RE-Connect Baltimore

RE Program Registration for Children and Youth

2011-09-12T21:00:00.000-04:00

Fall is upon us and our first day of Religious Education classes is just around the corner, on September 18. This year's theme is "UUs in the World," with a focus on service projects and learning together. We will be welcoming children and youth to the following classes:

Nursery (infants and toddlers)
Sprouts (2 years-old - PreKindergarten)
Explorers (Kindergarten-1st grade)
Questers (2nd grade-5th grade)
Jr. Youth Group (6th grade-8th grade)
Sr. Youth Group (9th grade-12th grade)

Our Religious Education committee has a goal of 100% registration by the end of September, so please register your children and youth at your earliest convenience! Registration is a vital part of communicating with families, ensuring the safety of kids in the program, and presenting an accurate picture of our RE program to the Board and the wider denomination. There are two ways to register. You can click here to register online or download a copy to print here and mail or bring it to church with you. We will also be hosting on-site registration for families after classes on Sept. 18.

To find out more about our programs, download our RE Program Brochure here.

See you in church!

RE-newal

2011-07-07T09:53:00.000-04:00

Thank you for your patience as we transition this blog to another format.
More information on the new format will be available soon!

All Ages Game Night & Potluck Dinner, Sat. May 7, 6:00 pm

2011-04-16T14:11:00.000-04:00

Enoch Pratt Parish Hall will be the place to be for family-friendly fun Saturday, May 7. We'll gather for a potluck dinner and board and other games starting at 6:00 pm.

Bring your favorite board game* and a potluck dish to share. (*Shorter games —ie not Monopoly, Risk, etc. — will allow for more people to try more games)

All ages are welcome!

SAVE THE DATE!

2011-04-16T14:08:00.000-04:00

Please join us on June 5 to celebrate and recognize the dedication and loving hard work of all this year's Religious Education Volunteers. Details will follow soon.

Youth Group Benefit Concert

2011-04-16T14:06:00.000-04:00

For the third consecutive year, First Unitarian's Youth Group is hosting a Spring benefit concert. This year's recipient will be BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter).

Join us May 14 from 7-9 pm to hear young musicians and donate to a worthy cause.

Sources Supper, Sat. April 30, 6:00 pm

2011-04-16T14:03:00.000-04:00

Sources Supper is a ritual meal that connects us to our religious roots by telling the stories of our Unitarian and Universalist founders, and asking us to imagine how their stories inspire our own.

By sharing a “pot luck” meal and offering our thoughts to each other, we hope to grow in our religious affections and identity. This event is most appropriate for adults, youth and older children and is inspired by Unity Unitarian's Sources Supper: A Celebration of Our Unitarian Universalist Heritage.

Sign up online or contact Director of Lifespan RE, Becky Brooks to let us know you’re coming. We'll enjoy an evening of music and candlelight and spirit. All are welcome!

Mystery Buddies Breakfast

2011-04-07T12:14:00.000-04:00

Our Mystery Buddies participants enjoyed another great year of clue exchanges and learning more about their buddies. We gathered for a potluck breakfast on March 27 and much fun was had by all!

First U's Got Talent!

2011-02-02T19:40:00.000-05:00

You won't want to miss our Multi-Generational Talent Show this Sunday, Feb. 6 after church!

Come cheer on our tots, tweens and teens as they grace our Parish Hall with a whole host of entertainments. We'll have singing and dancing, acting and comedy — you name it!

We'll have finger foods available to nibble on after the service as the show gets underway. Join in the fun!

First Unitarian Church Playgroup Meets February 26

2011-02-02T19:36:00.000-05:00

The First Unitarian Church Playgroup for infants and toddlers will meet Saturday, Feb. 26 at 9:30 am. We will meet for an hour of play and conversation in the first floor classrooms. All children four and under are welcome, as are their older siblings. Bring a favorite toy to share if you like and anything to make your little ones more comfortable.

Parents, come play and hang out with your kids and other First U parents this Saturday! Snacks are still needed! If you plan to come and would like to bring a snack or if you have any questions, contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks.

See you at church!

Mystery Buddies on the Horizon!

2011-02-02T19:31:00.001-05:00

Each year when February rolls around, it's time to start thinking about Mystery Buddies. If you've ever been a mystery buddy, you know how much fun it can be.

It goes like this: Throughout February, children and adults choose a code name and sign up to be matched into Mystery Buddy pairs. At the end of February, pairs of one adult and one child are made and code names are announced.

Though each buddy knows the code name of their buddy, and a few starter facts, their identity will be a mystery. Every week in March, clues like notes and homemade gifts are exchanged as each participant tries to guess each other's identity.

In addition to just being fun, the Mystery Buddy program is also one of the rare opportunities adults have to meet children as individuals. Teachers meet a child as one of many in a class. Neighbors and congregants typically meet a child as so-and-so's daugher or the brother of so-and-so. Though these children may certainly become known as individuals eventually, the opportunity to begin in such a context is rare. And, speaking as one who has this privilege more than most, it is precious. While it is true that the child sitting in the pew in front of you may well become your doctor one day, or your mechanic, or the person who rents an apartment to your grandchild, the magic of church—of our intergenerational community—is that that child is also a person sitting in church, just like you. Mystery Buddies is a fun way to find out who that kid is, what do they care about? What do they like to do? Who are they? And, meanwhile, who are you?

Stop by the RE table at coffee hour any Sunday in February to sign up to be Mystery Buddy. Sign-up forms are also available for downloading here. Anyone under the age of 18 can be a "younger" buddy and anyone over 12 can be an "older" buddy (youth can choose). Each buddy will choose a code name and decorate a mailbag to receive notes from their Mystery Buddy. Pairs will exchange clues about their identity each week in March. The whole program will conclude with a potluck breakfast on March 27 where identities are revealed. It's truly fun for all ages, I hope you'll join in!

First U Playgroup meets Saturday, Jan. 8

2011-01-04T18:03:00.000-05:00

The inaugural meeting of our First Unitarian Church Playgroup for infants and toddlers will be this Saturday, Jan. 8 at 9:30 am. We will meet for an hour of play and conversation in the first floor classrooms (Note: please enter through the front of the church on Franklin Street!) All children four and under are welcome, as are their older siblings. Bring a favorite toy to share if you like and anything to make your little ones more comfortable.

Parents, come play and hang out with your kids and other First U parents this Saturday! Snacks are still needed! If you plan to come and would like to bring a snack or if you have any questions, contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks.

See you at church!

"Rise Up and Call her Name" Adult Religious Education course begins Jan. 22

2011-01-04T17:50:00.000-05:00

Rise Up and Call Her Name: A Woman-honoring Journey into Global Earth-based Spiritualities, by Elizabeth Fisher

This Adult Religious Education Class will led by Dorothy Critcher and Janice Zimmerman Saturday mornings, Jan. 22 - Mar. 5 (9:30 am to 12:00 noon.)

Rise Up and Call Her Name provides a unique format for learning about goddesses from a variety of traditions.

This course is for the person looking to regain the “whole” of humankind’s spiritual roots. It presents aspects common to many cultural traditions around the globe which are not frequently highlighted. These important roots include honoring the earth, revering the sacred feminine and valuing women.

Sessions will include creative ritual, chants and songs, artistic adventures, group dialogues, journal writing, storytelling, dancing, meditations and mask making. The curriculum also includes sensitively narrated ten-minute video segments of dramatically filmed images of women-honoring sacred art, both ancient and contemporary.

You can register for this class online or contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks if you have any questions.

Every Day

2011-01-04T15:55:00.000-05:00

This is a reprint of the Director of Lifespan Religious Education's column from the January issue of The Beacon newsletter

Almost ten years ago I began to write in a journal. I decided I was going to try to write every single day. I failed. About eight years ago I decided to try again. I failed. About six years ago I decided to try again and this time, for whatever reason, something clicked and *nearly* every day since, I carved out a small, precious bit of time to write in my journal. But then something changed. There is no entry in my journal for the day our twins were born. There is no entry for the day after. No entries for the days of recovery in the hospital. No entries for the eight days our son was in the NICU. No joyful entry when all five of us were home at last. No "milestones of the first month" entry, no entries detailing the insanity of sleep deprivation or the ecstasy of first smiles. The spiritual practice of journalling that I had built up over years is broken. Like a once-prized roadster on blocks in the front yard, it sits waiting for me to patch it up and turn the engine over to see if I can still coax it to life. There is, and always will be, something more pressing, more exciting, more fun or more important to do than to sit down and write in my journal. But as the babies settle into something resembling a schedule (gasp!) I am remembering the pull of having a practice.

But to create (or re-create) a practice, we must change. Not only do I have to remember how helpful the practice of journaling was, not only do I have to muscle that chunk of time into the schedule of my life, I have to write. In order to return to journaling every day, I have to journal every day. Simple? Yes. Easy? No. When we make time in our lives to contain something we desire it doesn't stop the rest of our lives from continuing to crash back in. In my days of thwarted attempts to try journalling again I've done laundry instead, shopped for baby clothes online, caught up with email for work and made myself some very nice sandwiches. I wrote successfully today. I wrote for thirty minutes, uninterrupted, and it was lovely. But unless I do it tomorrow too, it's not a practice. And what I want, even more than a record of my day or a way to process the day's thoughts, is a practice.

It's the same with church. If you come to church occasionally, you might hear a good sermon, meet some nice people, enjoy the conversation and the coffee. And maybe that's all you want. Maybe you want a little food for your brain and a smile at coffee hour and you're a happy camper. But if you want a community, if you want a place for your children to grow into a sense of their own spirituality and explore the wisdom of the traditions of the world, if your want to be heard, if you want to listen, if you want to belong, that's work you have to do every week. Every Sunday morning First Unitarian saves a place for you. I hope to see you there.

First U's Got Talent Redux!

2011-01-04T15:45:00.000-05:00

Because of snowmageddon last year we were forced to cancel the intergenerational talent show. In hopes of a kinder, gentler winter we are rescheduling for Sunday, February 6 after the service at 1 p.m.. There will be lunch for purchase.

