Nurturing spiritual growth through worship, learning, and community; Celebrating the worth and dignity of all people; and Acting on our faith in the larger community.
The school year is coming to an end, and let’s just say that many of us are markedly ready. Religious Education programs are wrapping up too, and we will soon shift into a light and fun summer session. As significant endeavors come to an end, it’s important to acknowledge, celebrate, and even sometimes mourn what we are moving on from. Please be sure to come to the traditional Bridging worship service on Sunday, June 5th, 10am. We will mark the transitions that are happening between moving up to new grade levels, moving on to new schools, completing projects, celebrating a year of learning, and more. This is a community event for everyone, for all the ways we are transitioning. With so much challenge, tragedy, and difficult news going on, community rituals can be really helpful to ground us in moving forward.
And… PLAY, PLAY, PLAY! Once we acknowledge all that we are holding, play is a natural therapy and magical bonding tool. We’ve got plenty of that coming up this summer! If any adults or teens out there have a fun skill, activity, craft/art, or game that you would like to share with us, then please please let us know. We love having a wide range of folks to learn from, and we’d love to have you share in that. Email Jen DD: jendeldeo@southchurch-uu.org.
Lastly, if you didn’t see this resource in earlier communications, the San Diego County Office of Education’s website has a collection of resources for talking with children and youth about school shootings. We also have printed materials at church, and Rev Susan, Kirsten, and JenDD each invite you to reach out for resources, listening, and anything else you might need in navigating traumatic events.
3 Ways to Be an ALLY Video Queer Kids Stuff, with Puppet Teddy and Lindsay, presents a great explanation of words and ideas around diversity, such as privilege, and being an ally.
100 Blessings Challenge! Can be done individually or as a family, cut 100 strips of colored paper that are about 1″x6″. On each strip, write a blessing that you or your family has in your life. Glue, tape or staple the ends of the strips into connected circles to make a chain. Hang the chain to remind you of your blessings when things are hard.
General Assembly is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association and is a gathering of people of our UU faith. There are worship times, workshops, lectures, and the business of the UUA. This year it will be held in Portland OR 6/22-6/26/2022. There will also be online streaming of many GA events. More info HERE.
Chalice Lighting for mealtimes this month:
By BETSY DARR
May the light of this chalice give light and warmth to our family, On good days and bad, happy and sad, And may we feel the warmth spread from our family circle to wider and wider circles,
Until we feel our family part of the one circle of life.
Things are growing and blooming, both literally and metaphorically!
I hope you’ve heard that, after a long and arduous process, the Ministerial Search Committee has found and made a match with a candidate to be our next settled minister: Reverend Ellen Quaadgras. We will enter a flurry of next steps to finalize this process, and I want to make sure you know how that works, how you can be involved, and how we can support you in participating.
Beginning Sunday, May 8th, Rev Ellen will spend a week getting to know us, and helping us get to know her. She will give the sermons on May 8th and May 15th, and there will be lots of opportunities in between those two services, to meet and connect with her. Click HERE for the Candidate Week calendar of events. Also, while some events are kid-friendly, we want to make sure that adults who have children can also choose to attend any events without their kids, if they would like to that week. We can offer either childcare or funds for you to hire your own childcare. Please email me as soon as you can to make those arrangements: jendeldeo@southchurch-uu.org.
Candidate Week will culminate with a special congregational meeting, where among other things, we will vote on whether to call Reverend Ellen as our settled minister. That will be after worship at 11:15am on May 15th, and every member of South Church can vote. The meeting will be in person and on Zoom.
This is a big transition, and big transitions often come with many kinds of emotions. There is a lot of excitement, nervousness, joy, etc for welcoming Reverend Ellen; and sorrow, nervousness, etc for saying farewell to our dear Reverend Susan. Please join in the ways that as a community we will be intentional in processing and moving forward with the transitions in lovely ways.
Be in touch about all the things. Much Love to each of you,
JenDD🤟🏼♥️
Mother’s Day Bazaar and Plant Sale! Our high school youth will be holding a fantastic fundraiser after worship on Sunday, May 8th. There will be hanging plants, chocolate, and various handmade gifts for purchase. All proceeds will go toward funding a service learning trip to Appalachia that 13 youth will be going on this summer! Great opportunity to find special gifts for all the mothers in our lives.
Cash, check and credit card will be accepted!
If you haven’t yet, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN, whether you plan to attend regularly or not! It is tremendously helpful for us to keep track of who our young people are and what we need to know about them.CLICK HERE for RE registration!
Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Sermon offered by Rev Susan
Young Church meets downstairs following TFAA
Maypole celebration on the lawn after worship!
Coming of Age meets 9:45-11:00, Piscataqua Room
6th/7th grade Service Learning meets 10:00-11:00, Carson Room
Senior Youth meets 4:00-6:00p with parents, for WV Learning Session 4. Upstairs at Court St building
Sunday, May 8th:
Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Sermon offered by Reverend Ellen
Young Church meets downstairs following TFAA
No Coming of Age today–come to worship to meet Rev Ellen!
Senior Youth fundraiser: Mother’s Day plant sale and Bazaar! On the church lawn after worship
11:30 Q&A with Rev Ellen in sanctuary
Thursday, May 12th:
6:00pm Game Night in the sanctuary and pizza on the portico! Come meet and play with Rev Ellen. Kids welcome!
Friday, May 13th-Sun, May 15th:
High School youth camping trip at Pawtuckaway State Park!
Saturday, May 14th:
9:30am Bagels and Coffee with Rev Ellen on the portico–families with children are welcome!
