RE Newsletter: Widening the Circle

February 4th, 2022

Religious Exploration

February's Theme is Widening the Circle

Hello Families,

I'm really excited for February! We will be trying a new schedule in RE of 10-Noon and also offering two services every Sunday. Please see the bottom section of this newsletter for details!

The February theme of "Widening the Circle" is a wonderful chance to look at our UU Principles, especially the newly adopted 8th Principle and start to think about how we include people, how we offer kindness and compassion, even if we don't agree and how we continue to create Beloved Community together. I hope to see you here for these important explorations.

And of course February is V-Day and we are excited to offer a fun, interactive service on the 13th. I hope you can join us!

Sending you all so much love every day.

Lee

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.

The theme of "Widening the Circle" is such an important one. It's about widening the circle of who we let in and it's about how and to whom we extend our love and respect. I love the Lea Morris song this month, "Let Then In" where she says "When am I open? When am I kind? When do I listen even if I don't agree? May you find it's every time. That's who I strive to be."

The Soul Matters team look at widening our awareness of how we perceive people on the outside, compared to what's on their inside and how we accept ourselves and others. They also look at widening the history we tell and the UU Principles that we live by.

So let's widen our circle of love this month and every month.

The Book Itch, by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson is the true story of the Harlem bookstore that the author's dad opened, specifically for black people. She meets many famous people in the bookstore like Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X.

The Silence Seeker, by Ben Morley is a sweet story about a boy who helps a new neighbor who his parents tell him is an "asylum seeker," but he thinks they say "silence seeker." So he kindly shows him where all the quiet places are in the city.

What is the 8th principle? A Message for All Ages

This two minute video above is a sweet stop motion animation about the 8th Principle. It's a very simple explanation of why the 8th Principle came to be. We will be learning more about it and the rest of our UU Principles in the coming months.

Story and Song of the Week

The Hungry Coat

told by Lea Morris

Let Them In

Who is my neighbor

And who is my friend

Who do I welcome to step right on in

Who do I comfort with all of my love

May it be said of me that the answer is everyone

Let 'em in

Different and peculiar might become a trusted friend

Let 'em in

Watch and see what newness can begin

Upcoming Schedule

We are trying a new schedule in RE: Sundays from 10-noon. The first hour will be outside play time and parents are encouraged to join the service upstairs with any kids who are interested. Then at 11:15 we will have our RE sharing circle and adults are welcome to join.

Also in February, services will be offered twice: in person at 10am in the sanctuary and online via Zoom at 11:15.

Saturday, Feb. 5th 10am: All Ages Hike! Meet at Trustom Pond to explore the beautiful wildlife sanctuary, ponds, forests and fields.

Sunday, Feb. 6th 10-Noon: RE outside (with the option to come in if it's too cold or rainy)

Sunday, Feb. 13th 10am: Multi-gen service in the sanctuary for Valentine's Day! We will not hold our sharing circle at 11:15, but families are welcome to stay and play outside after service

Sunday, Feb. 20th 10-Noon: RE outside! (with inside option of it's too cold)

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