Table of Contents
- Message from Rev. Lisa Ward
- This Week in Worship
- This Week in Religious Exploration
- This Week in Music
- Events and Meetings
- News and Announcements
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Beyond First Parish
Message from Rev. Lisa Ward
On July 1, 1963, ten years before Roe vs. Wade, The Unitarian Universalist Association adopted a social witness statement regarding abortion put forth by delegates of our General Assembly. Characteristically ahead of the social curve, the UUA affirmed the dignity of choice for women, societal responsibility and body autonomy. UUA social witness statements are not mandates, but rather public affirmations by our denomination, agreed upon by delegate vote, of ways that inherent worth and dignity in an interdependent web of existence manifests in a just society. Here is the actual text of the 1963 General Resolution:
“WHEREAS, we as Unitarian Universalists are deeply concerned for dignity and rights of human beings; and
WHEREAS, the laws which narrowly circumscribe or completely prohibit termination of pregnancy by qualified medical practitioners are an affront to human life and dignity; and
WHEREAS, these statutes drive many women in the United States and Canada to seek illegal abortions with increased risk of death, while others must travel to distant lands for lawful relief;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED: That the Unitarian Universalist Association support enactment of a uniform statute making abortion legal if:
- There would be grave impairment of the physical or mental health of the mother;
- The child would be born with a serious physical or mental defect;
- Pregnancy resulted from rape or incest;
- There exists some other compelling reason — physical, psychological, mental, spiritual, or economic.”
Make no mistake. Eliminating a woman’s right to choose will effect freedom for all, human dignity and women’s equality, none of which we have fully attained. Let us pay attention and act against the backslide, not only for women’s rights, but LGBTQIA+ folx, people of color and all marginalized people.
This I pray. Amen. Rev. Lisa
ps. Want to know more about the leaked draft from the Supreme Court? The Social and Environmental Justice Committee located a virtual talk with ACLU Managing Attorney, Jessie Rossman, scheduled for next Tuesday, May 10 at 7 pm. Scroll down to ‘news and announcements’ for more details.
This Week in Worship
“Loving and Letting Go”
Facilitated by: Rev. Lisa Ward
Worship Assistant: Amy Kavadlo
Music: Tim Steele
Audio: TBD
Social Hour Host: Elizabeth Menne
Worship Services are hybrid.
Join us in person or on Zoom.
Please see the zoom link below. Please log in at 10:20, to give some lead time for the service at 10:30. You will be muted, but you can communicate through the chat box. If you do not have zoom on your computer, please download it ahead of time. It is free.
Sunday’s offering will go to the services and ministry of First Parish.
This Week in Religious Exploration
This Week in Religious Exploration
This week, our Soul Matters schoolhouse program explores the book Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature as we ask the question “what are all the ways to notice beauty?” and give kids a chance to explore and grow their skills of opening to all of the ways to notice and experience beauty. Sunday afternoon, our youth will meet in their OWL class as they get closer to OWL graduation at the end of this month. Our nursery will be open from 10 until 12 to care for our youngest children.
Please save the date for RE Sunday on May 22nd! We hope all of our Soul Matters schoolhouse and OWL participants, as well as graduating high school seniors will join us to celebrate our year together.
Treasure Hunt for Those Who are Creating Beauty (adapted from Soul Matters Home)
Our classes are spending time this month expanding our concept of beauty, so that we can recognize it more easily in our world, and then grow it. Whether you are noticing your surrounding while participating in the Mother’s Day march or just strolling around your neighborhood, we encourage you to hunt for beauty this month.
Find someone in your neighborhood… 1. whose garden is quirky and beautiful. 2. whose garden is formal and beautiful. 3. whose business is visibly welcoming to people who can’t always assume welcome. 4. whose clothing shows great intentionally and style. 5. whose love for animals (wild animals or pets) is evident. 6. whose manner is peaceful. 7. who is always smiling. 8. who is whistling or humming a beautiful tune. 9. who moves through the world with kind regards for others. 10. who seems to smile for no reason. 11. who tries to bring out the best in others.
This Week in Music
This Sunday you will be hearing two pieces that will focus on love and motherhood. The first is a gorgeous duet with violin called “Love Never Ends”, by Peter Niedmann. Violinist John Matters will collaborate with Grace Allendorf and Jennifer Sgroe. The second song is by Enya, called “Evacuee”, describing a child’s experience leaving home and saying goodbye to a mother. Violinist John Matters will also be offering “Chaconne” by J.S. Bach during the prelude.
