June ’24 nUUs from Religious Education

~ resouthchurchuu

Coming of Age youth parading to a closing ceremony at their Wilderness Retreat

Happy Summer, Families!

We hope you’re planning some fun and relaxation over the next few months. In the RE world of South Church, we are wrapping up the regular program year, soon transitioning to our summer format. Sunday morning programs still happen through the summer months, but we move away from a structured curriculum and into living our values through play, connections, and letting our curiosity lead us. Kids of all ages are invited to gather after the Time For All Ages each week, and we will sometimes be outside, sometimes in the downstairs classroom. I love summer Sundays because it’s a time where 3 year olds through 17 year olds get to share sweet time together.

In VERY exciting news, we are offering a weeklong summer opportunity for kids that will run August 12th through 16th and registration is open now! Available to all kids ages 5 and up, including kids who don’t normally come to church (your kids can bring their friends!) It is a week full of games, challenges, activities, relationship building, and so much more. All of it is in line with UU values, but is not explicitly “church camp.” Program will run 9a-3p M-F, with optional before and after care. Sign up asap, and reach out right away if you have any questions or concerns. More info and sign up links: https://southchurch-uu-re.org/program-info/happy-hearts-summer-program/

Please be sure to come to church on June 2nd! We will have our annual all-ages Bridging worship, where we celebrate all kinds of transitions and accomplishments, complete with a procession through a rainbow balloon arch! Also happening that day at church: RE Volunteer appreciation breakfast, Used Book Sale (hosted by high school youth,) and a 200th birthday party lunch after worship, to celebrate this milestone of our beloved building.

On Sunday June 9th, our 8th grade Coming of Age participants will be hosting worship and sharing their faith statements. It is guaranteed to be a moving experience.

Looking forward to celebrating with everyone, and please be in touch any time!

June Church Theme is “Renewal”

  • Book/story suggestions for this month: Read or watch videos of these stories…
    • “The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag”: This story is all about how PRIDE month and the Rainbow Flag came to be in 1978. It’s about the first time when the Rainbow Flag was used and how it represented hopes for acceptance of diversity. There’s a sad part, too. Harvey Milk was murdered. But his memory and Rainbow Flag lives on, and we use it today.
      Online Video read by the author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rva1UOHX4w
    • “It Could Be Worse” a Jewish folktale: https://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/children/home/session4/60031.shtml
    • Renewing our love for all bodies
      • “Bodies Are Cool” by Tyler Feder. This is a story about all the ways that our bodies are awesome and cool. Video read-aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSwD7qArzz0
      • “Firebird” by Misty Copeland. This is a story about the dreams of a little girl to dance. It is based on Copeland’s experiences as the first African American woman to ever be principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. Video reading by author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzUZEaceZKc
  • June Shared Plate Organization: Gather. “NAMI New Hampshire is a grassroots organization working to improve the quality of life for all by providing support, education and advocacy for people affected by mental illness and suicide.”
  • June is Pride Month! Check out the schedule for Portsmouth Pride events, June 22nd, including the Drag Brunch at Gather’s “Fill the Hall” mentioned above: https://www.seacoastoutright.org/portsmouth-pride

Chalice Lighting For Meal Times:
by Katie Covey
“We gather the light of truth, the warmth of love, and the energy of action into our hearts.
Back into the world of do and say,
Carry it forward into the dawning day.”

Click Linked Items for additional Details

Click here for 2023-2024 RE Program Information

  • Sunday, June 2nd: Bridging Sunday!
    • All-ages Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. This is especially to celebrate all of our children and youth!
    • RE Volunteer appreciation breakfast 9:30-10:00 in church yard
    • 8th Grade Coming of Age rehearsal, after worship until 1:00 in the sanctuary
    • South Church 200th bday luncheon, offered by the Endowment Committee in the social hall after worship
    • Nursery is not staffed today; families may use the room if parents stay with their children
    • No RE classes today–everyone comes to Bridging! 
    • Senior Youth group will not meet this afternoon
  • Sunday, June 9th:
    • Coming of Age Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Offered by 8th grade CoA participants!
    • Nursery is staffed and open 9:30-11:30a
    • RE classes for Pre-K through 5th grade meet downstairs following TFAA (6th & 7th graders should stay for worship) 
    • Senior Youth: go to CoA worship!
  • Sunday, June 16th:
    • Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Sermon offered by Reverend Ellen
    • Nursery is staffed and open 9:30-11:30a
    • All-ages summer RE time will meet downstairs following TFAA
  • Sunday, June 23rd: 
    • Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Special Pride worship
    • Nursery is staffed and open 9:30-11:30a
    • All-ages summer RE time will meet downstairs following TFAA
  • Sunday, June 30th:
    • Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Sermon offered by Tom Barry
    • Nursery is staffed and open 9:30-11:30a
    • All-ages summer RE time will meet downstairs following TFAA

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