Table of Contents

• This Week in Worship
• Message from Rev. Lisa
• This Week in Religious Exploration
• Events and Meetings
• News and Announcements
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Beyond First Parish

This Week in Worship

“The Challenge of Other”

Worship Assistant:

Greeter: Steve Yakutis

Audio: Nina Truong

Social Hour: Andy Strang

Sunday’s offering will be given to the Immigration Family Service Institute in Mattapan. The Immigrant Family Services Institute provides targeted academic support and enrichment services, using an holistic approach that addresses the unique challenges of immigrant children as a way to maximize their full potential in school and beyond. Ruth Louijeune and Alex David Carroll will speak on behalf of the organization.

Please join us for service at 10:30am.

 Please log in at 10:20, to give some lead time for the service at 10:30. 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.

I attended a community meeting in Quincy on Tuesday after a call for solidarity from a colleague. We showed up in support of a Family Welcome Center: a temporary shelter and resource center in Quincy “for people experiencing homelessness and newly-arrived families.” The vast majority of newly-arrived families are Haitian and South American refugees, already legally cleared for assistance in MA, a right-to-shelter state. This call came after a hateful protest, led by the Nationalist Social Club, a neo-Nazi group, who threatened and intimidated neighbors, refugees and service workers with racist vitriol.

The large auditorium at the Central Middle School was filled to the brim – standing room only – spilling out into the hallways. After a short presentation, Quincy residents were invited to share their responses to this new initiative. As you might imagine, the sharing was often emotionally charged, revealing the gamut of welcome and fear of “other.” The impulse toward self-righteousness, othering, and scapegoating was strong.

The most prominent fear-based reactions had to do with a sense of scarcity, either fearing a lack of resources because of the generosity of welcome or a lack of shared identity because of the affirmation of newly arrived families. There was also the worry that there wouldn’t be enough care for Quincy citizens or loved ones if needed.  Many people in the room recognized our heritage as immigrants, and others acknowledged that our support of the unhoused, especially veterans, has been deficient.

All in all, the stark reality that we are all in this together was there, clearly, dauntingly. It reminded me of the urgency to build our strength together for bold welcome, brave curiosity and fierce love.

 So may it be. Rev. Lisa

Religious Exploration

Join us for the first day of Religious Education on September 17th!!

We are shaping up to have a wonderful year and can’t wait to see so many lovely faces this Sunday and in the months to come! As the year unfolds, please know the following:

• The first day of youth group will be Sunday, October 1st at 1 pm. This is a **change**! All families who are on the youth group list have been emailed about this change. If you think you should be on the list but aren’t, please email Louise (re@fpmilton.org).
• Registration is still open! Registering children and youth is a big help in keeping us safe and organized. Please register here.
• We are always looking for volunteers. Volunteers can teach once a month, help out with workshops, and/or get involved in a variety of ways. No planning required (besides submitting a background check) and all materials will be provided. Fill out this form if you are interested.

You are an important part of RE this year, whether that means participating in programs, volunteering, or being a supportive community member. You are an important part of our community.

Reach out to Family Ministries Director Louise re@fpmilton.org. with any questions, concerns, excitements. See you soon!

Music This Week

This Sunday the choir will be singing a familiar anthem by Fred Small called “Everything Possible”. Mr. Small is an American singer-songwriter who began his career as a lawyer, and went on to be a Unitarian Universalist Minister in Massachusetts. Michael Aoun will be singing a solo called “I’m a Stranger Here, a traditional American folk tune, arranged by Steven Mark Kohn.

Events and Meetings

Next Saturday, September 23 at 7pm will be MCC’s opening concert of the season, featuring Tony nominated singer/actor Ron Raines in a program called “A Bit of Broadway Magic”. Mr. Raines will be joined by soprano Mara Bonde, mezzo-soprano Sandra Piques Eddy, tenor Jermaine Smith, and pianist Timothy Steele. Tickets are $20 general/$10 seniors/Free for 18 and under. Visit http://miltoncommunityconcerts.com/

News and Announcements

Breeze Tutorial

Did you know that First Parish has an online directory called Breeze? It’s a convenient way to find phone numbers, email addresses, and street addresses. If you haven’t already activated your account, keep an eye out for an email with the link to do that.

You can watch this video [see below] for some tips on setting up your account. Help will also be available during social hour for the next few weeks.

JOIN US!  First Parish is having a Welcome Back Brunch on September 24th, right after church. Hospitality and Membership are joining forces to welcome everyone back for our church year.  We look forward to being together. Be sure to RSVP with Evite that went out on 9/13. If you did not get evite…here is the link.

We are looking for Social Hour Hosts

We look forward to seeing you at our Social Hours after church beginning on Sunday, September 10th. We are looking for hosts, and you can sign up at Signup Genius. New to hosting or need a refresher?  A member of the Hospitality Committee will contact those who sign up to offer guidance and answer questions. Thank you!

Sunday Service

First Parish is in need of volunteers for worship assistants, greeters, and social hour hosts (see above).

If interested in signing up please use Signup Genius link.

We have appreciated your help in the past and hope you can help again.

Thank you in advance.

Beyond First Parish

UUUM Tours: Educational Institutions in Roxbury

Highlighting the many educational institutions in our neighborhood and look at the importance of access to education. Hear stories of activism influencing the generations of youth learning within them.

Sep 20, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Tour begins at the UU Urban Ministry, 10 Putnam St, Boston, MA 02119, USA

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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.