This Week in Worship

Sunday, February 25, 2018
Theme: Surrender
Worship at 10:30 am in the Meetinghouse

Minister

Rev. Lisa Ward

One of my favorite money quotes comes from Francis Bacon: “Money is like muck, not good, except it be spread.” The metaphor offers good roots: money is about nourishing growth, best used when spent for the good of the whole, and can fertilize seeds of aspiration. So often people speak of money as that elusive thing you can never have enough of, or that thing that controls one’s choices. No: it is a means to help our lives flourish, but only if it be spread.

The Stewardship Committee is focusing in on that nourishment for the life of the Parish. Opportunities for learning are in the offing, willingness to dialogue, and readiness to share budget numbers. An all congregation email was sent out to keep you informed. It’s not an easy task, but it is a worthy one. It can be a celebration of our resources, our potential, our offering to the world as a faith community with something to say and something to provide. Don’t miss sharing your voice in this conversation.

A year and a half into our ministry together, I see enormous potential for a dynamic, liberating faith community in First Parish Milton. It’s up to you. I know you can do it.

Blessings Be,

Rev. Lisa

Religious Exploration

Laurel Whitehouse, Director of Religious Exploration

• Nursery and toddler care is available every week in the Link hallway from 10:15 to 11:45 am. This year our caregivers are Daisy and Grace. Stop by and say hello!
• Religious Exploration for Sunday, February 25: Preschool children through grade 8 will attend the first part of the worship service in the Meetinghouse and then move to the RE classrooms for a special program for all grades. Please note that our activities end at 11:40 am.
• See the Youth Yacking column for news on grades 9 through 12 this week.
• Register your child or youth! The Religious Education Committee requests all families to register their children and youth. Paper registration forms are available on the RE bulletin board in the Link hallway.

 

Spaghetti Supper and Karaoke Night!

Friday, March 2, will be a fun-filled night with a spaghetti supper, beginning at 6:30pm, and karaoke, beginning when the first person steps up to the mike! There will also be activities for all, as well as plenty of opportunity to chat and unwind after the busy holiday season. Bring your friends, bring your neighbors, bring your voices and enjoy!

A $5 dinner donation per person is suggested. Proceeds will help fund a spring youth service trip. This evening will be co-hosted by the Youth Group and the Hospitality Committee.

Youth Yacking

Sara Elizabeth Santa Cruz, Youth Advisor

This week’s youth programming:

Coming of Age, 10:30am – 12pm

This week’s class will be about our connection to the natural world and the way it ties into spirituality!

CAT (Community Activity Time) does not meet this weekend.

Events, News and Announcements

The church office will be closed on Monday, February 26.

We welcome tenor David Won back to First Parish this week. He will collaborating with the Meetinghouse Choir as well as singing several solos for this special service centered on a familiar text by St. Francis of Assisi, “Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace”.

THE FIRST PARISH ARTS GROUP is planning a visit to the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton to see:

Revolution in the Making: The Pussyhat Project” on Thursday, March 1 at 5:00. “This exhibition tells the story of the Pussyhat, a handmade cap with cat-like ears that played a central role in the protest following the 2016 Presidential election.” Admission on Thursdays is Free. All are welcome. Please contact Laurie Macintosh (LaurieMacintosh77@gmail.com) or Deb Alsebai (alsebai@verizon.net) to coordinate carpooling from FP, or meet us at the Museum at 6:00. The Museum is open until 9:00.

in the Thursday edition of The Link and Sunday announcements.

We have had another successful year of care packages to college-age youth! We sent 17 packages to FP young adults across the country. They received a package full of delicious goodies and fun treats and warm reminders of their First Parish community. This project was sponsored by the Youth Group and Caring Committee but was not possible without the generous support of many community members.

Thanks!

From the Stewardship Committee

Upcoming Stewardship Conversations

• Sunday, February 25th, 9:00am to 10:15am, Chase Parlor at First Parish
• Sunday, February 25th, 12:00pm to 1:15pm,TBD at First Parish

Signing up is easy! Just go to this Doodle Poll link: https://doodle.com/poll/kz5hdvs8gdu6k5q2

then type your name, check the session you plan to attend, and click DONE. That’s it.

We had another successful Green Team workshop on Saturday afternoon. Was it irony or fate that led us to meet in the minimally heated sanctuary? 10 persevering souls met to gain inspiration and knowledge before choosing a research team. Participants will work to gether to collect information about the land, water, air, waste, energy, and food resources engaged within First Parish Milton’s interconnected web.

Thank you Green Team and friends!!

Look for your evite to the next Workshop, Saturday, March 3.

Annual Toiletry Drive

for Renewal House

February 2018

Please donate full sized products. Do not contribute sample sized products or any product that has been used or opened.

These items have been specifically requested:

These items have been specifically requested:

Laundry detergent, liquid fabric softeners, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, lotion, toothpaste, food storage containers, sandwich and food storage bags.

Renewal House is also in need of gift cards to Stop & Shop and Walgreens

If you have questions contact Linda.

Milton Community Concerts

Saturday, February 24 at 7 pm

4th Annual Sing For Their Supper

This free benefit concert in the Meetinghouse features ten of the top opera singers in New England as they donate their time and talents in this program of opera and musical theater. All money raised will be given to the Milton Food Pantry and the Milton Residents Fund. Free admission, free-will offering. Visit miltoncommunityconcerts.com

First Parish Orientation
Saturday, March 3
9:30 am – 12:30 pm, Parish Hall

Whether you have been coming to worship for a few weeks or a few years, you are invited to First Parish Orientation. Come learn more about Unitarian Universalism’s principles & purposes and its history with Rev. Lisa. A few of our members will share their experiences at FP and why it is a special faith community. Find out how you, too, may become a member. Childcare is available if requested before February 21.

If you want to participate or have questions, please email us.

“ALL THAT JAZZ!!” – 6:30pm – SATURDAY NIGHT MARCH 24TH

Mega First Parish Fun Raiser

LIVE AUCTION!! SILENT AUCTION!!

Vacation homes, restaurants, books, painting donated by our own Diane Sawyer, Boston Baroque subscriptions and much more! Look below for a sneak peak of even more items.

• 4 tickets to the performance “Later the Same Evening” by American composer John Musto and in the new black box theater at the New England Conservatory!
• 3 private 1 hour Yoga instruction with Tatiana Tosi
• 2 Bottles of homemade Wine
• Family Photo Portraits!
• Vacation rentals in Provincetown, a Maine Cottage, or a New Hampshire Farmhouse!!!
• REQUEST FOR AUCTION ITEMS: If you have something you would like to donate: a service, an interesting item sitting in your attic, tickets, please contact Jen Pinkus.

ALL ARE WELCOME. JOIN THE FUN!

JOIN OUR NEXT PLANNING MEETING!

Sunday, February 18th at 11:45am in the Parlor!!!

For more information, contact Ruth Heiden

Worship, Vespers and Meditation at First Parish

Sunday Worship Weekly

Worship, 10:30 am in the Meetinghouse – Choir Rehearsal (most Sundays) at 8:45 am

Vespers Service for Healing and Resilience

6:30 – 7:15 pm – Children’s Church

First Wednesday of the Month

Weekly Meditation Offerings

Sundays, Silent Prayer & Meditation, 9:00am in the Children’s Church

Thursdays, Silent Prayer & Meditation, 7 pm 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.