Sunday, May 15th:
Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Sermon offered by Reverend Ellen Quaadgras
Coming of Age meets with mentors early for faith statement feedback session: 9:30-10:15, Piscataqua Room, then join worship!
Senior Youth will not meet this afternoon, since we will be tired and ready for showers after our camping trip 🙂
Sunday, May 22nd:
Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Sermon offered by Reverend Susan
Coming of Age meets 9:45-11:00, Piscataqua Room
Senior Youth meets for Faith Exploration and CoA alumni panel!
May’s Theme is “Nurturing Beauty“
Our UU faith in practice and action:
Learn together about Cinco de Mayo, a holiday that commemorates a victorious resistance to invasion, led by an indigenous Mexican leader and carried out by an unlikely group of loyal residents.
Family friendly written explanation on History.com
Keep a Gratitude Journal. Take a few minutes at the end of each day to record some of the places you saw beauty, such as: your fuzzy warm socks, a friend’s smile, or a sunset.
Consider trying the all-ages April Awakening Adventure, which is a self-guided exploration of this month’s church theme. It asks everyone to spend 10 minutes sitting outside each day, with a daily prompt intending to increase our awareness of the awakening world around us and inside of us.
CLICK HERE for all of the details and printable materials, or email me if you have questions!
In other news, we will hold Families Tuugether again this month, on Saturday, April 9th, 5:00-7:30. If you’ve never participated, it’s a free date night for parents, while kids have social time together. Last month we pulled out the bouncy house, after a couple of years in storage! RSVP by 5pm day before.
Lastly, it’s almost Easter, and we’re ready for a good old-fashioned egg hunt! Join us for a multi-generational worship (no RE classes) on April 17th in the sanctuary, followed by egg hunt outside if weather is good, and indoors if not!
That’s what I’ve got for you right now. Your turn–what do you want me to know?
Be in touch,
JenDD🤟🏼♥️
If you haven’t yet, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN, whether you plan to attend regularly or not! It is tremendously helpful for us to keep track of who our young people are and what we need to know about them.CLICK HERE for RE registration!
Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Sermon offered by Kirsten Hunter
Young Church meets downstairs following TFAA
Coming of Age meets with parents! 9:45-11:00, Piscataqua Room
6th/7th grade Service Learning meets 10:00-11:00, Carson Room
OWL 7 meets 4:00-5:30, social hall
Senior Youth meets 4:00-5:30p Upstairs at Court St building
Friday, April 8th:
10th/11th grade OWL meets at Court St, 6:30-8:30p
Saturday, April 9th:
High School OWL meets for special session, 9:30a-2:30p
Families Tuugether, 5:00-7:30p. RSVP to JenDD
Sunday, April 10th:
Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Sermon offered by Reverend Susan
April Awakening Adventure check-in on church lawn, 11:15-11:45a
Young Church meets downstairs following TFAA
Coming of Age meets with mentors 9:45-11:00, Piscataqua Room
6th/7th grade Service Learning meets 10:00-11:00, Carson Room
OWL 7 meets 4:00-5:30, social hall
Senior Youth meets 4:00-5:30p, Upstairs at Court St building
Friday, April 15th:
10th/11th grade OWL meets for FINAL SESSION at Court St, 6:30-8:30p
Sunday, April 17th:
Easter Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Sermon offered by Reverend Susan
Egg hunt following worship!
No RE classes today
Sunday, April 24th:
Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Sermon offered by Endowment Committee
Young Church meets downstairs following TFAA
Coming of Age meets with mentors 9:45-11:00, Piscataqua Room
6th/7th grade Service Learning meets 10:00-11:00, Carson Room
OWL 7 meets for FINAL SESSION 4:00-5:30, social hall. Parents, join us from 5:00-5:30!
Senior Youth meets with parents, for Whole Hearts session 2, 4:00-5:30p upstairs at Court St building
Sunday, May 1st:
Worship at 10:00a, in person and live on YouTube. Sermon offered by Reverend Susan
Young Church meets downstairs following TFAA
Coming of Age meets 9:45-11:00, Piscataqua Room
6th/7th grade Service Learning meets 10:00-11:00, Carson Room
Senior Youth meets with parents for Learning Journey Session 4, 4:00-6:00p upstairs at Court St building
April’s Theme is “Awakening“
Our UU faith in practice and action:
April Awakening Adventure: An all-ages exploration of our church theme, involving a daily 10 minute sit time outside, along with a prompt. Find all info and materials HERE.
Easter Egg Birdseed Ornaments: Easter and Earth Day both happen in April this year. Try this craft that celebrates both holidays!
Read “Rechenka’s Eggs” by Patricia Polacco, a Russian-Ukranian story about a woman who finds miracles when she awakens to the pain and suffering of a goose. Watch the read-along HERE
I hope all of our families that have kids in school are finding restorative fun on their vacation weeks.
How are your kids doing with the news of war in Ukraine? I’d imagine there is a wide range of both their awareness and resulting emotions. And maybe the same for parents, too. It’s tricky to find a healthy balance of staying informed and not being consumed; of frantically trying to do something, anything, to offset devastation, or just feeling completely helpless; of living with guilt over the joyful elements in our lives, or giving ourselves permission to celebrate what is beautiful, even when people are experiencing loss and trauma at this very moment.
I recently spent time with a group of youth, as tensions were escalating in Ukraine, but before the attack began. They expressed their fears of the prospect of World War III, of being in very real danger, and not knowing how to handle that. This is the first time in their lives that most of them have been aware of this kind of tension in the world.
