Cruising Into Winter!

Greetings BUF Families,

As we cruise into winter I thought you should know what is happening in the Children's Religious Education Program at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship as well as a few other tidbits that may be of interest!  

Read on to learn more about:

• Community Pages for RE Families!
• Meditation Practices for Children
• Crystal at Faith Formation Conference in February!
• Middle School Update
• High School Youth Group Update
• Parent Chalice Circle and Kid Movie Night-- 2/1
• Children's Worship-- 2/3
• RE Teacher Meeting-- 2/3
• RE Committee Meeting-- 2/10
• Coming of Age Workshop-- 2/10
• Social Action Sunday-- 2/17
• Cirque de Sole Auction (service opportunity for youth)-- 2/23

Community Pages for RE Families!

Be sure to check out our new RE Community Binder!  It has interesting information about BUF families and is located on the little green table under the bulletin board just outside of the flex room (by the Childspace door and bathrooms).  The Religious Education Committee would love to have every registered family fill out a community page with a photo of your family attached so that it is easy for us to see who each other are, what neighborhoods we live in, what activities we enjoy,.... Basically, we want to make it easy for families to find each other and connect with each other once they have made initial contact at church!  Please stop by the table the next time you are at BUF to see the book and fill out a form if you haven't yet.  And PLEASE bring a photo of your family so we can attach it to your "profile!"

Meditation Practice for Children

This winter Clare Evans, RE Committee member and meditation enthusiast, will be offering special workshops during the regular Sunday religious education times for children in Spirit Play, Primary, and Intermediate classes.  The workshop will include the story, Moody Cow Learns to Meditate, the creation of a personal meditation jar, and practice with a couple of meditation styles.  The schedule for these special workshops is still being defined.  I will send more information as I have it so your child is sure to come when the workshop takes place in her/his class!

Faith Formation Conference

I will be out of town the last week of February, in order to attend a Faith Formation conference.  I look forward to sharing great new things about it with you when I return.  Here are the things I will be learning:

• Understand the new context of faith formation and the diverse religious and spiritual needs of all generations
• Understand the emerging vision of 21st century learning and faith formation in a connected, networked, digital world
• Discover a variety of 21st century approaches and resources for faith formation in the congregation, at home, and online
• Learn how to design faith formation that addresses the religious and spiritual needs of all ages and generations, and uses the new digital media and web technologies
• Develop the skills for becoming a learning architect and faith formation curator.

Middle School Update

Middle school youth advisors are working with me on the calendar of events for the winter and early spring.  We are wanting to schedule an overnight at BUF as well as several field-trips to local (and maybe some not so local) houses of worship.  Some of these events will take place during the regular RE time on Sunday mornings and some will be scheduled for other times.  If you have any input while we are in the planing stages-- please direct your comments to me as soon as possible.  We will publish our calendar as soon as we have it!  

High School Youth Group Update

The high school youth group will be meeting on February 10 and February 24 this month.  The first meeting will be held at the Sobel's house.  Please contact Alicia Alford at alialf4@gmail.com. The other meeting will be at BUF beginning at 3:00 p.m. the group will watch a movie, have a discussion, and play some games.  The youth have been asking about specific R-rated movies (please feel free to give me feedback) and are also planning a Lock-In (sleepover) at BUF on March 9.... 

I have new permission slips for middle school and high school youth to participate in the things outlined above-- please contact me if you need one!

Parent Chalice Circle and Kid Movie Night

Friday, February 1, 5:00-- dinner, 5:30-- formal discussion (and movie).

New and returning families are invited to attend this monthly event.  Due to the popularity of this activity, there is now a closed-group chalice circle as well as a "drop in" kind of group that meet concurrently after dinner.  Dinner is a do it yourself taco bar-- you are encouraged to bring ingredients to share if you are able.  If you haven't participated before, please contact Roz Reynolds at mama@mamafoo.net or Kathleen Malnor at malnorfamily@gmail.com  for more information!  Childcare is available-- please reserve your spot by informing Kathleen, Roz, or the office 3 days in advance of the event so we are sure to have enough childcare providers.

Children's Worship

Sunday, February 3, 10:30 a.m.

Children in grades K-8 begin upstairs in the Flex Room for a special children's worship service.  These services include a theme (story or topic), music, sharing, and a social justice collection. In the spring we will decide on a charitable recipient for our collections.  Please send your son/daughter with a bit of money to add to the collection. It is especially meaningful if the money is theirs-- or they find it between couch cushions, or you save change or penny's together for this purpose....

