Church Notices, Events and Activities
Pizza & Potluck Party!!
This Sunday, September 20th after the Service
We will be celebrating the children of North Chapel during the service on Sunday, September 20th.
After the service we will be having a PIZZA AND POTLUCK party out back.
(In case of rain, there will be a potluck in the social hall.)
Everyone is welcome. Members and friends of the Hartland and Norwich congregations have been invited to join us as well.
We will provide water to drink, pizza dough (regular and gluten free), tomato sauce and cheese.
Please bring pizza toppings or a salad, a cold potluck dish or dessert to feed about 6 people and a beverage for yourself.
If you can help set up or clean up please do!
Suggested donations of $5 per person to help us cover the cost of the pizza dough, sauce and cheese will be appreciated. Hope to see you there!
Christmas Wreath Sales Assistance Needed
Help decorate our community for the winter holidays!
Local businesses, retail stores as well as inns and restaurants have been purchasing holiday wreaths and garland through North Chapel for many years.
The wreath sale usually brings in between $5,000 and $6,000.
This is an important fundraiser for North Chapel.
Mary Blanton has organized the wreath sale for the past 3 years. Thanks to a sore knee, she is unable to do the door to door visits this year. Joanne will be working closely with her to organize the sale but it is time for them to train several others to learn to organize and do sales and deliveries.
If you would like to learn to organize the sale, great! Let us know!
With a detailed spreadsheet of past sales, Mary is happy to help and stay on as a consultant.
We need two more volunteers who don't have trouble getting around.
Please contact Mary or Joanne if you are interested in helping by visiting area businesses.
The final order is due October 15th and the wreaths will be delivered sometime the week before Thanksgiving.
We also need helpers to unload the truck, sort and deliver wreaths the weekend of November 21st and 22nd.
Please contact Mary or Joanne if you are able to assist in November.
In Memoriam
Beryl Webb Spencer died peacefully with her family at her side at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care at the age of 101 on September 10, 2026. She was an active member of North Chapel for many years and will be missed by all.
https://www.cabotfh.com/obituaries/beryl-spencer
If you would like to add your condolences or a story about your time with Beryl to the Memorials and Tributes page of our website, send it to Joanne Boyle in the church office.
Sherry Belisle, Beryl Spencer and Pru Schuler visiting a few months ago.
Singing Tonight
September 17th at 6:30 in the Social Hall
Join the Upper Valley Singing Resistance - Woodstock Area Pod
Upper Valley Singing Resistance, with its smaller group pods, is organizing for singers to rehearse and sing at protests in the area.
The group meets the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 at Bethany Mennonite Church,
(169 VT-100A, Bridgewater Corners, VT 05035)
and the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 at North Chapel in the Social Hall.
All are welcome to join!
Farewell & Gratitude:
Thank You to Agata, Radek, and Kuba Marzec
After fifteen years of faithfully caring for all of our church property, our sextons, Agata, Radek, and their son Kuba have given their notice and will be leaving at the end of September.We are incredibly grateful for their two decades of dedication.
To send them off with our warmest thanks, we are collecting donations to purchase a gift card of gratitude. If you would like to make a donation, please mail or drop off a check at the church office. Contact Joanne for details.
Please join us in wishing Agata, Radek, and Kuba the very best in their next chapter!
From Linda Galveo:
Saludos desde Ecuador!
Greetings from Ecuador!
Linda Galvao is working with Children International, a highly rated global child sponsorship organization.
She has invited the congregation to participate in supporting Iker Vera Cruz, a 5 year old in Ecuador.
Below is the letter from his mother that she read during the service last Sunday. If you would like to learn more or help, contact Linda at lindagalvao@hotmail.com.
Dear Sponsor, Ms Galvao,
I want to express my sincerest thanks to you for agreeing to be my son's sponsor. This is Iker Vera Cruz's mom greeting you. It means a lot to us to have you, and we hope that over time we can share many beautiful moments and create unforgettable memories together. I'd like to tell you a little about my son; he really enjoys playing soccer, singing, and playing with his toys. He is a cheerful, energetic boy, and I am sure he will really enjoy spending time with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for wanting to be his sponsor and for agreeing to be part of his life. I hope that this is the beginning of a very lovely and special relationship.
With much affection, Nicol, Mother of your sponsored child.
Oneness Meditation
Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:15 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 toour 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 Mary Blanton marywbvt@gmail.com or Sarah Hall venutau@gmail.com.
Mindfulness Meditation
Fridays, 10:00-11:00 am in the Meditation Chapel
Dear Friends, We meet again this week to discover - among good companions - the truth of what lies within us and outside of us in this moment, here.
This week we will continue to consider the concept of refuge - of our spiritual friendships, of our inner wisdom, and of the lineage and teachings of Mindfulness.
