Sunday, February 24 at 11:30 AM
Children in 3rd grade and up, plus their family members, are invited to attend an orientation session to learn about this training program for lighting the chalice in worship services. More than a program of lighting logistics, this training helps youth and their families discover the history and connotations of the chalice itself, as well as what it means to live by the Principles of our faith as informed by its Sources. If this sounds like Greek to you (so to speak) your participation is most welcome. Becoming a Chalice Keeper is a wonderful rite of passage for young people and source of information for the whole family. Families of children in 3rd-5th grade will receive invitations by email to participate, but children of any age from 3rd grade and up are welcome to take part. Hope to see many of you at the orientation to learn more. Questions? Contact Andrea Purdy Heier.
Category / CYRE
Children and Youth Religious Education
Mystery Friends Project – Have You Made a Connection?
Child and adult participants should both have received letters from their mystery friend by this Sunday, Feb. 17. If not, let Rachel Williams know right away! There is a “mailbox” in the community room as one way to exchange letters. If you need help to pick up or drop off letters, we can help with that as well. The identity of the older participant in the pair is kept hidden (at least, tries to keep it hidden) through 5-6 weeks of communications until the mystery is revealed at the Mystery Friends party on March 17 after worship and classes. Let’s all “Make a Connection.” Contact Rachel Williams with any questions.
Camp Unistar – Registration Open Now
Camp UniStar is now taking registrations for this summer’s sessions. Camp UniStar is for Unitarian Universalist individuals and families and other like-minded people on Star Island, in Cass Lake in northern Minnesota. Each week has a theme centered around a 2-hour daily program on topics such as spirituality, science, sailing, social justice, self-reflection, yoga, dance, music or crafts. Two special weeks in June are for youth entering grades 7-12. The deadline for registrations is March 2, 2019. Contact Kathy Stuebner with questions and watch for more information in the community room over the next few weeks!
UUCM and RE Classroom Safety Improvements
Over the next couple of weeks, you may notice some modifications to the RE classrooms including installation of blinds over the windows, and keys hanging by the doors. These changes are part of a broader effort on the part of the church to update and more thoroughly implement our Active Threat Policy. As we’ve seen over the last several years, attacks in and on public spaces do occur, and while the likelihood that we at UUCM would be a target is small, the UUCM Board felt it prudent to be sure that we are equipped to respond should an emergency arise. So, we’ll be making some modifications to the classrooms over the coming months, and before May, plan to have opportunities for the congregation to practice how we would respond to different kinds of emergency situations. If you have questions or concerns about any of this, please be in touch with Arif Mamdani via email or at 952.473.5900 x 102.
2nd/3rd Grade Readathon
The Journey of Reading to Help the Journey of Healing
“Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.”
― Anna Quindlen
Children in the 2nd-3rd grade classroom are raising money to help homeless youth make the journey from homelessness to healing. Each child will be keeping track of each day they read at least 20 minutes during the month of March. People within the congregation will be able to pledge for the combined number of times the children in the 2nd-3rd grade classroom met the reading goal. For example, if 5 children each meet the goal for 31 days, you will pledge for 155 times met. If you pledge .10 cents for each time, your pledge would be $15.50. You can pledge any amount. Even a small pledge can add up if everyone participates! You can also do a flat fee pledge if you want. Money raised will be given to Avenues for Homeless Youth. Continue reading →
March Youth Community Service Project Donations and Event
Heartfelt Gratitude to Fall CYRE Volunteers
Please share your thanks with the following people who have been journeying on the path of faith development with your children and youth since September:
Toddler/Preschool: Jessie Billiet, Sarah Martin, Mark Hickey, Janna Sundby
Kindergarten – 1st Grade: Maren Askins, Tyler Grossheusch, Sara Williams
2nd – 3rd Grade: Lori Arnold, Sam Brandt, Karen Hulting
4th – 5th Grade: Steve Sundby, Melinda Bennett
6th – 8th Grade: Julia Antonsen, Eric Billiet, Marie Calabria, Mitch Kanter, Rachel Williams
Senior High: Marc & Stacy Doepner-Hove, Michelle Seets, Brian & Karen Zais
This Sunday is the last day of fall term classes. The dedicated adults working with the toddler/preschool class and the middle/high school youth continue their leadership through spring term, so please offer them your help as well as your gratitude. Take a turn in the toddler/preschool room with our paid child care provider, Tina Christianson, or offer transportation for youth activities. Remember that it takes a village!
