Table of Contents

• This Week in Worship
• Message from Rev. Lisa Ward
• Music
• Religious Exploration
• News & Announcements
• Events
• Social & Environmental Justice
• Beyond First Parish
• **Be sure to click “View entire message” below content to see whole newsletter.**

---

Sunday, February 8th Service

February Worship Theme: FORGIVENESS

“The Dance of Dependance”

Worship Associate: Steve Yakutis

Social Hour: Anita Penta, Glenn Pavlicek, Marilyn Russell and Gretjen

Helene

Audio: Alex Feliz

This week’s offering will be given to Dee Dee’s Cry. The mission of DeeDee’s Cry is to provide resources on suicide prevention and loss and mental health education. DeeDee’s Cry supports families impacted by suicide. DeeDee’s Cry aims to create a space where conversations begin to lift the stigma on suicide and mental health within Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Toy Burton from Dee Dee’s Cry will speak.

*Prayers

If you are attending the service on Zoom and would like a prayer included, please email Rev. Lisa at minister@fpmilton.org by 5:00pm on Saturday.

---

It was a pleasure attending the Social and Environmental Justice Committee last evening. There’s a wonderful spread of talents and interests that serve the agreed upon areas of focus for advocacy.

A wise suggestion was offered that pointed to “buddy systems”. So much is going on in the world. It is hard to discern what news outlets and commentaries to resource. A good way to navigate the deluge is to ask trusted friends and colleagues what their sources are and compare information. Also, as no one can attend all the actions, workshops or demonstrations, we can share the load to both prevent burnout and gain a spectrum of response. The buddy system also works well when attending actions for shared transportation, inspiration and safety.

It is clear that we are in this for the long haul and that we value each other’s contributions. Keep on keeping on. Praises Be, Rev. Lisa

---

Music

This Sunday the Meetinghouse Choir will be singing a beautiful anthem with a very short title: “Hymn”. The composer is Stan DeWitt, using a text by Frank Pooler. Tenor David Rivera Bozon will be singing a solo called “It’s in Every One of Us” by David Pomeranz. Mr. Pomeranz is known for his work in musical theater as a singer/songwriter.

Looking forward to Valentine’s Day please note that Milton Community Concerts is presenting a fun and entertaining program called “Let’s Fall in Love: A Musical Confection”. The concert will take place in the Meetinghouse on Saturday, February 14 at 7pm, and will feature two outstanding singers, Abigail Paschke and Aaron Engebreth, who will present a wide range of Broadway favorites and beyond. Tickets will be $25 general, $15 senior, and free for 18 and under. For more information visit https://www.miltoncommunityconcerts.com/

---

Religious Exploration

With multiple cities in Minnesota (and other states– including Maine) under attack by ICE, we know those communities are struggling and so are many of our UU siblings in those areas. We have an opportunity to reach out and offer care to these communities. Starting this week, we invite ALL AGES to join in making: 

Love Notes to our UU Siblings

Our congregation has been invited by the New England Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association to participate in an effort to send handwritten notes of care and solidarity to one or more of the congregations. We invite everyone to write one note (or many) of love, solidarity, care, and encouragement to First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, First Universalist Church of Auburn, ME, and UU Community Church Augusta, ME. 

We will have supplies out in Parish Hall for folks to write letters and cards and you are welcome to draft some at home to bring in as well. The notes can be as simple as messages on index cards or elaborate works of art. We will also have baskets to drop cards off so they can all be sent together on February 9th. It is our hope that these communities know we stand with them and their neighbors even if we are far away. If you would like to send a digital card, visit the RE Linktree to send a digital note and we will include it in our packages. If you have any questions, please reach out to Susannah Bales at redirector@fpmilton.org.

---

Child Dedication

On March 1, we are excited that we will be doing a Child Dedication ceremony as part of the Sunday service for Teddy DellaRovere! We, in partnership with the DellaRovere family, are extending the invitation to all members who may also want to have their child(ren) Dedicated that day. What is a Child Dedication? As Rev. Lisa explains: “In Unitarian Universalist circles, the term “Dedication” is used to consecrate the act by which the parents along with their families and friends profess intention to do all in their power, in love and devotion, to guide the growth of the child in ways of truth, beauty, and love.” If you are a church member and are interested in the Child Dedication with your child(ren) that day! Please let us know by 2/15, so we can find a time to meet with you before 3/1 to plan with you how to craft this dedication with your family too! If you are interested, but that day doesn’t work for you, you can let us know that too and we can connect with you about planning another ceremony in the future.

---

Join Us for a Week of Summer Fun with the Kids Summer RE Program!

Location: First Parish Milton UU campus and one day offsite

Dates: August 24-28, 2026

Time: 9:00a-3:00pm

(with options for early drop off at 8 and late pick up at 4pm)

We’re so excited to welcome kids to a week of summer fun, friendship, and faith with our Summer Program! Our Kids Summer Program is designed to be a joyful, meaningful week where children can build community, explore our UU values, and have a whole lot of fun along the way.

Throughout the week, children will explore our Unitarian Universalist faith by practicing joy, care, silliness, and wisdom together. It’s also a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to join us for a week of learning, service, and play grounded in love, values, and community.

