We Are Going

Faith Development for Sunday April 5, 2020

We Are Going!

You who have an eye for miracles, regard the bud now appearing on the bare branch of the fragile young tree. It’s a mere dot, a nothing.

But already it’s a flower, already a fruit, Already its own death and resurrection.

-Diego Valeri

"What do families need most right now?

There are a lot of answers to that question. So many that it makes your head spin. Stay healthy. Keep active. Check in with family by Skype or Zoom. Wash your hands. Donate. Watch Netflix.

In the midst of all this advice, the voice of religion can sound a bit odd. Here’s its answer: “In times of trouble, be extra sure to keep the Sabbath.”

In other words, “Be sure to set aside time and a space for worship, rest and connection.”

Simply put, that’s what this resource is all about. We want to help families carve out “sabbath space” in their homes and weekly schedules. We want to honor ancient spiritual wisdom that says worship, rest and connection are a must, not “extras” to be fit as we can. Especially during trying times."

-Soul Matters Creating Sabbath Space

Dear Families,

In service of our goal, to regularly provide flexible options for do-at-home Faith Development, this publication will now arrive weekly.

Along with some offerings from our own congregation, expect a link to a weekly installment of this new Soul Matters series for families, Creating Sabbath Space.

This material is appropriate for families with members of all ages and I encourage everyone to check it out!

If nothing else, don't miss this adorable Chalice Challenge Video from Jen Blosser and her kids, from the UU congregation in Fort Meyers, Florida. Anyone up for the challenge?

-Erika

Spirit Play

(PreK-3rd Grade)

Back in the fall, our Spirit Play team decided to add one of the science-based stories in the collection for this spring . A few weeks ago Margo and I filmed the story as it would have been presented in the Spirit Play classes. You can watch our video, or choose a higher tech version from the internet, we won't be offended, but either way, follow up with some of these "wondering questions" from the story script and allow time for kids to reflect on the story through play.

Light Chalice and sing gathering song

Story : The Life Cycle of the Frog

Wondering Questions:

I wonder if you have ever heard any of this before?

I wonder if this lesson reminds you of any of our Unitarian Universalist Promises?

I wonder if you have ever seen frog's eggs in a pond or puddle ?

I wonder how the egg knows how to become a tadpole?

I wonder if you have ever seen a tadpole ?

I wonder how the tadpole knows how to swim?

I wonder how the tadpole knows how to eat the algae?

I wonder how the tadpole knows how to become a frog ?

I wonder how the tadpole feels when it begins to grow hind legs.....lose its tail?

I wonder how the frog knows how to breathe the air ?

I wonder how the frog knows how to hop?

I wonder how a frog knows that it's supposed to eat insects?

I wonder if you have ever felt yourself growing?

Work: Offer options like making play dough models of the frog stages, cutting out paper shapes like the felt ones used in the video, or getting active and physically acting out the stages.

Why today? During worship today we talked about spring and how, in a period of uncertainty, we can all find comfort in the predictability and inevitability of nature's patterns. If we must be distant from each other, we can take some solace in our connection with the earth and its other inhabitants.

UU History & Inspiration

(4th Grade and up)

We often offer our 6th and 7th graders the Building Bridges curriculum, which exposes them to other faiths by visiting their places of worship. Now that our faith must leave the Meeting House, let's look at other faiths from the perspective of home practice.

(From Creating Sacred Space Week 1)

Explore how families of other faiths use an altar, shrine or Sabbath to create rest and connection.

● Hindu: Many Hindu children grow up with a shrine in their home.

To see an example of one Hindu family’s shrine, Visit A Hindu Shrine with this video, narrated by the children of the family.
Watch the award winning Pixar short about a Hindu family shrine Sanjay’s Super Team, where accomplished artist Sanjay Patel uses his own experience to tell the story of a young, first-generation Indian-American boy whose love for western pop culture comes into conflict with his father’s traditions. The short is rated PG, with a very scary demon who is vanquished by the good guys, so we don’t recommend this for young children. It is about 7 minutes long and can be found for free on Disney+ or for a dollar or two on many of the other streaming services.

● Catholic: Check out this video Making a Catholic Home Altar (It was a little long for us and we found skipping through it to work best.)

● Jewish: Shabbat/Sabbath Join a Jewish family in their home as they demonstrate their Shabbat rituals and explain their importance.

● Buddhist: Setting Up Your Altar, Pt.1 - (This one may require a little skipping around as well.)

If after your exploration and discussion your family feels inspired to start your own home altar make use of the Creating Sabbath Space packet introduced at the beginning of this email.

Caregiver's Sharing Circle

This new drop-in Zoom circle is especially for parents/guardians of children and youth. Let's come together to help each other process these challenging times, stay connected with our spiritual home, and make and maintain friendships. No commitment necessary, just come when you can .

Join us on Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. for our circle, with open chat continuing until 8:30 p.m. for those who wish to stay.

Because of changes in Zoom policy as of Friday afternoon, I will have to regenerate the Zoom invitation and send it out early in the week. Stay tuned!

erika@uusociety.org