Table of Contents
- This Week in Worship
- Message from Rev. Lisa Ward
- Music
- Religious Exploration
- News & Announcements
- Events
- Social & Environmental Justice
- Beyond First Parish
Sunday Service August 9th – What It Means To Be A Unitarian Universalist
Those of us who belong to First Parish are Unitarian Universalists but…what does that mean? Leslie MacPherson, 6-generation Universalist and Chair of the Membership Committee will share her interpretation, along with a bit about our history and why she believes it matters. There will also likely be some UU jokes, scattered throughout.
Led by Leslie MacPherson
Service is at 9:30am!
Briefly with Bev
Introduction Part I
I am delighted to join you in your journey at this transformative time. Preparing to welcome a new settled, long-term minister is both exciting and scary. Traversing this path together is exactly what I am in ministry to do as an accredited interim minister
You will hear much more about my approach to interim ministry in the days and weeks to come so here is just a taste of my philosophy.
- Experimenting can be fun and informative.
- The past is important if we use it to inform but can be limiting if we stay bonded to it.
- There is no such thing as failure…just experiments that did not work as we hoped they might.
- Open, honest and kind communication is essential every step of the way.
I look forward to meeting those of you I have yet to meet and getting to know all of you better over the coming weeks.
Just a note about my schedule and how to reach me. As listed in the contact info box, Monday is my day off and Friday I work from my home office preparing for Sunday. Most weeks, I will be in Milton on Tuesday and Thursday and many Wednesdays I have offsite meetings with the interfaith clergy and a group of Unitarian Universalist clergy. However, things change, sometimes with little notice so if we do not have an appointment, it is always best to call ahead of time if you hope to meet with me.
For urgent matters it is best to call or text me @ 508-330-1352.
I hope you are all as excited and optimistic about the work ahead as I am.
With Peace and Love,
Rev. Bev
Religious Exploration
Help Shape the Next Generation
Our Children and Youth Religious Exploration (RE) program is a place where children and youth ask big questions, explore their values, build meaningful relationships, and discover what it means to live with compassion, justice, and integrity.
That journey happens because caring adults choose to show up.
Whether you enjoy storytelling, leading discussions, creating art, organizing activities, or simply being a welcoming presence, there is a place for you in our RE community.
We’re Building Our Sunday Morning Team
There are several ways to get involved:
- Lead a children’s or youth class
- Assist in the classroom by helping with activities, classroom management, and community building
- Serve as a substitute when a regular volunteer is unavailable
Training, curriculum, and support are provided.
By volunteering, you’ll help create a safe, inclusive, and joyful space where young people can grow in curiosity, kindness, and belonging while forming lasting connections within our congregation.
Why Volunteer?
- Make a meaningful difference in a child’s life.
- Build relationships with children, youth, families, and other volunteers.
- Deepen your own UU journey through shared learning and service.
- Be part of nurturing a vibrant, multigenerational faith community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t know enough about Unitarian Universalism?
Perfect! Religious Exploration is about exploring questions together, not having all the answers. Curiosity, kindness, and a willingness to learn are what matter most. We’ll provide curriculum, training, and support.
What if I’m too busy?
We understand that life is full. Whether you teach regularly, co-facilitate, serve occasionally, or substitute, there are opportunities to fit different schedules. Even a small commitment can make a big difference.
What if I’ve never taught before?
Many of our volunteers started with no teaching experience. You’ll receive lesson plans in advance, help preparing materials, and support from experienced volunteers and staff.
What if I’m nervous about working with children or youth?
That’s completely normal. You won’t be expected to do it alone. Our goal is for every class to have two adults, so new volunteers can begin by assisting and build confidence over time.
What if I don’t fit in? (I’m not old enough, I’m too old, I don’t have kids, etc.)
There is no one “type” of RE volunteer. Our program is stronger when volunteers bring different ages, life experiences, and perspectives.
To volunteer, you simply need to:
- Be at least five years older than the age group you’ll be working with.
- Have been an active participant at FPM for at least six months.
- Complete a volunteer application and pass a background check.
