This Week In The Children's Program 7/28/13

This week we'll be talking about determined dandelions. Dandelions have a bad reputation in the USA. Their aggressive spread across lawns and their ability to adapt have made them Public Enemy #1 for many gardeners. But in many parts of the world, they are valued as a food crop and a source of medicine. We'll discuss the analogy that sometimes we have false perceptions of a problem or of other people, and that our views vary depending on where we live and what information we have. Also, like the dandelion's growth, certain behaviors can spread very quickly, such as telling rumors. The results can be damaging and hard to undo. On the other hand, kindness, good manners, honesty, dependability, and other positive traits can also spread from person to person.

We have moved the nursery! To make sure our little ones have room to explore and move around, the nursery has been moved to the south room in George Bray Hall near the elevator. Stay tuned for the old nursery to be turned into the UU teens room!

This Week in the OBUUC Children's Program 7/14/13

This week in the OBUUC Children's Program we'll be looking at curious cats. Cats are famous for their curiosity, but sometimes cats find themselves in dangerous places because of that. Cats are also underestimated for their intelligence because they learn by observing and imitating, and trial and error. We'll explore the value and potential drawbacks of curiosity as well as its benefits.


We are in need of volunteers for Sunday 7/28/13.  The RE Committee decided at it's last meeting, that volunteers must be scheduled at least a week in advance. If 2 volunteers are not scheduled by 7/21/13, the Children's Program will be cancelled for Sunday 7/28/13. Please click here: http://vols.pt/BRWWfc to sign up on Volunteer Spot!

This Week in the OBUUC Children's Program 6/30/13

Since the weather forecast is for rain this Sunday we will remain inside for Kid's Club. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we'll be outside on 7/7/13.  Sunday, before the children play games together, they'll watch a video and hear a story about the box jellyfish.  The video and story covers a fascinating creature that is beautiful and deadly. As we talk about the box jelly fish, which is tempting in appearance, we'll draw analogies to human activities. Some may seem fun and exciting, but can quickly put children in dangerous and harmful situations.  We'll also discuss that children are free to choose what they do, but they may not always know or choose exactly what the consequences might be.

This Week In The Children's Program 6/2/13

This week is a multi-generational service celebrating 8th grade Affirmation and the 5th Graders promotion to the UU Teens middle school program.  Nursery is available for children 3 and under but the remaining children will be in the church sanctuary for the entire service. There will be coloring and games near the name tag counter to help keep young minds and fingers busy.

This week in the Children's Program 5/26/13

This week begins our summer of one service each Sunday morning! See you at 10 a.m.!!!  During the summer we're having Kid's Club.  After snack, joys and concerns, a short story and discussion, the children will be encouraged to play games and build with building sets. Our goal is to create lasting friendships through fun.

We are still in need of volunteers for Sunday morning!! If you are interested in volunteering please contact Leann at youth@obuuc.org or 634-0659.

This Week in the Children's Program 5/19/13

This Sunday is the last two service Sunday until September.  Summer is finally on it's way!!! As an end to our year long theme of Peace, the children will be creating a large Peace Collage that will be displayed in the church sanctuary once it's finished.  What does peace look like?

If you haven't volunteered in the Children's Program yet, how about trying it out this summer?  If each parent in our congregation that has children in the Sunday morning Children's Program volunteered once, yes once!! we'd have more than enough volunteers for the entire summer!  Please do your part! If your child participates in the nursery or Children's Program, volunteer!  Contact me with a Sunday you're available to volunteer and I'll add you to the schedule.

This week in the Children's Program 5/12/13

This Sunday we're celebrating Mother's Day!! I hope you can join us between services 10:00-11:00 a.m. in George Bray Hall (the church basement) for a continental breakfast in honor of our mothers.  If your family will be attending the brunch and you haven't contacted me please send me an email.  The children will also be making gifts for their mom's.  Happy Mother's Day!

