Unitarian Church of Lincoln Religious Growth Blog

The Religious Growth and Learning Program Springs into Action!

Thu, 03 May 2012 19:57:56 GMT

Children and youth will be living their values in a creative effort towards working for friendship and peace in our world. This last March, the children and youth at the church

participated in creating artwork for the Global Peace Project. We decorated chalices with symbols representing peace and we also traced our hands and decorated the cutouts as our contribution to the global project. Our church has been matched with

students as part of a program through Beijing Normal University in China. We will trade

our artwork with theirs and will be displaying their artwork in the Religious Growth and

Learning wing of the building once it is received.

This April we had another successful Easter Canned Food Hunt sponsored and facilitated by the Youth In Action youth group. The group was able to collect over 200 cans which were donated to the Eastridge Food Pantry. The youth group held a successful art show where all proceeds from purchased artwork were donated to Habitat for Humanity, an organization which the group voted to support. They also participated in the National Day of Silence at their schools. Students were given letters to provide to their teachers and principals to articulate that they are observing silence for the day to recognize people in the LGBTQ community who might not be able to safely vocalize their identity. They carried cards with them stating their purpose and mission behind participation in the nationwide day of silence. May 16 will be the last date for Youth In Action before

Summer break.

We are excited to announce that we have an exciting Summer planned for the children and youth in the Religious Growth and Learning program. Summer Sundays will revolve around one of our Unitarian Universalist Principles each week for children going into Kindergarten through Fifth grade. We will also be doing a Summer Camp July 16-19 and July 23-26 from 9am-noon. Details and registration for Summer Camp will be coming

soon.

Please support the Sr. High youth group at their upcoming Youth Service on Sunday May 20. They have been working hard and are sure to sponsor an amazing service. I am so proud of all our children and youth for their contributions to our church and our community this last month.

In Peace, Faith and Love,

Chelsea

Spring is upon us!

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:08:35 GMT

April showers bring May ﬂowers. April will also bring a number of exciting events for the Religious Growth and Learning area. The sun is shining, the ﬂowers are growing, and so is the programming for children and youth of our church. Last month, the Religious Growth and Learning Sunday program held an Ingathering where children and youth created artwork to support and participate in the Global Art Project. We will be displaying our artwork for awhile in the Sunday School wing of the church and then participating in the Global Art trade of artwork for peace. We will mail our artwork to a

participant and in turn, they will send us their art projects. I’m looking forward to displaying the art from all of our children to support this worldwide hope for peace.

Youth in Action will be providing the artwork for the church art gallery this month. The proceeds from all artwork purchased will go to the Youth elected organization of Habitat for Humanity. Please help support this amazing organization and fun event for the youth.

Youth In Action is also sponsoring the Lincoln Unitarian Church Second Annual Easter Canned Food Hunt! These words from Youth In Action member and Coming of Age participant, Alex Enersen: “On April 8, Youth in Action will be hosting the Second Annual Canned Food Hunt, where the children will hunt for canned food on the grounds of the church. The cans will be donated to the Eastridge Food Pantry. Please bring canned food or non-perishable items to donate to the hunt.”

This month will be busy for the Youth In Action group. They have elected to participate in the National Day of Silence on April 20th. The church has officially registered as a participant through the GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Educator Network) website. The website states, “On the National Day of Silence hundreds of thousands of students nationwide take a vow of silence to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in their schools. We will be discussing ways of appropriately participating in the public schools and ways of informing administrators and peers

of the goals of this event.

The Secret Friend event and luncheon was a great success. I would like to extend a huge thank-you to everyone who helped make this a wonderful experience, and in particular: Liz Bonney-Heermann and Mandy Bonney-Heermann, Ann Chaffin, Trish Lanning, Tonya Haigh, Renee Burchell, Harry Heafer, Jackie Egan and the Kitchen Crew, and all the participants. We are looking forward to seeing the Secret Friend pairs

light the chalice in the sanctuary during the upcoming months. Happy Spring!

