Greetings families of First UU!

Fall is here and our Sunday age-based Group Explorations are about to begin!

While 8th/9th Grade OWL and YUUth Group are already underway, this Sunday will mark a fresh start for our Preschool through 8th grade groups and their guides.

As on the other "Group Days" this fall, families will begin together in the Sanctuary. In the place of the Reflection For All Ages, this week, we will hold a very special Child Dedication Ceremony. In what is normally a rite of passage for infants and toddlers, we're catching up on covenanting with some of our youngest members, so we plan to welcome a group of eight children, ages 1 to 9 into our community. (There will be another chance to have children dedicated in the new year.) Just after this ceremony, children and their guides will leave for their groups. Group time will last until 11:20.

We encourage families to stay with us even longer this week, to join Rabbi Jan Salzman in the Memorial Garden from 11:30-12:00 and learn more about Sukkot and the Sukka you will see there. Muffins (and some gluten free and vegan snacks) will be provided!

If your children are not yet registered for Faith Development (yes, we do this again every year, but it is a short form!) please follow this link, so we know to expect them in our groups and have the information we need to best welcome them.

I hope to see you all this Sunday and in the weeks to come!

In Faith,

Erika

Exploration Groups

Spirit Play

for PreK - 2nd Grade

A Montessori-based curriculum with engaging stories, developed from literature, myths and religious sources, wondering questions, ritual, and plenty of free “work” time. Some of our most experienced Faith Development Guides, Ginger Williamson, Mark Kuprych, Greta Porter, and Katherine Ruggiero will lead these sessions in the Jordan/Latimer Room on the lower level.

Undercover Kindness Agents for 3rd -5th Grades

This brand new curriculum will engage our older elementary kids in dramatic play with a focus on helping others. “Agents” will don disguises, engage in training exercises, and fulfill missions of anonymous kindness.

Barnum and Dix Rooms on the lower level.

Group days:

October 1, 8, 22, 29 November 5, 12 December 3, 10.

In the Middle

for 6th-8th Grade

Our Middle school group will follow along with the monthly themes we use for worship and adult theme circles. This new curriculum from Soul Matters focuses on community building, with lots of games and interactive activities, while engaging youth in discussions of UU values.

Sukkot With Rabbi Jan

October 1, 11:30-12

By now most of you know that we share our building (and our grounds) with the Jewish Renewal congregation, Ruach haMaqom. Soon, they will be erecting a Sukkah in our Memorial Garden to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot, which Rabbi Jan Salzman describes as "the most important Holiday in the Jewish Calendar (no kidding)." All ages are invited to bring your coffee hour beverages along and take a few steps into the garden to visit the Sukkah, shake some Vermont lulavs, and deepen your understanding of this neighboring faith!

Muffins (as well as some gluten-free and vegan treats) will be served.

Upcoming Sundays

October 1:

9:45- Nursery Open

10:00- Families begin worship in the Sanctuary together with Child Dedication Ceremony

10:15- First day of Exploration Groups for children