February 19th, 2021
Religious Exploration/Education
February's Theme is Beloved Community
Hello Families,

When we think about Beloved Community this month, I want to share with you some of the important antiracism work within Unitarian Universalism. BLUU (Black Lives of UU), DRUUMM (Diverse Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries) and ARE (Allies for Racial Equality). These organizations are working to overcome racism and create a more just world within the UU community and beyond. With the dedicated leadership of these groups, UU white supremacy is being called out and challenged. We are gaining insights into our faith from these and other leaders of color about how to journey into multicultural wholeness.
If you are interested in being involved in our own anti-racism group at UUCSC, please contact Rev. DL or Jean Bowen.

And for your convenience, all past newsletters can be found here on the UUCSC website
Gathering Together Video
Pick Up Your Tool
We all have a skill. We all have a way to contribute. So what is your tool to work for justice in the world? How do you work against racism and promote a peaceful, just society?
Check out this week's video for the story of one kid and how he encountered racism and what we can do about it.

Here is the full story from Nathaniel Jones
Songs of Joy
Here is the audio of me singing the song
Grateful My Hands in Yours
by Ma Muse
Grateful my hands in yours
(repeat 8 times)

I will walk with my feet on the earth so sweet
I will walk with my hand in your
For the time is ripe for us to unite
I will walk with my hands in yours

Grateful my hands in yours

I will walk with my heart open wide from the start
I will walk with my hands in yours
For the time is ripe for us all to rise
I will work with my hands in yours
Stories for RE
Picture Books
Antiracist Baby, by Ibram X. Kendi. This brightly illustrated board book in rhyming verse counts 9 steps to take to be anti-racist. These are steps we can all take and help our children to take.
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist, by Cynthia Levinson. This is read by an educator at the National Civil Rights Museum and she gives a little context of the Children's Crusade during the Civil Rights era. Inspiring book!
Rosa, by Nikki Giovanni is a gorgeously written book, describing Rosa Parks's life so you feel like she's a friend. It goes on to describe the Montgomery bus boycott with beautiful, moving language. Read by a Chicago Children's Museum educator with discussions questions and resources at the end.
Videos
Reflections on the Beloved Community (3 mins)
The Fair Housing Justice Center made this video with many voices sharing what the Beloved Community is, using their own words. Watch this video together as a family. Afterward, talk about which words most resonated with each of you.
Teenage activist reflects on the trailblazer who inspired her (2 mins)
Marley Dias organized to collect and distribute 1000 books where black girls were the main characters. She's now collected 12,000! She talks about how she was inspired by Augusta Baker, a librarian who worked for diversity and inclusion.
Mindful Moment
Listen to this powerful protest song sung by Sweet Honey In the Rock. The video shows images of black civil rights leaders and activists in our nation's history. See who you recognize.

Think about how important the act of singing together has been and still is. The Soulful Home packet this month says "The transformative power of music in the struggle for social justice cannot be overstated. For a worried and weary people gathered nonviolently to make their voices heard, group singing can be nothing short of transcendent, buoying the spirits of the singers and catalyzing those who are watching and listening. "

So listen together. Sing together. Make art together. Let us sing ourselves whole.
Soulful Connections
UUCSC February Flurry of Love
It's not too late to send Valentines!
I think love notes can arrive anytime! So even if you haven't sent any out yet, you still can! Our Multigen Project for the month of February encourages you to connect by sending a surprise valentine to someone from the congregation by snail mail. You may sign your name or be anonymous, and include the phrase UUCSC Flurry of Love somewhere on the card. See the DIRECTORY for addresses and choose one or more people to send to. This would be a good time to check and make sure your address in the directory is accurate! Folks are not expected to respond, so this will be a one-way flurry of love!
Sunday Zoom Time
We are expanding our offerings, so I hope you can make it to some of the following:

EVERY SUNDAY, 9am-9:30: Kid Circle Time. We have a lovely, simple time together, sharing Roses/Buds/Thorns, singing a song and doing a scavenger hunt, drawing or game together.

THIRD SUNDAYS, 9:30-10am: Adult Sharing Time. We've decided to offer this once a month, so mark your calendars for this Sunday, Feb. 21st and come spend time with fellow parents in a supportive, sharing environment.

LAST SUNDAYS, 9:30-10:30: CartUUns! We had a wonderful class last month! I hope you will join us on February 28th for our next one! Please respond to this email if you're interested!
Pictures from our Families
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The Grant family created some imaginary friends last month, during our theme of imagination! Here is Aila's friend Blue Cloud and Elsie's friend Rainbow! Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Sylvan and I are slowly but surely coloring our 7 Principles sheets. If you have any you'd like to share, please send me pictures!
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