I am not going to question your opinions. I am not going to meddle with your belief. I am not going to dictate to you mine. All that I say is, examine, inquire. Look into the nature of things. Search out the grounds of your opinions, the for and against. Know why you believe, understand what you believe, and possess a reason for the faith that is in you. — Frances Wright, writer, feminist, abolitionist, and utopian
Background info:
Children discover there can be multiple answers to big questions. They learn that to seek and evaluate answers to big questions is a sign of UU faith. They experience prayer or mediation, the ritual of this session, as a way of seeking answers within and a way to articulate and feel their own appreciation, gratitude, wishes, and hopes.
The details about Sunday morning:
Babies – 4 year olds
- chalice lighting, children’s covenant, joys & concerns
Kindergarten- grade 5
- chalice lighting, children’s covenant, joys & concerns
- listen to the story: Sitting on the Answer
- Activity 2 discuss story and relate to lesson done on August 25 about Answering our Big Questions
- learn about and participate in various UU rituals of prayer or meditation
What you can do this week at home:
If you are unable to join us, feel free to use these links and resources to create a faith formation opportunity in your own home this week.
EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Talk about… the spiritual practices of family members. Who has used prayer or meditation? Why? Have they used it regularly, that is, as a ritual?
Family Ritual. Read Handout 1, UU Prayers and Meditations together. Pick one to recite regularly as a new family ritual.
Family Discovery. How does your family deal with questions? Did adults or older youth in the family ask many questions when they were children? When younger people in the family ask questions, do adults or older youth try to answer them? Is there a family member who is the “go to” person for answers?
Grades 6-8
- chalice lighting, covenant, joys & concerns
- First day of our new curriculum, Building Bridges!
- We will focus on our own UU faith and look at lessons in workshop 1 & workshop 2 for the next couple weeks.
I hope to see your family on Sunday! Let me know if I can be supportive to you in any other way! I am here for you.
All my best with blessings,
Amy