We Are Going!
Faith Development News Letter
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Research shows that connection to place grounded in
embodied experiences in nature, including those that
invoke awe and wonder, are required steps along the
journey to truly engaged environmental activism.
Jumping right to action is putting the cart before the horse.
The actions may have an effect, but if we want
conservationists, activists, environmental problem-solvers at heart, we must go through the heart.
-Christine Bulman
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Greetings Families of FUUSB,
It might seem a bit of a stretch from the words above to our September theme of Belonging. They come from a workshop I took on Star Island this summer about exploring nature and place-based approaches to Faith Development. This concept wasn’t new to me, that simply informing our children of the horrors of global warming, or the plight of distant dwindling rain forests may inspire some limited action, but absent a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world, it isn't likely to produce engaged activists, and might leave them prone to anxiety and overwhelm.
This time though, hearing these words above, I thought of how this relates not just to "nature" and ecological activism, but social justice as well. Our children are growing up in a moment that feels particularly fraught and sometimes in our liberal faith it feels like we're all reacting to one threat after another, one injustice after another. We want our children to understand the importance of each call to action, but we don't want to lead them to despair. We don't want to shelter them from the inequities in our society, but neither do we want to present them each Sunday with a laundry list of its problems.
If we want them to be resilient defenders of the beloved community, perhaps we must "go through the heart" in this as well. We must show our children what is beautiful and magical about our human family and the wonderful power we have when we come together. We must cultivate their sense of belonging and acceptance in the place where they live, in their faith home, before we can ask them to be its protectors.
And so, our Children’s Faith Development activities this year might seek to familiarize our kids with the 8 principles, to impart a little knowledge of other faiths and cultures; we might mention some UU history, or ask them to ponder their place in the universe. However, for me, the goal will always be to make our children feel that they belong here, to be a place where they can show up as their full authentic selves and be loved and appreciated, to help them experience a small piece of that beloved community we hope to have their help in creating.
In faith,
Erika
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We haven't mapped out the the full year in Children's Faith Development, rather we have a schedule for the fall that picks up where our short spring session left off. Age-based placement is very flexible, so speak to Erika if you would like your child to jump up a grade level or hold back. We will likely be re-forming the grade level groupings mid-year. |
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Nursery/
Preschool
Starting Sunday Oct 2
Nursery
Lot's of our youngest kiddos haven't had enough opportunity to just play in our building and really become comfortable here, so this fall children preschool and younger will stay with in the Nursery for free and creative play with loving guidance from our childcare providers.
Parents with infants and toddlers can sign them in before the service begins, if desired; we recommend that preschool aged kiddos start in the Sanctuary and come down after the Story For All Ages.
Scheduled dates: Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, Nov. 6, 13, Dec. 4
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Spirit Play
(-Making)
Starting Sunday Oct 2
Jordan-Latimer Room
For K-3rd grade, Spirit Play is Montessori based, rooted in story, ritual, play, and creativity. Play-making is an adaptation created by our own kids, where they reflect on the story presented in our monthly Family Chapel by creating a short play complete with homemade props and costumes. Playmaking will happen on the first Sunday of the month, and the traditional Spirit Play on all of the other scheduled Sundays.
Scheduled dates: Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, Nov. 6, 13, Dec. 4
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Bible Stories
Starting Sunday Oct 2
Dix Room
4th-6th graders act out stories from the Bible as a means to understand the historical document and develop their own moral reasoning. Led by religious studies professor, Jeffrey Trumbower, it sounds serious but actually involves lots of laughter and silliness (perhaps the only class where you'll be asked to stand on a chair and play God!)
Scheduled dates: Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, Nov. 6, 13,
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Crossing paths
Next session, Sunday Sep. 25
Susan B. Anthony Room
For 7th-9th graders, an updated and slightly more experiential version of the traditional world religion programs we have offered in the past, intended to “deepen youth's understanding of the dynamic, fascinating, and varied world in which they live, broaden their knowledge of humanity and embolden their spiritual search.” Held on a different schedule from other classes to accommodate students who are also enrolled in OWL.
Scheduled dates: Sep, 18, 25, Oct. 9, 23, Dec.. 11
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YUUth Group
Next meeting September 27th, 6:00
Susan B. Anthony Room
Our high school youth group, led by Rev. David Ruffin and fearless volunteers has already started with a kickoff camping trip, a march in the Pride Parade, and the first weeknight meeting, but it is never too late to join the fun!
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Parent Summit and Big Blue Trunk! |
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Sunday September 25, 10:15-11:15
(with play continuing ‘til noon!)
The Big Blue Trunk will make yet another appearance on the Meeting House lawn. Mike and his one of a kind crazy games and contraptions will be providing lots of active fun outside the Memorial Garden while inside it parents of children and youth can come together over coffee and bagels to hear about the plans Faith Development staff have brewing for the rest of this fall, help us plan for the future, and connect with each other! A vibrant program is one we build together, so please come share the gift of your presence!
Feel free to invite friends and neighbors with children to stop by between 11:15-12:00 for fun with The Trunk!
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Families will start together in the worship service and both parents and children will leave after the choral anthem. FUUSB Childcare providers will supervise children as they play. The Big Blue Trunk is staying until 12, so we hope parents will take time to play with their kids after our parent meeting ends |
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Register Children and Youth Today! |
As we begin the year, it is so helpful to know which families are planning to attend. If your child(ren) will be taking part in our programs between now and June, please follow the link below.
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September 25: 10:00- Families start in Sanctuary
10:15 Parent Summit and Big Blue Trunk Fun for kids,
Crossing paths Session 2
11:15 - Big Blue Trunk family free play
October 2: 10:00- Families start in Sanctuary,
OWL Session 5/6
10:15- Classes Begin for 6th grade and below
October 9: 10:00- Families Start in Sanctuary
10:15- Classes for 6th grade and below
Crossing paths Session 3
October 16: 10:00- Families start in Sanctuary,
OWL Session 7/8
10:15- Classes for 6th grade and below
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