In Peace, Faith and Love,

Chelsea

Spring Fever

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:11:08 GMT

The Youth-In-Action group has decided for the second year in a row to hold an Easter

Canned Food Hunt on Easter Sunday for the children of the church. We will be encouraging church members, as well as the neighborhood, to donate cans of food. The Youth-In-Action youth will be delivering paper bags to neighborhood houses with requests to donate and a message that the bags will be picked up the following week.

Last year we collected almost 300 pounds of food – let’s see if we can do even more this year! We will be collecting all through March and the first few days in April. Please bring cans of food to the church on Sundays to support this activity.

This month the Youth-In-Action group will be submitting various works of art to the “Think Before You Speak” Creative Expression Contest. Thinkb4youspeak.com is a website devoted to anti-bullying and suicide prevention. They are a part of the “Don’t say ‘that’s so gay’” awareness program. The youth created drawings, paintings, poetry, a song and a skit to submit to the contest.

This month the Religious Growth and Learning program will hold another Ingathering which will involve children in kindergarten through middle school in the ‘Global Art Project’, an international art exchange for peace. The website www.globalartproject.org hosts an exchange of peace artwork. They state that this will end up “…resulting in thousands of people sending messages

of peace around the world at one time-visions of unity simultaneously encircle the earth”. We will be displaying our church’s artwork, and then mailing ours to another participant- we will then receive their artwork and put their visions of peace on our walls.

Blessed With Love

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:18:26 GMT

This last month there were two Ingatherings where all the children and youth met in the Gathering Place. On January 1, we brought in the New Year with our hopes and wishes for ourselves and the world. In January!we partnered with the Pastoral Care committee to create Valentines which will be sent to folks closer to Valentine’s Day, who may enjoy an extra smile. We are looking forward to our Multigenerational service on February 12 when the children and youth will be a part of the service. We also will host our annual Secret Friends luncheon after the service when friends are ‘revealed’.

The Youth In Action social justice youth group has finalized a few projects for the remainder of the church year and are discussing additional options for activities. They have decided to host another Easter Canned Food Hunt on Easter Sunday and will be seeking donations closer to Easter from both the congregation and also the surrounding neighborhood. The group has also discussed the idea of sponsoring artwork in the Gallery for a month to raise money for one of their chosen organizations, and they have also considered doing a ‘chalk project’ similar to the one sponsored by UNL. The chalkwork theme will be ‘You Are Loved’, to raise awareness about how love comes in many forms. During the past few weeks we discussed bullying and the ‘Think Before You Speak’ project which calls attention to how words can be hurtful. Specifically, this national project focuses on how the word ‘gay’ has been used in a negative way to bully youth, and that saying “That’s so gay” to mean that something is bad is hurtful and discriminatory. The program aims at preventing bullying and stepping in when you see someone being bullied. You can learn more at the website: www.thinkb4you speak.com.!! More details about Youth In Action projects will be coming soon.

February 14!is Valentine’s Day, an excellent day and time to speak with children about the concept of love. Also, consider our Unitarian Universalist principles and how they interpret to your own beliefs about love. Valentine’s Day is National Standing on the Side of Love Day for Marriage Equality. When we create our Valentine’s during our Ingathering, we will be talking about the idea of universal love, care for all people, and we will be mailing Valentines to people in our own church community.

Our Sunday School classrooms have recently delved into the themes of: welcoming, respect, The Gift of Invitation, The Gift of Friends, and the history behind both Unitarianism and Universalism. How do these themes incorporate into your own values as a Unitarian Universalist when you consider the notion of love?

I would like to extend a huge thank-you to Liz Bonney for facilitating the matching of Secret Friends this year. Also, to the members of the RGL committee for planning and facilitating the program and the luncheon. I would also like to thank Jackie Egan for her help in coordinating the kitchen for the Secret Friends luncheon and for everyone else who helped out. Their effort made the program possible! Happy February to you all! May we all be blessed with love in our lives!

In peace, faith and love, Chelsea

Season's Greetings

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:52:23 GMT

November and December are perhaps my favorite months here at church. There is a feeling of the true holiday spirit which echoes in the halls of the Religious Growth and Learning wing of the building this time of year. I love how we have traditions in this church such as the Souper Supper, Stranger Share Our Fire service and the Holiday Cookie Packing which have lingered through the years.

