WAYS TO CONNECT

MULTIGENERATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES

MULTI-GEN SERVICES

Multigenerational services (Multi-gens) are led by the Director of Religious Exploration, and are for all members of the congregation to take part in. Classes are not held when we have Multi-gens, as they are planned with the children in mind, with extra songs and movement activities. The Nursery is always provided though. Children and Youth also take part in these services, and participate by reading poetry or other special readings, performing music or skits, lighting and extinguishing the Chalice, and helping in other ways depending on the service.

We generally offer 4 Sunday morning Multi-gens, and 1 evening Christmas Eve Multi-gen each year:

The Water Communion

In August, we have our Water Communion service. This service brings closure to our summer RE programming, and prepares the children and adults for heading back out into the world: to school, work, and wherever each person’s path takes them during the week.

This is a communion specific to Unitarian Universalists, and was created by 2 UU women in the 1980’s.

The Winter Holiday Service

Our Winter Holiday service is held in mid-December, and is focused on one or more of the winter holidays from around the world. These services generally have a lot of music and have parts for all children that are interested in participating!

The Christmas Eve Service

Our Christmas Eve Service combines the reading of the Christmas Story, a secular holiday Story For All Ages, lots of holiday caroling and musicians, ending with a White Elephant gift exchange and a cookie and cider reception!

RE Sunday and Flower Communion

The RE Sunday service and the Flower Communion have been combined the past 2 years, but might be separated into 2 distinct services in the future. RE Sunday is a service that celebrates the children and youth of the RE classes, recognizes and gives thanks to the teachers and volunteers, and also includes a Bridging Ceremony for graduating seniors.

The Flower Communion is a special service that celebrates the beauty of nature, friendship and family, coming together, and sharing with one another.

This is a communion specific to Unitarian Universalists, and was first created 100 years ago!

And one more special service.

This might be a special service for a holiday or holy day like Halloween or the Spring Equinox; a UU related service about the Chalice, our UU Principles or Sources; or on something that the RE has been working on, like a social justice or environmental project.

WEEKLY RE NEWSLETTER

The Weekly RE Newsletter is sent out on Sunday afternoons, and details the events in the different classes that day, along with important information on upcoming gatherings and activities. It also offers extra activities and ideas to help continue religious exploration throughout the week, and discussion questions and prompts for families to expand on what was learned and explored in the classes that day.

THIS MONTH AT A GLANCE, THE MONTHLY UUFT NEWSLETTER

Embracing Infinite Possibilities!

The most fabulous aspect of being a human are the infinite possibilities that stretch out from each of us! There are choices to make, pathways to follow, and the ability to forge our own path! While some might have fewer choices than others (the majority of humans can’t just jump on a private jet!) there are still so many different options that are open! Every day we wake up there are new possibilities! Awesome, fabulous possibilities that await us in mystery. April is all about embracing these possibilities! It’s Spring! New life, new growth, rebirth, re-awakening after a long winters sleep! The RE wing will be filled with discussions and activities focusing on possibilities! Good possibilities, because with the good there are also not so good, and some just downright scary possibilities, but we will not dwell on the negatives. No, not this month. We shall embrace the good, the magical science of reality, and the wondrous imagination that lives inside each of us. We will clean up a creek, celebrate the new playground, and even learn about a famous UU that became Superman. Literally.

First though, there are eggs to be discovered, and placed lovingly in colorful baskets!

Embrace April with me and the rest of the RE as we dance our way through this wonderful month of possibilities!

Special Events in April!

D&D!

The Dungeons and Dragons groups will meet on Thursday evenings from 5:30-8pm. Participants should arrive around 5:20 so that the game can begin on time, and parents and other drivers should be at the UUFT a few minutes before 8 so that all present are able to leave on time. If you are interested in playing D&D on Thursday evenings, and specifically if you are interested in being the Dungeon Master of a new group, please let DRE Erin know! We are so thrilled with the interest and excitement of the youth and young adults! The attendance has been very high, and the campaigns have even attracted some new people to our lovely Fellowship!

Playground Celebration!

The Playground has been completed! Join us after the service on April 19 for a celebration of our beautiful new playground and the hands that helped to make this space happen!

Sunday Morning

After the Time For All Ages in the sanctuary, the children are serenaded with song as they parade out to their classes with their classroom leaders.

Nursery (Birth through age 3)

Our nursery is staffed by our excellent Nursery Care Provider, Farai, along with one generous volunteer each week.

Elementary (Age 4 through Elementary)

The Elementary class, shall explore the theme of Embracing Possibility this month to parallel the main services. Lessons from the Soul Matters curriculum will be used along with other fun activities straight from the mind of DRE Erin!

I am still looking for a new classroom lead for this class. If you are interested or if you know of someone that is, please contact DRE Erin at erin.forstein@uuft.org.

Youth (Middle and High School)

The Youth welcomed Dylan Cook as their new Youth Leader last month! They will spend the month of April focusing on the theme of Embracing Possibility along with their continued study on Egyptian Myths and Reality.

Volunteers are Needed!

We need volunteers. In order for the classes to be covered, I would like for each family to commit to helping out 4 times in a class this year. Just 4 times. Just 1/12 of the year. This does not need to be in your child’s class, but it also CAN be, if you would prefer. If everyone does a small part, we can keep this program running strong! Look for the sign-up sheet on the RE table. I will contact you the week before your scheduled volunteer time to remind you.

If you are interested in helping out our Religious Exploration program, please contact DRE Erin erin.forstein@uuft.org for more information! You will be sent a link short online form to fill out for an easy background check, which is paid for out of the RE budget. In order to be in the classroom with children other than your own, you must have a background check done every 3 years. Please talk with me if you have any concerns.

Upcoming Events!
4/2 D&D
4/5 Easter
4/9 D&D
4/16 D&D
4/19 Playground Celebration
4/23 D&D
4/26 RE Creek Clean Up!
4/30 D&D

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The Playground

The playground is finished! Thank you to everyone helping to bring this project to life! Let’s celebrate after the service on Sunday, April 19th!

The Bake Sale!

Our next Bake Sale will be on May 3rd , the first Sunday in May.