09/05/2026
Interim times can be exciting, scary, challenging, hard, and rewarding. And interim times always mean change. If nothing else, during an interim ministry time it means a change of minister.
Henry Ford said, “If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got.” Sometimes getting what you always got is fine, perhaps even exactly what you want. But not always. So, this is my way of letting you know that some things at First Parish in Milton will change.
I cannot promise that everyone will always love the change, and I cannot promise you that everyone will always notice the change. What I can promise is that I will not change things just for the sake of changing things. I will have a reason, and I will share the reasons with you for the things I change.
For example, although the wall color in my office has not changed, my wall hangings and items on the shelves have changed. The reason is obvious, of course. Rev. Lisa took her personal stuff with her into retirement and chances are she and I have different tastes in office décor. Come visit and take a look at my favorite artwork.
Another change that is coming is the theme of our ingathering worship on September 13th. I very much like the water ritual that many congregations use during that first Sunday. I hope you will all be there and learn why I think it is important to start the year this way. And rest assured for those of you who only remember an old way of doing this ritual with everyone speaking about their summer vacations this service will be quite different.
I am also hoping that all of us, but especially Susannah, Tim, the worship team, and I will spend the next few months looking at the order of worship. Does it reflect who you are? Does the flow continue to work? Are you open to trying new formats? Will experimenting be fun and interesting or scary and off-putting? Only time, and you if you are willing to speak honestly, will tell.
With Love and Peace,
Rev Bev