November was a wonderful month. We held two Ingatherings, one where children learned about the UUSC program ‘Guest at Your Table’ where we talked about what it means to be grateful and thankful in our lives. We also continued this discussion as children decorated placemats to remind themselves of some of these gifts and also
created cards and ornaments for the holiday season. I love seeing the children through all grade levels interact with one another during these special gatherings.

I am happy to report that the Youth In Action group of middle and high school students is going strong with an average of around 12 - 15 youth attending each week thus far. We have now established a covenant and a couple of the themes for our volunteer service this year. We will continue to brainstorm specific activities we would like to do in
the upcoming weeks. I would like to extend a special note of gratitude for the two adults who are helping me to facilitate the program: Christina Strong and Rich Little.

December will be full of fun. We kick off the month with the annual Souper Supper on
December 2 where there is storytelling, singing, food, and activities for all ages.
Children and youth will also be participating in the annual Cookie Packing in partnership with the Pastoral Care Committee on December 11. Children and youth are invited to join in two upcoming Intergenerational services in the sanctuary for the December 18 Stranger Share Our Fire service and the Christmas Day storytelling service. Our annual
Solstice service on December 21 is also a service for all ages. May the joy of the holiday season be with you and your loved ones. I look forward to seeing you!
In peace, faith and love,
Chelsea

A Big Start

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:38:33 GMT

October was an amazing month in the Religious Growth and Learning program! Perhaps the most amazing thing of all was our attendance! We set a record high with eighty-four people back in the RGL area on October 9th!!! The largest class was the Middle School room with a whopping 21 students! We are thrilled that the program is growing…please
keep this in mind as we consider Strategic Planning. We also may be in need of additional helpers on Sunday mornings. If you can volunteer please contact me by e-mail at religiousgrowth@unitarianlincoln.org.

Our activities this last month were a lot of fun! October 26th was the start date for our Youth In Action youth group for middle and high school students. It will be going through May every Wednesday during the church year. The children in the RGL program also
held a pumpkin decorating fundraiser for UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s
Emergency Fund). Boxes were passed out so that children could also ‘Trick-Or-Treat’ for UNICEF on Halloween. The RGL program also teamed up with the Social Justice Committee to pass out organic fair-trade chocolate as ‘reverse-trick-or-treating’ to
help people learn more about fair-trade on the holiday. I would like to thank Penny Siefker for her assistance with this project. The RGL committee also sponsored a ‘Parent Chat’ to inform parents about the Sunday School program. Thanks to Trish
Lanning for facilitating the meeting. If you were unable to attend but would like some information about the program please feel free to contact me.

I recently returned from Portland, Oregon where I had the opportunity to attend the
national conference for Religious Educators called the LREDA Conference (Liberal Religious EDucation Association). This was a wonderful opportunity for me to get to know and collaborate ideas with other religious educators. I look forward to sharing more details in another upcoming article. November will also be an exciting month in the RGL wing. There will be two Ingatherings where all the children gather as a group. This month our group activities will be focused on Guest At Your Table (a Unitarian
Universalist Service Committee fundraiser) and also a focus on gratitude for a Thanksgiving theme. I am incredibly grateful and give thanks every day for the multitude of blessings in my life. I am thankful to be a part of this incredible church community.

Why We Love Teaching

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:30:02 GMT

The Religious Growth and Learning program teachers came together for an Orientation at the beginning of the church year in September. This church is incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful, talented, dedicated, and enthusiastic volunteers. I had asked teachers the question as to why it is that they have chosen to teach, and what their hopes, dreams, wishes for the children of this church might be.
The following are a few of their responses:

“I love to teach because children have the best ideas”
“Questions are a blessing!”
“I like teaching so I can share my thoughts”
“My dream for you is that you will learn to always question ‘assumptions’ and love others and the world”
“I like teaching because children have amazing insight and they keep me on my toes!”
“I hope to make every kid smile as they think about the world in a new way”
“I love to see new ideas pop into kid’s heads”
“I like teaching because learning is fun”
“My wish for you is to be curious and question”
“Children remind me to stay curious. To have fun. That childhood is so short”
“I like teaching because it connects me with the church and the kids are fun”
“I am teaching to help kids see how they are special”
“Children remind me that learning never stops if we are open”
“Children are a reminder that every day is a new beginning. Their laughter is a blessing”
Thank you to all of the volunteers who are teaching and assisting – this is going to be an AMAZING year!

