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 Worship
December 5, 2021
“Risking Joy”
Jennie Mulqueen, Singing Chaplain
With the help of the beloved First Parish worship team, Singing Chaplain and First Parish member Jennie Mulqueen will examine how some cherished hymns evoke the spirit of Opening to Joy.
Facilitated by: Jennie Mulqueen
Worship Associate: Amy Kavadlo
Music: Tim Steele
Flowers: Heather Scranton
Audio: Madeleine Miller
Greeter: Tucker Smith
Tent Crew: Richard Venable & Hale Smith
This will be a hybrid service. You are welcome to join us in the Meetinghouse (masks required for those over 5 years old and childcare will be available). If you prefer, you are welcome to join us via Zoom.
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 gifted to The Association of Haitian Women in Boston. AFAB-KAFANM’s mission is to empower Haitian women by helping them develop their individual and collective capacity to improve social, economic and political status and thus be able to effect positive changes in their life and their families’ lives. Carline Desire, the Executive Director of AFAB, will be speaking on their behalf.
Staying Warm in the Meetinghouse
As the autumn days grow colder, we recommend you dress warmly for worship in the Meetinghouse. In order to keep our air circulating, we will need to keep a few windows open. We have a supply of throws in a back pew for extra warmth if needed.
Upon arriving at the office this morning, Sherri Moldaver, our administrative assistant, discovered that our internet and phones were down. Today is the day that this Link newsletter is sent out, Sunday’s order of worship (on google docs) is printed for in-house use and refined for online worship. Needless to say, not an optimal situation. Fortunately, the strong staff team rallied, as some of us switched to remote access, Sherri stayed on task with Comcast, and schedules were adjusted. Quick adjustment, flexibility, analyzing priorities, shifting expectations…this is the way of things for all of us, especially during these times.
This need for a willingness to adjust, weigh options and consider a way forward was beautifully demonstrated, as well, in the special email to our faith community entitled “Update from Phased Re-Opening Task Group”. This task group has been abiding with the Covid journey since March of 2020. Colder temperatures, an uptick of infections, a new variant and the dance of safety in community are the latest factors in the constant consideration for this advisory committee, which helps the Parish Committee establish Covid precaution protocols for First Parish.
Please consider, and take to heart, that we have been navigating this pandemic for over 600 days. That amount of time, calling for hyper-vigilance, disruption of life, dashed hopes, loss of family and friends, and worry takes a toll, individually and communally. I have noticed in myself a decrease in memory retention, distractedness, frayed edges emotionally, moments of dread and deep fatigue. I am not alone in these symptoms. We are also keeping on with keeping on, finding moments of joy , noticing beauty, discovering creative solutions and reaching out.
Be gentle with yourselves and others. Honor the fatigue and change of pace or ability. Recognize that showing up as best as you can shows your strength within, your natural ability to come alive, however you can. Let us keep strengthening our flexibility muscles, jettison judgment and honor each other in this extraordinary, challenging place of being we are in.
In faith and gratitude for this community, Rev. Lisa
What you need to know about
Religious Exploration this Sunday
As we move towards winter, the weather has become more challenging for Religious Exploration. We are not yet cleared to hold class in the building. Until we are able to be inside for all or part of the morning, our plan is to gather in the courtyard and begin by lighting our Chalice and checking in. If the weather is temperate enough, we will include story and discussion. If it is too cold, we’ll go right into active play after check in. While Religious Exploration cannot be in the building, we will only cancel if the ground is wet from an earlier rain or if it is raining or if worship is online only.
The Religious Exploration team will notify parents of any cancelation by email and/or text message no later than 8 AM Sunday.
Remember to dress kids in layers so we can respond appropriately to conditions.
Molly B. Nolan, Transitional Director of Religious Education
Music Selections This Sunday
This Sunday Daon Drisdom will be singing a spirited arrangement of Mark Hayes’ song “Make a Joyful Noise”, with a text adapted from Psalm 98.
Claudia Wellington, Jennie Mulqueen, Sophie D’Alessandro and Amy Kavadlo will also be singing, “I Know This Rose Will Open”.
Christmas Eve at First Parish
Two Services:
5:00 pm- Outdoor Only Family Service
10:00 pm -Indoor/Zoom Meditative Service
All ages welcome at both services.
Thinking outside the box, First Parish is adapting our successful Pageant-in-a-Box Christmas Pageant to be held outdoors so that all ages may participate and attend safely. This is an all hands on deck operation. The cast is easily expandable to include extended family or friends who may be visiting. However, if you know you and/or your family want to be part of the cast, please shoot Molly an email (dre@fpmilton.org) about who and what ages are planning to be in the cast. If you want to participate, but not be in the cast, please email Sherri at office@fpmilton.org and let her know who wants to volunteer and what they’d like to do (if preferences are known).
The outdoor pageant will be held at 5:00 on Christmas Eve, followed by a hot chocolate reception for cast, crew and attendees. There will be NO Zoom option for this service. The service will be 100% outside and accessible for those with wheelchairs, strollers, etc.
The indoor traditional candlelight service will be held at 10 PM in the Sanctuary. We will have a Zoom option at the 10pm service.