This Week in the OBUUC Children's Program 5/5/13

This week we'll be learning about Children's Day In Japan.  Children's Day takes place annually on May 5, and is part of the Golden Week. It is a day set aside to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness. Until recently, Tango no Sekku was known as Boys' Day (also known as Feast of Banners) while Girls' Day (Hinamatsuri) was celebrated on March 3. In 1948, the government decreed this day to be a national holiday to celebrate the happiness of all children and to express gratitude toward mothers. It was renamed Kodomo no Hi. Before this day, families raise carp-shaped koinobori flags (carp because of the Chinese legend that a carp that swims upstream becomes a dragon, and the way the flags blow in the wind looks like they are swimming), one for each child.  So, we'll be making paper carp-flags!

This Week in the Children's Program (April 28th)

This week we continue our study of peace.  The children will discussing what peace smells like.  Why? It's a way to think about peace that's "out of the box" allowing the children to to define peace in a different way. Smells can also trigger positive memories and create peace within.  Think of that wonderful smell of bread baking or the cookies at Grandma's house. Don't you feel peaceful?

This week in OBUUC Children's Program is Earth Day!

This Sunday we're celebrating Earth Day!  The children will be listening words spoken over 150 years ago by Chief Seattle, a Native American.   Here's an excerpt: "The earth does not belong to people; people belong to the earth. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. People did not weave the web of life, we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves." After the reading we'll discuss some things that even children can do to help our earth.  And, to remember that we are all responsible for the earth, we'll be making earth luminaries, so expect a delightful light to be brought home.

Have you considered volunteering in the OBUUC Children's Program?

As you can see, we have need of volunteers in our Children's Program, without the strength of volunteers our children's religious education program wouldn't exist.  Have you considered volunteering?

This Week in the OBUUC Children's Program

This Sunday, Deb Rosterfor, the intern minister, is doing a special "Beatles" Sunday.. so the kids 6 yrs and up are going to stay upstairs during the entire service which will be filled with music and fun.  Therefore we'll only have 3-5 year olds downstairs for Sunday School.   The 3-5 year olds will be having "Kid's Club"  they'll have a snack, share Joys and Concerns, listen to a story and then choose between board games, pages to color, books to read etc... for the remainder of the hour.

Celebration - Buddha's Birthday: Sunday 4/7/13

On Sunday the middle school teens will be helping Tony Larsen celebrate Buddha's Birthday.  After The Story For All Ages, the children will continue the celebration.  If you'd like to donate a birthday cake for the snack please email Leann (youth@obuuc.org) as soon as possible! As part of Buddha's Birthday we'll be listening to Buddhist Tales, making origami lanterns and lotus, and coloring Buddhist greetings and the Buddhist flag.  Namaste!

Sunday is Easter and we'll be celebrating!

Since Sunday March 31 is Easter, we'll be celebrating the holiday with egg dyeing, Easter crafts, cupcake decorating and more! Although it's Easter and a lot of people like to wear new festive spring clothes for the occasion, remember that your child my get dyed and frosted while at Sunday school Easter morning. 

5th Graders: Although it's the last Sunday of the month, you'll stay with the Children's Program since the middle school UU Teens will also be joining us for the festivities.

We are in need for one more adult volunteer for the 9am service, if you'd like to join us for the fun, please let Leann (youth@obuuc.org) know as soon as possible.

This week in the Children's Program...

The arrival of spring is celebrated in different religions in different ways. Some of the holidays we know today began as spring festivals a very long time ago. St. Patrick's Day, May Day, Mardi Gras, Carnival, Asian New Year, Passover and Easter, are all related to the ancient spring festivals.  On Sunday March 24th, the Story For All Ages will be an explanation of the Passover Seder Plate.

The Children's Program Lesson continues with the theme of Peace.  The story “What Does Peace Feel Like?” by: V. Radunsky will be read to the class, and the children will define peace as well as use the language of peace to create pictures or books.

DRE news...

It is with a great jumbled mix of emotion that I write the newsletter this month, since this will be my last newsletter as the Co-DRE at Olympia Brown.   March 17^th will be my last service in official capacity as a staff member at OBUUC.