In peace, faith, and love,
Chelsea Maitland – Religious Growth Director

New Church Year just around the corner!

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:01:52 GMT

I love summertime in Nebraska. So far this summer I have had the opportunity to enjoy many activities including (but not limited to): swimming at Pawnee Lake, catching lightning bugs, visiting Seward for the 4^th of July, making a trip out to Grand Island Water Park, playing disc golf and miniature golf, playing guitar and taking lots of photos. With every spare moment I have been out enjoying the sun and plentiful humidity. Yet the summer is going by quickly and it is now time to be thinking about the beginning of the church year.

The church recently voted on an ambitious growth strategic plan. This is an exciting time for the children of this church! I would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped with the ‘Awesome’ Summer Program. This year in the Religious Growth and Learning area, the curriculum focus will be revolving around the theme of Unitarian Universalist Identity. The Religious Growth and Learning committee recently approved a three-year rotating curriculum plan. Last year, the theme was ‘World Religions’, we continue this year with ‘UU Identity’, and next year the theme will be revolving around the concept of ‘Peace and Social Justice’. As we begin exploring ambitious programming and possibilities within the area of education here at the church, we are in search of excellent teachers and assistants. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Director of Religious Growth – Chelsea Maitland via e-mail at: rgdlincoln@gmail.com.

We are made of Star Stuff!

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:51:46 GMT

I used to hate Science class in school. Over the years I have come to love thinking about the enormity of that which I do not know. On my first day of high school science class the teacher began class by stating, “Hello. We are all made of stardust. Think about that for a moment”. She paused for a few minutes as she watched the classroom full of new students bewildered by her intriguing comment. My teacher smiled as she saw the light bulbs turn on over our heads. She explained that we are all connected. All of life, every person, every part of everything is connected to one another. She told us that the breaths we take every day have particles and molecules which others have breathed. She further explained to our class the science and theory behind this thought. When stars explode during a supernova, or the end of the star’s life, the environment is such that elements are created and disbursed all over the Universe. For as long as I can remember, every time I see a shooting star I make a wish.

As Unitarian Universalists, we consider our seventh principle which states that we affirm and promote the interdependent web of existence of which we are a part. How do we teach this principle to children? Outside of the classroom there are beauties within nature to explore and discover. Children have such curiosity and a sense of wonder about them as they experience the world. I remember learning about our seventh principle in Sunday school. My teachers had lovely stories to read and demonstrations with drawings and many nature walks around the church grounds. Then, later in life, the idea of stardust had me pondering the idea of interconnectedness on a larger scale. Nowadays as I still look at the sky and marvel at the stars I consider how we might pass this curiosity on to the children of this church.

Our Summer Program this year is drawn from a curriculum text written by a UU author called, The Kid’s Book of Awesome Stuff. The lessons include themes such as, “You are made of starstuff”, “The ancestor of all your ancestors was invisible”, and “You live on a speck in a spinning spiral”. I hope that the children will be inspired by the lessons taught this summer. I hope they will look at the sky and maintain their sense of wonder throughout their lives. I hope they will investigate, question, and appreciate the beautiful world around them. I would like to extend a note of appreciation for all the summer volunteers this year. They are fortunate to be working with such a phenomenal group of children, and the children are fortunate to have such amazing teachers. Because we are all connected within this church community, we are all fortunate for each other’s presence. Thank you.