Religious Education Teacher Meeting

Sunday, February 3, 12:00 noon (lunch provided)

This is a chance for our volunteer teachers and childcare providers to come together to discuss how things are going in religious education this year.  We always do a bit of fine tuning in our winter meeting.  Parents are invited to share joys and concerns with me prior to the meeting if you think it might be helpful for me to pass them along to the teachers who work with your children.

Religious Education Committee Meeting

Sunday, February 10, 12:00 noon (brown bag lunch?)

The Children's Religious Education Program at BUF is facilitated by me, your friendly Director of Lifelong Learning, and also a group of committed volunteers who help steer the program and define our priorities.  We currently have a robust committee that, in addition to looking at programming for the rest of this year and next, is in the process of defining formal terms and requirements for participation in the committee itself.  If you feel called toward this kind of leadership, or have feedback about our program, you are welcome to address your inquiries or thoughts to me or to the committee chair, Barbara Lehman, at barbara.lehman@gmail.com.

Coming of Age Workshop

Sunday, February 10, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

In this workshop we will discuss our concept of God.  Many UUs are able to identify a God they don't believe in but are also able to identify the thing/s that make us feel connected and give life meaning-- maybe being the God they do believe in.  We invite our coming of age youth and mentors to explore this topic at our February workshop.

Social Justice Sunday

Sunday, February 17, 10:30 a.m.

Children in grades 2-5 (in conjunction with the adults in the sanctuary) will share stories and activities that focus on this year's justice topic-- food justice.  BUF is proud to partner with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) to make sure that people are aware of food justice issues that face us all.  There will be a story for all ages in the service.

Cirque Du BUF-- Auction  

Saturday, February 23, 6:00 p.m.

This is a great event of fun, frivolity and needed funds!  Childcare will be available!  Also, this is a really great opportunity for our Middle School and High School youth to participate in a meaningful but totally fun way to help BUF.  The auction planners need youth for serving food, providing childcare, working with silent auction items, and more!  If your son or daughter is interested in helping out please let me or someone on the auction committee know-- we will be happy to put them to work!

That's it for now, happy February!

Crystal

Happy New Year!

Greetings Everyone,

I hope you all had wonderful holiday times with friends and family!  As the old year wraps up at BUF, my attention is turning to the New Year.  We have some curriculum changes and activities coming up that I want you to be aware of.  

Read on to learn more about:

• Spirit Play: Continue with Principles and Sources
• Primary Elementary Curriculum: Love Will Guide Us
• Intermediate Curriculum: Toolbox of Faith
• Middle School Update
• Youth Group Update
• Parent Potluck and Chalice Circle/Kid Movie Night, 1/4
• Children's Chapel, 1/6
• Coming of Age Workshop, 1/13
• Social Action Sunday, 1/20
• Open House for Parents and Children in Grades K-5, 1/23
• Coming of Age Social Action Project, 1/27

Spirit Play: Continue with Principles and Sources

The Spirit Play class serves children in grades K-1.  The class will continue with their structure of stories or lessons followed by work time and a feast.  In the fall all of our stories supported our 7 principles (promises, as we call them in Spirit Play).  This winter we will continue to share some principle stories but also add in some UU History and appreciation of our sources.  For more information about this curriculum visit: http://www.spiritplay.net

Primary Elementary Curriculum: Love Will Guide Us

Children in grades 2-3 will meet separately in room 2 and will be using a curriculum called Love Will Guide Us.  The curriculum explores our sources in the context of constellations in the night sky.  Love is our North Star!  For more information about this curriculum visit: http://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/children/loveguide/index.shtml

Intermediate Curriculum: Toolbox of Faith

Children in grades 4-5 will meet separately in room 3 and will be using a curriculum called Toolbox of Faith.  This curriculum looks at qualities and skills that keep us going during difficult times and puts them in the context of "tools" for living.  The hammer represents power, the Compass represents integrity, the level represents atonement....  For more information about this curriculum visit: http://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/children/toolbox/index.shtml

