Table of Contents

This Week in Worship

• Message from Rev. Lisa Ward
• Music Info
• RE
• 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

“Old Stories & New Beginnings”

Guest Leader: Matt Meyer

Worship Assistant: Steve Yakutis

Greeters: Tony Dutzik & Elise Henricks

Audio: Colin Glazer

Social Hour: Dottie Pitt & Cynthia Guise

 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.

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This week’s offering will be given to Bikes Not Bombs. Bikes Not Bombs uses the

bicycle as a vehicle for social change to achieve economic mobility for

Black and other marginalized people in Boston and the Global South. Angela Phinney, Director of Development will speak.

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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.

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Matt Meyer (he/him) is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist with a long background as a musician and worship leader for UU congregations.

He lives in Boston and travels as an itinerant worship leader, bringing the good news of Unitarian Universalism to hundreds congregations all over the country. 

Matt is a published children’s book author and his story, “Desmond Gets Free,” won a Nautilus award for social justice in children’s fiction. 

Matt will also be sharing a ritual in today’s service from a new book of rituals, called “Blessing it All,” published by the Unitarian Universalist Association. He’ll have both books for sale at his table after the service.

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A resident theologian shared an article by James Sheehan, editor and publisher of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. It is entitled “Meeting the Moment”.

In referring to the Los Angeles wildfires, he spoke of it as “a symbol of something larger—the sense of impending chaos many of us feel in a world we often no longer recognize.”

Sharing that impermanence is one of Buddhism’s core tenets, he recognizes that in his practice “cultivation of inner stability is not just for personal refuge; it is also a responsibility. When we steady our hearts, we become a source of calm for others. And while we all struggle with reactivity, fear, and anger, there are moments when any of us can hold space for uncertainty, manifesting a reassuring presence in the face of profound disorder and loss.”

I found this an uplifting reminder that, not only is it possible to occasionally be a source of calm, we can also cultivate friendships and communities where we are sometimes a resource to steady others and sometimes ones who need steadying. We do not have to succumb to confusion and groundlessness. We can know that the chaos is larger than any one of us, but not as large as the sense of all of us. We do not have to always have the answers, just the heart-centered willingness to be part of the solution, which will reveal itself in moments of clarity.

So dear friends, your assignment is to practice moments of calm and assurance to fortify your ability to face change. We have it in our breath, in the warmth of the sun, in feelings of love. We have the wisdom and the strength to navigate this chaos, including an understanding that we do not know all the ways that will be revealed by our welcome to steady the chaos.

With you, Rev. Lisa

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Music This Week

MUSIC FOR THIS SUNDAY

We are happy to welcome back percussionist Matt Meyer to lead worship this Sunday. He has led hundreds of worship services all over the country, sharing a message of love and justice through rhythm and song. Don’t miss it!

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RE This Week

We are thrilled to Welcome Wee the People for another workshop today. Regular RE classes return next week.

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News & Announcements

Our Annual Budget Drive Begins!

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

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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

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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.

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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.

SAVE THE DATE!

First Parish Art Festival and Fundraiser

Saturday May 3rd

Visual arts – paintings, photography, and selected crafts (quilts, pottery) will be offered for sale (silent and live auction).

We will feature works from our own First Parish artists, as well as other local and regional artists.

Would you have artworks to contribute?

Would you like to join the committee or assist with the event?

Contact: jennifer.pinkus@gmail.com

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: March 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.

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