Your Weekly Link – News and Updates 2/21/2019

Weekly Link 2/21/2019

This Week in Worship

Sunday, February 24th, 2019

Worship at 10:30 am in the Meetinghouse

“A Wide Eyed Theology: Sounding the Call”

Guest Minister This Week: Leslie MacPherson

Leslie MacPherson has been a member of First Parish for the last ten years, six of which she served on the Worship Committee. This year, she has joined Membership where she is enjoying connecting with folks who are beginning to get to know us. She works at Harvard Divinity School as Department Administrator for Ministry Studies and has had the pleasure of getting to know many wonderful up-and-coming UU students. A cradle UU — fourth-generation Universalist! – she is mom to two teenage boys, writes a blog, and is trying to minister to all in whatever ways she can.

Minister

Rev. Lisa Ward

At the meeting with our Trustees this week, as we reviewed our endowment investments, I was proud that we are a part of divestment from fossil fuels; that, indeed,  it is in the parlance of investors world- wide.  I kept thinking about the phrase “responsible investing”, which is a phrase that describes using a socially responsible lens on what stocks or funds to purchase.  The other phrase, now in the parlance, is “impact investing”, which means an effort to generate a measurable, beneficial social or environmental impact alongside a financial return.  In short, teaching companies to “do well while doing good”.

As our stewardship drive is underway and our church mission discernment in full swing (do mark your calendars for March 8th!), I think about the responsible investment we engender here at First Parish.  We enhance our lives, when focusing in on how to live them, through spiritual, social and service avenues.  We invest ourselves and our resources so that we make an impact on our lives and on the lives we touch.  We have abundant opportunities to “do well by doing good”.  We need each other: our wisdom, our insight, our creativity, our skills….to bring about the world we want to live in.

So may it be. Amen.  Rev. Lisa

Image result for book a room

We’re getting busier!

Do you have an upcoming meeting or gathering and need to book a room at the church?

Contact our Church Calendar Keeper, Megan Benders, at office@fpmilton.org to reserve space.

Religious Exploration

Image result for religious exploration

Nursery and toddler care is available every week in the Link hallway from 10:15 to 11:45 am. Our caregivers are Tanisha and Bella. Stop by and say hello!

Religious Exploration for Sunday, February 24: Preschool children through grade 8 will attend the first part of the worship service in the Meetinghouse and then move to the Activity room downstairs for a special program on the Underground Railroad and the meaning of Freedom Quilts. Please note that our activities end at 11:40 am.

Our Whole Lives Program (Grades 8 and 9, parental permission required): The Our Whole Lives class does not meet this week. Next class will be on March 3.

Register your child or youth! The Religious Exploration Committee requests all families to register your child or youth before attending classes. Please use this link to our online form: RE Registration Form (or paper registration forms are available on the RE bulletin board in the Link hallway.

MUSIC THIS WEEK

Image result for

This week the choir will be singing an anthem that speaks to our UU identity and mission, “We Are” by Ysaye M. Barnwell.

Image result for

Jennifer Sgroe will also be singing “Beautiful City” from GODSPELL by Stephen Schwartz. This song was not in the original Broadway production, but was added to the film version.

Events, News and Announcements

Come express what First Parish means to you in a collage making workshop on 2/24, 12:30-2:30pm (parish hall)!

Please note tonight’s, Thursay, 2/21 worshop has been cancelled.

Attendees will be encouraged to express their views creatively about what they think the mission of First Parish should include. Please feel free to bring magazines, or other collage materials if wanted, but all materials will be provided.

  Please sign up using the link below on signup genius:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d44aca728a02-listening1

Image result for first parish needs your support

First Parish Needs Your Support!

What does that mean in addition to participating in the spiritual life of the community, coming to church, or doing the work of one or more of our committees?

It means making a financial commitment to our wonderful faith community and the work we do in and out of church.  Right now, we are asking for pledges for the year beginning July 1, 2019 (FY20). Our budget goal for pledges from the congregation for next year (FY20) is $211,000.  We already have $138,000 committed from our Sustaining Contributors (households that annually pledge $3000 or more).We need to raise $73,000 from the rest of the congregation to reach our goal – and of course a little extra wouldn’t hurt.

Where do you fit in?

–      Could you possibly become a Sustainer?  Your commitment is only for this coming year.

–      Could you possibly commit to giving some percentage of your household income (say, 1% or 2%)?

–      If this year’s pledge is close to a stretch, could you possibly stretch just a little further and increase your current pledge by 10%?

–      Your Stewardship Committee does not tell anyone how much to pledge.  Every pledge is welcomed and appreciated, regardless of the amount.  We do ask simply that everyone pledge.  Whatever amount you decide is right for your household, it is your participation that is most important.  All should contribute in any amount they can to the operation of our faith community.

–      This year’s average pledge from non-Sustainers was $989.

Please consider your financial contribution as seriously as you do your participation in all other aspects of the life of First Parish, and give to the best of your ability.  For your review, you can find our draft budget for fiscal year 2020, as well as the pledge form, under the donations section in the members section of the website. The password is miltonuu.

Join us during the Worship Service on Commitment Sunday, March 10, as we ceremonially bring our pledges forward to a common chalice at the front of the Meetinghouse, to celebrate our accomplishments and look forward to all we can accomplish together.

Thank you for your commitment and for all you continue to do for First Parish!

