Table of Contents

• This Week in Worship
• Message from Rev. Lisa
• This Week in Religious Exploration
• News and Announcements
• Events and Meetings
• Social & Environmental Justice Committee (SEJC)
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Beyond First Parish

This Week in Worship

“Deeper Than The Skin“

Born three days apart, ancestry flowing through the same portal of History, Richmond, VA, Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway are on a pilgrimage together – one that began three decades ago. The racial divisions that are the reality of America started them in two different worlds, but the amazing bonds of music, respect, admiration, and shared vision have brought them together as friends and colleagues. The musical and spiritual blooming of this history has become Deeper Than The Skin, the telling of their stories through words and music. It is a great American story, informative and inspiring in so many ways. How to build bridges couldn’t be more important at this moment in history. How to face struggle with hope, and even joy, is the gift they have to give.

Deeper Than The Skin Concert – this Saturday!

Renowned folk singers Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway will perform their program “Deeper Than the Skin” using story and song in the concert to share a dialog that led them past racial divisions into a deep and abiding friendship that has lasted over thirty years on Saturday, April 20 at 6:30pm at First Parish Milton. The concert is free. See flyer below in the Events section

Guest Speakers: Reggie Harris & Greg Greenway

Worship Assistant: Elise Henricks

Flowers: Amy Kavadlo

Audio: Atticus D’Alessandro

Social Hour: Michael & Jennifer Grant

Please join us for service at 10:30am.

 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 Sunflower of Peace.  Sunflower of Peace is a fundraiser that provides medical and humanitarian aid that will be used by the paramedics and doctors in the areas that are affected by the violence in Ukraine.

In the summer of 2023, Reggie and Greg were asked to present Deeper Than The Skin at GA in Pittsburgh.

Before that they presented for the Nation Conference of Friends (Quakers), and the National Collegiate Honor Society in Chicago. This is the result of a story that began decades ago. Reggie and Greg have been professional entertainers for over 30 years. From the beginnings of their relationship, they’ve talked about Race. It’s been a common theme in their music as evidenced by somewhere close to 25 CDs make between them as solos, as Kim and Reggie Harris, and as Brother Sun. Both have done numerous UU services as both the music and the sermon. 

Reggie is the Co-President of the Living Legacy Project. Kim and Reggie Harris and Brother Sun were the music for “Marching in the Arc of Justice,” the UU conference in Birmingham at the 50th anniversary of the Selma Voting Rights Action. Greg, with Brother Sun, was the music and an integral part of the opening service for the Providence GA. Reggie has been in or lead countless workshops on Race. He is an awarded and beloved citizen of the Folk Music community. 

When they discovered that Reggie’s family history traced back to a plantation in Ashland, VA, just 15 miles from where Greg grew up in Richmond, they decided that it was the universe telling them that it was time to tell their story together. 

Coming into awareness at the time of the Civil Rights Movement, busing, and the Vietnam war gives a rich context from which to begin. Experiencing the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge and its focus on moving into the future, has given them a vision of how to proceed.

I’d like to lift up an example of vibrant shared ministry. This Saturday’s concert and Sunday’s worship called for the input, effort, and cooperation of many people, all focused on events that promise to enrich us all in public ministry.

First Parish delegates who attended last year’s UUA General Assembly witnessed the artistry of Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway in their presentation “Deeper Than The Skin”. Debbie Alsebai proposed arranging to bring these artists to First Parish. Schedules had to be arranged, money found through grants and sponsorship, an organizing committee was formed, volunteers secured and advertising widely distributed to invite the public to this engaging, uplifting concert, free of charge.

Aspects of shared ministry are vision, collaboration and collective follow through. It involves people of different skills coming together to support the vision. The Parish Committee through Jen Pinkus’ leadership, the Racial Justice Task Force, through Pat Neves’ and Ellen Barr’s leadership, the Worship Committee through Elise Henrick’s leadership and Debbie Alsebai’s unstoppable enthusiasm are just a snapshot of all the aspects of mutual engagement to bring forth the events of this weekend.