As I listened, I recalled similar feelings as the Gulf War was beginning when I was in 10th grade. It was terrifying to not have any context or understanding of what was happening, how bad it would get, or whether we were safe. What was really helpful was when my Biology teacher took time during class to explain what was happening and why, and to put parameters on what kinds of things were likely and not likely to happen. Even though she couldn’t promise us any kind of safe outcome, it just felt better to hear real talk from a trusted adult, and to have the space to share my fears with her and my peers. Before that, it had felt like news snippets were apocalyptic, while most adults around me weren’t talking about it.
Of course, every kid is different–by age, maturity, and so many other factors. Here is a New York Times article that came out this morning which I find is full of really good advice: “How to Talk to Kids About Ukraine.” It names some unexpected symptoms that may show that kids are anxious; it offers ways to help older youth balance their information intake; and reminds us of the ways that context of war in the eyes of our children and youth can be very different than it is for adults.
And you, dear parents, if you could use some explanation, would like to share your stories and feelings, or could use a time of connection to process the events in Ukraine, then join us on Thursday evening March 3rd at 7pm. You can come to the parish hall in person, or join by zoom.
Also, we have two social events on March 12th where we would love to see you, your families, and maybe even some dogs! See details below.
Finally, it’s time to start thinking about joining the April “Awakening” Challenge! Much like the April 2021 “Becoming” Challenge, this year’s project will be aimed at increasing our awareness of where we are right now, what’s unfolding around us, and how we want to be as we emerge into this spring. This is open to people of all ages! Participants will commit to trying to sit in an outdoor spot (your porch, lawn, woods, a park, or anywhere outside) every day in April for at least 10 minutes. To go with this sit each day, there will be a simple task in the form of an activity, prompt to ponder, short reading, or other thing related to the month’s church theme of “Awakening” in this context. More info coming soon, but if you already know you want in, then send me an email so you’ll be on the notification list for the materials, kickoff, and more. (And for those of you who wrote your letter in last year’s challenge, you’ll get those back at the end of March! 🙂)
As always, know that you are held in Love by a whole community.
🤟🏼♥️
Events Coming Right Up:
Saturday, March 12th:
Dog-friendly outing at Wagon Hill Farm, 9:00-10:00am. This is a time where both humans and dogs can play outdoors together. Leashes are optional until 10am at that location. All are invited, whether you bring a dog or not!
Families Tuugether 5:00-7:30pm! Free date night for parents and social time for kids. Parents will connect together briefly over a conversation and then are free to spend time out however you’d like. Kids bring their dinner (or eat beforehand) and play with friends. RSVP by 5pm the day before: jendeldeo@southchurch-uu.org
Finally, if you haven’t yet, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN, whether you plan to attend regularly or not! It is tremendously helpful for us to keep track of who our young people are and what we need to know about them.CLICK HERE for RE registration!
Coming of Age meets WITH PARENTS 9:45-11:00, Piscataqua Room
6th/7th grade Service Learning meets 10:00-11:00, Carson Room
OWL 7 meets 4:00-5:30, social hall
Senior Youth meets 4:00-5:30p upstairs at Court St building
March’s Theme is “Renewing Faith“
Our UU faith in practice and action:
Fun ways to renew covenants: Do you have a family covenant? Covenanting is an important part of UUism. A covenant outlines how people want to behave together and names the ways that they will create a safe and respectful space for all. We have a South Church Covenant of Right Relations, and we make covenants every fall in all of our RE classrooms. It’s important to revisit a covenant periodically, whether to address conflict in a group or to make sure the document is still relevant. A covenant is also really helpful for families or households for the same purposes, and some UU families create and maintain them.
In the spirit of Renewing Faith, if your family has a covenant, it may be time to freshen it up, and maybe even give it a twist to re-engage everyone. Try writing the different pieces of your covenant on strips of colored paper and join them into a paper chain. You can also add strips with each member’s name to show your promise to live by it. Doing an activity like this can help renew understanding in our homes and encourages us to think about how we treat each other.
If you have never made a covenant before, check out this resource from the UUA to get started.
PlayConvene the Council(For tweens and teens): Great educational online game that parents and youth can do together to help understand the complexity of setting foreign policy.
Story: “The Table Where Rich People Sit” (for younger kids and all ages): connects to monthly theme of “Renewing Faith” (in remembering what is most valuable in our lives.) Video of read-aloud, OR book might be available through library.
Renewing Faith in the beauty that surrounds us: Try sharing this poem together as a meditation, to stay present to what continues to be wonderful in our world. After pondering the poem, discuss what wishes you each might wish for your friends and family:
Chalice Lighting for mealtimes this month:
Renewing Faith: A Call to Worship ByRev. Dr. David Breeden
It’s February, and there are sparkly hearts everywhere.
But Friends, I am worried. I see children and youth struggling with anxiety and overwhelm, fear, fatigue, loneliness and exhaustion, like never before. It is so prevalent and so scary.
Culturally we are pretending that everything is back to normal but the lasting effects of the past couple of years are like a heavy weight, and expectations have not changed to accommodate that.
This is not meant to feel like a lecture or finger pointing. I know you know these things. And I know these aren’t the fix. Really I just don’t know what else to do.
Maybe I just want to tell you that I know it’s hard.
Maybe I want to name it out loud because it feels like a huge problem that is kind of growing in secret and I’m wondering where the big urgent public conversation on this is.
Please know that I love you and every single one of our children and youth. So much. And that this place is filled with people who love you too. I want church to be a safe, nurturing place of loving community for all of our children and youth (and adults too.) We are offering play, check in space, and connection in every program, every week. If your kids are having a hard time getting here, or are not finding what they need here, reach out and let’s talk about new ideas of what would help.
