Children This Sunday

FFD Features: February 20, 2025

Hello Beloveds,

I hope you are staying safe and enjoying the snow!

This coming Sunday is a Sanctuary Sunday.  After your PreK – Kindergartner goes to class, they will learn that church is a place where weddings take place.  And, they will hold a wedding of their own between two bears.  Please note, the current plan is to serve your child cupcakes and grape juice during the bears ‘reception.’  If your child has an allergy we should be aware of, please let us know so other food can be arranged. 

As for your 1st – 3rd and 4th – 6th Grader, they will learn about the Hindu holiday of Holi.  It is customary to throw colors on others when celebrating Holi.  This Sunday, your child will work with colors.  Please note, while we will not be throwing colors on each other during class this Sunday, your child will still be working with color that has the potential to permanently dye their clothes.  We recommend your child’s outfit for this Sunday not be anything that can’t get stained.

Finally, please be advised that at 7 PM on Friday, February 28 Family Faith Development will put out a test text through our Emergency Group Me group.  If you have not already joined Family Faith Development’s Emergency Group Me group, please do so now so that you can be informed about your child’s safety in the event of an emergency on Sunday morning.  Email me for the link.

In faith and service,
– M 

Not registered for Family Faith Development? You can register anytime by following this link.

Special Announcements

Family Movie Night

A flier for Family Movie Night. It shows a ticket stub surrounded by various movie paraphernalia (camera, popcorn, film reel, etc.). It states everything that is mentioned in the announcement.

Mark your calendars now for Saturday, March 29th at 4:30 PM, Community Builders and Family Faith Development will be hosting a Family Friendly movie night that night in our sanctuary!  No RSVP is required.  All you need to do is show up.  We’ll order pizza once everyone arrives (or, alternatively, feel free to bring your own food).  Movie to be announced later.

Taking It Home: February 9, 2025 (February 16th’s Lesson was Cancelled)

On Dharma (And Bedtime Stories)

There is no direct English translation for the word dharma, but a few that come close are “duty,” “law,” “custom,” and “model.”  Another way to put it is that when a person performs Dharma, they are ‘being the good they want to see in the world.’  However, as ‘good’ is relative depending on a person’s time, place, and circumstances, what is dharmic for one person might not be for another.  This principle is highlighted by one tale in the Indian epic Mahabharata, which speaks of a saint who vowed never to lie.  The Hindu American Foundation shares this story…

One day a group of innocent people came by the man’s ashram looking to hide from a gang of bandits that were chasing them. Shortly after concealing themselves, however, the bandits arrived and asked the saint as to the whereabouts of the innocent group. Wanting to keep his vow, he pointed to where the group was hidden, after which the bandits killed them and stole all of their belongings.

Hinduism is full of moral tales such as these.  If you are interested in exploring additional tales with your child, here are some resources to get you started…

Today’s Souvenir

Today, the children learned about Karma – the idea that what we put out into the world, good or bad, always comes back to us.  Hindus believe that Karma travels with us from one life to the next, and that to earn good karma, they must follow dharma.  One such dharma is dana, or giving.  Along those lines, for today’s lesson, your child participated in the fundraiser the children planned back in January.  For their souvenir, your child is bringing home a nickel.

Simple Song?

This month’s simple song is actually a mantra Dr. Alex taught the children during their first Children’s Chapel of the month.  Known as “The Ganesh Mantra,” it is four words repeated, and it is a powerful way to ask Lord Ganesh for his blessings. Many people use this mantra when starting something new, like a job, relationship, or even just beginning their day. It helps to remove obstacles, clear negativity, and reduce fear.  A recording of this mantra can be found here. And for a little extra fun, check out this song by MC Yogi.

The Ganesh Mantra

Om Gam Ganeshaya Namaha

Suggested Resources

Here are some additional resources on this month’s theme for adults and children…