OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

Our pre-school and kindergarten kids planted tulip and daffodil bulbs, learning that church is a place where we work together and create beauty. They also learned that church is made up of many diverse families, making a special jigsaw puzzle with pictures of their own families upon it. They created a beautiful chalice which we will use in children’s worship experiences, discussing the chalice as a symbol of Unitarian Universalism. Finally, they enjoyed a popcorn Halloween party, complete with costumes. (Church is a place for fun and celebration, too!)

Kids in our Magical UU class (grades 1-6) enjoyed a visit from the Sorting Hat and new students were sorted into our 4 houses: Ballou (love and kindness), Olympia (persistence and determination), Collymore (courage) and Beatrix (imagination and creativity). They also began to learn about the principles and purposes, starting with the inherent worth and dignity of all people. Students enjoyed making magical me pages, a class affirmation mural, and “inHEREnt worth” buttons.

Our Jr. Youth group created marbleized covers for their world religion journals. They also began to study Judaism, learning about Jewish holy days, religious items, scripture and beliefs. One member of the group joined with Stow kids to participate in the Crop Walk, raising money for the hungry.

SNEAK PREVIEW: COMING SOON TO A MAGIC SCHOOL NEAR YOU

Nov. 5: Chalice Children (pre-school and kindergarten) tour the church during coffee hour, including a visit to the sanctuary and minister’s office with the Rev. David Johnson.

Nov. 12 & 26: Kids create homemade goods and crafts to sell at the Holiday Downtown Stroll to raise money for our church and for charity.

Nov. 19: Special Thanksgiving Intergenerational Service. Regular nursery care extended to include any children under age 5 who find it difficult to remain in the service.

Dates TBA: Jr. High class visits Jewish temple for a Sabbath service and hosts a Jewish guest as they finish their unit about Judaism.

JR. YOUTH GROUP GAMES NIGHT

Sunday, November 12, our church will host the combined UCMH (our church) FPC (Unitarian Universalist Church of Stow/Acton) Jr. Youth Group for a games night. We will play flashlight sardines, go on a church scavenger hunt & generally have a great time from 7:00-9:00 pm.

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Thanks to the following volunteers who taught or cared for our children in October: Barbara, Alan, Wendy, Lauren, Steve, Jen, Ted, Erica, Joyce, Jennifer, and Wilhelmina. Special thanks to David for co-leading the House Induction Ceremony and to Donna for administrative help, including many lessons on how to use our new copier effectively!

Yours in Faith,
Alice Anacheka-Nasemann

NEW PLAYGROUP

Our newly formed playgroup meets weekly at our church on Thursday mornings, from 9:30-11:30 AM. Parents have the opportunity to enjoy adult conversation and support while their young children play with one another. Feel free to invite friends — this group will be open to the public.

SPIRITUAL PARENTING CLASS

The first 3 sessions of our spiritual parenting class were lively and informational. After taking a brief break, we will finish the class series on 2 Tuesday evenings: Nov. 14 and 21. It’s not too late to join us! Our final two classes will stand separately from previous sessions and will focus on how we nurture spirituality within our families, emphasizing the rituals and holidays we share.

Pizza is available for dinner at 6:30 pm for $1.50 a slice and free childcare will be provided. Class sessions will run from 7:30-9:00.

Although these curricula were developed with Unitarian Universalists in mind, the subject matter is broad and we would welcome participants from other faith traditions. You are encouraged to invite your friends to join us!