th grade and received her degree from University of Tennessee. She discovered her love of conducting while teaching high school and went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Conducting. She is the current conductor of the Lowell Symphony Orchestra and the Cherry Hill Chamber Orchestra.

April 20 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Whether the Easter story or budding blossoms represent possibility to you, this service will invite reflection on seeking joy in possibilities. This service will feature songs of celebration by the NSUU Singing Group.

April 13 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

This annual Earth Day Service

Coordinated by the Green Sanctuary Committee.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Claudia Fox Tree, who serves on the board of the Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness (MCNAA) and as the Massachusetts liaison for the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP). She will speak about Tribal Land Acknowledgements, and will offer guidance to both our church and its individual members on what we can do to support native peoples in the here and now. This annual Earth Day Service is being coordinated by the Green Sanctuary Committee.

More info on MCNAA can be found HERE

*Fellowship Hour with refreshments will follow Sunday service along with a Talk Back with our guest Dr. Claudia Fox Tree

April 6 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Human beings have always developed stories about how we came to be, how we find meaning in life, and where we are going. Some develop and rely upon relationships with God, Allah, or the Spirit of Life. Whatever you call that which ties us together, we may find meaning in the ineffable connections among life on earth and the planet itself.

*An artist reception will follow the church service on Sun 4/6 to meet & greet George Hudson & to hear about his photography

March 30 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

As National Women’s History month comes to a close, the Marj Lynn Memorial Fund Committee is pleased to welcome
two special guests to honor Marj’s legacy of inclusion and empowering women.

Nicole McClain is a wife, mother, activist and veteran, with two deployments to Iraq with the Army National Guard. A community advocate and educator, Nicole is the Founder and President of the North Shore Juneteenth Association. Nicole has a Master’s degree from Boston College and is currently working at LEAP (Learn, Explore, Aspire, Pursue) for Education as their Career and Education Pathways Coordinator. Nicole will share her thoughts on women who have inspired her throughout her life and how inspiration and collective work among women have shaped our present.

Our guest pianist, Jacqueline Schwab, has been delighting audiences in churches, coffee houses, concert halls and on the soundtracks of Ken Burns’ films including Civil War, Baseball, Mark Twain and The National Parks. She has performed at the White House for President Clinton, and she recently collaborated with the American Pops Orchestra for the 2022 American Roots PBS special. We are pleased to welcome Jacqueline back to NSUU to share the music of women composers.

March 23 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Featuring CMCB Bassoon Orchestra, Guest Artists

The word “covenant” is an important one for Unitarian Universalists, describing the agreements made between members and congregations. In this service, learn about the origins of this concept with the early Unitarians. We will reflect on how covenants continue to serve us as multi-religious Unitarian Universalists in the 21st century. This service marks the beginning of NSUU’s pledge drive.

The Community Music Center of Boston’s Bassoon Orchestra will be our guest musicians

March 16 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Featuring Jo-Me’ Jr Group

Description: A dancer in motion possesses a certain kind of power to move, to inspire and to create beauty. What kinds of power do each of us possess to make moves and create in the world? We are proud to welcome back Jo-Me’ Dance as our guest artist, as part of our Diversity and Inclusion in the Arts series.

The teen performing company of Jo-Me’ Dance Arts was founded in 2012 and highlights the advanced dancers ages 12 to 18. These dedicated students are hungry to train and perform contemporary dance. The Jr. Company performs in Boston and has toured in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Philadelphia and North Carolina.

March 9 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Do you enjoy taking risks? Our inclinations towards risk and safety relate to our understanding and experience of trust. We’ll explore practical perspectives and spiritual practices that can help us repair and expand a sense of trust. 

March 2 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Religious Services Committee

At this service we will celebrate the artist in all of us, and reflect on how art connects and blesses us with goodness and with new ways to understand the truth of our human experience. Surrounded by the creative energy of the NSUU member art show currently on display in the sanctuary, we will hear from some of the artists about their process and inspiration.

Reminder: There will be a collection for the Danvers Food Pantry at this service. Your generosity will be appreciated.

February 23 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Guest speaker: Turner Bridgforth, Candidate for Ministry in the UUA

What does it mean to be a Welcoming Congregation and a faith- and belief-based community that values the worth and dignity of every person in a world troubled by white supremacism and hate? How do we as a supportive community on the side of Love combat the forces that encourage apathy and otherization? What do we need to prepare ourselves for fighting hate?

Due to the forecast of Inclement Weather, this service will be

ON-LINE ONLY

February 16 Service at 10:30 PM on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Bob Ferris, Roberta Nicholl, Berta Riddle, Amy Tedford, Speakers

In this “roots service” members of the congregation will reflect on aspects of their spiritual journey that led them to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion at Northshore UU Church. 

Due to the forecast of Inclement Weather, this service will be

ON-LINE ONLY

The planned performance of the Boston Music Center Bassoon Band will be rescheduled.

