Table of Contents
- This Week in Worship
- Message from Rev. Lisa Ward
- Music
- Religious Exploration
- News & Announcements
- Events
- Social & Environmental Justice
- Beyond First Parish
Sunday, Service August 2nd Service – Hymn Song
After a brief hiatus Jennie Mulqueen and Amy Kavadlo are back for their fifth summer service on the power of song and singing. This year’s service is devoted to our beloved UU hymnals. It will be done mostly in song. Here’s your chance to have a hymnal immersion. It is not about performance, it is about being together, so come lift up your voices and let us sing!
Led by Jennie Mulqueen and Amy Kavadlo
Service is at 9:30am!
We cherish the ten-year ministry of Reverend Lisa Ward. The reflections of our interim minister, the Reverend Bev Waring, will appear in this space next month. The staff and congregation look forward to her arrival on August 1, 2026.
Religious Exploration
Help Shape the Next Generation
Our Children and Youth Religious Exploration (RE) program is a place where children and youth ask big questions, explore their values, build meaningful relationships, and discover what it means to live with compassion, justice, and integrity.
That journey happens because caring adults choose to show up.
Whether you enjoy storytelling, leading discussions, creating art, organizing activities, or simply being a welcoming presence, there is a place for you in our RE community.
We’re Building Our Sunday Morning Team
There are several ways to get involved:
- Lead a children’s or youth class
- Assist in the classroom by helping with activities, classroom management, and community building
- Serve as a substitute when a regular volunteer is unavailable
Training, curriculum, and support are provided.
By volunteering, you’ll help create a safe, inclusive, and joyful space where young people can grow in curiosity, kindness, and belonging while forming lasting connections within our congregation.
Why Volunteer?
- Make a meaningful difference in a child’s life.
- Build relationships with children, youth, families, and other volunteers.
- Deepen your own UU journey through shared learning and service.
- Be part of nurturing a vibrant, multigenerational faith community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t know enough about Unitarian Universalism?
Perfect! Religious Exploration is about exploring questions together, not having all the answers. Curiosity, kindness, and a willingness to learn are what matter most. We’ll provide curriculum, training, and support.
What if I’m too busy?
We understand that life is full. Whether you teach regularly, co-facilitate, serve occasionally, or substitute, there are opportunities to fit different schedules. Even a small commitment can make a big difference.
What if I’ve never taught before?
Many of our volunteers started with no teaching experience. You’ll receive lesson plans in advance, help preparing materials, and support from experienced volunteers and staff.
What if I’m nervous about working with children or youth?
That’s completely normal. You won’t be expected to do it alone. Our goal is for every class to have two adults, so new volunteers can begin by assisting and build confidence over time.
What if I don’t fit in? (I’m not old enough, I’m too old, I don’t have kids, etc.)
There is no one “type” of RE volunteer. Our program is stronger when volunteers bring different ages, life experiences, and perspectives.
To volunteer, you simply need to:
- Be at least five years older than the age group you’ll be working with.
- Have been an active participant at FPM for at least six months.
- Complete a volunteer application and pass a background check.
We’ll Help You Succeed
When you volunteer, you’ll receive:
- Age-appropriate curriculum and lesson materials
- Opportunities to team teach with another volunteer
- Support from staff and experienced mentors
- A welcoming community that values your unique gifts
You don’t need to be perfect—you simply need to show up with an open heart. Join us in helping our children and youth grow into thoughtful, compassionate, and courageous people.
Interested? We’d love to talk with you! Reach out to the Director of Religious Exploration to get started. Just text 470-223-0337 or email redirector@fpmilton.org.
Want more? Find all things Kids and Youth on the RE Linktree. For more information on any of the above contact Susannah at redirector@fpmilton.org or call 470-223-0337
News & Announcements
Upcoming Summer Services Schedule
9:30am Start Time (note earlier time)
In Meetinghouse unless noted
8/9 Leslie MacPherson: What It Means to Be a Unitarian Universalist
8/16 Katie Vhay: Hope
8/23 Songs of Protest* (in courtyard)
8/30 Chris Clifford: Blue Hills Forest Bathing* (location TBA)
9/6 Elise Henricks: Walking Our Labyrinth* (in courtyard)
Join us online from anywhere; but if you can, please come in person. Not available online.*
Social & Environmental Justice
ELEVENTH HOUR STANDOUT
“Act free to be free,”
~Prentiss Haney, Ohio organizer, June 17, 2026
Tuesday, August 11
Assemble by 6:00 p.m.
First Parish Front Lawn
Act free to be free: BYO signs, flags, chairs, singing voices, percussion, friends, and neighbors. 30 ENERGIZED minutes to amplify our continued resilience and resistance. Whatever your cause(s) — peace, jobs, healthcare, affordable housing and food access, immigration — proclaim them in community! All are welcomed.
Next one is Friday, September 11, 6:00 p.m.
Beyond First Parish
IME-SENSITIVE NEEDS for
Urgent Legal Clinic in Mattapan
NEXT Sat., Aug. 1, 8 am-6 pm
Please deliver by 5 p.m. Friday to
Tracey Robinson’s porch, 71 Houston Ave.
Small bottles/cans/boxes of water or juices Individual snack packs: popcorn, pretzels, peanut butter crackers, trail mix, nuts, etc. Cheese strings/sticks; tangerines; small bags of carrot/celery sticks, grape clusters, cherries, etc.
Our request for volunteers has exceeding expectations and we are
grateful for the response!!!
Text Tracey (617) 312-6019 with any questions.
Critical Shortage of Blood
Please consider scheduling a blood donation whether whole blood, platelets, or “power red.” The American Red Cross Blood Donation Center on Rustcraft Road in Dedham offers ample hours, SNACKS, and free parking, and is close to Milton. Donation drives elsewhere can be found on the website — perhaps even where you are vacationing. Scheduling online or by phone is easy. Give the gift of life.
Susan DeMinico: Summer Hours for July and August
In office on Tuesday & Thursday – Off Mondays and Fridays, 1/2 day remote Wednesdays.
Vacation: August 9-17
Susannah Bales Vacation: 7/22-27
Study Leave: 8/3-8/6, 8/10, 8/12, 8/13
Sherri Moldaver
In office Monday thru Thursday 8:30am-1:30pm
Kevin Harnden –
Monday-Thursday 8am-11am
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.