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, March 8th Service
March Worship Theme: POWER
“Power From Within”
Worship Associate: Owen McGonagle
Greeters: Liz O’Rourke-Harris and Dan de Angeli
Social Hour: Claudia Wellington and Cathy McGonagle
Audio: Jeremiah Sitkoff
This week’s offering will be given to the Mattapan Food & Fitness Coalition. The Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition (MFFC) focuses on food access and nutrition education, physical activity, youth development, built environment, and community empowerment. They empower Mattapan residents to advocate for improvements in their community by providing employment, volunteer opportunities, leadership opportunities, and educational programs. Tracey Robinson 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.
As the Israeli- US war in Iran continues and spreads, we will hear more and more efforts to justify it. That’s just how it goes. People rally around war. Politicians know this.
War is not the answer: a phrase first publicly affirmed in Martin Luther King’s 1967 speech, “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” . The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCLN), a Quaker lobby group in Washington, created blue bumper stickers and lawn signs with this adamant phrase after 9/11, which became a central slogan for post-9/11 anti-war movements. This affirmation is long-lived, with the integrity of centuries for Quakers. And yet we, as a species, still find ways to justify war as an answer. It is not.
Yes, I can hear the “what if’s” and “what abouts”. Yes, we have not yet evolved to a way together without war. It is a tragic lack of imagination. A criminal need for power-over. A degenerative disregard for the dignity of life. Because of the tragedy and the crime and the immorality of choosing war, we dance about obfuscation and righteous defensiveness.
And yet, last night, I attended a Social and Environmental Justice Committee meeting. Full of empathy, full of active hope, full of willingness to keep on keeping on, full of humor, full of kindness. It’s right here. All that we need. The true answer, devoid of war: our beautiful and blessed lives. May this knowing ripple out into the shared consciousness of human being.
This I pray, Rev. Lisa
Music
This Sunday the Meetinghouse Choir will be singing an anthem by American composer Mark Hayes, called “A Single Note”, describing the power of a single note which expands into a melody, and eventually is sung by a multitude of singers sharing their message of joy and love.
For a musical selection during the Offertory we are happy to welcome Ensemble Lyrae, a professional women’s ensemble, who will be singing “Ad Astra” (To the Stars) by Jacob Narverud, a native of Kansas. Mr. Narverus chose the state motto of Kansas as his text for this spirited music selection.
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!
Help us prepare for the Egg Hunt!
If you are available to fill plastic easter eggs with candy on the 22nd, we will be setting out the supplies out in the Parlour at 10a the morning of the 22nd so folks can stop by to fill eggs or take some to bring back filled on the 29th. Just stopping by and filling some eggs for a few moments is a huge help!
Drop in for this are welcome and if you can help with the Egg Hunt itself, that would also be amazing! Sign up here.
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
SAVE THE DATE
Reminder the Annual Meeting of First Parish will be held May 17th, after worship service. Mark your calendars!
From Membership ~ The UU Elevator Speech
We will gather for three consecutive Thursday evenings, via Zoom. The dates are:
March 19th
March 26th
April 2nd.
Our block is 7:00pm-9:00pm but we likely won’t use the entire time. If you can only attend one or two of the sessions, that’s okay. It’s best to join all three but something can be gained by joining even one.
If you want to join us but haven’t already expressed interest, please let Leslie know lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com
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.
SAVE THE DATE TO SET SAIL FOR GENEROSITY
Saturday, April 11th 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Our big spring fundraiser auction is a little over a month away, and it promises to be a really fun event! Enjoy an evening of socializing to support the FP community and the work we do. A $10 donation at the door gets you two drinks tickets, appetizers, and desserts. During the silent and live auctions, you can bid on some irresistible items—like a week at Ruth Hannon and Charlie Franich’s house in Maine, a pickleball lesson on Bridget Conroy’s private court, and a collection of books curated by the FP book group—and you can play games like Heads or Tails and Spin to Win—and have your picture taken with Reverend Lisa. While the auction isn’t open to all landlubbers, we do strongly encourage you to bring a friend. You’ll find the link to the auction catalog here in the Link soon, so take a look and preview the items to plan your bidding strategy!
Please contact Lisa White at lisawhite1250@gmail.com or Jenn Pinkus at jennifer.pinkus@gmail.com with questions or for more information.
Social & Environmental Justice
Big Chorus Sing Out for Immigrant Rights
Wednesday, March 11, 4:00pm-5:00pm at Boston City Hall
(please note date change)
BVOCAL will bring choral groups from all across greater Boston together at Boston City Hall to raise our voices for legislation to protect MA immigrants. We are inviting choruses to learn our choral arrangement of the song Hold On, which has become an anthem of the anti-ICE resistance in Minneapolis. Sign Up to Show Up. The choral score and practice recordings are available in the Songs section of the BVOCAL website as well as in our music drive.
In addition to signing up yourself, if you sing in another community chorus or perhaps a church/temple choir, please invite your group to learn the song and participate. Here is a sign-up for choral groups that you can share.
MARCH Eleventh Hour Standout
for Democracy
WEDNESDAY, March 11
Please note the location is at EAST MILTON SQUARE
3 p.m. assembly — stay as you are able
YOU, your signs, flags, percussion, and voices are welcomed!!
We will (again) 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. If weather conditions are hazardous, we will postpone it to another date. Spread the word, please.
Milton Indivisible will meet on Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 p.m. at Milton Public Library to plan its local NO KINGS standout in E. Milton Square on Saturday, March 28. All are welcome.
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
Save the Date for Democracy – March 28
Mark your calendar! The next No Kings March is on March 28, and the Social & Environmental Justice Committee is organizing a group from First Parish to attend together.
The No Kings March is a peaceful demonstration affirming democratic values, the rule of law, and the principle that no one is above the Constitution.
There is energy and power in showing up side by side. Gathering as a church community is a visible expression of our shared values and a reminder that we are surrounded by others who care deeply about democracy and human dignity.
More details to come. We hope you’ll join us!
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.