In peace, faith and love,
Chelsea Maitland, Director of Religious Growth

Awesome Summer Programming

Thu, 19 May 2011 13:43:49 GMT

          The fourth of July 2011 marks my twenty-second year living in Nebraska. I remember flying into the airport feeling very bitter that I was missing the fireworks. When we got to our hotel room, my mother opened the windows and we had a spectacular view of the Lincoln skyline. The fireworks displays were phenomenal and I immediately felt in my heart that this new city is now my home. For as long as I have lived in Lincoln- I still have a bit of California in my spirit. I miss the beach, the smell of the ocean and the sunshine.

          Nebraska weather drives me crazy most of the time. However – summer is redeeming. I love hot days and I particularly love humidity. I find myself much more connected with nature as the weather gets warmer. Actually, I am outside as much as possible once the temperature gets to be above eighty degrees. On days off I typically can be found at a park, frolicking through sprinklers, or sitting by a fountain. I become fascinated with the smallest of bugs and overwhelmed with the beauty of a seemingly endless starlit summer sky. My friends laugh at me as I tend to pause on a walk to literally stop and smell the flowers. I begin my list of ‘summer to-do’ activities during the winter so as to keep my hopes up and so as not to miss any precious nice weather opportunity. As the Religious Growth and Learning Committee and I were brainstorming thoughts for summer programming we kept thinking, ‘it has to be awesome’! So – that turned out to be the focus for our summer program.

            Inspired by the curriculum book, “The Kid’s Book of Awesome Stuff” – the summer programming this year will indeed be ‘awesome’. The lesson plans are largely nature centered and will be oriented towards tying into our Unitarian Universalist principle: We believe in respecting the interconnected web of existence of which we are a part. Lessons will be adapted to fit the age groups of Kindergarten through Fifth grade. Preschool and Nursery care will also be provided. The lessons range from learning about topics such as: evolution, space, ‘gross stuff’, how to ‘be green’, bugs, and lots more. We are still recruiting volunteers to help facilitate the lesson plans, so please contact Chelsea Maitland or a member of the RGL committee if you would like to be a part of the fun! My first summer as Director of Religious Education here at the Lincoln Unitarian Church, and it will be AWESOME!

In peace, faith, and love,

Chelsea Maitland - Director of Religious Growth

Come Dream a Dream With Me

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 21:19:21 GMT

         With Strategic Planning underway, I have been thinking quite a bit about our visioning for the future. There are members of this church who have been around for many years and have seen this community and this building transform multiple times. I have known our church for more than twenty years. I have seen visions come to fruition. A couple of months ago our congregation created a common dream catcher. Together we picked out feathers, beads, and pieces of string to weave our hopes and dreams together. I remember smiling from ear to ear as I watched people of every age tie these items onto the web. Our hopes for this community may differ, but we have many common goals.
          The theme of the Prairie Star District Conference this year was: “It matters what we believe”. This phrase has echoed in my mind since returning from Des Moines. Last week I went back into the Preschool room on Sunday morning. A visitor who is interested in becoming a member had her very young son in childcare during a meeting after the service. I was fortunate to be able to hold him as I walked around the church. He fell asleep in my arms as I found a seat in the Fireplace Room. As he lay there, potentially dreaming, I was thinking about some of the children who have grown up in this community…and how incredibly proud I am of them. The community which has been created at this church continuously amazes me.
        The Religious Growth and Learning Committee just held a retreat. I was absolutely inspired. I would like to thank the committee members for their dedication and enthusiasm. The hymn lyrics, “Come dream a dream with me…” have been resonating. I look forward to seeing what comes of our visions with Strategic Planning. I encourage and welcome your thoughts about the possibilities for the future of the Religious Growth and Learning Program.

In faith, peace, and love,
Chelsea

Social Justice and our UU Youth

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:56:28 GMT

Attending Unitarian Universalist Youth Church Conferences was one of my favorite high school memories. I was part of a very fortunate group who was able to attend many conferences outside of Nebraska, as well as hosting and leading a few conferences at our own church here in Lincoln. One of my favorite conferences to attend was in Boone, Iowa where youth from churches within our district would gather for a weekend and spend the nights in cabins on campgrounds. Conferences are a time for youth to get to know one another and explore their values and spirituality. I have fond memories of youth-led worship services, inspirational workshops, and time spent with new friends. On the weekend of March 4th this last month, six of our Sr. High students had the opportunity to attend a Youth Conference about Social Justice and Malcom X at First Unitarian Church in Omaha. I would like to thank the adult volunteers who helped make this possible. I am so thankful and appreciative for the time and energy of both Reed Maly and Rich Little who attended the conference with the youth. I would also like to thank Earl and Betty Dyer who helped make the trip possible by donating to the effort.