Middle School Update

The middle school class is for youth in grades 6-8 and meets right at 10:30 a.m. in the loft accessed in the back of the sanctuary.  They have been (and will continue) working with a curriculum called Riddle and Mystery.  This curriculum helps them address the big religious questions that we all must face-- where did we come from, why are we here, what happens when we die, what makes a meaningful life.... They will also be actively supporting the youth in their midst who are participating in Coming of Age by attending different faith communities and learning about various religious traditions.  For more information about the formal curriculum visit: http://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/children/riddle/index.shtml

YRUU: High School Youth Group Update

Our youth group will be meeting at BUF every Sunday in January from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. to watch one movie and play games. Meetings take place in the loft unless otherwise specified.  Youth who bring snacks will have a special place in heaven reserved just for them... well, maybe!  Contact Alicia Alford at alialf4@gmail.com  or Michael Light at Michael.light@yahoo.com for more information about our youth group!   

Parent Potluck and Chalice Circle/Kid Movie Night 

Friday, January 4, 5:00 dinner-- 5:30 formal gathering

"Parent's" Chalice Circle/Discussion Gathering Potluck. All interested BuF families, including those most new to BUF, are encouraged to attend.

Please join us for a Parent's Chalice Circle that will be forming in February. This chalice circle has been open to all interested folks during the fall. We will meet once more as an open chalice circle in January and then the group will become a formalized chalice circle of a closed group of membefs who will commit to meeting monthly every month with the same group the first Friday evening if the month at 5:30.

 

Concurrently, we will hold a less formally facilitated spiritual parenting discussion group that will be open to all who wish to attend on a month to month basis, that will not require the commitment to attend every month. This group will always be open an open group and welcome all families, include our newest BUF guests. We will meet at the same time, 5:30 first Friday of each month. 

For both groups, there will be a 5:00pm taco bar dinner option preceding these gatherings. This will allow us to accommodate most dietary restrictions out there. Those who can commit to being there by a few minutes before 5:00 pm that month can sign up to bring an ingredient. We will alternate each month on an 'as able' basis.

Childcare will be provided for those who RSVP to the church office by 3 days prior or on an as space available basis. Your RSVP helps us to ensure that we enough care providers present so that we need not turn anyone away.

The children will share in the meal, then gather for an activity or a G-rated Movie that is consistent with UU spiritual parenting values. (We welcome your film suggestions as even some G-rated movies are not quite appropriate for the very young).

Please direct any questions to Roz Reynalds, mama@mamafoo.net or Kathleen Malnor, malnorfamily@gmail.com.

We hope to see you there,

-Kathleen and Roz "

Children's Chapel

Sunday, January 6, 10:30, Flex Room

Children and Youth in grades K-8 begin in the Flex Room for a special time of worship.  This Sunday our theme will be New Year's Resolutions! We always take a collection that we save until the spring and vote on a charitable recipient.  Last year we gave our offerings to the Bellingham Food Bank.  Please send your son/daughter with a bit of money to add to the collection. It is especially meaningful if the money is theirs-- or they find it between couch cushions, or you save change or penny's together for this purpose....

Coming of Age Workshop

Sunday, January 13, 6:30-8:00

This workshop is for participating youth and mentors.  The theme is Spirituality: Rituals and Worship.  Youth will learn about various spiritual practices, rituals and the essential elements of creating a worship service.  Later in the spring the CoA youth will lead the Children's Worship service using the tools they learn in this workshop.  

Social Action Sunday

Sunday, January 20, 10:30 a.m.

After beginning in the sanctuary, children in grades K-5 will learn about justice and be invited to work on a service project.  Our theme will be inspired by the celebration of Martin Luthor King Day.

Open House for Parents and Children in Grades K-5

Wednesday, January 23, 7:00 p.m.

Parents, children, and religious education teachers are invited to come see what we are up to on Sunday mornings.  We will just be beginning our new curriculum but we will have samples of lesson plans and some some projects to look at.  This will be a great time for parents to talk with teachers about how things are going....

Coming of Age Social Action Project

Sunday, January 27, 11:45, BUF Kitchen

Coming of Age youth are encouraged to participate in several social action/service projects.  This week we will bake cookies for coffee hour!  Baking supplies will be provided!

That's it for now-- Happy New Year Everybody!!!

Happy Holidays-- December Update!

Greetings BUF Families,

There are many things happening in December so get out your calendars and start marking them up!

Usher and Greeter Meeting

Sunday, December 2, 9:00 a.m.

