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
This Week in Worship
“The Larger Belonging”
Worship Assistant: Elise Henricks
Audio: Colin Glazer
Please note this is a NEW Zoom Link for Fall Services.
Sunday’s offering will go to the service and ministry of First Parish.
Masks are optional for vaccinated people in the meetinghouse; masks are still required for those who have not been vaccinated. Respect and consideration should be given to all regardless of their masking choice.
Greetings!
“You are not obliged to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”
Perhaps you know that quote. It is from the Pirke Aboth, or The Saying of the Fathers, which is a collection of wisdom saying from the Jewish Talmudic sages. This saying is attributed to Rabbi Tarfon, who lived some 2000 years ago.
When I am weary, when I feel overwhelmed at the state of world and how far it seems we are from a world where all are free, or when I am simply feeling stressed at all I feel I must get done to meet my various responsibilities, I remember that saying. It helps me stay focused on what is my part to do, now, today. It reminds me that everything does not rest on my shoulders (and it is arrogant to think it ever did) but rather I am part of a larger community: ancestors, future generations and those living now. The completion of the work, whatever that means and whenever that will come, is not mine to do. Yet to despair, give up, or turn away from what I can do is not okay. I hear in that one line a lovely sense of balance- do your part, don’t think you are the savior, and yet don’t fail to offer what is yours to give.
As the Jewish community begins their High Holidays this coming week, I think upon them with gratitude for all the ways their faith tradition has fed ours, and for all the wisdom that have brought our world.
Blessings on your day, and your part of the work.
Warmly,
Rev. Tricia
Music For Sunday
This Sunday the Meetinghouse Choir will be sharing Jim Scott’s arrangement of Ysaye M. Barnwell’s anthem “We Are”. Also there will be an ensemble consisting of Patricia Ostrem, Mark Ostrem, Walt Hagenbuch, Claudia Wellington, and Pat Neves singing “A Dazzling Bouquet” by Bret Hesla.
Religious Exploration
This week, we bless the children and teachers before singing them off to our first week of class. Spirit Play, Holidays and Holy Days, and Friends and Neighbors will all meet during worship after the time for all ages. Coming of Age meets in the youth room at 4pm – mentors do not need to attend this week.
RE needs 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. We would love to find a few people who could help cover the nursery when our nursery staff is unavilable, 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.
Events and Meetings
Yoga
Yoga classes have returned in person with instructor Elyse, on Mondays 6:30pm in Parish Hall! Please feel free to join us any Monday you are available. Please bring your own yoga matt.
Invitation to Weekly Meditation
Creating a peaceful space, a few minutes each week, is a quiet and powerful way to maintain balance in these hectic and challenging times.
Every week a small group “gathers” for silent meditation/prayer. We meet on Sunday morning 8:30am-9:30am and Thursday evening 6:45pm-7:45pm. We meet via Zoom for the convenience of those who live at a distance and for those who prefer to join from home. All are welcome. Contact Tracey at tdr02186@gmail.com for more info.
Peace is this moment without judgement. That is all. This moment where everything that is, is welcome.
News and Announcements
COVID Safety Guidelines
(Effective 9/18/2022)
The Parish Committee has approved the following new set of COVID safety guidelines starting September 18, 2022.
Hybrid worship will continue indefinitely and will enable congregants to choose between in-person and remote worship experiences – based on individual preferences.
For Sunday worship services, masks will be optional for vaccinated individuals. If you are unvaccinated, masks are stil required. Respect and consideration should be given to all individuals, regardless of their masking choice.
Please see the Updated policies for Sunday worship by clicking link below:
FPM COVID safety policies_9.13.2022.pdf
Staying Safe Online
As a new church year begins, online scammers are doing their best to target churches.
We ask you to keep in mind the following to avoid being taken advantage of:
- If an email appears out of character from First Parish staff, check that the email address matches ours- ending in @fpmilton.org If it’s not, it’s likely a scam.
- Never send money or gift cards to anyone at church who claim to be in hardship and cannot speak on the phone. This is a common scam.
- Never give out personal info such as SS # or credit card number through email. Know that First Parish will never ask for this information in an email.
If you are in doubt about the validity of the email, do call the individual personally rather than responding to the email. Please make the office aware of email.
Potluck Extravaganza
Happening this Sunday September 25th after worship service.
The Hospitality and Membership Committees can’t wait to see you again!
Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday Service
First Parish is in need of volunteers for ushers, greeters, and social hour hosts.
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.
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.
The first delivery day will be on Wednesday Sept. 28th and then every other Wednesday throughout the year. We will meet in the lower parking lot between 12:40 and 1:00 PM.
Thanks everyone.
Pat Gallivan
Social & Environmental Justice Committee
Beyond First Parish
THEY TOOK THE DRUMS AWAY, BUT THEY COULD NOT STOP THE BEAT.
On Sunday, October 16 at 2:00 join members and friends of CCTRJ to attend the ArtsEmerson sponsored production of Step Afrika’s Drumfolk. Orchestra tickets are available for $35, Students $25 or Pay What You Can. The performance is 1 hour and 45 minutes and carpools are being arranged from First Parish UU Church in Milton or Walgreen’s Parking Lot on Morrissey Blvd.
When Africans lost the right to use their drums, the beats found their way into the body of the people. Inspired by the Stono Rebellon of 1739 and Negro Act of 1740, Drumfolk is a thrilling, percussive exploration of American history, placing a spotlight on the rhythmic cycle of life that bonds all of us together.
Step Afrika! have been called “masters of stepping” by the New Yorker and “electrifying talents” by the New York Times. Through music, stepping, tap, and ring shouts these remarkable performers recreate histories too often left in the margins. After their celebrated prior visits to Boston (The Migration, Step Afrika!), the troupe returns this fall with a celebration of the human spirit perfect for the entire family.
 |
|---|
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.