February 9 Service at 10:30 AM on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Democracy has been called a great experiment when applied to a nation as large and diverse as the United States.  What do Unitarian Universalist values have to teach us about democracy in this moment?

February 2 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Candice Waldron, Guest Speaker

Transgender people—especially trans youth—are being ruthlessly targeted by many wishing to gain political points. Gender dysphoria is a unique condition since it’s children themselves who diagnose the problem, putting parents on the frontlines of a battle they didn’t choose as they work to protect their children. Candace will discuss the importance of understanding gender diversity and having a heart of compassion in creating acceptance and safety for trans people in today’s climate of misunderstanding and fear. 

About the Speaker

Candace Waldron is a mother, a writer, a feminist and a crone with a theological degree and forty years of experience working to end sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse. As a cisgender white woman married to a Trinidadian man with two racially mixed children, she continues to learn about the multi-layered impacts of racism, heterosexism, and transphobia. Whether writing about how friends and family can support LGBTQ people, exploring the need to own our racist history so we can build an equitable future, or honoring nature and urging action on climate change, she embraces the values her mother taught: treat others the way you would like to be treated. 

January 26 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Let’s investigate hope as a practice that grounds us simultaneously and powerfully to reality and possibility. We will draw wisdom from community organizers Mariame Kaba and Kelly Hayes, authors of Let This Book Radicalize You.

Today’s Diversity, Arts and Inclusion guest musician is Rising Star pianist Shriya Bhushan. She will perform selections including Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven and Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu.

Shriya, age 15, is a high school student in Sharon. She started playing the piano at age four and currently studies at the Wellesley PianoStudio. She has entered and won a cash prize for best performance in her age  group at the Crescendo International Competition and in January of 2025 will participate in the Steinway Society of Massachusetts Competition.

January 19 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

The birthday of civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was established as a federal holiday in 1983. About 110 years prior the Civil War had ended. Black children born into slavery were freed and some were able to seek education. Public support for higher education for black students was tenuous. In Tennessee, Fisk University student singers decided to fundraise in support of their college by going on a concert tour. The influence of their decision will inspire you to take action for justice, equity and freedom in our times.

January 12 Service at 10:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Caring relationships are at the heart of our mission at NSUU. Our world is ever in need of more care. What stories do we tell about the meaning of caring? Let’s consider our role in creating communities of care that begin within and spread far and wide.  

January 5 Service at 10:30 AM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Dr, Rand Peabody, Speaker

The early days of a New Year offer a great time to take stock of our current doings, and to reflect on the changes or choices we’d like to make going forward.  This year, impending developments in our world invite such appraisal to an even greater degree.  Guest minister Rev. Dr. Rand Peabody will guide us through a unique way of constructing such considerations.

Here is a link to the Hymn “Let All Thinks Living Now”

Here is a link to “Add Subtract Multiply Divide”

December 29 Service at 10:30 AM in the Church and on Zoom 

Edith Fenton, Speaker

We stand at the beginning of a brand new year. The past is behind us, the future ahead is unknown. Experiencing the joy of the present is more  important than ever. We must trust that as Martin Luther King Jr. said “The long arc of the moral universe still bends toward justice. The weight of the work helps it bend.” We can work together to contribute to that bending. Each of us will have time to reflect upon and write about our hopes for 2025. Your messages will be saved in the church office and returned to you at the end of 2025. For those on Zoom, please have paper and pencil for your thoughts.

December 24 Service at 6:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

This service will invite reflection on notions of glory as we tell the Christmas story with Scripture, poetry and song. The NSUU Singing Group will lead Carols, including a candle-lit “Silent Night” featuring the NSUU Handbell Choir, under the direction of Judy Putnam, Music Director Emerita.

December 22 Service at 6:30 PM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Featuring : The Essex Harmony

A contemplative evening service to honor the Winter Solstice.

The Essex Harmony is a Danvers-based acapella vocal ensemble that performs music of the “singing school” period of late 18th and early 19th century New England.

Because the predicted temps and wind for Sunday in Danvers at 7PM are 13 degrees with a 8-10 MPH wind = wind chill of 2 degrees, the service will be held indoors.

December 15 Service at 10:30 AM in the Church and on Zoom 

Rev. Caro Barschow, Minister

Reflect on the presence of the spirit in our lives and in the Christian and Jewish traditions. The NSUU Singing Group and Bell Choir will offer sacred melodies.

December 8 Service at 10:30 AM in the Church and on Zoom 

Religious Services Committee

We will celebrate the holiday season with our beloved service of Christmas carols, readings, and crafts. Make a swag with fresh winter greens, or create a scented pomander ball. There will also be a table with materials for wrapping our donations to the annual Giving Tree. Cider and festive snacks will be served.

*Fellowship Hour with refreshments will follow all Sunday services