Start planning now for your contribution! Search out a talented young person and form a team; show off your family's gifts - you have the dark nights of January to practice. All acts must include one or more children, and wacky prizes will be awarded in three categories: child/children/youth, family (children performing with related adult(s)), and children/adult (children performing with unrelated adult(s)). Michael Preston will direct. Sign up at the Welcome Table in Enoch Pratt Parish Hall after services or contact Michael.

Don't want to show off? Just plan to attend and cheer on our talented tots, tweens, teens!

Family Singing Night, Saturday, Dec. 4, 5-7 pm

2010-11-23T20:18:00.000-05:00

Bring a potluck dish to share, your singing voice and your whole family to our First Unitarian Family Singing Night on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. We'll be singing holiday songs and carols and enjoying a great meal together. Rev. David will lead the singing and Becky Brooks will lead the listening! All are welcome. Join in the holiday fun!

Contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks, if you have questions.

Values Exercises Adult Religious Education Class begins Tuesday, Oct. 19

2010-10-10T18:17:00.000-04:00

No matter where we are in our lives we come up against questions that challenge our values, a life-challenging decision, where to move, what to do in retirement, what to do next.

This class will feature a series of exercises: some fun, some soul searching, some public, some private help us to find or reset where we really are with our values; not just what we think we believe.

We will meet Tuesday evenings, Oct. 19-Nov. 30, 7-9 pm in the downstairs classrooms of the First Unitarian Church (no class on Nov. 2).

Register online here or sign up in person at the RE table after church on Sunday. Registration closes Oct. 17. For more information, contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks.

The class will be led by church member, Suzanne Lebovit. Suzanne’s interest in developing and clarifying her values began when her youth minister, James Reeb, was killed in Selma, Alabama in 1965. Her youth group rallied to finish the Selma to Montgomery march for him, helping to develop her values and serving as a lesson on how instant decisions can be so meaningful and historical. For the last 20 years Suzanne has worked as a public health advisor, currently at the Baltimore City jail.

Save the Date! For our annual Halloween Party

2010-10-10T18:11:00.000-04:00

This year's Halloween Party for All Ages at First Unitarian Church will be Friday, Oct. 29, from 6-8 pm in Pratt Hall. Join us for pizza dinner, costume fun and plenty of great activities.
See you there for a spooktacular good time!!

Voices of a Liberal Faith

2010-09-17T18:22:00.000-04:00

Unitarian Universalism on Twitter

2010-09-17T18:20:00.000-04:00

Are you on twitter? Check out some of your fellow UUs:

TapestryUU (http://twitter.com/TapestryUU)
Peter Morales (http://twitter.com/uuprez)
Adrian Hilliard (http://twitter.com/UUXMNR)
Andrea Lerner (http://twitter.com/andrealerner)
Rev. Naomi King (http://twitter.com/revnaomi)
Peter Bowden (http://twitter.com/uuplanet)
Rev. Marilyn Sewell (http://twitter.com/marilynsewell)
Rev. Debra Haffner (http://twitter.com/revdebra)
Kari Kopnick (http://twitter.com/hi_its_kari)
SUUSI (http://twitter.com/suusi)
Church of the Younger Fellowship (http://twitter.com/CYFGA)
First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia (http://twitter.com/philauu)
Beacon Press Books (http://twitter.com/BeaconPressBks)
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (http://twitter.com/UUSC)
UU World (http://twitter.com/UUWorld)

Are you on twitter? Leave your handle in the comments!

Unitarian Universalist Identity

2010-09-17T18:19:00.000-04:00

Each year a theme is selected to guide programming for children and youth in the Religious Education program on Sunday mornings. This year's theme is Unitarian Universalist Identity. In focusing and reflecting on what it means to be a UU in the world, volunteer teachers will help children and youth learn from their religious heritage, discern their own values and ideals and find out where they fit and how to articulate their own thoughts about the big questions of life.

The following curriculum are being used this year for our PK-6th grade classes:

Questers (4th-6th grades): Toolbox of Faith (link: http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/toolboxfaith/index.shtml)
Explorers (1st-3rd grades): Picture Book UU (link: http://www.uure.com/PBUU.html)
Maiasaurs (PK-K): Friendship Finders (link: http://thecaringtree.net/friendship_finders)

For more information, ideas and activity suggestions about how you can learn more about your family's Unitarian Universalist Identity at home, check out the Church of the Larger Fellowship's website on UU Identity and RE here: http://clf.uua.org/re/qtr_uuidentity.html

Parenting through grief

2010-09-10T10:27:00.000-04:00

By Michelle Richards, on September 7th, 2010

Death has touched our family again, for the fifth time in five years. You would think that we would be getting rather acclimated to the grieving process after having gone through so many losses in such a short time, but it is never easy.

Candle (©tweetyclaw/iStockPhoto)

This time there doesn’t seem to be as much soul-searching by my teenage daughter to understand why bad things happen; not as there was when, at age ten, her best friend was killed in a tragic accident. Now, after the death of her beloved but aging grandmother, she suffers from an abundance of guilt (for not spending more time with her) and struggles with biting her tongue when well-intended people speak of a theology which doesn’t match hers. Meanwhile, my eight-year-old son struggles with his own sense of mortality and—even worse, perhaps—mine. He is aware that his father was present when his mother took her last breath, which, unfortunately, is an all-too-acute reminder that his own mother will one day face death as well.
Parenting in times of intense grief is never easy, especially when we are in the midst of experiencing our own feelings of regret, anger, and sorrow. As Unitarian Universalist parents, many of us yearn for comforting words to say to our children because it tears us up inside to see them suffering. However, sometimes there are no words which can bring comfort from the grief. In times like these, our loving presence and support can offer them what they need. We can reassure them that we will be there for them when they need to talk, to vent, or even rant a bit.
As for dealing with the well-meaning words offered by others, I can help Shannon to recognize that while their words may not offer comfort through the ideas they express, it can be possible to find some support in why they are being expressed. I learned this important lesson from a very good friend of mine, also a Unitarian Universalist parent. After her daughter’s death, she heard many comments about angels and being with God, yet instead of feeling resentment over these words, she chose to “translate” these words into something which did offer her support.
Recognizing that people expressing such thoughts are well intentioned can help us embrace their concern for us, even when they share words that don’t fit our own personal theology. The reality is that most people really don’t know what to say, even as they struggle with the need to show they care. Embracing this care and concern expressed by well-meaning people can offer us some solace, even if their words do not.
I don’t pretend to know what happens after we die, and perhaps I will never know the answers the Great Mystery holds. However, I do know that if my in-laws are reunited together in some ethereal place like heaven, rejoined with some sort of greater cosmic consciousness, or are souls waiting to be reborn into a new existence, they’re probably arguing with each other over how long the green beans should be cooked in the pressure cooker. Unless, of course, they’re able to find themselves as part of a foursome playing Pinochle in the Great Beyond, and then I hope they have the winning hand.
Resources: “Talking about Death,” by Betsy Hill Williams (Connections, Church of the Larger Fellowship)

From http://blogs.uuworld.org/parenting/?h3

Flaming Chalice: Symbol of Our Faith

2010-09-10T10:21:00.000-04:00

A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot), represents the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and is a symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith.

"At the opening of Unitarian Universalist worship services, many congregations light a flame inside a chalice. This flaming chalice has become a well-known symbol of our denomination. It unites our members in worship and symbolizes the spirit of our work."
—Dan Hotchkiss

Hans Deutsch, an Austrian artist, first brought together the chalice and the flame as a Unitarian symbol during his work with the Unitarian Service Committee during World War II. To Deutsch, the image had connotations of sacrifice and love. Unitarian Universalists today have many different interpretations of the image. To learn more about the history of our Unitarian Universalist symbol, please read the pamphlet, "The Flaming Chalice."
The flaming chalice image has changed many times over the past 65 years. Modern chalice designs often incorporate two overlapping circles which, for many people, represent our Unitarian and Universalist heritages. Other images include additional elements, some of which are merely decorative and others which are very meaningful.
Our current official UUA logo was designed to offer a visual representation of a modern and dynamic faith. Unitarian Universalist congregations are free to use the UUA's logo in their congregational work, but they are not required to do so. Because of this, you may see many different styles of flaming chalices and other images used by Unitarian Universalist congregations.

From http://www.uua.org/visitors/6901.shtml

Religious Education for Children and Youth Begins Sept. 19

2010-09-10T10:17:00.000-04:00

Dedicated teams of Religious Education volunteers are excited to begin classes for children and youth starting Sunday, Sept. 19. This year's theme of Unitarian Universalist Identity will be explored for each of our age groups through great UU curricula featuring fun, hands on activities.

Children and youth and their families will join the whole community in worship at 11:00 and will be sung to their classes after Time for All Ages. RE classes end at 12:30, at which point adults can pick up their children in 6th grades and under in their classrooms, check in with their teachers and learn about that day's class.

Have a great first day!

Ware Lecture Wows Again

2010-09-03T20:50:00.000-04:00

General Assembly attendees were moved by this year's Ware Lecture speaker, Winona LaDuke. A video of the lecture is here
http://www.uua.org/events/generalassembly/2010/ga2010/165861.shtml

From the UU World GA blog, by Donald E Skinner
http://blogs.uuworld.org/ga/2010/06/26/laduke-urges-environmental-action-in-ware-lecture/

Winona LaDuke invited her audience Saturday night at the Ware Lecture to take back their country by erecting wind turbines, blocking coal plants and genetically-modified crops, and, above all, not waiting for someone else to save the world.

Duke, a Native-American activist, environmentalist, and writer, lives in Minnesota and is active in many movements to preserve Native American lands, and slow climate change. She was a vice-presidential candidate for the Green Party in 1996 and 2000.

Part of the answer to climate change, she said, is to create a green energy economy on a local scale. “Do not let them take you into the debate that renewable energy will never meet present demand. We need an efficient economy that does not transport everything so far and that does not try to feed the gas tanks of Hummers. We need to liberate our minds from what we believe we are entitled to. Take more responsibility than just putting in LED bulbs.” ...

