Our teachers and advisors have been providing a rich and robust Religious Education program this year. There are creative projects from every class. Kindergarten/1st graders recognized the worth and dignity of each of us by creating talking/listening sticks. We had anti-bullying discussions in the 4th/5th grade room and explored the inspirational thinking of UU Astronomers in the 2nd/3rd grade class. Neighboring Faiths 6th/7th graders recognized the value of other religions by taking field trips to a wide range of houses of worship. Our teachers and advisors have been fully engaged this season. Many thanks to each one for keeping their light shining even as our daylight hours fade.
At the end of this winter solstice month, sunshine starts to extend itself. The month of December at UUCM is filled with opportunities for joy and service, time to take care of ourselves and to replenish our spirits. We will hear messages of love, equality and value that the UU world offers us.
There is one service at 10:00 AM on December 1st. While there will be no formal Religious Education classes held, there will be nursery care. I will also be in the Rotunda reading seasonal stories aloud and playing Holiday Bingo for those who are too squirmy to remain in the service. We are looking for one or two adults (or teen volunteer helpers) to assist me.
December 8th is Children’s Chapel and at 12:30 PM there will be a curriculum planning meeting for February Focus Month: The Legacy of Martin Luther King & Malcolm X.
December 15th is the Holiday Pageant. This year’s them is UU Idol. Children and Youth from Pre-K on up will find this a fun time.
On December 22nd we combine the solstice spirit – encouraging the sun to stay around longer – and good works as we create bags of “necessary” items for our M.E.S.H. guests.
On December 24th there are two Christmas Eve services. The Family service is at 5:00 PM and the Candle Light Service is at 7:30 PM.
December 29th is our Fire Communion. Though there is no Religious Education program, there will be nursery care.
See you Sunday,
Judith A. Stein-Farrall
Religious Education Program Coordinator