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… 
This Week in Worship
Sunday, January 20th, 2019
Worship at 10:30 am in the Meetinghouse
“Why Do Black Lives Matter?”
Minister
Rev. Lisa Ward
This Sunday’s worship service is entitled “Why Do Black Lives Matter?” and will be addressing questions, issues and wonderings about this now international movement, begun in 2013. The Social Action Committee will be available at coffee hour for further questions, comments and suggestions, as this is an issue that is multi-layered and best understood through the sharing of experiences.
Two common responses through the years to this call for transformation are “Don’t All Lives Matter?” and “Don’t Blue Lives Matter (Law Enforcement}”.
Yes. All Lives Matter. That is precisely why, after centuries of dismissing, undercutting, oppressing and demonizing black and brown lives, an intentional clarity about societal inequities and cultural conditioning is needed. In order to actualize our assumption that all lives matter, focus needs to be directed to the worth of black and brown lives. “All lives matter” is not yet embodied in our culture and will not be until black and brown lives matter systemically as much as white lives.
Yes. Blue Lives Matter. Most definitely. The tendency toward “us” and “them” is most vulnerable around the issue of race and law enforcement. When I worked with the Sheriff in Harford County, Maryland, and now with Police Chief John King in Milton, the shared concern is safety of all citizens and officers. There is a clear understanding amongst law enforcement that racism is a cultural factor that makes everyone less safe. This is a delicate balance, and needs earnest attention.
“Black Lives Matter” is an affirmation, not a criticism, a spiritual calling not an angling for position. We are called to have open heart, open mind and clarity of justice. So may it be.
Blessings, Rev. Lisa
We’re getting busier!
Do you have an upcoming meeting or gathering and need to book a room at the church?
Contact our Church Calendar Keeper, Megan Benders, at office@fpmilton.org to reserve space.
Religious Exploration
Nursery and toddler care is available every week in the Link hallway from 10:15 to 11:45 am. Our caregivers are Tanisha and Bella. Stop by and say hello!
Religious Exploration for Sunday, January 20: Preschool children through grade 8 will attend the first part of the worship service in the Meetinghouse and then move to the Activity room downstairs for a special program on the Underground Railroad and the meaning of Freedom Quilts. Please note that our activities end at 11:40 am.
Our Whole Lives Program (Grades 8 and 9, parental permission required): The Our Whole Lives class does not meet this week. Next class will be on January 27.
Register your child or youth! The Religious Exploration Committee requests all families to register your child or youth before attending classes. Please use this link to our online form: RE Registration Form (or paper registration forms are available on the RE bulletin board in the Link hallway).
On Sunday, January 20, the youth are encouraged to attend the worship service on Black Lives Matter. Plan ahead for January 27, CAT (Community Activity Time) will be heading offsite after social hour for a hike followed by cocoa and s’mores back here.
Thank you to all who have helped the youth raise funds for their upcoming May service trip to CityReach Boston. In December our gift wrapping and chili luncheon on the weekend of December 1-2 yielded $436 and our spaghetti supper event last Friday added $168, for a combined total earned to date of $604. Your generosity will enable the youth to connect with and help serve the unhoused community in Boston.
If you missed the bingo and karaoke following Friday’s spaghetti supper, you missed a treat! We had spirited musical offerings ranging from “Under the Boardwalk” to beautiful acapella selections to a rousing grand finale rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” sung by all. Thanks to the Glazer family for supplying the karaoke machine which made the night such a hit.
MUSIC THIS WEEK
This week the choir will be singing “Love is Stronger Than Fear” by Phil Martin.
We are welcoming the distinguished baritone Ron Williams to share in our celebration of MLK Day with two solo selections, including “Make Them Hear You”, from the musical RAGTIME, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty.
Events, News and Announcements
TWO SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY OF SERVICE
Monday, January 21st, 2019
(Indoor) Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM,
Location: Church of Our Savior (453 Adams Street, Milton, MA 02186)
Assemble blessing bags at Church of Our Savior and distribute to unhoused attendees at a mid day luncheon in Boston. At 12:00 PM, the blessing bags will be distributed at St. Paul’s Cathedral (138 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111).
Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090b4fa9ad2da1fc1-indoor
Supplies Needed: Gallon ziplock bags, tissues, toothpaste, shampoo, bar soap, hand sanitizer, hand lotion, body wash, deodorant, body warmers, gloves, socks, toothbrushes, chapstick, feminine products, granola bars, small snacks, small water bottles, disposable razors, $5 gift card for DD, McDonald, or Burger King. Unscented toiletries are preferred.
(Outdoors) Martin Luther King Jr. Service Project
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan, MA 02126
Join us for the outdoor service project at the Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary. Help us collect litter from the trails.
Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090b4fa9ad2da1fc1-outdoor
MainSpring in Brockton
We are looking for volunteers to cook and serve at Mainspring this Sunday, January 20th. If you are interested, please email Peter at peterlschneider@gmail.com
Courageous Conversations is a monthly series of dialogue-centered programs on racism and privilege designed to address racial healing and justice in our town. Each month the Courageous Conversations leadership team in partnership with the Milton Interfaith Clergy Association brings together a diverse group of people representing a wide array of life experiences, circumstances, and choices. All events are open to the public—anyone can attend a meeting whether or not they have attended in the past.
Monday, January 21st, 2019 from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Concord Baptist Church, 180 Blue Hill Avenue, Milton. Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.
Milton Interfaith Clergy Association invites you to participate in the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.
