Your Weekly Link – News and Updates 1/17/2014

Weekly Link 1-17-14

January Worship Theme

Word to Action

We are often told “it’s the thought that counts.” Our worship committee wonders about the limits of that expression, the times when it is not the thought that counts, but the action we take, that matters most. How do we make a life of “practicing what we preach?” How can we hold each other to our own aspirations of community? What holds us back, and where might we find the courage to take the next step?

This Week in Worship

Sunday, January 19, 2014
10:30am WORSHIP

Weaving the Garment of Our Destiny
Rev. Parisa Parsa
music by Joel Hiller, Franc Graham, Claudia Wellington, Wayne Johnson & friends

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” This morning we lift up and celebrate the ways that we have the power to create and shape that garment of destiny. We’ll hear stories of some of the amazing winners of the Peace First Prize, and consider how we might join them in the work of peacemaking and justice-shaping.

STAY CONNECTED

Follow First Parish on Facebook! “Like” our page www.facebook.com/FirstParishMiltonUu
and get updates, poems, announcements and more. You’ll be glad you did!

We can also be found on Twitter at @FPMilton

Religious Exploration

Sunday, January 19, 2014

NO RE THIS SUNDAY
Multigenerational Service
All children and youth are invited to gather in the meetinghouse for a multigenerational worship service.

Nursery is available for children ages 4 and younger.

heartYouth Group Happenings…

First Parish in Milton’s First Annual…
Sweetheart’s Dinner!
February 8th
5pm-8pm

Admission: $20 per adult
$15 if a teen clothing or
school supply item is donated

There will be dinner, dancing, live music, a raffle and more at this adults only Valentine’s fundraiser benefiting the First Parish Youth Group and Bridge over Troubled Waters, an organization benefiting Boston’s homeless youth.

Babysitting will be provided; each adult ticket covers babysitting for one child with each additional child costing $5.

News and Announcements

MLK1Courage of Character
Monday, January 20, 2014
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 2014
The Milton Community’s Annual Memorial Celebration
Sponsored by Milton Interfaith Clergy Association
“Everybody Can Be Great, Because Everybody Can Serve.”
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Theme of the Day

Concord Baptist Church – 180 Blue Hill Ave

Featuring
Milton High School Gospel Chorus
St. Mary of the Hills Liturgical Dancers
Milton Public School Elementary School Singers
Presentation by Milton High Students
Display of Student Poems & Artwork
MICA Scholarship Winners
St. Agatha Church Puppeteers
Reaffirmation of the Milton “No Place for Hate” Resolution of Respect
Please join us after the program for coffee,tea & dessert.

Sunday, January 26 12 noon – 2pm

All Church Council

All Church Council will meet at a special time, Sunday, January 26 at noon. At this important meeting, we will review our progress toward First Parish’s mission goals for the church year thus far and identify strategic challenges as we make decisions about budget and staffing for church year 2014-15. All committees are asked to send at least two representatives to the meeting, but everyone is welcome to attend and participate. Lunch and child care will be provided. RSVP to director@fpmilton.org.

Sundays, January 26 and February 9

New Member/Newcomer Orientation Classeswil be offered January 26, 12 noon – 2pm and February 9 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. If you have recently been attending Sunday services and are interested in learning more about First Parish or are interested in becoming a member, these are the classes for you. Please email director@fpmilton.org to sign up to attend or get further information.

Sunday, February 2 12:00 – 1:30 pm

Divorced or Separating?

A group for personal reflection and peer support is gathering, made up of members of First Parish and FIrst Congregational Church. Join us for an initial meeting on Sunday, February 2 from 12-1:30 in the Chase Parlor at First Parish. If you have questions or want more information, please contact Andy Crum at agcrum@gmail.com.

Our Caring Committee helps connect and respond with compassion to the expressed needs and concerns to members of our community. Please consider ways you might help out when needed. Volunteers may help drive someone to doctor’s appointments, church or church events; make a meal and deliver it, help with simple home repairs. Check out all the possibilities, including joining the Caring Committee. Forms are available on the information table located in the Parish Hall. We are grateful to all those that already have been a great help with a variety of needs including those on short notice.

Looking for Sunday worship volunteers

Part of the overall Sunday worship experience is having flowers, a chalice lighter, ushers, greeters, and social hour hosts. We depend on volunteers to fill these roles. Please determine when you might be able to help and volunteer using Sign Up Genius http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D44ACA728A02-church2. Dates are scheduled through the end of the program year, June 8, 2014. Our most immediate need for ushers is on January 26. Questions? Contact Kiki at director@fpmilton.org.

SAVE the DATE: Annual Chocolate Auction Sunday, February 9 during social hour. More details to follow.

Meditation

MeditationWednesdays evenings and Sunday mornings

Meditation continues every Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm-7:30pm as well as Sunday from 9:00am-9:30am both meet in the Children’s Church. All are welcome to join us and enjoy some peaceful, restful quiet.

Celebrate Thirty Days of Love! January 18 – February 16
Standing on the Side of Love is a community of people compelled to speak out against oppression, united in the common belief that love is the ultimate guiding force of our world. The Thirty Days of Love is a period of intentional action, service, education, and reflection to focus on this essential work. Will you commit to join us on this spiritual journey for social justice?

The Thirty Days of Love is starting soon – time to get ready! What is your intention this month? What will your spiritual journey for social justice look like? Sign up at http://standingonthesideoflove.org/2014-30daysoflove/ to get daily emails with reflection and action suggestions from January 18-February 16, with a “Share the Love” Sunday on the 16th.

KikiKiki’s Corner

Information Table is now a regular feature at social hour each week. It is being used both to have information for newcomers and also highlight upcoming events and offer ways to do sign ups. If you have other suggestions, please let me know at director@fpmilton.org.

Lost & Found is located in the entryway of the Parsh Hall. There are a variety of glasses, winter wear and books. Please see if there is something that belongs to you in either the wicker basket on the table or box next to it and take it home with you.

EVERY SUNDAY
Worship, 10:30am in the Meetinghouse
Meetinghouse Choir Rehearsal, 8:45am in the Parish Hall
Silent Prayer & Meditation, 9:00am in the Children’s Church

THE SUNDAY PLANNER
Please consider volunteering for important Sunday worship positions like ushering, hosting social hour, providing flowers for worship, and lighting the chalice.
SIGN UP HERE