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
- Beyond First Parish
- **Be sure to click “View entire message” below content to see whole newsletter.**
Sunday, February 1st Service
February Worship Theme: FORGIVENESS “Preparing the Ground”
Worship Associate: Brigitte Miller
Faith Reflection: Leslie MacPherson
Social Hour: Membership Committee
Audio: Jeremiah Sitkoff
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.
A colleague sent me an article that includes a “social change map” first introduced by Deepa lyer. It gives a hope-filled rendering of sustainable activism. We all offer different talents and sensibilities that, when invited into an ecosystem of advocacy, creates the kind of resilience and change agency needed, especially in times like these. Relationship is the soul thread. Action is part of the health of the system. See below the map, which is further described here: https://www.socialchangemap.com
Where might you find yourself? We are all needed.
Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa
Music
This Sunday the Meetinghouse Choir will be singing “Make Space for Life to Live” by Michael John Trotta. Mr. Trotta is a composer, singer, and conductor who has taught at Oklahoma State University and Virginia Wesleyan College. Grace Allendorf will also be sharing a little-known song by Stephen Sondheim called “I’m All for You”, from a musical called SATURDAY NIGHT, written in 1955.
Religious Exploration
RSVP for Valentines Party on our brand new Linktree, so we know how much pizza to get! It’s Feb. 7th 5-7p in Parish Hall!
- NEW LINKTREE: We have a new one-stop shop for all our links and need to knows for easy access! It’s called Linktree and you can visit it here. You can visit it anytime to invite friends to events, RSVP, see the full calendar or find other resources. Especially helpful when we don’t have extra space in the bulletin, the link, the RE email update, or our own brains!
- LET’S GO TO THE THEATRE: Families are invited to go see Wonder 2/15 at 2:00pm at the Loeb American Repertory Theater with Debbie Alesbai. This show is both kid-friendly and such a great conversation starter for talking about the UU values, principles and sources! This family musical adaptation of R.J. Palacio’ a NYTimes bestseller and the acclaimed film follows Auggie Pullman, A middle schooler with a facial difference, and his family as they navigate what it means to belong. Celebrating empathy, resilience, and the power of choosing kindness. Tickets are $73 for adults and $30 for students. If you would like to go reach out to Debbie Alsebai at alsebai@verizon.net and indicate # of tickets, seating preference, and if there are any seniors 65+ or Students attending. She is charging Group Face Value for tickets and will organize carpools depending on how many people are attending.
- VOLUNTEER THIS SUMMER: This summer, our congregation wants to create a joyful, meaningful, and safe space for children to explore kindness, creativity, and community — and we need you to help make it happen! Volunteering with the UU Summer Kids Program (Aug 24-28) is a beautiful way to live your values, build relationships across generations, and have a lot of fun along the way. Whether you can help once or all week long, your presence matters. Why volunteer? Earn service hours or professional experience (for students and educators!) Share your talents — from storytelling to arts and crafts, music, science, activism, or simply being a warm, steady presence! Be part of a caring, collaborative team! Inspire curiosity and compassion in our youngest members! No experience? No problem. Training, materials, and support are provided — all you need is a willing heart and a commitment to our community’s values. Sign up today or contact Susannah to learn more about how you can get involved. Together, let’s give our kids a summer they’ll never forget! Let Susannah know if your interested or sign up to volunteer at the Linktree.
With multiple cities in Minnesota (and other states– including Maine) under attack by ICE, we know those communities are struggling and so are many of our UU siblings in those areas. We have an opportunity to reach out and offer care to these communities. Starting this week, we invite ALL AGES to join in making:
Love Notes to our UU Siblings
Our congregation has been invited by the New England Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association to participate in an effort to send handwritten notes of care and solidarity to one or more of the congregations.
Starting this Sunday, we invite everyone to write one note (or many) of love, solidarity, care, and encouragement to First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, First Universalist Church of Auburn, ME, and UU Community Church Augusta, ME.
We will have supplies out in Parish Hall for folks to write letters and cards and you are welcome to draft some at home to bring in as well. The notes can be as simple as messages on index cards or elaborate works of art. We will also have baskets to drop cards off so they can all be sent together on February 9th. It is our hope that these communities know we stand with them and their neighbors even if we are far away.
If you have any questions or would like to help organize, please reach out to Susannah Bales at redirector@fpmilton.org.
