Sending prayers and strength to those deeply touched by the shooting in Thousand Oaks, CA. May we all resolve to find a different way of being with one another, diffusing violence and claiming the gift of life as sacred.

This Week in Worship

Sunday, November 11, 2018
Worship at 10:30 am in the Meetinghouse
“Harvesting Gratitude”

Minister

Rev. Lisa Ward

However you respond to the mid-term elections, I offer the uplift of voter turn out. Citizens have claimed their voice — their vote — in higher numbers than have been seen during midterm elections in many, many years. This, despite clear voter suppression tactics that need our continued vigilance. There is also an opening to diversity in the results. This, with affirmation and participation, has the grace-filled chance to increase in future elections. A swirl of voices, perspectives, accounts and accountability will hopefully infuse a different tone in Washington.

Writing to you on the last day of the Parliament of World Religions in Toronto, I am filled with palpable evidence of humanity’s urging toward a new paradigm for health, well-being, mindful universalism and particular joy. A phrase given in one workshop that resounds for me and for our faith community is this: “Not doing wrong is not enough. Actively doing good is essential”.

I look forward to unpacking this call to gather our agency and claim our lives in a way that generates avenues toward peace, justice and the wisdom of goodwill.

Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa

Religious Exploration

• Nursery and toddler care is available every week in the Link hallway from 10:15 to 11:45 am. This week our caregivers will be Tanisha and Bella. Stop by and say hello!
• Religious Exploration for Sunday, November 11: Preschool children through grade 8 will attend the first part of the worship service in the Meetinghouse and then move to the Activity room downstairs for a group viewing of a documentary about two eleven year-olds investigating how city people get their food. Please note that our activities end at 11:40 am.
• Register your child or youth! The Religious Exploration Committee requests all families to register your child or youth before attending classes. Please use this link to our online form: RE Registration Form (or paper registration forms are available on the RE bulletin board in the Link hallway).
• Calling performers of all ages for the 2018 First Parish Christmas pageant!
• During the 5 pm Christmas Eve service we will be offering an adaptation of a favorite holiday story, Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco. There are parts for people of all ages, with varying rehearsal needs. Rehearsals will be held on December 9 and 16 during the service and a dress rehearsal will be held just before the performance.

Please email if you, your child or youth, or your whole family would like to be a part of our pageant! Additionally, let us know what level of involvement would work for you – we are looking for vocal soloists, actors with spoken lines, and actors without spoken lines. You must be able to attend all rehearsals if you wish to have a major part.

YAC Yaking for November 11th, 2018

There will be no youth programming this week due to Veterans Day weekend. Youth are encouraged to attend worship service.

MUSIC THIS WEEK

The choir and soloists this week will be offering music of thanks and gratitude. The choir will sing a version of the popular hymn “Oh, We Give Thanks”. Then they will be joined by soloists Grace Allendorf and Peter Smith for the “Prayer of Thanksgiving”, arranged by E. Kremser.

Events, News and Announcements

Pre-Order your Christmas Tree!

Reserve now and come pick up Saturday December 1st between 9am-12pm

Frasier Fir, 6-7 Feet in height

All proceeds benefit First Parish Milton

$65.00 Per Tree

Forms are posted on the bulletin next to grey box by the church office.

Please put your completed form in the grey box or deliver it to Susan or Megan in person.

Deadline to submit forms is Sunday, November 25, 2018.

You can attach a check to the pre-order form or bring one with you on pick up day, 12/1/18.

Make $65.00 check payable to First Parish Milton with “Christmas Tree” written in the memo section.

Holiday Craft Fair

On December 1st, we will be once again having our World Market Holiday Craft Fair! We are in the organizational process now and are looking for folks who are interested in helping with sales that day. Time commitment is minimal. The Fair is happening on Saturday, December 1st . We are looking for two or three people to help sell the merchandise from about 8 am until 1:30 or 2. Also, if you are an artist and would like to sell your own items, we will have a limited number of tables to rent for $30. Please reach out to Leslie if you are interested in helping.

