Table of Contents

• This Week in Worship
• Message from Rev. Lisa Ward
• Music Info
• RE Events
• Social & Environmental Justice
• Beyond First Parish

This Week in Worship

March Worship Theme: HUMANITY

“Let It Be A Dance”

Worship Assistant: Steve Yakutis

Greeters: Pat Gallivan & Tucker Smith

Audio: Sofia Nitolo

Social Hour: The Stewardship Committee-Gathering in Gratitude

 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 AFAB. The Association of Haitian Women in Boston. AFAB-KAFANM’AFAB-KAFANM’s mission is to empower Haitian women by helping them develop their individual and collective capacity to improve social, economic and political status and thus be able to effect positive changes in their life and their families’ lives. Denise Williams from the Association of Haitian Women in Boston. AFAB-KAFANM, 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.

The instinct to find communities of care and concern is survival wisdom. What is going on right now in our country’s politics and global relations is far larger than any one of us can contain; larger, even, than any one community can contain. We need to risk being each other’s ballast in the turmoil and seek ways to stay grounded by reaching out to others.

I see this happening all over the country and within many justice collectives. The good advice counselled at each gathering is to pay attention to our own health so that we can stay with the long haul of resistance and reform. It is a gift to all to nourish your ability to share the various needs of solidarity.

We are so fortunate to have a sister church on the town green (United Congregational Church) to share lgbtq+ justice initiatives in solidarity. As International Transgender Visibility Day approaches (March 31), our transgender and non-binary siblings feel less and less safe. Violence is on the rise and outright discrimination is being sanctioned by the government.

On March 30^th, at 4 pm, we are facilitating a gathering at the town gazebo to affirm that all people have the right to live their lives as their authentic selves. As many of you have experienced, simply gathering to proclaim a social justice can be uplifting. In this case, it is a deep assurance to our siblings that they are not alone, they are welcomed and seen. The announcement is listed below in the “Beyond First Parish” section.

Come if it moves you to do so.

Sending love, Lisa

Music This Week

This Sunday we will be joined by our regular guest musician Arman Mohammad. Vocalist, Nishant Shekar will be accompanying on select pieces. He will be offering these pieces: “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell, “Illusion” by Gregory Porter and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge over Troubled Water.”

RE This WeekRE classes will be held this week.

News & Announcements

Commitment Sunday-Gathering in Gratitude Celebration

Sunday, March 16th!

THANK YOU to all those who have thus far submitted their financial commitment for this year’s Budget Drive. But with just over 2 weeks to go before Commitment Sunday we have yet to hear from about 40% of the congregation.

We are counting on you. Here is the link: Pledge Here

Join us after the Commitment Sunday service on March 16th for our Gathering in Gratitude celebration. Make sure to give some thought to whom you would like to recognize either for their service to the First Parish community or for ways they have influenced your own personal growth.

Thank you,

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

Navigating the Political Climate

Next meeting April 2nd

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

From Membership: Rescheduled First Parish Orientation — in person!

Sunday, March 23rd 12:00pm in Library

The Membership Committee is excited to announce the date of our upcoming informational orientation for those interested in First Parish. On Sunday, March 23rd, we will gather in person in the church Library at noon. We’ll have a light lunch and talk about the history of Unitarian Universalism, First Parish UU in Milton and what joining the church means. We want to know what your spiritual path has been and answer your questions.

Though meant primarily for those who are new to First Parish, it is open to all.

Childcare will be provided upon request.

Please RSVP to Leslie if you want to attend, so we have enough food (Dietary needs too) lesliemacpherson@gmail.com

Milton Creates! A Community Arts Festival at First Parish

Saturday May 3rd Calling all First Parish Artists and Craftspeople!

Please contribute your talents to our first-ever Art Festival and Fundraiser. It will be an immersive artistic experience, with art, music, food, and community. We’re looking for more pieces to add to our auction: visual arts (paintings, photography, sculpture, prints) and fine crafts (quilts, pottery, jewelry).

Share your talents, join the fun, and help raise much needed funds for First Parish. Contact: jennifer.pinkus@gmail.com

Social & Environmental Justice

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday May 3, 2025

Milton Green Fair 

During the Green Fair, we will be joining with Bikes Not Bombs for a local Bike Drive – Please plan to bring used bikes to First Parish on May 3! BNB accepts donated bikes to be refurbished and redistributed through local and international social justice projects.

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., 3/18: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Tues., 04/1: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Tues., 4/15: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Tues., 4/29 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!

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 AND IN narthax)

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

Tuesday, April 8, 10am-4:30pm ~ Register by March 25th

RSVP HERE

This is a save-the-date teaser. Be empowered, not powerless. Speak with our state legislators about specific Beacon Hill legislation, winnowed from thousands of bills, to further our UU justice values about Immigration, Climate/Environment, Economy, Housing, and more. 

*** Note: the most important time to join with other First Parish advocates — together, NOT solo — in scheduled Zoom calls — is 2pm-4pm. Don’t be overwhelmed. We will learn together and hone our “asks.” A commitment involves some advance preparation and practice — details forthcoming. Are you IN? Contact Tucker Smith.

SAVE THE DATE & PARTICIPATE!!!

GREEN UP MILTON WEEKEND 2025

Saturday, April 12th & Sunday, April 13th

 Call to action for a cleaner, greener town. Recruit family, neighbors, scout troops, sports teams, classes and clubs. Form your team to collect litter anywhere around town crying out for a clean sweep.

Register here to see all you need to know to know about special trash bags, when, where,, how, etc. Why? Because litter degrades our natural assets all around us: rivers, streams, fields, and forests. Resolve, going forward, to use few single-use disposables — and when you do, recycle properly.

Sponsored by Sustainable Milton and Milton DPW.

Appreciatively, 

Tucker

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.