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
- This Week in Religious Exploration
- Events and Meetings
- News and Announcements
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Beyond First Parish
NO ZOOM In Person Worship Only
This Week in Worship
“Our Labyrinth”
Join us on the front lawn this Sunday as we walk First Parish’s own portable labyrinth, which was made by hand in our congregation several years ago. This is a contemplative service, a time to listen to nature around us and the spirit within us.
If you are unable to join us in person, we encourage you to use this poem by Leslie Takahashi Morris to lead you into a contemplative time at home:
LABYRINTH
Walk the maze within your heart: guide your steps into its questioning curves.
This labyrinth is a puzzle leading you deeper into your own truths.
Listen in the twists and turns.
Listen in the openness within all searching.
Listen: a wisdom within you calls to a wisdom beyond you and in that dialogue lies peace.
Facilitated by: Elise Henricks
Worship Assistant: Penny Partridge
Join us in person NO Zoom this day
Sunday’s offering will go to the service and ministry of First Parish.
Greetings!
I write to you from the coast Maine, where I am staying at a house I’ve rented for some 20 years. Things don’t change much here, and that’s part of the appeal. We notice from year to year if something in the house has been replaced- a new love seat this year, a new tablecloth last year- but mostly it’s same old, same old. And always the tide coming in, going out, determining when we can swim or paddle a kayak. It’s a place of memories for my family and I, and I am grateful for the chance to be here every summer. Perhaps you have some place like that in your lives too; I hope so. These places we return to- be it a favorite ice stand, beloved beach, or annual trip to the ballpark- shape us over time even as they never fail to delight.
I’ll be back this Friday, September 2nd, and then we dive into the church year, with the Ingathering Sunday on September 11, 2022. I am excited to meet and worship with many of you that Sunday and in the coming fall Sundays.
As your sabbatical minister, my job description includes Sunday service leadership and support/supervision of some staff. I will work collaboratively with the congregation’s lay leaders and closely with the Worship Committee and other committees as time allows. My position also includes pastoral care, and I mention that so that you know I am available for pastoral support, should that be a need. I am best reached on my cell phone- 617-645-9681 or this email: revtbrennan@gmail.com
I close by expressing appreciation for all those who made possible the summer services here at First Parish Milton. I know that a lot of thought and time went into making those services happen, and I hope that all of you who ensured that worship would happen every Sunday this summer received as much meaning and enjoyment in the giving and you gave to those who came. New England churches historically closed down in the summer months as their ministers often headed to (ahem) Maine. It’s been an important change over the past couple decades as more and more churches kept worship alive every Sunday of the year. Often it’s lay people who made that happen, to their credit. Nothing says community as much as being a place of ongoing welcome and gathering.
Warmly,
Rev. Tricia
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
11th Hour Calling- Monthly Stand Out for Climate Action & Justice
Sunday, September 11th 6:00 pm
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.
Bell ringer volunteer needed. Contact tsmith62676@gmail.com if interested.
News and Announcements
Save the Date! First Parish is having a Welcome Back Brunch on September 25th, after church. More information and sign-ups will be coming, but we wanted to get the word out now. Hospitality and Membership are joining forces to welcome Rev Tricia to our community AND welcome everyone back for our church year. What tasty dishes can YOU make??? Start thinking!
Message from Penny Partidge
HOW CAN I KEEP FROM THANKING?
We have only one summer service left. I hope those who can will take the opportunity this Sunday to come and walk the First Parish labyrinth (and learn something they didn’t know about this tradition going back to Greek mythology). Elise Henricks, our new Worship Committee Chair, will be leading this outdoor gathering. Meanwhile, I want to say thank you, again, to everyone who has participated in a summer service, even if it was just to be there. Your presence really does make a difference, particularly in the summer. But especially to the lay leaders, thank you for giving so much of yourselves – exactly half of you for the first time! On one recent Sunday, one of our resident theologians, as Rev. Lisa calls them, said to me,”These wonderful lay led services remind us that we can and do minister to each other.” There is no question that, especially in the summer quarter of the year, we do!
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.
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
The Makanda Project
Jazz on the Green – 2022 Summer Series
Saturday, September 10th – 1:00pm – 4:00pm
UU Urban Ministry
10 Putnam Street Roxbury
There is one more opportunity to hear the world class jazz music of The Makanda Project at the UUUM this year. Don’t miss it!
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.
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.