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, March 1st Service
February Worship Theme: POWER
“The Love of Power”
Worship Associate: Elise Hendricks
Greeters: Yves Sonnay, Kate Hutchinson & family
Social Hour: Sita Cochran & Andrea Geyling-Moore
Audio: Alex Feliz
*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.
In thinking of next month’s worship theme, “power”, I am reminded of the four common uses of power: power over, power with, power to and power within.
The basic concept of power is “to be able”. As relational creatures, we have the power to influence, to coerce, to put into motion, to enforce. Power, itself, has no moral claim. How we relate to power, without and within, helps shape our way of being.
We are getting quite a lesson in the uses of power these days, as the threat of authoritarianism looms in our society. It touches on our faith in our ability to cope, to overcome and to transform uses of power. As the threat of “power over” becomes more pronounced, we find hope and agency in “power with”.
It comes down to what we feel we are able to do. Together, there are far more possibilities than alone. To keep our hope and sense of agency strong, it’s important to see tactics that are designed to isolate, divide and discourage.
It is hard to see the tactics of “power over” thrive, both out of greed and selfishness and out of complacency. It is hard to recognize that those in power these days don’t often make different choices; choices which call for compassion, dignity and love.
It comes down to the gift of life. To recognize that which we all share. It comes down to finding others who realize that to promote a thriving humanity we need to dismantle the harmful uses of power for the sake of all. That is our work to do together.
This I pray, Rev. Lisa
Music
This Sunday the music reflects two songs about Power. The first is called “If I Ruled the World” from the musical PICKWICK, by Cyril Ornadel and Leslie Bricusse, and sung by baritone Scott Ballantine. The second is about how a gentle song sung by one voice becomes powerful when joined by ten thousand voices. It is called “When I Sing”, by Russell Robinson and Charlotte Lee, sung by Carina Digianfilippo.
MILTON COMMUNITY CONCERTS NOTES
The next concert for Milton Community Concerts will take place on Saturday, May 9th. It will be an all-day-and-night event celebrating composers and performers from the Asian-Pacific musical community around Boston. It will be a free event, with donations going to support the Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation.
One concert update from this past week concerns the 2024 concert celebrating Coretta Scott King, titled “Embracing Coretta”. This concert was repeated this past week on the campus of Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa in a collaboration with the local Sioux City chapter of the NAACP. This concert featured 5 soloists, 2 choirs, and a narrator. Media coverage included two articles in the local paper, a half-hour radio interview on Public Radio, and a spot on the 6:00 and 10:00 news, An audience of more than 200 people came out to support this significant community event, and all performers received a Commendation from the City of Sioux City, presented by the Mayor.
Religious Exploration
Green Up Milton Poster Contest
Sustainable Milton is thrilled to kick off their 2nd Annual Poster Contest! You can submit your entries by emailing info@sustainablemilton.org or mailing submissions to 56 Meredith Circle, Milton, MA. Make sure to add Green Up Milton details and make it relevant to the clean up theme. We can’t wait to see your incredible creativity, so feel free to use any media you enjoy! Entry period closes the First Week in March! The winner will be awarded 50$ Gift Card and a Sustainable Milton Swag Bag!
VOLUNTEER THIS SUMMER
This summer, our congregation wants to create a joyful, meaningful, and safe space for children to explore kindness, creativity, and community — and we need you to help make it happen! Volunteering with the UU Summer Kids Program is a beautiful way to live your values, build relationships across generations, and have a lot of fun along the way. Whether you can help once or all week long, your presence matters. Why volunteer? Earn service hours or professional experience (for students and educators!) Share your talents — from storytelling to arts and crafts, music, science, activism, or simply being a warm, steady presence! Be part of a caring, collaborative team! Inspire curiosity and compassion in our youngest members! No experience? No problem. Training, materials, and support are provided — all you need is a willing heart and a commitment to our community’s values. Sign up today or contact Susannah to learn more about how you can get involved. Together, let’s give our kids a summer they’ll never forget! Let Susannah know if your interested or sign up to volunteer at the Linktree.
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
From Membership – The UU Elevator Speech workshop is coming.
The premise is simple: If you were in an elevator with someone for a few minutes and they asked you about First Parish (or being UU…or going to church…or belonging to a faith community…) what would you say?
One of the goals is for you to feel comfortable with the language of these conversations. In the past, members have found themselves thinking about their starting spiritual upbringings (or the lack of) and where they are on their journeys. Some want to learn about the UU history they never knew. Others just want to consider what this community means to them.There are no right or wrong answers. Our goal is to talk, listen, consider and write. ANYONE is welcome, whether you just joined or you’re a long-time member.
If this sounds interesting to you, please let me know. We want to hold the gatherings when it works best for as many as possible. Ideally it’s best if we can all be together for the entirety of it. (Not an absolute but ideal).
