Category: John Simmonds Blog

Sight Lines

Hello Everyone:

It’s June. The sun has finally decided to come out! The church year is winding down, and so is my year as President of the congregation. During the Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 2, we say goodbye and heartfelt thanks to Prudential Committee, Deacon, … read more.

Sight Lines – May

Hello Everyone:

I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with May. This is the month where the dreariness of winter is replaced by lush vegetation and beautiful blooms of all varieties and hues. It is also allergy season, and for me that means shorter times outdoors to … read more.

Sight Lines

Hello Everyone:

Spring is finally here. At least I hope the snow and cold weather are over by the time you read this. It is the time of year to do spring cleaning, to pack away winter clothes, to open windows and let in fresh air, … read more.

Sight Lines

Hello, Everyone:

I attended a communications conference recently and one of the things I learned is that only 30% of an organization’s communications are read by its target audience. The low amount surprised me. I thought about First Unitarian and the myriad ways in … read more.

Sight Lines

Hello Everyone:

505. By the first of February each year, congregations within our denomination provide a variety of membership, statistical, and financial information to the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). This information is used to calculate our Fair Share contribution, regional dues, and the number of voting … read more.

Sight Lines

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I don’t really. But what I often do is to reflect on one or two things I want to do differently. I guess that’s a resolution… This year, I hope to adjust my reaction to the … read more.

Sight Lines

Hello, Everyone:

Winter came early. Were you prepared? I was not prepared for the amount of snow that fell nor the below normal-temperatures on the days surrounding Thanksgiving. I have come to expect the unexpected when it comes to New England winters. This year I was … read more.

What Happens Next?

Hello, Everyone:

The intense week of Love Beyond Belief™ activities is over. I want to thank all who attended for your active participation and for making this a successful program. I also want to thank the staff, Beth Armstrong, the many volunteers, and the food preparers. … read more.

Sight Lines

Happy Fall! This is my favorite season and October my favorite month. There is still daylight after work. I enjoy the palette of colors on my walks in the woods. The water is still warm for swimming and kayaking; the air is cooler, perfect … read more.

Hello and Welcome Back!

The summer had a little bit for everyone: rain, sunshine, heat, humidity, storms, even a tornado. I hope you had a chance to relax, spend time with friends and family, read a few books, or binge watch a show or two.

I plan to use this … read more.