Brava, bravo! Truly an inspiration.

Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa

Music This Week

This Sunday the music will be provided by Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway, who are providing a experience of singing and listening called “Deeper Than the Skin”. These two friends, one Black, one White, are storytellers, students of history, and musicians who will provide stories of shared humanity that are powerful and uplifting. 

MCC PRESENTS: “In Community” on April 28 at 3pm

On Sunday, April 28 at 3pm Milton Community Concerts presents “In Community: A Concert Celebrating LGBTQ+ Stories”, a benefit concert to support the Transgender Emergency Fund of Massachusetts. This program will feature four outstanding singers: Alexis Peart, Morgan Mastrangelo, Nick Fahrenkrug, and Michael Alexander Aoun in a program of musical theater favorites, jazz standards, concert songs, arias, and cabaret songs, primarily by composers from the LGBTQ+ community. Also featured will be dancers J. Michael Winward and Holly Stone. Tickets, available at the door only, are PAY AS YOU CAN, with a suggested donation of $20 general/$10 senior/free for 18 and under. *See flyer below*

Visit miltoncommunityconcerts.com

UU Summer Fun Registration!

It’s time to formally register for our UU summer fun! Follow this link to register. Per the recommendation of the Religious Education Committee, we are shifting our age range to also welcome preschoolers whose older siblings will also be attending our summer fun and/or who attend Spirit Play but may not be entering first grade. Please reach out to Louise (re@fpmilton.org) with questions about this new policy. We continue to want to be flexible and accommodating, while still prioritizing safety and a quality experience for all involved.

Sunday, April 21st 3:00pm – 6:00pm (come anytime)

The Milton Muslim Neighbors invites us to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which commemorates the end of Ramadan. Cunningham Hall: 77 Edge Hill Road, Milton

News & Announcements

Art Exhibition in the Link hallway

Come view the new art work by by First Parish artists, Lynne Stack and Cynthia Guise!

Keep the coffee brewin’! May 5, May 12, & May 26. CLICK HERE to sign up [sign up genius]

Haven’t hosted before or need a refresher? No worries! A Hospitality Committee member will reach out to you the week before to answer questions and provide instructions.

Dear First Parish Friends, Mother’s Day is on the horizon and I hope you can join us for this important annual event right in our neighboring Dorchester area; it is a longstanding tradition at First Parish. Participating with my kids has been a great way to live into our faith and values, and it was by coming to First Parish that I learned about the history of Mother’s Day and how it is rooted in a movement for peace. The walk usually takes several hours, so probably good for ages 10 and up. Click on the register tab. Join our team by search for FP Milton UU team to join our team. Once registered, you will be given your own fundraising page to send out to friends. Warmly, Jennie Mulqueen Register to walk and donate Donate ONLY.

Events & Meetings

Two More Circle Suppers Our first two Circle Suppers filled up and were a big success. There are two more opportunities to socialize with First Parish friends and acquaintances in an informal setting. These potluck gatherings, April 26th and May 4th will include facilitator-led discussions of the proposed changes to Article II, which we’ll be voting on at Annual Meeting in May so that our delegates to General Assembly can represent our wishes.

Sign up for your preferred date and food contribution here: Link to sign up.

STORYTELLING IN THE CHILDREN’S CHAPEL April 27th at 4:00 pm Do you have a story you want to share? Come join us at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, in the Children’s Chapel. Our gathering will be like the Moth Radio Hour with a five minute limit for each story – but it’s not a competition. You can just listen if you want. The theme will be “Beginning.” Questions? Contact Dan de Angeli (dandda14@gmail.com) or Penny Partridge (ppartridge9@icloud.com)

Yes, we’re having a Yard Sale this year!

Save the date: June 22nd

Save your stuff!

Save some time on your calendar to help out.

Looking forward to working with everyone on this fun event!