SUPPORT A GREAT CHARITY AT THE CONCERT THIS SATURDAY
Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc is located in the heart of Boston, an agency providing important services to at-risk, runaway, and homeless youth. When you attend this Saturday’s Milton Community Concert in the Meetinghouse (5/7 at 7pm) you will have an opportunity to hear some amazing singing and to donate to support this worthy charity. “Gamechangers: A Musical Celebration” is a FREE concert which will feature a diverse group of musicians and composers in a program inspired by Jackie Robinson. A free-will offering will be taken. *see flyer below*
Events and Meetings
Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 7pm, Milton Community Concerts at First Parish of Milton (535 Canton Avenue) presents “Gamechangers: A Musical Celebration”
A free benefit concert inspired by Jackie Robinson, which recognizes and celebrates past and current-day risk-takers, ground breakers, and boundary shifters who provide inspiration through their courage, vision, and determination. An outstanding and diverse lineup of singers in music ranging from jazz to opera. Net proceeds go to support Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc, an agency providing life-changing services for homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth. For more information, visit miltoncommunityconcerts.com.
Happening this weekend: May 8th 8:00 am at Town Field Park-Dorchester
Louis D. Brown 26th Annual Mother’s Day Walk for Peace
For several years, members and friends of First Parish Milton have participated in this walk and have collected donations to support this important event. After a two year pause due to Covid, walkers will again be meeting in Dorchester to join numerous groups & individuals to march to end violence.
To donate on-line, begin by going to the Louis D. Brown Mother’s Day Walk website page. Under the 26th Annual Mother’s Day Walk for Peace heading, you should select Donate. Now, scroll to Choose Your Recipient and select Team. Enter our team information: First Parish Unitarian Universalist Milton and then complete your donation info.
A brief history of this walk and the work of the organization is attached.
Any Questions regarding this event can be directed to the FP Social & Environmental Justice Committee. We hope to see you on the walk.
Pat Gallivan
Scheduled for May 15, 2022 at 12:00pm
Log-in Information is below.
The Annual Meeting Warrant 2022 can be downloaded by clickinh on “Annaul Meeting Warrant” or is now available on the members section of the website.
To get to the members section of the website, go to fpmilton.org, then at the top of the page, click on the “Members” tab on the far right. Type in the password, “miltonuu” if needed and then look for the warrant under “Congregational Meetings”.
We recommend downloading and/or printing the document so you can adjust the print size to your personal preference.
If you would like a copy mailed to you, or have difficulty getting into the members page, please email the office at office@fpmilton.org and we will email or mail a copy to you.
The Annual Meeting will begin promptly at 12:00 pm on May 15th. Please log in a bit early so the clerk can check you in. Two people can be logged in to watch on the same screen- the clerk will give you instructions on how to make sure both of you have your names checked off on role call.
Topic: Annual Meeting
Time: May 15, 2022 11:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Yard Sale
The Yard Sale will be June 18th, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Start your spring cleaning and organizing your treasures for donation. We’ll be collecting items from June 4th – June 15. Reach out to Jen Pinkus (jennifer.pinkus@gmail.com) if you want to be part of the organizing committee.
Social and Environmental Justice
MAY 11th HOUR CALLING CLIMATE STANDOUT
& COMMUNITY DRUMMING WORKSHOP
Wednesday, May 11th
5:30 p.m. Workshop & Practice; 6:11-6:22 “Calling the Alarm”
First Parish Milton UU, 535 Canton Avenue
Matt Meyer, Boston percussionist and community organizer, will lead a free, 45-minute workshop for all ages and abilities (no experience required) starting by 5:30 p.m. Some instruments will be available to try. Consider BYO buckets, pots/pans, shakers/noisemakers and drumsticks or similar. Students of music, families, activists – all are welcome. Spread the word. Standout for climate justice and action everywhere, starting here. Sponsored by First Parish and Sustainable Milton.
The Racial Justice Focus Group invites you to join us in understanding the Widening the Circle of Concern UUA report.
In a nutshell, the report, which reads more like a book than a report, is about addressing the White Supremacy Culture within Unitarian Universalism.
Explore with us why we are engaging in studying the recommendations in the report with the intent of taking action toward implementing the recommendations. For example, many UU churches, have placed BLM signs on their front lawns, now many are adopting or in the process of deliberating adoption of the 8th principle which is about building a “beloved” community and dismantling racism and other systems of oppression within ourselves and within our communities. These are great first steps, but what does it mean to actually “live” the 8th principle?
