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 Susan DeMinico
- RE
- Events
- Music
- News & Announcements
- Events
- Social & Environmental Justice
- Actions for Justice and Democracy
This Week in Worship
September Worship Theme: CREATION “Beginnings”
Worship Assistant: Brigitte Miller
Greeters: Steven Yakutis & Leslie MacPherson
Faith Reflection: Susannah Bales
Audio: Holden Driscoll
Flowers: Mark Ostrem
Social Hour: Jen Pinkus and Mark Ostrem
Join us for InGathering, our joyful fall gathering to reconnect as a community and celebrate the beginning of a new year in Religious Exploration. This all-ages event is a time to ground ourselves in the values that root us, lift each other up with wings of support and joy, and mark the start of our shared journey together. Whether you’re brand new or returning, we’ll come together with our multigenerational service, then a special coffee hour that will feature music, treats, games, and even a BOUNCY HOUSE! Join us for family fun and meaningful ritual designed to welcome children, youth, families, and friends into a new season of learning, growth, and connection. Come see your friends, meet some RE teachers, explore what’s ahead, and help us build the circle of community once again—all are welcome!
Building News by Susan DeMinico, Congregational Administrator
Each summer, when I write my annual, “What improvements did we do at First Parish this Summer?” article, I think- well, we didn’t do THAT much. And then I start typing- and I realize- we pack an awful lot into 12 weeks! I hope you see the steadfast stewardship the staff feels towards maintaining this beautiful place, so that it can continue to be a place of worship for many years to come.
In the Meetinghouse, the old red rugs are gone, replaced with a neutral brown that accentuates the calming colors of the space. We replaced the black matts inside the Narthex (and outside the Parish Hall) with no-slip all weather rugs, that have “teeth” that connect to the carpet below, but don’t damage the carpet fibers. The rugs don’t curl up at edges, or slide. It may not look like much, but I think it’s a big safety improvement. We are in the midst of upgrading the internet in the Meetinghouse. We’re having a new dedicated outlet put in the Meetinghouse next week, and then a Wi-Fi extender installed. We also upgraded the tech computer, much to the joy of the amazing AV team. The new computer will mean the end of waiting the 20 minutes for the machine to warm up.
We replaced all the windows in the Parish Hall, kitchen and Chase parlor with more energy efficient models. The window work isn’t quite finished- I ordered rails for the windows, to make them easier to lift up and down due to the window weight. The rails will just provide more accessibility, and should be installed by mid-September.
We also had our fair share of unexpected issues to manage. In July, the tree on the corner of Thatcher and Canton Rd dropped a large branch across our parking lot. We were lucky it fell where it did and when; there was no damage done. We called 2 companies to review a tree plan for the campus. Both agreed that when trees start dropping branches, the tree is at its end of life. We will be taking the tree down for safety and will let folks know in advance if in any way possible. The contractor is providing us with a new tree to plant. While we hate to take down such a majestic tree, its proximity to a busy intersection, the carriage house, electrical lines and our busy parking lot- safety concerns are prevailing
In late August, we discovered an issue with the Meetinghouse bell tower. The good news is the bell itself is fine; the bad news is that entire wooden enclosure has rotted. While not an immediate safety concern, it will need to be completely rebuilt in the near future. First Parish is lucky to have so many talented, dedicated volunteers to help figure out the right path forward on this repair.
And finally- The Carriage House Nursery school moved out after 40+ years at First Parish. There’s a committee in place to figure out the next steps with renovation and renting downstairs. It’s an exciting time. Stay tuned.
As always, none of this is possible without Kevin, our Sexton, and Sherri, our office admin, who help manage all these projects with me; and of course the B&G committee and their dedication to maintaining this beautiful place.
Susan
Music
This Sunday the Meetinghouse Choir will be offering an anthem of celebration for being back together in such a wonderful and sacred space: “In This Place” was written in 2005 by Donna Butler, on a text by Kathy Burdette. Our four Hunsaker soloists will be collaborating on a selection from the JUSTICE CHOIR SONGBOOK called “Rise”.
We have a farewell and a welcome to announce. Our previous bass soloist, Juan Suarez, is in the process of moving out of the Boston area and needed to step aside as soloist (see his letter to the congregation below). We are happy to welcome baritone Scott Ballantine as our newest Hunsaker soloist.
LETTER FROM HUNSAKER SOLOIST JUAN SUAREZ
Dear First Parish UU community,
I wanted to inform you all that I will sadly not be returning to First Parish this year. Though I am heartbroken to leave such a wonderful group of people, I will be leaving to join my life partner, with whom I have been long-distance for 2 years, in New York City and then potentially abroad in Europe in the winter.
It has been an honor to witness the love and support this community has for each other and am happy I could be a part of it, even if in a small way. In these uncertain times, our local communities are essential to our success, happiness, and longevity.
I send the warmest of embraces and the best of energies for this community in particular, and hope we can cross paths again in the future.