Each day will focus on one of our Unitarian Universalist Values—Generosity, Interdependence, Equity, Justice, Transformation, and Pluralism—with Love at the center of everything we do.

Activity blocks will include a mix of arts and crafts, games, hands-on projects, and adventures led by caring, trained, and screened church staff and volunteers. Planned activities may include cooking projects, science experiments, tie-dye, obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, LEGO building, service opportunities, and delightfully messy games. We’ll also always have flexible options available—like bubbles, chalk, and jump ropes—for kids who need something different in the moment.

This full-day, week-long program costs $400 for the first child, and $250 for each additional child from the same family. A $100 deposit will be due by May 1, 2026 to secure a spot and the remaining balance due by August 15, 2026. We are committed to making this program accessible to all families. If cost is a barrier in any way, please reach out to redirector@fpmilton.org or 470-223-0337 to learn about reduced rates or scholarship options.

We can’t wait to spend this week practicing love, learning, and joy together! Save your spot today by registering at the link in our linktree at https://linktr.ee/fpmilton. Have questions? Contact Susannah at redirector@fpmilton.org or 470-233-0337.

Want to see what’s happening in Religious Exploration with kids, youth and adults? Scan the RE Linktree QR code to view all our links and need to know info! You can visit it anytime to catch up, RSVP, sign up to volunteer, share info on RE events and resources with friends, see the full calendar and find other resources. Questions: email redirector@fpmilton.org

---

News & Announcements

Weather Related Closures

Just a reminder that if worship services are cancelled on Sunday, we will send out an email by 8am, post on Facebook, and post on our website about the cancellation.

The office is closed on any day that Milton Public Schools are closed.

---

Aging Together: The Prequel 

A new small group for folks exploring and approaching retirement and beyond

The middle of our lives is marked with big transitions like retirement, our kids leaving home, and our parents starting to need help in their lives. Maybe these transitions make you feel uncertain or confused, or maybe they are a chance to reimagine your purpose in life. Why not both! This group offers a welcoming space to reflect on what’s changing, share stories, and build a supportive community. Join us for the first meeting at noon on Feb 22 and see if it feels right for you.

February 22nd following social hour

In Teen Room Upstairs

Contact Susannah Bales at redirector@fpmilton.org and/or reach out to Dianna Wilson and Paul Casaz

---

From Membership ~ The UU Elevator Speech workshop is coming!!

The premise is simple: If you were in an elevator with someone for a few minutes and they asked you about First Parish (or being UU…or going to church…or belonging to a faith community…) what would you say?

One of the goals is for you to feel comfortable with the language of these conversations. In the past, members have found themselves thinking about their starting spiritual upbringings (or the lack of) and where they are on their journeys. Some want to learn about the UU history they never knew. Others just want to consider what this community means to them.There are no right or wrong answers. Our goal is to talk, listen, consider and write. ANYONE is welcome, whether you just joined or you’re a long-time member.

If this sounds interesting to you, please let me know. We want to hold the gatherings when it works best for as many as possible. Ideally it’s best if we can all be together for the entirety of it. (Not an absolute but ideal)

If you want to participate, please fill out this VERY brief survey.

https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2fXa3puY0rifrbU

Reach out with questions too: Lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com

---

Our Annual Budget Drive Begins!

First Parish’s Annual Budget Drive Has Begun!

The Stewardship Committee announces that this year’s Annual Budget Drive has begun as of Sunday, January 25th and will conclude on Commitment Sunday, March 15th 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 2027, which begins on July 1st.  Each household will be receiving an email from Stewardship asking for your pledge.  Embedded in the email will be a “link” via which you can simply and easily submit your financial commitment for next year.  For your convenience, we also will include the “link” here for the next several weeks.

LINK

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.

---

Events

First Parish’s Chocolate Auction

28^th Annual Chocolate Auction 

Sunday, February 8^th, 11:45 – 1:00 (or so) in the Parish Hall

With love in our hearts and chocolate in our hands, our beloved chocolate auction is coming right up! This is a delightful all church event, brought to First Parish by Chris and Dottie Pitt. Many thanks to co-founder Dottie Pitt, who will once again serve as registrant extraordinaire to keep track of bids. All ages are welcome, and child care is available in the nursery for age 5 and younger if desired. 

Here’s what else happens on the “day of”:  

• Be at Parish Hall on Sunday February 8th right after worship service (11:45 am)
• Register with Dottie as you enter and buy some raffle tickets.
• Write your name legibly on the Raffle ticket and put it in the bag that accompanies the item you wish to “win”.
• There will be a Children’s Raffle, raffle tickets available for $1 each; 6/$5 immediately before the Auction!  
• There will be an Adult Raffle, raffle tickets available for $15 each; 3/$40 immediately before the Auction! 
• Raffle tickets will be drawn regularly throughout the Auction for Adult and Children’s items.
• Payment for Raffle tickets and items bid on can be made by check or Venmo.
• Questions about the auction or what to make? Contact Deb Alsebai: debalsebai@gmail.com 

Be there! Bring a guest – the more bidders, the merrier!

