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 16th – Hope
Join us on Sunday August 16, for a service about hope: where we find it, how to cultivate it, why gathering in community is important, and how we can be beacons of hope in a broken world. We’d love to have you join us in person or on Zoom. Masks are required at this service, and will be available at the doors. Thank you for your understanding.
Led by: Katie Vhay
Worship Assistant: Amy Kavadlo
Music: Daon Drisdom and Penny Knight
Service is at 9:30am!
Briefly with Bev
Introduction Part II
I know that many of you may not have been through a time of transition in ministry and this will be your first interim minister experience. You will hear me say more than once to trust the process. Because this is a process and much of our time together will unfold in unexpected and hopefully amazing and wonderful ways.
Here is what is known – what is concretely defined. I have been hired by your interim search committee to provide ministry to you during this transitional year. It is expected that this will be a two-year interim process.
When I am not preaching, providing pastoral care, attending committee meetings, facilitating adult education programs, teaching and learning from the children and youth in religious education, meeting with other local interfaith and/or Unitarian Universalist clergy or attending UUA meetings and trainings, I will be focusing on assisting all of you in addressing those tasks of this interim time most important and relevant to all of you. Those tasks include:
- Heritage: claiming and honoring your congregation’s past; engaging and honoring its griefs and conflicts and letting go where needed in order to move forward in a healthy way.
- Identity: helping the congregation rediscover and clarify its unique identity, including its strengths, needs, and purpose.
- Leadership: Examining and clarifying leadership roles among the minister, staff, and lay leaders. Navigating the shifts in leadership that may accompany times of transition and encourage new leaders to emerge while seasoned leaders may shift roles, act as mentors, or take a break.
- Connections: Assess and strengthen, where needed, the congregation’s relationships with the broader Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and other outside resources.
- Future: Assisting the congregation in preparing for and envisioning its new future with a settled minister. The work of the interim period is meant to prepare the congregation for a successful search and a new, fruitful ministry.
Please note that every congregation I have served has needed more or less attention paid to one or more of these tasks. That is an early assessment we, your Parish Committee, my Transition Team, and all of you, will make together.
With Love and Peace,
Rev Bev
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.
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
8/23 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.*
Summer Worship August 30, 2026
My name is Chris Clifford and I am hoping you will join me for summer worship in the woods.
Not truly forest bathing but rather mindful walking in one of the less frequented sessions of the Blue Hills reservation. Quietly, gently and softly moving through nature, inhaling life giving oxygen and phytoncides provided by the forest has been shown to reduce stress and prompt healing.
On Sunday August 30, 2026 anyone interested is invited to join me on a short walk over fairly easy paths.
We will meet at 9:30 on Ridgewood road less than a mile from First Parish and travel a loop under tall pines. We will see remnants of past habitation and the resilience of nature. This is a walk, not a hike but sturdy footwear, long pants, water, and bug spray are necessary. The walk is suitable for young and not so young and if you are willing, shine or rain.
Parking is readily available at the trailhead. I will have my silver Honda CRV parked there at 9AM.
If you would like to know something about Forest Bathing or shinrin-yoku check the links below.
The science of forest bathing: 5 ways it can boost health and lower stress : Life Kit : NPR
What Is Forest Bathing? Potential Benefits
Events
SAVE THE DATE: September 20th
Members and Friends ~ It’s Brunch Time! Soon we will be back in regular community at First Parish. Save the date for our annual brunch. Presented by Hospitality and Membership, we will have a delightful array of treats for you to enjoy as you catch up with each other after church. September 20th is the date; mark it on your calendar!
Social & Environmental Justice
Milton for Peace Monthly Standouts
Please join us as we publicly call for peaceful solutions to world problems, social justice, and the avoidance of military actions.
Saturday, August 15, 2026, Noon-1PM: East Milton (intersection of Granite Avenue and Adams Street).
We have signs. Just show up, for the full time, or just part of it.
Beyond First Parish
Aug 15, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
First Church Roxbury (UU Urban Ministry), 10 Putnam St, Roxbury, MA 02119, USA
A guided tour of the historic Roxbury’s Meetinghouse. Explore the rich legacy and recent refurbishments of this landmark building at the heart of the UU Urban Ministry.
Around the country, the resistance is building unity and power by raising our collective voice in song. Join us on August 24, 7-9pm at Friends Meeting Cambridge to learn some of the new movement songs and to re-energize for the work ahead. Spread the word to your activist networks and to your singing networks. All voices are welcome! If you have any questions please reach out to Pat Neves at pjneves7@gmail.com
Rev. Beverly Waring
In Office Tuesday-Thursday, Remote work Friday.
Susan DeMinico: Summer Hours for July and August
In office on Tuesday & Thursday – Off Mondays and Fridays, 1/2 day remote Wednesdays.
Vacation: August 7-19
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
Vacation: 8/8-8/16
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.