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

Burning of the Grudges and Grievances & Begin 2025 with

(a little) Hope! 

We are excited to re-ignite this FP ritual from over a decade ago. Reflecting on the biblical narrative of Cain and Abel, this service opens space to remember ancient stories of interpersonal conflict while imagining new pathways to peace – even in today’s challenging circumstances!

Guest Leader: Jennie Mulqueen

Worship Assistant: Tom Kemp

Audio: Sofia Nitolo

Social Hour Hosts: Chris and Karla Clifford

 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.

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.

It is gently snowing outside as I write this column. How lovely to have snow this Holiday Season.

My next column to you will be in the new year. And what a year it promises to be.

I have sensed that our faith community is more and more aware of the gift of gathering and sharing our lives together. In these tumultuous times, we need to uphold one another. That simply means showing up in our truths with a willingness to respond to the day’s calling. We cannot do this alone. How good it is to have one another in our lives.

May joy abound in the new year. It can, you know — fear not.

With Love, Rev. Lisa

Rev. Lisa will be on vacation from December 25 through January 1.

Music This Week

This Sunday Grace Allendorf will be singing two solos which address the coming new year. One is called “My Dear Acquaintance”, and the other is “The Perfect Year, from the musical SUNSET BOULEVARD. Guy Pugh and Claudia Wellington will perform the offertory musical selection.

Religious Exploration

December 29th – No RE classes. Children under 10 welcome to go to the nursery.

Events

Navigating the Political Climate Next Meeting is TBD Contact Rev. Lisa at minister@fpmilton.org if interested.

New Year’s Retreat Sunday Dec 29, 12-5pm following service. 

Give yourself the gift of an early wintering retreat to make space for and intentionally name what you choose to hold onto as the light returns in 2025. The day includes meditation, project time, play, and a warm invitation to connect to what is most important to you.

When: Sunday, December 29, 12:00-5:00PM Please plan to come for the entire workshop so we can create a contemplative vibe for “going in” – – Where: FP Milton Parish Hall, 535 Canton Ave, Milton MA Bring: Bag lunch (light snacks provided), materials for reflection, organizing, and creation: photos, arts and crafts, address books, journals, etc. Each participant will have table space. FREE

Space is somewhat limited, so…PLEASE RSVP: email jenniemulqueen@gmail.com

*See flyer below*

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.