“Refuge” may be thought of as a wise response and act of discernment; we take refuge not to hide but to go deeper into wisdom.
May we sit together this week in appreciation of the support and refuge of our admirable companions!
In peace, Judy McClain 802-369-4719
A Circle of Men
1st and 3rd Thursday Evenings in the Parlor
We are a group of committed men stepping into our vulnerability, our joy, our sadness, our wonder. If you want to explore more deeply into the man you are and to find the man you want to be, reach out to us, you are welcome! The only thing you have to risk is that you might be changed.
We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday evenings in the parlor and we ask that you contact myself Ben Kelley-Outten, bkelleyovt@gmail.com 802-356-9506 or Aaron Darcy, mkpdarcy@gmail.com 478-338-4878 before you come.
Book Club for September
Meeting on Thursday, October 1st at 6pm on Zoom
At 6:00 on Thursday, October 1st, we'll discuss The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali. During the Iran revolution, two girls experience much of their lives in opposite ways. The story of their friendship is remarkable, and you'll learn some of the culture of Iran.
Contact Sherry Belisle at sherry.belisle@gmail.com or 802-457-1919 for the Zoom link and more information.
From Jeannie Lindheim:
Upcoming Classes
The Art & Joy of Hospital Clowning, Saturday, September 12, 10- noon , $25.00
Trusting the Moment: Unlocking Your Creativity and Imagination, Saturday, September 19, 10-noon, $25.00
The Ecstasy of Creativity, Saturday, September 26, 10-1 pm, $25.00
At Artistree: 2095 Pomfret Rd, Pomfret, VT 05067
Jeannie Lindheim has taught acting, movement, improvisation and auditioning, for over 30 years at Boston College, The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Wheelock College, Lesley College Expressive Therapies Graduate Program, Antioch College, Boston University, Harvard University Law School, American University, and George Washington University. In 1996, she went to Russia with Patch Adams and other clowns. She founded the Hearts and Noses Hospital Clown Troupe that has entertained over 80,000 children. After Hurricane Katrina, she clowned and did ‘by the cot’ visits to over 1,000 people in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center. She wrote a Hospital Clown Training Program that has sold in 23 countries.
Jeannie has acted professionally and studied at Boston University; the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, England; New York’s Herbert Berghoff Studio; and the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. She holds a Master of Arts from the University of California and a Master of Fine Arts from Brandeis University. www.center4creativity.org
1) The Art & Joy of Hospital Clowning
“Each of us has at least two people within us. The person that the world sees and the person we secretly believe we are. This secret person, the person of our dreams, is where the clown resides.” Avner the Eccentric
Hospital clowns are very different than regular clowns. We empower the child and people we clown for. We give choices on everything we do. We always ask permission to enter a room. Our clowning is soft and gentle.
Clowning is not about being funny. It’s about being present!
2) Trusting the Moment: Unlocking Your Creativity and Imagination
Come Play! Why learn improvisation?
Improvisation teaches us to risk, feel free, become even more spontaneous, act on our creative impulses, become more flexible, make new discoveries, and so much more!
Class Requirements
No experience necessary. All you need is the desire to have fun and learn!
What you'll learn
Learn techniques that great improvisers use.
How do you stay centered
How do you say yes… and
How do you create different characters
How do you stay connected to your partner(s)
How to float the judges away
3) The Ecstasy of Creativity
In the business (busy-ness) of our lives our creative selves often get lost! In this experiential workshop, you will reconnect with your creative energy!
Through exciting and stimulating exercises, you will:
• Begin to live your cherished dreams
• Stay centered and creative even in times of stress and change
• Clarify your Creative Goals
• Decide on 10 exciting risks you can take
• Learn centering techniques you can use every day
And you will leave with a Creative Plan of Action for the next 3 months.
Contact Jeannie at jeannielindheim@gmail.com for more information.
North Chapel Annual Report 2025
Here are the links to the North Universalist Chapel Society Annual Report for 2025.
Pledging Continues
Pledges can be any amount, and paid weekly, monthly or yearly.
We are filled with gratitude for those of you who have already pledged.
We hope that those of you who have not pledged, will join them. Many thanks!
The Choir is Back!
If you would like to sing with the choir, please contact Michael Zsoldos and join us for rehearsals on Sunday mornings at 9 am in the sanctuary and Wednesdays 4:30-6 pm in the parlor. All are welcome!
What does it mean to "Sign the Book"?
Become a Member of the North Universalist Chapel Society
Are you curious about all things Unitarian Universalist? Thinking of joining our membership? Contact Sherry Belisle or Ann Wynia to answer your questions and possibly moving forward on the path.
Coffee Hour After the Services
Please join us after the Sunday Services for coffee hour in the social hall downstairs.
