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

Smell That Coffee!

Our Soul Matters theme for March is Paying Attention. The RE classes will focus on this theme to mirror the main service, which should help to open up conversations within the family.

Now that the weather is getting nicer, I plan on spending more time outside, immersed in nature! I might have a few pairs of pliers and a bag or 7 of rings with me for my chainmail side gig, but I do plan on being outside, in the sunshine or under the shade of a freshly budding tree. Paying attention to the sensory experience of being alive and in the moment! Feeling the cool breeze and the warm sun on my skin. Hearing the different chirps and caws of birds, the swish of the trees, the rustle of something exploring under the leaves in the forest.  Smelling the new growth emerging from the rich soil and the steam rising from my mug of coffee. Tasting life and experiencing the here and the now.

Wake up, my friends, and smell that coffee. Pay attention to the Present. It is so easy to live our lives pining for future events and lamenting past mistakes and experiences. But is that really living? It is time to put down our screens, so that we can actually see what is going on around ourselves! Both the good and the bad.

I just learned today that on February 23rd a letter was sent out to every Transgender person with a driver’s license in the state of Kansas declaring that they needed to get a new license by February 26, as the old one would not be considered legal. There was no grace period. While our Governor tried to veto the bill, she was overruled. 1000 people had their rights taken away overnight. 

This theme couldn’t have come at a better time! We do need to really start paying attention to what is going on around us in the government and with other people in power. It is up to all of us to care for our Earth, and protect the rights of all of the inhabitants that call Earth our home.

Special Events in March!

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!

CUUPS Equinox Bonfire!

The Covenant of UU Pagans will host a bonfire at the UUFT to celebrate the Spring Equinox, one week before. It will take place on the yard behind the Youth House on the evening of Friday, March 13th ! Come one and all!

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 Paying Attention 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.

Youth (Middle and High School)

The Youth welcomed Dylan Cook as their new Youth Leader last month! They will spend the month of March focusing on the theme of Paying Attention along with their continued study on Norse Mythology.

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!
3/5 D&D

3/8 Daylight Savings

3/12 D&D

3/13 CUUPS Bonfire

3/19 D&D

3/20 Spring Equinox

3/26 D&D (to be determined)

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The Playground

The playground is almost finished! Thank you to everyone helping to bring this project to life!progress being made! Thank you to everyone helping to bring this project to life!

The Bake Sale!

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