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
Share a Poem
Bring a Poem To Share
Lay Leaders: Penny Partridge & Tracey Robinson
Musicians: Karl Pastore and Owen Hartford
Service will be held in the Children’s Church at 9:30 am. No Zoom this day.
What a difference a day makes, eh? The political scene in our country has taken quite a turn. New energies, new hopes, new worries, and new fears are bubbling up in media, in work spaces, in homes.
I was approached by a resident theologian (of which we all are) to float the idea of addressing the deep divide we feel in all walks of life. We are struggling to be civil, even respect others with opposing views about our future as a nation. Words like “peace” and “unity” are lovely concepts that often don’t meet the test when true feelings and fears rise to the surface.
In intentional justice-centered communities, there are many forms of “safe space” or “brave space” principles of relating. They do work well in intentional gatherings, but it is much harder to maintain these principles, especially when they are not shared ways of being in our daily lives.
As the national election approaches, might there be interest in forming a group that addresses practicing civility in our deeply divided society? What do we do when the divide affects our personal relationships? We would touch on communication strategies, on grief about the divide, on letting go, on….Thoughts?
I will be out of the office till August 20th, but feel free to email the office (office@fpmilton.org) if you are interested. I will get back in touch upon my return. In the meantime, for starters, remember to breathe, to pause before responding, and ask yourself : “do I want to be right or in relationship?”
Blessings Be, Rev. Lisa
News & Announcements
Sunday Service Recording from 7/14/24
Due to technical problems, “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!
08/04/2024 Tasha Bello: “My Journey to Bury the Hatchet and Mend my Fences.”
Looking back on childhood with my three younger sisters has been both painful and, ultimately, rewarding. Come and hear how the power of social media, a hastily arranged dinner, one health crisis, and two gold coins helped four sisters reconcile after 20 years of estrangement. Learn about our rocky journey from dysfunction to reconciliation.
08/11/2024 Amy Kavadlo: “Unexpected & Unexplainable Miracles”
08/18/2024 Tony Dutzik: “I Listened to the Bible So You Don’t Have To”
First Parish is Hiring!
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:
In office on Tuesday &Thursday – Off Mondays and Fridays, 1/2 day remote Wednesdays.
Vacation: August 9-August 20
Louise Smith-Erb
In office Mondays and Tuesdays until end of August
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.
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.