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 19th Service
March Worship Theme: POWER
“Holy Doubt”
“Come with whatever seed of faith you can muster, and listen…” -Enfleshed Liturgies
Join us for a celebration of faith and doubt through story and song. Matt Meyer will reflect on a high stakes wager, a secret doubt, and what it takes to stand up to bullies in heaven and earth.
Guest Minister: Matt Meyer
Worship Associate: Christopher Clifford
Greeters: Natalie Monroe & Craig Perzan
Social Hour: Coffee only
Audio: Holden Driscoll
This week’s offering will be given to Bikes Not Bombs. Bikes Not Bombs uses the bicycle as a vehicle for social change to achieve economic mobility for Black and other marginalized people in Boston and the Global South. Elijah Evans, CEO, will speak.
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.
Matt Meyer will be leading service this Sunday. Matt is an itinerant troubadour and worship leader who has led hundreds of services for UU congregations across the country. He has a degree in hand drumming and serves as Director of Community Life for Sanctuary Boston.
The closing statement on historian Heather Cox Richardson’s column yesterday was simply, “and here we are.” It brought me right to an audio book which has been keeping me company at the end of the night: Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn, a renowned teacher and researcher in the field of mindfulness-based stress reduction.
Facing the present moment and breathing through it is a tool for resilience. We are not responsible for all that has or will happen, but we can be responsive when we are willing to see things as they are.
Of course none of us knows it all or sees it all. We do have our own biases and our own research algorithms. We also have, however, a sense of connectedness that can help us stay with the hard times. Wisdom arises now and again, as does all the emotions of fear when facing where we are. Breathing through and to the next moment reminds us that there is a resilience of and in life that is available to us. It also reminds us that there is so much more than whatever is threatening to overwhelm us.
I like Heather Cox Richardson’s comment because it also recognizes the “we” of these times, not “they”, but “we”. We humans are here. If we don’t want to be “here” we then have the ability to respond, to work ourselves through and out of the quagmire. Together. Claiming life, one breath at a time.
So May it Be. Rev. Lisa
Music
We are happy to welcome back percussionist Matt Meyer to lead worship this Sunday. He has led hundreds of worship services all over the country, sharing a message of love and justice through rhythm and song. Don’t miss it!
Religious Exploration
Help us prepare for the Egg Hunt!
Stop by the Parlor THIS SUNDAY at 10a to fill plastic easter eggs with candy and if you can help with the Egg Hunt itself you can do that here.
Friends,
I am delighted that one of our very own First Parish Milton folks is willing to act as our Star Island ambassador this year! While we don’t have a group organized to go, we are encouraging families to attend this special place. If you have been considering going with your family to Star Island, Jennie Mulqueen would love to connect with you! She shares below the impact this special place has made on her and her family and invites you to join with your family this year for Faith Development Week happening July 19-26. Check it out and maybe Star-t a new tradition–see what I did there?!
Warmly, Susannah Bales, DRE
Dear First Parish Friends Known and Unknown,
It was late spring of 2016 when the young mom in my family music demo class at the Hingham Library told me that going to Star Island was the best thing she did with her family growing up. She said she did not particularly identify as religious, nor did her husband who was not UU, but even he really liked Star Island. She invited us to come for the Faith Development Week, as her mother, Cathy Seggal, was a DRE at First Providence for over thirty years and a leader in Faith Development. Taking a leap, I signed us up. And I appreciated the discount for being a first timer!
At the time, my son Atticus was ten and my daughter Sophie was eleven; I had recently separated from their father and just finished my second year of seminary. I had seen the posters advertising Star Island in the link but as far as I knew, no one from Milton went. I have to admit that as we sat on the ferry ride from Portsmouth NH to Star, I began to have doubts. I knew just that one family and felt suddenly overwhelmed by shyness and being alone. As we approached the island and everyone gathered on the side of the ferry to shout the traditional greeting to the folks standing on the dock, my son found me and asked, “What is this?” My stomach fluttered. Maybe I had acted too quickly in signing us up. Were we in for a week of awkwardness and dread?
But Atticus found me at dinner that night and asked, “Are we coming back next year?” And so it began. Returning to Star each summer is one of our favorite traditions, certainly one of the best things I have done with my kids. We met UUs from all over NE and the east coast. Multi-generations. Many grandparents attended with their grandkids. This was finally the place where my kids could be “free rangey” with no guilt, where they could run wild and free, or sit on the porch rocking in a big chair. A true emphasis is placed on radical inclusion and belonging that doesn’t feel forced or “campey”, for lack of a better word. Instead, this is a genuine space in which to grow up and grow faith and to pass that faith along.
I could go on and on, but instead I invite you to reach out with your questions, concerns. As I look back I am forever grateful for the invitation that was extended to me by a fellow UU, for I might never have had the courage to try Star on my own with my kids. This year Faith Development Week is happening July 19-26; I am serving on the Exec Committee, Atticus will most likely be working on the island as a “Pel”, and Sophie will be working in the daycare. It would be a true joy to introduce this sacred place to you and your family in our ever widening circles of love. Please be in touch: jenniemulqueen@gmail.com
Do parents have to attend?
No, this will be a chaperoned event, parents are not required to attend. We currently have 3 chaperones confirmed. According to TreeTop Adventures: “Parents do not need to climb with their kids. We do recommend having some climbing chaperones to help kids who may benefit from more consistent adult support in the trees. Our staff is available in the practice area and spread out on the ground throughout the course as needed but climbing adults help climbers throughout the trail if needed. They also give them access to “reach” trails for their age group. Adults can take kids on a “reach” trail for their age in a ratio of 1 adult for every 3 youth.”