With love, Juan
Religious Exploration
We are almost there! InGathering is Sunday September 7 at 10:30am!
This service and the party right afterwards is joyful fall gathering to reconnect as a community and celebrate the beginning of a new year in Religious Exploration. This all-ages event is a time to ground ourselves in the values that root us, lift each other up with wings of support and joy, and mark the start of our shared journey together. Whether you’re brand new or returning, we’ll come together with our multigenerational service, then a special coffee hour that will feature music, treats, games, and even a BOUNCY HOUSE! Join us for family fun and meaningful ritual designed to welcome children, youth, families, and friends into a new season of learning, growth, and connection. Come see your friends, meet some RE teachers, explore what’s ahead, and help us build the circle of community once again—all are welcome!
There is still time to register for RE Classes and to apply to volunteer!
RE Classes begin September 14 and offers a fun, meaningful space where kids explore big questions, build friendships, and grow in spirit and community. Whether your child is new to RE or returning for another great year, we invite you to register now so we can plan a welcoming and well-supported program for everyone. Register at the link below. We are still accepting applications for volunteers (16+) to help with our RE programming throughout the year! Interested? Register at the link below. Questions? Contact Susannah Bales at redirector@fpmilton.org
RE Volunteer/Staff Application at FPM 2025-26
Important Upcoming Dates:
Sunday September 7 @ 10:30 in Meeting Houes
Multi-generational In Gathering Service
Sunday September 14 @ 10:30 in Meeting House
Teacher Commissioning & Religious Exploration Classes Begin
News & Announcements
Reminder: Regular Sunday service resumes on September 7th at 10:30am.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committeehas been working for the past year on reorganizing and beautifying the Narthex which hopefully, you’ve noticed. Our goal is to tell the world who we are in a welcoming way, the minute anyone enters the church, particularly for the first time.
To help with the goal, we are reorganizing the nametags so that less space is taken up by the unwieldy rack AND you can find them easily. Nametags will be found in one of four colorful boxes, each labeled with the last name initial of the contents. We will have extra Greeters on hand to help with this for the month of September.
We hope you like what we are working on AND if you have ideas on how we can keep reaching our goal, please let us know! You can email Leslie at lesliecmacpherson@gmail.com See you in church!
A CALL FOR NEW CHOIR MEMBERS!
If you’ve ever thought about how much fun it might be to join the Meetinghouse Choir, now could be the time to try it out. The choir at First Parish sings for three weeks each month. There is no audition and no attendance requirements. Just come to rehearsal on Sunday morning from 8:45-10:00 and we’ll have some music waiting for you. Contact Tim Steele at eliztim95@gmail.com if you have any questions and if you’d like to be added to the weekly Choir Update email chain.
Events
First Parish Welcome Back Brunch
SAVE THE DATE: September 28th
Members and Friends ~ It’s Brunch Time! Soon we will be back in regular community at First Parish. Save the date for our annual brunch. Presented by Hospitality and Membership, we will have a delightful array of treats for you to enjoy as you catch up with each other after church. September 28th is the date; mark it on your calendar!
Actions for Justice and Democracy Coming Up Soon
Black and Indigenous Legacies at First Church Roxbury
Sep 09, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
UU Urban Ministry , 10 Putnam St, Boston, MA 02119, USA
On Tuesday September 9, the UU Urban Ministry in partnership with the Roxbury Historical Society, will offer a public presentation on our new report into the history of enslavement at First Church Roxbury
Eleventh Hour Calling for Democracy
Thursday, September 11th at 5:45 p.m.
535 Canton Avenue
First Parish in Milton UU Church
This month, assemble at 5:50 p.m. for a rousing Drumming Circle — no experience required — to stand out and stand up for Democracy. Bells of alarm might ring from our main steeple (depending upon a repair) at 6:11 p.m. for eleven minutes. Bring yourselves, neighbors, sound-makers, signs, flags, voices, and energy. This is a family-friendly event repeating monthly. Saturday, October 11 is the next date, [Remember: Milton Indivisible sponsors a weekly Wednesday “Visibility Brigade” standout 4:30-6:30 p.m. in East Milton Square.] Show that we are resolved, resounding, and resilient in challenging times.
The Visibility Brigade continues our weekly standout
On the East Milton Overpass (Adams Street)
EVERY Wednesday afternoon from 4:30-6:30pm
Each week, we share a new reminder for rush hour drivers:
WE CANNOT PRETEND EVERYTHING IS OKAY
OUR DEMOCRACY IS AT RISK
WE MUST STAND UP AND SPEAK OUR TRUTH!
Come whenever you are able and stay for whatever time you can spare.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE!
SUN-DAY Milton
Inform. Inspire.
Celebrate!!!
Bring a picnic — go straight from Social Hour
Bring friends & neighbors
To learn more about the national action day, go HERE
To register, they can go HERE
*See flyer below
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, 10:30 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: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D44ACA728A02-57884860-20252026#/
You can sign up for one our our Sunday volunteer positions.