This Week in Worship

“Democracy Is Under Attack: Songs of Reality & Stories of Hope”

Music can both reflect dangerous truths and lift us up during challenging times… and the songwriter Irving Berlin lived through some very challenging times. Having escaped as a child from religious persecution in the Russian Empire, Mr. Berlin grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and ended up marrying a Roman-Catholic debutante. Will McMillan and Molly Ruggles (piano) will share inspirational stories and songs from Mr. Berlin’s life — exploring how a Russian-Jewish immigrant came to write standards such as “White Christmas,” and “God Bless America” which continue to lift people’s spirits in the 21st century.

Our service will conclude with real time stories of hope to engage the courage and vigilance needed to fight for democracy’s survival in 2024.

Will McMillan — Performer, Songwriter & Teacher — WillSings.com

Leaders: Will MacMillan & Molly Ruggles

Worship Assistant: Jennie Mulqueen

Audio: Nicholas D’Alessandro

Music: Molly Ruggles, Carole Bundy, Brendan Shea

Please join us for service at 9:30am.

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 going towards the service and ministry of First Parish.

On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This was over two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared that “all persons held as slaves are, and henceforward shall be free.” The news hadn’t traveled to the then Western border of the States for two more years.

Juneteenth, commemorated yesterday in our nation, is known as the “Second Independence Day” in America. It took another 156 years before it became a federal holiday when President Joe Biden signed it into law in 2021.

For the past few years, in these here parts, Courageous Conversations towards Racial Justice organizes a Juneteenth celebration, with the help of the Eustis Estate and other civic leaders. There’s food and music and presentations and celebrations which bring people from Milton and the surrounding areas together to lift up the importance of freedom, only known when diverse populations have full agency in society.

It is a joyous time that spurs advocates on to keep on keeping on with the soul healing work of freedom and justice for all.

Please see below for the flier describing this year’s observance this Saturday, June 22.

Blessings Be, Rev. Lise

RE This Week

UU Summer Fun Registration!

It’s time to formally register for our UU summer fun! Follow this link to register. If you signed up on the “Express Interest” form, we still need you to officially register with this link! 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.

News & Announcements

Don’t forget- Summer Services start on 6/16 at 9:30am in the Meetinghouse!

6/30 Steve Yakutis & Guy Pugh “Retirement: Oh No, Now What?”

07/07 Steve Yakutis: “Sharing Silence”

07/14 GA Delegates: Ellen Barr, Dianna Wilson, Jim May, Debbie Alsebai: General Assembly

First Parish is Hiring !

First Parish is looking for another Audio Technician to work with us. The job is primarily Sunday mornings (9:45-11:45 most of year, earlier in summer) managing all the audio, visual and lighting needs for the church during Sunday worship services. Extra hours available for special services and events throughout year. Pay is $20/hr, with paid training and a great network of experienced staff to help learn the job.

Do you know anyone looking for a part time job? Maybe a busy teen or college student who needs no hours during the school week? Please share with your networks!

Contact Susan at manager@fpmilton.org if you know anyone interested.

New Fiscal Year- Update your Pledge!

On July 1, First Parish moves to its new fiscal year, and pledges “reset” for the year. If you pay your pledge automatically- either through Vanco, Breeze, or your bank- and need to update the monthly amount, please consider making that change in late June.

If you use Breeze or Vanco- we DO NOT make any changes to your monthly pledge amounts without your express written permission. That said, if you want us to make a change for you, we are more than happy to do so. Please just contact Susan at manager@fpmilton.org.

If you still owe on your pledge for this current fiscal year- ending 6/30/24, we kindly ask you try to get those pledges in soon, dated by June 30th if possible.

If you have any questions about your pledge, please contact Susan at manager@fpmilton.org. . She is on vacation until 7/9, but will return your email promptly after her vacation.

Events & Meetings

Yard Sale—Two Days Away!

Donations are closed, but there are still ways you can help.

We still need volunteers during the sale and to help clean up and distribute leftover items after the sale, on Saturday afternoon, Sunday, and Monday.

