Your Weekly Link – News and Updates 10/19/2017

Weekly Link 10-19-17

Church

This Week in Worship

Sunday, October 22, 2017 @ 10:30 am in the Meetinghouse

October Worship Theme – Spiritual Practices

Rev. LisaMinister Rev. Lisa Ward

Several resident theologians (another name for UU congregants) have shared with me that creativity is a spiritual practice for them. Finding expressions of reverence, connection, wonder and awe come more easily to some by manifesting a song, or a quilt, by creating a lovingly made meal or designed garden, through a heartfelt writing or etching on a canvass. This relates to the natural creativity in each of us, the spark that knows how to affirm life, the inherent ability to respond.

I think of Unitarian Universalism as a creative spirituality. Creativity, like Unitarian Universalism, invites diversity of possibility and opinion to gel into a sense of truth. It calls us to the relevance of the living of our lives. Creativity is about living with unknown answers. So is Unitarian Universalism. Creativity is about engaging ourselves in the life we are given and sharing what we see of it to others. So is Unitarian Universalism. Creativity is about opening ourselves to that mysterious wisdom within, that intuition that can guide us to embrace the truth of the moment. And so is Unitarian Universalism.

Come this Sunday and ponder together the creative spirituality of our faith.

Blessings Be,
Rev. Lisa

Religious ExplorationReligious Exploration

Laurel Whitehouse, Director of Religious Exploration

  • Nursery and toddler care is available every week in the Link hallway from 10:15 to 11:45 am. This year our caregivers are Daisy and Grace. Stop by and say hello!
  • Religious Exploration for Sunday, October 22: Preschool children through grade 8 will attend the first part of the worship service in the Meetinghouse and then move to their classrooms. Please note that classes end at 11:40 am.
  • Preschool through grade 2 will be enjoying the Spirit Play program in the Preschool classroom. This week’s story will be “Little Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything.” Grades 3 through 5 will be exploring the Super Heroes: Bible People curricula, meeting in the Children’s Church (new location). This week concludes the saga of Moses with Exodus from Egypt to Mount Sinai and the covenant of the 10 Commandments. Grades 6 through 8 will be continuing a curriculum called Friends and Neighbors, meeting in the Activity room. This week the class will continue its exploration of Hinduism.
  • Beginning this week Youth activities will be posted in the Link by our Youth Advisor. Look for her column to learn what activities and events the youth will be engaging in each week.
  • Register your child or youth! The Religious Education Committee requests all families to register their children and youth before classes begin on September 17. Paper registration forms are available on the RE bulletin board in the Link hallway.

Halloween Dance Party
Friday, October 27th
7pm – 9:30pm

The RE Committee is hosting its 8th annual Spooktacular Dance Party. Costumes, dancing and fun for all! Tell your friends, bring the neighbors, this is a party for everybody.

Experience the Eerie Haunted House created by our ghastly youth group — Go through it if you DARE! (You can request the full scare or a calmer version if you prefer.)

If you would like to help setup, cleanup or providing Halloween-themed desserts, please email Laurel Whitehouse, Director of Religious Exploration

RSVP to the Evite

Youth Yacking!

Sara Elizabeth Santa Cruz, Youth Advisor

Welcome to the first weekly “Youth Yacking” update that will be coming to you via The Link! Our goal is to increase communication about exactly what topics are being discussed in Youth Chat as well as additional logistical communication! Ideas or feedback? Feel free to contact Sara Elizabeth!

This week we have…

  • Youth Chat, 10:30am to 11:30am This week’s focus is going to be in discussing and planning social action related goals the youth have for the year.
  • CAT (Community & Activity Time), 12pm to 2pm Youth are going to be planning for the annual Haunted Halloween Hallway for the RE Halloween Party next Friday, October 27th!

