a caring community
uniting reason with spiritual exploration

Unitarian Church 
of Lincoln

a caring community uniting
reason with spiritual exploration

a caring community uniting
reason with spiritual exploration

a caring community uniting
reason with spiritual exploration


a caring community uniting
reason with spiritual exploration

 

Religious Growth Blog


Words from Chelsea Maitland, Director of Religious Growth.

In Faith, Peace, and Love,

                   Chelsea
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  • 28 Apr 2013 7:51 AM | Anonymous
    On Friday April 19, the Youth In Action middle and high school students observed the National Day of Silence at their respective schools.  The official website for the Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Educator Network (GLSEN) states, “The National Day of Silence is a day of action in which students across the country vow to take a form of silence to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools”. The students were equipped with stickers stating the name of the project and ‘talking cards’ which described why they were silent for the day which could be handed to fellow students. I also provided them with a letter which could be given to the principal and their teachers.

    When asked about their experience in prior years, students told me they had both positive and negative experiences. One student spoke of how many of their friends joined the project for the day and that it sparked conversations among their peers. Another student mentioned how a ‘friend’ had said, “That is stupid”, when she showed him her ‘speaking card’. Overall, they were grateful for the experience and were excited to do the project again this year.

    As the initiator of this project, I was nervous about possible backlash on behalf of teachers and administration as well as other students. The GLSEN website warns that some people do not support the project. A letter was sent to the GLSEN organization by a high school math teacher. He wrote that he does not endorse the project and specifically chooses the National Day of Silence as the day to hold oral examinations. He fails students who refuse to speak during class that day. I explained to the Youth In Action group that it is the hope that one day we will not NEED to have a National Day of Silence anymore. Until then, their lack of speaking will be ‘heard’ in a way which is very powerful. 

    How will you help end the silence? What can we teach children today so that there will not be a need for this project in the future? 

    If you would like to learn more about this project and many others, you can visit this website: www.glsen.org. 

    The Youth In Action group will also be doing the ‘You Are Loved Chalk Project’ again this year. If the rain does not wash it away, you might see their efforts on the church sidewalk and lining ‘A’ street on Sunday May 5.
  • 31 Mar 2013 10:01 AM | Anonymous
    I came home the other morning to find that our brown and bleak yard had a surprise waiting for me. 

    I was astonished to find that a small patch of crocuses was growing on a pile of dirt and had bright yellow flowers starting to bloom. I immediately brought out my camera - set to 'macro' mode - and basked in the glory of yellow petals. These were the first signs of Spring which I have seen this year besides a few hints of green. 

    The next day we had a snow storm. The crocuses were covered with about two feet of snow...and I was grateful for the crocus to have had their brief yet wonderful presence. 

    Two days later they crocus reappeared. I had thought for certain that they would not have survived. This simple sign of perseverance and tenacity was very encouraging for me. 

    I tend to suffer from seasonal affective disorder in Nebraska winters. The lack of sun is draining and I miss the colors which come with life in nature. 

    Yet, as the days grow longer, the temperature rises and the flower begin to bloom I find myself having more energy and optimism. 

    The natural world suddenly becomes fascinating to me again. I spend hours in the garden planting for the flowers and vegetables yet to be. I bring my camera almost everywhere I go and can spend entirely more time than is logical trying to get just the right photograph of one simple bloom. I take joy in going for walks in the nearby meadow or heading out to the lake for peace of mind. 

    The children and youth in the Religious Growth and Learning program are also celebrating the return of Spring. 

    In the past few weeks, children have gone on nature walks and also examined the gifts of Spring closely by doing drawings and examining leaves under magnifying glasses. 

    The older youth are energized by creating social justice projects to do within their class groups as well as preparing for the upcoming Youth Service. 

    Children and youth will also be participating in our Easter Canned Food Hunt for the third year in a row here at the church. 

    During last month's Ingathering we talked about the concept of peace and what that might mean to the individuals in the room. Many of our UU children connect the concept of peace with nature. During the Ingathering we did a breathing exercise as a group and repeated the words: 'When I breathe in, I breathe in peace. When I breathe out, I breathe out love".

    I encourage you to take a deep breath (or a few) and enjoy all of Mother Nature's bountiful gifts as they begin their arrival. May peace and joy surround you this Spring and always.
  • 28 Feb 2013 10:33 AM | Anonymous
    Our community has hosted a number of events recently where people of all ages have come together. Thank you to everyone who helped make for a successful Secret Friend luncheon and Multigenerational Youth Drama Service. What a wonderful Sunday we had on Feb. 17! We have had four out of five sessions of our 'Camp Wednesday' event. Additionally, in the last two months the children and youth have created cards for December holidays and Valentine's Day for people on the Pastoral Care list.

