Director of Religious Education

Roots Class (pre-k to first) w/Laura:

Today in the Roots class we read a story about a “no gifts” birthday party. We discussed how it would be hard to not receive gifts at your birthday party, but that the gifts are not what make a party fun. Also that it would be nice to give the gifts to children who had less. As an activity, we sorted some of Laura’s compost, recycling, and trash and learned the differences between them.

Seedlings Class (2nd to 5th) w/Piaf:

This week we discussed how the Unitarians and Universalists came to together to form our UU tradition and how they had to figure out a set of agreements, or covenant, for how they would be together. We learned how our UU principles have gone from 6 to 7 to our current 8. Finally, we created a class covenant, and used toy animals to act out being out of covenant and being called back into covenant.

Wildflower Youth Group (Middle & High school) w/Solveij:

Today we talked about how the youth define work and the victories of the labor movement. 

Roots Class (pre-k to first grade):
Today in the Roots class, we discussed the meaning of Earth Day and how we can help the earth. Everyone was in agreement that electric cars were a really good way to help the environment. Another idea to help the earth was to plant trees because they provide oxygen.  We also learned about “upcycling” trash by creating suncatchers from plastic water bottles.

Seedlings Class (second – 5th grade):
This week, we hung up the “stained glass” chalice we had made a few weeks ago and talked about how young people’s imagination can be a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. We used a large assortment of animal figurines to illustrate how Greta Thunberg’s school strike grew from a single person who could imagine a different future into a worldwide movement. Then we each chose an animal that represented us and explained why. 

Wildflower Youth Group (Middle & High School):
Today in Wildflower Youth Group we learned about the radical roots of Earth Day as massive protests across the country, where an estimated 1 in 10 people in the US participated. Youth shared reflections about climate change, profit-seeking being a central cause, and what would be possible if we continued the radical origins of Earth Day through organizing to support indigenous protectors of the land and water.

**We don’t meet next week (Apr 10) but we’ll be back on Apr 17 (Easter) with a special CYRE that includes treats and an egg hunt!

Roots (pre-k to 1st) & Seedlings (2nd-5th) Class:
This week we discussed the book Perfect Square, a story of a square that is torn and crumpled and ripped, but always used the pieces to make lovely pictures like fountains and rivers. We talked about ways to handle negative experiences and emotions, how we might help ourselves and others feel better. Most everyone agreed that petting an animal was one of the best ways to feel better. Then we made our own pictures from torn paper. We also sang “Peace like a River” and talked about hymns being the songs you sing at church.

Wildflower Youth (Middle & High School):
Our youth did some pair sharing about people who inspire us and the qualities we see in them. The youth also had fun creating a mock-up of a poster to promote our youth group!

Roots Class (pre-k to 1st grade) w/Laura:

This week, we learned what a covenant is (promises that we make to each other) and created a class covenant in the form of a paper chain. Then, we headed outside for snacks and free play.

Seedling Class (2nd – 5th grade) w/Piaf:

After checking in, we observed our chalice and brainstormed what it might symbolize in our UU faith. Then, we learned about the origins of the chalice symbol during World War 2 and created our own tie-dye chalice to hang in the window like a sun catcher.

Wildflower Youth Group (Middle & High School) w/Solveij:

This week was all about connecting and forging bonds within the group! We have begun creating a covenant and we’ll continue that process in the coming weeks as we begin to dig deeper into our faith and social justice.

We had a lovely time at Mabel Davis park with absolutely perfect weather and good company! We enjoyed a gentle hike, some tree climbing, games, and laughter.

Here’s our March schedule:

Mar 6 – 10:30 Zoom

Mar 13 – off

Mar 20 – 11:30 in-person (contingent on service being in-person)

Mar 27 – 11:30 in-person (contingent on service being in-person)

We had so much fun yesterday at the Valentine’s Fest! After our chalice lighting and check-in, we explored a Treasure Hunt, competed in Minute-to-Win-It games, made yarn hearts, decorated cupcakes, and had snacks. It was so good to be together again 🙂