We’ll Help You Succeed
When you volunteer, you’ll receive:
- Age-appropriate curriculum and lesson materials
- Opportunities to team teach with another volunteer
- Support from staff and experienced mentors
- A welcoming community that values your unique gifts
You don’t need to be perfect—you simply need to show up with an open heart. Join us in helping our children and youth grow into thoughtful, compassionate, and courageous people.
Interested? We’d love to talk with you! Reach out to the Director of Religious Exploration to get started. Just text 470-223-0337 or email redirector@fpmilton.org.
Want more? Find all things Kids and Youth on the RE Linktree. For more information on any of the above contact Susannah at redirector@fpmilton.org or call 470-223-0337
News & Announcements
Upcoming Summer Services Schedule
9:30am Start Time (note earlier time)
In Meetinghouse unless noted
8/16 Katie Vhay: Hope
8/23 Songs of Protest* (in courtyard)
8/30 Chris Clifford: Blue Hills Forest Bathing* (location TBA)
9/6 Elise Henricks: Walking Our Labyrinth* (in courtyard)
Join us online from anywhere; but if you can, please come in person. Not available online.*
Events
First Parish Welcome Back Brunch
SAVE THE DATE: September 20th
Members and Friends ~ It’s Brunch Time! Soon we will be back in regular community at First Parish. Save the date for our annual brunch. Presented by Hospitality and Membership, we will have a delightful array of treats for you to enjoy as you catch up with each other after church. September 20th is the date; mark it on your calendar!
Social & Environmental Justice
ELEVENTH HOUR STANDOUT
“Act free to be free,”
~Prentiss Haney, Ohio organizer, June 17, 2026
Tuesday, August 11
Assemble by 6:00 p.m.
First Parish Front Lawn
Act free to be free: BYO signs, flags, chairs, singing voices, percussion, friends, and neighbors. 30 ENERGIZED minutes to amplify our continued resilience and resistance. Whatever your cause(s) — peace, jobs, healthcare, affordable housing and food access, immigration — proclaim them in community! All are welcomed.
Next one is Friday, September 11, 6:00 p.m.
Beyond First Parish
Aug 15, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
First Church Roxbury (UU Urban Ministry), 10 Putnam St, Roxbury, MA 02119, USA
A guided tour of the historic Roxbury’s Meetinghouse. Explore the rich legacy and recent refurbishments of this landmark building at the heart of the UU Urban Ministry.
Around the country, the resistance is building unity and power by raising our collective voice in song. Join us on August 24, 7-9pm at Friends Meeting Cambridge to learn some of the new movement songs and to re-energize for the work ahead. Spread the word to your activist networks and to your singing networks. All voices are welcome! If you have any questions please reach out to Pat Neves at pjneves7@gmail.com
Rapid Response Gratitude
Last Saturday’s emergency legal aid clinic, hosted by Mattapan’s Voice of God Tabernacle Church, received a tremendous outpouring of support from First Parish (coordinated through Social and Environmental Justice Committee) and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. Between us, tables overflowed with bagged lunches (St. Mike’s), snacks, drinks, books, toys, coffee-makers/supplies, and pastries (over 7+ UU donors, hard to know!!). 12 onsite UU /4 STM volunteers jumped right in to support the event’s flow and its “people needs.”
We offered language skills, hospitality, neighborly connection, and even play. About forty individuals received specific immigration/refugee case assistance that would likely have been inaccessible and unaffordable otherwise. Ongoing need will continue, however, we fulfilled an urgent, specific ask that day.
Photo: early Saturday morning. Later, every inch of every table was piled high with donated food and beverages.
Rev. Beverly Waring
In Office Tuesday-Thursday, Remote work Friday.
Susan DeMinico: Summer Hours for July and August
In office on Tuesday & Thursday – Off Mondays and Fridays, 1/2 day remote Wednesdays.
Vacation: August 7-19
Susannah Bales Vacation: 7/22-27
Study Leave: 8/3-8/6, 8/10, 8/12, 8/13
Sherri Moldaver
In office Monday thru Thursday 8:30am-1:30pm
Kevin Harnden –
Monday-Thursday 8am-11am
Vacation: 8/8-8/16
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, 10:30 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: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D44ACA728A02-57884860-20252026#/
You can sign up for one our our Sunday volunteer positions.