This Week in Worship

Sunday, October 19, 2014

10:30am in the Meetinghouse

Why did you first come to this church? Had you belonged to another Unitarian Universalist church, or did you hear about the music? Were your children in need of religious education, or were you looking for a liberal religious community. Or maybe you were born here and you never thought of going somewhere else. We come to our churches for many reasons, and we end up staying often times for different ones.

Why do you stay? Is there something in your reason that the church should try and amplify to help make this place better than it already is? We’ll see you in church!

Rev. Hank

P.S. Thanks to everyone who brought their pets to last week’s Animal Blessing, what a wonderful service it was.
There were 10 dogs, 3 birds, 1 cat and 2 teddy bears.

The Worship Theme for October is FAITH

26 When I Say God Rev. Hank Peirce

The great minister of the Free Church John Haynes Holmes once wrote: “When I say ‘God’ it is poetry and not theology.” What does that word mean to you? What is your relationship with it, and how is your relationship affected by the beliefs or non-belief’s of others?

Religious Exploration

Classes Sunday, October 19, 2014

Pre-k – 2nd grades Spirit Play students go directly to their classrooms.

3rd – 6th Graders Small Group Ministry will begin in the Meetinghouse before being dismissed to their Religious Education classes.

7th Graders Neighboring Faiths will be traveling to Christian Science Center meeting at First Parish at 9:15am.

8th Grader Owl Program participants go directly to the Children’s Church at 10am. (OWL meets Sundays from 10am – 11:30am)

8th – 12th Graders Youth Chat meet in the Youth Room. Youth Group will be meeting from 12pm-2pm.

The Nursery is available for children ages 4 and younger

News and Announcements

Halloween Dance Party

Friday, October 24, 7pm-9pm

It’s a Halloween Party you’re in for a scare, our treats will delight you, be there if you dare! A night for all ages, much fun is in store so put on a costume and don’t be a bore.

The RE Committee is hosting its 5th annual Spooktacular Dance Party. Hope to see you there! $5 suggested donation at the door.

If you would like to help setup, cleanup, or providing Halloween-themed desserts, please email Jen Leggett or Miriam Febres.

The First Church in Sterling invites you to join us to celebrate the installation of the Reverend Robin Bartlett on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at 4pm at 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road Sterling, Massachusetts. Reception to Follow. Please RSVP to: fcsterling.org/installation or by calling 978-422-6657.

SAMHAIN RITUAL

Sunday, October 26 at 5:00pm

Bright, cool days. Warm cider and donuts. Dazzling landscapes. Amid the beauty of autumn we feel the life around us begin its decline, for now comes the season of barrenness.

The celebration of Samhain (SAH-win) is the beginning of the dark half of the year. It is a time for letting go, letting go of summer and of those things in our lives we are ready to leave behind. It is also a time for remembering and honoring those who have passed from this life.

Join the FP Great Blue Hill CUUPS chapter in an earth-centered Samhain service on Sunday afternoon at 5:00pm in the Parish Hall. All are welcome to bring photos and mementos of loved ones for the altar.

As usual we share a potluck feast after the ritual. For more information, contact Pam Dorsey at 617-980-6079 or Mark Whall at 617-282-4075.

The Milton House Party

The Milton House Party will benefit Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. An invite from members Tucker Smith, Bebe Williamson, and Jen Erbe Leggett:

We are proud to be committee members for an upcoming House Party to raise funds for Planned Parenthood of MA. The event takes place on November 6th, 2014 at a local home, and we’d love to have you there! Please contact any of us to find out more and buy a ticket! Hope to join you there to support a worthy cause!

Saturday, November 15,2014

The First Parish Fun Raiser

The First Parish Milton Fall Funraiser is less than a month away! Your chance to bid on and win fabulous vacations, exquisite works of art, delectable gourmet items and highly sought after services. Or, just come to marvel at the offerings and support our faith community. We still need contributions but most of all we need you and your friends. Festivities begin at 7PM

Silent Prayer & Meditation

Sundays, 9:00am & Wednesdays, 7:00pm
Children’s Church
Each week we offer a brief reading on a spiritual theme, followed by 30 minutes of silence. Whether you are new to silence or a longtime practitioner, you are welcome to join us for this restoring practice.

Kiki’s Corner

Celebrate Milton a success for First Parish. Many  Milon folk received fortune cookies about First Parish from Rev. Hank and Membership Committee members, Charlie Franich, Deb Larson Venable and Ruth Heiden. Many of you stopped by the table and resisted temptation.  This Sunday, fortune cookies will be available during social hour for our own FP family. (Supplies limited)

Have you liked our Facebook Page? If not, You should. Rev. Hank has been sharing some historic photos, others are sharing RE news, FP upcoming events, and photos from this fall.

First Parish is refreshing its public relations materials and will be undertaking more photography and videography of church activities, including religious education events, classes, and children’s church. These images may occasionally be shared with the broader community, e.g. through local media. If you do not want your child’s or your image to be shared beyond the First Parish community, please contact the office.

Items for The Link are due Tuesday at 5 pm. Please email both Miriam and Kiki at the office to make sure your item is included.
To quote Peter Bowden, social media guru and UU, “brevity matters”. Please keep your announcement limited to one paragraph. We may limit or edit text.

STAY CONNECTED

Follow First Parish on Facebook and get updates, poems, announcements and more. You’ll be glad you did!

EVERY SUNDAY

Worship, 10:30am in the Meetinghouse

Silent Prayer & Meditation, 9:00am in the Children’s Church

THE SUNDAY PLANNER

Please consider volunteering for important Sunday worship positions like ushering, hosting social hour, providing flowers for worship, and lighting the chalice. Sign Up Here!