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 26th Service
April Worship Theme: EMBODIMENT
“Summer Sampler”
Worship Associate: Lisa White
Greeter: Catherine McGonagle
Social Hour: Dan de Angeli, Catherine McGonagle and Liz O’Rourke
Audio: Nicholas Miller
This week’s offering will be given to the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. This Dorchester organization was established following the gun-related death of Louis D. Brown, a teen from the community. They primarily focus on providing support to families and individuals who have been impacted by violence in the community. Dionne Latrice, Administrative Coordinator and Heather Dabreu, Operations Coordinator, will be speaking on their behalf.
There are a couple of beliefs that I often share which point to this Sunday’s treasure of a service. The worship committee will offer readings and testimonies to encourage congregants to lead a summer service. My beliefs are that everyone has at least one sermon in them and that we are all resident theologians.
A summer service is, basically, an extended faith reflection: a two minute offering we have regularly in our worship services. We’ve learned so much about each other through these faith reflections. Wisdom is communicated poignantly through the sharing of experience and experiencing something together. All of us need some thoughts outside our own wonderings from time to time. It helps us expand our sense of possibility and offers connections that we may not have experienced before. The more we hear from one another, the more we deepen our sense of beloved community.
Come share in this day of ideas and wonderings with the worship committee on Sunday.
Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa
Music
This Sunday the Meetinghouse Choir will be singing “In This Place” by Donna Butler, on a text by Kathy Burdette. This was originally written for a church in Overland Park, Kansas that was celebrating its twentieth anniversary in 2005. During the offertory Carina Digianfilippo will be singing a newly adapted text for the song “Yes, My Heart” from the musical CARNIVAL by Bob Merrill.
Also a reminder that on Saturday, May 9th from 2:00-5:00 and 6:00-9:00 Milton Community Concerts will be presenting a free benefit concert celebrating Asian Composers and Performers as a part of AAPI Heritage Month. Donations will be accepted to support the Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation. Dinner in the Parish Hall will be available for purchase from 5:00-6:00.
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!
Important Yard Sale News
Since 2018, the First Parish Yard Sale has been a beloved community tradition, made possible by your incredible generosity and time. Due to our upcoming construction project and limited space, we are taking a brief hiatus this year. Rest assured, we plan to bring it back better than ever next year! Please hold on to your treasures —we’ll be thrilled to have them in 2027.
SOCIAL HOUR hosts needed:
May 23
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.