H is for Hidden Treasures.

Just north of the Parish House, adjacent to our parsonage, lie two hidden treasures of the First Parish in Lincoln: the FPL Garden (going strong for about 13 years now) and the Nature Trail (brand new, as of mid-April!). Below you can read more about each of these special places, both of which contribute so beautifully towards our shared values of building community and cherishing the living earth.

One of these gorgeous spring days, make your way over to the FPL campus. Walk the trail, peek in at the garden. Imagine you are visiting for the first time. Notice which areas are drawing your eye. Imagine what might be possible for our Parish House, our playground, our parsonage, our parking lots, and our entrances. What kind of spiritual home might be waiting to be built – across generations, between different populations?

These are exactly the possibilities the Opening Doors teams have been exploring in partnership with Maryann Thompson and her team. We hope you’ll sign up to join us at the Opening Doors Campaign Design Preview on May 7 at 5:30 (food served, kids welcome, please RSVP!). This is your chance to see the emerging designs and give your feedback, in advance of the Annual Meeting on June 9.

See you there, and see you in church,

Nate and Kit

PS – what a joyful celebration we had on Easter weekend. A Standout for Justice, a Good Friday full of music and poetry, and three Easter services that touched mind and heart. Thanks to everyone who worked hard behind the scenes on music, candles, egg hunts, flowers, cookies, bulletins, and more. Alleluia!

Kit’s Office Hours
Monday, May 5, 12:00-2:00pm
Twisted Tree at Lincoln Station

Sarah’s Office Hours
Tuesday, May 13, 10:00am-12:00pm
Twisted Tree at Lincoln Station

Sermon TalkBack with Nate
Thursday, May 22, 11:00am-12:00pm
Stearns Room

Did You Know? FPL Garden and Nature Trail Edition

The FPL Garden has been harvesting vegetables for over twelve years now. Most of it is donated to a food pantry operated by the Middlesex Human Service Agency that supports our neighbors in Waltham. Produce includes garlic heads and scapes; green, poblano and hot peppers; zucchini and cucumbers; romaine lettuce and escarole; chard and collards; green beans and celery; plum, slicing and cherry tomatoes.

The Garden has been supported by the Outreach Committee since 2010. The founding group planned, budgeted, advocated, laid out, tilled, tilled, fenced, composted and planted the first crops in 2012. Some longtime Garden members are still at it!

The FPL Gardening Team is always looking for extra help in weeding, harvesting, and delivering produce to Waltham. If you’d like to join in the fun this spring and summer, you are most welcome! Just contact Kathleen Shepard, or speak to any FPL Gardener.

FPL Nature Trail
In support of FPL’s connections to nature and conservation, we have recently created a nature trail next to the Parish House. The intention is to provide easy access to the woods for RE activities, and to provide a quiet place for all generations to walk and clear their heads, embrace nature and recharge… The trail has one end at the top of the Parish House parking lot (next to the driveway entrance) and the other end near the garden/meadow. Please visit the trail and watch as the RE kids enhance their connection to nature! Special thanks to Patrick Zweidler-McKay for his vision, and for all the volunteers who helped build this trail. If you have an idea for the trail, be in touch with Patrick.