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
- Actions for Justice and Democracy
This Week in Worship
October Worship Theme: CONNECTION “Generations of Witness”
Worship Assistant: Chris Clifford
Greeter: Mallory Digges
Flowers: Mallory Digges
Audio: Alex Feliz
Social Hour: Lisa White, Jeff Stoodt & Dianna Wilson
This week’s offering will be given to the Voter Movement Fund. The MV Fund is non-partisan and supports grassroots organizations and their local issues/causes. Volunteer, Robert Rosofsky, will speak on their behalf.
In researching for Sunday’s sermon, I came across a pamphlet entitled “New Prayers in Old Places” by Vincent T. Pomeroy, Minister Emeritus of First Parish in Milton, having served from 1924-1954. His wife, Dorothy Pomeroy was the inspiration and project manager of the Children’s Church.
The pamphlet, published by Beacon Press in 1955, is dedicated to : “the congregation of the First Parish in Milton, Massachusetts”. We’ll use one of his prayers for the reading in the worship service.
This Sunday we will be travelling through the history of the Parish that is marked by plaques and bold lettering in the Meetinghouse itself. The structure we meet in now was built in 1787. It is the fourth meetinghouse, having three others reconstructed or succumbed to fire since 1678.
Many struggles, fears, joys, transformations, care and wisdom from countless parishioners have blessed our Meetinghouse. Since its construction, this Nation has experienced the establishment of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Abolition movement, the Civil War, the World Wars, the Vietnam War, the Women’s Suffrage Movement, the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement… to name a few.
In this Meetinghouse people have despaired about the end of the world, the demise of humanity, care for the earth and its peoples, exuberance in solidarity and grief in shared loss. Generations of witness whose wisdom remains in the living of our days. Come hear about some of the ministers and leaders who helped shape who we are as a faith community.
Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa
Music
The music for this Sunday will be provided by Arman Mohammad. He will be offering “Moonstoney” by Toninho Horta, “Garoa e Maresia” by Guniga, “Pretty Women” by Stephen Sondheim, and “Simbiose” by Daniel Santiago and will feature special guest, Pedro Secco on guitar.
MESSIAH SING ON DECEMBER 7th 3:00pm
Looking ahead to December, there will be a town-wide Messiah-Sing on Sunday, December 7th at 3pm in the Meetinghouse. Singers and listeners are welcome to attend this informal and fun sing-through of the Christmas portions of Handel’s MESSIAH. Music will be provided, or you can bring your own score. Soloists from several churches in Milton will also be singing. This will be a fundraiser for the Milton Food Pantry and the Milton Residents Fund.
Religious Exploration
Trunk or Treat: Candy, Costumes & Community Fun!
Sunday, October 26th 3:00pm-5:00pm
First Parish Milton Parking Lot
Come in costume and enjoy an afternoon of safe, family-friendly Halloween fun! Details:
- Free Admission
- Geared toward younger children, but all ages welcome
- Stroller- and wheelchair-friendly
- Trick-or-treating from decorated trunks
- Bouncy house fun and Touch-a-truck for Kids from Milton Public Works!
- Nut-free candy will be available and also some non-candy treats for kids.
- Rain Plan: If the weather is bad, the fun moves indoors!
This event is co-sponsored by First Parish Milton and United Congregational Church Milton.
Questions? Contact Susannah Bales at redirector@fpmilton.org or text 470-223-0337.
Trunk Volunteers Needed
Want to join the fun in a big way? Be a Trunk Volunteer at our Trunk or Treat!
- Decorate your car trunk, dress up if you’d like, and pass out candy (please, no nuts).
- Arrive by 2:45 PM for set-up.
- Please register at this link or email redirector@fpmilton.org or text 470-223-0337
- Please Keep decorations and costumes family-friendly—and note, there is no electricity access for trunks.
- The Best Trunk will win a prize (TBA)!
It’s a fun way to celebrate Halloween, connect with neighbors, and spread joy to local kids! Questions? Contact Susannah Bales at redirector@fpmilton.org or text 470-223-0337.
