This Sunday marks the end of our winter term. We like to spread joy and hope in Young Church, so we begin spring early! The curricula in all classes continues from winter, but we'll have a new set of teachers coming in for these last couple of months. Thank you to the good folks who gave of themselves this term... they have served our children well with their humor, authenticity, patience and generosity: Ally McNamee, Kristen Donahue, Christine Doherty, Laura Litcofsky, Catherine Williams, Elizabeth Silveira, Rebecca Brodish, Sarah Spalding, Carey Creps, Kimberly Neely, Tim Fountain, Jay Iannini, Steve Amery, and Meryl Baier. While we're at it, let's thank our intrepid Our Whole Lives (OWL) facilitators, who WILL continue to teach in the spring: Sue Johnson, Alex Gramling and Jill Schlanger; and our senior high youth group advisors: Becky Dill, Ken Okaya, Kelly McNamee, Rob Fitzgibbon, Michaela Gile, and Ed Meagher. It takes a village, folks! How blessed our children are to have these adults in their lives.
Here's what's up this Sunday:
The preschool class will consider why differences are important and will do an exercise illlustrating how they all see things differently.
The K-1 class will hear the Dr. Seuss story, "Have I Ever Told You How Lucky You Are?" and will reflect on things they are thankful for by tossing a gratitude ball and making thank you cards.
The second grade class will learn about the life of Unitarian astronomer Maria Mitchell and will make their own constellations and launch rockets made from film canisters.
Third graders will learn about Islamic prayer and make another prayer bead.
Fourth graders will hear the beginning of the story of Moses and will make a burning bush.
The fifth grade class will hear the parable of the Good Samaritan and will create a modern-day version of it.
Sixth graders will reflect on motivation--what motivates people to act in certain ways--and will make posters of outstanding UUs.
See you in church!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Coming Up on February 5
It's hard to believe that we're already into February. I don't know about you, but for me, this is the start of the two longest months of the year. The instinct to hunker down is strong. But doesn't it feel great to connect with other people during these long days of winter? Hope to see you in church!
Here's what's happening this Sunday in each of our Young Church classes:
Our preschoolers will be making valentines for the special people in their lives.
The K-1 class, continuing to learn about the UU Principles through the stories of Dr. Seuss, will hear the story, "Green Eggs and Ham" and will try some new things. (This relates to our fourth UU Principle--that we affirm a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.)
Second graders will learn about Tim Berners-Lee, a Unitarian Universalist who invented the worldwide web, and will take apart a computer and other appliances to see what lurks beneath.
Third graders will have an introduction to Islam, will look at artifacts such as a prayer rug and head scarf, and will try their hands at calligraphy.
The fourth grade class will hear the story of Jacob from the Hebrew Bible and will make Jacob's Ladders out of string.
The fifth grade class will learn about the Golden Rule and will do an exercise that illustrates how dramatically harsh words can affect a person.
Sixth graders will begin to learn about some outstanding Unitarian Universalists and the important work they did to improve the world, and will reflect on what changes they themselves would like to enact.
The Our Whole Lives (7th-8th grade)group meets as usual from 10:15-11:45 in the lower meeitng house, and the senior youth group meets at the Kelly School.
See you in church!
Here's what's happening this Sunday in each of our Young Church classes:
Our preschoolers will be making valentines for the special people in their lives.
The K-1 class, continuing to learn about the UU Principles through the stories of Dr. Seuss, will hear the story, "Green Eggs and Ham" and will try some new things. (This relates to our fourth UU Principle--that we affirm a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.)
Second graders will learn about Tim Berners-Lee, a Unitarian Universalist who invented the worldwide web, and will take apart a computer and other appliances to see what lurks beneath.
Third graders will have an introduction to Islam, will look at artifacts such as a prayer rug and head scarf, and will try their hands at calligraphy.
The fourth grade class will hear the story of Jacob from the Hebrew Bible and will make Jacob's Ladders out of string.
The fifth grade class will learn about the Golden Rule and will do an exercise that illustrates how dramatically harsh words can affect a person.
