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
- RE Info
- News and Announcements
- Events
- Social & Environmental Justice
- Beyond First Parish
This Week in Worship
December Worship Theme: Hope
“Winter Solstice”
Guest Leader: Karla Clifford
Worship Assistant: Chris Clifford
Greeter: Deb Alsebai
Audio: Colin Glazer
Faith Reflection: Ben Warzeski
Social Hour: Tracey Robinson & Tucker Smith
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.
This week’s offering will go towards the service and ministry of First Parish.
Christmas Services
Sunday, December 22nd – 4pm Pageant
Join us INSIDE (due to the cold) for our Christmas Pageant. Hot cocoa available at the conclusion of pageant.
There is no Zoom available for this service.
Christmas Eve 10:00pm Service
Join us in the Sanctuary for a Reflective Service with candlelight and music.
Worship Assistant: Tom Kemp
Audio: Nina Truog
The offering will be given to UU Mass Action.
It’s cold, flu and covid season!
In order to keep our community healthy, we encourage the wearing of masks at worship services if you have cold symptoms or have been exposed to a communicable illness. Masks and Hand sanitizer will be available at all church entrances if needed.
There is such a fullness in the holiday spirit here at First Parish. The holiday fair brought play, creativity, generosity and scrumptious foods. A children’s choir may be forming after the wonderful gathering of singing for the congregation last Sunday. We are gifted with a Solstice service this Dec 22nd, and of course, the pageant that afternoon and the 10 pm candlelight service on Christmas Eve. And for those who like to sing carols together, we will have an informal family gathering at 5pm on Christmas Eve.
We are also mindful of the needs of the times and uncertainty of the near future amidst the tumultuous political climate. This adds to the fullness of holidays: letting it all in, honoring wherever we are, embracing each other in community. Our last service of the year, led by Jennie Mulqueen, will offer ways to ground ourselves to enter the new year.
If you can, do come out for at least one of the holiday happenings in our community. I am sure you will find peace, goodwill, humor and courage in abundance.
Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa
Rev. Lisa will be on vacation from December 25 through January 1.
Music This Week
MUSIC FOR THIS SUNDAY AND CHRISTMAS EVE
This Sunday the Meetinghouse Choir will sing a Christmas anthem called “On a December Night” by Jay Althouse. A trio of soloists will also be presenting a light-hearted trio called “A Millenial Holiday Song”.
For the 10pm Christmas Eve service plan to arrive 15 minutes early to hear some wonderful holiday-themed solos and duets by Grace Allendorf, Daon Drisdom, and Brandon Grimes. During the service will be several anthems by the Meetinghouse Choir, including “Candle of Peace” by Victor C. Johnson and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” arranged by Arthur Warrell.
Religious Exploration
Dear RE Families,
Schedule of events for the month of December:
Dec 22nd during Worship: Stocking Stuffing for Migrant Children: the kids and teachers will stuff stockings together.
Dec 22nd at 4pm– Annual Christmas Pageant – A NEW DATE AND TIME – If interested in participating, please contact Rev. Lisa at minister@fpmilton.org or Steve Yakutis at steve.yakutis@gamil.com
Dec 24th at 5pm in Parish Hall – Family Gathering for Christmas Cheer. In lieu of the pageant (on the 22nd this year) come gather for an hour in Parish Hall for a bit of singing, playing and candle lighting to mark Christmas Eve. All ages welcome.
December 29th– No RE classes. Children under 10 welcome to go to the nursery
News & Announcements
MORE Holiday Fair!!
First: A BIG thank you to everyone who was part of this year’s First Parish Holiday Fair. Whether you shopped, baked, staffed a table, washed dishes or welcomed faces, you were an integral part of this year’s event. Membership thanks you sincerely.
ANOTHER CHANCE to shop: On Sunday during Coffee Hour, you have another opportunity to purchase last-minute gifts. The Fair Trade table has lots of coffee, teas, cocoa (regular and spicy!), chocolate bars, ornaments, bath salts AND handmade catnip fish toys. Leslie will be at a table with all the goodies so come and get ’em!
Social Hour hosts needed for: Sunday, December 29th
A member of the Hospitality Committee will contact you the week before to answer questions and provide instructions. Thank you for your generosity!
Events
Family Gathering on Christmas Eve 5:00pm – 6:30pm Come gather by the fire in Parish Hall. Bring a plate of Christmas goodies if you can. All ages are invited to come together in the social hall at 5pm on Christmas Eve to sing holiday carols, make candle wreaths, and enjoy some holiday treats to mark this special evening together.
Navigating the Political Climate
Next Meeting is TBD
Contact Rev. Lisa at minister@fpmilton.org if interested.
Social & Environmental Justice
Next date: January 15th
S&EJ (Social & Environmental Justice committee) is looking for volunteers the third Wednesday of each month to contribute lunches. We hope to deliver 70 lunches a month to support shelter guests.
Please sign up whenever you can help out by clicking on button below.
We are counting on your support!
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.