As spring quickly approaches, the Religious Growth and Learning Program is growing and blossoming with energy! I am excited to announce that the Youth In Action group has finalized their top three themes for the year. The group plans on doing social justice projects in the areas of: LGBT, Homelessness/Hunger, and Animals. Projects have already begun. The group has decided that they would like to do a canned food drive to support The Food Bank of Lincoln. Instead of an Easter Egg hunt this year, we will be hiding cans of food for children to find on Easter Sunday on the church grounds. The youth are counting on you to bring your non-perishable canned foods to the church for the Sundays leading up to Easter. The other project which they will be working on during the upcoming weeks is creating Public Service Announcements related to LGBT issues. The youth will be filming their projects and submitting them to a contest sponsored by the GLSEN website. I would also like to thank the guest speakers who came and spoke with the youth group in an effort to help guide their discussions about their possible themes. My appreciation and gratitude goes out to D. Moritz, Jean Helms, and Denise Dickeson for visiting the Youth In Action group this last month. Happy Spring!

In faith, peace, and love,

Chelsea

Ready, Set, Action!

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:55:34 GMT

My mother used to make my brother and I do volunteer work in the community when I was on summer break from school during my younger years. At the time, I was never too thrilled to be doing so. I typically would grumble and drag my feet to whichever place I was spending time – but once there, I often found myself enjoying the work which I was doing. Part of the enjoyment came from the fact that my mother allowed us to CHOOSE where we wanted to volunteer. Although she was requiring us to volunteer – the type of work which we were to do was always left to our own choosing. I particularly recall enjoying time spent at the public libraries, the school recreational center day camps, and at the Lincoln Children’s Museum.

On February 9^th, we jump started our Youth In Action programming for middle and high school age youth. I reflected upon my own experience doing volunteer work and proposed the thought to the group that I would not be TELLING them what to do. Instead, I would offer ideas and allow them to make their own decisions as to how they wished to volunteer their time. I recall disliking when an adult would TELL me what to do and not ask my opinion when I was a teenager. I recall disliking being forced to do something which I was not interested in doing. My theory is that perhaps if given options, choices, and power over their own actions, that the youth will be inspired to have energy and passion in their volunteer work.

During our first session, I spoke about all the possibilities for volunteering which can be found. I listed out themes of volunteer work such as focusing on: the environment, working with children, or helping people who are in need of food, clothing, shelter, or equal rights. We then discussed options for large projects and thoughts on perhaps traveling outside of

Lincoln , or working towards a global project such as UNICEF. During the second session we narrowed down our options. We began thinking of specific projects which might be done, and different forms of fundraising. The students narrowed their list to five possibilities for themes for the next 18 sessions of our group. The topics they have narrowed down for a focus are: the environment, GLBT issues, animals, homelessness/hunger, and crime. I look forward to continuing to hear the voices of these amazing youth and finalizing our plans for the remainder of the year. I would like to thank the UUNL group, Jen Bowers, and Christina Strong for being the other supportive adults helping this year. This group has great ideas, big dreams, and high hopes. Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement as we begin our work together.

In faith, peace, and love,

Chelsea Maitland

Paying it Forward

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:06:32 GMT

February brings the Valentine’s Day holiday. Much like Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, and New Years, I think it is important to hold the spirit of these days year-long as opposed to on one particular marked day per year. Valentine’s Day in particular has tended to remind me that I should have sent cards to so many people prior to the actual day appearing on the calendar. I then tend to feel an immense amount of guilt for the cheesy Hallmark card I send off to Grandma which hardly expresses how I truly feel about having her in my life – it is but a token – and rather expected- on these particular days. As I started writing this article, I began to think about the times in my life when I have felt the most loved, and I do not think I could say that any of those times were on a Valentine’s Day.