I’d love their input and yours about what more you all need right now, and what that could look like.
🤟🏼♥️
Events Coming Right Up:
Thursday, February 3rd: OWL 10th/11th grade Parent Orientation 6:30-7:30pm on Zoom. Meeting ID 845 1200 0385. For more info about this sexuality education class for Sophomores and Juniors, click HERE.
Friday, February 11th: Sparks and Flames Game Night! 7:00-9:00p. Email JenD for more info and to RSVP
Saturday, February 12th:South Church Outing at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge! 10:00-11:30am. For families and individuals, all are welcome for walking, adventuring, and play! Meet near the parking area at 4 Arboretum Dr, Newington. Dress warmly and wear your boots! Please note, dogs are not allowed at GBNWR. For more info, contact JenDD
Finally, if you haven’t yet, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN, whether you plan to attend regularly or not! It is tremendously helpful for us to keep track of who our young people are and what we need to know about them.CLICK HERE for RE registration!
6th/7th grade Service Learning meets 10:00-11:00, Carson Room
OWL 7 meets 4:00-5:30, social hall
Senior Youth meets 4:00-5:30p upstairs at Court St building
February’s Theme is “Widening the Circle“
Our UU faith in practice and action:
Check out Side With Love’s “30 Days of Love 2022” to “collectively nurture our spirits, deepen our understanding, and take action on our values for collective liberation.” Here are some family-friendly highlights fro their website:
Have a family conversation about who needs more help in your town. How would your town be different if these communities were given help? More houses? Doctors? Parks? Schools? Imagine what your town would look like if money was spent on the communities who needed it most. Draw a picture of how it would be different than it is today.
Watch this Kid President Video. It’s been around a few times but never gets tired 🙂 Ask your kids about how they would make the world awesome if they were president.
UU 5th Principle: “The Right of Conscience and the Use of the Democratic Process Within Our Congregations and in Society at Large.” Or, in kid friendly language, “We believe that all persons should have a vote about the things that concern them.” We just had our annual congregational meeting on January 30th, which is a great example of the democratic process at work in our church. Here are some ideas for fostering that work at home:
Check out General Assembly 2022. There are opportunities to experience GA online, or people can go to the assembly, which will be held in Portland, OR in June. There’s worship, workshops, and the business items of the UUA are voted on. Check out the plans as they develop HERE.
Vote for the Shared Plate organizations before Feb 28th! Info and link HERE.
Chalice Lighting for mealtimes this month:
Give Thanks, Feel Alive, Know Love
As we light this flame, we remember friends and loved ones near and far and we give thanks. As the fire burns brightly, we open our minds and hearts to new ways of being and we feel alive. As the room glows with warmth and kindness, we extend our circle ever wider to welcome those who want to come in, and we know love.
Growing a Love Tree, during the Christmas pageant telling of The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Happy New Year ♥️
Our church theme this month is “Living With Intention.” This is something that can feel tiring, especially at a time when we are worn out already. But it doesn’t have to be. A practice of living with intention can actually restore us and give us new energy, as long as we pay attention to what is no longer relevant to our lives and what we want to add in. On Sunday January 2nd, folks at worship participated in an annual South Church tradition where we each wrote something that we are ready to let go of on a small piece of flash paper, and something that we want to manifest or carry into the new year on a sturdy, decorative piece of paper. Then we held the flash paper to a flame and watched it vanish in about a second. And we took the sturdy paper with the new intention with us out into the world as a reminder.
It can be as simple or as challenging as we need it to be at any time. We can create an intention to dive into a social justice topic at one point, or it can be enough to commit to getting dressed twice a week as an intention for self care.
If you have an intention to connect with other humans in meaningful ways, then keep an eye on our emails, newsletters, social media (Facebook and Instagram,) and worship announcements. There is still a lot happening!
Please note that the South Church policies related to covid continue to shift with the situation in the community and beyond. If you have questions or concerns about how the policy affects your family’s ability to come to church, please please reach out. We know not all kids are vaccinated, and we can have some flexibility–just talk to us. To stay current on how to be at church while we try to gather safely and responsibly (which is so tricky) please continue to refer to the Covid Policy page on the church website, which we will continue to update:
Saturday, January 8th: Families Tuugether! 5:00-7:30pm. FREE NIGHT OUT FOR PARENTS! We are again offering this time for parents/caregivers to connect briefly with each other, then leave the kids with us for a night of fun! While we have the kids, you can take time to get dinner, stroll, or do whatever you want before coming back to pick them up. The plan is to continue offering this event monthly when possible. RSVP: jendeldeo@southchurch-uu.org
Sunday, January 9th: Senior Youth Parents and Youth! 4:00-6:00pm. For all high school youth and their families. We will continue our year long learning journey, read more here. Upstairs at Court St building.
Friday, January 14th: Sparks and Flames! 7:00-9:00pm. SOCIAL GROUP FOR KIDS IN GRADES 5 through 8! We will play games and do an activity at church. RSVP: jendeldeo@southchurch-uu.org.
Sunday, January 30th: Annual meeting! 11:30am via zoom. Open to all, this is the democratic process of our congregation at work! Among other benefits, holding the meeting on zoom helps families join from the comfort of home, without a need for childcare.
Finally, if you haven’t yet, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN, whether you plan to attend regularly or not! It is tremendously helpful for us to keep track of who our young people are and what we need to know about them.CLICK HERE for RE registration!
