Youth Group -- Why Service-Learning?

Sometimes people ask me why I insist on calling the Youth Group "Service Trip" a "Service-Learning Trip." Isn't it just semantics? No, in fact, the reason for calling it a Service-Learning Trip is at the heart of the philosophy behind the trip and the outcomes that take place.

        Service-Learning is an experiential pedagogy where learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection. It combines meaningful community service with education and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility and meet community needs. Working from a social justice perspective, participants are engaged in critical thought about systems of power and privilege. On our trip this year we focused on building authentic relationships and gaining a better understanding of the meaning of solidarity.

    Rev. Richard Gilbert challenges congregations to "grow people of prophetic fire who will understand that helping to repair the world is no extracurricular activity, it is simply part of what it is to be Unitarian Universalist." Our service-learning trips are age appropriate opportunities to learn about the complexities of the world we live in and to engage with them to make a difference. On these trips the youth often realize their agency in a very real way; what we choose to do and not to do matters. What might begin as simply something to do with friends over winter break, can develop into a lifelong commitment to justice.

       Over the past 7 years I've often heard from youth who've gone off to college and taken courses in topics related to past service-learning trips. They've called me looking for resources and wanting to get in touch with some of the people we met and organizations we were involved with. I've heard from others who pursued careers in fields related to the themes we explored, and of course, there are other young adults who pursued other passions, but who are doing so with a social justice lens. While our church was one of many influences on these young adults, their participation in our youth group and religious education programs played a substantial role in their development. Many will tell you that our service-learning trips offered them unparalleled ways to find meaning and direction in their lives.

       The challenge of growing people who seek to make the world a more fair and inclusive place is fundamental to the work of youth ministry. I am so grateful to be able to witness so many youth transformed by service-learning trips and to be a part of this important work at First Church.

~ Julie Ennis, Director of Youth Programs

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.

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.

Science and Spirituality -- Ken Bernstein and Edwin Taylor

Thursday, April 16, 7:30pm, Classroom #5

Jack Dennis will lead us in a discussion of from Truth and Tension in Science and Religion by Varadaraja Raman. A selection is posted at eftaylor.com/sands.

Lima Climate Discussion of December 2014 - Monte Allen

Wednesday, April 22, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

Tony Alcorn of FCBGreen starts the evening with short remarks on "carbon footprint. Monte Allen, senior development director of CARE, was an official observer of COP20 in Lima. He offers a rare opportunity for a first-hand inside look at meetings that could impact our future. In this presentation, he will explain COPs and the experience of attending them. The perspectives of several other important voices will shared through videos. Finally he will discuss the broad outcomes of COP20 and his hopefulness about the process moving forward. An opportunity for questions follow.

Co-sponsored by FCB Green, Adult Programs and Social Action.

First Church Book Group - Karl Klasson and Anne Stuart

Wednesday, April 22, 7:30pm, Library

The Book Group will meet to discuss A Path Appears by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. In A Path Appears the authors provide stories of individuals who have worked in varying ways to make make a difference in the world. Kristof, an op-ed columnist for the New York Times, will be speaking at Belmont High School on April 15 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Social Action Committee's A Path Appears in Belmont initiative. Although Kristof's talk is free and open to the public, you encouraged to reserve tickets here: http://apathappearsinbelmont.webs.com/nicolas-kristof

Women's Spring Potluck Supper

Friday, April 24, 7pm, Upper Hall

A lovely way to connect, re-connect and welcome Spring together! Choose an appetizer, main dish, salad or dessert AND a beverage of your choice to bring. This is a true pot-luck so there is no need to respond in advance. All are welcome. Childcare provided with advance notice. Contact landerson@uubelmont.org.

All-Church Rummage Sale - Saturday, May 9 - Save The Date

Get ready for some great times and great bargains!

Set up is only 4 Sundays from now! The Sale needs your help over that week. As you do your spring cleaning and decluttering, please consider donating your useful items for resale. Evelyn Corsini and Nancy Davis are providing coordination this year with the help of a great team of section leaders.

         The Rummage Sale brings programs, events, and items to First Church which our budget can't cover. Proceeds are divided three ways to the Social Action Committee, the Stained-Glass Window Fund., and the Partner Church Committee. As part of the Social Action Committee, the Sale is currently providing funds for the "A Path Appears" program which is Town-wide and also sponsored by the Belmont Religious Council. What a difference this can make to our community and even further afield! We're certainly keeping up our reputation as "the action congregation."

         So please check your availability, and sign up for an activity you will enjoy. Look for the sign-up boards after services. Or go to: http://vols.pt/P1Evrp

For newer church members, the Sale is a great way to meet people, but for everyone it's a chance to catch up with friends, do good things, and have fun, all at the same time! Volunteers are especially needed for set up Sunday, May 3rd and for Saturday, May 9th during and after the Sale. Questions? Please email fcb404@gmail.com.