Families at Home: February’s Theme is Beloved Community

Beloved Community is an idea that Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr talked about, which asks us to build a world where justice, equal opportunity, and love for all people are the most important goals.

Our UU faith in pratice:

• Here’s a great 5 minute lovingkindness meditation that you can do as a family: https://youtu.be/i9X6tkUXa9o
• Listen to “Talking to Kids About Racial Identity” on The Imagine Neighborhood podcast. Dr Aisha White from the University of Pittsburgh’s P.R.I.D.E. program talks about different ways to discuss racial identity with kids. 15 minutes well spent; can even do it while driving or cleaning!
• At the beginning of all of our RE classes, Sunday morning chapel, and worship, we all have the opportunity to share Roses, Buds and Thorns. This practice helps us to hold each other with care, to magnify the things we are celebrating (Roses), to lighten the burden of our struggles (Thorns) and to share in the anticipation of what’s ahead (Buds). This is a helpful practice in building Beloved Community. To embody this as a life practice not just in our church, try practicing at home–maybe at dinner time or before bed. Take turns giving each household member space to share a Rose (something you are happy about), a Bud (something you are looking forward to) and a Thorn (something difficult or “sticky”).

Our UU faith in action:

• Shared Plate Voting! Last month members of South Church were invited to nominate organizations for our shared plate recipients over the coming year. Now it’s time (for adult members) to vote… and in early March, our children will be invited to vote from the finalists after they learn a bit about each of the groups. More info on voting here: http://www.southchurch-uu.org/giving/shared-collection/
• Our shared plate recipient this month is Black Heritage Trail of NH. Click here to learn more about BHTNH.Did you know BHTNH has a self-guided tour? Book is available online HERE.
• Watch the online screening (with optional discussion) of the new PBS documentary, “The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song” on Monday, February 8th at 6pm. Click link for details and to register.
• Is your Child a UU7 Secret Service Agent? UU7 is a way for South church children and families to engage in our mission through simple challenges.

Dinner Time Discussions: Some questions you might discuss at dinner this month to explore the theme of Imagination…

Dinner Time Discussions: Some questions you might discuss at dinner this month to explore the theme of Beloved Community…

• Share a story about a time when you felt loved and cared for.
  • What was important in that situation?
  • What are some things that can make us feel not loved or cared for?
  • How can we help other people feel loved and cared for? Is it more important to “say” or “do”?
• What makes you feel connected at South Church, or what makes you feel like you belong somewhere?
  • What could you do to feel more connected or included?
  • How could we help others feel welcome, connected and included at church?

Chalice Lighting for mealtimes this month:

“The Hearth of the Chalice,” by Bear W. Qolezcua

“As we light the chalice may our souls become its hearth.
We join our hearts to the one great flame of bright compassion,
Beloved Community, and fervent justice.
May we become lanterns to the world,
lighting the way for all”