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
This Week in Worship
December Worship Theme: ENLIGHTMENT “Solstice Group”
Worship Associate: Chris Clifford
Greeters: Tracey Robinson
Social Hour: Jen Pinkus and Nancy Devine
Audio: Holden Driscoll
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.
Advent is the season of hope for our Christian neighbors, Hanukkah, a message of perseverance for our Jewish neighbors, the Solstice, a celebration of the returning of light, and Kwanzaa, the claiming of strength and resilience in community and heritage. All these traditions speak to the possibilities to meet despair in facing the cold and dark, the seeming lifelessness of fields and lower energies of hibernation. We recognize that there is a through-line, a spiritual evergreen if you will, that keeps us alive.
Hope is a discipline. Perseverance is a practice. Claiming the values of a way of life is an encouragement. And realizing the need for each other through varied rituals is balm.
This past year I have come to understand hope as a discipline more than ever before, even when coping with the COVID shut down. We are being challenged through divisive rhetoric, betrayals of trust, heart wrenching violence and insistent hate. We have seen many of the faces and moods of humanity, all of which tell us that it is up to us to choose life with and for one another. We can do this, but must exercise its wisdom every day and choose to dismantle the grooves of fear-based brutality.
I am so grateful for the discipline of beloved community that we engage in here. It has helped me stay hopeful. Not easy, but possible….ushering in the belief in peace and goodwill for all. Keep practicing, keep believing, keep clear about our potential. Keep hope alive.
With love, Rev. Lisa
Music
On this Solstice Sunday the Meetinghouse Choir will present a Shaker tune called “Lord of the Dance”, arranged by Allen Pote. The melody is derived from the Shaker tune “Simple Gifts” and the text is drawn from the traditional English carol “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day”, as the voice of Jesus shares an invitation to join his life as a dance. During the prelude and postlude you will hear recorder duets with Guy Pugh and Steve Yakutis. Grace Allendorf and David Rivera Bozon will be offering a duet called “Winter Dreams”, by Shelley Jackson Denham.
Religious Exploration
Special Note from Susannah Bales,
RE Director
I am reaching out in light of the news from Brown University this weekend. As many of you know, I live two blocks from where the shooting occurred and my neighborhood spent Saturday sheltered in place. I came to work on Sunday thinking what I had experienced in my neighborhood would not affect folks at FPM. I was wrong.
As I connected with many of you yesterday—many of whom kindly checked in knowing where I live—I realized that this event touches the FPM community in multiple ways. Many of you are connected through colleagues, friends, and relatives. At this time, I am not aware of any members of the First Parish Milton community who were physically harmed in this horrific act of violence. That said, I am aware that there may be those of you I didn’t speak with who have connections or who are feeling the impact and so it felt important to follow up collectively.
Many of us named a heartbreaking and infuriating reality: we are somewhat desensitized to these horrific events now. In fact, at times we don’t even know which tragedy to respond to when multiple tragedies happen in a single weekend— like the shooting at an Australian synagogue this same weekend. I could write every week about something breaking my heart but I am writing today because of the conversations with you all who were personally impacted. I want to share that if you are looking for resources on how to take care of yourself or how to talk with young loved ones impacted in any way, these two links can be solid starting points and I am here if you want to connect.
- https://www.apa.org/topics/gun-violence-crime/mass-shooting
- https://www.apa.org/topics/gun-violence-crime/shooting-aftermath
Yesterday I kept saying, “I have no words.” Today I have found some: We are not alone. We are part of a community that endeavors to continue to care and to choose to respond to this sometimes dark world with light, courage, action, and compassion.
I am happy to talk through anything in those links in more detail or to simply sit, grieve, rage, sigh, cry, laugh, or just breathe alongside you in this difficult time.
Please take care, reach out if you need support. My heart goes out to everyone affected indirectly, as it continues to also go to all those directly impacted by this frightening and tragic situation. And thank you for checking in with me and letting me continue to check in with you here. For each of us, may there be blessings to see or blessings to be this day and the days ahead. I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
Christmas Pageant
Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 at 4:00pm
at First Parish Milton Meetinghouse
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:
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
Entering First Parish
As the days get colder, I wanted to send a reminder about our external entrance doors.
