InTouch, from

North Chapel

The weekly newsletter from North Universalist Chapel Society in Woodstock, Vermont


Our Mission

Guided by Unitarian Universalist principles, the North Chapel aspires to be a congregation that nurtures the growth and supports the needs of its members, sustains a strong spiritual life within a loving church community, and seeks to have a positive impact on the world around us.

Sunday’s Service Notes

April 28, 2024

Reflection by Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley

The Soul of Wit


We say that brevity is the soul of wit. Wit is our sharpness, our intelligence and our laughter. Can we access our laughter without a moment's hesitation?  ...or is something standing in the way?

Events and Activities

Leon is back!

Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley has returned from his sabbatical.

He looks forward to talking with you.

If you would like to connect with him, please send him a text or call him at 802-369-5104.

See Will Freiman On Stage!

Friday, April 26th - Sunday, April 28th


Don't miss seeing Will in Merrily We Roll Along, presented by Lebanon High School’s Wet Paint Players at the Lebanon Opera House.

The shows are next weekend: Friday and Saturday at 7:00 pm and on Sunday at 1:00 pm. Tickets are $4.00.

Read more about the show here:

https://lebanonoperahouse.org/events/merrily-we-roll-along/

~ From the Beirne-Freiman family: David, Ann, Will, Pluto, and Sam.

Chat With the Minister

Sunday May 5th After the Service in the Parlor


The Welcoming, Engagement and Membership Committee invites new members to get together after the service on May 5th in the parlor for "Chat with the Minister''. This is an opportunity for casual conversation with Leon, a.k.a. Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley. All are welcome!

Please click on the poster above to print and share it in your neighborhood.

Book Club for April

Meeting May 6th Online

Want to read what is on Obama's and Oprah's reading list? Pick up The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris. In the time of our nation's civil war, a white couple welcomes two freed black men to work their land. The book is historically interesting and beautifully composed. Join us on May 2 for discussion sure to be engaging.

Contact Sherry Belisle at sherry.belisle@gmail.com or 802-457-1919 for the Zoom link and more information.

Chamber Music Series at North Chapel

Next Concert - May 12th at 2pm

Carol & Sam Ou (cello duo)

North Chapel continues the tradition of the Chamber Music Series in our Sanctuary with Carol & Sam Ou, a cello duo.

A reception will follow the concert in the social hall.

By donation. All are welcome!

Coffee Hour After the Services

Please join us on Sundays after the service in the social hall.

For the month of April the Social Justice Committee will be responsible for coffee hour. Simple snacks, coffee and tea will be available.

Meet the committee members and learn their role at North Chapel.

Church Notices

Please remember to make a donation to the Woodstock Community Food Shelf. There is a bin in the church entrance where you can drop off your contributions.

Contact Amy McElroy or Judy Williamson for more information.

Bill McKibben on Climate Change

Is there anything you can do about it? The answer is yes!

For those who did not get the opportunity to attend Bill McKibben's talk at North Chapel on Sunday, March 17th, you can see it on our website here: https://www.northchapelvt.org/socialjustice

Bill gives us effective things that we can DO to slow the onslaught of climate chaos.

Please watch the half-hour talk, even if you would rather not! And finally, please send the link to your family, friends, acquaintances and to your social media.

Find it here: youtube.com/watch?v=l2NvNnMsgXk

Thank you!

Anne Macksoud

Arts Corner 

Share your creativity!

Your art, in any medium, is welcome.

Send it to office@northchapelvt.org


 Room with a View ... Bob Burchess

Photos Page

Send us your photos!

This may look like a photo but it is actually a pencil drawing!

"Rocks on Block Island Beach"

by Deb Rice

Monthly Articles

Previous special monthly articles are accessible from the link above and the links below.

Schedule

1st Thursday: Worship Theme for the Month

2nd Thursday: Letter from the Board

3rd Thursday: Spirit Page

4th Thursday: Arts Corner & Photos Page

Articles and contributions will be due by noon on WEDNESDAYS on the week of publication. Some weeks they are left out. Some months they are out of order.

