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 “Community in Chaos” Led by Rev. Jo Murphy
Worship Assistant: Tom Kemp
Greeter: Leslie MacPherson
Audio: Jeremiah
Social Hour: Welcome Back Brunch by Membership & Hospitality Committees
This week’s offering will be given to UU Mass Action. What IS UU Mass Action? It is NOT the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Founded in 2006, it organizes action campaigns / issues (about 5-6) prioritized by UU congregations in Massachusetts. First Parish in Milton’s Social and Environmental Justice Committee (SEJC) looks to UUMA’s guidance, primarily, on two issues: Environmental / Climate Justice and Immigrant Justice. For example, what legislative bills should we support, and where do our legislators stand on them? Where are actions — like Lobby Days at the State House or standouts at the Burlington ICE headquarters — taking place and needing people to participate? UU Mass Action is a passionate mentor to us and relies on congregations, grants, and individual donors to fund its work.
This week, with a national look at autism, the UN climate summit and the World Health Organization’s recommendations on approaches to diseases, science is at the foremost of many minds. This week has been filled with pleas and warnings about the importance of science in decision making for the common good. This simple truth is in jeopardy amongst politicians and religious leaders alike.
Not so in Unitarian Universalism. Science has been honored as part of our search for truth since our faith’s beginnings. When Unitarian Universalists talk of religious truth, we do not promote dogma or idolatry. We do not worship one way of being or believing, but caution us all to accompany our sense of truth with humility toward mystery and the recognition of a vast universe which each of us connects with in a particular way. Our faith serves life affirmation, the feeling of truth which comes from a sense of wholeness, a connection to love of All Being. Finding out how that works in the physics of our being and the chemistry of our relating and the biology of our ecosystems is every bit as relevant as our presence in humble prayer or our joy in arriving at justice.
As Albert Einstein once said: ‘I assert that the cosmic religious experience is the strongest and the noblest driving force behind scientific research.’
Honor scientific exploration. Be humble to the mysteries of the cosmos. Steer clear of political pronouncements that are not grounded in these things.
This I pray. Amen.
Music
This Sunday Grace Allendorf will be singing a solo by composer Nadine Shanti called “Clear Water”. Ms. Shanti, originally from New Orleans, LA, launched her career as a pop/jazz singer, who then branched out into a career of composing and arranging music. This solo is a song without words which creates a picture of stillness and beauty.
Also this week Claudia Wellington and Karl Pastore will be collaborating on Bob Dylan’s “Ring Them Bells”, a popular song originally released in 1989.is Hands”.
MCC CONCERT ON OCTOBER 5th AT 3:00 pm
On Sunday, October 5th at 3pm; Milton Community Concerts presents a Climate Change Concert called “Sing Out Strong: Environmental Voices”. This concert will feature soprano Hannah Shanefield, baritone Philip Lima, and pianist Timothy Steele. Admission is Pay As You Can (suggested donation $20). This will be preceded by a free lecture at 2:00 by Claire Karl Muller, coordinator of the statewide climate justice coalition Mass Power Forward, as well as UU Mass Action
Religious Exploration
Trunk or Treat: Candy, Costumes & Community Fun!
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.
Parish Hall Rental
Are you planning a birthday bash, anniversary celebration, or a big family gathering? Look no further! Parish Hall is the ideal spot for your special occasion. Did you know that First Parish members pay only $150 for 4 hours? This also includes use of parlor and kitchen.
The hall has a maximum capacity of about 120 for cocktails, and 80 seated. We have about 10 six foot rectangular tables (size: 30 x72) & 3 pub height round tables, 70 ladder-back chairs and 26 arm chairs.
If you are interested, please contact Sherri in office at office@fpmilton.org to learn more and/or inquire about availability.
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 gather via zoom every 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.
Please RSVP Dan at 617-838-8192 or email dandda14@gmail.com
Click link below for detailed information
Sign Making Workshop with Dan de Angeli Overview
Social & Environmental Justice
Eleventh Hour Calling for Democracy
Saturday, October 11th, 6:00p.m.
535 Canton Avenue
First Parish in Milton UU Church
Even though this falls on a holiday weekend, assemble at 6 p.m. for a rousing Drumming Circle — no experience required — in preparation to stand up for/defend Democracy. Bring yourselves, neighbors, sound-makers, signs, flags, voices, and energy. This is a family-friendly event repeating monthly. Tuesday, November 11 (Veterans Day) is next. Show that we are resolved, resounding, and resilient in challenging times. Coming together, being together, is restorative.
[Note: Milton Indivisible sponsors a weekly Wednesday standout 4:30-6:30 p.m. in East Milton Square.]
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!
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.