Warmly,
Susannah
Child Dedication
On March 1, we are excited that we will be doing a Child Dedication ceremony as part of the Sunday service for Teddy DellaRovere! We, in partnership with the DellaRovere family, are extending the invitation to all members who may also want to have their child(ren) Dedicated that day. What is a Child Dedication? As Rev. Lisa explains: “In Unitarian Universalist circles, the term “Dedication” is used to consecrate the act by which the parents along with their families and friends profess intention to do all in their power, in love and devotion, to guide the growth of the child in ways of truth, beauty, and love.” If you are a church member and are interested in the Child Dedication with your child(ren) that day! Please let us know by 2/15, so we can find a time to meet with you before 3/1 to plan with you how to craft this dedication with your family too! If you are interested, but that day doesn’t work for you, you can let us know that too and we can connect with you about planning another ceremony in the future.
Summer Kids Program Registration open now!
Join Us for a Week of Summer Fun with the Kids Summer RE Program!
Location: First Parish Milton UU campus and one day offsite
Dates: August 24-28, 2026
Time: 9:00a-3:00pm
(with options for early drop off at 8 and late pick up at 4pm)
We’re so excited to welcome kids to a week of summer fun, friendship, and faith with our Summer Program! Our Kids Summer Program is designed to be a joyful, meaningful week where children can build community, explore our UU values, and have a whole lot of fun along the way.
Throughout the week, children will explore our Unitarian Universalist faith by practicing joy, care, silliness, and wisdom together. It’s also a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to join us for a week of learning, service, and play grounded in love, values, and community.
Each day will focus on one of our Unitarian Universalist Values—Generosity, Interdependence, Equity, Justice, Transformation, and Pluralism—with Love at the center of everything we do.
Activity blocks will include a mix of arts and crafts, games, hands-on projects, and adventures led by caring, trained, and screened church staff and volunteers. Planned activities may include cooking projects, science experiments, tie-dye, obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, LEGO building, service opportunities, and delightfully messy games. We’ll also always have flexible options available—like bubbles, chalk, and jump ropes—for kids who need something different in the moment.
This full-day, week-long program costs $400 for the first child, and $250 for each additional child from the same family. A $100 deposit will be due by May 1, 2026 to secure a spot and the remaining balance due by August 15, 2026. We are committed to making this program accessible to all families. If cost is a barrier in any way, please reach out to redirector@fpmilton.org or 470-223-0337 to learn about reduced rates or scholarship options.
We can’t wait to spend this week practicing love, learning, and joy together! Save your spot today by registering at the link in our linktree at https://linktr.ee/fpmilton. Have questions? Contact Susannah at redirector@fpmilton.org or 470-233-0337.
Want to see what’s happening in Religious Exploration with kids, youth and adults? Scan the RE Linktree QR code to view all our links and need to know info! You can visit it anytime to catch up, RSVP, sign up to volunteer, share info on RE events and resources with friends, see the full calendar and find other resources. Questions: email redirector@fpmilton.org
News & Announcements
Weather Related Closures
Just a reminder that if worship services are cancelled on Sunday, we will send out an email by 8am, post on Facebook, and post on our website about the cancellation.
The office is closed on any day that Milton Public Schools are closed.
Aging Together: The Prequel
A new small group for folks exploring and approaching retirement and beyond
February 22nd following social hour
In Teen Room Upstairs
Contact Susannah Bales at redirector@fpmilton.org and/or reach out to Dianna Wilson and Paul Casaz.
SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR: Sign-ups happening!
Friends ~ We desperately need help with Greeting and Coffee Hours this spring at First Parish!! On Sunday, the Membership Committee is hosting and we will be there with clipboard in hand, asking for help.
Please bring your calendars. It’s takes village!!
Reach out to Leslie with questions:
Our Annual Budget Drive Begins!
The Stewardship Committee announces that this year’s Annual Budget Drive has begun as of Sunday, January 25th and will conclude on Commitment Sunday, March 15th with our Gathering in Gratitude Celebration. The financial commitments that we receive from our members and friends over the next two months will be used to cover First Parish’s operating expenses for Fiscal Year 2027, which begins on July 1st. Each household will be receiving an email from Stewardship asking for your pledge. Embedded in the email will be a “link” via which you can simply and easily submit your financial commitment for next year. For your convenience, we also will include the “link” here for the next several weeks.
There is so much going on at First Parish, and we want to be sure we can support it. If you have already been a financial supporter of First Parish, we are very grateful. Our hope is that you would consider a 3% addition to the amount you contributed last year. If this is your first time making a financial commitment, we will be very grateful for whatever you choose to contribute.
Thank you and may all your wallets be willing!