News & Announcements
First Parish HOLIDAY FAIR –
Saturday, Dec 13th
9:30 am-1:30pm
We will have our amazing Holiday Fair again. More information will be coming but if you know crafters who might like to rent a table, please ask them to email me for information or send them the application below. We are lining them up now! Leslie at: lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com
*Help is Available*
If you are a First Parish member who has been laid off due to the Government Shut Down, remember there is a parish member’s fund that can be accessed for a one-time grant.
Contact Rev. Lisa minister@fpmilton.org
Grief Support Group
Last Two sessions are October 22nd and 29th 7:00pm-8:30pm
When we lose a loved one through death, the world is different, our lives shift in meaning, our ground is shaken. We can feel isolated by our grief. We can also feel a lack of strength or initiative to find a way through. One way to help adjust to the new reality and find our inner resources is to share our journey of loss and recovery with others. There are many ways that we grieve and many kinds of losses. This group is focused on loss due to the death of a loved one. The loss can be recent or from years gone by. We ask participants to commit to at least three of the sessions.
Please email minister@fpmilton.org if you are interested.
Spam Emails
Just an internet safety reminder- before you open any emails- especially emails with attachments- be sure to check that recognize the email address of the sender. A First Parish member recently had this happen, so we wanted to share some tips.
Phishing emails are designed to outsmart the spam filters on the email, so as a reminder:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from someone or company you know or trust, like a friend, or your bank. The message could be from a scammer, who might:
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click to open a link — but the link has malware
While real companies might communicate with you by email, legitimate companies won’t email or text with a link to update your payment information.
Events
Navigating the Political Climate October 23rd
Meet by Zoom only
Fourth Thursday of the month, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Some are struggling with the divisive nature of politics in their families or circles of friends. Others feel a kind of “existential dread” in witnessing how we are treating one another in the public square and through media.
We gather via zoom every for an hour to address issues of civility, handling difficult conversations and/or the challenges of democracy.
SAVE THE DATE:
The annual Harvest Supper is scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, 6:00pm-9:30pm in the Parish Hall.
It is a potluck event with more info to follow.
Plan Your Own Memorial Service
November 15th 1:00-5:00pm
A true gift that you can give your loved ones is to offer suggestions for planning your memorial service. At a time when they will be struggling with grief, some clarity supports their gathering to honor your life. We will walk through several possible aspects of a memorial service, offer resources and devote time to explore your unique being – your unique voice.
From the Membership Committee:
The calendar may say October, but the Membership Committee is already thinking about December! We have already begun planning our annual fun-fest: the Holiday Fair!
This year, it will be held on Saturday, December 13th. To help us plan better, we are reaching out to you now We are hoping that those of you who volunteered before will help again and come to our two planning meetings in November. (likely Zoom meetings.) Last year, we had an amazing crew who helped with:
- Greeting shoppers and crafters
- Monitoring chili lunch table
- Staff the bake sale table
- Set up/clean up
- Help with sales at Fair Trade table
Whether or not you helped before, you are definitely encouraged to join us.
Please email with your interest and questions: lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com
Social & Environmental Justice
NEXT DATE IS November 19th
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
Actions for Justice and Democracy Coming Up Soon
The Visibility Brigade continues our weekly standout
On the East Milton Overpass (Adams Street)
EVERY Wednesday afternoon from 4:30-6:30pm
Each week, we share a new reminder for rush hour drivers:
WE CANNOT PRETEND EVERYTHING IS OKAY
OUR DEMOCRACY IS AT RISK
WE MUST STAND UP AND SPEAK OUR TRUTH!
Come whenever you are able and stay for whatever time you can spare.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE!
Saturday, October 18 1:30 – 3pm EDT
East Milton Square
Please join Debbie Alsebai and other church members and friends to ride the T or drive into Boston for the No Kings Day Rally on the Boston Common, Saturday, October 18th from 1-3. We will be departing 11 Morton Road, Milton at 11:00 AM via the Central Ave T Stop or by car.
All are welcome and encouraged to take to the streets and show the world what we stand for and against. Bringing signs, swag and water is encouraged. RSVP alsebai@verizon.net or simply show up.
About this event
In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.
Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.
The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.
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.