...She added, “Do not ever give up hope. Remember our victories. We fight these guys and we win. The next revolution will be local. It is possible to make these changes and it is us who will make them.”

RE Begins Sept. 19; Maiasaurs Profile

2010-09-03T20:44:00.002-04:00

An exciting new year of Religious Education for Children and Youth will begin soon. Over the next several weeks, our RE-Connect blog will be profiling each of the groups and classes for children and youth.

Maiasaurs — Our Maiasaurs class for PreKindergarten and Kindergarteners meets each week in the upstairs classrooms, next door to the Youth Group. Teachers, Rebecca Wald, Sue Parr and Heather Lemkelde are assisted by Janice Zimmerman and Rachel Dodge. Their curriculum, Friendship Finders focuses on the basic ideas and values that help make a group into a community. Maiasaurs do crafts, make art, act, listen and play in order to learn how we share, make friends, care about each other and learn new ideas.

Other classes for children and youth include:

Nursery (infants and toddlers)
Sprouts (2-4 year olds)
Explorers (1st-3rd grades)
Questers (4th-6th grades)
Youth Group (7th grade and up)

We look forward to your children and youth joining us this Fall!

Our Theological House

2010-08-27T17:11:00.000-04:00

Rebecca Ann Parker and John A Buehrens, both luminaries within the Unitarian Universalist movement, have collaborated on a remarkable book: A House for Hope: The Promise of Progressive Religion for the Twenty-First Century. http://www.uuabookstore.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=1261

A House for Hope examines and articulates a progressive liberal theology in its own terms, using the metaphor of a house to ground deep theological concepts in a real-world context.

To hear Parker and Buehrens read from and discuss their book, check out the video here http://www.uua.org/events/generalassembly/2010/ga2010/167359.shtml

RE Begins Sept. 19; Questers Profile

2010-08-27T17:06:00.002-04:00

An exciting new year of Religious Education for Children and Youth will begin soon. Over the next several weeks, our RE-Connect blog will be profiling each of the groups and classes for children and youth.

Questers — Our Questers class for 4th through 6th graders meets in the first floor classrooms and is taught by Gina Foringer, Kristin Seeberger, Carrie Ingles, Whitney Novak and Denise Gregory-Wyatt, assisted by Kip Wyatt, Laura Webber and Tim Ingles. The new, online curriculum Toolbox of Faith uses tools as metaphors for Unitarian Universalist values and ideas. Kids in our Questers class will do hands-on projects to think through and discern their own ideas about the big questions in life.

Other classes for children and youth include:

Nursery (infants and toddlers)
Sprouts (2-4 year olds)
Maiasaurs (PreKindergarten-Kindergarten)
Explorers (1st-3rd grades)
Youth Group (7th grade and up)

We look forward to your children and youth joining us this Fall!

Join the rhythm! Drum Circle, Friday, Aug. 27

2010-08-21T14:26:00.000-04:00

The Enoch Pratt Parish Hall will be filled with rhythm Friday, August 27 from 7-9 pm. Carolyn Battle and Glenn Ricci will lead a drum circle for adults, youth and children age 8 and up. Bring a drum (and an extra to share if you have one!) This event is free of charge and open to all.

Download a flyer here (link: http://www.box.net/shared/bmjs50mubt)

RE Begins Sept. 19; Explorers Profile

2010-08-21T14:25:00.000-04:00

An exciting new year of Religious Education for Children and Youth will begin soon. Over the next several weeks, our RE-Connect blog will be profiling each of the groups and classes for children and youth.

Explorers — Our Explorers class for 1st through 3rd graders meets in the first floor classrooms. Volunteer teachers, Blake Porter, Kristen Humphrey and Stephannie Weikert lead lessons from the curriculum, Picture Book Unitarian Universalism. This new curriculum uses contemporary picture books as a focus for teaching about Unitarian Universalist principles and ideals. Crafts, artwork and stories help our kids learn about their religious heritage while discovering their own values.

Other classes for children and youth include:
Nursery (infants and toddlers)
Sprouts (2-4 year olds)
Maiasaurs (PreKindergarten-Kindergarten)
Questers (4th-6th grades)
Youth Group (7th grade and up)

We look forward to your children and youth joining us this Fall!

Men, Women, and Margaret Fuller

2010-08-13T09:11:00.000-04:00

Author/actress Laurie James’ original, one-woman drama creates a passionate portrait of the life and work of Margaret Fuller. Through Fuller’s own words you will see, hear and imagine the beginnings of the feminist viewpoints and principles that laid the groundwork for the women’s rights movement in the United States.
Read the report from the UU World General Assembly Blog: Margaret Fuller Fans Celebrate Her Bicentennial.

http://www.uua.org/events/generalassembly/2010/ga2010/167322.shtml

Are you on Facebook?

2010-08-13T09:07:00.000-04:00

Did you know that our congregation has a Facebook page? You can visit our page here: http://www.facebook.com/firstubaltimore
If you "like" us, we can keep you posted about special events right on your Facebook wall. Join the conversation!

RE Begins Sept. 19; Youth Group Profile

2010-08-13T09:05:00.000-04:00

An exciting new year of Religious Education for Children and Youth will begin soon. Over the next several weeks, our RE-Connect blog will be profiling each of the groups and classes for children and youth.

Youth Group — Youth in grades 7 and up are welcome to join this group, which meets in our Youth room, upstairs, during worship services each Sunday. Programming for youth is guided by the youth themselves, in partnership with talented and dedicated youth advisors, Andre Mendes, Alice Lium and Bess Lewis. Activities may include discussion, values-focusing role-playing game, musical instrument making, or other youth-chosen options. All youth are welcome!

Other classes for children and youth include:

Nursery (infants and toddlers)
Sprouts (2-4 year olds)
Maiasaurs (PreKindergarten-Kindergarten)
Explorers (1st-3rd grades)
Questers (4th-6th grades)

We look forward to your children and youth joining us this Fall!

Newest Congregational Study/Action Issue: "Immigration as a moral issue"

2010-08-09T13:18:00.000-04:00

The Unitarian Universalist General Assembly of 2010 has approved a new Congregational Study/Action Issue: "Immigration as a Moral Issue." From uua.org:

"Migration of people—driven by economic, social, political and environmental factors—is taking place around the world. Millions are currently in transit, in refugee camps, in detention centers, or living and working in places without full legal status and without access to social services or protection of civil rights.

"The dignity of all the world's peoples is core to Unitarian Universalist (UU) principles and values. Given the justice-oriented nature of UU faith, UUs are called to be leaders in the struggle for immigrant and refugee rights, and to view immigration not only as a legal issue but also moral issue."

For more about this, visit the Study/Action issue page here (link: http://secure2.uua.org/socialjustice/issuesprocess/currentissues/152647.shtml) and stay tuned to this blog for how our congregation will be involved in this important work.

RE for Children And Youth Begins Sept. 19

2010-08-09T13:02:00.002-04:00

An exciting new year of Religious Education for Children and Youth will begin soon. Over the next several weeks, our RE-Connect blog will be profiling each of the groups and classes for children and youth.

Sprouts — Our Sprouts class for two through four year olds will be located in our first floor classrooms, in the room nearest the kitchen. This class is led by volunteers, Stephannie Weikert, Caitlin Cross-Barnet and Michael Cross-Barnet as well as our paid child care provider, Kim Wolf. Our little Sprouts play with play-doh, color, sing songs together, make feasts at the play kitchen and generally learn how to be a small community together through play and sharing. Parents and guardians are always welcome to visit class with their children.

Other classes for children and youth include:
Nursery (infants and toddlers)
Maiasaurs (PreKindergarten - Kindergarten)
Explorers (1st- 3rd grades)
Questers (4th- 6th grades)
Youth Group (7th grade and up)

We look forward to your children joining us this Fall!

Summer is Here!

2010-06-26T17:00:00.000-04:00

School's out and the thermometer is spiking—the seasons have changed in Baltimore and we've moved into Summer mode at First Unitarian.

Throughout the Summer, childcare will be available during worship services. As there is no "Time for All Ages," during Summer services, adults can bring their children to the first floor classrooms before worship begins. Service will start at 11:00 this Sunday, June 27. Starting July 4*, worship will begin at 10:00 am in the Pratt Parish Hall, which will continue throughout the summer. In September, services will return to 11 am in the sanctuary.

Childcare, led by Kim Wolf, will feature crafts, snacks and free play. If you are planning to attend services this Summer, please contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks, to sign up for one or more Sundays to assist with childcare. You can also sign up in person at church on the schedule posted on the bulletin board outside the classroom. A good rule of thumb would be to sign up to assist one Sunday for every three you would like to attend.

Religious Education classes for all ages will begin again on September 19.

Have a great summer!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Please note that July 4 is the only known Sunday when there will be no childcare in order for our childcare provider, Kim Wolf, to have the weekend off. Families are welcome to take advantage of the classrooms during service, but adults should remain with their children to supervise play.

Religious Education PTA Inaugural meeting, Sun. June 6, 12:30 pm

2010-06-02T17:10:00.000-04:00

Did you always want to be involved in children's religious education? Do you have questions about curricula choices or class room set up? Do you want to have input into annual events such as the Halloween Party, Christmas Pageant and Mystery Buddies? If so, we have just the event for you!

The Religious Education Committee for Children and Youth has decided to try a new idea: a PTA for Religious Education. This group is open to all members and friends of First Unitarian Church whether you have kids in the program or not. We welcome parents, teachers, friends, youth, children and interested members or friends of the congregation.

We will have our first meeting on Sunday June 6 at 12:30 pm in the downstairs classrooms.

On the agenda:
• Curricula for next year
• Which kids will be in which classes
• Plans for the Fall when our Director of Lifespan RE is on family leave
• There will be an opportunity to get your questions answered and to volunteer for all aspects of the program.

PIZZA Lunch will be provided for all those who want to attend! Childcare will be provided in the upstairs classrooms with lunch provided for the kids too.

