AWE

It's the New Jewish Year 5776!
In the Jewish tradition we are in the "Days of AWE". It's also the start of the year for many going back school, religious/spiritual communities and for some new jobs, new homes, etc. 

Questions to Ponder with your friends and/or family:

1. What fills UU with AWE as UU reflect on your past year and this new one at has arrived?

2. Where/How do UU think you can do better for yourself the world?  

3. Why is it important to reflect on what didn't go so well, so that UU can make things better? What message do UU want to pass on this coming year?

Tiffany Glass detail: Arlington St. Church, Boston MA 

SO MANY beginnings

So MANY Beginnings

Water Chalice by Laura Evonne Steinman

Questions to Ponder with your friends and/or family:

1.  What is NEW for YOU ? What are you beginning?

2.  During the summer, what do you want to "bring with you"
     this new year? (in your mind, heart, hands)

3. Why it is important to have rituals when new things begin
    like school, place of worship, a job, program, new family        member....?

http://www.winnlederer.com/greetingcards/images/HadassahTreeCertificate.jpg

Flower Communion

Flower Communion 

"Infinite Spirit of Life, we ask thy blessing on these, thy messengers of fellowship and love. May they remind us, amid diversities of knowledge and of gifts, to be one in desire and affection, and devotion to thy holy will. May they also remind us of the value of comradeship, of doing and sharing alike. May we cherish friendship as one of thy most precious gifts. May we not let awareness of another's talents discourage us, or sully our relationship, but may we realize that, whatever we can do, great or small, the efforts of all of us are needed to do thy work in this world." - Norbert Čapek

Questions to Ponder with your friends and/or family:

1. What do UU think the above text is all about?
    How would UU explain it in your words?

2. Do UU have a flower that you really LOVE?
    What is it ! and why do you LOVE it sososooso much? 

3. Coloring can be relaxing, how about color or draw a rose mandala. You can do this alone or with people you care about. 

LOVE makes a Family

As Unitarian Universalists, 

We believe that EACH FAMILY is important 

& that LOVE makes a family.

Questions to Ponder with your friends and or family:

1. Who makes up your FAMILY? (Create a list)

2. What makes a FAMILY?
If you were picked to write a definition of "Family"
for a Google, what would UU write?

3. How about drawing a picture of your family in this frame and then print it out!

http://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbfv5lMykp1qz872lo1_1280.jpg

Recognition

Recognition 

Questions to ponder with your friends and/or family:

1. Where do UU feel RECOGNIZED? (list a few places)

2. How does it feel to be recognized for being YOU?

3. If UU were to pick one of the 7 UU principles or one of the 6 sources, which one do you think represents YOU?

Memories

http://projectoflovemusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/42164-Memories-Last-Forever.jpg

Questions to ponder with your friends and or family:

1. What is a Memory? What's a fond memory you have about being a part of Religious Education this year?

2.  Listen and watch this Story about memories by Mem Fox. What does it bring up for UU?

3. Who are you now closer with that is a DIFFERENT age than UU in this community of LOVE, SERVICE, JUSTICE and PEACE?

"like the feathers of a wing, everything touches everything" - Mary Oliver

Memorial Day

Memorial Day

Michael Sullivan, a Vet for Peace on the far left,
an ASCer who helped plant the flags for all those lost in war.

Questions to ponder with your friends and/or family:

1. How are UU observing Memorial Day 2015? 

One way UU can be present in Boston for a Memorial Ritual for Peace is with the Vets for Peace https://www.facebook.com/events/990637664287231/

2. Use this weekend as an opportunity to share stories with neighbors and family members who have served in war, who have lost ones in fighting and their memories of this. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/you-illuminated/201106/why-sharing-stories-brings-people-together

3. A little history to read and reflect on. 

What does being UU have to do with this? http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/30/opinion/30blight.html?_r=0