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
Sunday, January 1st Service
January Worship Theme: The Unknown “The Gift of Curiosity”
Worship Associate: Chris Clifford
Faith Reflection: Charlie Franich
Flowers: Beth Gray-Nix
Social Hour: Beth Gray-Nix
Audio: Holden Driscoll
This week’s offering will go towards the service and ministry of First Parish.
*Prayers
If you are attending the service on Zoom and would like a prayer included, please email Rev. Lisa at minister@fpmilton.org by 5:00pm on Saturday.
Listening to the news this week, as the year 2025 is lifted up in retrospect, news folx, podcasters and pundits sound tired. Can you blame them? What a year. And we’ve been through several tough ones in a row.
There are those who are wondering how much worse it can get before it gets better. There are others who think all the seeds planted will soon begin to sprout a more prosperous future. There are some well, millions, who are mourning the loss of loved ones and the violence of many. There are others who feel a tipping point is approaching and more peace will prevail.
Regardless of the outlook, we’ve all been jostled, unnerved, distracted, angry, hopeful, grateful and shaken to the core. “Choose life”, comes the ancient prophetic urgency toward humanity. The call is for a generative life, a life that thrives in interdependence and finds its grounding in shared being. I see enough signs that says we will.
This is where Unitarian Universalism can add a grounding faith voice to the hope for humanity. We thrive in diversity and find the interdependence therein. We celebrate the gift of life and find the wisdom of that gift within. We honor the vast interconnectedness of creation and find the humility of that knowing within. We have a voice for these times. Believe in the hope therein.
Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa
Music
This Sunday the Meetinghouse Choir will be presenting an anthem called “Cherish Your Doubt”, by Elizabeth Alexander. Ms. Alexander is one of the most performed composers among Unitarian Universalist choirs. She is originally from South Carolina, but currently resides in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has written orchestral works as well as vocal, piano, and chamber works, often on a theme of social justice. Grace Allendorf will also be sharing a song by Leonard Bernstein titled “Who Am I”.
Religious Exploration
RE Supply Wishlist:
If you happen to have any gently used children’s toy trucks, specifically “dump trucks” or “recycling trucks”, our Spirit Play classroom would love to have them! Our RE program is hoping someone has some they can donate so we don’t need to purchase new ones. Contact Susannah at redirector@fpmilton.org and thanks in advance!
News & Announcements
January 30, 2026
*note this is a date change
EVENTS
Friday January 23rd 7:00pm-9:00pm
doors open at 6:30pm
FP Blue Hills Coffee House event
The evening will include musical performances featuring local folk/acoustic artists. Coffee, tea, other non alcoholic drinks, snacks and baked goods will be served.
The event is open to the public.
Social & Environmental Justice
NEXT DATE IS January 21st
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
MLK Breakfast Invitation
Saturday, January 17th 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Church of the Holy Spirit in Mattapan Square would like to invite First Parish Members to their MLK Breakfast on Saturday, January 17 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Tickets are $25 and you will be joining Debbie Alsebai and Ellen Barr for this meaningful celebration with out Mattapan neighbors celebrating the contributions Martin Luther King Jr. made to the world. Please email Debbie @DebbieAlsebai to reserve tickets.
First Parish Goes to the Theater!
There is an incredible amount of good theater here in Boston and so many of these shows line up with our UU values. Please join me by emailing Debbie Alsebai at alsebai@verizon.net if you are interested in tickets. Please indicate # of tickets, seating preference, and if there are any seniors 65+ or Students attending. I am charging Group Face Value for tickets and will organize car pools depending on how many people are attending.
Sound of Music – Wednesday, January 7th at 7:00 PM at the Boston Opera House
For 65 years, “The Sound of Music” this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family will captivate audiences with its universal themes of love, resilience and the power of music. Tickets are between $115 and $40 depending on Orchestra, Mezzanine or Balcony seating.
Wonder – Saturday, February 7th at 2:00 at the Loeb American Repertory Theater
This family musical adaptation of R.J. Palacio’ a NYTimes bestseller and the acclaimed film follows Auggie Pullman, A middle schooler with a facial difference, and his family as they navigate what it means to belong. Celebrating empathy, resilience, and the power of choosing kindness. Tickets are $73 for adults and $30 for students.
Kinky Boots – Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00 PM at the Boston Opera House
Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they realized…and discover that when you change your mind, you can change your whole world. Tickets are between $108 and $40 depending on Orchestra, Mezzanine or Balcony seating.
Suffs – Sunday, March 29 at 6:30 PM at the Emerson Colonial Theater
Suffs is about the brilliant, passionate, and funny American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote. Created by Shaina Taub, the first woman to ever independently win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in the same season. Suffs humanizes, empowers, moves and entertains! Tickets are between $125 and $40 depending on Orchestra, Mezzanine or Balcony seating.
Stay Connected
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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
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You can sign up for one our our Sunday volunteer positions.