All Church Picnic this Saturday!

2010-06-02T15:42:00.000-04:00

I hope you'll join us for our all church picnic this Saturday, June 5 from noon to 4:00 pm at the Swann Pavilion of Druid Hill park. Bring a dish to share, your whole family and any outdoor games you like to play. The Swann Pavilion is a great location, right next to a swing set and a playground, with lots of seating for everyone.

Come on down!

First U Book Review

2010-05-21T18:47:00.000-04:00

In celebration of First Unitarian Church of Baltimore’s newly updated lending library, we are asking for your help in taking some great new books for a test run!

To participate in the First U Book Review program, simply stop by the RE office on the first floor of the education wing, find a book that interests you and leave your contact information to borrow it. A list of suggested books here, featuring some of our newest additions.

After you’ve read your chosen book, write up a review with your thoughts, send it to Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks and we will publish it on the RE-Connect blog and the Beacon newsletter. Reviews should be 200-250 words and may be edited for publication if need be.

Adults, youth and children are all welcome to participate! We have an ever-growing selection of books available. Questions? Contact Becky for more information or stop by the RE office!

2010-05-21T16:23:00.003-04:00

Connect with us!

2010-05-16T12:01:00.001-04:00

Are you on facebook? Come by and see the First Unitarian Church of Baltimore sometime! If you "like" us, you can receive updates on events and happenings at your favorite Unitarian Universalist church right in your news feed. See you round the virtual block!

Selma: Past and Present DVD presentation, May 27

2010-05-16T11:50:00.000-04:00

Join us Thursday, May 27 at 7:00 pm in our historic Enoch Pratt Parish Hall for this very special event. Charles Blackburn will offer a DVD presentation of the Unitarian Universalist Civil Rights Heritage Pilgrimage to Alabama and Mississippi in February 2009 with commentary about his Civil Rights activities of 1964-66 in the same locations.

Charles Blackburn was a Unitarian Universalist minister and served churches in CA, AL and NY. He was minister in Huntville, AL during the Selma period, 1964-66. After leaving the UU ministry Charles was an organizer for the American Civil Liberties Union, establishing ACLU affiliates in five southern states and 15 city chapters in five other southern states. For 25 years Charles was a fundraiser for numerous Maryland organizations, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Univ. of MD and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Charles retired in 1995. He and his partner of 32 years, Glen Dehn, were plaintiffs in the ACLU lawsuit which attempted to obtain equal civil marriage for same-gender partners.

The Zoerheide Lecture Series begins June 2!

2010-05-15T14:24:00.000-04:00

The First Unitarian Church of Baltimore welcomes Rev. Dr. Bill Murry for the inaugural lecture of the Zoerheide Lecture Series that will address important political, social, and ethical questions of contemporary life.

On Wednesday, June 2, 7:30 pm, Dr. Murry, will offer the presentation: “Humanism's Welcome: constructing a just immigration policy," addressing the question of a reasonable response to immigration reform. In the light of the recent Arizona legislation, religious humanism offers tools to arrive at conclusions for the good of society and that are just for immigrants

Dr. Murry, past president and dean of the faculty at Meadville/Lombard Theological School in Chicago, is the author of Reason and Reverence: Religious Humanism for the 21st Century. Dr. Murry is currently serving as the Sabbatical Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia.

The Zoerheide Lecture Series is free and open to all. Reception to follow. The church is located at the corner of Charles & Franklin Streets. Facilities are wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices available. For fliers or more information contact the church office: office@firstunitarian.net or 410-685-2330.

Spirituality Book Group Meets Sat., May 22, 5:30 pm

2010-05-09T10:41:00.001-04:00

Poetry lifts the veil from the hidden beauty of the world, and makes familiar objects be as if they were not familiar.

—Percy Bysshe Shelley, A Defence of Poetry (1840)

Come explore creative and inspiring spiritual expression about topics ranging from flowers to death and rebirth to the divine! We'll "lift the veil" to address many issues relevant to us as Unitarian Universalists in our search for our inner truths, beauty, and our relationship to the world by reading our personal selections (see assignment below!) as a group . In addition to fruitful discussion, we'll also be doing some creative expressions of our own, inspired by selected poems.

We'll meet at 5:30 pm on Saturday, May 22nd in the Downstairs RE Rooms. Bring a poem that you've read or written that inspires you and your potluck contribution of an appetizer, main dish, side dish, drink, or dessert.

This is part of an ongoing series of spiritual book explorations. If you can’t make this date or have questions, please let discussion leader, Whitney Novak know of your interest in the program and any titles you’d like to throw in for consideration. Responsibility for planning discussion questions and activities will be shared amongst participants. Let Whitney know if you would like to be a co-planner. Contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks to register or visit our registration page online here.

We Want Your Elevator Speech!

2010-04-24T10:52:00.002-04:00

The Unitarian Universalist Association is developing a pamphlet that is a collection of "elevator speeches" that answer the question: "What is Unitarian Universalism?" UUs of all ages are invited to email your short description of our faith to Alicia LeBlanc, for consideration.

A diversity of short statements will be useful to many of us in a variety of situations.

Please submit your Elevator Speech by May 3.

Building Your Own Theology Class is Full

2010-04-19T11:46:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who registered in advance for our Building Your Own Theology class. This Spring session is full. Stay tuned in the Fall for a repeat of this popular class!

Party for Equality Raises over $400 for Equality Maryland

2010-04-11T08:11:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much to all who attended the Youth Group's "Party for Equality" The Youth Group and friends raised $412 to benefit Equality Maryland. And thank you to Equality Maryland's Director of Development, Kevin Walling for attending and sharing a few words with the crowd. If you weren't able to attend but would like to make a contribution, you can do so online at Equality Maryland here.

Great job everybody!

Building Your Own Theology Class returns to First Unitarian starting Wednesday, April 21.

2010-04-09T21:40:00.000-04:00

Religious education is the cradle-to-grave process by which we grow our theology.... The essential thing is not so much how one labels these values (for example, whether one uses the term “God” or not), but that these values be understood and made real in the life of the person. This program is largely built on undertaking these tasks. —Richard S. Gilbert

This classic Unitarian Universalist curriculum is a treasured component of Adult Religious Education programs in congregations all over the continent. Building Your Own Theology invites you to search through your own religious history and spiritual development in order to identify the values and beliefs that form your core faith identity. Through discussion, exercises, homework, and reflection, participants will create spiritual autobiographies, examine the ways we make meaning in our lives, and develop a personal credo statement. We will meet for seven consecutive Wednesday evenings, Apr. 21–May. 26 on the following topics:

Apr. 21 — Your Religious Odyssey
Apr. 28 — Varieties of Liberal Religious Experience
May 5 — Human Nature: Some Self-Understanding
May 12 — Ultimate Reality: Creating an Honest God
May 19 — Ethics: The Importance of Being Good for Nothing
May 26 — We Are the Meaning Makers

Building Your Own Theology will be led by Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks. Childcare will be provided on request. Limit 20 participants.

When: Wednesdays, Apr. 21–May 26, 7:00–9:00 pm

Register online here: http://www.formspring.com/forms/?702752-qBJm68Rndn or contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks, at 443-921-6912 or redirector@firstunitarian.net

New Books Available at the First Unitarian Bookstore

2010-04-07T20:46:00.000-04:00

Our Pratt Hall Bookstore is pleased to announce a new set of books available for kids and parents. Stop by the bookstore during coffee hour any Sunday to check out the selection, including the following:

• Unitarian Universalism is a Really Long Name

• Child's Book of Blessings and Prayers

• Meet Jesus: The Life and Lessons of a Beloved Teacher

• Kids' Guide to Protecting and Caring for Animals

• Too Old for This, Too Young for That: Your Survival Guide for Middle School Years

• What Every 21st-Century Parent Needs to Know: Facing Today's Challenges with Wisdom and Heart

• How to Bury a Goldfish

See you at church!

Our own "Rev" is featured on Standing On The Side of Love's blog

2010-03-22T23:07:00.001-04:00

Visit www.standingonthesideoflove.org/blog to check out Rev. David Carl Olson's featured post about his experience in attending Sunday's March for America.

Adult Religious Education — Call for Class Proposals

2010-03-19T15:44:00.000-04:00

Spring (Apr-Jun) — proposals considered in late March

Summer (Jul-Sep) — proposals considered in early June

Fall (Oct-Dec) — proposals considered in early Sept.

The deadline for submitting a proposal for the Spring quarter of 2010 is Mar. 23. To submit a proposal, use our online form by clicking here or download a printable proposal form here. Printed forms can be mailed to the church (attn: Becky Brooks; 1 W. Hamilton St., Baltimore, MD 21201) or dropped off at the RE table after church on Sundays.

We await your suggestions!

Potluck & Book Discussion Sat. Mar 20, 4:00 pm

2010-03-19T13:15:00.000-04:00

I hope you'll join us for a potluck dinner and conversation tomorrow, Saturday, March 20 starting at 4:00 pm for the "Exploring Our Truth Through Books" kick-off event.

We'll be discussing the ideas in F. Forrest Church's The Cathedral of the World: A Universalist Theology. If you have had the chance to read some or all of Church's book, bring your ideas and thoughts! If you weren't able to get ahold of the book or if you haven't had the chance to read it, come anyway! Click here to read a sermon delivered by Church about the primary metaphors in his book. Just a few minutes reading of the sermon and your own personal experience will prepare you for our great discussion about Universalist theology.

If you would like to join us, simply email Becky Brooks and let me know whether you'd like to bring an appetizer, main dish, drink, or dessert.

We'll gather for food, fellowship, and a guided opportunity to explore the content of this theology and how it relates to our own personal theologies. Bring your potluck offering, your thoughts/notes/responses, and a clear head for discussion.

See you at church!

Spring Forward This Sunday

2010-03-12T20:40:00.001-05:00

Spring is on the way!

Don't forget to move your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night, March 13—you don't want to be late for church!

Mystery Buddies Begins Sunday!

2010-03-12T20:34:00.000-05:00

Download the full list of Mystery Buddy Matches for 2010 here.

