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

“Body, Mind & Spirit”

Worship Assistant: Dottie Pitt

Audio: Alex Feliz

Social Hour: Julie Blackburn

 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 go towards the service and ministry of First Parish.

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.

Shirley Leung, Boston globe columnist, wrote in this morning’s paper that Mayor Michelle Wu, was fierce, formidable and fearless in publicly advocating for the safety and integrity of Boston. She was called to testify at a hearing of the US House Oversight Committee on Wednesday in Washington. The Mayor stayed strong and clear, regardless of the attempts by the Committee to shame and disempower her. 

“Fierce” is what we need these days. A colleague who is the Director of Racial, Equity and Transformation in an organization I volunteer for signs her emails with “fierce love”. And Ram Dass coined the phrase “fierce grace” years ago when speaking of the guidance needed when your world is turned upside down.

One of the definitions of “fierce” is heartfelt and powerful intensity. Fierce, when coupled with love or grace or integrity, is the kind of energy needed to counter the tactics used to try and overwhelm you with fear. Fierceness brings a steadfast resolve to keep alive the worth of being.

You may want to check out a video of this hearing and witness this lawyer, mayor, mother claim worth for herself, for her constituents and for her city. We can do this. We can stay steady on what we know to be true, the inherent worth and dignity of all people, regardless, as Wu commented, on the color of their passport.

Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa

This Sunday the Meetinghouse Choir will be singing an anthem by English composer Martin Barry, on a text by Diane Murden, called “Wisdom, Come Softly”. Guest soprano Yejin Jang will also be presenting a lyrical setting of the well-known Emily Dickinson text, “If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking”, by composer Adolphus Hailstork. Dr. Hailstork is a prolific composer who attended Howard University and Michigan State University, and later taught at universities in Ohio and Virginia.

RE This Week

RE classes will be held this week.

News & Announcements

Commitment Sunday is Almost Here

Please Make Your Pledge

And Join Us for a Celebration on 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 

Then please mark your calendars to 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. minister@fpmilton.org

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

First Parish Art Festival and Fundraiser

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 selected 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

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., 4/1: 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!

Beyond First Parish

First Parish Watch Party-Community Conversations TONIGHT

Meet in library Thursday, March 6th 5:30 pm

Revolution of Historical Examination

*see flyer below

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