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… 
This Week in Virtual Worship
Sunday, October 11, 2020 10:30am
“Indigenous People’s Day”
Facilitated by: Rev. Lisa Ward
Worship Associate: Elise Henricks
Music: Tim Steele
Virtual Social Hour Host: Chris Pitt
Please see the zoom link below. Please log in at 10:20, to give some lead time for the service at 10:30. You will be muted, but you can communicate through the chat box. If you do not have zoom on your computer, please download it ahead of time. It is free.
Sunday’s offering will be dedicated to the services and ministry of First Parish Milton.
We’ve added the offering to the service with a new way to give- text to giving! We will continue having a social hour after services. Just stay on the Zoom worship call. It will be good to worship together. Do join us on Sunday if you can!
Table of Contents
1. Book Club
2. Volunteers Needed
3. All Church Council Meeting
4. 24 Hours of Climate Reality: Countdown to the Future Slide Presentation
5. Blessing of the Animals
6. Aging Group with Mark Ostrem, M.D.
7. Milton Domestic Violence Prayer Vigil
8. Racial Justice Conversations
9. Cooking lessons via Zoom
10. In Person Check-in Chats with Minister
11 Neponset Neighbors Together Fund
12. Father Bills volunteer opportunity
13. Fair Foods volunteer opportunity
14. Weekly Meditation
At our monthly Milton Interfaith Clergy Association (MICA) meeting yesterday, a guiding phrase emerged: we need “to extend a margin of grace” toward our endeavors. These are, truly, unprecedented times, so to expect normalcy is an exercise in futility. We do naturally lean toward routines and habitual hopes. We crave the familiar and aspire to “having a hold on things”. But right now, that’s an exercise in futility. How about we lean into these unusual times, extending a margin of grace in the journey?
Even in the struggle, and the grief, and the sense of helplessness, and the fear, there are teaching moments, new awarenesses, the shedding of unnecessary distractions and the expanding of possibility. This life is here for us to experience and cherish, to share and uphold. We are challenged in these times to do just that for ourselves and others.
When we recognize that we are in the midst of a long haul, we can then let ourselves off the hook a bit. Some days you’ll be able to carry the load and will learn about your strength and growing edges. Some days you’ll have a hard time facing the journey and will need to ask for help. Some days will be long and hard, others new and adventurous. Lean into these times and trust your ability to experience, cherish, share and uphold our lives with and for one another.
This I pray.
Rev. Lisa
Religious Exploration
Family Spirit Circle: Packets have been delivered to families of elementary school or younger children on the theme of our UU Chalice. Each packet contains a copy of A Cup of Light by Pamela Baxter explaining the history and meaning of the chalice. See the coordinating family newsletter for a link to a great rendition of “This Little Light of Mine.” Families are encouraged to post photos of your completed chalices on our Padlet page so we can all see each other’s creations! And don’t forget to drop off your chalice to share in the bin inside the carriage sheds. Email fpmiltonre@gmail.com if you need the newsletter or would like to be added to our list of RE families.
Middle School Connections: A Halloween event is being planned. Once the details have been finalized we will reach out to families to encourage middle schoolers to participate.
Youth Group: Our team of ‘Visionary Youth Volunteers’ have invited youth group members to a Zoom planning session for possible Halloween activity. We are seeking ideas for an alternative to the ever-popular Haunted Hallway, traditionally run by the youth. The Zoom call will be on Saturday, October 10, at 3 pm. Contact fpmiltonre@gmail.com if you need the Zoom link.
[In-person religious exploration programs are suspended until we are able to gather together safely. There will be no Sunday morning nursery care, classroom programming, or youth group activities at First Parish Milton while worship services remain virtual only. Fear not! Religious exploration is continuing as we experiment with new ideas and approaches in this time of liminal space.]
~ Our bodies may not be touching, but our hearts are still connected.~
OUR MUSIC THIS SUNDAY: This week we are featuring the music of Native American composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, who incorporates elements of his native culture in symphonic music, ballet, opera, and film scores.