If you have any questions or aren't able to make it to church on Sunday, contact the Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks

Bibleodeon Canceled

2010-03-10T19:48:00.000-05:00

Sadly our Bibleodeon workshop, scheduled for this Saturday at 9 am has been canceled. Please check back for other Religious Education opportunities for Adults, Teens and Children.

Come be an InFestor. Think, create, participate.

2010-03-07T09:05:00.000-05:00

Do you have children in First Unitarian's Religious Education program? If so, you and your child are invited to a breakfast Sunday, March 14 to a special, creative part of Springfest through the "InFestors" group. At 9:30 Rev. David Carl Olson and Fest Committee member Laurel Mendes will gather with new and returning InFestors and their parents in the Peace Chapel to brainstorm parts of the skits. The InFestors have roles varying from just planning and being behind the scenes, to marching with banners in the Fests processions, to being puppeteers for the birds or inside the dragon, and speaking and acting in the Festival. All levels of participation are available.

This year's Springfest service will be April 11. Our theme this year is “Right Relations, you, me, and the world.” Our seasonal archetypes, Winter and Lord of the Forest, have been rude to each other, and have fallen out of right relationship. How can our children get Mr. Forest and Mr. Winter to treat each other with well? (Ideas?) In a second skit for the children, the colors of the rainbow will find their own niche and their own song. Springfest will focus on how we humans can we work together for harmony, using music and stories.

Springfest is one of three special seasonal festivals at First Unitarian in which we celebrate seasonal change and look at how metaphors for that change ring true in our own lives.

Come at 9:30 Sunday morning, March 14. You also can contact Becky Brooks, Director of Lifespan Religious Education if your children would like to join in the adventure.

Installation Concert Rocks the House

2010-03-07T08:36:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all our fantastic guest musicians: Foundation Movement, Pia Antoinette and The New Wave Singers! And special thanks to our own member musicians, Jim Houston, Scott MacLeod, Jeffry Spangler and Michael Preston! And to Adrian Hilliard and Lyn Cox for their Emcee skills!

Our concert in celebration of Rev. David Carl Olson's new ministry here in Baltimore welcomed a crowd of more than 150 folks and raised over $2000 for the church.

Mystery Buddies Has Moved!

2010-03-03T11:51:00.000-05:00

There is still time to join the bandwagon and get in on this year's Mystery Buddies Program! Our new start-date will be Sunday, March 14. In this fun, intergenerational program, kids and adults or youth are matched in "Mystery Buddy" pairs, with the goal of getting to know a little more about each other every week until identities are revealed at the potluck breakfast at 9:30 am, April 11. Adults, youth and kids who sign up to participate will choose a mystery nickname, fill out a brief questionnaire and decorate a mailbag for their clues.

To sign up, download a registration form by clicking here. The last day to sign up will be Sunday, March 7.

For more information, contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks.

First Unitarian On The Air

2010-03-03T11:40:00.000-05:00

Did you catch us on The Marc Steiner Show last week? If not, click here to listen to Rev. David Carl Olson, Vernon Rey and E-Roc of the Foundation Movement speak about this Saturday's Installation Concert.

The Foundation Movement, The New Wave Singers and Pia Broden-Williams will be performing Saturday, March 6 at 7:00 pm at First Unitarian. For advance tickets to the concert, contact the Church office at 443-921-6912 or email office@firstunitarian.net or purchase at the door Saturday night.

Exploring Our Truth Through Books, March 20

2010-02-25T17:23:00.000-05:00

As Unitarian Universalists, many of us are interested in exploring ideas from our own diverse spiritual tradition and writings from practioners of other faiths that might assist our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. It also seems like many of us have a huge stack (or list) of these books that we want to read, but haven’t gotten around to finishing.

What will motivate us? A deadline!

Join us Saturday, Mar. 20 for an exploration of the ideas in F. Forrest Church's The Cathedral of the World: A Universalist Theology. Read as much of the book as possible before March 20 and make mental and/or physical notes about the thoughts it inspires. We will have our discussion over a potluck dinner from 4:00 to 7:30 pm. Register online here or download and print a registration form here. Be sure to let us know whether you'd like to bring an appetizer, main dish, drink, or dessert. We'll gather for food, fellowship, and a guided opportunity to explore the content of this theology and how it relates to our own personal theologies. Bring your potluck offering, your thoughts/notes/responses, and a clear head for discussion.

This is part of what we hope will be an ongoing series of spiritual book explorations, beginning with this one from our own religious tradition. If you can’t make this date or have questions, please let discussion leader, Whitney Novak know of your interest in the program and any titles you’d like to throw in for consideration. Ideally responsibility for planning discussion questions and activities will be shared amongst participants. Let Whitney know if you would like to be a co-planner.

Going Forward Together, Feb. 28

2010-02-25T15:20:00.000-05:00

Join us for our second conversation about moving forward together as a congregation, Sunday, Feb. 28 at 12:45 in Pratt Hall.

We will continue our discussion about where we are and where we want to be as we move toward our 200th anniversary. Our conversation will build on the values and aspirations that we identified during our first conversation as we explore all the positive things that we could do as a congregation. We will look at the commitments that it will take us to get where including ideas, time and money. An update of the process and progress for determining our 2011 budget.

Childcare and a pizza lunch will be available. Contact Board President, Nancy West with any questions.

It is very exciting and challenging time at First Unitarian Church. Be a part of it!

Big Question of the Week

2010-02-22T21:18:00.000-05:00

All people everywhere wrestle with the big questions in life. This week's question to think about, comment on, and talk about with your friends and family and kids:

Is there something about which you fee completely certain?

New UU Parenting Blog Makes its Debut

2010-02-22T19:23:00.000-05:00

The editors of UU World welcome Michelle Richards' new blog on Unitarian Universalist parenting at blogs.uuworld.org/parenting/ Michelle Richards is the author of the upcoming Tending the Flame: The Art of Unitarian Universalist Parenting.

This is the first installment:

The Unique Challenges of Unitarian Universalist Parenting

Unitarian Universalism offers a different parenting experience than many other religious traditions do—and not just because of our diverse theologies. Parents raising their children in our faith frequently face situations that other parents may never encounter.

During the five years I served a congregation in the Midwest as director of religious education, and in my years since as an author and religious education consultant, I have visited many congregations to present workshops and speak with many parents, ministers, and religious educators. Some parents are seeking to recreate the specialness of the religious traditions they remember from their own childhoods; however, having rejected the faith of their youth, they are unsure how to adapt those traditions or how to develop new rituals for their families.

Other Unitarian Universalist parents have had little or no exposure to a religious faith during their childhood years but still desire to “do religion” with their children. They seek to give their children the experience that many Christian, Jewish, and Muslim parents give to their children without any apparent effort—a special sense of their religious faith and a deepening sense of spirituality expressed through their family life. Even parents who were raised as Unitarian Universalists may still be challenged in this regard; many of them were raised in a time when fear of indoctrination made it taboo to expend much effort instilling a Unitarian Universalist identity in children.

Unitarian Universalist parents have had ethical dilemmas about whether to allow their children to participate in a school play that depicts Native Americans in a stereotypical fashion, whether their sons should join the Boy Scouts in spite of that institution’s stance on non-believers and homosexuality, and whether to confront a teacher who presents misinformation or biased religious ideas in a public school classroom.

Parents need resources and information to create and share meaningful religious experiences with their children at home and meet the unique challenges of raising children as Unitarian Universalists. This is why I wrote the book Tending the Flame: The Art of Unitarian Universalist Parenting and will be keeping this blog over the next few weeks. In the book I have written, and through this blog, we will address how parents and children can live their Unitarian Universalist faith everyday—from engaging in social action projects as a family, to exploring the natural world and the feelings of awe it evokes, to appreciating the interdependent web of life, to searching for truth.

Please share your questions, thoughts, and ideas as well as we address what it means to raise children as Unitarian Universalists.

Because whether a family chooses to light a chalice as they share meaningful words, engage in a regular meditation practice, pray together, or walk a labyrinth, they are choosing to give their children a special gift for the future, the gift of a faith tradition. And in doing so, parents are also giving something special to themselves, the gift of a close, connected family drawn together by religious faith.

Bring Your Best Baked Goodies to Sunday, Mar. 7th's Cookie Potluck

2010-02-20T14:57:00.000-05:00

As we prepare for Rev. David's Installation Weekend, chock-full of great events, there's one event YOU can help make even more delicious!

Following the service of Installation, which begins at 4:00 pm on Sunday, March 7, we will be hosting a reception in Pratt Hall. Members and friends of First Unitarian are encouraged to show off your baking magic by bringing your favorite baked treat for a cookie potluck (or any dessert you eat with your fingers!) Don't be shy to outdo your pew-mates!

Bring your treats to Pratt Hall in advance of the 4:00 ceremony and then join the celebration in the sanctuary. Childcare will be provided for young children during the ceremony and all are welcome at the reception after. Questions? Contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks.

Installation Concert, Saturday March 6, 7:00 pm

2010-02-20T13:50:00.001-05:00

In celebration of the new partnership between The First Unitarian Church of Baltimore and Rev. David Carl Olson, we will be hosting a Concert with special invited guests on Saturday, March 6 at 7:00 pm. Emcees, Adrian Hilliard and Lyn Cox will welcome to the stage classical, folk and hip hop artists for a show that is as enthusiastic and wide-ranging as our own congregation.

Foundation Movement— Recently chosen as Boston's Best Hip Hop Act in the Improper Bostonian's Best of Boston Issue, the Foundation Movement continues to be one of Bostons top Hip-Hop acts, with songs crafted with creativity and balance. MCs Eroc and Optimus are committed to addressing issues of injustice and oppression, while also entertaining crowds with hot beats and relevant lyrics.

Pia Broden-Williams — Pia is a talented coloratura soprano from Michigan, gifted with a rare and flexible type of voice that can proficiently execute classical, jazz, gospel and pop styles. Pia currently serves as musician in residence for the Unitarian Universalist Church of Flint.