The Hospitality team would love to have some youth (middle school and high school) participate in handing out orders of service on Sunday mornings.  If your son or daughter is interested in doing this he/she is invited to come to this informational meeting to learn more about the responsibilities of ushers and greeters.  

Children's Chapel

Sunday, December 2, 10:30 a.m.

On the first Sunday of the month children and youth in grades K-8 are invited to begin their time at church in a special worship service created specially for them. Children are invited to come up to the flex room-- our theme this month will be Generosity.  Children are encouraged to bring a small amount of money to give during the special collection.  We collect money all year and in June we decide which charity to give it to.  We will also be preparing a presentation for the congregation to tell them about our Hogwarts curriculum-- if your child enjoys public speaking he/she won't want to miss it!

Christmas Pageant Rehearsals

Sunday mornings after the service-- 11:45(ish) to 12:15(ish) on 12/2, 12/9, 12/16

We will be performing the Grinch Who Stole Christmas on 12/23!  We need singers-- including some middle school and highschool youth who would like to be involved!  We also need actors.  I will be assigning parts on December 2.  We need the following child actors:  Cindy Lou, Max the dog, Cindy's father, the Mayor of Whoville, plus non-speaking roles-- Cindy's mother, brother, sister, and the rest of the Whos!  Children who can't make the December 2 rehearsal are still welcome to participate but if your child wants one of the main parts he/she should plan to attend!  Parents-- please let me know if you would like to help with costumes, sets, staging.... I need some help with these!

"House Party" for Middle School and High School Youth

Sunday, December 2, 11:45 a.m.-- Pizza will be provided!!!

One of our most important tasks during our 2 year period of interim ministry, is to figure out who we are as a congregation and what we want from a long term settled minister.  Rev. Lee Bond has been attending house parties with adult members of the congregation and asking questions regarding worship preferences, theological beliefs, the relative importance of social action, community building, spiritual development, and religious education; and more.... And he wants to hear from our youth!  Your beliefs and preferences matter as we move into the future-- we want to create the kind of church that you would want to keep attending!  All middle school and high school youth are invited to this fun and interactive meeting.  Coming of Age participants are especially encouraged to participate--and yes, this will earn you points!!!

Holiday Craft Night with Bellingham Coop School!

Wednesday, December 5, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Come make some holiday gifts before our community night dinner!  We will have many fun craft stations set up around the perimeter of the social hall to help us get into the holiday spirit.  If you have a special craft idea that you would like to lead please reply to me or contact Heidi Alford at familyalford@comcast.net

Parent Potluck and Chalice Circle/ Kid Movie Night

Friday, December 7, 5:00-7:30 (start in old social hall)

Newcomers are welcome to attend this ongoing group to promote community building for all and spiritual development for parents.  For more information contact Roz Reynolds at mama@mamafoo.net or Kathleen Malnor at malnorfamily@gmail.com.

Posada!

Saturday, December 8, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

You won't want to miss this annual tradition!  Cocina Sanas (from Community to Community) will be providing our Mexican feast. Rev. Lee Bond will be telling the story of Maria and Joseph as they search for an Inn. We will wander the neighborhood caroling and acting out the parts of the journey-- this year Mary will be played by Anabel Magee.  We will return to BUF for cookies, hot chocolate and pinatas.  It is a magical night that children remember for years!  We hope you will join us.  We still need some volunteers to bring cookies, to set up for dinner and decorate the social hall, and to help clean up at the end of the night and also to prepare the social hall for pinata festivities while the rest of the participants are caroling.  If you can help please contact me or Dee Dee Marshall at deedeemarshall@gmail.com.

Coming of Age Workshop- UU History: A Legacy of Martyrs

Sunday, December 9, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Coming of Age Youth and Mentors are expected to attend this workshop.  We will talk about heros from our past and a current "prophet" in Pakistan.  Youth will think about this important question:  What would I die for?

Hanukah Story and Games

Wednesday, December 12, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Come celebrate Hanukah before the community night dinner.  We will tell stories, light the menorah and of course, play dreidel!

Youth Holiday Gift Project

Sunday, December 16, 10:30-2:00(ish)

High School youth and youth advisors should each arrive at BUF at 10:30 a.m. with 4 dozen of the SAME KIND of cookie (perhaps one youth could specialize in one or two kinds of gluten free cookies-- Ben/Harriet perhaps, Alicia???).  During the service, youth and advisors will make plates of mixed cookies to sell during the coffee hour.  Then you will take your earnings to the mall (or some other departments store) to purchase gifts for our Interfaith Family.  Youth advisors have the specs of the family in need.  Contact me if you have questions!

