Children's Religious Education: It Takes a Congregation

Learning about other faith traditions through our Neighboring Faiths program is a favorite experience of for UU kids and parents alike. This curriculum, which has evolved over many decades from The Church Across the Street to Neighboring Faiths to the new and improved Building Bridges, offers the opportunity to do more than learn about other religious traditions; it provides direct experience of our neighbor's religious traditions through a worship service or other traditional community rituals.

   Although I am a life-long UU, I never had the chance to learn through this UU curriculum. Often I hear adults say that they wish there was a "neighboring faiths" program designed for them. And equally often, I hear parents and adults say that they volunteer for this class so that they can gain from the experience that our kids are having. (See note below if you'd like to help this spring or want to be involved next year!)

   I have had the chance to experience other faith traditions first-hand, and among my fondest memories from childhood are those of when my family was invited to share in holidays with our Jewish neighbors and friends. I have continued to enjoy sharing in such celebrations throughout the years.

   In UU congregations, we have members and friends who come to us from many different faith traditions. We draw upon these sources to inform our own acceptance and inclusion of the many beliefs in our communities of shared values. Therefore, congregation-wide events such as the First Church Seder on Friday April 3rd at 6:00 p.m. are another way to benefit from direct experience of another faith tradition. If you would like to experience and celebrate the Jewish family holiday of Pesach (Passover), please plan to attend.

   A Passover Seder is a retelling and celebration of the story of Exodus, and reminds us all of ongoing global struggles for freedom. This time-honored FCB ritual involves a simplified Haggadah (readings and blessings), explanation of the symbols and ritual, and traditional meal. All ages are involved in the readings and singing of traditional songs. This is a very kid-friendly and delicious event!

   This year's potluck Seder on Friday, April 3rd, the first night of the eight-day holiday, begins at sundown (6 PM) in the Parish Hall, and is hosted by FCB members. Cost is $3/child, $5/adult, with a maximum $12/family donation. Help with set up and clean up are needed. Recipes for traditional dishes are available for those who need them.Please RSVP to Eleanor Sugarman (esugarman@uubelmont.org) or look for the sign up at coffee hour.

     In the spirit of our 3rd Principle, please join us in celebration of our human diversity and learn and grow spiritually through this all-church event.

~ Charlotte

Highlights from Our Religious Education Wing

CRE always needs the help of many adult volunteers to teach classes; this is no less true between now and the end of the year. Please consider lending a hand in one of the following age-ranges:

• During the month of April, children in grades 1-6 will explore environmental stewardship. FCB Green committee will be our guest teachers on 4/19. Do you have a passion for the environment? Please consider helping teach these classes in April.
• Neighboring Faiths (grade 7) still has two faith-community visits left on their schedule for this year, two Popcorn Theology sessions, and some other special activities as well as regular classroom sessions. Come lend a hand and learn something new.

If you'd like to volunteer in any of the CRE classes, please send e-mail to Wendy and me (see e-mail addresses below).

   There is an OWL training for the grade 7-9 curriculum in early April, if you are interested in being a trained OWL facilitator next year or the year after, please contact Wendy Conroy (crebelmont@gmail.com) now so CRE can send you to this UUA-sponsored training or help you plan for one later in the summer or fall.

~ Charlotte Lehmann, Acting Director of Children's Religious Education

Office hours (generally): Sundays 8 am-1pm, and Tues/Weds/Thurs 10am-6pm. E-mail: clehmann@uubelmont.org.

Upcoming Events

Facilitator's Training and Group Skills - Rev. David Bryce and Lillian Anderson

Tuesdays, March 31 and April 7, 7:30 p.m., Library

Perhaps you have been eager to try to facilitate a group or lead a project but don't feel you have the necessary skills. This two part workshop will examine aspects of facilitation, how facilitation is different in a church setting, as well as how to participate and communicate effectively in a group. For more information contact landerson@uubelmont.org.

Caring for Older Adults - Deborah Blumberg and Miriam Baker

Thursday, April 2, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room

Many people are juggling jobs, families and their parents' or other family members' increasing medical needs, frequent emergencies and ongoing need for care. How do we cope with the needs of our loved ones and find some balance in our own lives? What do we need to learn as we take on this task? How do we find information and community? If you find yourself in this position, you are welcome at this group for discussion and support. This is a drop-in group so please attend when it is convenient for you.

Knitting Circle - Eva Patalas

Thursday, April 2, 8:00 p.m., Classroom #4

Come join us in the fun and fellowship of knitting with a genial group on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. Projects could include knitting for non-profit organizations such as Caps for Kids, making small gifts for the Holiday Fair or working on personal projects. Everyone is welcome and no commitment is necessary. Contact Eva with any questions.

Getting Your Affairs in Order - Neil Winston

Thursday, April 9, 7:30 p.m., Library

Are you and those you love adequately prepared for medical crises and increasing care needs? Please join First Church member Neal Winston as he discusses estate and asset protection planning, public benefits protections and what legal documents each of us needs to have in place.

New UU Class - David Bryce and Jim Staton

Saturday, April 11, 9am - 12 p.m., Classroom #5

This class will provide answers to all of the questions you have about Unitarian-Universalism (the history and current programs); also the history and current activities of First Church. Discuss the meaning of membership at First Church and have a tour of the building. Sign up at coffee hour. Childcare provided upon request. Contact jstaton@uubelmont.org

Mindful Yoga - Jessica Hicks

Sat., April 11, May 2, June 13, 1-2:30 p.m., Parish Hall

Mindful yoga for adults of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. Jess is a registered yoga instructor with a lifetime of practice to share. Just bring a mat, or a twin-sized blanket, and a curious mind. Drop-in.

Three Scientists Predict the Future - Jack Dennis, Jon Graves, Edwin Taylor

Sunday, April 12, 12:30 p.m., Library

People who predict the distant future have a bad record. H. G. Wells expected that television would appear in the twenty-third century. Who would have predicted that by 2014 a young couple could eliminate more than 500 genetic diseases forever from their children's bloodlines? NEW Jack Dennis (a computer specialist), Jon Graves (a molecular biologist), and Edwin Taylor will make modest predictions about developments in the next five years and join you in thinking about the coming decade. Refreshments served.

A Path Appears in Belmont: A Campaign to Make A Difference - Nicholas Kristof

Wednesday, April 15, 7:30 p.m., Belmont High School

We are honored to host best-selling author, two-time Pulitzer Prize Winner and New York Times journalist Nicholas Kristof on April 15th at the Belmont High School at 7:30 p.m. To reserve (free) seats go to - http://www.apathappearsinbelmont.eventbrite.com/

     Mr. Kristof will speak about his latest best selling book, A Path Appears; Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunities which he wrote with his wife, Sheryl WuDunn.

     The book describes how ordinary people can make extraordinary differences in the lives of others, both globally and locally. The issues addressed are closer to home then we may think; human sex trafficking, domestic violence, poverty, and hunger.

Save The Date!

Women's Spring Potluck Supper

Friday, April 24, 7 p.m., Upper Hall