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
November Worship Theme: DIFFERENCE “Spectrum”
Worship Associate: Amy Kavadlo
Faith Reflection: Elise Henricks
Greeters: Penny Knight & Elise Henricks
Social Hour: The Dahl Family
Flowers: Tricia Tu
Audio: Alex Felix
This week’s offering will go towards the service and ministry of First Parish.
*Prayers
If you are attending the service on Zoom and would like a prayer included, please email Rev. Lisa at minister@fpmilton.org by 5:00pm on Saturday.
What a wonderful Harvest Dinner shared by nearly 100 people last Saturday here at First Parish. The preparation of the rooms, the amazing food lovingly prepared by households, the gentle music offered by several in-house musicians and the outstanding organization and follow through by the Hospitality Committee made for a remarkable evening.
We need to notice these things – these blessings among us: so much talent and willingness to share who we are together. My guess is that we are noticing this, and, again, following through.
We are also extending our welcome and our organizational gifts beyond these doors. The Social and Environmental Committee consistently orchestrates actions for the community to be involved in and a robust bi-weekly share-the-plate initiative that truly helps many social justice organizations in the wider community.
Another welcome that First Parish and United Congregational Church (UCC) have fostered are joint projects beyond our Unity Sunday Worship Service. The Trunk or Treat this year was shared with UCC, as our Rainbow Youth Alliance outreach and program. Next Wednesday, November 19, is another joint effort: a Transgender Remembrance Service. Information is listed further on in this Link. It will be held here, at First Parish, this year. I send out thanks to Tim Steele who is offering his talent as well to this gathering.
In this month of Thanksgiving, let’s be sure to notice one another. Let’s notice the gifts we all are to the life of this faith community.
Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa
Music
Arman Mohammad will be leading the music this week. He will be joined by guest vocalist, guest vocalist Donna Vatnick and will be offering “Somewhere over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen, “Till there was you” by Meredith Wilson, “Futile Devices” by Sufjan Stevens and “Circle Game” by Joni Mitchell.
MCC UPCOMING CONCERT On 11/16 3:00pm
Milton Community Concerts will present it’s eleventh annual “Sing For Their Supper” free benefit concert on Sunday, November 16 at 3pm in the Meetinghouse.
Ten singers will be featured in a program of opera favorites and familiar musical theater selections, all to benefit the Milton Food Pantry and Milton Residents Fund.
Religious Exploration
Honoring Our Elders: Gift-Making for Folks at Winter Valley Assisted Living
On 11/23 during RE Class time, our children and youth will be creating handmade gifts to share with the residents of Winter Valley Assisted Living Community — a joyful and intentional way to live into our shared values of interdependence, generosity, and love. Through crafting and giving, our young people will have an opportunity to practice how kindness can weave generations together. You can support their efforts by donating supplies directly through our Amazon Wish List and your donations will be delivered right to the church. If you prefer not to use Amazon, that’s fine too! So if you are picking something off the list from somewhere else, please simply drop items off outside of RE office door! Every item helps make this expression of care and connection possible. Thanks in advance for your support and effort to come together in the spirit of abundance & gratitude!
Contact Susannah at redirector@fpmilton.org if questions!
We want to Hear from the Teens!
The RE committee was just talking about how we want to offer ways for the pre-teens and teens to build a sense of community at FPM! That said, we want to do it in a way that is connected to the things they care about and enjoy! We’d love to hear from anyone in 5th grade and above about what they are interested in at church but also even what they are interested in when not at church! We are thinking about starting with some fun one-time offsite opportunities (like an escape room, a corn-maze, treetop ropes course, etc.) so if your preteen or teen has particular interests already we’d love to know what they are so we can be mindful of that as we plan and build opportunities with them! You and your teens can text or email Susannah at 470-223-0337 or redirector@fpmilton.org to begin the conversation!
Babysitting Referral List
We know one big struggle parents face it to secure childcare when needed! So in an effort to support families we created a babysitting referral list for families in the First Parish Milton congregation. This is simply a referral list for parents who are looking to hire directly for their own personal childcare needs. Contact Susannah for more info at redirector@fpmilton.org.
Stocking Welcome Gifts – December 7th
During RE Class time on December 7th, all ages will be making Stocking Welcome Gifts for families served by the Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI). This special project will take place in the Parish Hall. Many thanks to Tracey Robinson from the SEJC who will lead the discussion about IFSI and the experiences of immigrants in our community, particularly children. You can support their efforts by donating supplies directly through our Amazon List your donations will be delivered right to the church. If you prefer not to use Amazon, that’s fine too! We welcome donations of small kid friendly stocking stuffers (please choose travel friendly items that are individually wrapped, not homemade and no nuts). Please drop items off outside of RE office door. Every item helps make this expression of care and connection possible. Thanks in advance for your support!
News & Announcements
Harvest Supper Thank you
What a wonderful Harvest Supper event!
We so appreciate this tradition and celebration of community at First Parish. Thank you to all for the contributions of an amazing array of foods to supply the feast (with an estimated guest count of almost 100, including children!).
We also extend appreciation to Rev. Lisa, the FP musicians, Sherri and Susan, and to the many hands that helped in so many ways (including clean up!).
We give special thanks to the Hospitality Committee who hosted and organized the event (including the beautiful table settings and flowers): Jonah Beukman, Marie-Laure Brown, Deb Kelley, Didi Emmons, Amy Kavadlo, Cathy McGonigal, Anita Penta, Jen Pinkus, and Allison Zippay. Cheers to Thanksgiving!
It’s Orientation Time! November 23rd 12:00pm
The next gathering of First Parish orientation will be on Nov.23rd at noon. We will meet in the library, talk and have a light lunch. IF you want to join us, even if it’s just to hear about our history and learn something new, let Leslie know. We will have a good conversation!
Contact Leslie at Lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com
First Parish HOLIDAY FAIR –
Saturday, Dec 13th
9:30 am-1:30pm
We will have our amazing Holiday Fair again. More information will be coming but if you know crafters who might like to rent a table, please ask them to email me for information or send them the application below. We are lining them up now! Leslie at: lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com
*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
Events
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. Email office@fpmilton.org to sign up.
From the Membership Committee:
The calendar may say October, but the Membership Committee is already thinking about December! We have already begun planning our annual fun-fest: the Holiday Fair!
This year, it will be held on Saturday, December 13th. To help us plan better, we are reaching out to you now We are hoping that those of you who volunteered before will help again and come to our two planning meetings in November. (likely Zoom meetings.) Last year, we had an amazing crew who helped with:
- Greeting shoppers and crafters
- Monitoring chili lunch table
- Staff the bake sale table
- Set up/clean up
- Help with sales at Fair Trade table
Whether or not you helped before, you are definitely encouraged to join us.
Please email with your interest and questions: lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com
Social & Environmental Justice
A Few Words About SNAP
Families in MA eligible for SNAP food benefits receive, on average, $200 per week for a family of 4. Effective Nov 1, families who relied on SNAP benefits will be out of luck and out of food.
Please consider a donation to your favorite food pantry or shelter:
- The Greater Boston Food Bank,
- The Food Project, Milton Community Food pantry
- OR the next time you go to the library bring a few non-perishable items -“Take One Leave One” shelves located in the front vestibule.
A friend recently shared with me that she carries granola bars in her car – so she has something to hand out to that hungry person on the corner…
Small actions speak louder than words. Do what you can.
NEXT DATE IS November 19th
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. 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.