This is a great way to introduce your non-First Parish friends to how much fun we have at FPM .

“Live Our Values, Eat Our Chocolate!” – Chris Pitt

---

First Parish’s Bi-Annual Auction is Back !

Saturday, April 11th  6:00pm – 9:00pm

Planning is just beginning for one of our favorite events ! Please reach out to anyone of us on the organizing committee to ask questions, share thoughts and find out how you can get involved !

Mary Blanchette: mbpa@comcast.net

Ruth Hannon: rthannon47@gmail.com

Cathy McGonagle: owencathy@comcast.net

Mark Ostrem: marko105@aol.com

Jen Pinkus: jennifer.pinkus@gmail.com

Lisa White: lisawhite1250@gmail.com

Allison Zippay: azippay3@gmail.com

---

Social & Environmental Justice

FEBRUARY Eleventh Hour Standout 

for Democracy

WEDNESDAY, February 11th

EAST MILTON SQUARE

3 p.m. assembly — stay as you are able

YOU, your signs, flags, percussion, and voices are welcomed!!

We will amplify Milton Visibility Brigade’s weekly standout this month because of the Wednesday synchronicity of both events.

Rather than compete, collaborate! More hands can hold more signs (yours or “Signs of Fascism” posters) along highly visible thoroughfares.

All ages invited.

Park near East Milton Square or Milton Central Post Office or Saint Agatha School, then gather on foot by the I-93 overpass.

Note: this photo chronicles last week’s message — it changes in response to our times (infrequently, name calls). 

If future winter weather conditions are hazardous, we will postpone ours to another date.

Spread the word, please.

---

NEXT DATE IS February 18th

As in the past, First Parish will be making and delivering lunches to MainSpring (Fr. Bill’s Brockton site) at two locations in Brockton. We have been asked to provide 70 lunches on the third Wednesday of each month. The drop-off location will remain at the lower parking lot of FP, and will take place between 12:40 and 1:00. Drivers this year will be Cynthia, Ellen, Mary B., and Pat.

The Social & Environmental Justice committee thanks you for your continued participation in this effort.

Pat & Tracey

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

---

Beyond First Parish

Find Hope Now: Solidarity and Resistance

United Congregational Church in Milton invites you to a Find Hope Now dinner on Solidarity and Resistance on Thursday, February 5, from 6–8 PM.

Pastor Katy will share her experience in Minnesota and discuss learnings from community organizers who are supporting the individuals targeted by ICE.

This event is free and open to all. Childcare for ages 5 and under will be provided. Please register by filling in this form, below. 

You can read more about UCC’s involvement in public witness by visiting our website here.

Event Address: UCC Milton – 495 Canton Ave. Milton, MA 02186 

Location: Johnson Hall

Time: 6-8 p.m. 

Please contact Rev. R.G. at rg@uccmilton.org if you have any questions.

---

Friday, February 6th 3:00pm

Location: United Congregation youth room

The Milton Coalition and Bay State Community Services are hosting a youth focus group in our youth room at United Congregation on Friday, February 6 at 3pm. The purpose of this group is to provide feedback on a positive community norms poster campaign. The focus group will be led by Zachary Gentry who works with Bay State Community services and leads their teen suicide prevention program. As a part of LGBTQ+ community, Zach is especially passionate about mental health for queer youth. I will also be present at the focus group. Any kid who participates will receive a $15 gift card. Sign ups are required.

Please email Megan at megan@uccmilton.org to register.

Click for Permission slip

---

TIMELY DOCUMENTARY ON GBH Channel 2 “Independent Lens”

“The Librarians” — Monday, February 9, 10 p.m.

“As lawmakers review book collections, librarians find themselves on the frontlines of a national battle as they face the impact of uniting against restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content.” (source: Explore GBH, February 2026)

Follow up with your State Representative about “An Act Ensuring Our Freedom to Read in the Commonwealth,” legislative bill H.3591 — It is designed to counter the rising trend of book challenges and censorship in schools and public libraries by establishing a comprehensive policy for intellectual freedom.” (source)

S/He might not be aware of this bill so communicate your opinion as a constituent. Learn more: Mass Freedom to Read,

---

First Parish Goes to the Theater! 

There is an incredible amount of good theater here in Boston and so many of these shows line up with our UU values. Please join me by emailing Debbie Alsebai at alsebai@verizon.net if you are interested in tickets. Please indicate # of tickets, seating preference, and if there are any seniors 65+ or Students attending. I am charging Group Face Value for tickets and will organize car pools depending on how many people are attending.

Kinky Boots – Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00 PM at the Boston Opera House

Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they realized…and discover that when you change your mind, you can change your whole world. Tickets are between $108 and $40 depending on Orchestra, Mezzanine or Balcony seating.

Suffs – Sunday, March 29 at 6:30 PM at the Emerson Colonial Theater

Suffs is about the brilliant, passionate, and funny American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote. Created by Shaina Taub, the first woman to ever independently win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in the same season. Suffs humanizes, empowers, moves and entertains! Tickets are between $125 and $40 depending on Orchestra, Mezzanine or Balcony seating.