Our Church Calendar

Please check the calendar on the link above before scheduling a meeting or event at North Chapel. For more information and to reserve space, email Administrative Assistant Joanne Boyle at the office or call or text 802-369-9838.

All of Your Contributions Are Important

The commitment of our members is critical to every aspect of the life of our

North Chapel community. 

We hope you will join us in supporting the North Chapel with your offerings of time, talent and treasure, as we work together to continue to grow as a strong and vibrant faith community. It is a joy to work together so consider joining a committee, a task force, or a fundraising event. Read here about all the ways your generosity is needed and where your skills, efforts, time, and contributions will be appreciated. To make a financial contribution click here: https://www.northchapelvt.org/giving-page

Thank you!

MUSICIANS!

We are always looking for new musicians to provide music for the Sunday services, especially in the summer. 

If this is something you'd like to do, please email our Music Director Diane Mellinger.

__________________________


North Chapel Photo Scavenger Hunt

Created by Linda Galvao

This is a challenge for old and new members and friends of North Chapel. We hope you will enjoy searching for the locations of the 44 images taken in public areas inside and outside the church during the Spring of 2023. You can bring the images up on your phone or get a hard copy from the office.

Click HERE for a PDF to download and open on your phone.

This may be a fun activity to do after the service some Sunday - Have fun hunting!

__________________________


Do You Want a Name Tag?

At the Sunday services, you may have noticed many of us have hand made name tags that we wear on a string around our necks. They are stored on a board in the entry to the sanctuary. Want one? If you’re new, we would love to learn your name.

If you have been a member or friend of North Chapel for a while, you may have lost yours. Here's an opportunity to replace it.

Just look for Ann Wynia on Sundays. She usually sits in the back row near the guest book table. She will be happy to take your name and create one for you.

____________________________


The minutes of the Annual Meeting are now available.

Here is the link:

The North Universalist Chapel Society

Annual Meeting, January 28, 2024, Woodstock, VT

____________________________



The 2024 North Chapel Directory is Updated Monthly

If you would like a PDF of the newest directory sent to you

or would like a copy printed for you contact the office.

Rental Spaces Available At North Chapel

Sanctuary - Social Hall - Parlor - Library - Meditation Chapel - Private Office Downstairs - The Back Lawn "Riverside Garden" and the Pizza Oven

We welcome you to inquire about holding conferences, meetings, classes or events in

any of the spaces at North Chapel.

Contact the office for a rate sheet and more information.

Other Activities at North Chapel

Join Us in the Oneness Meditation Center

Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:00 pm in the Meditation Chapel

Please join us as we gather to celebrate Spiritual community. 

Whether you are new to the spiritual path or a seasoned meditator, we welcome you to our weekly gatherings.

We will be offering you teachings, practices and all the compassionate support and connection you need to create peace in your life from a beautiful state of being.

No fee. Meditation mats and chairs provided. Bring water if you would like to.

For information contact Anne Dean, anneldean@gmail.com or Sarah Hall venutau@gmail.com

Guitar, Bass and Piano Lessons with Ben Kogan

Hello! I'm here to let you know I'm accepting new students for the Fall. I teach many students in the Woodstock and Upper Valley area and have room for a couple more. If you've been teaching yourself from the internet and want to be held accountable, are an experienced player looking to better understand your instrument or a parent of a child that has expressed some

interest in playing an instrument get in touch! 

A bit about my teaching below:

Piano, Bass (Upright and Electric) and Guitar

   - I teach all levels and most styles.

   - Ages 8 to 88

   - Bluegrass, Jazz, Rock, Classical, Blues, Pop and Boogie Woogie (piano only)

   - By ear or written music

   - Convenient Woodstock Vermont Village Location

   - Custom lessons. I like to teach songs you want to learn and sneak in the theory and technique. I call this tricking people into learning. Depending on the level, I'll suggest some songs then once a certain amount is achieved we can move on to songs you pick.

Feel free to call or email if you'd like to sign up! I only have 2 or 3 spots left.

Ben Kogan bkogan2@gmail.com 305-495-9962

Community News and Links

PAX Seeks Local Housing for Exchange Students

(Please share this notice with friends.)