Annual Meeting by zoom at 11:30am. Meeting link HERE
Young Church meets downstairs following TFAA
Coming of Age meets 9:45-11:00, Piscataqua Room
6th/7th grade Service Learning meets 10:00-11:00, Carson Room
OWL 5 meets 9:30-11:00, Court St classroom
OWL 7 meets 4:00-5:30, social hall
Senior Youth meets 4:00-5:30p upstairs at Court St building
Families at Home: January’s Theme is “Living With Intention“
Our UU faith in practice and action:
UU 4th Principle: “A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” Or, in kid friendly language, “We believe that each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life.” While as UUs we don’t have a prescribed doctrine, this is different from saying we just believe whatever we want. Especially in that first wording, “responsible” plays a part. Our work is to search for what is true and right and meaningful in our lives. We do that both together and individually. Here are some ideas for fostering that work at home:
Science Search: Check out Kitchen Pantry Scientist for really fun science experiments/projects to do at home. You can do one of the activities and then learn the science behind how it works. https://kitchenpantryscientist.com
Family Art: The 4th Principle connects to our monthly theme of Living With Intention because we can focus our intentions on the things that have meaning in our lives. Create a family art project where you make a collage of what is important to your family. Use magazines, family photos, draw, or use any other art supplies to make a piece of art that reflects what you value. Here’s a great tutorial from a family therapy approach: https://creativityintherapy.com/2016/11/family-values-collage/
Taking our monthly theme home: “Living With Intention”
Practice & Accountability: Try having each member of your family set a weekly intention, and maybe add 2 action items to go with their intention. Post on the fridge as a reminder, and check in together on how it went at the end of the week. Be gentle around unmet goals!
Chalice Lighting for mealtimes this month:
“We are all gardeners, planting seeds of intention and watering them with attention in every moment of every day.”
Transitioning into the Season of Light(photo by Betty O.)
Bright greetings to you, Friends!
Our church theme this month is “Opening to Joy.”
Yes, let’s. Let’s open to joy and uncover the light in these dark days.
There are plenty of obstacles, but we as humans do have a super power to find and share joy, even in the toughest and darkest moments. Connecting in meaningful ways generates a light and joy that can sustain us.
Our 6th and 7th graders are holding a food and supplies drive to benefit Gather! Please bring donations to church between now and Sunday, 12/12. There will be collection bins in the narthex. No glass containers, please. To see Gather’s wish list items, visit their website: https://www.gathernh.org/donate-food
Senior Youth families: Commitments and deposits for our June trip will be due soon! See the Senior Youth page for more info! (Click HERE)
Thank you to everyone who supported our high school youth by purchasing the wreaths they decorated! Proceeds will go toward their service learning trip to West Virginia in June.
Make sure to come to the beloved South Church Christmas Pageant on December 19th during worship! Everyone is invited to participate. No rehearsals, just show up and join the fun!
There are some important logistics changes to know about. In case you missed the email sent out last week, here are some things to pay attention to:
Beginning Dec 26th, we will likely move to one worship time. This means you won’t miss your friends that do to a different worship time! RE classes will remain in the same structure, just happening during that one time. NO time change for OWL 5, OWL 7, or Senior Youth.
We will be requiring proof of vaccination for all eligible people attending worship, beginning on Christmas Eve. Parents, we know that this is sudden for children who only just became eligible. We want to hear from you. If your child has not yet started the vaccine process, you don’t need to stop coming but please reach out to Jen DD or Kirsten. Masks will still be required for everyone in our buildings.
If you did not receive that email and would like to know all of the many details it contains, then reach out to any staff member.
These decisions have been made by our Board of Trustees, with the interests and safety of our church community as their priority. We understand the really difficult nature of setting these kinds of policies, as well as the wide range of emotions, opinions, and concerns connected to these topics. Board President Janis Wolak, Reverend Susan Suchocki Brown, and Director of Lifespan Ministries Kirsten Hunter are available to address your questions or concerns.
Finally, if you haven’t yet, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN, whether you plan to attend regularly or not! It is tremendously helpful for us to keep track of who our young people are and what we need to know about them.CLICK HERE for RE registration!
All-Ages Worship at 10:00a, sermon offered by Kirsten Hunter
OWL 5 meets 9:30-11:00, Court St classroom
Coming of Age meets 10:45-12:00, Piscataqua Room, with mentors
OWL 7 meets 4:00-5:30, social hall
Senior Youth–help with worship!
Families at Home: December’s Theme is “Opening to Joy“
Our UU faith in practice and action:
UU 3rd Principle: “Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.” Or, in kid friendly language, “We believe that we should accept one another and keep on learning together.” In Unitarian Universalism, spiritual growth doesn’t necessarily mean growing closer to god. Maybe it’s more like searching for truth and meaning within own selves, and supporting each other in doing that. This doesn’t happen only in church. While church can be the community part of our spiritual growth, and can inspire us to grow, we also should find our own spiritual practices outside of church. This includes helping our children develop sources of spiritual connection and rituals in daily life. Here are a few things kids can try, to find spiritual practices that they can connect to:
Go for a walk in Nature, and let natural curiosity inspire a sense of wonder and awe
Try meditation. There are some great guided meditations for kids on YouTube and various music streaming platforms. Start with something short as they build their endurance for meditating. Here’s a nice one as an example.
Gratitude practice. Find a time of day where you can start a daily gratitude practice. There are many ways to do this; you could take turns sharing your gratitude at the dinner table; keep a gratitude journal next to bed, where you write one large, medium and small thing you are grateful for when you wake up; set a 1-minute timer at bedtime and name as many things you are thankful for as you can before time is up. Here’s a great article related to this, including more ideas.
