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 23rd – Songs of Protest
In our work towards liberation, justice and equality for all , we sing to remember, to mourn, to heal and transform. We sing to inspire action against oppression and to celebrate the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. Lift up your voice this Sunday for our interactive Songs of Protest service that will be held in the courtyard (or Children’ Church if raining). We hope you can join us in person since the will be no Zoom.
Led by: Jennie Mulqueen and Pat Neves
Music: Karl Pastore
Service is at 9:30am!
**Full Summer schedule can be found below**
Briefly With Bev
Introduction Part III
We shape our self to fit this world and by the world are shaped again.
The visible and the invisible working together in common cause,
to produce the miraculous.
I am thinking of the way the intangible air passed at speed
round a shaped wing easily holds our weight.
So may we, in this life, trust to those elements we have yet to see
or imagine,
and look for the true shape of our own self by forming it well
to the great intangibles about us.
These words, by poet David Whyte, may very well describe how much of what we will be doing together during my interim ministry will feel. Trying to define the indefinable, describe the intangible, wrap our minds around the elusive. And here is where trust and faith come in – .”because if we all trust the process, have faith in ourselves, and bring our best selves to the table, we will indeed produce the miraculous.
One key to this working is everyone coming into “the room,” as much as possible. If you are not there, your voice cannot be heard. I can tell you that things will be different because your minister is different. I can also tell you that I do not believe in change for the sake of change but rather change because X no longer really works for us. It is up to all of us to identify those Xs.
I will be asking a lot of questions. It will be annoying to some of you at times. It does not mean I want everything to change. It means I am gathering information, trying to understand the culture at FP Milton and helping you examine the why of some past decisions. I hope we can together, “trust to those elements we have yet to see or imagine.”
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.
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
8/30 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
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM REV BEV
It has come to my attention that some of the staff received a spam email allegedly sent by me. I want to be very clear that I will never email you and ask you to buy gift cards or send money for me to a third party.
Quick tips to check if you believe an email is spam.
- What email address did it come from?
If it is not minister@FPMilton. (org) or RevBevW@gmail. (com) then it is definitely not from me.
2.If it is either of the above addresses but the language seems stilted or the closing seems out of character for me (in the past folks have received email from me where the closing was “God Bless You,” and they knew I never signed off that way), then it is not from me.
3.If you are ever in doubt, either call me or create a new email to my known emails rather than “replying” and check it out with me directly.
I am sorry this has happened already in Milton. I think it took 3 months before “I” spammed my last congregation.
With Love and Peace,
Rev Bev
Reminder:
Regular Sunday service resumes on September 13th at 10:30am.
Help us celebrate our opening of the fall church season! SOCIAL HOUR hosts needed for throughout the year.
You can sign up here Sign up Genius link
THANK YOU for keeping the coffee brewing!
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
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/4090D44ACA728A02-64605820-copy#/
You can sign up for one our our Sunday volunteer positions.