Actually, one of the moments I thought about the concept of love the most was during a Youth Church Conference about ten years ago. The Youth Group had decided to incorporate into the worship experience an activity which is called ‘Anonymous Mailbox’. Similar to our Secret Friends event here at the church, teens and adult advisors were encouraged to create anonymous messages which were placed in paper bags on the wall. At the end of the conference, we would open our mailboxes and receive many notes of unrequited love. I always struggled with the idea that I could not find out who these people were who wrote such kind words. Not so much because I did not know who they were, but more the idea that I could not return the kindness.

My mother recently experienced a related situation. Someone at the church where she works in Wisconsin had anonymously donated flowers for the pulpit decoration in her name. She called me to express a similar sentiment – that she most wished to be able to thank that person. As I was writing this newsletter article I called her back to suggest the idea that instead of dwelling on who may have donated the flowers, that she instead ‘pay it forward’ and do a random act of anonymous kindness for someone else. This way the karmatic energy in the universe will not only be more balanced, but perhaps she will be part of a chain reaction which reaches beyond what we may conceive. It is an emotionally difficult concept to simply receive love without any expectation of that love being returned.

One of my favorite traditions at this church which we did when I was in the RGL program was to create Valentine cards for people in the nursing home across the street from us. The children at that time would create cards and they were then passed out among the residents there. The establishment no longer is operating, and I have heard that this activity had not been done for a number of years. This year the RGL Committee and myself are hoping to revive the thought of unrequited love in a different way. On January 30^th, an Ingathering was held for the children of the church to create Valentine cards. The RGL committee is receiving addresses from the Pastoral Care committee and will be mailing these tokens of love. In explaining these types of activities, children they often wonder about who these mysterious strangers are who are the recipients of their artistic work. Both at the Holiday Cookie Packing/card-making and for the Valentines, my response to their inquiries are similar. Although we don’t know them and they don’t know us – if it makes someone happy, then that is one more smile in the world – and the world needs more smiles. I encourage you to start a chain-reaction of your own and bring more love to the world every day, every moment, every chance which you have.

A New Year, a New Vision

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:22:48 GMT

During one of our most recent services, ‘Stranger Share Our Fire’, tears came to my eyes as I watched children bring donations to the front of the sanctuary. I found myself thinking how incredibly fortunate the children of this church are to be raised learning how to give. I heard a minister at a conference mention once that, “If you don’t believe that one individual can make a difference, try spending the night in a room with a mosquito.” We all make our mark on this earth in one way or another. This service was a wonderful opportunity for children to help make the world a better place.

As we begin a new calendar year, I start thinking about my resolutions. In my family, creating resolutions was a tradition we did every New Years Eve. When I was younger we would build ‘nests’ in the living room – piling up all the pillows, blankets, and couch cushions and watching a series of favorite movies. Before the clock struck midnight, we would pause the movie and gather our noise makers. We would then have each family member state their resolutions for the year prior to the ‘ball drop’. We could conclude just in time to run outside in the freezing cold and bang our noise makers and wish the whole neighborhood a great New Year at the top of our lungs.

My resolutions have often changed over the years, although I recently realized that some have become continuous resolutions. I thought it was interesting considering that some goals are repeated throughout the years as opposed to setting my mind to completing something, finish it, and then moving on with my life. Some of the thoughts which come to mind are resolving to: be better about cleaning, talk to and see family more often, and do more volunteer work. It is not as though I will call my grandmother once a week and then call it good – no – these are goals and hopes for my life which arise repeatedly as time goes by.

I would like for you to think about what goals and aspirations you may have for the Religious Growth and Learning program here at our church. What hopes do you have for the children of the church? What would be beneficial for you as an adult to learn? Think of what your needs and wishes were at all the stages of your life, from Preschool through the present. What are the needs of your children, grandchildren, or friends? What can you anticipate your own religious growth needs will be as the years pass?

Very soon, the RGL committee and myself will be holding a visioning session for the church’s Religious Growth and Learning program. We encourage and welcome your participation and thoughtfulness. More information will be available soon. Until then, keep dreaming, and I wish you the best and brightest of a beautiful New Year.

