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 26th Service
March Worship Theme: POWER
“Soft Power”
Worship Associate: Owen McGonagle
Greeters: Cathy McGonagle
Social Hour: Cathy McGonagle
Audio: Jeremiah Sitkoff
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.
This joint is jumpin! With the coming of Spring, First Parish is full of activity, as is described in this newsletter – be sure to scroll all the way through.
One important event that calls for all voting members to have a voice is a special meeting to vote on the proposed renovation of our basement, aka “lower level”.
You’ve received an email describing the vote: “to act upon the recommendation of the Parish Committee to appropriate funds for the renovation of the lower level of the Link and Parish Hall.” This would be the first full renovation in sixty years. A very exciting development for the future use of the lower level and to improve accessibility.
The research, brain-storming and planning for this project began nearly a year ago when our long-term renter announced that they were ending their 40 year use of the space. Many volunteers have helped along the way, adding expertise and wisdom to the forming of the proposed plan. Many thanks to Jeff Della Rovere, Bridget Conroy, Jay Beaulieu, Beth Gray-Nix, Richard Venable, Glenn Pavicek, Mark Ostrem, Henry MacLean, and Susan DeMinico.
A special shout out is due to Henry, for his invaluable consult as architect and Susan, for her astounding ability to juggle schedules, understand building logistics, navigate many personalities and keep a trustworthy transparency. The Parish Committee, as well, have helped the process along with much diligence.
All this being said, feel free to ask questions, tour the lower level to see what needs renovating and to come vote. As this is a large capital expense, it needs congregational approval or continued discernment. Mark Ostrem has volunteered to be a point person for questions and comments.
The vibrancy here at First Parish is a beauty to behold.
Blessings, Rev. Lisa
Music
This Sunday the Meetinghouse Choir will be offering an anthem which combines two familiar spirituals, “I Feel the Spirit”. This arrangement is written by Don Besig, with additional text by Nancy Price. During the offertory Hunsaker soloist David Rivera Bozon will be singing a Colombian folk song titled “Tierra Labrantia”.
Religious Exploration
Help us prepare for the Egg Hunt!
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
TENEBRAE
April 3rd 7:00pm – Childrens Church
Slow, somber, inclusive
A service to commemorate the tragedy of Jesus’ death.
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 last two Thursdays are:
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 dinner prepared by the Personnel Committee, a waffle brunch, and gift cards for local restaurants and shops. Preview the catalog 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
Stand Up For Democracy and Our Beloved Earth
Saturday April 11th & Sunday April 12th
It’s a celebratory, action-filled weekend!
April’s Eleventh Hour Standout for Democracy
Saturday, April 11, 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. returns to First Parish Church in Milton along Canton Avenue
Bring your signs, voices, percussion, friends & neighbors
Plenty of time afterward to attend the “Set Sail for Generosity Auction” at 6 p.m
And the following morning, Sunday’s worship is a special “Loving Our Earth” service with decor, music, readings, testimonies, followed after with allied Social Hour refreshments and activism tables.
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
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.)
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.
2026 Neponset River Spring Cleanup
April 25th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Scan code for more information and to register.
See or contact Susannah Bales redirector@fpmilton.org or Tucker Smith tsmith62676@gmail.com
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.