Update from Phased Re-Opening Task Group
Several committees and church members have recently requested changes to our COVID safety policies, and the Phased Re-Opening (PRO) task group is hard at work reviewing the requests, researching relevant safety guidelines, and forming recommendations to send for approval to the Parish Committee. As a reminder, the current COVID safety policy is posted on our website—see the hyperlink in the bright yellow bar at the top of our homepage. PRO is considering how to adjust our safety policy for winter gatherings that prioritize the health and safety of our congregation, as well as allowing individuals to determine how to meet their own needs for safety and connection. The latest changes will be developed by the PRO task group and finalized by approval of the Parish Committee in the next few weeks. All are welcome to continue to send proposed changes or questions about existing policies to PRO, by contacting Tracey Robinson, chair of the task group at tdr02186@gmail.com.
Table of Contents
News, Announcements and Meetings
1.Update on MainSpring Lunch program
2.Milton Residents’ Fund Gift Card Drive
3.Hospitality Help Needed
4.Imaginarium
5.Social and Environmental Justice News & Events
6.UU Urban Ministry Architecture Series
7.Prison Book Program
8.Milton Community Concerts Season Announcement
Update on Mainspring Lunch Bag Program
Next date is MONDAY, December 6th
Starting in January we will shift back to delivering lunches on WEDNESDAY (instead of Mondays).
BUT we still have two more Monday deliveries in December – the 6th and the 20th. Please help if you can. We will be updating the sign up genius for January next week.
Peter Schneider is the team leader next week and will drive lunches to shelters in Brockton and Stoughton. We are still looking for a few more volunteers for Monday!
If you require more information or have questions please contact Peter Schneider at peterlschneider@gmail.com
Sign up to volunteer on Sign up Genius
Milton Residents’ Fund Annual Holiday Gift Drive
The Milton Residents’ Fund is again operating the annual Holiday Gift drive for Milton families and children. To date, about 100 Milton Families have applied. Gift cards for target, Star market or for gasoline would be most appreciated. Gift cards are most often given in $25 increments, but any amount is welcome and will be passed along to individuals and parents most in need during this holiday season. Any questions please email Noreen at MiltonResidentsFund@gmail.com. Gifts can be left in the church mail slot labeled “Milton Residents Fund,”, left in the grety box outside the office or mailed to First Parish attn: Milton Residents’ Fund.
Hospitality Help
The hospitality commitee needs your help! We’d like to continue to offer hot beverages and snacks outside after Sunday services each week, weather permitting. If you would like to help, please use the sign-up genius to pencil yourself in. As a reminder, there is no need to bake or purchase anything for hospitality this year. First Parish is providing packaged snacks. Thank you in advance for your help!
Imaginarium
Meetings are generally on the Third Saturday in the Meetinghouse (masks required at this time)
10:00 am-12:00 pm (next meeting: ) December 18th
The Imaginarium is a group that explores our monthly worship themes through discussion, stories and creative play. We meet once a month, crafting ideas and experiences inspired by the themes. Come, enjoy the shared wisdom, creativity and connection. Each meeting stands on its own. Interested? contact the office: office@fpmilton.org
News from S & EJ Committee
“11th Hour Calling” – Stand Out & Stand Up for Climate Action
Saturday, December 11, 6-6:30 p.m. (Sunday, 12/12 if rain or snow)
First Parish Church lawn ~ Gather round the spotlight
JOIN US THIS MONTH! First Parish Milton, Sustainable Milton, and several other organizations (nearly 40 multi-generational people) launched this national climate action event last month. We rang the bells, beat drums, and waved signs with gusto. Your presence and bold DIY signage demonstrate to our community that we care about the climate emergency, environmental justice, and Milton’s municipal response planning. For safety, flashlights or headlamps and wear light-colored or reflective clothing, please. Spread the word: bring friends and neighbors. We welcome all ages and organizations because standing up together promotes change and purposefulness. Next stand out: Tuesday, January 11.
Fair Foods is a non-profit program that rescues fresh produce that
would otherwise be wasted and uses it to feed our communities. We volunteer together unloading and sorting food and packing bags once a month.
The next volunteer date is Saturday, December 11th
If you want to volunteer, please sign up on Sign up Genius by Thursday
evening before the event. Start time and locations vary depending on Fair Foods’ needs, but typically start at 8:30 a.m. at their warehouse at 70 Amory Street in Roxbury.
Other volunteer opportunities are also available at Fair Foods on weekdaysfrom early morning until mid-afternoon.
Any questions or for more information contact Tony Dutzik at tdutzik@gmail.com
Sign up to volunteer on Sign up Genius
“Do you love our historic meeting house?? This is a program for you!! For those interested in old Boston churches, architecture, and the Urban Ministry, zoom on in – starting Monday Nov 1!”
The Treasures of the Meetinghouse series
Episode 2
December 6th 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
In the second installment of the “Treasures of the Meetinghouse” series, historian, Thomas Plant, will discuss First Church Roxbury’s historic Hook & Hastings organ. This mid-nineteenth century organ was taken apart and removed from the Meetinghouse to undergo a full cleaning and restoration. Now after months of work, the organ has returned. We will discuss the history and significance of the beautiful Hook & Hastings organ.
Book Drive Still going now till December 15
You may donate gently used and new paperback books in the following categories:
Nonfiction: dictionaries (in all languages), thesaurus, almanacs, trade skills, business, hobbies, self-help, sports, spirituality and books by LGBTQ authors and people of color.
Fiction: Westerns, thrillers, mysteries, science fiction.
To learn more about the program, visit prisonbookprogram.org
Milton Community Concerts is now offering the opportunity between now and December 31st to view any of the live stream concerts from this past year for free. Just go to the website to find the link, and to donate to the concert series if you are so moved. You will also find a listing of upcoming concerts for 2021-22.
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, 9:30 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: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d44aca728a02-sunday1
You can sign up for one our our Sunday volunteer positions.