If you can commit 2 hours or 20, we’d appreciate your help! Please Sign Up via Signup Genius or email Jen Pinkus (jennifer.pinkus@gmail.com)

And please spread the word! The event is open to the public—rain or shine—so tell all your friends and family about it.

Saturday, June 22

9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Reopens 12:30 to 1:00—fill a bag for $10

If you can commit 2 hours or 20, we’d appreciate your help! Please Sign Up via Signup Genius or email Jen Pinkus (jennifer.pinkus@gmail.com)

The event is open to the public – rain or shine – spread the word.

Social & Environmental Justice Committee (SEJC)

SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENtAL JUSTICE: an Invitation

June 19 is the historic celebration of Juneteenth. June 21 is the summer solstice with extreme heat baking Boston. June 29 is the Social & Environmental & Immigration Justice Committee’s annual brainstorming retreat. June 30 is the end of First Parish’s fiscal year, with July 1 the beginning of its new year. November 5 is Election Day. Lots to contemplate and DO.

Social & Environmental & Immigrant Justice, as we like to say, is “a spiritual practice and a unifying force” at First Parish. It’s the doing, together, which matters. During this time of summer refreshment, affording opportunities to read and think, what will YOU do, with us or solo? Conversations welcomed!

Pat Gallivan & Tracey Robsinson (co-chairs), Ellen Barr, Mary Blanchette,Tony Dutzik, Jennifer Grant, Michael Grant, Cynthia Guise, Deb Larson-Venable, Natalie Monroe,Tucker Smith, and Lynn Stack.

Beyond First Parish

Opportunity to Support our Haitian Neighbors!

Rev. RG Wilson-Lyons of First Congregational Church has organized a “Support on Saturdays” for the Haitian community, and is looking for volunteers. Can you help?

Ways to get involved:

· Being there to talk with folks, make them feel comfortable, play with children, etc.

· Providing snacks (drinks, chips, granola bars, etc.)

· Driving people to the laundromat (if needed)

· Donating money to cover the cost of lunch

Please contact Rev. RG Wilson-Lyons at rg@fccmilton.org for any questions or communications of interest.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

June is Pride Month, Immigrant Heritage Month, Caribbean Heritage Month, and the month of Juneteenth Celebrations!

Click the Links included to learn more !!

Pride Month is a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ community, appreciate identify, rights, equity and inclusion. It’s also a time to recognize the community’s accomplishments and commemorate the struggle for civil rights and equal justice.

Immigrant Heritage Month-a time for all Americans, regardless of immigration status, to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of our country.

Caribbean Heritage Month–In June 2005, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted H.Con. Res. 71, sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, recognizing the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States.

Juneteenth-June 19, 1865-the day all people living in the United States, including the formerly enslaved, were officially granted freedom. On June 17,2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law making the day known as Juneteenth a national holiday. The national observance of Juneteenth provides a fuller, and more accurate, portrait of America’s history beyond July 4^th’s celebrations.

Rev. Lisa Ward:

Study Leave: June 23-30

Vacation: July 1-July 14

Study Leave: July 28-August 4

Vacation: August 5-August 18

Susan DeMinico: Summer Hours starting 7/1

In office on Tuesday &Thursday – Off Mondays and Fridays, 1/2 day remote Wednesdays.

Vacation: June 19-July 9

Vacation: August 9-August 20

Louise Smith-Erb

June 23-July 6 Vacation

July 14-July 21- at Star Island on Study Leave

Sherri Moldaver:

Mon-Thurs in office 8:30 am-1:30 pm

Kevin Harnden

Monday-Friday in office 8:30-11am

Tim Steele

Off in July and August, returning in September.

Meet Our Minster

First Parish Milton

535 Canton Avenue Milton, MA 02186
Email: office@fpmilton.org
Phone: 617-698-6329

Your Weekly Link – News and Updates 6/20/2024

Table of Contents

This Week in Worship

“Democracy Is Under Attack: Songs of Reality & Stories of Hope”