This Week in Worship

Sunday, October 11 — Worship @ 10:30 am in Parish Hall

The Blessing of the Animals

Worship Leader: Jennie Mulqueen

The idea of blessing animals in a church service was one of those things that had never entered my mind until someone mentioned that it was happening at their church. I thought for sure it must be some crazy liberal church like ours, but it was to happen at St. Joe’s, where I had been a Cub Scout. Once again my mind was blown, why this very respectable church would allow, no invite, people to bring their pets to church for a worship service. To be honest, my response was due in part to the fact that we had a very nasty dog growing up, who bit everyone. She bit everyone in the family, and everyone in the neighborhood, we hated bringing her on walks so the idea of bringing her to a place like a church seemed beyond comprehension.

However, over the years the idea of an animal blessing has grown on me, not only have we had nicer pets, but because I’ve grown to the concept of including our non-human companions in our blessings. These are the ones who greet us first thing in the morning, who see us as we really are, and who are more often than not a blessing to us. So this Sunday please come with your pet, and if you have young children who have teddy bears they would like to bring, they are invited to bring them forward for a blessing as well. This is a very fun service so don’t miss it.

I want to just take a moment and thank Jenni Mulqueen and the Worship Committee for filling in for me this Sunday as I have to be in Washington DC to lead a funeral for a dear friend. I look forward to seeing all of you next week at the Beyond Categorical Thinking service and workshop on the 18th. The Search Committee is organizing lunch and child care so look for their announcements!

Rev. Hank

Religious Exploration

Sunday, October 11

Intergenerational Service This Week:
No classes or youth chat

The Nursery is available for children 4 years and younger

News and Announcements

Milton Community Concerts — Sunday, October 18th at 4:00 pm

Milton Community Concerts presents “Right on Your Doorstep”, a free benefit concert to support music in the Milton Public Schools. Milton resident Pauline Wells and MHS grad Brandon Grimes headline a wonderfully eclectic program of songs in a variety of styles. They will be joined by pianist Timothy Steele and others right here at First Parish Church. Free admission; a free-will offering will be taken. For more information visit: http://miltoncommunityconcerts.com.

Congratulations to our new members: Michael Bennett, Paula Bennett, Laurie Bilyeu, David Egan, Franc Graham and Mary Lalonde.

The Milton House Party

To benefit Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts.

At the home of Kristina Bieker-Brady and David Brady
Wednesday, October 14th @ 6:00-8:00 p.m

Co-Chairs:

Kathryn Beaumont Murphy & Timothy Murphy, Roberta Williamson, and Stephen Kruckall

Questions? Contact us at events@pplm.org or contact Bebe Williamson.

Maia Sharp In Concert

The Milton Art Center kicks off its Fall Series with celebrated pop singer Maia Sharp this Saturday night, October 17. A favorite songwriter of Bonnie Raitt’s, this California-based artist is making her only area appearance in our town! You can’t miss it – especially because FP Milton’s own Franc Graham is opening for the marvelous Maia. Tickets $15 ($40 for the 3-show series) Doors open at 7

The Search Is On!

News from the Ministerial Search Committee (MSC)

Beyond Categorical Thinking (BCT)
Sunday, October 18, 2015,
Worship 10:30 am
Workshop 12-3 PM

We Still Need You!

Please plan to participate in our Beyond Categorical Thinking Workshop on Sunday, October 18. This program includes a Sunday morning service with BCT workshop facilitators followed by a workshop from 12 to 3 PM and is designed to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent unfair discrimination in the search process for a new minister. See your EVITE for more information.

And thank you to all who participated in the Congregational Survey. We got more than 60% participation and are looking forward to sharing the results with you. Missed out on your chance to be heard? Not to worry: we have scheduled several cottage meetings where your voice can be heard. Look for sign-up sheets at Sunday services and on the MSC bulletin board in the church’s link.

Two-way communication between the MSC and the congregation is essential to the success of our search. Please contact any of us if you have thoughts to share or questions.

Your Ministerial Search Committee:
Debbie Alsebai, Charlie Franich, Franc Graham, Elise Henricks, Jim May, Brigitte Miller, and Tracey Robinson.

Kiki’s Corner

Sad news. Many of you know Diane Ferrari, the Milton Residents Fund Coordinator, who works from her office in The Link. Diane’s mother passed away earlier this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. If you would like to send a note or card to Diane, Miriam or I will give you her address.

Fabulous Committee work this past weekend.

Congratulations to the Hospitality Committee (including some spouses and friends) for the spectacular Harvest Supper Saturday night. Good food, good company, great music, great door prizes. Door prizes were contributed by Hospitality, Caring, Membership and Religious Exploration Committees. Amy Kavadlo and Jen Pinkus are co-chairs of the Hospitality Committee. Marie-Laure Brown, Christa Ayoub, Pat Neves, Anita Penta, Allison Zippay, Claudia Wellington and Mark Whall are members of this great team.

Congratulations to the Membership Committee. Deb Larson-Venable and Richard Venable, co-chairs, managed to be part of a special Membership Sunday service, make sure the celebratory cake was delivered for Social Hour, and, yes, and represent the church at Celebrate Milton festivities. Tucker Smith also was on double duty both during the worship service and at Celebrate Milton. Thank you all!!

OFFICE CLOSED MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 for the Holiday.

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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!