This Week in Worship

Sunday, February 1 @ 10:30 am in the Meetinghouse led by Rev. Hank Peirce

After the first of the two Christmas Eve services I took some time making sure that the pews were in good shape before the ten o’clock service. While I was straightening the hymnals I noticed something that many of you see each week, but which was a wonderful surprise to me. Many of the pews have footstools which are beautifully adorned and which all seem different from each other.

I’ve asked a few people, but no one seemed to know the whole story. In the history of our churches in New England people would support the church by renting a particular pew rather than giving a pledge. The walls of the pews were much higher and each family would be able to decorate it themselves, some had wall paper, some cushions and some even had footstools. Now our footstools don’t date back to that time, but at some point a while back there was some sort of footstool movement in our church. I would love to know more about it, and I know that others would like to hear about it too. So if you know the history please share it and next time you are in the sanctuary take a few moments to walk around and check out these wonderful gifts from member in the past to us today.

See you in church,

Rev. Hank

The Worship Theme for February is Love

Feb. 1st – I Have A Dream

During the worship service this Sunday, one of Boston’s leading operatic baritones, Philip Lima, will be singing a stirring rendition of Martin Luther King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, set to music by Lee Hoiby (composer of “Bon Appetit”). Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear this monumental work as we commemorate the beginning of Black History Month.

Feb. 8th Rev. Colin Bossen

We are happy to have back with us in our pulpit the Rev. Colin Bossen an award winning preacher, scholar and social justice organizer. After six years in the parish Colin is currently working on his PHD at Harvard University. He is studying the relationship between theology and social movements.

The Chocolate Auction will follow the service on February 8th!

February 15th – Getting a Settled Minister – Laura Graham

Laura is a layperson from the Concord church and is the Mass Bay District’s Ministerial Settlement Representative,. She is a lively and engaging speaker and she will address the congregation on the process of calling a new settled minister.

Please stay after the service for a question and answer period with Laura.

Feb. 22nd Love Wins! Rev. Hank Peirce
Evangelical minister Robb Bell has started a fire in the evangelical world by promoting a new brand of universalism. We’ll hear about his understanding of how God’s Love saves all people. Today is a multi-generational worship service.

Religious Exploration

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Children’s Church Sunday

Calling all kid musicians! Did you offer to play your instrument or sing for the next Children’s Church service? If so, then please BRING YOUR INSTRUMENTS when you come to the service, next Sunday. Our theme is “LOVE” and if you happen to be able to play some music related to love, even better! We are going to do readings, sing songs and hear stories about love, so come and join us with your music. Please contact Leslie if you can contribute.

• Children grades K thru 7th go directly to Children’s Church for Worship
• OWL 8th Graders will meet in the Parlor (Class runs from 10:00am – 11:30am).
• Youth Chat will meet in the youth room.
• The Nursery is available for children ages 4 and younger
• Youth Group will be meeting Sunday at noon

From Richard Venable of the Parish Committee:

Important to attend Small Group Meetings!

As in previous ministerial searches, First Parish will form a search committee to select a nominee for the congregation to elect. The Parish Committee has determined that we will follow a process of selecting the members of this committee that the UUA has developed. (Details of the process are being distributed through the bridging meetings.) A successful selection requires (1) a re-thinking of what we as a congregation hold most dear, and (2) full representation from all sectors of our congregation. This is the phase that we are in now, so it is important that each one of us step up and share our thoughts.

If you have not already, please sign up for and attend one of the bridging committee meetings (also called small group meetings or transition meetings). It is in these meetings that we make our thoughts known about whom we are as a congregation and where we hope to go. Responses will be recorded without attribution. In addition, we hope you will attend an important All Church meeting on Sunday February 15 immediately after the worship service with UUA’s Ministerial Settlement Representative Laura Graham.

Why Pledge?

There are many ways we give to support the work of our church. We give time, talent, and many of us give financially through the collection plate or periodic donations. But making a pledge through the annual Stewardship Campaign is one of the most powerful ways you can make a difference. Why?

* Pledging enables us to plan – The Finance Committee is already planning First Parish’s budget for the 2015-16 church year. By making a pledge now, at any level, you let church leaders know that they can count on your support when deciding the ministries and programs we can run next year.

