RE News: Sun Oct 15

Lifespan Religious Education

Last Sunday, Rev. LoraKim (our Community Minister and a wildlife veterinarian) and the Animal Advocacy Social Justice Team facilitated a Nurture Nature RE workshop. We began by reciting our chalice lighting with the word "people" being replaced by "being." Let us light this chalice of understanding in our hearts so that we may know how other beings think and feel. Children and youth walked the CUUC grounds looking for signs of wildlife. They then watched videos of animals in various situations and were asked what they thought the animals were feeling and needing. Some of the feelings named were angry, sad, scared, and joyful. When it came to pictures of animals in storms, the needs seen were love, food, shelter, friends, connection, help, knowledge, and to learn to love. The children realized that these were also universal human needs and discovered that all beings share common feelings and needs.

Please see the following four (4) announcements:

1) This Sun Oct 15
Children and youth start in the sanctuary for Music For All Ages (with special musical guest, The Biryani Boys) and the Our Congregation Skit.

Children who participated in the Nurture Nature RE program last Sunday, led by Rev. LoraKim and the Animal Advocacy Social Justice Team, will be performing a skit during the Our Congregation to support this month's Share the Plate.

Classes
Pre-K - Chalice Children: A Tour of the Outside of Our Congregation
K-1 - Creating Home: Symbols of Faith
2nd-3rd - Passport to Spirituality: India (Hindu)
4th-5th - Bibleodeon: In the Beginning
6th-7th - Neighboring Faiths: Unitarian Universalism (Attend CUUC service)
8th-9th - Boston UU Heritage Trip
10th-12th - Youth Group: Laser Tag Outing

To view the Religious Education Google calendar, CLICK HERE.
To view a spreadsheet version of the RE Calendar, CLICK HERE.

2) Children's Choir
Lyra Harada, our Children's Music Director, will lead a Children's Choir after RE two Sundays a month. They will perform at Thanksgiving Service and the Holiday Concert.

If your child or youth would like to be a part of the choir, SIGN UP HERE.

3) Pelham to Syria Winter Donation Drive
In Syria, a harsh winter is about to descend on millions of refugee families. Hearts and Homes for Refugees will collect, pack, and deliver aid to displaced Syrians.

Only specific items are needed and will be collected on:
Sat Oct 21, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Wed Oct 25, 4:00 - 8:00pm
Sat Oct 28, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Drop off at St. Catharine's Rectory, 25 Second Ave, Pelham.

Volunteers are also needed to help sort and pack. For more info, CLICK HERE.

Contact Jane Dixon at lilrhodie@gmail.com, if you have any questions.

4) Resources for Talking to Children About Tragedies
We have all been horrified and saddened by recent tragedies, from hurricanes to shootings. Our children are often exposed to information and images that we do not always have control over. Unexpected conversations arise and it can be difficult to know how to respond and what to tell children or not. Here are some resources for parents:

UUA article on supporting children in the face of tragedy
Advice and resources from Fuller Youth Institute, via Andre Lerner (our UUA congregational contact)
Today Show age-by-age guide
From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
PBS Talking with Kids About News
Helping children cope with tragedy related anxiety

If you would like to talk about this topic or need any further support, please contact me (dlre@cucwp.org; 914-946-1660 x4) or Rev. Meredith.

Sincerely,
Perry
Director of Lifespan Religious Education and Faith Development