His works have been played by the National Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Sympony, and Dallas Symphony, among others.
He taught composition for the Chickasaw Summer Arts Academy and to American Indian high school students in Minneapolis, the Hopi, Navajo, and Lummi reservations.
We also welcome violinist and First Parish member Julia Cash, as well as guest vocalist Jaime Korkos.
Julia is an active freelance musician, playing with the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra and Opera Boston, as well as a teacher at the New England Conservatory Preparatory Department. Jaime has sung with the Boston Lyric Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and Odyssey Opera.
Events, News & Announcements
The Great Pumpkin Event is coming!
Mark your calendars for the start of it on Saturday, October 17th.
More details to follow!
**Courageous Conversations Towards Racial Justice Book Club**
TODAY, October 8th 12:00pm we will finish the AUTUMN Chapter and go week by week through the seasons. Zoom link can be found here. Will run for 5 weeks. Inviting family and friends is welcome and encouraged! There is so much we can learn from each other!
Email Debbie Alsebai at alsebai@verizon.net for more information.
We’re are looking for voluteers to help put together photo arrays periodically this year.
Please contact the office: office@fpmilton.org, if you are willing to help create these wonderful renderings of our community.
First Parish will continue to have Zoom social hours while thechurch services are remote. If you haven’t attended, you should!It’s a great way to touch base with friends, old and new. In order to keep this going, we need your help! Please sign up to hostone or more social hours this fall. If you love doing it,the more dates the better! (If you haven’t done it yet, we’ll providetraining.)
All Church Council Meeting
Friday, Oct 166:00 pm-7:30 pm Several times a year, we gather for our All Church Council.
All committee chairs or representatives are encouraged to attend. The gathering is open to all church members and friends.
This is an opportunity for church leadership to connect and discuss goals and challenges for the year.
“24 Hours of Climate Reality: Countdown to the Future”
Sunday, October 11, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Free and open to all, via Zoom
Share the link!!!
Join Corinne Doud, a certified Climate Reality Leadership Corps trainer, for a slide presentation developed by former Vice President Al Gore. It provides an excellent overview of the science, the societal changes, and the solutions necessary to curb global warming and address the effects of climate change. Learn how climate change affects our world and what you can do the help address this challenge.
Discussion and Q&A will follow (optional). Corinne Doud chairs First Parish in Bedford’s Environmental Justice Committee and is co-coordinator of the Mothers Out Front Bedford Chapter.
Share this Zoom link with family or friends:
One tap mobile: +13126266799, ID 83429685798# PC 116304#
By phone: +1 646 558 8656
Questions? Please reach out to mountainbreeze52@gmail.com
On Saturday, October 10th from 10am-12:00pm Reverend Lisa will be in the courtyard of First Parish Milton to bless your animal(s), one animal household at a time. (weather permitting)
If you would like to have your animal blessed please come on by. If you come by vehicle, we kindly ask that you remain in your vehicle until there is an opening with Reverend Lisa. And if you come by foot with your pet, we will ask you to socially distance yourself to wait for an opening.
Remember masks required but not for pets
Aging Group with Mark Ostrem, M.D.Wednesday, 10/14, 9 a.m., Zoom As we had planned for last April, Mark Ostrem will be with us to talk about documents we may want to have in place regarding future medical decisions.
Mark is a longtime member of the congregation and a physician specializing in geriatrics.
If you are not alreading on the e-mail list of group members and would like to join us for this and/or future Zoom gatherings, please e-mail Penny at ppartridge9@icloud.com.
Milton Domestic Violence Prayer Vigil
In Memory of Loved Ones Taken by Domestic Violence and in Honor of Those who Survive Domestic Abuse
When: Thursday, October 15, 2020, at 6:00 PM
Virtual Prayer Vigil Hosted By: Parkway United Methodist Church
158 Blue Hills Pkwy, Milton, MA 02186
Contact: (617) 698-8583 for more information
Where Are We In the Cultural Shift Toward Racial Justice?
