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 “Nurturing Diversity”
Worship Associate: Dottie Pitt
Greeters: Andrea Geyling & Jeff Stoodt
Social Hour: Mallory Digges
Audio: Holden Driscoll
This week’s offering will be given to AFAB. The Association of Haitian Women in Boston. AFAB-KAFANM’AFAB-KAFANM’s mission is to empower Haitian women by helping them develop their individual and collective capacity to improve social, economic and political status and thus be able to effect positive changes in their life and their families’ lives. Carline Desire from the Association of Haitian Women in Boston. AFAB-KAFANM, will speak on their behalf.
*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.
At the Trans Day of Remembrance Service last night, there were many varied references to the Source of All Being. One I hadn’t heard before caught my ear: “Kaleidoscopic God”. I love the movement and the sense of many and the ever changing rendering that name brings.
Our monthly sermon theme is “Difference”. Last week we explored spectrums of age, faith, gender, sexuality and color of skin. Allowing such abundance helps us live in the mystery of infinity.
A way to feel grounded is to nurture our differences – something we will explore this Sunday. We will also literally nurture each other with our annual cider and cornbread communion service. The abundance of the earth and of individual sharing alike keeps us steady in the mystery of it all.
Come join us for worship this Sunday. Take in the kaleidoscope of Being.
Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa
Music
This Sunday the Meetinghouse Choir will be singing “At This Table” by Jonas Myrin and Idina Menzel, arranged by Mac Huff. The text states that everyone is welcome at this table; no one falls between, and all can speak their mind without judgment. Grace Allendorf will also be offering a solo called “Giving Thanks” by Jeff Blumenkrantz. During our communion we will hear guest violinist Jiuri Yu.
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!
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!
Christmas Pageant
Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 at 4pm
at First Parish Milton Meetinghouse @ 535 Canton Avenue
A joyful, all-ages retelling of the Christmas story — UU-style! Join us in celebrating the spirit of hope, peace, and love through story, song, and laughter. May we kindle the light of love and hope together this season
No Rehearsal — Just Drop In!
Everyone is welcome to take part! Costumes, props, and simple parts will be provided. We will meet in front of the Meetinghouse or inside if the weather is below freezing.
Speaking Roles Available
Email Susannah Bales at redirector@fpmilton.org or text 470-223-0337 if you would you like to help narrate or take a small speaking role. Scripts will be simple and easy to read from the page – no memorization or rehearsal needed!
Featuring:
Beloved carols and seasonal music
A creative, inclusive retelling of the nativity story
Props for all ages (or come as you are!)
Cider and cookies to follow
News & Announcements
This year’s First Parish Thanks-for-giving Honoree
Katie Vhay is a treasured member of First Parish in Milton. She has led and assisted worship services, offered her considerable social justice sensibilities to church initiatives and introduced the Prison Book Program to the congregation. During the pandemic, Katie has been a dynamic and engaged online community member via Zoom.
The Thanks-For-Giving Service will be held Sunday, November 23rd at 4pm at Parkway United Methodist Church, 158 Blue Hill Pkwy in Milton.
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
Social hour hosts needed for November 30th
Please click here to sign up.
New to hosting or need a refresher? A member of the Hospitality Committee will connect with you prior to social hour to answer questions, and will be present the morning of your hosting.
Thank you for your hospitality!
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
DeeDee’s Cry is a Roxbury based non-profit that seeks to provide resources about suicide and gives support to those who have lost loved ones by suicide or who are contemplating suicide. Each year the organization runs a holiday toy drive largely supported by Toys for Tots. This year Toys for Tots is unable to provide as much support and we have been asked, through the UUA Circles of Support, to step up.
We are seeking new toys, for children ages 8-14. Toys should be unwrapped and can be dropped at the Church (Monday-Thursday 9 AM-1 PM) or brought to Church on Sundays including 11/23, 11/30, or 12/7. If you are purchasing a toy online, it can be mailed directly to:
UU Urban Ministry
C/O Vinnie
10 Putnam St.
Roxbury, MA 02119
Any mailed gifts need to arrive before 12/13. If you have any questions about DeeDee’s Cry or the toy drive, please contact Ruth Hannon at rthannon47@gmail.com or Mary Blanchette at MBPA@comcast.net.
First Parish Holiday Fair Update:
We need:
*Baked Goods for the bake sale, especially cookies
*Chili and cornbread for the lunch
If you can contribute, please go to the Sign-up Genius and let us know what you can bring:
– We will have a table in the Parlor where kids can purchase inexpensive items to give as gifts. Good ideas are: small soaps, lotions, small toys, candles, etc. We will have a box in the Library where you can bring in these items.
We will again be collecting new or gently worn outdoor clothing and will have our hat and mitten tree in the Narthex.
There are SO many ways you can be involved. If you have questions or ideas, please reach out to Leslie or anyone on the Membership Committee Lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com
Social & Environmental Justice
NEXT DATE IS December 17th
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
Bridging Families Network
Bridging Families Network is a group of families from several congregations in Milton that have been housing migrant families waiting for temporary shelter. Five First Parish families and others in BFN have hosted and supported eight small families within the past nine months. Our funds have decreased and we are currently in need of financial donations to buy gift cards for food and basic supplies to keep them afloat. No gift is too small.
Please contact Cynthia Guise at clguise32@gmail.com if you would like to make a contribution.
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.