New Wave Singers — A community of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight people, New Wave performs an eclectic repertoire featuring music that promotes justice and peace and celebrates life in all its diversity.

In addition to these amazing performers, we will welcome some surprise guests. After the concert, join us for a dessert reception in Pratt Hall. You won't want to miss it!

Tickets for this gala evening are $15 and are available for purchase during coffee hour each Sunday after worship in Pratt Hall, or from the church office during the week (410-685-2330; office@firstunitarian.net) Special discounted tickets for families with children and youth in the Religious Education program are also available ($25 for the whole family).

If you would like to become a Patron in support of this celebratory occasion, our Patron Package includes four concert tickets and four complimentary gourmet dessert tickets for $100.00 Contact the church office to purchase, or stop by the table in Pratt Hall on Sunday.

2010-02-17T13:06:00.000-05:00

Download the Installation Events Poster here

March Madness

2010-02-16T15:07:00.001-05:00

As we all begin to poke our heads out from under the snows of February and look ahead, the wonderful news is that March is as action packed as ever, with exciting programs and events for people of all ages!

MYSTERY BUDDIES

Our premiere event in March is, as always, our Mystery Buddies program. Mystery Buddies matches individual adults or youth with children in the congregation. Each Sunday in March the pairs exchange clues about their identities. The final Sunday in March (Mar. 28), all participants join together for a potluck breakfast where identities are revealed. Clue exchange begins March 7. To sign up, simply download and complete the form here or pick one up during coffee hour after church on Sunday.

INSTALLATION WEEKEND

This year is a very special one at First Unitarian as we welcome Rev. David Carl Olson as our minister. The first weekend in March is a celebration of our new partnership and includes several events, as follows:

Sat., Mar. 6

10:00 am — Tamale Making for all ages featuring Chef Luis Alonso Guzman of El Salvador

7:00 pm — Concert and Community Celebration, featuring the rap duo The Foundation, the New Wave Singers and Opera, Gospel and Jazz singer Pia Broden-Williams, as well as other surprise guests. For tickets ($15 each) contact the church office at 410-685-2330.

Sun., Mar. 7

11:00 am — Worship featuring guest preacher Rev. Alma Faith Crawford. (Regularly scheduled Religious Education classes for children)

4:00 pm — Service of Installation with Rev. Patrick O'Neill, guests representing the larger Unitarian Universalist community and Baltimore city, as well as members and friends of our own congregation

Children and youth are welcome at any of these events, and childcare will be provided as well.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION EVENTS

There will be three Lifespan Religious Education special events in March as well:

• "Construction of Spiritual Practices and Rituals" is a six week course for adults and teens, beginning Wednesday, Mar. 3 at 7:00 pm. Download the flyer here for more information.

• "Bibleodeon" is a one-time multi-generational workshop introduction to the Bible for UUs, Saturday, Mar. 13 from 9 am to noon. Adults, teens and children ages 8 and up are welcome to participate. A flyer with more information is available here.

• "Exploring Our Truth through Books" is the kick-off event for an ongoing small group ministry that facilitates exploration of different spiritual and theological books selected by participants. The first title will be F. Forrest Church's The Cathedral of the World: A Universalist Theology and the group will discuss it over a potluck dinner from 4pm to 7:30 pm on Saturday, March 20.

To register for any of these RE Events and Classes, you can complete the online form here or download and print a registration form here.

Download a calendar of these and other events and programs in March here. If you have questions about any of these programs and events, please don't hesitate to contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks.

NEW date for Bibleodeon class

2010-02-16T13:23:00.000-05:00

Our Multi-Generational introduction to the Bible for UUs, "Bibleodeon" has been rescheduled for March 13 (9am to noon)

This half-day workshop, led by Director of Lifespan Religious Education Becky Brooks, is based on the "Bibleodeon" curriculum developed by the Shelter Rock Unitarian Universalist Congregation for use by UU churches. The workshop is designed to offer adults, teens and children ages 8 and up a fun, engaging way to learn more about the Bible using games, role play, discussion and hands-on projects. We will explore the idea of sacred text, find out what's special about the Bible and what these stories can teach us, even across lines of diverse theologies.

We will meet Saturday, Mar. 13, 9am to noon in the downstairs classrooms at the First Unitarian Church of Baltimore. Families are encouraged to register together, but you need not have children to participate. Childcare for younger children will be provided upon request. The class minimum is 10, Limit 20.

Register online here or print a registration form here. Or contact Director of Lifespan RE, Becky Brooks.

ALL CHURCH EVENTS ON FEB. 7 CANCELED

2010-02-06T11:27:00.000-05:00

Please be advised that all church events on Feb. 7 will be canceled due to the weather, including the Talent Show. Please stay tuned for information on new dates for scheduled events.

Be safe everyone!

It's Mystery Buddies Time!

2010-02-03T20:44:00.001-05:00

photos from last year's Mystery Buddies Breakfast by Jessah Serafini

You've waited a whole year and the time has come again for First Unitarian's annual Mystery Buddies Program!

In this fun intergenerational program, kids and adults or youth are matched in Mystery Buddy pairs, with the goal of getting to know a little more about each other every week until identities are revealed at a potluck breakfast on March 28. Adults, youth and kids who sign up to participate will choose a mystery nickname, fill out a brief questionnaire and decorate a mailbag. Pairs will exchange clues each Sunday in March. You can sign up at the Religious Education table any Sunday in February or print out the sign-up form here and mail or bring it to church.

How does it work?
Every Sunday before service, mailbags will be left out by the front doors of the church, ready to accept letters and small homemade gifts* from both older and younger participants. After service begins, mailbags will be moved to the Parish Hall for coffee hour when participants can check their mailbags for that weeks’ clue. The event will culminate in a potluck breakfast on March 28 when Mystery Buddy identities will be discovered!
*we ask that you spend no more than $5 over the course of the month on any gifts for your Mystery Buddy

Who can participate?

Anyone under the age of 18 can be a “younger” buddy and anyone over 12 can be an “older” buddy (youth can choose to be an older or a younger). All participants are asked to exchange at least a little clue each of the four weeks (either in person or by proxy—just let DLRE, Becky Brooks, know if you will miss a week).

Join in the fun!

Bibleodeon is coming!

2010-01-29T21:10:00.001-05:00

Register your family today for Bibleodeon!

A multigenerational workshop introduction to the Bible for UUs; Saturday, Mar. 13 (9am to noon)

Developed by the Shelter Rock Unitarian Universalist Congregation for use by UU churches, Bibleodeon is an experiential program introducing young Unitarian Universalists to stories of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles.

This half-day workshop is an adaptation of the curriculum by Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks. Our program is designed to offer adults, teens and children ages 8 and up a fun, engaging way to learn more about the Bible using games, role play, discussion and hands on projects. We will explore the idea of sacred text, find out what’s special about the Bible and what these stories can teach us, even across lines of diverse theologies.

We will meet Saturday, Mar. 13, 9am to noon in the downstairs classrooms at the First Unitarian Church of Baltimore. Families are encouraged to register together, but you need not have children to participate. Childcare for younger children will be provided upon request. The class minimum 10, Limit 20

Register online here or print a registration form here. Or contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks

(photo by Jessah Serafini)

EDITED to include new date: Mar. 13 (not Feb. 20)

New to the Adult Religious Education Program at First Unitarian

2010-01-28T15:59:00.000-05:00

The Construction of

Spiritual Practices and Rituals

Led by Uri Nodelman

Wednesday Evenings, March 3 - April 7, 7-9 pm

If religion be a function by which either God's cause or man's cause is to be really advanced, then he who lives the life of it, however narrowly, is a better servant than he who merely knows about it, however much. Knowledge about life is one thing; effective occupation of a place in life, with its dynamic currents passing through your being, is another. -William James, The Varieties of Religious Experience

What does it mean to live the life of your faith? What practices and rituals are a part of your spiritual or religious life? What is their function? How might you incorporate new rituals or practices? What might they be? What support is needed in taking on a new practice? What does it mean for such practices to "work" or feel "broken"?

This six session class will provide an opportunity to engage these questions as we learn from selected readings and from each other about how we practice our faiths. We will examine rituals and practices for individuals, families, and communities covering life-cycle based practices (e.g., rituals around birth, coming-of-age, wedding, death), calendar-based practices (e.g., celebration of holidays), and daily/weekly practices (e.g., right speech/lashon hara, meditation, observing Sabbath).

The class will be facilitated by Uri Nodelman, who is Jewish and will bring a Jewish perspective and information about Jewish practices to the class. Uri is a friend of the congregation (who is often seen taking pictures at First Unitarian events). By day (and sometimes by night) he works as Senior Editor of the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and is a Research Associate at Stanford University.

Childcare will be provided on reques. Limit 12 participants (minimum 6.)

When: Wednesdays, Mar. 3–Apr. 7, 7:00–9:00 pm

Register online here: http://www.formspring.com/forms/?702752-qBJm68Rndn or contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks, at 443-921-6912 or redirector@firstunitarian.net

Read sermons online at firstunitarian.net

2010-01-20T11:59:00.000-05:00

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” Lord Ashton would aver, and many of us who have forsaken hierarchical religion are ready to see all power as bad, oppressive, stifling, tainted, evil ...

In a religion that doesn’t talk much about evil, it is interesting to see how easily we demonize power. We have an unattractive (and maybe unhelpful) habit of exhibiting fear about power. We think that those in power use their power in unjust ways—the corporation that runs rampant over the environment; the politician that calls himself a servant but rules as a master; the commission or authority that skirts the law to impose undemocratic measures for the sake of development. We see bad power everywhere. We fear that the Minister will exert too much influence on the church’s decisions. We are wary of a Board that acts decisively and sets a direction. We are curious about the power of “those people” in the religious education program, or the choir, or the kitchen...

You may disagree with me, but I think we have plenty of lived evidence that we think that there is something wrong with power.