IllUUminations Celebration

Wednesday, December 19, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Come celebrate this Unitarian Universalist festival of lights celebration as we honor our flaming chalice before the community night dinner!  We will tell the story of Ed, Barely an Angel and make chalices that will light each table at dinner and can be taken home to adorn your own holiday table!

Multigenerational Worship Services

Sunday, December 23-- The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (Pageant)!

Sunday, December 30-- Story Telling by Brian Flowers

Religious Education classes will be cancelled these two Sundays.  Childcare for children ages 1-4 will still be provided in the Childspace room.

No Community Night Dinner on December 26

Hope to see you at many of these wonderful events-- Merry Christmas!

Crystal Neva

Director of Lifelong Learning

November Happenings in Religious Education for Children and Youth

Greetings BUF Families,

It's that time again for an update about events and activities for families at BUF!  

Read on to learn more about:

• Parent Potluck and Chalice Circle-- 11/2
• Children's Worship-- 11/4
• Open House for families of children in grades K-5-- 11/8
• High School Youth (YRUU) Lockin-- 11/10
• Social Action Sunday-- Celebration of Martinmas-- 11/11 
• Celebration of Martinmas-- 11/14
• Coming of Age Orientation for 7th and 8th grade youth, parents, and mentors-- 11/18
• Coming of Age Leadership Challenge-- 11/25
• YRUU Movie Extravaganza-- 11/25
• Children's Choir Rehearsal Schedule for the Christmas Pageant-- 11/25

Parent Potluck and Chalice Circle

Friday, November 2, 5:00 to 7:30

Bring a dish and join other BUF families for a potluck dinner in our old social hall.  Then stay for a meaningful discussion time with other parents while your children watch a movie.  For more information contact Kathleen Malnor, malnorfamily@gmail.com or Roz Reynolds at mama@mamafoo.net.

Children's Worship

Sunday, November 4 at 9:15 and 11:15

Children and middle school youth are invited to come straight up to the Flex Room for a special worship service planned for your kids (children will NOT start in the sanctuary on this day).  The theme will be shared in the story, "Be Careful What You Wish For: A Halloween Story."  Curious parents are welcome to attend.

Religious Education Open House

Thursday, November 8, 7:00 p.m. RE Floor

Are you curious about your child's religious education?  Would you like to meet the Spirit Play teachers and read the stories your children have been listening to?  Have you always wanted to visit Hogwarts and Diagon Alley-- have you wondered why a Unitarian Universalist church would use the Harry Potter series to teach our principles?  Come to the open house, meet the teachers, review curriculum, look at your children's work.  We look forward to showing it off!

High School Youth Lock In!

Saturday, November 10, 7:00 p.m.

Youth should bring snacks, sleeping bags, pads, pillows, and toiletries to this event! It will more time for bonding and fun with some spirituality woven in.  Please RSVP to Alicia Alford,alialf4@gmail.com if you/your youth is planning on attending this event.

Social Action Sunday-- Martinmas!

Sunday, November 11, 9:15 and 11:15 service

This holiday celebrates St. Martin of Tours-- alive during the 4th century AD.  According to legend he joined the Roman army and was sent to Amiens, where, on horseback, he met a starving man begging alms at the city gates. Moved by deep compassion, he tore his red, woolen his cloak in two with his sword and gave half to the beggar. The next night, he had a dream in which he saw Jesus wearing the half of the cloak he'd given away, surrounded by angels. In the dream, Our Lord asked him to look at it and to see if he recognized it. He did, of course, and realized that he must convert and devote his life to Christ.  We will share the story of his life, make lanterns to light the way and fold the clothing that was donated as part of our clothing drive-- be sure to bring children's clothes on Sunday to include in our offering.

Multigenerational Celebration of Martinmas

Wednesday, November 14, 5:00 to 6:00

The congregation will be invited to participate in the spirit of Martinmas in connection with our community night dinner.  People of all ages are invited to make lanterns to combine with the ones we make on Sunday.  Before dinner, we will light them and have a parade around all the dinner tables.  Hope you will join the fun!