Social Action Committee

Fair Foods

The Social Action Committee needs volunteers to help with Fair Foods, which provides healthy produce to low income familites in the greater Boston area. We compile bags of donated produce to distribute.

Meet to carpool in the First Parish lower parking lot, Saturday, November 10, 10 AM

MainSpring in Brockton

Sunday, November 18 from 3pm – 6pm.

In this season of giving, please consider helping our neighbors at Main Spring in Boston. The Social Action Committee needs more volunteers to be able to serve full meals to those in need. Please join us November 18th, 3-6pm to serve dinner for the clients at MainSpring. Sign up at the Social Action table during social hour or email Peter.

Circle Socials

Circle socials are back! Sign up to share a potluck dinner with fellow members in a members home, or a young-child-friendly brunch with other parents. Look for sign-up sheets during social hour, or contact Richard Venable. Hosts are also needed.

Note: The B&G Committee would like to remind everyone that we should not use duct tape on any walls in the building.

Deadline:

If you would like an announcement posted in the Link on Thursday, 11/22/18, please send all announcements to the church office by Monday, 11/19/18.

Announcements sent to the office after 11/19 will be posted in the following week’s Link on Thursday 11/29/18.

Courageous Conversations is a monthly series of dialogue-centered programs on racism and privilege designed to address racial healing and justice in our town. Each month the Courageous Conversations leadership team in partnership with the Milton Interfaith Clergy Association brings together a diverse group of people representing a wide array of life experiences, circumstances, and choices. All events are open to the public—anyone can attend a meeting whether or not they have attended in the past.

Monday, November 19th, 6-9pm, Milton High School (25 Gile Rd., Milton). Conversation with Debby Irving author of “Waking Up White.”

Gratitude Sanctuary

Friday, November 23

Time: 1-5

Following Thanksgiving Day festivities, Jennie Mulqueen and the Green Team at First Parish Milton invites all in our community to continue the powerful practice of gratitude in a quiet afternoon of reflection around the fireplace in our Parish Hall. Consumerism and toxic material waste is threatening the health of our planet and our souls; when we create the space to deeply contemplate the blessing of life, our humble hearts can be filled with deep joy for being. You are invited to bring one item for a Gratitude Altar as well as journals, dream/vision boards, or any other contemplative project that makes your heart hum. Materials for collage will be on hand. We will begin and end with singing and sharing, and the heart of our time together (3 hours) will be for silent meditation and project work. All ages welcome. Please let the church office know if childcare is needed by Thursday, 11/15.

Milton Community Concerts

On Saturday, February 2nd at 7pm MCC and First Parish of Milton is proud to present Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid” with live organ accompaniment by virtuoso organist Peter Krasinski. Mr. Krasinski is known the world over for his live improvised accompaniments to silent films. Following a recent tour of Japan he now comes to Milton to celebrate the 60th installation anniversary of First Parish’s beautiful Schlicker pipe organ. Tickets are $25 general/$15 seniors/free for 18 and under. (Snow date: February 16)

• On Saturday, March 16th at 7pm the Fifth Annual “Sing For Their Supper” free benefit concert. (Snow date: March 23)
• On Sunday, April 28th at 3pm the Boston City Singers Tour Choir presents “A Message of Music”.
• On Sunday, May 26th at 3pm the British, Nigerian writer, actor, and baritone singer Tayo Aluko presents “Paul Robeson—The Giant, in a Nutshell”.

Mark your calendars! More details to follow.

STAY CONNECTED

Follow First Parish on Facebook and get updates, poems, announcements and more. You’ll be glad you did!

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Monday – Thursday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Other times by appointment

MINISTER OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday – Thursday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Other times by appointment

The Church office is closed on Fridays

Sundays through mid June

• Worship, 10:30 am in the Meetinghouse
• Choir Rehearsal (most Sundays) at 8:45 am
• Silent Prayer & Meditation, 9:00am in the Children’s Church

EVERY THURSDAY

Silent Prayer & Meditation, 7:00 pm in the Children’s Church (Note new time)

SIGN UP GENIUS (formerly known as the Planner)

The link to SignUp Genius is:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d44aca728a02-sunday1

You can sign up for one our our Sunday volunteer positions.