But let me tell you something: it is not only power which corrupts, but powerlessness corrupts. Powerlessness leads to corruption, to individual survival behaviors that are not inthe interest of other individuals and the community, to escapism in wacky religion and mind-altering substances, to bribery and favoritism to gain the approval of the ones with just a little more power. Powerlessness corrupts!

— From Rev. David Carl Olson's Jan. 3 sermon, "The Problem of Power"
Read the full text and other sermons at First Unitarian Church website here.

Teacher Appreciation Lunch, Jan. 10

2010-01-05T07:36:00.000-05:00

Each week our Religious Education program for Children and Youth succeeds due to the efforts of a fantastic team of volunteers. Teachers and Assistants are invited to gather in the downstairs classrooms on Sunday, Jan. 10, 12:45 pm for a celebratory appreciation lunch. We will also use this opportunity to hear feedback from teaching volunteers about how the year is going, what improvements might be made and what our priorities should be for budgeting for next year.

Volunteers, please RSVP to RE Chair, Idalee DiGregorio.

Thank you so much for all you do for our congregation!

Big Question of the Week

2010-01-05T07:27:00.001-05:00

All people everywhere wrestle with the big questions in life. On the heels of our first ever Big Questions Letter Exchange program, each week we'll propose a "Big Question of the Week" for you to think about, comment on, and talk about with your friends and family and kids. This week's Big Question:

How did we come to be? (Who/What created the world?)

Children's Chapel this Sunday, Jan. 3

2009-12-29T07:07:00.000-05:00

This Sunday, Jan. 3, children in Pre-Kindergarten through 6th grades will gather for a Children's Chapel in the downstairs classrooms. We will share our recent milestones, sing together, and explore the topic of our futures together through fun activities.

Thinking about our future and what we'd like church and our lives to be like is a companion to the Going Forward Together congregational conversation after worship this week. Childcare and lunch will be available for this meeting after church.

If you are interested in what our children think about their futures and the direction of our church and would like to help with Children's Chapel during RE this Sunday, contact Becky Brooks to volunteer!

Big Question of the Week

2009-12-29T06:55:00.000-05:00

What do you do when you are fearful about something? How do you cope?

Going Forward Together, Jan. 3, 12:45 pm

2009-12-24T10:51:00.002-05:00

Join us on Sunday, January 3, 2010, from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. in Pratt Hall for a congregational conversation about where we want to be as a congregation as we move toward our 200th anniversary and what we need to do to get there. An essential part of our conversation will be status reports on our Campaign for Financial Commitment and our Budget for the first six months of this fiscal year. Childcare and Lunch will be available. ASL interpretation will be available upon request.

Thank You!

2009-12-23T16:46:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much to Peggy Stubbs for donating these wonderful dolls to our Maiasaurs class!

If you are moved this Holiday Season to provide a gift the the Children's Religious Education program at First Unitarian, please consider purchasing a book or musical instrument from our Amazon Wish List. Every donation helps improve our library of resources!

If you would like to consider a gift even more meaningful and long-lasting than a book purchase, speak with Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks, about how you might volunteer within the Religious Education program. We have teaching and assistant positions as well as opportunities like child care Sunday mornings and weekday evenings. If you'd like to volunteer but aren't interested in working directly with the kids, there's a job for you too. Contact Becky to talk about what kind of job might feed your soul.

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal Dec 20 CANCELLED

2009-12-19T09:34:00.000-05:00

Sunday, Dec. 20 Christmas Pageant Rehearsals are cancelled due to inclement weather. Contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks if you have any questions.

Have a fun and safe weekend!

Big Question of the Week

2009-12-14T15:58:00.003-05:00

What "feeds" your emotional wellbeing? What helps you feel good about yourself and about the world?

Our Whole Lives Parent Orientation Sessions this Week

2009-12-07T07:55:00.001-05:00

First Unitarian Church of Baltimore is proud to offer the Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education class for 7th-9th graders beginning in January.

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a curriculum that helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual behavior and health. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health and society and culture. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, OWL provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but helps participants clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional and social aspects of sexuality.

Parent orientation is crucial to a successful OWL program. We will be hosting two parent orientation sessions: Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 6-8 pm and Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10 am to noon. Youth are not expected to attend the Parent Orientation meeting.

The Our Whole Lives class will be meeting at church on Tuesday evenings, from 6:00 to 7:30, beginning Jan. 5. This year's OWL faciliators will be Laura Laing, Michael Nutt and Rebecca Wald. Class will meet weekly through June 1 and will include two overnights.

Though there is no cost for participation in the Our Whole Lives program (which is funded by the annual financial commitments of members and friends of First Unitarian), donations will be gratefully received. In addition, families will be asked to provide food for the overnights.

Contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks for more information.

P.S. For more information about the Our Whole Lives program, see the UUA website: http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/ourwhole/ or this article from the Boston Globe.

Big Question of the Week

2009-12-07T07:43:00.000-05:00

If there something you believe in that you feel like you have to defend?

"Good Without God" Public Talk with author, Greg M. Epstein

2009-11-30T23:02:00.001-05:00

Young Adult Ministry, First Unitarian Church of Baltimore and Baltimore Coalition of Reason present "Good Without God: What a Billion Nonreligious People Do Believe," a public talk by Greg M. Epstein. Epstein is the Humanist Chaplain at Harvard University and author of the just-released best-seller, Good Without God (HarperCollins, 2009).

Sunday afternoon's event will begin at 3:00 with a Reception and Book Signing, followed at 4:00 by a Public Talk and reading.

All are welcome. Free admission. Childcare provided.

Big Question of the Week

2009-11-30T11:02:00.002-05:00

How do you wrestle with the Big Questions of life?

December Calendar of Events Available

2009-11-28T23:59:00.000-05:00

Download your own copy of December's Calendar of Events at First Unitarian by clicking here.

Solstice Service Choir Accepting Members!

2009-11-28T23:57:00.000-05:00

An invitation is extended to anyone interested in singing with the choir at the Solstice Service on December 21^st at 7pm to attend a rehearsal on Monday evening, December 14^th, from 7 until 9 pm in the Pratt Parish Hall. We will also meet before the service to “warm up” at 6pm. Contact Jim Houston.

Winter Solstice will be celebrated with a seasonal ritual at the First Unitarian Church of Baltimore, Charles and Franklin Streets at 7 p.m. Monday, December 21. The ritual will include songs, poetry, drama, and symbolic extinguishing of the old year’s fire and lighting of the new.

Join in turning of the wheel of the year. Celebrate the dance of the cosmos and the return of the light. Welcome the New Year. Bless the newborn babes. Give thanks for seasonal blessings. Taste the sweetness of life.

Ancient peoples around the world marked this event—in structures, stories, and feasts. Come and carry on the earth-honoring tradition! Children and infants are warmly welcome. Food and fellowship will follow in the Parish Hall on Charles Street.

The ritual was created by Patricia Montley, author of In Nature’s Honor: Myths and Rituals Celebrating the Earth (Skinner House Books), whose several op-ed pieces on seasonal holidays have appeared in the Baltimore Sun.

Got Talent? Share it!

2009-11-28T23:52:00.000-05:00

Our first multi-generational talent show, First U’s Got Talent! will premier on Sunday, February 7 from 1:30-3:30pm in the Parish Hall.

Come for lunch and stay for the show, to see our talented teens, tweens, children and tots – along with families with other adults, performing all kinds of fabulous acts.

If you would like to schedule a group or solo act, please sign-up at the Welcome Table in the Parish Hall or contact Lee Dix.

Youth members: we are seeking a master of ceremonies for this fabulous event! If you are interested in becoming our emcee, please contact Lee Dix as soon as possible.

All participants should plan on attending the rehearsal on Saturday, Feb. 6, 1:30-3:30.

Big Question of the Week

2009-11-24T16:37:00.001-05:00

Is there anything in life that you consider "sacred?"
What and why?

First Unitarian Church Advent Retreat

2009-11-24T15:15:00.000-05:00

Saturday, Dec. 5, Led by Rev. David Carl Olson

Our minister presents an opportunity to consider the classic Biblical texts of the preparatory season before Christmas. Considering the words of the Hebrew prophets—especially understood by the writers of the early Jesus movement—we will spend a half-day in retreat with singing, visual art, commentary and meditation. Download a flyer for this event here.

To register online or to request information regarding our other ongoing groups for Adults, click here. For a registration form to download and print instead, click here. Return completed print forms to Becky Brooks any Sunday during coffee hour or mail to the church office (1 W. Hamilton St., Baltimore, MD 21201). If you have any questions about the Lifespan Religious Education programs at First Unitarian, contact Becky Brooks.

Loaves and Fishes

2009-11-24T15:11:00.000-05:00

by Becky Brooks

People forget how amazing it was even before the loaves came out.
Five thousand souls,
ten thousand eyes
ten thousand ears
straining to see, straining to hear the Rabbi

A space of time spent together to learn,
three days of stories and songs and prayers
three days of transforming themselves
inside out
to build a home inside themselves
for the holy, for god, for their own soul
to dwell
three days fed
by the Rabbi’s love.

And at the end of a day
the sun setting behind him,
Jesus the Rabbi looked out at the crowd
ten thousand eyes
on him, only him
heavy on him like a tiger on your chest
tight around him like a bandage,
and the air left his lungs
and his voice faded into the wind.

He turned to the
six disciples on his right, and the
six disciples on his left

“They are hungry, ” he said,
“How much food is left?”

The bushel looked completely empty at first,
but leaning closer in, they saw
something
rested on the bottom of the basket
seven loaves
two fish
five thousand empty mouths.

The Rabbi saw
six heads shaking on his right
“Not enough,” they said
six heads shaking on his left
“Not enough,” they said.

Five thousand, waiting.

The Rabbi said, “The people will know what to do.”
The Rabbi said, “Pass them along.”
The disciples took out the loaves and the fish
and handed them to the people
in the front of the crowd.

Sarah took a loaf of bread, and broke it into
two pieces.
She turned to hand a piece back, and
looked into the eyes of those around her,
the souls built from love,
and all her hunger left her,
rose from her
up into the sky

She held her hands out to another, now
two pieces of one loaf
“Pass them along,” she said,
And she was fed,
full again with everything she needed.