* Pledging makes a statement – As we search for a settled minister, candidates will be asking, “what kind of a church is this?” Pledging – especially this year – sends the message that we are a community that takes our stewardship responsibilities seriously and is committed to seeing our church grow.

* Pledging deepens your relationship with our church and our faith – By making a pledge, you make an investment in the future of First Parish and Unitarian Universalism. That’s powerful! And it feels really good!

If you’ve never pledged before, it’s easy – just pick up a pledge form at the office, fill it out, sign it and return it. And you can even fulfill your pledge electronically. If you have any questions, contact the church office or a member of the Stewardship Team.

Music News

I HAVE A DREAM

During the morning worship service in Sunday, February 1st one of Boston’s leading operatic baritones, Philip Lima, will be singing a stirring rendition of Martin Luther King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, set to music by Lee Hoiby (composer of “Bon Appetit”). Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear this monumental work as we continue our worship theme of Justice and commemorate the beginning of Black History Month.

VALENTINE’S DAY WEEKEND CONCERT @ Sunday, February 8

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Sunday afternoon, February 8th at 4:00. The Meetinghouse will be the location for the next Milton Community Concert: “Opposites Attract: Classical Meets Jazz”. This concert will feature world champion jazz accordionist Cory Pesaturo and classical soprano Bethany Worrell in a program designed to kick off your Valentine’s Day celebration. Cory has performed four times at the White House and is the only person ever to have won first prize in international competitions for digital, acoustic, and jazz accordion. Tickets are $20 (no advance purchase) and free for 18 and under. For more information visit: miltoncommunityconcerts.com

News and Announcements

Celebrate Imbolc
Saturday, January 31 @7pm in the Parish Hall

First Parish’s earth-centered spirituality group, the Great Blue Hill chapter of CUUPS, invites you to celebrate Imbolc. ALL ARE WELCOMED!

Imbolc is the halfway point between the dark of winter and the beginning of spring. It is a time of light and purification, when we celebrate with a ritual cleansing and a strengthening spell.

As usual we will share a potluck feast after ritual. Please contact Mark Whall to RSVP or with any questions @ 617 282 4075.

February 8 – 17TH ANNUAL CHOCOLATE AUCTION
St. Valentine’s Day, when we celebrate the patron saint of Chocolate, is once again just around the corner. At First Parish, that means it’s CHOCOLATE AUCTION time again!

Items to be auctioned are brought to the Parish Hall before church on the morning of the Auction, where they will be on display before the service and immediately after, before the Auction starts. Each item will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Children are permitted to bid, but only under the direct supervision of a parent, please. There will also be a Kids’ Raffle! All of the proceeds of the Chocolate Auction are donated to support the work of a local nonprofit service organization – to be announced shortly. This is a unique, fun and yummy way to raise funds for worthy local social action. Be there! Bring a guest – the more bidders, the merrier!

Any questions at all, call or email Chris Pitt.

Kiki’s Corner

SNOW CLOSINGS OF THE OFFICE AND CAMPUS.  We were cooking on all cylinders this week to update everyone on snow closing.  In general we are closed when the Milton Public Schools are closed.  We are part of the Channel 5, WCVB-TV, snow closing network as First Parish Milton.  We will also post on our First Parish Milton UU Facebook page.  A header will appear on the home page of the website,www.fpmilton.org.  Your safety matters, so do what is best for you even if we are open.

Missing – Hot Water Dispenser for Tea.  We are hoping someone borrowed it and they just haven’t gotten it back to FP yet.  Please bring Sunday or let me know if you have it.

For information that you would like to put in The Link or highlight in the Order of Worship Announcement, please email the information to both Kiki and Miriam to ensure it is seen in the office.  Please note your announcement may be edited due to space constraints.  We encourage brevity (one to two paragraphs max.)   The Link goes out as an email blast on Thursdays and generally posted on our Facebook page First Parish Milton UU by Saturday and our website www.fpmilton.org. Submission must be received by Tuesdays at 5 pm.

STAY CONNECTED

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

EVERY SUNDAY

Worship, 10:30am in the Meetinghouse

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!