Explore spirituality through music together. You can listen to music (try tracks from Beautiful Chorus, or from our Director of Music Ministry, Jonny Peiffer, as Sojoy, for example) or make music. If you don’t play instruments you can drum a beat that matches what’s in your heart or what you want to invite in. Or try humming as a spiritual practice (read more HERE.)
Taking our monthly theme home: “Opening to Joy”
Do you find joy in the act of giving, sharing, spending time with family or friends? Where else do you find joy? Make a list together.
HERE‘s a book about someone sharing the joy they find in words, read aloud by Barack and Michelle Obama. Consider writing a secret poem to someone to share joy!
Have a joke telling session at home! Kids are great at making up their own. Or, HERE are some to get you started.
Chalice Lighting for mealtimes this month:
It’s Flung *
By Rev. Scott Tayler (Permission secured by Soul Matters)
Joy doesn’t simply arise
It flies.
It flings.
No, it is flung.
It is passed,
it is spread,
between you and me,
between the one who just received a gift
and the one that has been looking for it a long time.
Natural cycles tell us that this is a time of year when we return from our outward, productive, adventurous work and move toward turning inward, reflecting, sharing the stories of where we’ve been. Giving thanks, storytelling, and honoring the wisdom of our ancestors all fall into this realm. Sometimes when we feel tension, friction, or overwhelm it can help to return to these natural cycles to remind us how of the flow that keeps us moving in gentler ways. A little centering can go a long way.
The church theme for November is “Holding History.”
There’s a painfully lovely excerpt in this month’s Soul Matters resources that ties it all together: “Let’s not just ‘remember’ this month. Let’s not just talk of telling truthful tales. Let’s prepare to grieve, to confess, to feel, to forgive. The world needs broken-open hearts, not just good historians. That is, indeed, the only way the past gets in.” So much to process, but this is a good place and time to do that.
At this point, there are lots of Religious Education programs underway: Senior Youth for our high school kids, 8th grade Coming of Age, 6th/7th grade Service Learning, OWL sexuality education for 5th grade and 7th grade, and Young Church for 5th grade and younger. If you are looking for a place for your kids to jump in, or if for any reason these programs don’t fit your kids’ needs, then PLEASE reach out so we can find fulfilling ways for every member of your family to be in community here. That can look like a whole lot of different things, and we are committed to creating positive spaces for everyone.
Covid Policy Update: There is a small new change. During worship in the sanctuary, the person who is speaking at the front of the church may choose to take their mask off. Everyone else is to keep masks on in the buildings at all times. As the covid situation changes in the community, there will continue to be shifts in our policy. We will communicate those changes so you are making informed decisions around your family’s health and safety. In Religious Ed classes, all volunteers are required to be vaccinated and everyone wears masks. When snack is offered in an RE class, it will happen outdoors.
We still need lots of kinds volunteers! This applies to many areas of church life, in addition to Religious Ed groups. We have a rich program, and it takes a lot of people to make it wonderful. We would LOVE to help you find a role that will fill your spiritual cup to overflowing. Please reach out to any South Church staff member to see how you can help–we can fit a role to match your availability and interests.
Finally, if you haven’t yet, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN, whether you plan to attend regularly or not! It is tremendously helpful for us to keep track of who our young people are and what we need to know about them.CLICK HERE for RE registration!
All-Ages RE program meets downstairs following TFAA!
No meeting for OWL, Coming of Age, or 6th/7th Service Learning today–join the All Ages RE program today!
No meeting for Senior Youth today
Families at Home: November’s Theme is “Holding History“
Our UU faith in practice and action:
UU 2nd Principle: On Nov 21st, our Young Church participants will learn about the 2nd UU Principle: “Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.” In kid-friendly language, “We believe that all people should be treated fairly and kindly.” Explore this idea together at home, and bonus points for adding the “Holding History” theme by talking or reading a book about Thanksgiving from an Indigenous People’s perspective. CLICK HERE for a link to a list of books.
Remembering Those Who Have Died: Many people have lost loved ones in a time when we haven’t been able to hold our regular rituals around death and saying goodbye. There are ways we can hold our ancestors and other people who have died actively in our lives. Some UUs can be uncomfortable about knowing how prayer fits in their lives. Here is a great story that gives us a lot to think about on these topics: “Grandad’s Prayers of the Earth”
Gratitude Tree: A regular Gratitude practice is shown to benefit both our physical and emotional hearts, and to improve our general wellbeing. Try making a family gratitude tree that everyone can add to daily. HERE is a link to several ideas for creating a gratitude tree.
Try adding prompts some days, such as “What’s a memory you are grateful for?” or “Who is a person who has helped you that you are grateful for?”
The theme for October is “Cultivating Relationship.” Ooh, this is good. What a gift this month, to be intentional about this topic. As we navigate return to in person gatherings, we can pay attention to how we want to come together, what we want to grow (or cultivate), and explore what it means to build healthy connections.
At this point, we’ve had a few Sundays of in person worship. One Sunday, kids worked on props for the following week’s TFAA (see pic above,) and one Sunday we checked in and had some fun play time. We will continue to offer a gentle time of gathering for all kids during worship, following the Time For All Ages. Outdoors when weather allows, indoors when it doesn’t. Please have your children dress for outdoor time!
We are hoping to begin our traditional age-based Religious Education classes similar to how we’ve traditionally met, October 17th. We will have classes for Pre-K through 8th grade on Sunday mornings. Most will meet during both worship times, but some will meet during only one worship. You can find the details for your children on pages under the “Program Info” tab. OWL for 5th and 7th grades, plus Coming of Age will all begin on October 24th.