PAX is searching for two host families to host international teens for the upcoming school year. Can you volunteer, even for a semester, to help out one of these wonderful scholarship students?


Joshua is a 15 year old boy from Nigeria, whose favorite activity that he participates in is his summer Bible camp. He loves to learn and volunteers at the orphanage through this camp. He is not very sporty, but would like to learn to swim and take Spanish classes while in the US. He also hopes to learn to cook, too. Joshua is interested in studying either medicine or computer science in the future. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, coding, playing board games, and helping his little brother with his homework.


Faith is a 16 year old girl from South Africa who is also active in her church at home. She lives with just her mom and younger brother at home now. She helps cook meals and also supports her brother with his homework. She describes herself as hardworking, honest and loving. She cannot decide on her future either, so either medicine or writing for her! She enjoys writing and reading in her spare time, volunteering, playing board games, and having a sleepover with her friend.


Who can host?  Host families come in all shapes and sizes. In fact, did you know that half of our local host families do not have any kids in the home? We ask families to provide access to three meals per day, a place to sleep and study, and support navigating their new culture. Program support includes full health insurance, spending money, access to quarterly group trips, school support, and ongoing support of both the student and host family, too.


But a school year is a long time, what if I'm not enjoying this?  I hear you, it's a bit intimidating, and makes me nervous to host every year, too. But, if it's not a good fit for you, we will work to find another host family and move the student. We don't want anyone to sign up for a year of being uncomfortable. But the students are eager to learn and be part of a family. They help out around the house with chores and share aspects of their culture, too. We could even plan to split hosting between two families if needed!


If you can help or have any questions, please reach out to Kimberly at keckhardt08@gmail.com or 802-824-3792.  

Learn more at: https://pax.org/

Do you know a UU who went to college in the Boston area?

Sanctuary Boston is a UU community supporting UU college students in the Boston area. We're building the largest campus ministry program in Unitarian Universalism and we need your help to do it!

If you're a UU who went to college in the Boston area, please fill out this form to connect with us and support UU student leaders: bit.ly/uualumn

Empower UP! Mentoring Program

Do you have life experience, a supportive attitude, and a willingness to be a consistent presence in a young person's life for at least a school year?

Empower UP! Mentoring program needs mentors! We have two 2nd grade boys at Killington Elementary School and Barnard Academy, and two middle school and high school girls looking for mentors. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please email mentoring@mtnviews.org for more information!

Transportation Service

Rideshare service available for the Woodstock/Quechee area and surrounding towns. You can call or text to arrange a ride, and at that time I will quote the fare. Available 7 days a week. I travel often to: Dartmouth Coach, Lebanon Airport, Manchester Airport, Rutland Amtrak, Burlington Airport, Bradley International and Boston Logan. Please note my vehicle is nothing fancy, just a practical multi-use vehicle.

(Tacoma Double-Cab). Cash or Venmo preferred. Looking forward to sharing a ride with you!

Jane Warren - Rideshare Service 2janiejane@gmail.com - 603-486-8778

Links to Local Resources

Aging Resource Center at DHMC - Artistree Community Arts Center - Norman Williams Public Library - Ottauquechee Health Foundation - Pentangle Council on the Arts - Sustainable Woodstock - The Thompson Senior Center - VT 211 & NH 211

VT Alert - Sign up to receive notifications for emergency situations including weather, road closures, water boil alerts, etc. Make sure you opt-in for Woodstock specific updates or you only get state-wide updates.

Woodstock Community Crier (Town Listserv) - Woodstock Elementary School - Woodstock Union High School and Middle School

Suggestions for addition to this section are welcome.

Contact Us

North Universalist Chapel Society 7 Church Street, Woodstock VT 05091 Directions/Map

Minister: Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley - text or call 802-369-5104

Director of Music: Diane Mellinger vermontdianem@aol.com

Administrative Assistant: Joanne Boyle 802-369-9838 jm.boyle57@gmail.com

Director of Spiritual Education: Tatum Barnes 646-675-9232 tatumali1030@gmail.com

Office: 802-457-2557 office@northchapelvt.org

Our Website - On Facebook