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 Rev. Lisa
- News and Announcements
- Social & Environmental Justice Committee (SEJC)
- Beyond First Parish
- Summer Hours
This Week in Worship
Labyrinth
This Sunday we will gather to hear about labyrinths and walk the First Parish laced together labyrinth in the Courtyard between the Meeting House and the Children’s Chapel. This will be at 9:30 a.m. and require your physical presence – no Zoom. Please be prepared to take your shoes off walk the labyrinth either barefoot or in socks. If it’s wet, we will be in the Parish Hall. Walking a labyrinth can be an enriching experience that paradoxically combines both solitude and togetherness.
(No Zoom available for this service)
The news is flooded these days with despairing outcomes and ominous political trends. One comment that I disagree with, in the face of violence in rhetoric and an assassination attempt is that “this is not who we are”. Oh yes it is who we are, and until we see this clearly, we will not be able to shift our culture to reject this way of being. Let us not distance ourselves from our destructive, fear-based tendencies, now manifesting in frightening ways. Let’s find ourselves able to make different choices, teach different outcomes, claim different values. We need one another to do just that.
My good friend and colleague, Rev. Diane Teichert, posted this passage on Facebook:
“To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.
What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.
And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand Utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.”
-Howard Zinn in his autobiography “You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train”
So may it be. Amen. Rev. Lisa
News & Announcements
Sunday Service Recording from 7/14/24
Due to technical problems, last Sunday’s Service, “Delegates Report from General Assembly” wasn’t able to be broadcast via Zoom. Have no fear! We were able to record it and can share it with you now. Please take the time to listen to what your delegates have to share from General Assembly.
Miss some other services you wanted to see? You can view all past recorded services on our YouTube channel, or the last 3 months of services on our website. On our website, go to the “Worship” tab and select “Sermon Archive” for older services.
Don’t forget to attend these upcoming Summer Services start at 9:30am in the Meetinghouse!
07/28 Penney Partridge & Tracey Robinson: “Share A Poem”
08/04/2024 Tasha Bello: “Burying the Hatchet and Mending My Fences”
08/11/2024 Amy Kavadlo: “Unexpected & Unexplainable Miracles”
First Parish is Hiring!
Audio Technician
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.
Family Ministries Director
The Family Ministries Directory position presents an opportunity to work with our congregation developing our religious exploration model for multi-generational engagement. Current goals are to maintain the RE program for children and youth as well as exploring family ministry and multi-generational community building.
We are seeking an individual with demonstrated experience and/or training as an educator, strong relational skills, a collaborative spirit, and interest in program development. The successful candidate will align with Unitarian Universalist values, but prior affiliation with Unitarian Universalism is not required. Dedicated to equity, diversity, pluralism, accessibility, and inclusion, we welcome applicants of any identity and ability.
The FMD will report to the Minister, our staff team leader, and will collaborate with our RE Committee and volunteers. The position affords the opportunity to create and engage in a professional development plan.
A detailed job description can be found here. Cover letter and resume should be sent to office@fpmilton.org. Please forward this posting to anyone in your network who may be interested!
Social & Environmental Justice Committee (SEJC)
MassEquality Responds to the Vandalism of the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Kingston
Hate and intolerance has been on the rise across the nation and in the Commonwealth. As a community, we seek refuge where we can feel safe and connected. The First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Kingston was one of those places.
Early on the morning of July 4th, a man vandalized the First Parish Unitarian Church in Kingston. He tore down Pride and Black Lives Matter Flags from the building, and set them on fire, which in turn, charred the building. The vandal also destroyed 200 year old wooden shutters, smashed antique glass windows, and sprayed a fire extinguisher around the interior of the building. Damages to the building totaled tens of thousands of dollars, but the hurtful nature of the crime, destroying a safe space for LGBTQ+ community members and their allies to gather in peace is immeasurable.
We stand firm in our support of the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church and the community of Kingston. Hate and violence is unacceptable in all it’s forms. And to the members of marginalized communities, in Kingston, we know how frightening and isolating it can be to have a space where you feel fully accepted and embraced be attacked. Please remember that you have people and organizations in your corner and in your community.
Beyond First Parish
Join us for world-class jazz music on the beautiful UUUM green space. We’re happy to announce The Makanda Project will have three concerts this summer at the Urban Ministry. Join us under the summer sky for these free shows in the heart of Roxbury.
- Saturday, August 17th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- Saturday, September 14th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Events are free! | All are welcome | Bring a lawn chair
Click here for more information
Rev. Lisa Ward:
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: August 9-August 20
Louise Smith-Erb
July 14-July 21- at Star Island on Study Leave
Sherri Moldaver:
Mon-Thurs in office 8:30 am-1:30 pm
Kevin Harnden
On Vacation 7/13-7/21
Monday-Friday in office 8:30-11am
Tim Steele
Off in July and August, returning in September.
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.