This Week in Worship

September 4, 2016 @ Parish Hall, 10:30 am

Gathering Coconuts

Worship Leader Rev. Patty Hatch

Rev. Patricia Hatch is the Minister of Christian Education at First Parish of Westwood, UCC. In her service, she will answer the question: How is practicing mindfulness similar to gathering coconuts? Rev. Patricia will invite you to reflect on mindfulness and to experience mindful practices during the worship service.

No nursery services are provided during the summer but you are welcome to bring your child(ren). We have art materials and books available to keep them occupied.

Message from Rev. Lisa

As we in the office begin to turn our sights to Ingathering Sunday, I am grateful for the steady presence of our Congregational Life Director, Kiki Giatis. Second in line for the longest history amongst the staff (Kevin Harnden, Sexton, has been here longer), she remains instrumental in helping inform and guide new staff in basic knowledge of First Parish church life. Juggling administration of building needs, fielding a stream of questions from us newbies, keeping the office work in check for most of the summer on her own and helping vision what is needed for the kick-off of this year, Kiki is focused on, as her job description states, the organizational success of our faith endeavor together.

Administration in a church is a form of ministry. Fostering and sustaining an infrastructure that enables participation, facility of resources and access to process creates the ground for our mission and purpose of gathering to thrive. When we know how to do what we want to do, then we are given the space to vision, grow and flourish together.

I will be asking lots of questions this year. How is this done? What does this mean to you? How does this reflect your vision of First Parish Milton? Where do I find….who knows the history of…what does this say about…(fill in the blanks). As we come to know the way things work we have the resources to get things done.

Take advantage of my curiosity, let it inspire your own. Let’s find answers together which will, of course, lead us to more questions. In this way we will enliven the journey of deepening in faith and facilitate the ability to take bold action.

Blessings Be,

Rev. Lisa

News and Announcements

Religious Exploration (RE) is getting ready for the fall…

Teacher Volunteers Needed – 5 Sundays this Fall

The RE Committee urgently needs adults who are willing to serve as part of a fall semester teaching team in our cooperative Sunday school program. Teaching teams are made up of four adults covering a ten Sunday semester, so the commitment is just five Sundays. Each team already has experienced teachers who are willing to provide the leadership, and the RE Committee will provide training, curriculum, materials and any other support you need to be successful.

This fall, we are looking for:

• 2 Teachers for our Spirited Adventure program (Grade 2 – Grade 5)
• 2 Teachers for our Friends and Neighbors program (Grade 6 – Grade 7)

If you would be willing to commit to sharing your time and talents for five Sundays this fall, please let us know by emailing bridget@sitkoff.net as soon as possible. We are eager to welcome our children back with a full slate of teachers.

Thank you so much for all you do for our children and our program,

The First Parish RE Committee

Nursery Care Team – Teenagers and Youth

Please email office@fpmilton.org if you are interested in being part of the Nursery Care team on Sunday mornings. Hours are 10 am – 12 noon. We also may have some opportunities for other babysitting assignments at church other than Sunday mornings. In your email please give us your first and last names, email address, cell number, and confirm you have completed a babysitting certification program.

Register your Child or Youth

Now is the Time to Register your Child or Youth for RE

This may be done electronically on the Members Page. The form is the first menu pick under Religious Exploration.

Welcome Kathy Tracey

We are pleased Kathy Tracey has joined our staff as administrative assistant. Kathy started Monday, August 26. She has been a legal assistant for Boston law firms and most recently worked as an administrative assistant for a small company. Kathy is a Milton resident and lives within walking distance of the church. We are delighted she is part of our team. She is looking forward to meeting many of you on Ingathering Sunday.

BID – Milton Hospital Looking for Volunteers

BID – Milton Hospital encourages kind, enthusiastic individuals to volunteer with us on a weekly basis. We provide a warm sense of community and caring. Current needs are for front desk volunteers to greet visitors, run errands, give directions and answer patient questions and phone calls. We also have opportunities in other departments. Please call Janet to discuss your interests and schedule, or apply on our website under About Us/Volunteer Opportunities. We look forward to working with you!

Janet K. Evans
Director of Volunteer Services
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Milton
617-313-1558

Put This on Your Calendar

• Sunday, September 11 Ingathering Sunday
• Sunday, September 18 RE Teacher Training
• Sunday, September 25 RE Classes Begin
• Sunday, October 2 All Church Council

UU Mass Action

On Saturday October 1st from 9:30 to 2pm, UU Mass Action and All Soul’s Church in Braintree are hosting an early church year Justice Conference. The Fair Share Tax Amendment and Criminal Justice issues will be highlighted.

Lunch, information, and the opportunity to collaborate with other UU’s are on the menu. Please consider attending.

All Souls Church is at 196 Elm St. Braintree, MA 02184. Please call Rev. Steve Wilson for more information. (617) 852-2292.

Kiki’s Corner

Preparing for the Fall

As we get closer to Ingathering Sunday, preparations continue to welcome everyone back to a refreshed builidng. The kitchen looks great thanks to the annual clean up by the Hospitality Committee. And we have plenty of hot water in the kitchen. Kevin Harnden, our Sexton, has tackled small projects throughout the summer. As Music Together is on their late summer break. Kevin takes full advantage of the quiet time. One project is polishing the floors. We have had our annual IT (computer) check up. As you may be able to tell, it is busy all summer long.

• And here is a short First Parish to-do list for you.
• Start marking your calendar with upcoming church events.
• Think about teaching an RE class this fall and sign up!
• Send in committee meetings or events for the master calendar
• Update information for the church directory
• Register your child or youth for RE programs this fall. (See the Religious Exploration announcement above.)

Summer Schedule:

Office Hours: 10:30 – 2:00 Monday – Thursday
No staff on-site Sundays

STAY CONNECTED

Follow First Parish on Facebook and get updates, poems, announcements and more. You’ll be glad you did!

EVERY SUNDAY

Worship, 10:30am in the Meetinghouse

Silent Prayer & Meditation, 9:00am in the Children’s Church

THE SUNDAY PLANNER

Please consider volunteering for important Sunday worship positions like ushering, hosting social hour, providing flowers for worship, and lighting the chalice. Sign Up Here!