Table of Contents

This Week in Worship

• Message from Rev. Lisa Ward
• RE Info
• News and Announcements
• Events
• Social & Environmental Justice
• Beyond First Parish

Click here for Sign-up genius to volunteer for greeter, social hour, flowers, etc.

This Week in Worship

February Worship Theme: LISTENING

“Tower of Babel”

Worship Assistant: Owen McGonagle

Greeters: Andrea Geyling & Jen Pinkus

Flowers: Bebe Williamson

Audio: Sofia Nitolo

Social Hour: Religious Exploration families

 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 be given to the Stone House. The Stone House combines the security of a safe environment with a range of programs and services — residential and community based — to support trauma recovery, personal growth and development of essential life skills. Their overarching mission is to help participants create a path to a secure, positive and fulfilling life. Kathy Fagan, Interim CEO & COO will speak on their behalf.

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.

With the recent aggressive measures that the federal administration and, sadly, some States and organizations are taking against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, know that First Parish, as a Welcoming Congregation, is unmoved by these fear-based tactics. 

We know that diversity is survival — nature tells us this clearly. To practice this with a discipline of inclusion and equity takes all of us to touch on the many experiences of being, in order to find ample full-breathing room for us all.

Our values remain clear-eyed.  In this interdependent world, none of us will be able to completely steer our choices away from organizations that have succumbed to the toxic nonsense of demonizing diversity. However, we can be as mindful as we are able, and be sure to center ourselves in the aspiration of justice for all in the choices we make.

I am finding that different people are hearing different pieces of the vast news onslaught. It is a comfort to know that I do not have to understand or capture it all.  We can be resources to and for each other.  It is also a comfort to know that I will do what I can: a comfort to know that our faith community supports each other to do what we can.

Fear not. Enough of us are paying attention. Enough of us have each other’s back. You are not alone.

Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa

Music This Week

This Sunday the Meetinghouse Choir will be singing an anthem called “Never Give Up”, a piece written by Rollo Dilworth in 2016. Mr Dilworth is a Professor of Music Education at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, and is a prolific composer and choral conductor. He wrote this piece using a text written by students from Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Philadelphia, based on the themes of perseverance, compassion, empathy, and collaboration. Grace Allendorf will also be singing a solo called “Music Speaks”, by Michael Adler and Brad Green, arranged by Andy Bec.

RE This Week

On 2/16, RE will be hosting social hour! RE families are invited to join us to put together snacks and drinks for after worship service.

On 2/23, Wee the People will be returning for another workshop.

News & Announcements

The Stewardship Committee announces that this year’s Annual Budget Drive has begun as of Sunday, January 26th and will conclude on Commitment Sunday, March 16th with our Gathering in Gratitude Celebration. The financial commitments that we receive from our members and friends over the next two months will be used to cover First Parish’s operating expenses for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins on July 1st. Each household will be receiving an email from Stewardship in the next week or so asking for your contribution. Embedded in the email will be a “link” via which you can simply and easily submit your financial commitment for next year. 

Here is the link if you can’t find in your email.

There is so much going on at First Parish, and we want to be sure we can support it. If you have already been a financial supporter of First Parish, we are very grateful. Our hope is that you would consider a 3% addition to the amount you contributed last year. If this is your first time making a financial commitment, we will be very grateful for whatever you choose to contribute.

Thank you and may all your wallets be willing!

The Stewardship Committee of First Parish in Milton—Charles Franich (chair), Rob Dahl, Mallory Digges, and Jim May.

GREETERS NEEDED!

Please take a look at your calendars and see when you can take a Sunday. It’s an easy way that we contribute to our First Parish community.

Please reach out to Leslie, if you have any questions:

lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com

Link to sign up

Gatherings for your spirit

If there is a topic you would like to explore with others, feel free to contact Rev. Lisa to discuss possibilities. minister@fpmilton.org

Navigating the Political Climate Next meeting March 5th

Will meet via Zoom on the first Wednesday of the month 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

We will meet once a month to help each other sort through the impact of the political climate and share ways to ground ourselves.

