This Week in Worship & Religious Education

Sunday, March 17

How to be a Saint

Rev. Kristin Grassel Schmidt
In his book Making Saints, Kenneth Woodward writes that “A saint is always someone through whom we catch a glimpse of what God is like- and of what we are called to be.” This Saint Patrick Sunday we will hear the stories of several unlikely saints and consider the ways we are living into who and what we each are called to be.

Religious Education

Spirit Play I and II (ages 3-6) will meet in their classrooms downstairs, where they will hear the Passover Seder story (I) and “The Boy Who Discovered the Spring” (II).

Passages (2nd grade) will meet in the third classroom downstairs to begin exploring the fourth UU principle: a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

Small Group Ministries (grades 3-6) will begin in the meetinghouse before being dismissed to their classes.

Neighboring Faiths (7th grade)will meet in the parlor.

Young Adult Brunch

Sunday, March 24

Young adults (18-35) are invited to join an informal brunch gathering on March 24th. Join us after church at Sweet Life (2243 Dorchester Ave.) for good food, conversation, laughter, and community building.

Events and News

Peace First workshop

March 15, 7-8:30 pm

Interested in strengthening your communication, conflict resolution, and cooperation skills? Looking to connect with others at First Parish through games, role-playing, and the arts? Wondering what Rev. Eric Dawson’s peace ministry is all about? Building on 20 years of teaching Peace First, these sessions will focus on the critical skills of peacemaking, community-building, and having fun. Please come and feel free to invite friends and family beyond First Parish. Questions? Contact Eric ericddawson@gmail.com

Interfaith Film Night
with Temple Shalom & First Congregational Church Saturday, March 16th, 7:30pm at Huntington Hall, First Congregational “A Separation” 2012 Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Film, this stark drama follows the unraveling of a marriage in modern Tehran.

Come watch the film ($5 gets you film and popcorn!) and share in discussion led by Rev. Parisa.

The Chocolate Auction

St. Patrick’s Day – doesn’t usually evoke thoughts of chocolate, but this year, thanks to the February Blizzard, at First Parish, March 17 is CHOCOLATE AUCTION time again!

Be at Church this Sunday FEBRUARY 17th for the Chocolate Auction. This event, which has become an annual tradition at First Parish, will take place in the Parish Hall right after the worship service. ALL members of the congregation are encouraged to bring some goodie of substance for the auction. Chocolate is the essential ingredient!

Please plan ahead – think NOW about what you might be able to contribute. Items should be attractively presented and ready to be carried home (meaning – don’t expect to get the plate or dish back). A small card or label identifying the item and any information (ingredients (especially whether there are nuts or nut oils), name of maker, recipe history if any) – will be very helpful and much appreciated by your humble auctioneer. If you have a chance, please email (cspitt@comcast.net) Chocolate Auctioneer Chris Pitt in advance and let him know what you plan to bring, but note that this is not required and is not a condition for participating. Just make, bake, mix, fix, or buy – and bring it this Sunday!

Calling all singers and actors!

Easter is just around the corner and so is the Easter Pageant! Would you or your child like to have a part in the Easter Pageant this year? Can you/your child be in the Meetinghouse on Sunday, March 24 from noon to 1:00 AND Easter Sunday (March 31) starting at 9:15?

If you answered yes to both questions, please contact Rev. Kristin at assistantmin@fpmilton.org no later than Thursday, March 21 so that she, Rev. Parisa, and Joel can make finish the Pageant script and make sure there is a part for everyone.

CELEBRATE NEW LIFE

The sun has come halfway from its lowest path in the sky to its highest. The earth is warming. Animals are coming out of hibernation. Plants are sprouting. On the day of the Vernal Equinox, everyone on earth experiences the same number of hours of light and darkness. Join the Earth Centered Spirituality Group as we celebrate the turning of the wheel to Spring.

Parish Hall, Saturday, March 23, 7:00 pm

All are welcome; bring a snack and libation to share at social hour following the ceremony

Choosing Our Future

This spring, we at First Parish face important choices about our future. Please join us on Sunday, March 24 after social hour in the Parish Hall for the first of a number of “Choosing Our Future” conversations. We’ll be discussing the results of the five-year planning process, reviewing our financial picture, and exploring new ideas for how to best align our resources and energies with our congregational goals. Bring your ideas, your energy, and your questions. All are invited to attend!

Family Concert at Milton Art Center

Saturday March 20 at 4 p.m. Jeremy Lyons will perform at the art center’s first musical event. Lyons honed his craft during the over dozen years he lived in New Orleans. His mission is pass on American musical traditions to a variety of audiences. Come and sing, dance, and clap to classic folk, jazz, and blues songs. Tickets sold at the door or can be purchased on line. Tickets $5 and max $15 per family; children under 2 are free. http://miltonfava.tumblr.com/JeremyLyons

Anne Lamott Is Coming to Bedford!

Monday, April 8 at 7:30pm

Anne Lamott, author and memoirist, will read from Help Thanks Wow: The Three Essential Prayers, her newest book about the simplicity and power of prayer, followed by a book signing.
The only Boston stop on her book tour!

First Parish on the Common in Bedford
75 The Great Road, Bedford, Ma • fully accessible

To learn more, visit www.uubedford.org —or call 781-275-7994

***Don’t forget to join us on Facebook!***

EVERY SUNDAY
Worship, 10:30am in the Meetinghouse
Meetinghouse Choir Rehearsal, 8:45am in the Parish Hall
Silent Prayer & Meditation, 9:00am in the Children’s Church

THE SUNDAY PLANNER
Please consider volunteering for important Sunday worship positions like ushering, hosting social hour, providing flowers for worship, and lighting the chalice.
SIGN UP HERE