The Holiday Season is here again.
A time to count our blessings, and express our gratitude.
Dear Members and Friends of First Parish,
Those warm days of November almost made us forget that winter is coming, but the shortening days will surely bring the cold and snow again this year. Soon festive wreaths will appear on the church doors, and we will be singing traditional carols, and lighting candles.
Now is the time to give thanks: for the challenges the we have met successfully; for the help that we could give, and the help we have received; for food, shelter and community; for the music and words that have lifted us up when we were down; for the fellowship as we celebrate a new year ahead of us.
Throughout 2022, we have found ways to continue to meet and support each other and the broader community. The purpose of this letter is twofold: To share highlights of the past year, and to invite you to support of the First Parish on Giving Tuesday (Nov. 29, 2022), Reflections on the year include:
- Hybrid services continue to provide the opportunity to our online attendees — some homebound nearby, some enjoying pajamas on a Sunday morning, and some in Maine and Alaska!
- A very successful tag sale was held on a glorious June day. Volunteers enjoyed each other’s company while moving precious items to new owners, finding new fans of our First Parish coffee and of course, our fabulous baked goods.
- We had a welcome back gathering in September, after the long summer break. Melissa shared words of inspiration, and everyone enjoyed each other’s company, and good food!
- The sign on the front lawn and the sign on the northeast corner of the building was professionally rehabilitated, in welcome and inspiration for the new year. Our beloved town clock has been attended to, and is keeping time. Soon it will ring every hour.
- Indoor services were held inside (masked, with air purifiers on). We have appreciated a regular rotation of Melissa, Dan Tinen, Chalice Circles and outside guests leading services. New people and old friends have come to join us.
- The 12th annual Monster Dash 5k enjoyed record participation in October. The day was splendid after a cool and early start, participants turned up in record numbers with prizes for all.
- Our beloved friends at Picadilly Farm recently hosted the annual Lantern Walk, celebrating the end of another growing season and the shortening days. We enjoyed talking and walking in the dark, discovering a few seasonal water hazards, and returning to the warmth of the blazing fire, friendly community, hot cider and s’mores.
- We supported the Northfield Food Pantry, serving as their organizational umbrella, providing some financial aid, a few hardy regular volunteers, and some occasional ones. Again, we hosted the Thanksgiving Community Meal (a long First Parish tradition) which provides a free Thanksgiving meal with all of the trimmings for anyone.
Behind the scenes, volunteers keep things humming along: scheduling services, keeping communications flowing, adapting to and monitoring our Covid situation, recalibrating RE for older and younger kids, maintaining the building and grounds, and helping out when someone needed a hand or a kind word. These dedicated volunteers continue to work to keep the church alive and well and an asset to the lives of our members and friends.
Giving Tuesday is another opportunity for giving. We invite everyone to contribute and collectively meet the matching gift of $500 pledged by the First Parish Board of Trustees and friends. Please consider a gift to the church to supplement our fundraising efforts this year. To make a contribution, send a check or money order payable to First Parish of Northfield and addressed to the same, PO Box 158, Northfield, MA 01360. All funds will be directed toward sustaining our church so that everyone may benefit from its service into the future.
We thank you for your faith and support during this trying period and rejoice that we have this remarkable parish to share together.
In community and hope for all that can be,
First Parish Board of Trustees
