RE News: Sun Oct 8

Lifespan Religious Education


Last Sunday, K-5th grade children put together the donated ingredients for the Birthday Bag Project. They really empathized with the children who might not have a cake for their birthday and took the task very seriously. Halfway through filling the bags, one child yelled out, "We have 15 minutes left. If we don't hurry, some kids won't be able to celebrate their birthdays!" Thanks to Amy Swiss's leadership and many people's generosity, 113 children will have a birthday bag so their families can make them a cake for their celebration. (Photos below)

Please see the following four (4) announcements:


1) 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 - http://www.uua.org/families/disaster/281608.shtml

Advice and resources from Fuller Youth Institute, via Andre Lerner (our UUA congregational contact) - http://mailchi.mp/fuller/a-note-resources-about-the-tragedy-in-las-vegas?e=17c4ad9469 

Today Show age-by-age guide - https://www.today.com/parents/how-talk-children-about-shootings-age-age-guide-t59626

From the National Child Traumatic  Stress Network -  http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/terrorism

PBS Talking with Kids About News - http://www.pbs.org/parents/talkingwithkids/news/

Helping children cope with tragedy related anxiety - http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/children-cope-with-tragedy

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.

2) This Sun Oct 8
K-9th grade start in Fellowship Hall to participate in the Nurture Nature RE Program, led by Rev. LoraKim. 

• After a nature walk, exercises, and videos that focus on the feelings and needs of various animals, the children and youth will create a skit that they will perform at the service on Oct 15 during the Our Congregation moment. The skit will highlight the Oct. Plate Share that supports animals affected by the hurricanes.

Youth Group will be cleaning up and decorating their inner courtyard and begin to plan the Halloween event.

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


3) Child Dedication Oct 15
This Unitarian Universalist ritual honors your family's commitment to the congregation and a promise by the congregation to support and nurture your child's spiritual life.

The ritual is open to any young children in the congregation. Please contact me if you would like your family to take part in the ceremony.

For a further description of our ceremony and UU Child Dedications, CLICK HERE.

4) Birthday Bag Project Photos

 
Sincerely,

Perry

Director of Lifespan Religious Education and Faith Development