If you want to participate, please fill out this VERY brief survey.
https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2fXa3puY0rifrbU
Reach out with questions too: Lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com
Commitment Sunday is Almost Here
Please Make Your Pledge
And Join Us for a Celebration on March 15th
THANK YOU to all those who have thus far submitted their financial commitment for this year’s Budget Drive. But with just over 3 weeks to go before Commitment Sunday we have yet to hear from over 60% of the congregation. We are counting on you. Here is the link: LINK
Then please mark your calendars to join us after the Commitment Sunday service on March 15th for our Gathering in Gratitude celebration. Make sure to give some thought to whom you would like to recognize either for their service to the First Parish community or for ways they have influenced your own personal growth.
Thank you,
The Stewardship Committee of First Parish in Milton—Charles Franich (chair), Rob Dahl, Mallory Digges, Jim May
Events
Ramadan Food Drive!
When : Monday, February 23 – Friday, March 13
Where: All Milton Public Schools (bins in school lobby)
First Parish Milton, UU – 535 Canton
(bins at carriage house near lower lot)
Congregation Beth Shalom – 18 Shoolman Way
(bins in lobby)
Who: YOU! Anyone can participate!
Why: Join your Muslim neighbors! Ramadan is a very special time of year for Muslims to help others. It is important to practice gratitude and give to others who are currently struggling.
How: Donate food, dry goods, and hygiene items. All items must have ingredient labels with current expiration dates.
Most needed items:
Canned meat or tuna
Mac and cheese
Cereal or oatmeal
Pasta and sauce
Peanut butter & jelly
Canned fruit and vegetables
Healthy snacks for kids
Dry or canned beans
Juice boxes
Condiments
Shelf-stable milk
Salad dressing
Rice
Cooking oil/olive oil
Canned soup
Diapers, wipes
Personal care items: toothbrushes,
toothpaste, unscented bar soap, shampoo, and body wash
Donations to be distributed to Interfaith Social Services in Quincy. This project is brought to you by Milton Muslim Neighbors, Milton Interfaith Clergy Association, and Milton Public Schools.
SAVE THE DATE TO SET SAIL FOR GENEROSITY
Saturday, April 11th 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Now that you’ve finished eating all the chocolate you bought at the chocolate auction, it’s time to turn your attention to our big spring auction. Please save the date of April 11, and plan to join us for a fun evening of socializing, appetizers, beer and wine, dessert, and some new games.
The auction committee is accepting donations of all kinds: do you have a vacation home you might share for a week, a weekend, or even a day? We’re looking for experiences too. Can you host a dinner? Offer lessons or a workshop like a paint-and sip night or a cooking class? Could you host a pizza-making party for families? Or provide childcare so a group of parents could have a night out? All creative ideas are welcome.
We’re also looking for volunteers to help with food, decorating, and help
the night of.
Please let Jen Pinkus jennifer.pinkus@gmail.com or Lisa White
lisawhite1250@gmail.com know if you have a donation or can lend your help.
Social & Environmental Justice
Big Chorus Sing Out for Immigrant Rights
Wednesday, March 11, 4:00pm-5:00pm at Boston City Hall
(please note date change)
BVOCAL will bring choral groups from all across greater Boston together at Boston City Hall to raise our voices for legislation to protect MA immigrants. We are inviting choruses to learn our choral arrangement of the song Hold On, which has become an anthem of the anti-ICE resistance in Minneapolis. Sign Up to Show Up. The choral score and practice recordings are available in the Songs section of the BVOCAL website as well as in our music drive.
In addition to signing up yourself, if you sing in another community chorus or perhaps a church/temple choir, please invite your group to learn the song and participate. Here is a sign-up for choral groups that you can share.
MARCH Eleventh Hour Standout
for Democracy
WEDNESDAY, March 11
Please note the location is at EAST MILTON SQUARE
3 p.m. assembly — stay as you are able
YOU, your signs, flags, percussion, and voices are welcomed!!
We will (again) amplify Milton Visibility Brigade’s weekly standout this month because of the Wednesday synchronicity of both events.
Rather than compete, collaborate! More hands can hold more signs (yours or “Signs of Fascism” posters) along highly visible thoroughfares. All ages invited.
Park near East Milton Square or Milton Central Post Office or Saint Agatha School, then gather on foot by the I-93 overpass. If weather conditions are hazardous, we will postpone it to another date. Spread the word, please.
NEXT DATE IS March 18th
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
Save the Date for Democracy – March 28
Mark your calendar! The next No Kings March is on March 28, and the Social & Environmental Justice Committee is organizing a group from First Parish to attend together.
The No Kings March is a peaceful demonstration affirming democratic values, the rule of law, and the principle that no one is above the Constitution.
There is energy and power in showing up side by side. Gathering as a church community is a visible expression of our shared values and a reminder that we are surrounded by others who care deeply about democracy and human dignity.
More details to come. We hope you’ll join us!
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.
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
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.