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, April 16th Service
April Worship Theme: EMBODIMENT
“Spiritual, Not Religious”
Worship Associate: Amy Kavadlo
Social Hour: Bridget Sitkoff &RE Committee
Audio: Jeremiah Sitkoff
This week’s offering will go towards the service and ministry of First Parish.
For this week’s Greenfield Group, a Minister’s study group which meets twice a year, we were asked to observe a bit of nature for a month and share observations. Below are excerpts of what I shared, a reflection with haiku.
There is a plot of land, perhaps half an acre, that has provided solace and wonder in the 9 years I’ve lived in a condo complex at the edge of the wetlands of the Boston Nature Center. It’s 75 steps on a winding sidewalk from my back porch through shared land. The walk is part of the wonder, as my once feral cat companion, Connor, accompanies me. It is a walk we both look forward to on a daily basis. Two-legged and four-legged greeting the day.
In sync in silence
Freely walking together
Held steady in love
One misty morning, when distant road noises were subdued, Connor perked up from our shared stillness. Across the way, some 50 yards, a coyote crossed our path of vision – like a ghost – I could not hear it, nor follow its disappearance.
Coyote passes
Swift silence as stealth in woods
A glimpse, a day’s gift
When the wetland is full of water, seeming like a pond, a duck couple finds its way there, weaving through the trees. I’ve been present for a Canadian Geese triage: three geese landing in the water loudly honking – two accompanying the third that needed to leave the formation. Squirrels and song birds and wild turkeys and misquitoes….all a part of this small plot of land. All and more than I could possibly envision.
Nature is not set
Curves and collaboration
Ancient new patterns
Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa
Music
This Sunday the Meetinghouse Choir will be singing a gentle and reflective anthem called “Deep Peace I Send To You”, by Douglas E. Wagner, on a text from UNDER THE DARK STAR by Fiona Macleod. Mr. Wagner has written more than 3,000 musical compositions for choir, band, orchestra, and instruments. Franc Graham will also be singing “Bamboo” by David Van Ronk.
Looking ahead, please mark your calendars for Saturday, May 9 when Milton Community Concerts presents an all-day-and-evening family concert of music by Asian composers and performers. This free concert will raise money for the Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation.
Religious Exploration
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
Save the date: RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION SUNDAY
Join us for a joyful service celebrating the children and youth of First Parish Milton and the year we’ve shared together.
This special service will be partially led by our kids, who will share readings, reflections, and moments from their journey this year. Together we’ll celebrate curiosity, community, and the spirit of learning that shapes our program.
All are welcome — families, friends, and the whole congregation! Come celebrate our young people and the vibrant year we’ve experienced together.
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
Please note the office will be closed on Monday, April 20th in observance of Patriots’ Day.
SAVE THE DATE – MAY 17TH
Reminder the Annual Meeting of First Parish will be held May 17th, after worship service. Mark your calendars!
THANK YOU FOR SETTING SAIL FOR GENEROSITY
First Parish truly shined at Saturday’s “Set Sail for Generosity” auction! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated items, solicited donations, cooked, baked, built boats, and sewed nautical decor. You transformed the Parish Hall into a wonderful celebration of community and hope. And deep appreciation to the more than 100 attendees who brought warmth and high spirits and bid generously. As always, a First Parish event depends on the generosity, creativity, and good will of an extraordinary crew of volunteers. And that community always delivers.
Together we raised almost $19,000—a record-breaking amount—demonstrating once again your commitment to First Parish and our work in the larger community.
The Auction Committee
SOCIAL HOUR hosts needed:
April 26
Please sign up here
If you are new to hosting or need a refresher, don’t worry! A member of the Hospitality Committee will answer your questions, and provide instructions.
The Committee Fair is back!
Please join us on Sunday, April 26th during social hour (11:30 – 12:30) in the Parish Hall.
Committees are essential to the life and growth of First Parish. At the fair, you can find out more about our committees and decide which ones you may want to join. Participating in a committee is a wonderful way to deepen your engagement to church, practice our values, make new friends and do great work. Come and share your talents, or try something completely new. We need you! Committees are now forming for the next church year beginning in July.
Committee Chairs – please plan to staff a table at the fair!
Social & Environmental Justice
MILTON GREEN UP 2026
MAY 1ST-3RD WEEKEND
DIY / FAMILY / NEIGHBORHOOD / GROUP
This annual town event, in collaboration with Sustainable Milton, is an important rite of Spring! Please sign up here to register. Special green trash bags and info packets are available starting April 27 at Milton Town Hall Engineering Office.
IMPORTANT: Green Up trash bags will be picked up for disposal by DPW Town Staff on Monday May 4th. Telling us where your trash stash will be located is CRUCIAL. DPW crews can’t pick up the bags if they don’t know exactly where they are- and all your hard work would be for nothing!
Check out the Town’s webpage for more details and suggestions.
Louis D. Brown Mother’s Day Walk for Peace
For over 20 years First Parish members have supported the Louis D. Brown Mother’s Day Walk for Peace in Dorchester. We have donated proceeds from a Share the Plate service as well as signed up as a walking team at the event.
The Louis D. Brown organization serves as a center of healing, teaching, and learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss.
We will be donating our April 26th Share the Plate in support of Louis D. Brown Institute. We will also be gathering on Mother’s Day morning as the FP Milton walking team to walk the 5k route through Dorchester.
Visit the Social & Environmental Justice table in the parish hall following Sunday services for more information or contact Pat Gallivan pl.gallivan@verizon.net or Ellen Barr eriosbarr@gmail.com
NEXT DATE IS MAY 20TH
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
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.