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 19, 2021
“Qohelet: Preacher of Joy”
Facilitated by: Rev. Lisa Ward
Worship Associate: Chris Clifford
Music: Tim Steele
Audio: Madeleine Miller
Tent Crew: Richard Venable
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 go the service and ministry of First Parish.
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.
Social Hour Moves Inside
It’s time for Social Hour to move inside to the Parish Hall on Sunday Mornings. Due to our COVID precautions, we will not be offering coffee or food, so our masks stay on. But come to Parish Hall after worship service for great conversation with fellow congregants!
The December holiday imperatives to celebrate can hit hard on those who do not feel like celebrating — for those who do not feel the preciousness of this brief life, but rather sense life as long and arduous. The holidays can be a strain for those struggling to find that inner strength – a struggle for those without the comfort of friends or family – a struggle for those who have lost a sense of good will or the light in darkness.
We do not need to shelve what hurts or confuses us as we share these heightened days. In fact, part of glad tidings is to know we are not alone in the complexity of these times. Part of the shared wisdom of the varied festivals of light is an encouragement to abide in grief and grace, in confusion and clarity, in warmth and longing. When we bring our whole selves to each other, we give each other room to be at home with the moment.
This faith community has shown so brightly through this year, finding new ways to reach toward one another. Take it in. Take it all in. Know you are beloved, wise and full of grace. I see it every day. Reach out. Reach in. The warmth and strength and healing is there.
Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa
Religious Exploration
We continue to experilearn. Beginning this Sunday morning, Religious Exploration will begin and conclude in Parish Hall. Please bring your children to the Parish Hall to check them in for contact tracing and drop off. When we are indoors, everyone except the littlest ones will need to wear a mask. We will spend as much time outside as possible so please continue to dress your children in layers. Please come to Parish Hall to pick up your children.
You can still be in the Christmas Pageant! Many roles still open! Call Molly at 860-893-4818, leave message and contact info if you get voicemail or email Molly at dre@fpmilton.org.
Baby Jesus needed. Do you have a lifelike baby doll we can borrow for the Christmas Pageant? Contact Molly at dre@fpmilton.org
Manger or manger maker needed! Please contact Molly at dre@fpmilton.org
Doing It Together we can make a magical Christmas Pageant!
Molly B. Nolan, Transitional Director of Religious Education
Music Selections This Sunday
This Sunday Jennifer Sgroe will be singing a lyrical setting of the familiar text “To Everything There is a Season”. The composer, Ed Harris, is a native of Billings, Montana where he was a performer, church choir director, and mentor to hundreds of young singers before his passing at age 63. Daon Drisdom will also be sharing a solo called “The Season of Love (A December Wish)” by Sally K. Albrecht and Jay Althouse.
Staff Holiday Break
Rev. Lisa Ward-out of office 12/25 thru 01/03/2022
OFFICE CLOSED MONDAY 12/27 AND 01/03
Molly Nolan, RE Director- out of town (New Jersey) December 28 through January 3. Reachable by email at dre@fpmilon.org or cell 860-893-4818.
Table of Contents
News, Announcements and Meetings
1.Revised Safety Policies
2.New Photo Exhibit
3.Membership Help on Christmas Eve
4.Milton Residents’ Fund Gift Card Drive
5.Imaginarium
6.Milton Community Concerts Season Announcement
7.Social and Environmental Justice News & Events
8.UU Urban Ministry Architecture Series
Revised Safety Policies
As we enter the 4th month of our church year, we are happy to report that our hybrid worship, outdoor RE, and outdoor social hour events are going well. As we enter the winter months, the Parish Committee has approved some changes to our safety policy, as recommended by the Phased ReOpening task group in collaboration with RE leadership and the Hospitality committee. These changes accommodate some indoor activities during cold winter weather months. We expect these changes to be in effect through March. Updated guidelines are posted at the top of our church website homepage for easy reference. If you have questions about these guidelines contact Tracey Robinson (email is best: tdr02186@gmail.com) or contact Rev Lisa Ward.
New Photo Exhibit Up
While other First Parish artists and craftspeople are readying exhibits for 2022, Owen Hartford is filling in with a second exhibit of his photographs. This one is called SPACES – Spaces We Shape, Spaces that Shape Us. Please take a look in the link between the Meeting House and the Parish Hall.
Calling any elves or other cocoa lovers!
The Membership Committee needs help with cocoa and hot cider distribution on Christmas Eve after the Pageant. If you can either come early to help set up or assist with beverages after, please email Leslie. Ho-Ho-Ho! lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com
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 Grey box outside the office or mailed to First Parish attn: Milton Residents’ Fund
Imaginarium
Meetings are generally on the Third Saturday in the Meetinghouse (masks required)
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
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.
News from S & EJ Committee
Mainspring Lunch Bag Program
Next date is MONDAY, December 20th (last Monday)
Starting in January we will shift back to delivering lunches on WEDNESDAY (instead of Mondays). The sign up Genius below has the Wednesday dates listed- you can sign up now!
If you require more information or have questions please contact Peter Schneider at peterlschneider@gmail.com
Sign up to volunteer on Sign up Genius
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, January 8th
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 weekdays from 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!”
The Treasures of the Meetinghouse series
Episode 3
January 10th 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
In the third installment of the “Treasures of the Meetinghouse” series, William Cheney, Executive Director of the Willard House & Clock Museum, to discuss the many historic clocks on both the exterior and interior of First Roxbury Church.
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.