Your Weekly Link – News and Updates 8/25/2022

Your Weekly Link – News and Updates 8/25/2022

Table of Contents

  • This Week in Worship
  • This Week in Religious Exploration
  • Events and Meetings
  • News and Announcements
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Beyond First Parish

Message from Rev. Tricia Brennan

Are you familiar with the Fifth Season?  

Yes, it is a science fantasy novel by N.K Jeminson- but that’s not what I mean. I’m referring to the fifth season in the natural world. Which, according to traditional Chinese medicine, and also some gardeners, is what we are in now. Shorter than the other four, fifth season comes in late summer, more or less from mid august into mid- September. 

Think of it as the pause before autumn. Think of it as a time of stability, fullness and calm. 

If you happen to get your produce at a farmer’s market, or are part of a CSA, you can’t miss the bounty of the earth. Most of us aren’t connected to the land in the way that some are in our world, and many were in the past- yet even we can feel a subtle sense of security as we enjoy all that the season brings. So much good food!

It’s also a poignant time. For those who love summer for its long days of light, or those who are lucky enough to love it for its time of rest, vacation, and play, we know that these golden days are coming to an end. Back to school planning is happening in earnest. Congregations are soon to swing into full gear. Sunset now comes at 7:30, not 830. 

And yet, it is still August. Let’s claim the fifth season and stay awhile here, short though this season is. Dine outside, take a swim, enjoy fresh corn on the cob, or fresh tomatoes, or whatever you love of this season. Read a book, paint your toenails, make time, if you can, for something that feeds your soul. 

I’ll be taking my own advice this coming week as I join my siblings for a week together in Georgetown, Maine. If needed, I’ll be reachable by phone- 617-645-9681- and in general that is the best way to reach me, along with my email of revtbrennan@gmail.com

And I do look forward to meeting you in person, or virtually, post Labor Day.

Till then, all best wishes,

Rev. Tricia

This Week in Worship

“I’ll pick door #2, no, no, #3!”

Let’s contemplate the choices we have made and the paths we have chosen that have become our life story.

Facilitated by: Tom Kemp

Worship Assistant: Christopher Clifford

Music: Claudia Wellington and Karl Pastore

Audio: Colin Glazer

Worship Services are hybrid.

Join us in person or on Zoom.

Please see the zoom link below. 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.

Sunday’s offering will go to the service and ministry of First Parish.

Religious Exploration

RE needs teachers, substitutes, and Coming of Age mentors this year!  You don’t need teaching experience, just an interest in sharing some time with our children and youth.  You can teach on a regular basis (generally a commitment of about 10 Sundays a year), substitute when needed, mentor a youth in our Coming of Age program (a commitment of one Sunday afternoon a month), or help with a workshop or other special program.  RE is the work of the entire congregation, and we’d love to have your presence in our program.  Please contact bridget@sitkoff.net for more information or to volunteer.

Still need to register your child? The registration form can be found here.

Events and Meetings

S&EJ

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is preparing a Community Involvement Plan (CIP) for the Lower Neponset River Superfund site. How can it can best communicate to, engage with, and hear from our community? Join a virtual focus group conversation!

Thursday, August 25th. 6:00pm-7:30pm ET

Monday, August 29th. 3:00pm-4:30pm ET

Wednesday, August 31st. 12:00pm-1:30pm ET

Please register using the Eventbrite Event page

For questions contact ZaNetta Purnell, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator 

(617) 918-1306 or Purnell.ZaNetta@epa.gov

11th Hour Calling- Monthly Stand Out for Climate Action & Justice

Sunday, September 11th

535 Canton Avenue (next to Town Hall)

Even though it’s summertime…. we continue to care about the climate emergency, environmental justice, elimination of fossil fuels from our lives, and municipal response planning wherever you may live. There are efforts to expand artificial turf playing fields in Milton which pose documented environmental and human health risks. Learn more at our August 11 gathering.

News and Announcements

Worship Committee

The last summer service is September 4th.  Elise Henricks and Christopher Clifford- will lead and the theme is “Our Labyrinth”.

Volunteer Opportunities

Fair Foods

Fair Foods is a non-profit program that rescues fresh produce that wwould otherwise be wasted and uses it to feed our communities. We volunteer together unloading and sorting food and packing bags once a month.

The next volunteer date is Saturday, September 24th.

If you want to volunteer, please sign up on Sign up Genius by Thursday

evening before the event. Start time and locations vary depending on Fair Foods’ needs, but typically start at 8:30 a.m. at their warehouse at 70 Amory Street in Roxbury.

Sign up here!

Other volunteer opportunities are also available at Fair Foods on weekdays from early morning until mid-afternoon.Any questions or for more information contact Tony Dutzik at tdutzik@gmail.com or 617-291-4685.

Beyond First Parish

MULTIFAITH

Community Gathering

An open invitation to our multifaith partners to experience Peace play in Urban Setting healing modality as we continue to see the peace of our City.

Join us August 27, 2022

10:00 am-12:00 pm

Lawn of UU Urban Ministry

10 Putnam Street

Roxbury, MA 02119

Register

The Makanda Project

Jazz on the Green – 2022 Summer Series

Here’s a great opportunity to visit the UU Urban Ministry 

Check out the progress on the Meeting House renovations, 

Experience the new Peace Garden, and

Enjoy a wonderful outdoor jazz concert! 

All are invited to 10 Putnam St. in Roxbury to see and hear the world-class jazz music of The Makanda Project. There are three concerts scheduled. See flyer below for more info.

Bring a towel or a chair and join us for one of these free shows.

Check out the event webpage and UUUM social media accounts if the forecast doesn’t look friendly.

As a reminder, some staff hours change over the summer.

Lisa Ward- on sabbatical until 11/15.

Rev. Tricia Brennan serving First Parish 8/15-11/15. 

Sherri Moldaver- Monday-Thursday 8:30 am-1:30 pm

Kevin Harnden- morning hours

Tim Steele- off for summer, returning to First Parish in Fall

Susan DeMinico- in July and August- Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-4:30 pm at First Parish, Wednesdays 9-3 pm working remotely.


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.