    As the years go by, I have noticed more connections which I have to people of different ages than myself. I have a firm belief that people come into my life often as 'teachers' in informal ways. I have learned a lot from my adopted grandparents as well as from myadopted nieces and nephews under the age of ten. (Adopted in the sense that I have chosen them to be a part of my life rather than us being biologically related). I have learned both to think deep about certain topics and also to simplify other aspects of my life. Both young and old have valuable lessons to teach me. My grandparent folks often remind me to consider my future and that life can go by quickly so I should appreciate the moments of time with family and friends. The children in my life often remind me to stop and be grateful for the simple things like coloring with crayons or being fascinated by a bug for an afternoon. Our Secret Friends event in particular is a great way for people of different generations to get to know one another at our church. I hope that the connections continue beyond the chalice lighting sign-up sheet and that some of these friendships last a lifetime. We all have the ability to both teach and learn from one another. We have the ability to choose who we wish to be a part of our lives and which lessons we will take to heart from our 'teachers'. I am so thankful for all who continue to weave our multi-generational community together.
  • 25 Jan 2013 10:48 PM | Anonymous

    On January 20, children and youth attended an Ingathering. I began our meeting with a story about hearts.

    A person's heart is sometimes described with adjectives such as, "She has a heart of gold" or "He has a great heart".

    I spoke with the children and youth about how we have the power to choose our actions and shape our own hearts.

    We proceeded to create valentines which, for the third year in a row, will be sent to folks who are on the Pastoral Care list.

    Beyond making cards for people on holidays, we have chances every day to make a difference in someone's life.

    Practicing random acts of kindness enhances our own lives as well as the lives of those around us.

    Around this time two years ago I awoke to find that my car had been smashed by a tree branch. When I looked outside my window I saw my car covered entirely by a giant branch.

    My neighbors, who I had interacted with only a handful of times, saw me examining my car and immediately began to help. They gathered saws, gloves and rope and proceeded to spend the next hour helping me free my car.

    I have kept this in mind the last few years and I try to take the opportunity when I can to 'pay it forward'.

    I have let numerous people go in front of me in the grocery line, I have given bonus tips to servers at restaurants, and I offered food to a man who was in need among other actions. We can make the world a better place by doing as much good as we can.

    Have you ever been on the receiving end of a random act of kindness? Do you remember how you felt?

    When was the last time that you did something kind for someone else without expecting anything in return?

    During Camp Wednesdays this month I will be offering the opportunity for people to write a postcard to a stranger. Please consider joining us.

    Every day we can choose actions which shape our hearts...what kind of heart do you wish to have?

  • 28 Dec 2012 8:51 PM | Anonymous

    This December the Religious Growth and Learning program was busy working with the Pastoral Care committee to pass out cookies and cards. I am in awe of the thoughtfulness and kindness expressed by the children and youth in their writing. Explaining to the young people who the recipients of these cards are going to be proves to be a bit complex. I have tended to express that we are making cards to give to our ‘church friends’ whom we may not know, but are a part of our community. These friends may have had a big life event happen this year. There is also the element that the children and youth do not know which holidays, if any, that these friends celebrate. The cards which the children make always bring a smile when I read them. Here are a few examples of what they came up with:

    “Dear whoever you are, I don’t know what holiday you celebrate but I am wishing you a happy winter. Your friend at the UU church”

    “Let the sun shine in your heart! Love, Your friend at the Unitarian church”

    “You know what?! You are awesome! I’m giving you this ornament to put it wherever…a tree, your necklace, your shirt, Anything cuz I love you!”

    “I hope you enjoy whatever holiday you worship!! You are loved”

    “With the right shoes you can do anything. Except fly. You can’t fly with shoes. But that’s not the point of this card. Happy holidays” 

    Thank you to everyone who helped to make this project a success! Also a huge amount of gratitude and appreciation for all who were a part of the Souuper Supper event and special services this last month.

    I wish you all a great new year ahead. Here’s to a terrific 2013. 

  • 29 Nov 2012 2:42 PM | Anonymous

    In October I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the Liberal Religious Educator’s conference in Richmond, Virginia. It was amazing to collaborate with my fellow colleagues. The theme of the conference this year was that of ‘History’. The speakers and workshops were phenomenal and I walked away full of inspiration and ideas.

    We are so fortunate to have a published book about the history of our church written by Margaret Seymour. Many churches do not know much about their history let alone have a record of their development. However, over the course of this conference, I realized that although we have a book about our church history, we do not have many visual elements in our building which help show newcomers or children how our church has evolved over the years. As we dream big about our new building, I am hoping that we might be able to think of ways which we can visually show elements of our history to our members and visitors. My thoughts have ranged from including a time-line in our hallways, to having a display of pictures of our church staff over the years, as well as the possibility of archiving.

