Welcome to Family Faith Development at First Unitarian Church!
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 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 DevelopmentDecember 2021
- Infant through Preschool: Ms. Amber is fostering fun and friendship downstairs, in room 2 - join her for some self directed discovery this December!
- Kindergarten through 5th Grade: Ms. Kymm is igniting ideas and imaginations downstairs, in room 1 - join her for some holiday themed center play all month long!
- Jr. High & Sr. High: Mr. Stephen is creating connections and community upstairs, in the large gathering space - join him for group games and deep discussions throughout this month!
** Please note, Sunday School will not be offered Sunday, December 26, 2021.
Upcoming and Ongoing Opportunities
WELCOME BACK!
It is looking more and more like First Church will be opening (no RSVP required) the first Sunday in December. Of course, the situation is always subject to change, but if First Church opens December 5, then so will Sunday School. We'll begin with indoor classes for Infants - Preschool, a class for Kindergarten - 5th Grade, and a class for Junior & Senior High (mask and vax strongly recommended for all who can safely utilize them). It will likely take some time until we are going "full force" again so F.F.D. appreciates your patience as we start to do what we can with what we got.
*Hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, socks, and jackets collected will be donated to the Children of South Avondale Elementary.
**Project Connects specializes in giving a voice and providing services to unhouse children, and their families, in the Cincinnati Public School District. Currently, there are roughly 1,700 such families in CPS.
Holiday Hoopla
Have you missed being in community? Looking to have just a bit of holiday fun? Then, join Lifespan Faith Development and Community Builders for Holiday Hoopla, Saturday, December 4 from 1 to 3 PM. This is a celebration for all ages, and it has it all - Decorating the Mitten Tree,* Toy Drive for Project Connect,** Pictures with Santa, Games & Crafts! This event will utilize First Church's entire grounds, with activities both inside and outside the building. No RSVP required. More details to come.*Hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, socks, and jackets collected will be donated to the Children of South Avondale Elementary.
**Project Connects specializes in giving a voice and providing services to unhouse children, and their families, in the Cincinnati Public School District. Currently, there are roughly 1,700 such families in CPS.
Cinema Therapy: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Cinema Therapy is a multigenerational, multiplatform program that offers screenings and discussions of family friendly movies. In December, we’ll be featuring the 1966 made for TV movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Common Sense Media calls “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” a “classic that's practically required holiday viewing for families that celebrate Christmas."
Join us for an in-person screening on Saturday, December 4 at 3 PM (immediately following Holiday Hoopla), and then a follow-up, online discussion on Saturday, December 11 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. You can currently view "How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on YouTube (for purchase), or rent it from the Cincinnati Public Library.
Wish to attend the screening, the discussion, or both? Register by Friday, December 3 at https://tinyurl.com/yyfcrrsw
Join us for an in-person screening on Saturday, December 4 at 3 PM (immediately following Holiday Hoopla), and then a follow-up, online discussion on Saturday, December 11 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. You can currently view "How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on YouTube (for purchase), or rent it from the Cincinnati Public Library.
Wish to attend the screening, the discussion, or both? Register by Friday, December 3 at https://tinyurl.com/yyfcrrsw
Parents' Day Out
Parents and guardians, I'm excited to announce the return of Parents' Day Out December 12 from 1 to 4 PM. This event, offered in partnership with St. John's Unitarian Universalist Church, has been scheduled with the hopes of giving you a few hours to yourself this busy holiday season. Use this time to finish your Christmas shopping, go to a movie, or just take a nap! Registration required. Register by days end Wednesday, December 8 at https://tinyurl.com/5fzmnzb7
A Stuffy Christmas Pageant
Oh come, all ye faithful - First Church is hosting its first multiplatform Christmas Eve service: A Stuffy Christmas Pageant. Bring your favorite stuffed animal or doll to church on Christmas Eve at 4:30 PM - or tune into YouTube with your cuddliest stuffy - and be treated to a very special retelling of the nativity! Don't worry, we'll have all our traditional Christmas Eve fare as well - 12 Days of Christmas, Silent Night, etc. Though, some minor changes have been made due to covid (e.g. no candlelight this year).
