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… 
Table of Contents
- This Week in Worship
- Message from Rev. Lisa Ward
- Music
- Religious Exploration
- News & Announcements
- Events
- Social & Environmental Justice
- Actions for Justice and Democracy
This Week in Worship
November Worship Theme: DIFFERENCE “Want What You Have”
Guest Minister: Rev. Tricia Brennan
Worship Associate: Steve Yakutis
Greeter: Tracey Robinson
Social Hour Sunday is coffee only
Audio: Jeremiah Sitkoff
This week’s offering will go towards the service and ministry of First Parish.
*Prayers
If you are attending the service on Zoom and would like a prayer included, please email Rev. Lisa at minister@fpmilton.org by 5:00pm on Saturday.
Rev. Lisa Ward will be away at a conference till December 4th
Music
This Sunday Hunsaker soloist Carina Digianfilippo will be singing an uplifting gospel song called “This River”, written by Uzee Brown. Dr. Brown is originally from South Carolina, attended Morehouse College and the University of Michigan, and currently is a professor at Morehouse College. As a composer he is known for his solo gospel and spiritual arrangements. Penny Knight and Claudia Wellington will be collaborating on Bob Dylan’s “The Times, They Are A-Changin'”. And plan to arrive early so you can hear the prelude: Guy Pugh singing “Comfort Ye” and “Every Valley” from Handel’s MESSIAH.
MCC’S “SING FOR THEIR SUPPER”
A big thank you goes out to those of you who attended the “Sing For Their Supper” concert put on by Milton Community Concerts on November 16. The total donations you generously gave to support the Milton Residents Fund and the Milton Community Food Pantry came out to $1714.27. This support will mean so much to these two organizations at this important time. We hope that you will also consider attending the “Messiah Sing-Along” at First Parish on Sunday, December 7 at 3pm, a community event sponsored by all of the churches in Milton, and one which again will raise funds for these same two organizations.
Religious Exploration
Stocking Welcome Gifts – December 7th
During RE Class time on December 7th, all ages will be making Stocking Welcome Gifts for families served by the Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI). This special project will take place in the Parish Hall. Many thanks to Tracey Robinson from the SEJC who will lead the discussion about IFSI and the experiences of immigrants in our community, particularly children. You can support their efforts by donating supplies directly through our Amazon List your donations will be delivered right to the church. If you prefer not to use Amazon, that’s fine too! We welcome donations of small kid friendly stocking stuffers (please choose travel friendly items that are individually wrapped, not homemade and no nuts). Please drop items off outside of RE office door. Every item helps make this expression of care and connection possible. Thanks in advance for your support!
Christmas Pageant
Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 at 4pm
at First Parish Milton Meetinghouse @ 535 Canton Avenue
A joyful, all-ages retelling of the Christmas story — UU-style! Join us in celebrating the spirit of hope, peace, and love through story, song, and laughter. May we kindle the light of love and hope together this season
No Rehearsal — Just Drop In!
Everyone is welcome to take part! Costumes, props, and simple parts will be provided. We will meet in front of the Meetinghouse or inside if the weather is below freezing.
Speaking Roles Available
Email Susannah Bales at redirector@fpmilton.org or text 470-223-0337 if you would you like to help narrate or take a small speaking role. Scripts will be simple and easy to read from the page – no memorization or rehearsal needed!
Featuring:
Beloved carols and seasonal music
A creative, inclusive retelling of the nativity story
Props for all ages (or come as you are!)
Cider and cookies to follow
News & Announcements
“If you haven’t hosted before, would you consider giving it a try?”
Upcoming dates that need Social hour hosts:
December 21st & December 28th
Please click here to sign up.
New to hosting or need a refresher? A member of the Hospitality Committee will connect with you prior to social hour to answer questions, and will be present the morning of your hosting.
Thank you for your hospitality!
*Please note this Sunday’s social hour coffee only will be served
*Help is Available*
f you are a First Parish member who has been laid off due to the Government Shut Down, remember there is a parish member’s fund that can be accessed for a one-time grant.