The Stewardship Committee of First Parish in Milton—Charles Franich (chair), Rob Dahl, Mallory Digges, and Jim May
Please join us for the All Church Council on January 30 at 6 PM. Representatives from each committee will be there, but all are welcome to attend. You will learn about the plans that are underway for the ministerial transition. We welcome your thoughts to help guide the process during this important step in our church’s evolution and growth. We will have a light supper of pizza and salad. Please join the fun.
If you are a committee or community member interested in attending, please email Susan at manager@fpmilton.org.
Chairs- please response to the evite from Mark for his headcount!
EVENTS
First Parish’s Chocolate Auction
28th Annual Chocolate Auction –
Sunday, February 8th, 11:45 – 1:00 (or so) in the Parish Hall
With love in our hearts and chocolate in our hands, our beloved chocolate auction is coming right up! This is a delightful all church event, brought to First Parish by Chris and Dottie Pitt. Many thanks to co-founder Dottie Pitt, who will once again serve as registrant extraordinaire to keep track of bids. All ages are welcome, and child care is available in the nursery for age 5 and younger if desired.
Here’s how to get started:
* Beforehand, bake/create/donate a chocolate confection or anything with chocolate in it.
*The item needs to be attractively presented and ready to be carried home, without expecting the dish to be returned.
*Please label the item and list the ingredients, especially if it is gluten-free, or there are nuts or nut oils in it.
*When you decide on a home-produced or purchased item with chocolate as the main ingredient, please drop it off at Parish Hall before the worship service on February 8th.
Questions about the auction or what to make? Contact Deb Alsebai: debalsebai@gmail.com
Thank you in advance for your delectable contribution!
Stay tuned for the next installment about the Chocolate Auction in next week’s LINK.
“Live Our Values, Eat Our Chocolate!” – Chris Pitt
Be there! Bring a guest – the more bidders, the merrier!
This is a great way to introduce your non-First Parish friends to how much fun we have at FPM.
First Parish’s Bi-Annual Auction is Back !
Saturday, April 11th 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Planning is just beginning for one of our favorite events ! Please reach
out to anyone of us on the organizing committee to ask questions, share
thoughts and find out how you can get involved !
Mary Blanchette: mbpa@comcast.net
Ruth Hannon:
Social & Environmental Justice
FEBRUARY Eleventh Hour Standout
for Democracy
WEDNESDAY, February 11th
EAST MILTON SQUARE
3 p.m. assembly — stay as you are able
YOU, your signs, flags, percussion, and voices are welcomed!!
We will amplify Milton Visibility Brigade’s weekly standout this month because of the Wednesday synchronicity of both events.
Rather than compete, collaborate! More hands can hold more signs (yours or “Signs of Fascism” posters) along highly visible thoroughfares.
All ages invited.
Park near East Milton Square or Milton Central Post Office or Saint Agatha School, then gather on foot by the I-93 overpass.
Note: this photo chronicles last week’s message — it changes in response to our times (infrequently, name calls).
If future winter weather conditions are hazardous, we will postpone ours to another date.
Spread the word, please.
NEXT DATE IS February 18th
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
Beyond First Parish
Friday, February 6th 3:00pm
Location: United Congregation youth room
The Milton Coalition and Bay State Community Services are hosting a youth focus group in our youth room at United Congregation on Friday, February 6 at 3pm. The purpose of this group is to provide feedback on a positive community norms poster campaign. The focus group will be led by Zachary Gentry who works with Bay State Community services and leads their teen suicide prevention program. As a part of LGBTQ+ community, Zach is especially passionate about mental health for queer youth. I will also be present at the focus group. Any kid who participates will receive a $15 gift card. Sign ups are required.
Please email Megan at megan@uccmilton.org to register.
Click for Permission slip
First Parish Goes to the Theater!
There is an incredible amount of good theater here in Boston and so many of these shows line up with our UU values. Please join me by emailing Debbie Alsebai at alsebai@verizon.net if you are interested in tickets. Please indicate # of tickets, seating preference, and if there are any seniors 65+ or Students attending. I am charging Group Face Value for tickets and will organize car pools depending on how many people are attending.
Kinky Boots – Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00 PM at the Boston Opera House
Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they realized…and discover that when you change your mind, you can change your whole world. Tickets are between $108 and $40 depending on Orchestra, Mezzanine or Balcony seating.
Suffs – Sunday, March 29 at 6:30 PM at the Emerson Colonial Theater
Suffs is about the brilliant, passionate, and funny American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote. Created by Shaina Taub, the first woman to ever independently win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in the same season. Suffs humanizes, empowers, moves and entertains! Tickets are between $125 and $40 depending on Orchestra, Mezzanine or Balcony seating.
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.