For more information email redirector@fpmilton.org
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
Keep the coffee brewin’!
Can you help us out this Sunday?
We are in need of social hour hosts THIS SUNDAY March 22. If no hosts, social hour will be coffee only.
New to social hour hosting or need a refresher? A member of the Hospitality Committee will answer your questions prior to hosting, and be present on Sunday morning.
Thank you for your hospitality!
Aging Together Spin Off Group
Meeting This Sunday
The Aging Together SpinOff group meets this Sunday noon in the Parlour. The theme for the gathering will be reflecting on a big transition in many people’s lives, which is retirement. Our jobs often take up a huge amount of our time and mental energy, maybe doing things that don’t feel fulfilling or are stressful, so its not surprising that people dream about what they would do if they had that time and energy back. But for a lot of people work can also provide us with things that are important to us so we might have to find new ways to maintain them. Our hope is that our gathering be a comfortable space for sharing, listening and learning from one another about finding joy and purpose in retirement.
First Parish is in Need of a Tech Mentor for next Church Year- Could You Help Us Fill that Role?
First Parish Milton Tech Mentor
The FPM Tech Mentor is responsible for supporting the youth tech team to ensure that:
- the team has qualified staff
- the team is trained
- the team has a working system
- the team has support
The FPM Tech Team is primarily self-supporting with the Mentor role being the person that helps Techs ramp up, performs maintenance on the Audio / Video / Lighting / Streaming systems, and supports the Techs when situations exceed their experience.
The Tech team is 4-5 Techs that are, ideally, one of each High School year in order to have a ladder of Techs where the more experienced Techs train and support the incoming and less experienced Techs. The Mentor team is 1-2 adults who have the skills and availability to train and be on call for church services and concerts to provide troubleshooting and advice.
The Mentor role is about providing initial training and then guidance and support for the team, stepping in only when needed, doing everything possible to empower the Techs in their role. For instance, the primary training is the youth working with the youth.
It is important for each Mentor to know the system well, especially if they are not always in the church for services. There are several systems in play for a service: Lighting, Audio in the Church, Audio for Zoom and Recording, Cameras/Switcher for Zoom and Recording, Zoom (and Captioning), etc. These are not individually complex systems, but troubleshooting these interconnected systems under a time crunch can be stressful for the Tech and Mentor. Knowing the systems and being able to break down issues into their parts is important. Training will be included this spring!
Scheduling, Training and Communication with the audio techs is done in conjunction with Susan, the Congregational Administrator. You aren’t responsible for managing scheduling, hiring, or payroll.
If this sounds like something you would like to learn more about, please contact Eric Miller (r.eric.miller@gmail.com) or Susan DeMinico (manager@fpmilton.org).
SAVE THE DATE – MAY 17TH
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
SAVE THE DATE TO SET SAIL FOR GENEROSITY
Saturday, April 11th 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Ahoy, FPers!
Our big spring fundraiser auction is less than a month away! 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. Play Heads or Tails and Spin to Win, and take a chance on the 50-50 Raffle—and have your picture taken with Reverend Lisa!
During the silent and live auctions, you can bid on some irresistible items—like a storytelling class with Julie Baker of “The Moth,” and a protest sign made by Dan De Angeli.
The catalog is a work in progress, with new items being added daily. Preview it here and start planning your bidding strategy!
While the auction isn’t open to all landlubbers, we do strongly encourage you to bring a friend.
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
NEXT DATE IS APRIL 15th
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
“The Immigrant Experience” Concert
DATE: Sunday, March 22, 2026
TIME: 4:00 – 5:15 P.M. (small reception to follow)
WHERE: First Church Roxbury; 10 Putnam St, Roxbury, MA
TICKETS: CLICK HERE
The Immigrant Experience is an afternoon of music, words, and shared reflection that honors the journeys of those who have come here in search of safety, opportunity, and belonging.
Come Together for Democracy: No Kings Rally – March 28
Join members and friends from First Parish Milton and the United Church of Christ Milton as we head to the No Kings Rally on Saturday, March 28, on the Boston Common (1:00–4:00 p.m.; speakers begin at 2:00).
No Kings Day is a peaceful, international movement affirming democratic values, the rule of law, and the principle that no one is above the Constitution.
Come stand together, raise your voice, and show that our community cares deeply about democracy and human dignity. Bring family and friends – all are welcome.
On Saturday, March 28th, we’ll gather for the rally in two ways:
- 12:30 PM: Meet at the First Parish Milton parking lot to carpool to the trolley to the Ashmont T Station.
- 1:30 PM: Meet at the Embrace sculpture on the Boston Common.
(The sculpture is a 2-3 min. walk south of Park St. Station.)
Prefer a local event? Join Indivisible Milton for its No Kings rally!
Singing and Sign-Making for Democracy – March 25th
Prepare for No Kings Day in collaboration with First Parish Milton and the United Church of Christ Milton. Meet and connect with others who will be joining the rally in Boston as well as those who plan to attend the rally in Milton and beyond on the 28th.
Everyone in the community is welcome to join us at in the Parish Hall on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00 PM to connect with one another, sing and make signs for the rally.
- 6:00–7:00 PM: Sign-making party (supplies provided, but bring some if you can)
- 7:00–8:30 PM: Join the Singing Resistance Movement!
Learn popular songs from The Singing Resistance MN and BVOCAL (Boston Voices of Community and Labor).
“Social justice movements are stronger ‐ more joyful, more resilient, and more powerful ‐ when they include singing!” BVOCAL.
Come for one or both, bring friends, and help build the energy for the rally. All are welcome at every event!
For more info or if you can help carpool to the trolley, email Natalie at
For more about No Kings Day nationwide: www.NoKings.org
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.