Sixth graders will begin to learn about some outstanding Unitarian Universalists and the important work they did to improve the world, and will reflect on what changes they themselves would like to enact.
The Our Whole Lives (7th-8th grade)group meets as usual from 10:15-11:45 in the lower meeitng house, and the senior youth group meets at the Kelly School.
See you in church!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Coming Up on January 29
Why do you bring your children to Young Church? Is it to engage them in a multi-generational community that shares your values? To support you in your efforts to instill in them a strong moral compass? To expose them to ideas of the world's major religions? To engage them in service work? To acquaint them with the culturally-relevant stories of the Judeo and Christian traditions? Is it because you've heard that studies show that kids who are actively involved in church engage in fewer risky behaviors than their unchurched peers? Whether it's one or all of these, or a different reason all together, I encourage you to revisit this question often. Remind yourself WHY you come out on Sunday mornings when it's so much easier to stay in with coffee and the paper. Then, when Sunday morning rolls around and your kids ask why they have to come, you'll have a ready answer. Or, you can just tell them, "because it's what we do".
Coming up this Sunday in Young Church:
The preschool class explores the wonder of imagination through a story and a painting project.
The K-1 class further learns about the UU Principles through the stories of Dr. Seuss with the story "McGelligot's Pool" (which relates to our 7th UU principle). They will also make a river mural.
The second grade class continues to learn about notable Unitarian Universalists, focusing this week on Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross. After hearing her life story, they will do an experiment to see how germs spread and will learn some basic first aid.
The third grade class, as part of its curriculum on world religions and prayer, will learn about Catholic prayer, will make their first prayer bead, and, time permitting, will make St. Brigid's crosses.
Fourth graders, continuing to learn about the Hebrew scriptures, will learn about Abraham and Isaac, and will engage in a fun trust activity.
The fifth grade class will learn about Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and will make up skits about the Beatitudes.
Sixth graders will learn about the six sources of belief for UUs, do a beliefs relay race, and make posters illustrating the sources of their own beliefs.
The Our Whole Lives class meets as usual from 10:15-11:45. Please note that there is NO senior youth group this week.
See you in church!
Coming up this Sunday in Young Church:
The preschool class explores the wonder of imagination through a story and a painting project.
The K-1 class further learns about the UU Principles through the stories of Dr. Seuss with the story "McGelligot's Pool" (which relates to our 7th UU principle). They will also make a river mural.
The second grade class continues to learn about notable Unitarian Universalists, focusing this week on Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross. After hearing her life story, they will do an experiment to see how germs spread and will learn some basic first aid.
The third grade class, as part of its curriculum on world religions and prayer, will learn about Catholic prayer, will make their first prayer bead, and, time permitting, will make St. Brigid's crosses.
Fourth graders, continuing to learn about the Hebrew scriptures, will learn about Abraham and Isaac, and will engage in a fun trust activity.
The fifth grade class will learn about Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and will make up skits about the Beatitudes.
Sixth graders will learn about the six sources of belief for UUs, do a beliefs relay race, and make posters illustrating the sources of their own beliefs.
The Our Whole Lives class meets as usual from 10:15-11:45. Please note that there is NO senior youth group this week.
See you in church!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Coming Up on January 15
This morning, we begin with circle in Big Church, so all children in preschool through 6th grade should go to church with their families. After the moment for all ages, children will be dismissed for Young Church and will meet their teachers in the vestibule.
Preschoolers will consider the wonders of the moon. They'll listen to the story "Moongame" by F. Asch and will make moon paintings and play hide-and-seek with the moon.
The kindergarten-1st grade class continues its "Learning the UU Principles Through the Stories of Dr. Seuss" by hearing the story of "The Sneetches" and then re-enacting it with their own star-belly machine.
Second graders will hear a story about the Unitarian Albert Schweitzer and will learn how to splint an injury.
The third grade class will begin to learn about Christianity and specifically Catholicism, will examine artifacts and make St. Brigid's crosses.