Contact Rev. Lisa at minister@fpmilton.org if interested.

Meditation with Spiritual Prompts has been POSTPONED

A new date will be determined if there is enough interest.

Contact Rev. Lisa at minister@fpmilton.org if interested.

Events

First Parish and Church of the Holy Spirit Bridging Dinner

Friday, February 28 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Located at First Parish Milton and catered by Zaz for $25 or what you are able.

Child Care is included. 

Please RSVP to Debalsebai@gmail.com if you would like to join us.

Social & Environmental Justice

CLIMATE ACTION @ HOME: CUT YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Climate despair got you down? The best antidote is to take action. But what to do first?

Join us for a four-week workshop and discussion series on cutting your carbon footprint. We’ll calculate our household emissions “footprint” and share ideas and experiences for cutting pollution at home, in our daily lives and in our communities. 

Workshops will be held on alternating Tuesdays in March and April via Zoom.

• Tues., 3/4: 7:00pm-9:00pm
• Tues., 3/18: 7:00pm-9:00pm
• Tues., 4/1: 7:00pm-9:00pm
• Tues., 4/15: 7:00pm-9:00pm

E-mail Tony Dutzik at tdutzik@gmail.com to sign up.

Next date: February 19th

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!

POSTPONED TILL MARCH

First Parish Reading of “On Tyranny” by Timothy Snyder

REACH OUT TO DEB IF INTERESTED DEBALSEBAI@GMAIL.COM

On Tyranny focuses on the concept of tyranny in the context of the modern United States politics, analyzing what Snyder calls “America’s turn towards authoritarianism”. It is a call to arms and a guide to resistance, with invaluable ideas for how we can preserve our freedoms in the uncertain years to come.

Emerging Adult Conference!

Feb 15-16 in Waltham, MA

Inviting all 18-23 year old’s to our 3rd annual Emerging Adult Conference! Join us for rest and renewal, as well as community and connection. We’ll play games, collage, ask the big questions, talk about what matters most, and sit together in silence and song. 

Find out more by clicking here or fill out the interest form here.

We can help with transport!

Are you a UU who went to college in the Boston area?

Sanctuary Boston is a UU community supporting UU college students in the Boston area. We’re building a campus ministry program for our underserved UU students and we need your help to do it!

If you’re a UU who went to college in the Boston area, please fill out this form to connect with us and learn.

REGISTER HERE for this virtual Black History Event

Ramadan Food Drive!

When : Monday, March 3rd- Friday, March 28th

Where: All Milton Public Schools (bins in school lobby)

First Parish Milton, UU – 535 Canton Ave.

(bins at carriage house near lower lot)

Congregation Beth Shalom – 18 Shoolman Way (bins in lobby)

Who: YOU! Anyone can participate!

Why: Join your Muslim neighbors! Ramadan is a very special time of year for Muslims to help others. It is important to practice gratitude and give to others who are currently struggling.

How: Donate food, dry goods, and hygiene items. All items must have ingredient labels with current expiration dates.

Most-needed Items:

• Healthy snacks for kids
• Juice boxes
• Peanut butter & jelly
• Shelf-stable milk
• Rice
• Canned soup
• Mac & Cheese
• Pasta & sauce
• Canned fruit or vegetables
• Dry or canned beans Condiments (incl. salt & pepper) Salad dressing
• Cooking oil / Olive oil
• Personal care items: toothbrushes, toothpaste, bar soap (unscented), shampoo,
• body wash
• Diapers (size 5 & 6), & baby wipes

Donations to be distributed to Interfaith Social Services in Quincy. This project is brought to you by Milton Muslim Neighbors, Milton Interfaith Clergy Association, and Milton Public Schools. For more info, please contact Amal at amalkimawi@gmail.com

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.