Social & Environmental Justice Committee (SEJC)

Bikes not Bombs Tour:

Saturday April 27th

10:00 am-11:00 am

Bikes Not Bombs uses the bicycle as a vehicle for social change to achieve economic mobility for Black and other marginalized people in Boston and the Global South.

Join us for a BNB tour in Jamaica Plain with Ndaye Kanonga on Saturday April 27 from 10-11am. All ages welcome! 

Register on Sign-up Genius. Please include note in signup if you want to carpool. 

Contact Tracey Robinson at tdr02186@gmail.com if questions.

May 1st is the next date! S&EJ (Social & Environmental Justice committee) is looking for volunteers the first and third Wednesday of each month to contribute lunches. We hope to deliver 70 lunches twice a month to support shelter guests. See updated instructions on the Mainspring SignUpGenius page and signup whenever you can help out. We are counting on your support!

Climate Action@HOME

SUNDAY May 5, 2024 12:00pm-1:00pm Chase Parlor

Climate Action at Home wraps up our year-long series of discussion. Come learn more about Carbon Footprints!

 A small FPM group has been meeting for several months learning how to calculate our own Carbon Footprints. We would like to share what we learned and see if others are interested in learning more about their own carbon footprints. Please join us.

Beyond First Parish

WHAT’S YOUR EARTH LEGACY?: a Letter-writing Reflection Look for George Goss’s display table at Social Hour this Sunday. George chairs Braintree All Souls UU Church’s Social Action & Environmental Committee which has led this letter-writing reflection as well as recent book discussions (Climate Justice by Mary Robinson and The Carbon Boycott by Sam Avery). Amp up your curiosity and stop by to welcome George and the materials he plans to share.

SPREAD THE WORD, SPREAD THE POWER

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 –– two options for participating:

In person: “Watch Party” Soup Potluck in Parish Hall 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Virtually: by pre-registered Zoom 7:00 pm-8:00 pm

Join Social & Environmental Justice/Racial Justice Task Force folks to learn about MOVEMENT VOTER PROJECT [MVP]. Its non-partisan Fund supports local door-to-door organizations, especially in swing states, doing trusted work to empower local voters. ACTION — NOW — EARLY — is one way to feel hopeful and self-empowered. FYI: every registered attendee unlocks a $25 donation by “Anonymous”

Tucker Smith and Deb Larson-Venable welcome questions.

Contact tsmith62676@gmail.com or deblarsonv@gmail.com

Town wide Green Fair 2024

Saturday, May 4, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

To be staged in front of Town Hall, on Gazebo Green, and at both churches 

First Parish Volunteers needed to:

set-up and activities (bell-ringing, drumming, crafts, Freecycle tables, GreenUp Teams, EVs, scavenger hunt, etc.).

More information to come!

Tucker Smith & Sita Cochran, First Parish liaisons

SUSTAINABLE MILTON

Courageous Conversations Towards Racial Justice’s next read will be “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” by Richard Rothstein.

We will meet on Zoom on Tues 5/14/24 and 5/28/24 from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm For 5/14/24 we will read through Chapter 7 and we will finish the book on 5/28/24.

It is not readily available at the Milton Library or the Boston Library (online at least) without a wait, but used copies are available at BooksRun and new and used at Amazon.

Ibram X. Kendi in “How To Be an Antiracist” pointed out that policy is either racist or antiracist. This new book seems to add support of this concept.

For Questions and or the Zoom link please reach out to Debbie Alsebai at alsebai@verizon.net.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

Sponsored by

Milton Interfaith Clergy Association

Thursday, June 27th 1:00 pm-6:00 pm

Congregation Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills

18 Shoolman Way

Milton, MA 02186

The blood drive will be live and ready for scheduling by March 18th. 

 To schedule appointment on or after Mar 18 please visit www.redcrossblood.org and

 enter sponsor code: MICA

Or call 1 (800)-Red-Cross

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.