RE Newsletter March: Renewing Faith

March 4th, 2022

Religious Exploration

March's Theme is Renewing Faith

Hello Families,

The theme of "Renewing Faith" has religious connotations that some might find uncomfortable. I invite you to broaden your definition of "faith" and know that it doesn't have to be what religion you adhere to, but more broadly is what you believe in. What is your foundation built upon? What are your own guiding principles? What are the supports in your life that you depend upon and what do you promise to those around you and to the world?

I hope that you'll find some inspiration in these offerings this month. I especially love the concept of "Yet" as in, "I don't know how to do that...Yet!" We are practicing building our faith in ourselves and showing our kids that they can have faith in themselves. Because none of us are perfect or know everything, but we can support each other in learning what we don't know and growing as compassionate humans together.

Together in faith,

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.

This month we focus on Renewing Faith. This is highlighted in different ways: faith in our promises (our covenants), faith in our own gifts, faith in the power of working together for justice, and faith in the simple things in life.

From the Soul Matters team: "Our theme this month is Renewing Faith. This session is about how we can renew our trust in life’s goodness and simple gifts. Consumer society and social media tell us we are not enough and don’t have enough. Our faith disagrees. It calls us to notice the many everyday joys and gifts that we already and always possess. Our faith reminds us we are already 'rich' and life is already abundant!"

Love, by Matt de la Pena is a beautiful book, reminding us of of all the many expressions of love in the world, like the sound of our parents' voices, the stars burning in the universe, the cab driver playing love on his radio.

The Table Where Rich People Sit, by Byrd Baylor and Peter Parnall is a gorgeous book about a family showing how they are rich in many things that matter: being able to walk the open desert, watching a cactus bloom, having each other.

The Magical Yet, by Angela DiTerlizzi is a sweet story about renewing faith in ourselves. We can get comfortable with not knowing how to do something...Yet.

This story is an example of the way we can renew our faith in ourselves. It is "a journey in self-discovery, told through the eyes of a young girl named Nothando. The book tells of the Reed Festival, an important celebration in Nothando's country of Swaziland in Southern Africa. Nothando and her brother venture into the unknown hills, in order to get to the festival on time. As Nothando explores the hills of Swaziland, she visits with various animals--Nothando moves freely with the animals and begins to become comfortable with who she is"

Story and Song of the Month

Fish and Loaves

told by Lea Morris

Let Them In

If you can have faith

You can move this mountain

If you can have faith

You can calm this sea

Renew your faith

At love's sweet fountain

With just a little faith I do believe we can do anything

Take your time look and find

A path that inspires your soul

Step by step, breath by breath

You're moving towards your goal.

Upcoming Schedule

We will continue our new schedule in RE: Sundays from 10-noon. We are still playing with when we hold our sharing circle, sometimes we will do it first thing, sometimes after the Time for All Ages upstairs in the sanctuary, and sometimes after 11am when the service upstairs is done. It just depends on when most families are there and what else is happening.

Also in March, we will continue to offer services twice: in person at 10am in the sanctuary and online via Zoom at 11:15.

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

Sunday, Mar. 6th 10-Noon: TFAA in the sanctuary, playing with a suspension bridge. Then outside! (with the option to come in if it's too cold or rainy)

Sunday, Mar. 13th 10-Noon: 4th and 5th Principles

Sunday, Mar. 20th 10-Noon: RE outside (weather permitting) to celebrate the Spring Equinox!

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