Contact Rev. Lisa minister@fpmilton.org
Looking for a way to help this holiday season? The Milton Residents’ Fund housed at First Parish is seeking donations of funds or gift cards, to assist low-income children and adults of all ages in Milton this holiday season. Many of our friends and neighbors in Milton have been especially hard hit with lost income, uncertainty about food & heating assistance, increasing costs, or fewer available social supports, so we are hoping to provide assistance through gift cards to grocery stores, Target, TJMaxx/Marshalls, Amazon or use financial donations to purchase tanks of winter heating oil, prevent electric and gas shutoffs and help with small medical bills or car repairs. Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated and will be passed on directly to a Milton family or individual in need. Donations are tax deductible and can be mailed directly to The Milton Residents’ Fund c/o First Parish Unitarian 535 Canton Ave Milton MA 02186 or dropped in the gray box outside the parish office in the hallway. To make an online donation please email the Milton Residents Fund with an amount you would like to donate and Noreen can send a donation link. If you, or anyone you know in Milton, is experiencing a financial crisis and needs assistance with rent, utilities, or unpaid medical bills please call (617) 696-1214 or email with questions to
Wishing everyone a healthy and peaceful Holidays!
Regards,
Noreen K Dolan, MSW, LCSW
Fund Coordinator
Milton Residents Fund
Henry B Martin Fund / Swift Charity
Parish Members Fund, First Parish
Events
DeeDee’s Cry is a Roxbury based non-profit that seeks to provide resources about suicide and gives support to those who have lost loved ones by suicide or who are contemplating suicide. Each year the organization runs a holiday toy drive largely supported by Toys for Tots. This year Toys for Tots is unable to provide as much support and we have been asked, through the UUA Circles of Support, to step up.
We are seeking new toys, for children ages 8-14. Toys should be unwrapped and can be dropped at the Church (Monday-Thursday 9 AM-1 PM) or brought to Church on Sundays including 11/23, 11/30, or 12/7. If you are purchasing a toy online, it can be mailed directly to:
UU Urban Ministry
C/O Vinnie
10 Putnam St. Roxbury, MA 02119
Any mailed gifts need to arrive before 12/13. If you have any questions about DeeDee’s Cry or the toy drive, please contact Ruth Hannon at rthannon47@gmail.com or Mary Blanchette at MBPA@comcast.net.
First Parish Holiday Fair Update:
We are now set for crafters, musicians and activities for our fair.
What we need now are bakers and cooks for:
*Baked Goods for the bake sale, especially cookies
*Chili and cornbread for the lunch
If you can contribute, please go to the Sign-up Genius and let us know what you can bring:
– We will have a table in the Parlor where kids can purchase inexpensive items to give as gifts. Good ideas are: small soaps, lotions, small toys, candles, etc. We will have a box in the Library where you can bring in these items.
We will again be collecting new or gently worn outdoor clothing and will have our hat and mitten tree in the Narthex.
There are SO many ways you can be involved. If you have questions or ideas, please reach out to Leslie or anyone on the Membership Committee Lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com
Social & Environmental Justice
NEXT DATE IS December 17th
As in the past, First Parish will be making and delivering lunches to MainSpring (Fr. Bill’s Brockton site) at two locations in Brockton. We have been asked to provide 70 lunches on the third Wednesday of each month. The drop-off location will remain at the lower parking lot of FP, and will take place between 12:40 and 1:00. Drivers this year will be Cynthia, Ellen, Mary B., and Pat.
The Social & Environmental Justice committee thanks you for your continued participation in this effort.
Pat & Tracey
Actions for Justice and Democracy Coming Up Soon
Bridging Families Network
Bridging Families Network is a group of families from several congregations in Milton that have been housing migrant families waiting for temporary shelter. Five First Parish families and others in BFN have hosted and supported eight small families within the past nine months. Our funds have decreased and we are currently in need of financial donations to buy gift cards for food and basic supplies to keep them afloat. No gift is too small.
Please contact Cynthia Guise at clguise32@gmail.com if you would like to make a contribution.
The Visibility Brigade continues our weekly standout
On the East Milton Overpass (Adams Street)
EVERY Wednesday afternoon
from 4:30-6:30pm
Each week, we share a new reminder for rush hour drivers:
WE CANNOT PRETEND EVERYTHING IS OKAY
OUR DEMOCRACY IS AT RISK
WE MUST STAND UP AND SPEAK OUR TRUTH!
Come whenever you are able and stay for whatever time you can spare.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE!
Stay Connected
Follow First Parish on Facebook and get updates, poems, announcements and more. You’ll be glad you did!
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday – Thursday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Other times by appointment
MINISTER OFFICE HOURS
Tuesday – Thursday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Other times by appointment
The Church office is closed on Fridays
Sundays through mid June
- Worship, 10:30 am in the Meetinghouse
- Choir Rehearsal (most Sundays) at 8:45 am
SIGN UP GENIUS (formerly known as the Planner)
The link to SignUp Genius is: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D44ACA728A02-57884860-20252026#/
You can sign up for one our our Sunday volunteer positions.