Fourth graders will hear the story of Creation and the Garden of Eden from the Hebrew scriptures and will create their own clay creatures. They will discuss things such as "Where could God exist before creating the land, sea, or sky?" and, "Do you believe that humans have 'dominion' over all other living things?"
The fifth grade class will learn about Jesus' baptism and will do a skit about his temptation in the wilderness. They will talk about temptation in their own lives and how they deal with it.
Sixth graders will consider the idea of a "quest" and will have an introduction to the various types of quests they will undertake this term. They will also make clay aliens to have as questing partners.
Looking forward to seeing you in church!
Preschoolers will consider the wonders of the moon. They'll listen to the story "Moongame" by F. Asch and will make moon paintings and play hide-and-seek with the moon.
The kindergarten-1st grade class continues its "Learning the UU Principles Through the Stories of Dr. Seuss" by hearing the story of "The Sneetches" and then re-enacting it with their own star-belly machine.
Second graders will hear a story about the Unitarian Albert Schweitzer and will learn how to splint an injury.
The third grade class will begin to learn about Christianity and specifically Catholicism, will examine artifacts and make St. Brigid's crosses.
Fourth graders will hear the story of Creation and the Garden of Eden from the Hebrew scriptures and will create their own clay creatures. They will discuss things such as "Where could God exist before creating the land, sea, or sky?" and, "Do you believe that humans have 'dominion' over all other living things?"
The fifth grade class will learn about Jesus' baptism and will do a skit about his temptation in the wilderness. They will talk about temptation in their own lives and how they deal with it.
Sixth graders will consider the idea of a "quest" and will have an introduction to the various types of quests they will undertake this term. They will also make clay aliens to have as questing partners.
Looking forward to seeing you in church!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Winter Term Begins January 8
With January, comes the start of our winter term in Young Church and our grade-specific programs. When you come to church this Sunday, you'll find classroom locations posted near the doors. All children in grades p/k through 5th must now be signed in by a parent or guardian (so if your child is in Young Church choir, please pick them up) in their classroom. For children in grades 4-5, parents will have the option of indicating that their child can be automatically dismissed at the end of church. Otherwise, teachers will keep them until the parent comes to sign them out. All children in grades p/k-3rd MUST be picked up by a parent and will not be dismissed without being signed out.
After attendance is taken, all children in grades K-6 will go with their classes to the lower meeting house for a brief worship circle. They will then head back to class for the morning's session.
Please read on to see what's happening this week in each class.
The Preschool class (meets on the stage in the upper parish hall) kicks off a session on wonder by considering the wonder of stars. After hearing an Eric Carle story, they will make "starry night" pictures and do star rubbings.
The Kindergarten-First Grade class (meets in upper parish hall, back) will start their "Learning about the UU Principles Through the Stories of Dr. Seuss" curriculum by hearing the Butter Battle Book, talking about peace, and making butter.
The Second Grade class (meets in the lower meeting house conference room) begins its curriculum on notable Unitarian Universalists by reviewing the UU principles and making a poster about them.
The Third Grade class (meets in the lower meeting house main hall) begins its curriculum on prayer and world religions by considering what it means to pray through answering a series of questions drawn from a question box.
The Fourth Grade class (meets in the upper parish hall, front right) starts its program on the Hebrew Scriptures by doing an exercise in oral tradition.
The Fifth Grade class (meets in upper parish hall, front left) starts its program on the life and teachings of Jesus by talking about what they already know and what they think they know about Jesus.
The Sixth Grade class (meets in upper parish hall, youth room) starts its "Questing Year" curriculum by figuring out what a "quest" is, reviewing the UU principles and making clay aliens.
The Seventh-Eighth Grade class, which will be engaged in the Our Whole Lives (OWL) program this winter and spring, does not meet this week. The OWL kick-off session is Friday, January 13, from 5:00-9:00 p.m.
The senior high youth group will meet at the Kelly School Youth Center.
Looking forward to seeing you all in church!
