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
- Message from Rev. Lisa Ward
- Music
- Religious Exploration
- News & Announcements
- Events
- Social & Environmental Justice
- Actions for Justice and Democracy
This Week in Worship
September Worship Theme: CREATION “Birthday of the World”
Worship Assistant: Steven Yakutis
Greeters: Michael Grant
Faith Reflection: Dottie Pitt
Audio: Alex Feliz
Social Hour: Elise Henricks and Tony Dutzik
During last week’s sermon I included “The Activist’s Prayer” by Terrance Hawkins, which was appealing to many. Thank you, Katie Vhay, for sharing it at our recent “Stand Out For Democracy”. Several people also commented positively on my added responses within the reading. I list the full text below. The block lettering is Terrance Hawkins’ prayer, the italicized are my added sentiments.
The Activist’s Prayer – Terrance Hawkins (Responses by Rev. Lisa)
Thicken my love. (as I’m tempted to hate)
Widen my heart. (as I want to close down)
Sharpen my analysis. (when I fall into us and them)
Enliven my praxis. (when I don’t want to get out of bed)
Embolden my voice. (to honor my truth)
Deepen my rest. (to be mindful of burn-out)
Lighten my heaviness. (as I take on too much)
Toughen my skin. (when dissent becomes hurtful)
Soften my spirit. (not to retaliate)
Strengthen my friendships. (to remember connection)
Lengthen my endurance. (to be humble to the journey)
Weaken my ego. (when my self-righteousness breeds superiority)
Awaken my soul. (because I it’s not just about me)
Refreshen my vision. (because its not just what I see)
Hearken to my weary voice, O God.
I am your friend & co-conspirator
in the struggle for a new world.
Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa
Music
This Sunday the choir will be singing a rousing anthem called “For the Music of Creation”, by Sally Ann Morris on a text by Shirley Erena Murray. We welcome Kaitlyn Pedotti as our guest flutist on this anthem. We also welcome for the first time a guest section-leader soprano who is from Milton, Penelope Holland. Grace Allendorf will be singing the familiar spiritual “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”.
We have another farewell to make to one of our Hunsaker soloists. Tenor Daon Drisdom has accepted a music director position at a church in Cambridge, closer to his home in Arlington. Daon will be greatly missed here at First Parish, but he promises to make occasional musical appearances at First Parish when he can fit it into his schedule. We wish Daon all the best and thank him for his warm spirit and for his many musical contributions to our worship over the past two years.
And I am happy to report that tenor David Rivera Bozon has agreed to fill the tenor position as Hunsaker soloist. David is one of the leading tenors in the Boston area, a graduate of both the New England Conservatory and the Boston University Opera Institute. David’s first Sunday will be on October 5.
And I am happy to report that tenor David Rivera Bozon has agreed to fill the tenor position as Hunsaker soloist. David is one of the leading tenors in the Boston area, a graduate of both the New England Conservatory and the Boston University Opera Institute. David’s first Sunday will be on October 5.
Some musical events coming up this fall:
1) Sunday, October 5 at 3pm; Milton Community Concerts presents a Climate Change Concert called “Sing Out Strong: Environmental Voices”. This will be preceded by a lecture at 2:00 by Claire Karl Muller, coordinator of the statewide climate justice coalition Mass Power Forward, as well as UU Mass Action.
2) Sunday, November 16 at 3pm: Milton Community Concerts presents the 11th Annual “Sing For Their Supper” benefit concert.
3) Sunday, December 14 at 3pm: “Messiah Sing-a-long” at First Parish, featuring choirs and soloists from churches in and around Milton.
Religious Exploration
Trunk or Treat: Candy, Costumes & Community Fun!E Classes and to apply to volunteer!
Sunday, October 26th 3:00pm-5:00pm
First Parish Milton Parking Lot
Come in costume and enjoy an afternoon of safe, family-friendly Halloween fun! Details:
- Free Admission
- Geared toward younger children, but all ages welcome
- Stroller- and wheelchair-friendly
- Trick-or-treating from decorated trunks
- Bouncy house fun and Touch-a-truck for Kids from Milton Public Works!
- Nut-free candy will be available and also some non-candy treats for kids.
- Rain Plan: If the weather is bad, the fun moves indoors!
This event is co-sponsored by First Parish Milton and United Congregational Church Milton.