Each month a different committee or group provides the refreshments.
For more information about the committees that keep North Chapel functioning, look here on our website's Leadership page and consider joining us.
Here is the schedule for 2026
January - The Board
February - Music & Worship Committee
March - Committee on Ministry
April - All Hands on Deck
May - Choir
June - Welcoming, Engagement and Membership Committee
July - Nomination Committee
August - Finance Committee
September - The Board
October - Music & Worship Committee
November - Choir
December - Welcoming, Engagement and Membership Committee
Leon's Open Office Hours
Tuesdays from 3 to 5 pm and Wednesdays from 12 to 2 pm.
Please text him at 802-369-5104 to be sure his schedule has not changed.
Joanne's Church Office Hours
Administrative Assistant Joanne Boyle is usually in the church office on Monday and Friday from 11-1 and on Wednesday and Thursday from 11am - 4.
She also works from home.
Please call or text her at 802-369-9838 to be sure her schedule has not changed
Donate to the Food Shelf!
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.
Spirit of Life In Sign Language
Polly Forcier would like others to know that they are welcome to come to the altar on Sundays and offer Spirit of Life in sign language. She thought those that have learned it could take turns. Contact Polly if you're interested.
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.
Rental Spaces Available At North Chapel
Sanctuary - Social Hall - Parlor - Library - Meditation Chapel - Private Office Downstairs
The Back Lawn "Riverside Garden" and Pizza Oven
We welcome you to inquire about holding conferences, meetings, classes or events in
any of the spaces at North Chapel.
To see a 3D video of the whole building look here.
Contact the office for a rate sheet and more information.
The 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.
Enlarged Type
Enlarged copies of the weekly bulletin, with the Order of Service and the sheet music of the hymns for the week will be available at the back of the church each Sunday.
Just ask the greeter for a packet.
Woodstock Area Food Shelf
There is a bin to drop off non perishable foods at the entrance to the church. The Woodstock Community Food Shelf maintains an open, well-stocked food shelf providing basic nutrition to our neighbors in times of need.
Learn more and donate here: http://woodstockfoodshelf.org/
North Chapel Listserv News
Since its inception, nearly two thirds of all North Chapel members have subscribed to the North Chapel Listserv and it is fast becoming a popular communication tool among those subscribers.
As a subscriber, you will find in your inbox each morning a “digest” of all messages submitted by members the previous day. If no messages were submitted the previous day then, you will not receive a digest in your inbox for that day.
Subscribing is easy: send an email to the office . In the subject line, please type, “Subscribe Me”.
Is InTouch, our weekly newsletter “lost in the mail”?
Our weekly newsletter. "InTouch" is emailed out each Thursday evening. The Sunday Service reflection is sent out when it is available. I hear that some people don't get this newsletter, or the Sunday Service in their inbox.
We use Constant Contact as our email server and often these emails are sent to spam or promotions folders.
The best way to deal with missing these emails is to add northchapelcommunications@gmail.com to your contacts list. (This is an email address that we use for certain things, but not the regular office email address.)
(For those of you using Gmail, here are instructions for adding InTouch to your contacts: https://www.wikihow.com/Add-Contacts-in-Gmail?mc_cid=d9795d1b04&mc_eid=cad0f3b77e )
There is also a link to each week's InTouch newsletter on our website here: https://www.northchapelvt.org/news-events. Bookmarking that page for future use might be helpful.
Finally, if you're having technical difficulties, feel free to contact me. I look forward to helping everyone stay up to date with the news, events, and opportunities offered at North Chapel. Email office@northchapelvt.org or call 802-457-2557.
Please share this info?
Thanks, Joanne
THE HUB IS HERE TO HELP YOU DURING A CRISIS
The HUB:
Is a new program that makes it easier for you to get help during a time of need.
Is a central point of contact for you.
Is a connection with an experienced community volunteer who responds quickly and will help you get assistance.
Is confidential and respectful of your situation, whether due to divorce,job loss, family illness, financial stress, and food or heat insecurity.
Can help you if you live in Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading, or Woodstock.
Works with many local organizations such as Barnard Helping Hands and Ottauquechee Health Foundation.
Four Ways to Contact The HUB
Online: Complete an Application at: https://apply.thehubneighbors.org/form
Phone: 802-457-7214
Email: apply@thehubneighbors.org
Pick up an Application: Outside the Ottauquechee Health Foundation office at Simmons House at 30 Pleasant Street, Woodstock. The HUB is a Project of Woodstock Community Trust, a non profit 501c3 organization.
Ongoing Activities
For more detailed information about our regularly scheduled activities, read more on our Interest Groups page.
Keep an Eye on Our Church Calendar
This page is updated weekly.