Welcome to Family Faith Development at First Unitarian Church!
If you are new to First Church, I want to extend an extra special welcome. These are difficult times and you are doing holy work. I know… I know… this sure does not feel like holy work. It feels like drudgery, like anxiety, like duty and due diligence. But, friend, who will care for the “interconnected web” if not you? What better time to “learn together,” than now? And, how will our children “build a fair and peaceful world,” if we don’t provide them with a foundation upon which to build? Indeed, you are your child's greatest teacher, and your ministry is needed now, more than ever. I am thankful you are here. Know that we at First Church are committed to partnering with you, to offer programming that not only fits into your busy schedule but that eases your burden as well.
If you would like to learn more about Family Faith Development's philosophy and policies, make sure to check out our overview. To learn more about this year's programming be sure to take a look at our prospectus. Below, you will find a description of what each of our programs will be exploring week-to-week, as well as a list of upcoming events and opportunities.
Please note, to receive connectivity information for our virtual programming, you must register for the year (this helps us ensure we do not fall victim to Zoom bombers).
Please feel free to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. me with any questions you may have.
In faith and service,
- Meredith Plummer, Director of Lifespan Faith DevelopmentFall 2021
- Infant & Up: We have opened our sanctuary for Sunday service with limited attendance (to allow for social distancing)! As long as the sanctuary remains open, infants, children, and youth are invited to attend with their parents / guardians. Our VIP Lounge for Very Inquisitive People will not be set up during this time. But, we will be offering VIP at your Seat. Outside the sanctuary you will find one of our VIP shelves with grab-n-go worship trays. Worship tray activities range from finger labyrinths, to color stacking rings, to tangram mandalas - in short, there is something for everyone (even our youngest parishioners)! If this is something your family is interested in, then you'll need to RSVP to Sunday service every week. Look to your email for an RSVP link, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us to learn more. Quick reminder - everyone who is of age, and has the physical ability to wear a face covering, must wear a face covering while inside our building.
- 3 YO & Up: Ms. Kymm and Ms. Amber are excited to offer Sunday Service Childcare, focused on fun and friendship, during in-person services September 12 - November 28. All childcare will take place outside, and will follow the same safety guidelines set out for our summer program, Castaway Cove (see guidelines here). Unfortunately, due to safety concerns, only children 3 and up are eligible for childcare. Quick reminder - If this is something your family is interested in, then you'll need to RSVP to Sunday service every week. Look to your email for an RSVP link, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us to learn more.
- Jr. High & Sr. High: Junior and Senior High aged youth will enjoy a few off-site Youth Group activities this the fall. Parents / Guardians of these youth can expect more direct communication about these outings in the coming weeks. If you would like to ensure you receive communication about these events, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
- Whole Families: Puzzling Postcards is a monthly mailer for First Church Families. Puzzle out your postcards each month and your pride may procure a pizza party with the Grand Poo-Bah, Rev. Connie, and me, Ms. Meredith. One pizza party planned per month! Consolation prizes will be passed out to precocious parishioners who puzzled out their postcards, but did not procure a pizza party. Perplexed? Additional specifications will be prescribed on the posterior of each postcard. Is it the end of September, and has your post not produced a postcard yet? Or, perhaps, you would like to put a stop to your postcard procurement? Opt-in / Opt-out here.
Upcoming and Ongoing Opportunities
Cinema Therapy: Onward
Join us for an in-person screening on Saturday, October 2nd at 3 PM, and then a follow-up online discussion on Saturday, October 9th at 3 PM. Or, you may choose to attend just one, or the other, or neither! Cinema Therapy is designed so you, and those in your household, can (a) enjoy each movie for what it is, and forget about the discussions, (b) get a recap of each movie during each discussion, or (c) enjoy one or both on your own time. All movies and discussions will be available to view online. You can currently view “Onward” on Disney+ (a subscription fee may apply), or rent it from the Cincinnati Public Library.
Wish to attend the screening, the discussion, or both? Registration is required. Register by Friday, October 1st here.
Please note, seating for in-person screenings is currently limited. The first 20 pods (family units composed of one to four people) who register for the in-person screening will get to attend. All others will be asked to view this movie privately. We'll let you know if your pod makes the cut.
