Rev. Lisa Ward has been our settled minister since August of 2016. Ordained in 1992, Rev. Lisa has served congregations in New York City, Queens, White Plains, NY and Harford County, MD. A graduate from Union Theological Seminary in NYC, she has engaged in social justice initiatives throughout her career… 
Table of Contents
- This Week in Worship
- Message from Reverend Lisa
- Music Info
- RE
- Events
- Social & Environmental Justice
- Actions for Justice and Democracy (COMING SOON)
This Week in Worship
“The Spirit in the Garden”
Please join us for service at 9:30am.
Worship Leader: Carol Stocker
Worship Assistant: Lisa White
Music: Daon Drisdom
Audio: Holden Driscoll & Nicholas Miller
Please log in at 9:20, to give some lead time for the service at 9:30. 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 the service and ministry of First Parish.
Last night, after our 11th hour stand out for democracy, staff members from ACLU Massachusetts led a forum on “Defending Democracy”. It was well delivered, full of information about legislative actions. The frustration around the lines of illegal and immoral were described, and hope was generated for keeping our voices alive in advocacy, non-violent resistance and peaceful protest.
These are perilous times with the Trump Administration pushing the limits of democracy daily with increased force and, frankly, bluster. And yes, the bluster is working short term, but I believe more people are waking up. I believe the tide is slowly turning. The fear is how many will be swept under before the steps toward fascism are overcome.
What was clearly evident last night is that there are a lot of people claiming the rights of democracy in many different ways. I believe this is also a time for us all to look at the state of our democracy in general, how much money has influenced its shape and how well the system as it stands really does serve all of its people.
We are in a “wake up” time, the alarms are going off in varied ways. It’s probably why the whole “woke” demonization began years ago, to temper the possible resistance to what we are seeing now.
It was a hopeful night. An energizing night. A let’s keep on keeping on night. What a privilege it was to host this event, wonderfully organized by Jennie Mulqueen and Art Weingarten on behalf of the Milton Changemakers and Milton for Peace.
Blessings abound, Rev. Lisa
Introducing our new Lifespan Religious Exploration Director: Susannah Bales
Susannah (she/hers) brings a background in both ministry and mental health, having served for over a decade in Religious Education roles in Atlanta, Georgia and recently in Rhode Island. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Religion from Pfeiffer University and a Master of Divinity from Emory University, with a focus on Society and Personality. In addition to her ministry work, she is also a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Susannah has led vibrant, inclusive programs for children and youth, with an emphasis on social justice, LGBTQIA+ affirmation, mindfulness, and anti-racism. She has worked with congregations of all sizes, supporting both children and teens, training volunteers, designing curriculum, and facilitating powerful community-wide events. She also co-founded TransDecatur, a peer support group for trans individuals and their families, and has advocated on behalf of children through her involvement with the Interfaith Children’s Movement in Atlanta. Her recent work as Recruitment Manager for a global human rights fellowship reflects her deep commitment to justice and intercultural engagement.
Now rooted in New England, Susannah is excited to bring her passion for spiritual growth, inclusive leadership, and community resilience to First Parish and to pursue her deepening commitment to Unitarian Universalism. When not working, Susannah enjoys gardening, participating in community theatre, and spending time with her partner, Patrick, and their two pups, Mabel and Benny, at their home in Providence, Rhode Island.
News & Announcements
Summer Services start on June 15th at First Parish Milton UU 9:30 AM (in Meetinghouse except as noted with *)
6/22 Laurel Whitehouse: Summer Solstice Reflections
6/29 Leslie MacPherson: On Resiliency
7/6 Jeff Stoodt: Singing the Glories of Summer
7/13 Dan De Angeli & Penny Partridge: The Interview
7/20 Cynthia Guise and Didi Emmons: What Is the UUA Animal Ministry?
7/27 Penny Partridge & Tasha Bello: Looking Both Ways at 80
8/3 Steve Yakutis & Friends: Songs of Protest* (in Children’s Church)
8/10 Elise Henricks: Walking Our Labyrinth* (in courtyard)
8/17 Chris Clifford: Blue Hills Forest Bathing* (location TBA)
8/24 Lisa White: Music from Our Hymnals
8/31 Penny Partridge: Navigating in the Sea of Dementia
Join us online from anywhere; but if you can, please come in person.
* Not available online
Lost & Found
The following items are in the Lost and Found bin. Any item not picked up by June 15th will be donated to the First Parish yard sale. Please contact Sherri in the office at office@fpmilton.org to arrange pick up. Or all the coats are currently hung on coat rack in Parish Hall. Thank you to those who have already picked up a few of the items below!
Events
The ANNUAL FIRST PARISH YARD SALE is coming up soon – Saturday, June 21! You can declutter and help raise funds for First Parish at the same time.
DONATION drop-off information
We are looking for clean, gently used furniture, sporting equipment, toys, clothes, jewelry, books, lawn and garden items, household goods, photographs, art, collectibles, record albums, musical instruments, and more…
Please assist our volunteers by organizing your items by category, and making sure they are washed or dusted, and/or in good working order.
We cannot accept: Stuffed animals; cribs, car seats, mattresses
DROP OFF times: First Parish
- Fri., June 13: 2-6pm (Parish Hall)
- Sat., June 14: 9am-1pm (Parish Hall)
- Sun., June 15: 10:30am-12:30pm
- Mon., June 16: 10am-1pm; 3pm-6pm
- Tues., June 17: 10am-1pm; 3pm-6pm
- Wed., June 18: 10am-1pm; 3pm-6pm
If these times don’t work for you, please email yardsale@fpmilton.org to arrange an alternate drop-off time.
Can you help? We need LOTS of volunteers to:
- staff the donation drop-off hours
- help set up and organize on June 19-20
- staff the tables and help with set-up or clean-up on the day of the yard sale (June 21)
- clean up and distribute leftover items after the yard sale on June 22-24
If you can commit 2 hours or 20, we’d appreciate your help! Please Sign Up via the SIGN UP GENIUS LINK
The event is open to the public – rain or shine – spread the word!
Bike Drive with Bikes not Bombs June 21st
A truck will be on site and we will collect any used/donated bikes for their bike refurbishing/ recycling efforts. BnB requests donations to help cover costs of shipping bikes overseas.
*See flyer below
Social & Environmental Justice
Next date: June 18th
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!
Actions for Justice and Democracy
Stand Out For Our Democracy
East Milton
Adams Street Overpass
EVERY Wednesday 4:30pm-6:30pm
Brought to you by Milton Indivisible
JUNE 14, 2025
The freedoms enshrined in our Constitution include
freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly,
AND the right to Petition the Government
Check out the US map and RSVP to the protest of your choice!
https://www.nokings.org/?SQF_SOURCE=indivisible#map
Boston Pride
Join the crowd!
June 14 11am-3pm
March starts in Copley Square at Boston Common. For more info click here.
Click here to schedule an appointment
Rev. Lisa Ward:
Study Leave: June 23-June 30
Vacation: July 1-14
Vacation: July 28-August 10
Study Leave: August 11-18
Susan DeMinico: Summer Hours for July and August
In office on Tuesday &Thursday – Off Mondays and Fridays, 1/2 day remote Wednesdays.
Vacation: June 23rd-June 27th
Vacation: August 11th-15th
Susannah Bales
Starting 7/7/25
Sherri Moldaver
In office Monday thru Thursday 8:30am-1:30pm
Vacation: August 4th-August 7th
Kevin Harnden
Monday-Thursday 8am-11am
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.