Children This Sunday
FFD Features: December 19, 2024
Hello Beloveds,
This past Sunday, during Chapel, your child made a paper snowflake. You may have once heard that each snowflake is unique. This goes for paper snowflakes too, that is because every person who has ever made a paper snowflake is unique. When your child was done making their paper snowflake, we noted how unique each of them were, and I emphasized that it is our uniqueness that makes us special. Jesus was special too. Our Christian friends and neighbors believe that Jesus was sent to save the world with his specialness, while Non-Christian UUs can see the story of the Nativity as a reminder that each child, each person, has the potential to save the world with theirs. Before heading off the class, we closed out our time together by decorating the chapel Christmas tree with our paper snowflakes – a celebration and reminder of our unique potentials.
Afterwards, in class, your child learned about Communion and held a Christmas Card Communion, making homemade cards for members of our church community who could use the pick-me-up. Those cards will be mailed today. If you want to learn more about Communion yourself, check out the information in this week’s Taking It Home. And, while there, don’t forget to check out this month’s simple song, Hymn #251, “Silent Night.” We’ll sing it on Christmas Eve!
As for this coming Sunday, it is a Sanctuary Sunday. After children are dismissed to class, we will gather in the Blue room (Chapel Room) for a brief lesson about gift giving. Then, they’ll have free reign to move between several DIY Gift-craft areas set up between the yellow room, and green room.
Quick Reminder – The Christmas Eve Service is at 5 PM this coming Tuesday!
With love,
– M
Not registered for Family Faith Development? You can register anytime by following this link.
Special Announcements
New Curriculum Coming in January
Based on feedback Family Faith Development has received since the start of this church year, the following changes will be coming to Sunday School this January…
- The PreK – Kindergarten class will drop this year’s world religions curriculum in favor of Chalice Children, a curriculum focused on exploring the basics of religion like “Why do we go to church?” and “Why are rituals important?”
- The 1st – 3rd and 4th – 6th graders will expand their understanding of the world’s religions with “Passport to the World’s Religions.” This re-orientation of the year’s curriculum will have your child ‘traveling’ to different locations around the world to learn about a different religion, their beliefs, and holidays. Passports and souvenirs included! See future communications for a travel itinerary.
Family Game Night Coming in January
There will be a Family Game Party on Saturday, January 18, starting at 12:30 PM. Community Builders will be leading this event, so be on the lookout for future communications from them.
Youth Writing Letters to Transform in February
At our last outing to Shiloh, youth indicated an interest in outings that focused on Social Justice. With that in mind, your youth is invited to join me Saturday, February 1st at 5 PM for dinner and to make / write cards for Transform Cincinnati.
What’s Transform Cincinnati? Transform Cincinnati provides free, gender affirming, clothes and community to trans kids in the Cincinnati area. With the recent uptick in transphobia nationwide, Transform has started asking their supporters to write loving and affirming letters for their clients.
Parenting UU – A Small Group Discussion Series – Coming in February
Parenting is sacred work. It is also incredibly taxing. The good news is that, according to the Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-being of Parents, community can help by fostering “open dialogue about parental stress,” creating “opportunities to cultivate supportive social connections,” and elevating “the voices of parents and caregivers to shape community programs and investments.” All of which we’ll do during Parenting UU, a small group discussion series for “new” parents this February. If you are new to First Church, or have a child under the age of 10, this program is for you. Childcare will be provided. Dates, times, and registration information are below…
- Dates: Fridays – February 7, February 21, & March 7
- Times: Optional Potluck Dinner at 6 PM. Program starts at 7 PM.
- Register by Wednesday, February 5 here.
Taking It Home: December 15, 2024
On Communion
Communion comes from the Greek word “to give thanks.” When Christians participate in communion, they are giving thanks to Jesus for his love and sacrifice. It is a sacrament, which means it grants them a blessing from God (in this case, salvation). Unitarian Universalists also have communion. Many UU congregations hold a flower communion every spring, and a Water Communion every fall. With these communions we are giving thanks for our community. Additionally, some UU congregations hold a Bread communion in late fall, to give thanks for nature’s bounty. Whether or not these communions can be considered a sacrament, well, that’s up to their participants.
Simple Song
Sign this simple song with your children so that they may sign along in an upcoming service. A recording of the song can be found here.
Singing the Living Tradition #251 – Silent Night
Silent Night, holy night,
all is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent Night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing “Al-le-lu-lia,”
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night,
Child of God,
Love’s pure light
Radiant beams from they holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Suggested Resources
Here are some additional resources for adults and children…