We need lots of RE volunteers! We have a rich program, and it takes a lot of people to make it wonderful. Whether it’s helping with the all-ages sessions through mid-October, or any of the various age-based classes that will begin in late October. I would LOVE to help you find a role that will fill your spiritual cup to overflowing. You can check out the volunteer page for descriptions, expectations and spiritual rooting HERE, you can sign up for a slot HERE, or you can email me and we can set a time to talk about what would feel good for you: jendeldeo@southchurch-uu.org. Please reach out to see how you can help–we can fit a role to match your availability and interests.
Finally, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN, whether you plan to attend regularly or not. It is tremendously helpful for us to keep track of who our young people are and what we need to know about them.CLICK HERE for RE registration!
5th & 7th grade OWL, Coming of Age will NOT meet today, kids can join regular RE during worship
Sparks and Flames 5th-8th grade pumpkin carving social 5:30-7:00p at church
Church-wide pumpkin carving contest! Bring your carved pumpkins, prizes awarded!
Senior Youth Halloween social!
Families at Home: October’s Theme is “Cultivating Relationship“
Our UU faith in practice and action:
Listening practice: Deep listening and communicating our needs are so important to cultivating relationship. Sometimes we might interrupt someone, or assume we know what they are saying without really hearing all of what they’re saying. And sometimes it can be hard to communicate in words what we need from others. Here are a couple of fun ways to practice listening and communicating clearly:
Listening practices at mealtime: When you sit down for a meal together, try a new way to be intentional about listening and speaking. For example, go around the table, giving each person uninterrupted time to share the most challenging part of their day. Often, especially as parents, we try to “fix” each other’s challenges by quickly offering solutions. Sometimes it’s most helpful to just feel heard. Listeners in this exercise might try giving a quiet pause for several seconds after the speaker finishes, and/or acknowledging the speaker’s struggle when they have finished speaking with something like, “That sounds really difficult,” before asking, “Is there anything that would feel helpful?” Go around again, giving each person another uninterrupted chance to share something they accomplished, something that was fun, something they’re hoping to do tomorrow, or other prompt.
Listening practice: Deep listening and communicating our needs are so important to cultivating relationship. Sometimes we might interrupt someone, or assume we know what they are saying without really hearing all of what they’re saying. And sometimes it can be hard to communicate in words what we need from others. Here are a couple of fun ways to practice listening and communicating clearly:Homemade LEGO listening game. If you have LEGOs at home, you can play this simple yet fun and challenging game together: http://storiesandchildren.com/homemade-lego-listening-game/
Listening practices at mealtime: When you sit down for a meal together, try a new way to be intentional about listening and speaking. For example, go around the table, giving each person uninterrupted time to share the most challenging part of their day. Often, especially as parents, we try to “fix” each other’s challenges by quickly offering solutions. Sometimes it’s most helpful to just feel heard. Listeners in this exercise might try giving a quiet pause for several seconds after the speaker finishes, and/or acknowledging the speaker’s struggle when they have finished speaking with something like, “That sounds really difficult,” before asking, “Is there anything that would feel helpful?” Go around again, giving each person another uninterrupted chance to share something they accomplished, something that was fun, something they’re hoping to do tomorrow, or other prompt.
Cultivating relationship through caretaking: We all need help sometimes, and sometimes it’s wonderful even if we don’t need it. All kinds of caretaking, when it is welcome, can help deepen our relationships.
Caretaking also applies to our relationship with our selves. When we love and care for ourselves, we are better able to love and care for others. Try asking yourself in any moment, “What do I need right now,” which is different than “What do I feel like I want right now.” Sometimes when we’re struggling we go to behaviors that don’t really help in the long run. What would feel helpful for you right now? A walk outside, a nice snack, a chat with a friend, a nap? What can you do to make space for that self care?
Chalice Lighting for mealtimes this month:
From a Passover Haggadah, Reading 453 in Singing the Living Tradition
We light this chalice to remind ourselves
to treat all people kindly — because they are all our siblings
to take good care of the Earth — because it is our home
to live life full of goodness and love — because that is how we will all
“When we return we will find friends” backpack clips project from a recent RE gathering
Hi there, dear Families!
What a moment this is. Many of you have children starting school, likely with a wide range of feelings. The status of the Delta variant and the variety of responses to it certainly complicates all plans and leaves everyone with a whole lot of unwelcome uncertainty.
We are right there with you. And we are also right here FOR you. I want to give very clear details about our plans for church and Religious Education, and I want to hear how you are and what you need and want.
South Church staff, plus the Covid Task Force and other committees, have spent many months collecting questions and thinking about every detail, facet, and consideration for how to come back together in physical spaces in the best ways that we can.
Over the past 18 months, worship has been online, and meetings for religious education, committees, and other groups have happened in a combination of zoom, in person outdoor, and in person indoor settings, based on thoughtful consideration and with guidance from the Task Force.
We are preparing to begin gathering in person for worship again, starting Sunday September 12th. The current plan is that we will have two weekly Sunday worship services, as we sometimes have done in the past: one at 9:00am, one at 11:00am. Everyone who attends must be masked, without exception. Also, everyone must fill out a waiver and health commitment form before their first time entering the building. This is to be done once and will be kept on file. We will have copies available when you arrive, or you can save time and fill it out in advance from this link:
Worship will also be live streamed and recorded from the sanctuary during the 9:00 service only. For anyone concerned about yourself or your children being seen online, there is an area in the sanctuary that the camera does not ever pick up, and we can help you know where that is. Also, the 11:00 service will not be streamed and will NOT have the camera on at any time.