We meet on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 7-8:30PM. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Lisa for the zoom link: minister@fpmilton.org.
If you can’t stomach yet another zoom meeting, we encourage you to at least pick up a copy of the report to read on your own and provide suggestions or feedback on what recommendations speak to you. Several copies are available at the office. You can also access a pdf, with audio access, here: https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/cic/widening.
Membership Committee
On May 21st, we are working with the Social Justice team to cook up a meal that will be taken to Father Bill’s in Quincy. On the morning of May 21st from 10-noon, Debbie Alsebai and Guy Pugh will lead another fun Zoom Cooking Gathering. Our recipes will include: chicken and ziti with broccoli & butterscotch oatmeal cookies. You don’t have to join the Zoom to cook for the meal but it’s certainly fun, if you do. We will have aluminum trays available for pick-up at church, if you need one.
Please let Leslie (Lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com) know if you plan to cook. and reach out to Debbie for the recipes (debalsebai@gmail.com).
Once we know how many are cooking, we will coordinate with everyone about dropping off the meal that afternoon. Let’s get cooking.
News and Announcements
Worship Committee – SUMMER SERVICES
We now have only the last two summer services (8/28, 9/4) for which we need lay leaders. Meanwhile, take a look at the first four. These lay led Sunday services will be in the Meeting House and will be “hybrid.” (You can Zoom in from wherever you are; but if you’re nearby and can do so, we hope you will give these volunteers your physical presence.) Pianist Liz Dunne Alvarez will again play for several summer services.
6/19 Penny Partridge & Rosemary Zander “In Awe and Praise of Friendship”
6/26 Guy Pugh & Steve Yakutis “Simple Gifts – Lessons from the Amish”
7/3 Jeff Stoodt & Lisa White “Musings on Independence Day”
7/10 Jennie Mulqueen & Amy Kavadlo “Sing a Song into Prayer”
Volunteer Opportunities
Social Hour Host & Greeters Needed
- Social Hour host needed May 22nd.
- Membership wants to reach out to those of you who have done Greeting in the past to help us from now until the end of the year. Please let Leslie Lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com know if you can help us on one of the Sundays between now and June 12thl
We have appreciated your help in the past and hope you can help again. Please sign up here if you are interested.
Main Spring Lunch Program
First Parish Milton volunteers provide bagged lunches to Mainspring shelters in Brockton and Stoughton twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Next delivery date is Wednesday, May 18th. Tracey Robinson will be the organizer/driver. tdr02186@gmail
If you haven’t made lunches in a while OR if you are a new volunteer who would like try it for the first time, see the instructions on the Mainspring SignUpGenius page or contact Pat Gallivan pl.gallivan@verizon.net for more info.
Thanks to all the volunteers that have made this program a success for more than two years!!
Fair Foods
Fair Foods is a non-profit program that rescues fresh produce that wwould otherwise be wasted and uses it to feed our communities. We volunteer together unloading and sorting food and packing bags once a month.
The next volunteer date is Saturday, May 14th.
If you want to volunteer, please sign up on Sign up Genius by Thursday
evening before the event. Start time and locations vary depending on Fair Foods’ needs, but typically start at 8:30 a.m. at their warehouse at 70 Amory Street in Roxbury.
Other volunteer opportunities are also available at Fair Foods on weekdays from early morning until mid-afternoon.
Any questions or for more information contact Tony Dutzik at tdutzik@gmail.com or 617-291-4685
AFAB
Early in December, Carline Desire spoke to our church about AFAB. It is a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering low-income Haitian women and their children. They are looking for a volunteer for mornings or afternoons to help out with office work. For more information and an application, check their website at afab-kafanm.org or call Carmelle at 617-286-0096.
Beyond First Parish
Roe on the Line
ACLU of Massachusetts virtual talk
Tuesday May 10th at 7:30 pm-8:30 pm
If you have questions about what was in the leaked draft from the Supreme Court and what it means for the future of abortion rights, you’re not alone.
Partnering for Democracy in Massachusetts and Beyond
Wednesday, May 11, 7:30 pm
Danielle Allen, distinguished author, Harvard professor, and recent candidate for Governor of Massachusetts, will be speaking to us about opportunities to improve democracy in Massachusetts and in states around the country.
Sponsored by Reclaim Our Democracy, First Parish in Concord, MA and
Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice.
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 – 1:00 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, 9:30 am in the Meetinghouse
- Choir Rehearsal (most Sundays) at 8:45 am
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.