May ’25 nUUs from Religious Education

~ resouthchurchuu
Planting our seeds to grow UU values in the world

Here we are, already in the wild wrapping up process that comes with this time of year!

Looking toward our annual Bridging worship on June 1st, we have several elements that will involve congregants:

  • Child Dedication: Do you have a child you would like to include? Child dedications are a cherished tradition in our UU community—an opportunity to formally welcome children into the life of our congregation and for all of us to dedicate ourselves to nurturing and supporting them as they grow. If you’d like to participate or learn more, please reach out to either JenDB (jendeldeo@southchurch-uu.org) or Kirsten H (kirsten@southchurch-uu.org). We’d love to include you and your child in this beautiful ritual of connection and commitment! If June 1st doesn’t work for your family, we’re happy to arrange a dedication at another time with you.
  • Bridging Parade: This sweet tradition honors all kids finishing another year of learning, plus all adults who are marking any kind of significant transition.
  • Honoring High School Seniors: We will have a special blessing for our Bridging seniors, with a special part for parents. Reach out to Jen or Kirsten for more info!
  • RE Volunteer Appreciation: Our volunteers generously give their time and hearts toward nurturing our kids as they grow in our faith. You can help honor them by donating supplies for a breakfast that will be just for them. Sign up here if you would like to help (RE Vols, please don’t bring anything! Let us celebrate you 😍): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054BAEA82FA31-56934812-revolunteer

Special events for May:

  • Saturday 5/10 Visioning Workshop: Help imagine the future of South Church, open to all. Childcare is available, just please let us know if you will need that by emailing JenDB by Weds 5/7
  • Saturday 5/10 & Sun 5/11: Mother’s Day Plant Sale fundraiser by youth traveling to GA. Hanging flowering plants will be available for sale before and after the Visioning Workshop on Sat and after church on Sun.
  • Friday 5/16 Sparks & Flames Ice Cream Sundae and Play Night for any kids in grades 5 through 8. RSVP by 4pm Weds 5/14: jendeldeo@southchurch-uu.org 
  • Saturday 5/17 Families Tuugether free babysitting night! Parents gather for a time of connection before heading out for a couple of hours, while we play with your kids! For families with kids ages 3 months and older. RSVP by 4pm Thurs 5/15
  • Sunday 5/18 Prepared Meals Sale youth group fundraiser. Corn chowder, bean salad, and zucchini bread will be available to purchase and take home after worship.
  • Sunday 5/18 Discussion Group for Parents of Trans/Nonbinary Children, Youth and Young Adults 11:45-12:45 in the Carson Parlor. A safe space for parents to connect and share stories and resources. FMI reach out to JenDB
  • Sunday 6/1 BRIDGING SUNDAY! Multigenerational worship. We will have a child dedication, stepping up parade for all kids and adults who are marking milestones, and we will honor our graduating high school seniors. Families–don’t miss this one!
  • Roots Summer Program! Registration is OPEN for our special summer offering for kids. Roots is a weeklong summer camp-style program that will be focused on fun, community, and building connections. This is a great opportunity to invite friends to experience what South Church offers. Spread the word! Aug 11-15 Info and registration links can be found at: https://southchurch-uu-re.org/roots-summer-program/

May Church Theme is “Imagination”

  • 350NH’s Youth Leadership Retreat! July 25-27. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone entering high school this fall, through those who are graduating now. It is a fantastic, low-cost, 2-night/3-day program. Deadline to apply is June 25th: https://www.350nh.org/youth-retreat
  • Imaginative emotional processing: Here is a fun guided meditation that uses imagination and movement to feel our feelings: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DjNVvxRuNsO9yDBGhrxlrXmqaPOfpzayR6lY6__XkZo/edit?usp=sharing
  • Stories that connect to the “Imagination” theme:
    • “They All Saw a Cat,” book by Brendan Wenze
    • “The Other Side” by Jacqueline Woodson
    • “A Day for Rememberin’: Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day” by Leah Henderson
    • “The Story of Magic Paintbrush,” a Chinese folktale
  • May Shared Plate Organization: National Alliance of Mental Illness of New Hampshire. NAMI NH 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.
  • Spiritual Decathlon: This is a monthly spiritual practice that began in September. It is meant for all ages, and involves choosing one action per week (from a list or make up your own) that somehow connects to your spirituality and maybe even connects to the monthly theme. Get a gold star for each week you participate! More info here.

Chalice Lighting For Meal Times:

“The Embers of Imagination” by Rev. Michelle Collins

We light this chalice,
a spark in the darkness,
kindling the embers of imagination within us.

May its flame ignite wonder,
fuel dreams of justice,
and illuminate the path toward what could be.

Click Linked Items for additional Details

Click here for 2024-2025 RE Program Information

  • Sunday, May 4th:
    • Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Sermon offered by Matt Meyer
    • Nursery is staffed and open 9:30-11:30a
    • RE classes for Pre-K through 7th grade will meet downstairs following the TFAA
    • 8th Grade Coming of Age does not meet today because of Wilderness Retreat
    • Senior Youth meets 4:00-5:30, 73 Court St
  • Saturday, May 10th:
    • Coming of Age worship rehearsal, 8:30-10:30 in sanctuary
  • Saturday, May 10th-Sun May 11th:
    • South Church Visioning Weekend! Visioning workshop for the South Church community Saturday 2:00-5:00, with a summary/reflection presentation after worship Sunday. Childcare is available, contact Jen DB.
    • Mother’s Day Plant Sale! Our high school youth group will be selling hanging outdoor plants before and after the Saturday workshop and after worship on Sunday.
  • Sunday, May 11th:
    • Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Sermon offered by Rev Ellen
    • Nursery is staffed and open 9:30-11:30a
    • RE classes for Pre-K through 7th grade meet downstairs following TFAA 
    • 8th Grade Coming of Age meets 9:45-11:15a at 73 Court St, no Mentors. 
    • Senior Youth does not meet today
  • Friday, May 16th:
    • Sparks & Flames Social Group for Grades 5 thru 8: Ice cream sundaes and PLAY! 7-9pm, RSVP to JenDB
  • Saturday, May 17th:
    • Families Tuugether! We will have a parent potluck as our final session for the summer. Contact JenDB to register.
  • Sunday, May 18th:
    • Coming of Age Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Offered by 8th grade CoA Youth
    • Nursery is staffed and open 9:30-11:30a
    • RE classes for Pre-K through 5th grade meet downstairs following TFAA
    • Grades 6 & 7 should stay for worship!
    • Parents of Trans/NB Youth/YA Support Group 11:30-12:30 Carson Parlor
    • Senior Youth meets for Learning Session 4, 4:00-5:30 at 73 Court St
  • Sunday, May 25th:
    • Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Sermon offered by Kirsten
    • Nursery is staffed and open 9:30-11:30a
    • All-ages RE offering will meet downstairs following TFAA 
    • Senior Youth does not meet today
  • Saturday, June 1st:
    • Bridging Sunday! Multigenerational Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube.
    • Nursery will not be staffed today
    • No RE classes today–worship is for EVERYONE today!

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