Oct. 8th, 2021
Religious Exploration/Education
October's Theme is Cultivating Relationship
Hello Families,

I'm even more filled with gratitude as each day passes. Last Sunday was such a joy. I've never even been part of a live service before and Sunday I got to be in charge of one. I have to say, it was a little bittersweet because I always imagined DL being there for my first in-person service. I did take a moment during the service to acknowledge how much DL brought to this congregation, and what an important mentor they were in my life. I send them my love and gratitude every time I sit down to do this work.

So I hope that you watch the video below if you weren't able to come last Sunday. And scroll to the bottom for a calendar of our October services.

This month in RE
We will explore the concept of "covenant" aka "promises we make to each other to help us feel safe, celebrated and cared for." We will also get to know each other, cultivating relationships with the other kids in RE as well as the adults in the congregation. We'll do this through creating collages about ourselves, playing team building games, and making treasures to share with the congregation. I hope you'll join us!
Pictures and video from Sunday
Last Sunday, we had such a glorious celebration of kids, families, autumn and being together! If you missed it, be sure to check out this high-quality recording of the whole service. The only downfall is that we can't see our friend Hippo in the video, only hear his sweet voice. But there are wonderful songs, a fabulous parade, and an important talk about what our congregation can provide for our kids and youth. I hope you take time to watch it!

Click here for a 1 min video of the parade!
Thank you Ellery and Susan for lighting the chalice and reading the chalice lighting!
The choir sounded beautiful!
Hippo was a big hit! He needed help with the wonder box, since his eyes don't work very well!
Families were so beautiful, all dressed up for our autumn parade! Here's Bethany and her girls, along with Sylvan and Hippo.
The whole Ruedakurto clan was here, including their new dog, Roverton!
How beautiful to hear the whole congregation sing our closing song together, raising our voices and arms up to the sky.
Soul Matters Offering
Soul Matters Sharing Circle is a compilation of resources for RE, Ministry, and Small Groups that UU Congregations across the country use, following a new theme each month.

This is from the Soul Matter's team: "This year our monthly themes invite us to think about not only what values our UU faith calls us to but also the key actions and skills that our times require of us. Pandemic time exposed the need for humanity to change and adjust in key ways. So each month we will explore a different skill that we develop so that we don’t just return to normal but actually bring about a 'new normal.'
So this month we explore the ways in which our times call us to 'Cultivate Relationship.' And just as we grow a garden, we need a whole basket of tools and skills to cultivate, deepen and mobilize the key relationships around us. We are so excited about exploring this together!"
Jingle Dancer, by Cynthia Leitich Smith is a lovely story about a young girl who aspires to be a jingle dancer, but needs to ask for help and support from her older relatives.
Jingle Dancers are bringing their tradition to help the world heal the fear during the pandemic. The dresses, also known as Prayer Dresses, mimic the sound of falling rain and bring a sense of peace.
Song of the Week
Listening
with Lea Morris

I'm listening
I am listening
Spirit speak to me

My hands are wide open
Eyes are wide open
To see what I may be
Upcoming Calendar
Our in-person services have been wonderful! We've now had two multi-gens outside with great success. For October services, we will be offering a Time for All Ages at the beginning of most services. For families who feel comfortable, you are invited to start upstairs and then come outside for RE time. We will also provide RE outside at 10am for anyone who does not want to be inside.

At this time, masks are optional outside, and mandatory inside the building.

In Person Services!

October 10: An Outdoor Multigen with Thawn Harris (weather permitting)
Join us in celebration of Indigenous People's Day with this phenomenal storyteller from The Tomaquag Museum

October 17: Teamwork, with the UUCSC Board of Directors. Families are invited to be upstairs for the Time for All Ages

October 24: Diwali: Festival of Light, with Savita Potty

October 31: Day of the Dead, with Jesús de la Torre. He will also be offering a kid's program at the Peacedale library on 10/16 and making a community ofrenda (ancestor altar). More info here
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