Bi-weekly Conversations by Zoom with Rev. Lisa and Debbie Alsebai
Next Session: Wednesday, October 21, 7:00pm – 8:30 pm
The isolation due to Covid-19 and the stark, unequivocal events of racial injustice in this nation has encouraged a widespread willingness to examine what is needed for true equity and justice for all. Let’s answer the call.Part of the work is seeing more clearly. This does not call for shame and blame, but for the courage of discomfort and openness to new choices and new changes. What does it mean that history is white washed? How does white privilege play out, even among well-meaning liberals? What is the networking of systemic racism? We’ll meet every other week to share stories, examine articles and short videos, and encourage one another to further see the culture we have been taught to navigate. This is a hope-filled endeavor.Please join us and invite your friends.
A zoom link will be sent out the week of the conversation. Interested? Contact the office: office@fpmilton.org.
**The Membership Committee brings you Zoom cooking lessons!**
Zoom by yourself and or with family. You will certainly have fun!! Each remaining month of 2020 we will introduce a new recipe and you can cook or bake alongside in the comfort of you own kitchen.
Friday, October 23 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Pizza Pizza
Miss Debbie will teach how to make pizza crust and Steve and Debbie will be showing how to make a red based tomato sauce and a white sauce. Let’s get creative with toppings too. What would you like to see On your pizza? Email Debbie Alsebai at alsebai@verizon.net and let her know.
Friday, November 13 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Roast a sweet pumpkin and then you will be ready to make the most delicious chocolate chip cookies you have ever had.
Friday, December 11 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Gifts from the Kitchen Tonight we will make hot cocoa mix and granola to package up so you can give them to your friends and family as gifts.
Please sign up for one or all three classes by emailing Debbie Alsebai at alsebai@verizon.net. Classes are for all ages. Kids will need adult supervision in the kitchen. Recipes will be sent out at least one week before the class for your shopping convenience.
IN-PERSON CHECK-IN CHATS WITH THE MINISTER THROUGH FALL!
New Dates Added!
(Have mask will travel, while the weather is good)
As we will remain in physically distanced community, exploring ways to connect through cyberspace most likely through 2020, I’d like to check-in with as many members and friends of First Parish who would like a physical visit or a brief time together outside on our campus.
On Campus:
Adirondack chairs, lovingly crafted by Karl Pastore, will be set out in a safely distanced circle for a 45 minute chat.
I have set aside Thursdays, from 4:00pm-6:00pm for folk to come on by, by appointment. We can have as many as four people meet together.
We meet for 45 minutes, which gives me 15 minutes to sanitize the chairs for the next small gathering. Masks required. We will honor the 6 foot distance.
Here is the sign-up genius for those meetings.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d44aca728a02-chats
At your home:
Have mask will travel: I am open to house calls. We can meet outside your home. Masks required. We will honor the 6 foot distance. If you are interested in a visit to your home, please contact me at minister@fpmilton.org.
All ages welcome for a check-in. Minors must have a parent or guardian present.
It is good to be with one another.
**Neponset Neighbors Together Fund**
If you have not donated and received a heart shaped sign to hang up at your home showing support for essential workers, it is not too late!! There are still signs available for a $25 or $100 donation to the Neponset Neighbor’s Together Fund.
Funds so far have been distributed to the Concord Baptist Church Food Panty, Shirleys Healthy Baby and Healthy Child Food Pantry, Neponset Health Center Panty and Hyde Park Food Pantry.
Over $30,000 have been raised so far and the needs are increasing. Above are some of the signs embellished at the Milton Mattapan Teen event held a few weeks ago at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Mattapan.
If you are interested in a plan heart or a particular design please email Debbie Alsebai at alsebai@verizon.net or call her at 617-821-9460.
Mainspring lunch program – HELP needed!
Volunteers are needed on October 21st. Volunteers acquire food and pack 10-20 lunches and deliver to the church between 12:45-1pm on Delivery day. One team lead drives all the lunches to the shelter in Brockton.