Welcome back!
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
This is a quick "Welcome back!" newsletter. We will be back to the official editions of The Compass next week. I am always looking for interesting news, guest articles, and photos for the newsletter. Please send submissions to admin@uunewbedford by Mondays at 12:00 PM for the weekly Wednesday edition. -Jessica
Greetings, my friends!
I am so excited to be back in the office, getting ready for our Ingathering/Water Communion on Sunday, Sept. 7. The summer was very restful; I read a lot, wrote a lot, and hiked around the White Mountains and Star Island. My battery is fully charged and I’m more than ready to begin our new church year – my TENTH year as minister to UUNB!
We continue to live in very complex and trying times, and more than ever, we need to commit to standing on the side of Love, fighting for justice, and supporting each other and our community. I hope this year we can expand our Social Justice Team, get out on the streets, and do whatever we can to protect the most marginalized and vulnerable. We must stay strong, stay connected to our UU values, and hold each other up.
I would like to hear your ideas in the coming weeks. What would you like to see happening here? Is there a group you’d like to start? Is there a topic you’d really like me to talk about for a sermon? Would you like to know how to get involved? Whatever your questions, concerns, or thoughts are, I ALWAYS want to hear about them. My office hours are Tues, Wed & Thurs, 10 to 1, and you are welcome to drop in or make an appointment. You can also call me, 10 am to 10 pm, every day but Sunday and Monday (text me first, please), if you need to just talk. You can call for an emergency anytime.
It continues to be my honor and privilege to serve as minister to this growing, thriving congregation. We have lots of work to do, so ELBOWS UP, people! Show up, get involved, and lead with love, my friends. LET’S DO THIS!
With Love and Light- Karen
Book an appointment with Karen by clicking on the link below. Please wait for email confirmation before arrival.
What does it mean to be a people of Building Belonging?
Welcome to Way Cool Sunday School of The First Unitarian Church in New Bedford! We look forward to a year of Soul Matters themes to guide our selection of material for our curriculum, which represents the mission and vision of the church, along with spiritual and artistic endeavors that allow children and youth to take an active part in their morning routine.
We have been functioning in a one-room schoolhouse model and will continue to do so. Please come to our RE TEAM meeting every month to communicate best practices for Religious Education.
Our Welcome Back/Water Communion is our first inter-generational service of the Church Year. Remember to bring your water to add to our blessings for a beautiful church year! From tap to Tokyo….we understand not all have the luxury to travel, but water is essential, so no matter where you get it, we love you!
Sample Schedule:
11:00: First Fifteen {Sanctuary, Stories for All Ages}
11:15: Sunday School {Tryworks, Maja Capek, Garden, and Walking Trips}
12:00 Dismissal {You are responsible for your children}
Way Cool Sunday School Volunteers & RE Team Members Encouraged
You can join our team by volunteering your time to work with the children and families of the program! Simply fill out the proper documents and roll up your sleeves.
How Can You Help Your Child Benefit From the Way Cool Sunday School?
Encourage regular attendance
volunteer time
Discuss lessons after class
Check out our “honor system” library
Join the RE Team {meets once a month}
Safety Commitment
We are committed to following Safe Congregation procedures to maintain the utmost safety for all children and youth. Please be sure to sign the agreement attached to the Registration Form and complete the background check if applicable. Safe Congregation
Registration
Even if you are a returning family or just an occasional attendee, please register your child or youth by completing the registration form. Registrations help us stay up to date on contact information, medical/social needs, and also helps us keep track of how our program is growing!
Home Helpers
Did you know that the UUA has a variety of family and parent resources? From recommended readings on Faith Development, to family social projects, to how to discuss race and equality with your children, and more! An excellent resource to utilize.
What Do Children Need on Sunday Mornings
Reverend Lowell Brook
They need to light a candle, and have a quiet moment to
enjoy its mystery.
They need to sing a song, to hear their own voice and other
voices joined together,
And to feel the feelings that are stirred by music.
They need to hear a story and have a chance to share their
own, remembering that we are each different and also very alike.
They need to create something, realizing that by expressing
themselves, whether using words or materials, they help to bind the different parts of ourselves and life together.
That’s what religion is.
They need to be with an adult who is interested in the world
and who feels the privilege and responsibility of their trust—one
who is glad to be with them, and regards them positively.
Into this safe and encouraging context, we may weave the
content of our religious traditions.
The history and common threads of our identity are
important, to be sure, but without this essential loving embrace, the education will not be religious.
Additional events will be posted on our website, here.