Don’t Forget to Change Your Clocks!

This Week in Worship

Sunday, November 2, 2014

10:30am in the Meetinghouse

The Rev. David O. Rankin, one of my childhood ministers, wrote a piece about the dangers of preaching politics from the pulpit.

“In 1968, I delivered a sermon prior to the presidential election. It was not a partisan plea, since I was not overly impressed with either Richard Nixon or Hubert Humphrey. Instead, I merely recommended, at the conclusion of the sermon, that I hoped everyone would vote for the most intelligent, experienced, and compassionate candidate. So imagine my surprise when a man confronted me in the reception line and angrily shouted, “how dare you use the pulpit to support Hubert Humphrey.”

So I understand the possibility of being yelled at for bring politics into the pulpit. That said it is a long and important tradition for an Election Sermon to be given from the pulpit of this church, and I am not going to miss the opportunity!

It is also a Sunday when we remember those members and friends of this church and our loved ones who who have died in this past year and we invite you to bring an item that best represents them to place on the table, be it a photo, a letter, or even a tool box. It is a lovely ritual and helps this community to come together in a shared experience.

Please remember to turn your clocks back this Sunday too!

Hank

Worship Services for November, the theme is Forgiveness

11/2 Pray for the Dead, Fight like Hell for the Living
This Sunday we will spend time recognizing those people in our lives who have died in this past year. We will also think of the ways we can have a positive impact in our world by way of the ballot box.

11/9 The Divinity of Forgiveness
“If you can’t forgive, you are still in bondage” wrote The Rev. Laurel Hallman. Today’s service I will address the power and need for forgiveness in our lives. An important theme on this Sunday after the election.

11/16 Building A New Way Together The Rev. Vail Weller
Today we are very lucky to be joined by Vail Weller who is the Congregational Giving Director at the UUA and a dear friend. She will be helping us kick off our annual stewardship campaign and preaching on the stewardship theme of “Building a New Way Together.”

11/23 A Thanksgiving Away
Come hear the story of the only time I ever spent Thanksgiving away from home, the only time I ever had Thanksgiving in the South.

11/23 Thanks for Giving Service at St. Mary’s 4:00
Everyone is invited to this wonderful service where members of the various religious faiths in Milton join together to give thanks, honor various volunteers in Milton and catch our breath before we dive head long into the Holiday Season.

11/30 We Begin Again in Love
Part of Forgiveness is beginning again. It can be difficult if you are the one forgiving, but it is life giving for those who have been forgiven. There is only one way to begin again and that is in love.

Religious Exploration

Classes Sunday, November 2, 2014

• Remembrance Sunday
• Multigenerational Worship
• No RE Classes for grades K through 7th
• All are invited to attend the Worship Service
• 8th Graders Owl Program goes directly to the Children’s Church at 10am.
  (OWL meets from 10am – 11:30am)
• Youth Chat go directly to the youth room at 10:30am.
• The Nursery is available for children ages 4 and younger

A Call for Legos

We are looking to add legos to our Spirit Play room. If you have any pieces that are no longer being used and would like to find them a good home please bring them in.

Thank you,
The RE Committee

Babysitters Needed!

The Nursery at First Parish in Milton is looking for babysitters. If you have a teenager who has taken the babysitting course and is available to work Sunday mornings please email me.

The RE Booklet is available online. CLICK HERE to check it out!

News and Announcements

Saturday, November 15,2014

The First Parish Fun Raiser

The First Parish Milton Fall Funraiser is less than a month away! Now is 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.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4th — Remember to

The Milton House Party, November 6th, 2014

The Milton House Party benefits Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. Contact the committee members for more specifics. Members are Tucker Smith, Bebe Williamson, and Jen Erbe Leggett:

Sara Hickman to Shine in Milton — Saturday, November 8th

If you were one of the many First Parish listeners who have seen Sara Hickman in concert, you know that she’s a dynamic performer. For those of you who haven’t, this rare opportunity arises once more. She’s coming to the Milton Art Center on Saturday night, November 8!. Now, for $20 on a “date night” in Milton, you can experience her music live! CLICK HERE to reserve a seat. The show starts at 7:30 with local favorite Brian King kicking off the festivities. The first concert in the Milton Music Series sold out – so hurry!

Kiki’s Corner

Volunteer Opportunity for November and December

Beth Gray-Nix is looking for a co-chair to help coordinate First Parish parishioners contributions to the Milton Residence Fund Holiday Gift Program. It primarily involves being available several Sundays at social hour to promote the program and get folks signed up. It is time limited, a great cause and a way to meet some of your fellow First Parishers. Email us for details.

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!