After attendance is taken, all children in grades K-6 will go with their classes to the lower meeting house for a brief worship circle. They will then head back to class for the morning's session.
Please read on to see what's happening this week in each class.
The Preschool class (meets on the stage in the upper parish hall) kicks off a session on wonder by considering the wonder of stars. After hearing an Eric Carle story, they will make "starry night" pictures and do star rubbings.
The Kindergarten-First Grade class (meets in upper parish hall, back) will start their "Learning about the UU Principles Through the Stories of Dr. Seuss" curriculum by hearing the Butter Battle Book, talking about peace, and making butter.
The Second Grade class (meets in the lower meeting house conference room) begins its curriculum on notable Unitarian Universalists by reviewing the UU principles and making a poster about them.
The Third Grade class (meets in the lower meeting house main hall) begins its curriculum on prayer and world religions by considering what it means to pray through answering a series of questions drawn from a question box.
The Fourth Grade class (meets in the upper parish hall, front right) starts its program on the Hebrew Scriptures by doing an exercise in oral tradition.
The Fifth Grade class (meets in upper parish hall, front left) starts its program on the life and teachings of Jesus by talking about what they already know and what they think they know about Jesus.
The Sixth Grade class (meets in upper parish hall, youth room) starts its "Questing Year" curriculum by figuring out what a "quest" is, reviewing the UU principles and making clay aliens.
The Seventh-Eighth Grade class, which will be engaged in the Our Whole Lives (OWL) program this winter and spring, does not meet this week. The OWL kick-off session is Friday, January 13, from 5:00-9:00 p.m.
The senior high youth group will meet at the Kelly School Youth Center.
Looking forward to seeing you all in church!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
October 23 in Young Church
Our preschoolers will consider how "I Can Share" through a cooperative art project following the story "It's Mine".
The kindergarten class focuses on conscious consumerism this week. They will hear the story "The Berenstain Bears and the Mad, Mad, Toy Craze" and will learn to make a simple toy out of recycled materials.
The 1st through 8th grade small ministry groups will continue their water theme. Some activities include an experiential meditation, in which they are confronted with the possibility of having to drink polluted water. Some of the groups will watch short videos about the world water crisis and some will be invited to sign a water stewardship pledge. All groups will also vote on a water project to support through the end-of-term water walkathon.
The kindergarten class focuses on conscious consumerism this week. They will hear the story "The Berenstain Bears and the Mad, Mad, Toy Craze" and will learn to make a simple toy out of recycled materials.
The 1st through 8th grade small ministry groups will continue their water theme. Some activities include an experiential meditation, in which they are confronted with the possibility of having to drink polluted water. Some of the groups will watch short videos about the world water crisis and some will be invited to sign a water stewardship pledge. All groups will also vote on a water project to support through the end-of-term water walkathon.
Friday, October 14, 2011
What's Happening on October 16
This morning, our preschoolers will think about ways that "I Can Help". After hearing a couple of stories about helping, they will talk about how they help out and will make helping hands necklaces.
The kindergarten class will talk about "Saving Our Resources". They will hear and reflect on the story "The Berenstain Bears' Don't Pollute" and will make recycling boxes to place around our buildings.
Children in grades 1-8 will learn about the importance of toilets. This sounds like a strange topic for Young Church, perhaps, but it's part of our continuing theme of water in the world. They will learn that one-third of the world's people don't have access to a toilet, and why this is a problem--particularly in urban areas.
The senior youth group has a hike today, so there is no regular meeting.
See you in church!
The kindergarten class will talk about "Saving Our Resources". They will hear and reflect on the story "The Berenstain Bears' Don't Pollute" and will make recycling boxes to place around our buildings.
Children in grades 1-8 will learn about the importance of toilets. This sounds like a strange topic for Young Church, perhaps, but it's part of our continuing theme of water in the world. They will learn that one-third of the world's people don't have access to a toilet, and why this is a problem--particularly in urban areas.
The senior youth group has a hike today, so there is no regular meeting.
See you in church!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)