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 22nd Service
February Worship Theme: FORGIVENESS
“In Praise of History”
Worship Associate: Brigitte Miller
Greeters: Tracey Robinson and Natalie Monroe
Social Hour: Joanna Dahl & family
Audio: Holden Driscoll
This week’s offering will be given to the World Food Programme. The World Food Programme (WFP) does whatever it takes to deliver lifesaving food to children and families most in need, wherever they are in the world by distributing staples during emergencies, providing meals in schools, and delivering food vouchers in conflict zones. Natalie Monroe will speak.
*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.
This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the National Black History Celebration, first for a week and now for a month. February is the month, as founder Carter G. Woodson explained, to parallel and accompany the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
This year also marks the tenth year anniversary of the forming of Courageous Conversations Toward Racial Justice in Milton. I am honored to be part of the founding leadership group. Over these ten years I have learned so much more about Black History and White Supremacy Culture. I am grateful for the opening of eyes and expanding of hearts that testimonies, music, witnesses and deep historical dives have inspired. There is so much we don’t know. That’s an important humility in the all too common phrase in defending American culture when it reveals its shadow side: “this is not who we are”.
The more we truly see, the more we will truly know how to go forward, clear-eyed and wisdom woke for the potential of the emergence of justice. Right now there is a formidable backlash to try and reinstate white supremacy culture through Project 2025. It won’t work. Too many relationships have been formed that defy the delusion of supremacy. Too many extraordinary moments have been unearthed that shatter the white wash of accomplishment. Too many allies in justice help us see that “race” is a social construct meant to divide.
Yes, we have work to do. Yes, we will do it. Generation by generation, we will find our way out of the malady of racism.
This I pray. Rev. Lisa
Music
Most of the music for this Sunday was written by African American composers, including a prelude by Valerie Capers, a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music and jazz pianist, and a postlude by Estelle Ricketts, born in 1871. Ms. Ricketts piece, “Rippling Spring Waltz” is the earliest solo piano piece by a black woman located to date, and is in the Library of Congress. The choir will be featuring an anthem by Victor C. Johnson, called “Wake Me A Song”. Mr. Johnson is a prolific composer whose first piece was published when he was only a sophomore in high school.
Jeff Stoodt will also be singing a solo called “Losing You” by Randy Newman.
Religious Exploration
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!
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 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.
RE Linktree QR Code
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!
Commitment Sunday is Almost Here
Please Make Your Pledge
And Join Us for a Celebration on March 15th
THANK YOU to all those who have thus far submitted their financial commitment for this year’s Budget Drive. But with just over 3 weeks to go before Commitment Sunday we have yet to hear from over 60% of the congregation. We are counting on you. Here is the link: LINK
Then please mark your calendars to join us after the Commitment Sunday service on March 15th for our Gathering in Gratitude celebration. Make sure to give some thought to whom you would like to recognize either for their service to the First Parish community or for ways they have influenced your own personal growth.
Thank you,
The Stewardship Committee of First Parish in Milton—Charles Franich (chair), Rob Dahl, Mallory Digges, 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 March 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.
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.