Questions? Contact Susannah Bales at redirector@fpmilton.org or text 470-223-0337.
Trunk Volunteers Needed
Want to join the fun in a big way? Be a Trunk Volunteer at our Trunk or Treat!
- Decorate your car trunk, dress up if you’d like, and pass out candy (please, no nuts).
- Arrive by 2:45 PM for set-up.
- Please register at this link or email redirector@fpmilton.org or text 470-223-0337
- Please Keep decorations and costumes family-friendly—and note, there is no electricity access for trunks.
- The Best Trunk will win a prize (TBA)!
It’s a fun way to celebrate Halloween, connect with neighbors, and spread joy to local kids! Questions? Contact Susannah Bales at redirector@fpmilton.org or text 470-223-0337.
News & Announcements
Grief Support Group
Four sessions, once a week.
October. 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th 7:00pm-8:30pm
When we lose a loved one through death, the world is different, our lives shift in meaning, our ground is shaken. We can feel isolated by our grief. We can also feel a lack of strength or initiative to find a way through. One way to help adjust to the new reality and find our inner resources is to share our journey of loss and recovery with others. There are many ways that we grieve and many kinds of losses. This group is focused on loss due to the death of a loved one. The loss can be recent or from years gone by. We ask participants to commit to at least three of the sessions.
Please email minister@fpmilton.org if you are interested.
Events
Navigating the Political Climate
Meet by Zoom only
Fourth Thursday of the month, starting Sept 25th 7:00pm-8:00pm
Some are struggling with the divisive nature of politics in their families or circles of friends. Others feel a kind of “existential dread” in witnessing how we are treating one another in the public square and through media.
We could gather via zoom every other week for an hour to address issues of civility, handling difficult conversations and/or the challenges of democracy.
First Parish Welcome Back Brunch
SAVE THE DATE: September 28th
Members and Friends ~ It’s Brunch Time! Soon we will be back in regular community at First Parish. Save the date for our annual brunch. Presented by Hospitality and Membership, we will have a delightful array of treats for you to enjoy as you catch up with each other after church. September 28th is the date; mark it on your calendar!
Sign making Workshop Saturday, October 4th 1:00pm-4:00pm
“Come learn how to make protest signs with Dan de Angeli on October 4th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Participants should bring a sketch book and drawing materials. We will be learning how to use painters tape and spray paint to create bold and colorful signs for use at rallies and protest gatherings.”
Click link below for detailed information
Sign Making Workshop with Dan de Angeli Overview
Social & Environmental Justice
NEXT DATE IS October 15th
As in the past, First Parish will be making and delivering lunches to MainSpring (Fr. Bill’s Brockton site) at two locations in Brockton. We have been asked to provide 70 lunches on the third Wednesday of each month beginning this month (Sept.17). The drop-off location will remain at the lower parking lot of FP, and will take place between 12:40 and 1:00. Drivers this year will be Cynthia, Ellen, Mary B., and Pat.
The Social & Environmental Justice committee thanks you for your continued participation in this effort.
Pat & Tracey
Actions for Justice and Democracy Coming Up Soon
The Visibility Brigade continues our weekly standout
On the East Milton Overpass (Adams Street)
EVERY Wednesday afternoon from 4:30-6:30pm
Each week, we share a new reminder for rush hour drivers:
WE CANNOT PRETEND EVERYTHING IS OKAY
OUR DEMOCRACY IS AT RISK
WE MUST STAND UP AND SPEAK OUR TRUTH!
Come whenever you are able and stay for whatever time you can spare.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE!
SUN-DAY Milton
Inform. Inspire.
Celebrate clean energy!!!
Bring a picnic — come straight from Social Hourial Hour
Bring your family, friends & neighbors
Enrichment and fun for all
To volunteer as an informal “ENERGY AMBASSADOR” at the event, even just an hour, go HERE
To learn more about the national action day, go HERE
To register (optional), go HERE
****How can YOU help?
1) Hey, folks, if you have solar power, an EV, a heat pump, geothermal system, an E-bike, volunteer to wear an event name badge that reads, “Talk to me!”
Neighbor to neighbor conversations about one’s experiences, benefits, lessons learned, etc. are IMPORTANT.
2) If you know Milton Town Meeting Members personally, invite them to attend the event.
Thank you.
*See flyer below
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.