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!