News and Announcements

Thursday night mediation now begins at 7:00pm in the Children’s Church

Ushers Needed:

  • October 29th
  • December 10th
  • April 1st
  • Christmas Eve Services

Due to some last minute unavailability, Worship Committee is seeking some ushers who are willing to usher more than once. We have open dates on 10/29, 12/10 and 4/1. Please email Mallory Digges if you are willing to be a fill-in usher on any of those dates, in addition to your previously scheduled date.

We are also seeking ushers for all of the Christmas Eve services – 2 for the 10:30 am service, 2 (hopefully parents of Pageant participants) for the Pageant at 5 pm, and 4 ushers for the candlelight service at 10. If you are interested in ushering for any of these services, please contact Mallory Digges. Thank you!

Sign Up for a Circle Social the next two Sundays during Social Hour

Circle Socials are convivial potluck events intended to promote deeper, stronger connections within First Parish’s community. Hosts provide a main course and coordinate what guests contribute (appetizers, salads/side dishes, desserts, beverages).

Adult evenings beginning at 6:30 pm (4 dates)
Sunday, 10/29, Friday 11/3, Tuesday, 11/14 and Saturday 11/18.

Family friendly brunch at 10:00 am – Saturday 11/4

Questions? Contact Tucker Smith

All Church Council (ACC)

Sunday October 29th from 12:00-2:00pm

Everyone and anyone with an interest in who we are, what we are doing, where we are going and sharing in the experience as we build our collective vision of the future is welcome to attend. each standing committee will report on their activities, success, work to be done and plans to be made for the future.

You do not need to be a committee member to attend. Light lunch (pizza and some salad) will be available. You are welcome to bring something to share.

If you need childcare, please email office@fpmilton.org no later than Thursday October 26th.

RSVP to Evite sent today!

Wednesday, November 1

Vespers Service for Healing and Resilience

Children’s Church – 6:30 – 7:15 pm

Come join Rev. Lisa for a healing and resilience chapel service in the Children’s Church, Wednesday, November 1 from 6:30-7:15 pm. So much is going on in our world individually, communally and globally. It is hard to stay centered on that which abides to give strength, wisdom and encouragement. It is good to gather in community for prayer, reflection, shared hopes and resilience. This is a monthly series to be held the first Wednesday night of the month.

Saturday, November 4 at 5pm

Parish Hall

Social Action Potluck

The Social Action Committee warmly invites you to a potluck meeting on Saturday, November 4 at 5pm in the Parish Hall to learn more about the work we are doing, ways to get involved, and to celebrate our work.

REMINDER

We have set up office supplies in the Library for volunteers to access on Sundays. Feel free to check in with Kathy Tracey, during the week, if you may need some special supply for a meeting/program you are having. Ushers will do the collection count in the library. Forms, calculators, etc. are in a green box marked “Sunday Collection”. Check the freezer for coffee if you are a social hour host. Completed forms, notes, pledge checks, may be put in the Grey Box.

Adult Enrichment Programming

CPR for the Soul! InterPlay Gathering in New England
CC King, Dirkje Legerstee, Lisa Laing and others
First Parish Milton Parish Hall
Saturday, October 21, 1:00 pm to 4pm

Feeling unnerved by the rapid changes in society and the pace of our lives? Seeking fresh ways to find your groove or ground your days? Interplay may be just the thing. Combining story-telling, simple observation and embodied creativity, Interplay inspires new insights, fresh outlooks and shared truths. Interplay offers the opportunity to experience the richness of community and one’s own agency within it. Come ready to move and play. All bodies are welcome. All abilities embraced.

1:00pm – 4:00 pm Open Play for people of any and all experience.
Newcomers welcome!