Several weeks ago, I was approached by the superintendent of our local school district to apply for a position at the district office.  Such positions are rarely open in our district and this was a very unique opportunity for me.  After weighing all my options and looking at the needs of my family, I have decided to accept the offer from the school.  Do not think that this was an easy decision to make as I have enjoyed my time here with the children, families and friends of Olympia Brown.

Leann will take over my portion of the DRE position as a full time director and as I remain a member of this church who is passionate about our youth and their religious education, I will still be working in the Children’s Program as a substitute for her at least once a month.  So while the shift in organization will happen – the children will still be working with the same teachers on Sundays and their world should be affected very little.  It was very important to both of us to keep the program consistent.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers for your support and hard work over the last 3 years.  Without you, this job would have been much more of a struggle!  J  I also want to thank all the families for all you do to bring those sweet children here each Sunday and for letting me get to know them and love them so much…  I am very grateful that I don’t need to say good-bye and can still spend my Sundays with you!

Many hugs and thanks,

Laura

Volunteers Needed!!!!

The Spring Schedule is out and we need to fill it fast...  Just over to the right on this blog, you will see two volunteer buttons - one for 9am and one for 11am.  Anyone can come and participate - it's easy and fun!  All lessons and preparation are done in advance and all you're required to do is come hang out with us as a responsible adult.  I promise - we don't bite!  =)


Come join us soon...


Thanks a BUNCH!

Important Upcoming Events...

Greetings friends!

Just a reminder ~

On Sunday, February 10, Lisa Friedrich and Tony will be leading a group for Valentine Caroling at Becker-Shoop.  This is an annual tradition at OBBUC that has always been fun and popular.  We will meet in George Bray Hall after second service for a light lunch that will be provided from 12:30 - 1:00.  At 1:00, Lisa and Tony will practice the songs with the group until 1:45.  At 1:45, everyone will drive over to Becker-Shoop and carol.

 Please let us know if you are planning on attending NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 8 so that we can plan for enough food.  We will also need drivers so let us know if you are available to drive or if you can drive your own family...

Secondly, don't forget the Pledge Drive Brunch that will take place between services on Sunday, February 17th.  It's an opportunity for all of us to join in fun and fellowship together!  There are PINK FORMS AVAILABLE AT CHURCH TO LET US KNOW you're coming...

Have a wonderful week everyone!!!!  

OWL Opportunities for K/1st Graders at OBUUC

Kindergarten and First Grade OWL Opportunities

OBUUC is offering a parent Support group with trained facilitators to support you as you teach the OWL curriculum at home to your kindergartener or 1^st grader.

OWL (Our Whole Lives) Classes are age appropriate sexuality education classes. OBUUC has made it a priority to offer these classes to the young people at church because sexuality is a big part of who we are, our spirituality and how we relate to the important people in our lives. Building strong and healthy relationships is the core of the curriculum. This curriculum also covers all the vital information our young people need to make good, sound and informed decisions.

OWL starts with our young kindergarteners and first graders. Last year, it was offered to this age group and we did not have enough interested families to fill a class.

But….

There is another option for parents that are still interested in covering these important materials. Renting the books from the OBUUC library and teaching the material at home is an ideal alternative. This is education that parents should be actively involved in and teaching it at home gives you the chance to instill your views and values. You will have the opportunity to bond with your child and make them feel comfortable talking with you about these personal issues.

Starting at the beginning of February, a parent support group, facilitated by Eric and Lisa Friedrich will be meeting on a regular basis to answer questions and give support to the parents who choose to teach the material at home. They will also be available anytime to answer questions via email and/or phone calls. Eric and Lisa are both trained facilitators for the Kindergarten and First grade OWL curriculum. They taught the first group of OBUUC children when it was offered in 2009.

Meeting times will be determined after we know who is interested and what times will work best for those involved.

Please contact Laura or Leann at church to express an interest and get your name on the list by January 25.

Kindergarten/1^st grade curriculum covers issues like, self image, body image, correct body part labels and functions, different types of family units, safe touches -vs- unsafe touches, and how babies come to be.