Recently, the social worker door frame was bent due to a wood door stopper being inserted on the frame edge. The door is no longer shutting properly, and we’ve had to call 2 contractors to fix the frame and get the lock to close properly.
Please do not use door stoppers, bricks, or other items to prop doors open for events. If you need to have doors unlocked for you, please talk to Susan or Sherri in the office. We can automatically unlock doors for you, give you a temporary key, or find another solution that works. We will be happy to work with you, and prevent damage from being done to the building.
Susan DeMinico, Congregational Administrator
Looking for a way to help this holiday season? The Milton Residents’ Fund housed at First Parish is seeking donations of funds or gift cards, to assist low-income children and adults of all ages in Milton this holiday season. Many of our friends and neighbors in Milton have been especially hard hit with lost income, uncertainty about food & heating assistance, increasing costs, or fewer available social supports, so we are hoping to provide assistance through gift cards to grocery stores, Target, TJMaxx/Marshalls, Amazon or use financial donations to purchase tanks of winter heating oil, prevent electric and gas shutoffs and help with small medical bills or car repairs. Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated and will be passed on directly to a Milton family or individual in need. Donations are tax deductible and can be mailed directly to The Milton Residents’ Fund c/o First Parish Unitarian 535 Canton Ave Milton MA 02186 or dropped in the gray box outside the parish office in the hallway. To make an online donation please email the Milton Residents Fund with an amount you would like to donate and Noreen can send a donation link. If you, or anyone you know in Milton, is experiencing a financial crisis and needs assistance with rent, utilities, or unpaid medical bills please call (617) 696-1214 or email with questions to
Wishing everyone a healthy and peaceful Holidays!
Regards,
Noreen K Dolan, MSW, LCSW
Fund Coordinator
Milton Residents Fund
Henry B Martin Fund / Swift Charity
Parish Members Fund, First Parish
Events
January 30, 2026
*note this is a date change
Social & Environmental Justice
Freecycle* Tree — An Invitation
Please help yourself to ornaments on the tree in Chase Parlor during Social Hour on Sunday. If one “sings” to you, adopt it for your own tree. Last Saturday’s Holiday Fair had so many freecycled items available for serendipitous discovery — and claiming — that there are still delightful leftovers. Special thanks to all who helped source the table and tree inventory! Among them (at the risk of omissions) were Sherri Moldaver, Marie-Laure Brown, Leslie McPherson, Katie Vhay/Janet Evans, and elves unknown. We made many people happy and, simultaneously, reduced solid waste pollution. Thank you!
*Free.cy.cle [verb] – to give away something used or unwanted, as opposed to selling it or throwing it away, especially in an arrangement made via the internet. Source: Oxford Languages Dictionary
ADDING “MINDFUL” TO YOUR “MERRY”
Now, and in the New Year
First Parish Milton’s Social & Enviro Justice Committee members share a few ideas and asks as we enter into the “holidaze” and a new year of upheaval on many fronts.
Don’t purchase from three major corporations: Home Depot (ICE enablement), Target (pulled its support for DEI and Pride policies), and Amazon (ICE technology tools and regime enablement). Applying economic pressure on these “ubiquitous brands” is easy to do and effective when millions of shoppers support the boycott — this from Indivisible.
If you’re looking for organic foods, household products, or toiletries, check out Vitacost (owned by Kroger Co.). Online orders are shipped by carriers other than Amazon! For healthy dry goods and ingredients without the plastic trappings,Supply Bulk Foods — it’s a regional eco- friendly shop — perfect for holiday baking.
Shop local. Shop thrift stores (More Than Words, for books). Research your town’s “Buy Nothing/Freecycle” market groups for gifts and all kinds of other items.
Avoid cheap, fast fashion, if possible — buy as much quality and natural fibers as you can.
Make your gifts ~~~ or give the rarest of all gifts: your time. And wrap them with love in a brown paper bag instead of unrecyclable glitz and glam.
Looking to make your holiday (and everyday) spending reflect your values?
GoodsUniteUs.com can help. The website has a simple search function that gives you clear information about how companies spend their political dollars and what causes they support. With easy-to-read scorecards and straightforward explanations, you can quickly see whether a company’s actions align with your beliefs before you buy. In a time when our purchases have real social and political impact, GoodsUniteUs makes it easier to shop with intention and support businesses that reflect your values.
NEXT DATE IS January 21st
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
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.