Coming of Age Mandatory Orientation for Youth, Parents and Mentors

Sunday, November 18, 12:45 (after 2nd service) in the Flex Room

Coming of Age is a program for youth in grades 7-8.  It helps our youth develop a religious identity.  Youth work with an adult mentor to complete several activities and requirements.  It culminates in a recognition worship service where youth share their personal credos. Youth and parents should receive an invitational letter in the mail tomorrow or Saturday explaining all the details.  If you have a child in 7th or 8th grade and you don't receive a letter please contact me ASAP so I can get you the information you need to decide if this extracurricular activity is right for your youth.

Leadership Challenge for Coming of Age Participants

Sunday, November 25, time TBD

Participants in the Coming of Age program will have a leadership bonding activity.  Details will be shared as they come available.

YRUU (High School Youth Group) Movie Extravaganza

Sunday, November 25, 2:30-6:30 (loft)

High School youth are invited to a movie extravaganza-- they will watch and discuss one or two movies of interest.  Bring snacks!

Family/Children's Choir Rehearsal Schedule

Sunday, November 25, 10:30-11:15

Our family/children's choir will begin rehearsals for our Christmas Pageant on December 23 where we will overcome the Grinch Who Stole Christmas!  Subsequent rehearsals will be between services on 12/2, 12/9, and 12/16.

That's it for now.  Hope to see you at many of these wonderful events!

October Events At BUF for Families!

Greetings BUF Families!

It is that time again for a Periodic Parent Update.  There are many events and activities happening in October.  Please read on to learn more about:

• Religious Education Community Pages—Get better Connected!
• We need Photos of your children and your family—bring them to class!
• Middle School—Curriculum information and new schedule!
• High School Group—YRUU is shaping up—here is the scoop!
• OWL—Extracurricular program for grades 4-5—Begins this month!
• Pumpkin Patch—a family friendly YAG (young adult group) event—10/13
• Children/Youth Choir—rehearsals 10/14 and 10/21 for a 10/28 Performance!
• Food for Tots and Kids Feeding Kids Sunday—10/21
• Potluck and Pumpkin Carving—10/26
• Youth Haunted House Prep—10/27
• Halloween Carnival and Haunted House—10/28

Get Better Connected with BUF’s RE Community Pages!

Having a family page to include in our new RE Community binders will allow you and other families to look for potential friends in the BUF community while waiting for your child to get out of class.  The idea is to have these pages with a family photo, available in the Flex Room to let other families know the general demographics of your family, what neighborhood you live in, what you enjoy doing and what kind of connections you are looking for.  Imagine looking through the binder and finding a family with similar interests and the photos and contact info is right there!  We have several pages completed but would dearly love to add yours!  The community page form is attached and can also be found in the entry hall—return to Crystal (the box outside my office door is best)!

WANTED: Photos of your Children and Family!

In order for our community pages to be most effective, we need a photo of your family to attach!  ALSO, we would love to decorate our classrooms with current photos of your children.  Please send photos with you names on the back on a Sunday morning—we will make copies as needed and add them to the RE Community Binders as well as post them in classrooms!

Middle School Curriculum

The Middle School will be doing a curriculum called, Riddle and Mystery which helps our youth address the BIG Questions in life.  If you want to check it out you can go tohttp://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/children/riddle/index.shtml to see the lesson plans.  Marlin Prowell, Michael Lilliquist and Beth Beyers will be leading our class this year and here are a few things to be aware of: 

·      This week (October 7) the Middle School class is canceled (because all advisors will be at the retreat) at church but will meet informally on the 6^th at the retreat. 

·      For the remainder of this year the middle school group will meet right at 11:15 (students will not begin in the sanctuary but will participate in Children’s Worship services beginning in November

·      On October 26^th the middle school group will meet their advisors at 10:00 a.m. to bring back the traditional Haunted House that they will help staff on October 28^th

·      Middle School Youth are invited to participate in the Children/Youth Choir (keep reading for rehearsal dates) to perform in the Halloween service and also the Christmas Pageant!

YRUU—High School Youth Group

October Schedule:

·      Sunday, October 14, time and place TBD

o     Youth advisors are busy calling the youth to finalize the plans for this activity—let me know if your family is missing the information!