The Stewardship Committee

Charlie Franich, Chris Hart, Eric Miller, Chris Pitt, Dottie Pitt

Image result for team meeting

Stewardship Informastion Sessions

Members of the Stewardship Team will be meeting with committees for 15-20 minutes over the next few weeks to answer questions and help folks begin thinking about their pledges for next year. If you are unable to participate in a committee meeting, a member of the Stewardship Team may contact you.

Additionally, there will be an information session for any interested folks after church at noon on February 24th. Mark your calendars for Commitment Sunday on March 10th!

Image result for church mission statements

COME ONE COME ALL

To the All Church Potluck and Workshop on

CRAFTING OUR CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT

MARCH 8TH

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Parish Hall

Bring a dish to share

Childcare available upon request (72 hours notice, please)

 We will be sharing stories, lifting up the data from the feedback in our recent surveys and listening circles, and hearing each other’s priorities to focus in on what we want to do or create as a faith community

COME DREAM TOGETHER, MUSE TOGETHER, FIND OUR WAY TOGETHER

Rsvp at: office@fpmilton.org

Image result for courageous conversations

Courageous Conversations is a monthly series of dialogue-centered programs on racism and privilege designed to address racial healing and justice in our town. Each month the Courageous Conversations leadership team in partnership with the Milton Interfaith Clergy Association brings together a diverse group of people representing a wide array of life experiences, circumstances, and choices. All events are open to the public—anyone can attend a meeting whether or not they have attended in the past.

Join the March Courageous Conversations event

March 18th, 2019

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Church of Christ, 330 Edge Hill Road, Milton, MA 02186.

Related image

SPIRITUAL WRITING WORKSHOP

First Wednesdays: 7 pm – 8:30 pm (Next workshop March 6th, 2019)

Children’s Church, First Parish in Milton

Facilitator: Rev. Lisa Ward

There are many paths that awaken the heart.  What helps in the journey is finding words to guide you along the way. These words are in you. Come find your voice through writing exercises.  We will compose invocations, meditations, prayers, hymns, benedictions, and readings.  You do not have to be experienced at writing, simply bring your experiences.  Ages 16 and older welcome. 

Please RSVP to Megan at:  office@fpmilton.org.  Plan on three more sessions.

Image result for stewardship

Integrated Stewardship that Engages All Workshop

Hosted by New England Region UUA

Saturday, March 9th, 2019

Parish Hall, 9:30am- 3pm

A workshop designed for board members, stewardship & finance committees, religious professionals, and new leaders who want to align their efforts to spark the generous gifts of their community to bless the world.

For more details or to register, click here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/integrated-stewardship-that-engages-all-registration-53023407439

Image result for uua general assembly 2019

UUA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Spokane, Washington

June 19-23, 2019

“The Power of We”

General Assembly is the annual business meeting of our denomination, and it’s a whole lot more. Inspirational worship services, informative workshops, entertaining programs, and a bustling exhibit hall help make GA an unforgettable experience for the thousands of Unitarian Universalists that attend. Attendees leave with a renewed sense of energy, inspiration, and innovative ideas to take back to their congregations and communities.

Visit uua.org/ga for

• Programming Information

• Registration and Housing

• Financial Aid Information

• Volunteer Opportunities

Image result for Milton Net Zero Energy Home

Green Gleanings

Sustainable Milton is sponsoring four “Green Home Conversations”  in 2019.  The kickoff event is scheduled on Wednesday, March 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Keyes Community Room, Milton Public Library.  Local architect Joseph Kennard will introduce a state-of-the-art, carbon-neutral, single family home that he/his firm designed and constructed just up Canton Avenue from First Parish Church.  Admission is free.  Spread the word, bring your friends/neighbors, and join what will surely be an educational conversation.  Future events will highlight renovations to existing structures, future construction requirements, and more.

Image result for sign up genius

How do I create an account on Signup genius??

By creating your own account you can log in and sign up for Sunday Service Participation opportunities, swap your dates with other congregants, or enroll in signups created by the Church.

Here’s how to create your own account:

-Go to https://www.signupgenius.com/index.cfm?go=c.Login

-Then click on new account. (Located below the facebook login option)

-Enter your own email and password.

-Click on the search button/magnifying glass icon that in the right top corner.

-A page should appear that says ‘search for a signup’. 

-Enter the office email (office@fpmilton.org) and click the “I’m not a robot button’. Then the church’s signups will appear.

-Be sure to go back into your email account and open the email from Sign up Genius, subject line “Welcome to SignUpGenius”. Then click on the orange button that says “Activate my account.” Otherwise you won’t be able to log in again.

That’s it! You’re all set to use SignupGenius!

Image result for snow closing

Snow Closing Information

Winter is coming. Just a few reminders about how First Parish handles Sunday worship and weekeday office closings. On Sundays, we will make a snow closing decision by 8 a.m. Look for cancellations in several places:-First Parish Milton Website-First Parish Milton UU Facebook page

-Channel 5/WCVB television & website

If the Milton Public Schools close for snow, so does the First Parish office. 

If you don’t see cancellation information, we are open.

Worship and Meditation at First Parish 

Sunday Worship Weekly

Worship, 10:30 am in the Meetinghouse

Weekly Meditation Offerings

Sundays, Silent Prayer and Meditation, 9am in the Children’s Church

Thursdays, Silent Prayer and Meditation, 7pm in the Children’s 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 – 2:00 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, 10:30 am in the Meetinghouse
  • Choir Rehearsal (most Sundays) at 8:45 am
  • Silent Prayer & Meditation, 9:00am in the Children’s Church

EVERY THURSDAY

Silent Prayer & Meditation, 7:00 pm in the Children’s Church (Note new time)

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.