Who We Are
We’re so glad you’re planning to join us! Here are a few things you can expect for your first visit…
Learn |
Explore your faith, your beliefs, and your spirituality.Life is a journey, let’s learn together along the way… |
Be Yourself |
You can be yourself within our community.We are a welcoming congregation, respecting all beliefs… |
Make a Difference |
March 17, 10am
Paul Gaugin’s painting entitled, “Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going”? asks basic questions about human existence. They are also questions foundational to any transitional process. Today we take stock of where we have come from during the time of current members of First Parish Church. Which events have transformed congregational life and what have the major challenges proved to be? You’ve given us the answers. Today we’ll consider what the perceptions tell us about the underlying DNA of this congregation and how it might inform First Parish going forward.
Rev Susan Milnor
We are thrilled to announce that First Parish has been matched with Interim Minister, Rev. Susan Milnor! Rev. Milnor has extensive experience working with churches as they prepare for settled ministry, and will begin work on August 1st.
Rev. Susan Milnor grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she first experienced awe at the natural world in the rivers, woods, and peaks of the nearby Great Smoky Mountains. Her love of the ocean is just as keen, and she now considers New England, especially Maine, to be her adopted home.
Susan enjoys interim ministry because it is “always interesting.” While congregations have many common threads, she finds that each has its own unique spirit, as well as its particularly gifts and challenges. Helping congregations navigate a transitional time, with the discoveries and growth that can be part of the process, is very gratifying.
Rev. Susan Milnor is an Accredited Interim Minister who has done transitional ministries in Medford, MA; New York City; Newburyport, MA; Burlington, Vt.; Rockland, Maine; and Beverly, MA. Before that she served in settled ministry position in Minnesota and Pennsylvania.
Susan came to ministry as a second vocation after working as a college English teacher. She earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in English from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School.
Susan is married to the Rev. Terry Sweetser, who is also a Unitarian Universalist minister. They have one adult daughter, Abigail, an actress. Susan and Terry live with two beloved cat companions, Sherlock and Irene.
Outside of ministry, Susan loves cooking, reading, and responding to the call of curiosity. Her husband and daughter consider her a cat whisperer.