·      I Think I Con!  Puget Sound High School Conference, October 26-28, at Camp Cispus

o     The theme of this con is "Carry the Flame" - which may sound familiar if you went to District Assembly!  What we want to focus on is ways in which we can build the kind of inclusive and accepting community that we have at Con back in our youth groups and our schools.  Michael Light and Alicia Alford are excited to chaperone this event if there are youth who want to go!!!  Registration Form and Power Point Presentation about youth cons attached!  Contact person is  Anne-Marie Davidson, amkdavidson@gmail.com, Deadline to register is October 10!

·      BUF's Haunted House-- Saturday, October 27, at 10:00 a.m., and Sunday, October 28 during 1st and 2nd service!

o     If you can't go to con, please consider joining forces with our middle school group to bring back a wonderful BUF tradition and create the haunted house at BUF!  More information coming soon!

OWL (Extracurricular Program) for Grades 4-5

OWL is a Human Sexuality Curriculum that we offer at BUF to children in grades 4-5 and youth grades 7-8 on a rotating year schedule.  This is considered by many to be the most important thing we offer at this church!  Our facilitators this year are Kathleen Malnor and Carl Nyblade.

·      There will be an informational meeting for parentson Tuesday, October 9 at 7:00 p.m. where you will be encouraged to decide if this is the right choice for your child.

·      If you want to participate there is a MANDATORYparent child orientation on Sunday, October 14 from 6:30 to 8:30

·      Classes will be held for the children on Sunday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:30 beginning 10/21 through 12/2

Pumpkin Patch with the Young Adult Group!

Saturday, October13th at 11a.m.

We are taking our annual trip to Stoney Ridge Farms. All BUFsters are invited. We will have the BUF van and will carpool and caravan from BUF parking lot at 11 a.m. Please remember Stoney Ridge is cash only. Seehttp://www.stoneyridgefarm.com/index.html for details about Stoney Ridge.

Children/Youth Choir Rehearsal ScheduleAll BUF Children/Youth are invited to participate in performances for the Halloween services on 10/28 and our Christmas Pageant on 12/23.  Rehearsals in October will be held between services, from 10:30 to 11:15 in the Flex Room on October 14, and 21.  Contact Beth Beyers atbethbeyers@comcast.net for more information!

Food for Tots and Kids Feeding Kids SundayOctober is the month that BUF pledges at least 1,000 units of baby food (formula…) to the Food Bank.  On October 21, we would like our children to participate in the effort by rolling the grocery cart up the isle and helping to collect baby food from people in the congregation and bringing it to the front.  You can help by making sure to bring baby food all month but especially on the 21^st so your kids will have lots of work to do!

BUF Community Potluck and Pumpkin CarvingFriday, October 26, 5:30
Bring a dish to share and a pumpkin to carve!  This has been a long-standing BUF tradition to carve pumpkins together—this year we will light them all when we have finished and turn out the lights so we can revel in our creative genius.  We are hoping that people of all ages will join in the fun!  BUF has many carving utensils but we can always use more so bring them if you have them! 

Haunted House and Halloween Carnival

Sunday, October 28, during the 9:15 and 11:15 services

Our High School and Middle School Youth are invited to join their advisors on Saturday, October 27 at 10:00 a.m. to create the haunted house.  Other adults are invited to help set up for the carnival at the same time.  Then on Sunday we will enjoy the fruits of our labor during both services—youth will run the haunted house and parents will help staff the carnival—I need volunteers for the carnival—setting up, bringing goodies, and staffing the event—please contact me if you are able to help!!!

Save the Dates:

·      Parent Potluck and Chalice Circle—11/2

·      Religious Education Open House for families with children in grades K-5, 11/8 

That’s it for now—Hope you are all having a wonderful fall!!!

Spring Update for Families at BUF!

Greetings BUF Families,

It's that time again for an update!  Read on to find out more information about the following: 

• Sunday Curriculum Available on the Online Community!
• Children's Worship
• Easter Egg Dying
• UU Identity for Adults
• Poetry of Emily Dickinson
• Easter-Intergenerational Service
• Return to One Service

Curriculum... on the Online Community!
I have created 4 new groups on the BUF Online Community-- please visit the site and check them out!  There is a closed group for RE Teachers where I will post teacher schedules, substitute contact lists and weekly updates.  There are open groups for parents and teachers for the Spirit Play class, the Primary Elementary class, and the Intermediate class-- These group sites will provide links to the weekly curriculum and to ideas for taking the lessons home.  They would also be a great place for teachers and parents to begin to communicate with each other about class related things.  The old group for Religious Education for Children will continue to be a place to view these parent updates and other musings.  Please visit the Online Community at http://bellinghamunitarian.ning.com/ and join any and all appropriate groups, or contact the office at administrator@buf.org to get an invitation to join the community.  This will be an important way to communicate with the RE Program as we move into the future so please join today!!!