Imbolc Service
January 27, 2019
Parish Hall
2:00pm-5:00pm
Imbolc is the time of year, while casting our eyes towards hopes of Spring, we are still focused on making it through the harsh season. While our ancestors were concerned about using up the last ‘stores of the harvest’ we can also find ourselves experiencing this in a figurative sense. Brigid, the Goddess of Imbolc, teaches us to nurture the seeds of healing and new growth before their actual emergence in these dark days. In the last moments of Winter’s darkness, before the dawn of Spring, let us gather together as a tribe to celebrate healing, nurturing, and ways to best care for ourselves while we wait out Winter, in hopes of Spring.
All are invited and welcome to join the First
Parish CUUPS group to celebrate this mid-winter ceremony. The service will be followed by a pot luck social hour.
Soup-er Supper!!!
On Saturday, February 2nd at 5:30, come one and come all to the Parish Hall. The First Parish “SOUP-ER SUPPER” will be an opportunity to socialize and also learn about an important event in the history of the church. Come enjoy an array of soups, followed by a brief talk at 6:10 from a guest speaker about our historic Wigglesworth Memorial Pipe Organ, which was installed 60 years ago. No ticket is required for this supper, but a $5 suggested donation will go to support the First Parish Organ Fund. This supper will be followed by a concert featuring the organ in the Meetinghouse at 7pm.
Milton Community Concerts
On Saturday, February 2nd at 7pm MCC and First Parish of Milton is proud to present Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid” with live organ accompaniment by virtuoso organist Peter Krasinski.
Mr. Krasinski is known the world over for his live improvised accompaniments to silent films. Following a recent tour of Japan he now comes to Milton to celebrate the 60th installation anniversary of First Parish’s beautiful Schlicker pipe organ.
Tickets are $25 general/$15 seniors/free for 18 and under. Pay at the door.Cash, check, or credit cards accepted.
(Snow date: February 16).
SPIRITUAL WRITING WORKSHOP
First Wednesdays: 7 pm – 8:30 pm (Beginning February 6th)
Children’s Church, First Parish in Milton
Facilitator: Rev. Lisa Ward
There are many paths that awaken the heart. What helps in the journey is finding words to guide you along the way. These words are in you. Come find your voice through writing exercises. We will compose invocations, meditations, prayers, hymns, benedictions, and readings. You do not have to be experienced at writing, simply bring your experiences. Ages 16 and older welcome.
Please RSVP to Megan at: office@fpmilton.org. We’ll need at least six participants. Plan on four sessions.
Circle Socials
Circle Socials are social potluck/participatory events intended to promote deeper, “funner,” stronger connections within our First Parish community. Sign up during Social Hours or email event hosts.
Saturday, February 9, 3-6 p.m.
Hosts – Guy Pugh and Steve Yakutis
Outdoor winter fun at their Ponkapoag/Canton home; warm beverages and hearty appetizers following
Sunday, February 10, 4:30-6 p.m.
Hosts – Brigitte and Eric Miller and family
Simple family potluck/pasta dinner; new and long-standing families welcome
First Parish Chocolate Auction!
St. Valentine’s Day, when we celebrate the patron saint of Chocolate, is once again just around the corner. At First Parish, that means it’s CHOCOLATE AUCTION time again!
Be at Church on Sunday, February 10th for this annual tradition at First Parish starting at 11:45am. All members of the congregation are encouraged to bring some goodie for the auction. Items to be auctioned are brought to the Parish Hall before church on the morning of the Auction, where they will be on display before the service and immediately after, before the Auction starts. Items may be home-produced or purchased. Chocolate is the essential ingredient! Items should be attractively presented and ready to be carried home. A small card or label identifying the item and any information (ingredients – especially whether there are nuts or nut oils, name of maker (you or your family), interesting recipe history if any) – will be very helpful and much appreciated by Your Humble Auctioneer, Chris Pitt.
Green Gleanings
Trustees of First Parish Funds voted last November to divest from fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), representing approx. 4% of the church’s endowment. Hale Smith can tell you more over a cup of Social Hour coffee. We now join 32 UU congregations around the country, including 11 MA-based ones, in acting on our shared principles. Do you know how and where your personal assets are invested? Ask when your financial advisor wants to schedule a “tune up,” and consider alternatives — for sure, it will be educational.
Snow Closing Information
Winter is coming. Just a few reminders about how First Parish handles Sunday worship and weekeday office closings. On Sundays, we will make a snow closing decision by 8 a.m. Look for cancellations in several places:-First Parish Milton Website-First Parish Milton UU Facebook page
-Channel 5/WCVB television & website
If the Milton Public Schools close for snow, so does the First Parish office.
If you don’t see cancellation information, we are open.
The Church Office will be closed and yoga is cancelled on Monday, January 21st, 2019.
Worship and Meditation at First Parish
Sunday Worship Weekly
Worship, 10:30 am in the Meetinghouse
Weekly Meditation Offerings
Sundays, Silent Prayer and Meditation, 9am in the Children’s Church
Thursdays, Silent Prayer and Meditation, 7pm in the Children’s Church
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 – 2:00 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
- Silent Prayer & Meditation, 9:00am in the Children’s Church
EVERY THURSDAY
Silent Prayer & Meditation, 7:00 pm in the Children’s Church (Note new time)
SIGN UP GENIUS (formerly known as the Planner)
The link to SignUp Genius is: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d44aca728a02-sunday1
You can sign up for one our our Sunday volunteer positions.