The people knew.
“Pass them along,” they said,
“Pass them along.”

Five thousand hungry people
had all they needed that day,
looking in the eyes of their neighbors,
satisfied,
one whole body.

Adult Religious Education — Call for Class Proposals

2009-11-06T17:07:00.000-05:00

The Adult Religious Education Team selects the course and event offerings for our Adult RE programming at The First Unitarian Church of Baltimore. Proposals are now being accepted for courses, events and ongoing groups for the Adult RE program for Winter quarter 2010 and beyond. Anyone can submit a proposal and all proposals will be considered. If you have an idea for a course you would like to lead, or if you have an idea of an event you'd like to see us offer even if you can't lead it yourself, submit a proposal to have our team consider it for the program. Proposals are considered on a quarterly basis. Our quarters are as follows:

Winter (Jan-Mar) — proposals considered in early December
Spring (Apr-Jun) — proposals considered in early March
Summer (Jul-Sep) — proposals considered in early June
Fall (Oct-Dec) — proposals considered in early Sept.

The deadline for submitting a proposal for the Winter quarter of 2010 is Nov. 24. To submit a proposal, use our online form by clicking here or download a printable proposal form here. Printed forms can be mailed to the church (attn: Becky Brooks; 1 W. Hamilton St., Baltimore, MD 21201) or dropped off at the RE table after church on Sundays.

We await your suggestions!

Building Your Own Theology Class, Week 5

2009-11-06T16:06:00.001-05:00

Our topic for Session 5 of Building Your Own Theology was Ethics. Each participant was asked to develop a list of Ten Ethical Commandments as homework for this class and we spent a good deal of time creating a master list: Ethical Commandments 1-10, 11-20, 21-24. Though this list wasn't completely comprehensive, it was a good start in representing the ethics and values present in our group.

We then played a game where situations were posed to the group and individuals had to pick one commandment that they would look to in order to make a decision about what to do. We played several rounds of that, first with individuals making decisions on their own, then pairs, then groups of three, groups of six and finally the whole group together. Which of those groupings would you think would be most efficient? Surprisingly, the group felt decision-making groups of three were the most efficient and comfortable. Group members reported that making decisions in groups enabled the process to go more quickly, though we did agree that some compromise may be involved. How do you make ethical decisions?

Rev. David joined us and towards the end of class, led an excellent discussion about whether congregations can make unified decisions regarding moral questions? Is it possible for a congregation like ours to take a public moral stand on an issue? What does that process look like? What is gained? What is lost?

With only two sessions left in our Building Your Own Theology class, we are making our way towards the final assignment, which will be to compose a personal "credo" statement or statement of belief or faith. Our homework for the next session is to spend some time reflecting on big questions:

• How should people treat each other?
• How do you know how to do the right thing? (what informs your ethical choices?)
• What is the role of God (if any) in your life and the rest of the universe?
• What gives you hope?
• What is the purpose of your life?

(click here to download a worksheet with the interview questions.)

For access to all class readings and worksheets, visit our box.net folder for the class. Readings are taken from Richard S. Gilbert's Building Your Own Theology and are available online only for the limited duration of this class and for educational use only.

Christmas Pageant 2009 Plans Are Underway!

2009-11-06T14:22:00.000-05:00

Last year, First Unitarian held its first Christmas Pageant in recent history, under the direction of Rebecca Wald and dozens of volunteer actors, singers, musicians, costume and set designers and behind-the-scenes helpers. Plans are now underway for this year's pageant, an adaptation of Barbara Robinson's "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever."

If you would like to participate this year or if you want to learn more, please plan to attend our Christmas Pageant Interest Meeting, Sunday, Nov. 15 at 12:45 in the downstairs Religious Education classrooms, where we will gather for lunch as Rebecca describes the production and the volunteer roles available.

The rehearsal and performance schedule will be as follows:

Sun., Dec. 6, 9:30-10:30 am — Rehearsal 1
Sun., Dec. 13, 9:30-10:30 am — Rehearsal 2
Sun., Dec. 20, 9:30-10:30 am — Rehearsal 3
Wed., Dec. 23, 6:00-8:00 pm — Dress Rehearsal (time is subject to change by popular demand if necessary)
Thu., Dec. 24, 6:00-7:00 pm — PERFORMANCE

Child, teen and adult volunteers are needed! There are acting and musical roles for children and teens and musical and behind-the-scenes jobs for teens and adults. If you would like to participate, there's a job for you! If you would like to be involved but cannot attend the Nov. 15 interest meeting after church, contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks.

Second Sunday Theology Talks

2009-11-06T14:06:00.000-05:00

Sunday, Nov. 8 at 12:45 will be the first meeting of a new program, Second Sunday Theology Talks. Our minister, Rev. David Carl Olson will meet with anyone interested in an open discussion about our Congregation, Unitarian Universalism, and themes raised in recent sermons. All are welcome!

To explore the meaning of membership in our community, we offer Beginnings, a half-day retreat together with congregational leaders on Saturday, January 16. Speak to Rev. David for more details.

To attend Second Sunday Theology Talks, simply drop by the downstairs Religious Education classrooms at 12:45 this Sunday.

Halloween Party 2009

2009-10-31T16:05:00.002-04:00

Our annual Halloween Party was another smashing success. Thanks to all the ghosts and ghouls who made it all possible! Board President Nancy West was the hero of the day for delivering the pizza; Laura and Zoe arrived early to decorate, Andre, Idalee, Michael, Karla, Lyn, Carrie, Mike and the whole youth group staffed activity tables; Gina was our emcee for the evening and Uri was our official photographer. So many people helped clean up that there isn't room on the internet to list them all.

Thanks so much for making First Unitarian's annual Halloween Party a monster hit!

Building Your Own Theology Class, Week 3

2009-10-22T23:45:00.000-04:00

The topic for Week 3 of Building Your Own Theology was Human Nature. Participants were asked to read a selection of quotations and choose up to three they agreed with and up to three they disagreed with. After some brainstorming activities (like completing the sentence "Humans are _____" with one or two words) we spent some time working on composing a statement to answer "What do you believe about human nature?"

Next week's topic is Ultimate Reality: Creating An Honest God. We'll be completing a worksheet that follows a survey about personal beliefs among Unitarian Universalists and doing an art activity where we will draw or write about four different concepts of god we have held at different times in our lives. We'll also work to identify and clarify our own thoughts about god. What are ten words you might use to describe your idea of the source of life?

Next weeks readings can be downloaded here.

Super-Hero Auction Adventure is Underway!

2009-10-22T22:30:00.000-04:00

Momentum is building! The menu is planned and all is ready for a fun-filled evening of auction fundraising. Bid on more than 200 different auction items in our silent and LIVE auctions. Early bidding has already begun. Check out the incredible selection of items here and make your bids online. Auction-master Scott MacLeod has pounded the pavement and reached out within and outside our church community to solicit an amazing diversity of items. You won't believe the selection!

You'll find a wealth of delicious edibles like a gift basket from the Waverly Farmers' Market, Betty Townsend's fabulous homemade cake, a gourmet dinner from Nicholas DiGregorio and several donated gift certificates to outstanding downtown restaurants.

Revel in the skills of your fellow congregants, including Sign Language or French lessons, babysitting, an introduction to the Folk Harp, carpentry or gardening work.

Don't miss the great opportunities for out-of-town getaways at Murray Grove or Ocean Isle Beach or in-town getaways at the Tremont Suites or Peabody Court.

Not to mention all the fantastic art, antique and other treasures to be had!

Reservations for the big night can also be made online. Dinner, dessert and an evening of madcap auction mayhem can be had for just $20 per person. Choose from Laurel and Helen’s famous Sauerbraten or Vegetarian Goulash.

Big Questions Letter Exchange begins Nov. 1

2009-10-22T13:25:00.000-04:00

Sunday, Oct. 25 will be the last day to sign up for the "Big Questions Letter Exchange," a mystery-buddies style pen-pal program for adults in the congregation. Each participant will choose a special code name and will be matched with another. The following four Sundays (Nov. 1-22) adults will exchange letters they have written on a particular suggested topic of the week (while keeping their identity shrouded in mystery.) On Nov. 22, we'll have a meet-your-pal reception after worship where folks can come to enjoy coffee and refreshments and you'll have a chance to meet your pal in person.

Any adult from First Unitarian is invited to participate. Whether this has been your church community for a week or many decades, consider this an opportunity to learn more about your fellow First Unitarians!

To sign up, simply register online or contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks. Matches will be made on Tuesday, Oct. 27 and participants will be contacted with the code name for their pal and instructions, including the topic for the first Sunday.

Christian History Adult RE class begins Oct. 21

2009-10-16T14:11:00.002-04:00

Christian History, the first 300 years: from Saul of Tarsus to Augustine of Hippo

We will be examining the first three hundred years of the Christian movement and its struggle for survival. We will study the various practices, beliefs and doctrines and the nature of faith tempered with reason, which was the essence of the faith of the Jesus movement and subsequent pre-Nicene church. Class will be led by Doreion Colter and will meet each Wednesday evening, 7:00 - 8:30 pm from Oct. 21 through Dec. 9 (except for the day before Thanksgiving, Nov. 25) Childcare is available on request.

Halloween Party, Friday Oct. 30

2009-10-15T20:31:00.002-04:00

Make plans to join in the fun at First Unitarian's Annual Halloween Party for All Ages, Friday, October 30, 6-8 pm. We'll have all the biggest hits from previous years, plus some new adventures like the Goo Table sponsored by the youth group! Also new this year, instead of rushing to prepare a potluck dish, simply raid your cupboards for some quality non-perishable food items to bring for our collection to benefit the Maryland Food Bank.

We'll feast together on pizza and salad, paint gourds, create goo, make potions, write mad-lib spells, make masks, decorate cookies, play games and—of course—show off our costumes in a parade for all ages.

If you'd like to help with decorating, clean up, or staffing an activity table, contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Becky Brooks.

All are welcome, you won't want to miss it!