Rev. Lisa Ward has been our settled minister since August of 2016. Ordained in 1992, Rev. Lisa has served congregations in New York City, Queens, White Plains, NY and Harford County, MD. A graduate from Union Theological Seminary in NYC, she has engaged in social justice initiatives throughout her career… 
Table of Contents
- This Week in Worship
- RE
- Events
- Social & Environmental Justice
- Actions for Justice and Democracy
This Week in Worship
Cynthia Guise, Natalie Monroe and Didi Emmons: “What Is the UUA Animal Ministry?” Poems, songs, stories, and prayers dedicated to the well-being and protection of all animals. Tips and info on reducing our animal and animal byproduct consumption as well as responsible sourcing
Please join us for service at 9:30am.
Led by: Cynthia Guise, Natalie Monroe and Didi Emmons
Worship Assistant: Brigitte Miller
Music: Karl Pastore
Flowers: Didi Emmons
Audio: Colin Glazer
Please log in at 9:20, to give some lead time for the service at 9:30. 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.
The IRS has recently suggested that clergy be allowed to endorse political candidates in their churches without changing their tax status. No official changes have been finalized at this time, but it is in discussion.
This is a good time to lift up that although we are a prophetic voice in the public square, we are not a partisan voice. The history of UU values squarely lands us in a belief in the separation of church and state. Creating more partisan spaces will not further democracy, especially when the influence is implied as spiritual authority.
UU the vote has published a statement that you can find here:
Why is this important, you might ask. Let me offer a few value points:
- Our faith is non-creedal: we do not have a belief test to be welcome in our communities. A partisan endorsement would limit the sense of freedom of belief.
- Our faith communities encourage the vulnerable search for truth to be experienced then known. We do not “tell”, we encourage and welcome one’s sacred truth and dignity. Another’s truth is not ours to define, but to affirm, which includes challenge.
- Partisan claims as an organization are counter to engendering pluralism.
- We invite dialogue, dialectic and recognition of the interdependent web which cannot thrive within partisan boundaries.
- And for theists. No one knows who God/Goddess would vote for.
It can be frustrating to hold back endorsements, and often, in our pursuit of social justice a progressive leaning is assumed, but it is not mandated by the authority of our institution.
In the love of freedom and sacred liberty I pray, Rev. Lisa
Religious Exploration
Stay tuned for information and lets welcome Susannah Bales, our new Director of Lifespan Faith Exploration !
News & Announcements
Upcoming Summer Services 9:30am (in Meetinghouse except as noted with *)
Summer Services start on June 15th at First Parish Milton UU 9:30 AM (in Meetinghouse except as noted with *)
7/27 Penny Partridge & Tasha Bello: Looking Both Ways at 80
8/3 Steve Yakutis & Friends: Songs of Protest* (in Children’s Church)
8/10 Elise Henricks: Walking Our Labyrinth* (in courtyard)
8/17 Chris Clifford: Blue Hills Forest Bathing* (location TBA)
8/24 Lisa White: Music from Our Hymnals
8/31 Penny Partridge: Navigating in the Sea of Dementia
Join us online from anywhere; but if you can, please come in person.
* Not available online
Social & Environmental Justice
UU Mass Action Capital Campaign
This year, members of the First Parish Milton Social & Environmental Justice committee have worked actively with UU Mass Action on Immigration Justice, Climate Action, and Democratic Advocacy. We have been impressed with their deep insights and dedication to this work! They are conducting a critical year end capital campaign and need our help.
From Rev Jo Murphy:
“In these uncertain times, we recently learned that two major grants we depend on will not be renewed, due to reasons outside of our organization’s control. This will leave us with an unexpected $90k shortfall for FY26. As a result of this shortfall we are launching ‘Dreaming Beyond Crisis: An Emergency Capital Campaign.’
Though we may be at financial loss, at this moment UU Mass Action is doing some of the most powerful, effective work in our organization’s history.
How to Give:
Donate online to the campaign!
No donation too small! Thanks for considering!!
Actions for Justice and Democracy
DATE CHANGE
Good Trouble Lives On standout on THURSDAY, July 17
WHERE: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the east Milton Overpass deck intersection of Adams Street and Granite Avenue
STAND OUT FOR OUR DEMOCRACY
The standout will be held on Thursday instead of Wednesday. We are supporting a national Indivisible standout in honor of Rep John Lewis.
THE REV. ZENETTA ARMSTRONG RETIREMENT CELEBRATION WEEKEND
Dinner – Saturday July 26, 2025, 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Holy Eucharist – Sunday July 27, 2025, 10:30 AM (see attached flyer)
All events will be held at
The Church of the Holy Spirit, Mattapan
*See flyer below
STANDOUT — SAVE THE DATE
11th HOUR CALLING FOR DEMOCRACY
Monday, August 11, 6 p.m.
Location TBD — watch for it!!!
July’s standout in Mattapan Square at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit was outstanding (intentional pun)! Gratitude to the many who united in song, percussion, chant, cheer, and signage. Picture: GREAT-GRANDMOTHER AGAINST KINGS TOGETHER WE HAVE THE POWER THE CONSTITUTION IS NOT A SUGGESTION FIRST, THEY CAME FOR THE IMMIGRANTS LIBERTY & JUSTICE FOR ALL. Rush hour weekend traffic was heavy and supportive — honks, thumbs up, cheers. Join us for action, August 11 action — watch for location.
Join us for the 10th Annual Peace B’Que as a helping hand and make the event a success!
Let’s roll up our sleeves, share stories, sip cool drinks, and make a difference, together.
The Peace B’Que is our free summer celebration in Dorchester, designed to provide a safe, fun-filled afternoon of food, music, games and connection for residents and visitors alike. Its goal is to foster community spirit and promote peace through a joyous, inclusive gathering.
Saturday, August 9 (Rain date August 10) | 2 PM – 5 PM
Multiple roles available
RSVP below, and email MCCawley@LDBpeaceinstitute.org with any questions.
Rev. Lisa Ward:
Vacation: July 28-August 10
Study Leave: August 11-18
Susan DeMinico: Summer Hours for July and August
In office on Tuesday & Thursday – Off Mondays and Fridays, 1/2 day remote Wednesdays.
Vacation: August 8th-18th
Tim Steele
Returning in September
Susannah Bales
Starting 7/7/25
Sherri Moldaver
In office Monday thru Thursday 8:30am-1:30pm
Vacation: August 4th-August 7th
Kevin Harnden
Monday-Thursday 8am-11am
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, 10:30 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: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D44ACA728A02-57884860-20252026#/
You can sign up for one our our Sunday volunteer positions.