The first Sunday that we are back, September 12th, will be our traditional Water Ingathering service, which will be an all-ages worship. That means children will stay in the sanctuary with their caregivers. Don’t forget to bring water from your special places to add to our collection that is later used in special ceremonies.
Beginning the following Sunday 9/19 and for a handful of following Sundays, youth and children ages 4 and up will have the option to either stay in the sanctuary with their families, or they can join an all-ages RE time during worship. If the weather allows, we will go outside after the Time For All Ages. If it’s raining, we will go upstairs to the big room outside the balcony. These times will be focused on social-emotional needs; there will be time for getting to know each other and playing together. Masks will be required in these RE spaces, whether we meet indoors or outdoors. Please dress your children for being outdoors! If you are able to help us on one of those Sundays then click the button to sign up!
Children under 4 can stay in the sanctuary with their families. For littles that need a break from worship, the Nursery will be open, complete with freshly sterilized toys. However, for now the nursery will not be staffed. Caregivers must stay in that room with their children while they are using it. To be clear, children are always welcome in the sanctuary, and we do not expect that they will always be quiet. We want to keep church a place where we are all trying our best to be in community together.
As long as our return is able to continue as planned, age-based Religious Education classes similar to how we’ve traditionally met will begin October 17th. We will have classes for Pre-K through 8th grade on Sunday mornings. Most will meet during both worship times, but some will meet during only one worship. You can find the details for your children on pages under the “Program Info” tab.
We need lots of RE volunteers! We have a rich program, and it takes a lot of people to make it wonderful. Whether it’s helping with the all-ages sessions through mid-October, or any of the various age-based classes that will begin in late October. I would LOVE to help you find a role that will fill your spiritual cup to overflowing. You can check out the volunteer page for descriptions, expectations and spiritual rooting HERE, you can sign up for a slot HERE, or you can email me and we can set a time to talk about what would feel good for you: jendeldeo@southchurch-uu.org.
For families with children in 5th or 7th grade: We will be holding Our Whole Lives (OWL) sexuality education classes starting in late October. There is already a lot of interest for these classes. Registration preference is given to South Church families, and then remaining spots will be offered to the wider community beginning Oct 1st. PLEASE email before Oct 1 if you would like to sign your child up for OWL: jendeldeo@southchurch-uu.org.
We want our church space to be as safe as possible for ALL of our people. And we have set it up that way as much as we can. However, I want to make it clear that there is still a certain amount of risk to returning, and you will need to consider this when deciding what’s right for your family. We are so much looking forward to seeing you, and we support any decision you make around whether or not your family is ready to be here in person. If you are not ready to come back in person, then reach out for ways to stay connected, resources to practice UUism at home, or anything else you need.
Here are a few things that may be helpful to know about coming to church:
Everyone will be masked inside the building, at all times, and during all Religious Education gatherings.
After worship, there will be a social hour with refreshments outside on the portico. Masks will be optional during that time outside. It will be up to parents/caregivers to make that choice individually for their children.
Our building does NOT have air filtration.
Everyone who comes to church will have to complete a liability waiver and health commitment form by the first day they return to church and for any other church groups they meet with.
Sending you SO MUCH LOVE as you navigate all the things right now. Reach out any time with questions or concerns: jendeldeo@southchurch-uu.org
Finally, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN, whether you plan to attend regularly or not. It is tremendously helpful for us to keep track of who our young people are and what we need to know about them.
Coming of Age family orientation and opening ceremony 6:30p-8:00p
Friday, October 8th:
Sparks and Flames social group for grades 5 through 8: Games at church! 7:00-8:30p RSVP: jendeldeo@southchurch-uu.org
Families at Home: September’s Theme is “Embracing Possibility“
Our UU faith in practice and action:
Water Ingathering: On September 12th we will have our annual Water Ingathering tradition! This is when everyone is invited to bring water from various places, whether from halfway around the world, the local lake your family has been visiting for generations, or even your kitchen sink. The water symbolizes our favorite places, our favorite things to do, or how we live our daily lives. These are the things that sustain us and they are all around us. When we all bring our little bottles of water and combine them into our special bowl, we are adding symbols of ourselves and we can imagine that we all help sustain each other’s lives too. The combined water is used throughout the church year when we have baby dedications, when senior youth are bridging, and other special ceremonies and rituals.
As a family, decide where you will gather your water. When you fill your container (you don’t need much; even an ounce is good) talk together about what gifts each of you offer our community just by being your selves. And how does our church and the people in it help to sustain or buoy you?
Covenanting: Every year when we start new programs, we begin by creating covenants in each group. Covenanting is an important UU tradition. A covenant helps us decide as a whole group how we want to be together. When friction arises, we can revisit the covenant we made together to see where we are not meeting the agreements and then come back into a peaceful place. If there is not an element in the covenant that addresses the problem then we can work together to add something that will help. Your family can create a covenant for the same reasons!
Also from the UUA website: “Try… creating a family covenant. Take some time to explore ways you want to behave with one another. Keep in mind that a covenant does not provide rules (“no hitting”) so much as ways of engagement (“treat each other with respect”). Light a chalice to lift the moment from the ordinary to a place of importance. Brainstorm ideas for your family covenant, and then combine the ideas to write a three- or four-line covenant. Create colorful posters to display the covenant around your home.”
Chalice Lighting for mealtimes this month:
“Welcome Home”
By Rachel Rott
Welcome home… There is, in this place, the possibility of healing, of repair, of making things right: within ourselves, between us, and with the wider world.
southchurch-uu-re.org 