Children in Kindergarten through Fifth grade attended Children’s Chapel on March 12th. We had a special guest, Cyndy Parr, who talked to us about the scientific method of inquiry and how we learn by asking questions.
After the chapel, our hands-on project was a trash walk around OBIC. Our kids were amazed by the amount and kinds of trash and recycling we picked up. Between both services, we almost filled a large trash can and added a large amount of recycling to the big green recycling bin.
I’m proud of how hard our children worked! They crawled through underbrush and used their eagle-eyes to spot the tiniest bits of plastic and other non-composting materials!
This week, if you would like to continue the message of how we bring science into our religious lives, you may want to consider viewing The Story of Stuff together, and discussing how your family might have less of an impact on the earth. There are lots more videos to watch on their website: http://storyofstuff.org/movies/
What happened in your child’s class:
If you will show me compassion, then I may learn to care as you do. —from “When I Am Frightened,” Hymn 1012 in Singing the Journey
IN TODAY’S SESSION . . . the theme was, “Chalice Children are all different, but we care about one another and celebrate together.” This session concluded Teddy Bear Month by engaging children (and their teddy bears) to celebrate their friendship together.
EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER . . . Read some of the books suggested in this session:
Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears? by Carmela LeVigna Coyle, illustrated by Mike Gordon, 2012. Follow along as two ragtag, everyday super heroes don capes to play in the mud, save their stuffed animals from certain peril, conquer the vegetables at dinner, and overcome darkness at night.
The Teddy Bears’ Picnic by Jimmy Kennedy, illustrated by Alexandra Day, 2000. A picture-book version of the classic teddy bear song, with endearing pictures by the popular illustrator of Good Dog, Carl.
Patrick in a Teddy Bear’s Picnic and Other Stories by Geoffrey Hayes, 2011. Geisel Award-winning author Geoffrey Hayes delights young readers with these easy-to-read stories about Patrick Brown, a puddle-jumping teddy bear whose biggest challenge is avoiding naptime . . . until he has to contend with Big Bear.
Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman, 2012. Bear has come up with the perfect way to say thanks—a nice big dinner! There’s just one problem: Bear’s cupboards are bare! What is he to do?
EXTEND THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Try . . . before your family leaves for home today, invite your child to show you where the Chalice Children held their Teddy Bear Parade. What did they see there? What did they find out?
A Family Adventure. Host your own Teddy Bear Picnic outdoors, weather permitting, or indoors on a blanket. Teddy bears seem to like Teddy Grahams!
A Family Discovery. Your child and their teddy bear may both be wearing chalice necklaces when you pick them up today. Explore the many images of chalices available as clip art at the UUA website. Which are your favorites?
A Family Game. Listen and dance to Anne Murray singing “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic,” or to “Bare Necessities” from the movie The Jungle Book, on YouTube.
A Family Ritual. Extinguish a dinner-time chalice using the words and movements used to close each session of Chalice Children. An adult can say each line, then repeat it with the children:
We gather the warmth of love, [bring hands near the flame, then gather them to your heart]
The light of truth, [bring hands near the flame and then gather them to your heart again]
And the energy of action [bring hands near the flame and then gather them to your heart again]
Into our hearts as we blow out the chalice. [blow out the flame]
Back into the world of do and say, [hold world in cupped hands]
Carry it forward into the dawning day. [arms overhead, hands together making the sun]
May we remember: Here at home, we care for one another.
Movie Nights for Parents and Adolescents!
Please join us for two movie nights with your adolescents. Recommended for parents of youth from fourth and fifth grade through high school. Childcare will be available!
Sunday, April 23, 5:00-7:00 pm – Miss Representation:
Miss Representation exposes how mainstream media and culture contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America.
– See more at: http://therepresentationproject.org/film/miss-representation/
Sunday, May 7, 5:00-7:00 pm – The Mask You Live In:
The Mask You Live In follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity. The documentary ultimately illustrates how we, as a society, can raise a healthier generation of boys and young men.
– See more at: http://therepresentationproject.org/film/the-mask-you-live-in/
Yours in faith,
Robin
UPCOMING EVENTS:
CONSTRUCTION HELP NEEDED! At our April 9 Children’s Chapel, we will be building a Little Free Pantry. We have a project manager who will help us design and build the pantry. We need tool-handy parents to help with the building and installation of the pantry. We especially need someone who has experience with installation of a structure on a post. Click here for examples! Please email Robin Slaw if you can help.
Family Game Night and Potluck, Saturday, April 22, 5:30-8:30 pm. Join us for a meal and games! Families of all types are invited! Bring your favorite games to share. Mark your calendars now!
Elementary Our Whole Lives (OWL) classes for Grades K/1 and Grades 4/5
Please remind your OWL students to go directly to class and not enter the Sanctuary! Classes will run through April 2nd. Kindergarten and First Grade 9:00-10:00 am, Fourth and Fifth Grade 11:00 am-12:30 pm. All other RE Classes continue as normal.
Parents & Caregivers as Sexuality Educators! Next class Sunday, March 26th, 5:00-7:00 pm Facilitated by Doug Miller, Steph Silver, and Robin Slaw.
Yours in faith,
Robin
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