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 Ward
- RE Info
- News and Announcements
- Events
- Social & Environmental Justice
- Beyond First Parish
This Week in Worship
September Worship Theme: Friendship
“Ties That Bind”
Worship Assistant: Brigitte Miller
Greeter: Penny Knight
Faith Reflection: Brigitte Miller
Audio: Colin Glazer
Social Hour: Deb Larson-Venable, Tasha & Mike Bello
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.
This week’s offering will go towards the service and needs of First Parish.
“Violence is contagious”, came a comment from Joan Baez this morning in a news interview. This civil rights singer and advocate is weighing in on the present state of things, sensing the urgency of the danger of our political culture these days.
With a second apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and the bomb threats in Springfield , Ohio in response to Trump and JD Vance’s fabrication of a vile and incendiary story threatening the Haitian Community, many in the media are resorting to blame and shame rather than discernment, curiosity and determination to find a different way of abiding with one another.
Dr. Geralde Gabeau, Executive Director of the Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI-USA), sent out a powerful acclamation of the kind of responsiveness that can move us out of this morass of violence, division and cynical power grabbing. Dr. Gabeau has come to speak here, as we are working closely with IFSI, among other organizations, in addressing the challenge of immigration. She models a courageous, inspirational response:
So may it be, Amen.
Music This Week
This Sunday we welcome a new baritone Hunsaker soloist. Juan Suarez will be singing “What Only Love Can See” from CHAPLIN by Christopher Curtis. Claudia Wellington will be accompanying herself on the guitar with the song “Uphill”, by Lori McKenna.
Religious Education Registration for 2024-25
Our first day of RE programming will be September 15th. Please register with this link.
These are the programs we will be offering this year:
Babies and Toddlers– Nursery-Safe and nurturing child care by trained nursery staff, No registration needed in advance.
Preschool – Kindergarten- Spirit Play– Lighting a felt chalice and song are followed by a short story on UU themes, then by a “wondering” time that opens up the child’s response to the story, allowing the children to work directly with that story or with art materials, play doh, toys or legos.
1st – 3rd grade LEGO ValUUes– This class introduces the Article II values (pluralism, interdependence, generosity, equity, justice, transformation, and love, plus kindness). Each class includes an opening circle with an opening question and centering exercise, a story and discussion, and a choice of play activities that carry out the theme of the day (including at least one simple LEGO build).
4th – 7th grade-Crossing Paths- This class begins with lighting the chalice and centering exercise before exploring our own faith as well as interfaith connections with our sibling religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, Quakerism, Buddhism, and Hinduism through stories and games. Throughought the year we hope to visit, either virtually or in person, neighboring faith communities.
All grades Workshops- Wee The People- Throughout the year, Wee The People, a Boston-based social justice project for kids, will join us for workshops that explore activism, resistance, and social action through the visual and performing arts: music, dance/movement, theater, graphic arts, spoken word, and storytelling.
If questions reach out to Susan at manager@fpmilton.org
Volunteer with Religious Education
Come teach RE this year! Teacher volunteer for 1-3 Sundays a month (not every week, scheduling flexible), are paired with a co-teacher, and receive the material ready to go. If interested in subbing or teaching later in year, please contact us! All teachers and substitutes must have a background check done before teaching. If you are interested, please contact Susan at manager@fpmitlon.org for more information!
News & Announcements
The Imaginarium
is Coming Back!
The Imaginarium is a group that explores our monthly worship themes through discussion, stories and creative play. We meet once a month for two hours (time TBD), crafting ideas and experiences inspired by the themes. Perhaps an interactive reading or story for all ages will show up at worship now and then. Come, enjoy the shared wisdom, creativity and connection. Each meeting stands on its own. No previous experience necessary.
Interested? contact the office: office@fpmilton.org
Questions? contact Rev. Lisa: minister@fpmilton.org
Artwork in the Link
We tend to have about five sets of artists put up artwork in the link at our church in Milton every year. There have been artists exhibiting photography, watercolors, poetry, art made with reclaimed/found objects, collage. The link is a great place to show work. Please come view the creativity of Kevin Harnden and Karl Pastore currently in the hallway.
Events
RECLAIM OUR VOTE!
Postcard Writing Social
First Parish in Milton
Sunday, September 29, 2024
1-3pm in the Parish Hall
To encourage as large a number of people as possible to exercise their right to vote, the Social and Environmental Justice Committee will hold a postcard writing social at First Parish in Milton on 9/29 from 1pm to 3pm. Our goal is to write 500 postcards to send to infrequent voters who are BIPOC in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, South Carolina and Texas. Will you help us reach our goal and empower voters in the swing states?
Reclaim Our Vote is a voter engagement campaign of The Center for Common Ground (https://www.centerforcommonground.org) that focuses on increasing BIPOC voter turnout through postcard writing, texting and phone banking.
Is postcard writing effective? YES!
Postcard writing increases voter engagement, and reaches voters who do not have a phone number on file, or may not have mobile phones for texting outreach. According to data analysis from The Center for Common Ground, in 2022 there was an average 2.55% increase in black voter turnout for those who received a postcard in 3 Florida counties for the August 2022 primary election.
Dates and Details: Sunday, September 29 from 1 pm to 3pm: Postcard Writing Social in the Parish Hall. It will be fun to gather to write our postcards in community and consume some light refreshments to sustain our energy! Donations to defray the cost of postage will be gratefully accepted.
Bring a neighbor or friend! We invite your involvement and participation.
Information is power, and we can empower voters!
Please join us on September 29th.
Friday, October 4
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Open to ALL!
Please join the Committee Chairs to discuss how committees can advance church priorities (new UU values, climate change, RE programming) in the upcoming church year.
A light supper will be served. Please let Jen Pinkus (jennifer.pinkus@gmail.com) know if you’ll be attending.
Social & Environmental Justice
The next date is October 16th
S&EJ (Social & Environmental Justice committee) is looking for volunteers the third Wednesday of each month to contribute lunches. We hope to deliver 70 lunches a month to support shelter guests.
Please signup whenever you can help out on the Signup Genius.
We are counting on your support!
Beyond First Parish
Sat, Oct 05 | UU Urban Ministry
UUUM Tours: Trees of John Eliot Square: A historical perspective
Join historian Thomas Plant to enjoy a stroll around the neighborhood focused on Roxbury’s agriculture and horticulture and how these shaped the neighborhood over the years.
The Trees of John Eliot Square; A historical perspective walking tour
Join historian Thomas Plant to enjoy a stroll around the neighborhood focused on Roxbury’s agriculture and horticulture and how these shaped the neighborhood over the years.
RSVP or Questions
To secure a spot on the tour, or if you have any questions, email: tours@uuum.org
All tours begin promptly at their start time in front of First Church in Roxbury.
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.