Children's Worship-- Everyone A Butterfly
Sunday, April 1, 2012, 9:15 and 11:15
Children in grades K-8 should come directly to the Flex room to begin their worship experience together (children will NOT start in the sanctuary as usual).  Please send children with a little money for our special collection.  We will be selecting possible organizations for our money in May and voting in June about where we will spend our money.

Easter Egg Dying
Wednesday, April 4, 7:00 p.m. (after Community Night Dinner)
We supply the dyes, crayons, and stickers..., you supply the hard boiled eggs for your family.  Please join us for this long time beloved BUF tradition!

UU Identity For Adults
Tuesdays, from April 17 to May 22, at 7:00 p.m.
This class is appropriate for an audience with a wide range of experience with Unitarian Universalism.  We will discuss the difference between history, heritage, and identity, explore our UU principles and our foundational sources, as well as attempt to answer Robert Lathem’s 5 compelling religious questions:  Who am I, How do I know what I know, Who or what is in charge, What is my purpose, What does my death mean?  Please RSVP to Crystal at uuneva@gmail.com to get more information. 

Poetry of Emily Dickinson
Thursdays, from April 12- May 17, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Share and explore the inspiring poetry of Emily Dickinson in a small group setting.  Allow the power of words take you deep into yourself and find connection to all existence.  We will read a broad range of poems and share our favorites with other members of the class.  RSVP to Crystal for the reading assignments and schedule!

BUF Community Worship Service-- Jumping Mouse
Easter Sunday, April 8, 9:15 and 11:15
Join us for an All Ages worship service that celebrates the long transforming journey that one mouse makes toward the vision of a better place.  She travels through all the seasons and finds her promised land in the spring after much adventure and adversary. It is an engaging Easter message for us all.  I hope you will come!

Return to One Service!
Beginning on Sunday, April 15, we will have only one worship service at 10:30 and ALL Religious Education Classes will meet at that time as well.  This schedule will last for the remainder of the spring, through the summer, until our In-gathering service on September, 9, 2012.

That's it for now!
In Joy,
Crystal

Adult Religious Education This Spring!!!

Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship

“THE POETRY OF EMILY DICKINSON”

Adult Religious Education Class

Description

Share and explore the inspiring poetry of Emily Dickinson in a small group setting.  Allow the power of words take you deep into yourself and find connection to all existence.  We will read a broad range of poems and share our favorites with other members of the class.

Facilitator:  Crystal Neva, Director of Lifelong Learning, BUF

Times:  Six Thursday afternoons: April 12-May 17, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Place:  Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, Conference Room

Materials:  The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, by Emily Dickinson and Thomas H. Johnson.  You can find this on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/The-Complete-Poems-Emily-Dickinson/dp/0316184136/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1331841499&sr=8-5

For More Information:  Contact Crystal Neva at uuneva@gmail.com or 224-1984.

Method

1. Each week there will be an assigned section of text (see below) to read or peruse (whatever your time allows).  From this section, select a poem (or two or three or four) that particularly interests you and spend some time with it.
2. Then when you come to class there will be a sign in sheet inviting you to write down your name and the title(s) and page number(s) of the poem(s) that particularly interest you.  These will be the poems we discuss in that class.
3. Then during the class we will go through the book and when we get to the poem you selected, you will be invited to read it out loud (or you may ask someone else to read it) and share your comments with the group (e.g., what you see in it, why you like it, what is clear, or unclear…). After you have talked a little about the poem, the poem will be open to general discussion.
4. As facilitator, I will watch the time to make sure that everyone gets a crack at his/her poem.  I may call attention to certain poems that speak to our faith if others don’t….

Reading Assignments

Week 1:  April 12—pages 3-122

Week 2:  April 19—pages 123-241

Week 3:  April 26—pages 242-360

Week 4:  May 3—pages 361-479

Week 5:  May 10—pages 480-600

Week 6:  May 17—pages 601-716