In faith, peace, and love,

Chelsea

"Returning Home"

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:26:55 GMT

As I begin on the path of settling into my new position of Religious Growth Director here at the Lincoln Unitarian Church, I have been overwhelmed by a sense that I am returning home. Growing up in this church, I was surrounded by a loving community. In many ways, I was raised by members of this church. I have been reminded of the thought that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’; I have smiled quite a bit considering that perhaps it takes a loving, embracing, and particularly wonderful community to welcome people home again with open arms and hearts.

Following in my mother’s footsteps, I am incredibly thankful for her presence in my life. I am periodically finding traces of her time spent here at the church. I stumble upon her handwriting; find files of lesson plans which she helped create, and even have recognized the same tapestry hanging in the office which I remember seeing more than fourteen years ago. What has impacted me the most is the thought that hers are amazing footsteps to follow and that I am thankful for her bringing my family into and becoming a part of this community. My mother continues to be an inspiration, a phenomenal mentor and my best friend. I feel pride in sitting in the same office and continuing on this important journey.

I love this Lincoln Unitarian community! I have been welcomed over and over again throughout my first few weeks here. I have been given multiple reminders as to why I have felt comfort within this church. I would like to extend my deepest appreciation for the support and kindness of the church staff and the RGL committee co-chairs: Trish Lanning and Tonya Haigh. I would also like to thank the new members of the RGL committee, and also the teachers and assistants who have started this year with terrific energy and enthusiasm.

If we have not yet met, please stop by my office to say hello. I am looking forward to continuing to get to know you. I am also interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas for the program. I am excited to be here and am looking forward to an amazing church year! Words cannot express the joy I feel in becoming the Lincoln Unitarian Religious Growth Educator. Thank you all for welcoming me in my return home.

In peace, faith, and love,
Chelsea Maitland – Religious Growth Director

RGL Teachers - "Why We Love Teaching"

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:25:28 GMT

The Religious Growth and Learning Program teachers came together for an Orientation at the beginning of the church year in September 2010. This church is incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful, talented, dedicated, and enthusiastic volunteers. I had asked teachers the question as to why it is that they have chosen to teach, and what their hopes, dreams, wishes for the children of this church might be.

The following are a few of their responses:

Children remind me to have more fun and take life a little less serious. It also gives me a sense of community.
I’m teaching because I want to be able to give back a little to the church. My kids are older and it’s fun to connect with young minds.
I want to teach to bring out treasures from inside each child.
I hope I can help the children grow spiritually.
I like teaching because of the marvelous surprises the children spring on me – their minds come up with things I never dreamed of.
I hope I can help them build good relationships with their classmates.
I like to teach because I know that to some of those I help to learn they will one day do the same for me, my children or their children.
Teaching offers great opportunities to learn!
Children are the vigor in life and offer teachers freshness, vitality, and humility.
My dream for you is that you have a wonderful life with all the opportunities that I had
Children remind me of dreaming
When learning is FUN it is a blessing for students and teachers
I am teaching because I feel a need to help shape the community by offering my time and attention to the questions and the growth of our youth.
Children remind me that we are all always learning and that we are all always teaching.
My dream for you is…to fly…to believe in dreams…and make your dreams come true.
My dream for you is to know…you are never alone.
My dream for you is to never be a copy. Be uniquely, wonderfully YOU!
I like teaching because…I believe in strong foundations.
I believe my own life is more meaningful when I spend time with children
My hope is that you will be inspired to take these thoughts beyond the church walls
My dream for you is to love and enjoy your imagination!
Children remind me to lighten my load
I like teaching because I LEARN as much as the students
Children remind me how to think outside of the box
I wish for you to laugh every day with family and friends
I like teaching because I like to watch discovery first hand
I am teaching to enrich my own spirit
I teach because I want the children of this church to know they are loved and supported
My dream for you is that you will grow and thrive within this community

Thank you to the volunteers who are teaching and assisting this year!

In peace, faith, and love,

Chelsea Maitland – Religious Growth Director