Cost: $10-35, sliding scale; don’t let funding concerns keep you away!
Registration/Information: CC King

The Green Team next meets tonight

Thursday October 19, 2017, 7:30-9pm

Email Jennie for questions

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Father Bill’s
Volunteers needed to prepare and serve dinner in Quincy.
Contact Peter Schneider at peterlschneider@gmail.com

Halloween Dance Party

Friday, October 27th
Parish Hall 7pm – 9:30pm

All Church Council

Sunday, October 29, 2017
12 noon – Parish Hall

Wednesday, November 1

Vespers Service for Healing and Resilience
Children’s Church – 6:30 – 7:15 pm

Saturday, November 4 at 5pm

Parish Hall
Social Action Potluck

Social Action Committee News

Upcoming & Ongoing Events

Check out the Social Action Calendar the Committee’s Builletin Board
or at the information tables in the Stebbins Parlor and Parish Hall Foyer.

The Green Team

The Green Team will meet at Jennie Mulqueen’s house on third Thursdays 7:30-9pm: October 19, November 16, Jan 18, Feb 15, March 15, April 19, May 17. There are still slots open on the team. Our agenda this year is to identify and recommend environmental projects for First Parish Milton to undertake 2018-2019.

Email Jennie for questions.
Together we can make a difference.

Sign up during social hour to volunteer with Social Action on upcoming Saturdays:

  • November 11, 2017
  • December 9, 2017

Fair Foods Inc. rescues surplus fruits and vegetables from Boston industry source and distribute the food to those in need. (www.fairfoods.org)

The Social Action Committee is looking for volunteers to prepare and serve meals at Father Bill’s in Quincy on the following dates:

  • Dinner, Sunday, October 22, 2017
  • Lunch, Saturday, November 11, 2017

For more information contact Peter Schneider.

The Courageous Conversations Team, in partnership with the Milton Interfaith Clergy Association, Milton Reflecting, and Milton for Peace, invites you to a monthly series of dialogue-centered programs on racism and privilege designed to address racial healing and justice in our town. Now more than ever, we must engage in this critical work of recognizing and dismantling racism in our society.

For more information, please contact Rev. Maurice Davis at 617 322 1567.

Kiki

Kiki’s Corner

Please note you will be receiving two evites from FP Milton today. One for the Halloween Dance Party and one for the All Church Council. Please RSVP. This helps us know our headcount for each event.

Are you interested in learning more about First Parish and becoming a member? A First Parish Orientation and Path to Membership Program is currently being planned. Please let me know if you are interested in attending. Email me. We want to schedule a time that will work will work for optimum attendance.

Did you know we have a social media waiver form? We ask that you give us permission (or not) to use your image (or your child or youth) in our social media platforms. These would include The Link, www.fpmilton.orge, Facebook and Twitter in particular. If you have already completed a form, there is nothing more to do. If you don’t remember, complete one again. Check the Information Tables and the Congregational Life builletin board in the Link to get a form. Completed forms can be returned to the Grey Box outside the office.

STAY CONNECTED

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

REMINDER THE LINK DEADLINE IS TUEDAYS

“Brevity Matters” – Peter Bowden, Social Media Guru and wise UU

Deadline for submissions is Tuesdays. You need to address email to both office@fpmilton.org and director@fpmilton.org to assure your announcement will be included in the weekly Link. Written announcements for the Sunday Order of Worship are derived from the announcements for The Link. We, from time to time, will also publish non-church events with a connection to a member of the church. Your submission may be edited due to space requirements. We recommend that you submit no more than 1 – 2 paragraphs.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Monday – Thursday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Other times by appointment

MINISTER OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday – Thurday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Other times by appointment

The Church office is closed on Fridays

SUMMER SUNDAYS

June 25 – September 3
Worship, 9:30 am in the Children’s Church
Silent Prayer & Meditation, 8:30 am in the Children’s Church
No Religious Exploration Program , Nursery Care, Choir Rehearsal

Beginning Sunday, September 10

Worship, 10:30am 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, 6:30pm in the Children’s Church

SIGN UP GENIUS (formerly known as the Planner)

The link to SignUp Genius is:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d44aca728a02-sunday?1472051612751