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These beautiful, majestic giants gain strength from being connected to each other. Their roots intertwine and merge into a connectedness that allows them to nourish each other and hold each other up. When winds and storms, floods and earthquakes come, these trees stand firm and tall because of the connected community their roots have created.
-Megan Carson, on redwoods
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Dear families of First UU,
I don't need to tell any of you that these are scary times and that there is much to be worry about, but I hope that First UU offers us all a joyful respite, a place to bathe in the warmth of community before facing the harsh winds. It certainly felt that way last week as we celebrated Trans Day of Visibility (if you weren't here, I recommend checking out the recording on YouTube - the speakers were amazing!) I keep coming back to our earth teacher for March, "roots", and the idea that by intertwining our roots, strengthening our connection to each other, we are preparing ourselves to resist and stand firm in the storm.
We are over a month into our new set of exploration groups for children and youth and you'll find updates on each of those below. 7th and 8th grade OWL is in its final week and we're already starting to plan for next year; if you have a child who will be in 4th or 5th grade next year, it's time to let us know whether you are interested in signing them up for OWL. You'll also find information about our upcoming annual Egg Hunt and some immersive opportunities for deepening your UU identity (or just having a good time with some fun people in nature!)
In Faith,
Erika
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Building ValUUes
for PreK - 3rd Grade
Each week, this group reads and discusses a different picture book that illustrates one of our core UU values and then breaks into free building time. For example to explore the value of interdependence, last week they read Carl and the Meaning of Life, Deborah Freedman's story of an earth worm seeking his purpose and discovering the essential part even a small creature plays in its ecosystem and next week they'll discuss The Invisible Web, by Patrice Karst about love and universal connection.
While there are a large variety of "building" supplies in the room, the favorite medium for this group by far has been the "cardboard creation corner". Peek in to see their growing cardboard creations!
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Bible Stories Plus
for 3rd-6th Grades
This raucous classroom is always filled with laughter as students act out biblical stories and gain some understanding of the roots of the Abrahamic faiths.
This Sunday they'll hear about Joseph and his many colored coat before moving onto Moses, exodus and the ten commandments next week.
This cohort of kids will have the opportunity to build on this foundation of knowledge next year when we explore neighboring faith traditions and the place that Unitarian Universalism holds among them, with field trips to other places of worship.
(Some will build on this foundation of knowledge while others will just remember a couple of stories and a lot of fun, and that is also wonderful. We know that regular attendance is not practical for everyone and will always welcome kids who can only drop in occasionally! The community is the most important curriculum!)
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YUUth
for 7th - 12th Grades
This group is only a few weeks old but going strong! Middle and high school aged youth help determine the path their group will follow.
With plenty of time for games, ping pong, collage, and coloring, youth are starting to make plans for future activities, like gardening in our native plants garden, touring the steeple, service projects and future trips.
Periodically they join into an "All-YUUth Lunch" after the service with teens who work as childcare providers and tech crew. The next one will be on April 13.
This week (3/30), will be one of our more informal "Ping Pong Plus" sessions, mostly unstructured hangout time, with a more organized meeting coming up on 4/6.
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Calling all rising 4th and 5th graders for OWL!
Did you know that First UU offers three levels of Our Whole Lives comprehensive sexuality curricula? You can find out more about OWL at this link.
Next program year we'll be offering the older elementary program for 4th and 5th grades. Find out more about our program and let us know you are interested by filling out this form. Even if you have let us know verbally that you are interested, please fill out the form so that we can include your child in our planning. Reach out to erika@uusociety.org with any questions.
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Annual FUU Campout
Elmore State Park,
June 13-15
It’s not too early to plan for summer fun! For more than 20 years, members of First UU have gathered at this beautiful state park in mid-June to commune with nature and each other! This loosely planned weekend will include a Friday night potluck dinner, group campfires, sing-alongs, and an informal closing circle worship. Climbing the mountain and the firetower are optional but inspiring activities! There will be children; there will be youth, there will be adults, younger and older. If you like camping and UU fellowship, please consider joining us! (If sleeping in a tent is not on your to-do list, we welcome day- trippers for the Friday potluck or Saturday beach and mountain fun!)
Please follow this link for more information and to register!
(Most campers repay FUUSB for their sites but scholarships are available!)
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Silver Bay UU Weekend
Silver Bay, NY
October 10-12
Do you want a scenic family getaway where no one has to cook any meals or do any dishes? Where once you get there you can forget your car? Where there are activities planned for every hour of the day and evening, but you don't have to do any of them? Then Silver bay might be for you!
It's UU weekend so there will be plenty of opportunities to connect with others who share your values, during planned activities, or just sitting in a rocking chair enjoying the view. Many from First UU have signed up already!
The conference center offers kayaking, canoeing, archery, shuffleboard, and an indoor climbing wall. Hiking paths, like the one to the top of the peak in the photo, begin on the property. The UU weekend folks offer workshops, group hikes, and activities to entertain all ages.
Find more info and the registration form here on the Albany UU web site.
The price includes all meals and activities and is cheaper before June 2, 2025. Children under 6 are free, with substantial discounts for older children and youth. We have scholarship funds for families who need and there are options for communal family housing if there is enough interest. Contact Erika with questions about scholarship or other housing options.
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March 30:
10:00- Worship in the Sanctuary
10:20-11:20 Building UU Values, Bible Stories, YUUTH
11:10- Coffee Hour
11:30- OWL 7/8 meet in SBA
April 6:
10:00- Family Chapel in the Community Room
10:15- Building UU Values, Bible Stories, YUUTH
11:10- Coffee Hour
April 13:
10:00- Worship in the Sanctuary
10:20-11:20 Building UU Values, Bible Stories, YUUTH
11:10- Coffee Hour
11:30-12:30 All-YUUth Lunch
April 20:
10:00- Worship in the Sanctuary- Mostly Multigen
10:30-10:50 Children exit for a group activity
10:50- Children return to Sanctuary
11:10- Outdoor Coffee Hour
11:10- EGG HUNT!
April 27:
10:00- Worship in the Sanctuary
10:20-11:20 Chalice Choice Activities
11:10- Coffee Hour
May 4:
10:00- Family Chapel in the Community Room
10:15- Building UU Values, Bible Stories, YUUTH
11:10- Coffee Hour
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