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 14th Service
February Worship Theme: FORGIVENESS
“Change Happens”
Worship Associate: Amy Kavadlo
Greeters: Richard and Deb Larson-Venable
Social Hour: RE Committee
Audio: Nicholas Miller
*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.
Newsrooms flooded with commentaries this morning about the House Judiciary Committee hearing convened to examine US Justice Department Oversight. Issues included the Epstein files and ICE operations in Minneapolis. Unfortunately, what was highlighted over and over again by newscasters was the horrendous behavior that spiraled with each inappropriate insult and aggressive diversion.
Attorney General Pam Bondi testified for over five hours, ready with standard slurs and offensive name-calling we’ve now come to expect from the Trump Administration. A disappointing result, however, was that members of the Judiciary Committee took the bait. Meanwhile, victims of the Epstein scandal sat in the hearing room, overshadowed by the congressional ego-dance and toxic posturing, drowning out, as one resident theologian commented “the message or meaning underneath the noise.”
Yes, this is the United States government. Injustice reigns in Congressional Halls and on the streets. That is what this hearing was meant to unearth. Instead, increased hopelessness and finger pointing, hapless excuses and outright avoidance was having its day. But not for long. Not if we keep on finding pockets of wisdom and justice and solidarity and resilience.
Yes, we can all veer toward insults and name-calling. If we want it to stop in government halls, we have to temper our language, and, even harder, not bite the hook. We need each other to share the load of shifting this dreadful paradigm of entitlement, corruption and violence toward a just and healthy world.
Let us not avoid the reality of what is happening now. Let us not assume it’s all we can be. There is enormous kindness, courage, generosity, wisdom, spirit and love in all walks of life. Bring it all forward for the blooming of humanity.
This I pray. Amen. Rev. Lisa
Music
This Sunday guest pianist Yukiko Oba will be providing the music, assisted by a recorder duet played by Guy Pugh and Steve Yakutis.
Looking forward to Valentine’s Day please note that Milton Community Concerts is presenting a fun and entertaining program called “Let’s Fall in Love: A Musical Confection”. The concert will take place in the Meetinghouse on Saturday, February 14 at 7pm, and will feature two outstanding singers, Abigail Paschke and Aaron Engebreth, who will present a wide range of Broadway favorites and beyond. Tickets will be $25 general, $15 senior, and free for 18 and under. For more information visit https://www.miltoncommunityconcerts.com/
Religious Exploration
All RE classes will be combining this week to prepare food to host Social Hour for the congregation!
A heart-felt thank you to everyone who wrote handwritten or digital notes of care and solidarity for our UU Sibling congregations! We sent over 30 notes to First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, First Universalist Church of Auburn, ME, and UU Community Church Augusta, ME!
LET’S GO TO THE THEATRE
A group is going to see Wonder this Sunday at 2:00pm at the Loeb American Repertory Theater. 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.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT, but we hope you can join us next time!
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.
Green Up Milton Poster Contest
Sustainable Milton is thrilled to kick off their 2nd Annual Poster Contest! You can submit your entries by emailing info@sustainablemilton.org or mailing submissions to 56 Meredith Circle, Milton, MA. Make sure to add Green Up Milton details and make it relevant to the clean up theme. We can’t wait to see your incredible creativity, so feel free to use any media you enjoy! Entry period closes the First Week in March! The winner will be awarded 50$ Gift Card and a Sustainable Milton Swag Bag!
See What RE has been doing last few weeks!
We hosted a Valentine’s Day Party and our Crossing Paths Class visited a mosque!
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
Aging Together: The Prequel
When: February 22nd following social hour
Where: In Teen Room Upstairs
A new small group for folks exploring and approaching retirement and beyond
The middle of our lives is marked with big transitions like retirement, our kids leaving home, and our parents starting to need help in their lives. Maybe these transitions make you feel uncertain or confused, or maybe they are a chance to reimagine your purpose in life. Why not both! This group offers a welcoming space to reflect on what’s changing, share stories, and build a supportive community. Join us for the first meeting at noon on Feb 22 and see if it feels right for you.
Contact Susannah Bales at redirector@fpmilton.org and/or reach out to Dianna Wilson and Paul Casaz.
From Membership ~ The UU Elevator Speech workshop is coming!!
The premise is simple: If you were in an elevator with someone for a few minutes and they asked you about First Parish (or being UU…or going to church…or belonging to a faith community…) what would you say?
One of the goals is for you to feel comfortable with the language of these conversations. In the past, members have found themselves thinking about their starting spiritual upbringings (or the lack of) and where they are on their journeys. Some want to learn about the UU history they never knew. Others just want to consider what this community means to them.There are no right or wrong answers. Our goal is to talk, listen, consider and write. ANYONE is welcome, whether you just joined or you’re a long-time member.
If this sounds interesting to you, please let me know. We want to hold the gatherings when it works best for as many as possible. Ideally it’s best if we can all be together for the entirety of it. (Not an absolute but ideal)
If you want to participate, please fill out this VERY brief survey.
https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2fXa3puY0rifrbU
Reach out with questions too: Lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com
Our Annual Budget Drive Begins!
First Parish’s Annual Budget Drive Has Begun!
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
Events
Ramadan Food Drive!
When : Monday, February 23 – Friday, March 13
Where: All Milton Public Schools (bins in school lobby)
First Parish Milton, UU – 535 Canton
(bins at carriage house near lower lot)
Congregation Beth Shalom – 18 Shoolman Way
(bins in lobby)
Who: YOU! Anyone can participate!
Why: Join your Muslim neighbors! Ramadan is a very special time of year for Muslims to help others. It is important to practice gratitude and give to others who are currently struggling.
How: Donate food, dry goods, and hygiene items. All items must have ingredient labels with current expiration dates.
Most needed items:
Canned meat or tuna
Mac and cheese
Cereal or oatmeal
Pasta and sauce
Peanut butter & jelly
Canned fruit and vegetables
Healthy snacks for kids
Dry or canned beans
Juice boxes
Condiments
Shelf-stable milk
Salad dressing
Rice
Cooking oil/olive oil
Canned soup
Diapers, wipes
Personal care items: toothbrushes,
toothpaste, unscented bar soap, shampoo, and body wash
Donations to be distributed to Interfaith Social Services in Quincy. This project is brought to you by Milton Muslim Neighbors, Milton Interfaith Clergy Association, and Milton Public Schools.
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: rthannon47@gmail.com
Cathy McGonagle: owencathy@comcast.net
Mark Ostrem: marko105@aol.com
Jen Pinkus: jennifer.pinkus@gmail.com
Lisa White: lisawhite1250@gmail.com
Allison Zippay: azippay3@gmail.com
Social & Environmental Justice
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
Community Conversations: Culture as Resistance
This conversation explores how culture functions as a form of resistance and survival. Through music, storytelling, movement, and visual art, Roxbury residents have preserved identity, nurtured belonging, and fueled movements for justice and liberation. Speakers will reflect on the role of creative
Time & Location
Feb 19, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Zoom
About the Event
Purpose & Emphasis
This conversation explores how culture functions as a form of resistance and survival. Through music, storytelling, movement, and visual art, Roxbury residents have preserved identity, nurtured belonging, and fueled movements for justice and liberation. Speakers will reflect on the role of creative expression in shaping community power and collective memory.
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.