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Dear Families,
I'm not sure about you, but between shifting responsibilities during the pandemic and life piling back on as we attempt to transition into an ongoing, hopefully-sustainable reality, I am exhausted! Several years ago, UU minister Rev. Lynn Unger wrote a post that feels as relevant today as ever.
In a world where we are constantly exhorted to “dream big” and “pursue excellence,” maybe it’s time to admit that there are all sorts of areas of our lives that might benefit from a realistic dose of “good enough.” Once we accept that we are unlikely to win a Nobel prize, solve world hunger or marry a movie star, we might consider the possibility that for certain things, at certain moments, we would be just as well off striving for sucking less, rather than magnificence. Read the rest of her post, including her ten tips for "sucking" less.
Last Sunday was a joyful and fun Diwali service, with good prevailing over evil and light pushing out darkness, in one of the Hindu traditions. Special thank you to Shalini for sharing her traditions and several of our children and youth for participating in our skit. Many enjoyed the rituals of lighting the diyas during the service and tying the colorful rahkis onto each other's wrists, along with bringing home incense and sparklers to continue the festivities at home!
The parent/caregiver meeting after the service was a meaningful way for people to connect with each other, while discussing why we're a part of the UCM community and what we want for our children. Some creative ideas emerged out of the group, including a babysitting night at the church so that parents/caregivers can have a date night (anyone else burnt out after trying to do everything during the pandemic??) and/or a family dinner together at the church where families can connect with each other. Do these ideas interest you? Want to help plan something like this?
In faith,
Rowan Van Ness, CRE, MDiv
ucm.dre@gmail.com
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UCM Nursery
Each Sunday, adult and youth staff care for the youngest people in our congregation, unless otherwise posted. Infants and toddlers can be dropped off at the nursery room beginning at 9:45am. Please pick up your children immediately following the service.
Children are always welcome to accompany their parents and caregivers in the sanctuary or fireplace room, if you prefer.
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PreK/Kindergarten Room?
We have been thrilled to see so many kids in this age group come to UCM, so we are actively recruiting volunteers to help us run a PreK/Kindergarten room, hopefully starting in November! This is often an age at which little ones ask big questions about life, death, and the world around them. We are actively recruiting teachers for this group right now and will let you know when we are starting!
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Elementary Ages - Halloween!
This Sunday, we will begin with a brief discussion of the origins of Halloween, the cycle of life (including death), and some Halloween activities—making special "apple mouth" snacks for coffee hour and team-building games. We hope you'll join us! K-8 welcome, PreK welcome with a parent/caregiver.
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Middle School
We're still gauging interest starting up some middle school programs! We're hoping to offer the popular "Crossing Paths" for 5th-7th graders. It's a visit-based program of interfaith engagement, allowing participants to get to know other religious traditions up close while weaving in UU centering and reflection practices.
We also want to offer the popular Our Whole Lives (OWL) comprehensive sexuality education program for our 8th and 9th graders this year. Nationally, this is the most popular and in depth level of the program, supporting youth in deepening friendships with each other while learning the knowledge and skills to support healthy relationships.
Please let Rowan know if your family is interested in participating so we know if we have enough interest to get this group started! Middle schoolers are also welcome to attend services, join programs in the Children's Chapel, or volunteer in the Nursery. (Email Rowan at ucm.dre@gmail.com.)
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High School
Youth in 9th-12th grades (or equivalent) meet a couple times a month for Youth Group. They engage in community building, justice, outings, and more! Be in touch with Elizabeth Peebles and Susan Koch for more information.
Mtg w/ Burlington Youth Group - 11/8
(Rescheduled!) Get to know some other UU youth in Vermont! We'll be joining with the Burlington UU Youth Group for a camp fire, some singing, and other activities. We'll leave Montpelier around 5:15pm and return by 8:45pm. Please be in touch with Elizabeth or Susan to let them know you hope to come!
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Office Hours
Wednesday, 11/2, 3:30-5pm
Wednesday, 12/14, 3:30-5pm
Stop by Rabble-Rouser Chocolate and Craft Co. on Main St in Montpelier to chat informally with Rowan.
Name Tags
Please stop by the vestry and have your children pick up their name tags before the service begins. Need a name tag? Stop by the LSE table and let someone know. Adult name tags can be requested at the hospitality table.
Help Us Out!
The Lifespan Spiritual Exploration (LSE) Committee likes to support snacks being provided for the children in the vestry after the service, and we need some help with this. Please sign up at the LSE Table during coffee hour. We also hope to find someone to set up a signup genius to help coordinate this.
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