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
October Worship Theme: CONNECTION “People in our Lives”
Worship Assistant: Amy Kavadlo
Greeters: Chris Clifford and Andrea Geyling Moore
Faith Reflection: Laura Reis
Audio: Holden Driscoll
Social Hour: Richard Venable, Mike and Tasha Bello
This week’s offering will go towards the service and ministry of First Parish.
Stewardship has many avenues of care at First Parish. One is stewardship of our physical campus. Susan DeMinico offers a yearly column in August to speak of summer projects, which gives a bird’s eye view of the year-round care called for on this beautiful parcel of land.
Sometimes it means hard choices, which we came upon a month ago after the wonderful oak at the corner of Canton Avenue and Thacher Street dropped a large branch onto our parking lot. Fortunately no one was there at the time, for it would have caused considerable injury to a person and/or damage to a car. This is known as “sudden limb failure”, the second instance for this tree, which indicates an approach to end of life.
Consulting an arborist and a horticulturist, the Parish Committee, along with Building and Grounds, made the difficult and important decision to cut this majestic oak down. This will happen later on in October with hopes that no more branches will fall. As it is also a danger to both streets, the town of Milton has been alerted and access to a crane has been secured.
We are blessed with a Pagan friend of the church, Karla Clifford, who will help us have a brief and poignant farewell moment this Sunday after worship. All are welcome to join in on the honoring of this magnificent tree. A new oak will be planted by the horticulturalist to add to the honor and continuity of life.
With Love, Rev. Lisa
Music
This Sunday the choir will be singing a jazzy and rhythmic anthem called “Together We Are”, by composer/lyricist Brian Tate. We are also welcoming a guest soloist, Sarah Callinan, who has sung in several Milton Community Concerts over the years. She will be joining Grace Allendorf in the popular duet from WICKED by Stephen Schwartz: “For Good”. And finally we are happy to also welcome our new Hunsaker tenor soloist David Rivera Bozon, who will be singing a beautiful song from the musical CHAPLIN by Christopher Curtis, called “What Only Love Can See”.
MCC CONCERT ON OCTOBER 5th AT 3:00 pm
On this coming Sunday, October 5 at 3pm; Milton Community Concerts presents a Climate Change Concert called “Sing Out Strong: Environmental Voices”. This concert will feature an amazing program of selections in many musical styles, featuring 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. Please come and support live music in Milton!
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
*Help is Available*
If you are a First Parish member who has been laid off due to the Government Shut Down, remember there is a parish member’s fund that can be accessed for a one-time grant.
Contact Rev. Lisa minister@fpmilton.org
Sign Making Workshop HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND
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 to 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 Hour Hosts Needed
for Sunday, October 12th and November 2nd.
Click here to sign up.
Thank you for helping us keep the coffee brewing!
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.
Sunday October 12th- During Worship Service
All pets- leased, caged or otherwise safely restrained- are welcome! Stuffed animals are welcome! Photos of beloved deceased pets or those beloved but whom you’d think are better left at home are welcome!
This multi generational service will focus on what our animal friends can teach us, and will conclude with a blessing of each animal. For those worshiping from home, you will be invited to include your pet or a photo of your pet during the blessing.
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.
Sunday Collections
On Sundays, we collect money towards the end of the service- depending on the date, the money either goes towards one of the wonderful charities that Social Justice vets, or towards the care of First Parish.
In the past few weeks, I’ve gotten a few questions about how that Sunday money is allocated.
The answer is- it depends on your wishes!
In general- unless you have told Susan otherwise- any money collected on Sunday goes to the income of the church or the charity of the week. It does NOT get counted as part of your pledge. It does, however, go on annual tax letter as a contribution to the church. Please remember that I can only tie your donation money to you if you pay by check, or card. If you leave cash, please just put a note on it with your name.
Please note that we will apply all contributions on Sundays- even if on a charity collection Sunday- to your pledge, unless you tell us otherwise.
We are always blown away by the generosity of this congregation, and want to make sure we are using your generous donations exactly as you intend. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Susan via email, phone (617-698-6329), or talk to her on Sunday!
Events
Navigating the Political Climate October 23rd
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.
SAVE THE DATE:
The annual Harvest Supper is scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, 6:00pm-9:30pm in the Parish Hall.
It is a potluck event with more info to follow.
Plan Your Own Memorial Service
November 15th 1:00-5:00pm
A true gift that you can give your loved ones is to offer suggestions for planning your memorial service. At a time when they will be struggling with grief, some clarity supports their gathering to honor your life. We will walk through several possible aspects of a memorial service, offer resources and devote time to explore your unique being – your unique voice.
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.