    I have been interested in history for a long time. Some of you already know that my Baccalaureate degree is in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Social Sciences which includes history. Two of the authors which stood out to me the most during my college education are James Loewen and Howard Zinn. Both authors write about questioning history and how it is presented to students, particularly in text books. I felt as though a light bulb went on over my head when I first considered the notion that history is often presented in a way which does not give students the ‘full story’ but rather a perspective of a story. We see this even in our own UU history and curriculum for students.

    When is it that we learn the ‘full story’? When do children and youth learn the ‘truth’ about Thanksgiving for example? Do you remember a time when you had an ‘A-Ha!’ moment in your own education as it relates to history? I invite you to consider ways in which history is taught and think of a new perspective which you could offer to someone either in your own family or perhaps in our church community. As we learn and grow may we consider our history and make changes to improve the future for us and the generations which follow.

    Happy Winter Holidays! 

             

  • 28 Oct 2012 10:15 AM | Anonymous
    In October I attended the annual Liberal Religious Educator’s (LAREDA) Conference in Virginia. This conference is a time when many directors of education at Unitarian Universalist churches around the nation get together for a weekend of workshops and
    discussion. I am always empowered, inspired, and in awe of the work which we all do with children and youth in our churches and am thankful for the opportunity to meet others in my field.

    PUMPKIN DECORATING & CARVING
    The UNICEF Pumpkin Decorating fundraiser was a great success! Thank you to everyone who donated a pumpkin and volunteered during the Ingathering. We were able to raise $113 and there will be even more money coming in as children and youth bring back their trick-or-treat for UNICEF boxes. The Religious Growth and Learning committee is also sponsoring a community pumpkin carving where all are welcome to bring their own pumpkins and tools to carve pumpkins together on October 28.

    YOUTH IN ACTION - THEMES
    “Youth In Action” is off to a great start this year! The youth voted to focus on the same three themes as the last two years. Their activities and discussions will include the topics of Homelessness and Hunger; LGBTQA activism; and Animal Welfare. The group has already participated in three different projects. You may have noticed the display in the RGL hallway of painted hands. Students painted their hands as a symbol of how uniqueness should be celebrated, and to raise awareness to prevent bullying. This photo project is sponsored by the website “ProjectBully” who contacted me to use the photos on their website and on their Facebook page!

    projectbully.com/handsforcourage.html
    www.facebook.com/ProjectAntiBully/photos_stream

    YOUTH IN ACTION - PHOTO PROJECTS
    “Youth In Action” did two other photo projects which are sponsored by online events. Students took photos of themselves with signs which said either ‘I am an ALLY’ or ‘I <3 Allies’ as a part of ‘Ally Week’ sponsored by the GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) website. They also took photos of themselves with a sign which had a ‘bullying word’ to help prevent bullying as a part of a Facebook awareness group. More information along with photos can be found on the “I’ve Been Bullied” Facebook page under Photos. 

    http://www.facebook.com/BEENBULLIED/photos_stream 

    There are many reasons to be grateful this Thanksgiving season!
  • 26 Sep 2012 10:04 PM | Anonymous

    Welcome to a new year of  Religious Growth and Learning (RGL) at the Unitarian Church of Lincoln!

    The theme for our curriculum this year is 'Peace and Social Justice'. Our Sunday School classes operate on a three-year rotating cycle with the other two themes being, 'World Religions' and 'Unitarian Universalist Identity'. The lesson plans for the year will give students the opportunity to explore the meaning of peace and justice as it applies to their lives and the world around them. You may notice a few changes this year in our program, please feel free to always contact me with questions or concerns. 

    We are now offering multiple ways for you to gain information about what is going on in the RGL program. Last month we had three successful orientations/chat sessions for teachers, assistants, as well as one for parents and guardians. We have an up-to-date RGL parent/guardian e-mail list, an RGL facebook group page which is open for anyone in the church to see upcoming events and updated information as well as a message board in the RGL Hallway across from the Library. If you come to church on a Sunday wondering what the plan for children and youth might be for that day you can easily see on the message board above the RGL table in the gallery space whether that Sunday is a day for classes, an Ingathering (large group activities), or an Inter-generational service. You can also check our church website in the 'Children and Youth' section where you can find links to lots of information including calendars and schedules for each classroom.

    Parents and guardians, please be sure to register children and youth who are in preschool-high school for our Sunday School program. You can find the link to our registration form on our website in the ‘Children and Youth’ section.

    This is going to be a great year at the church. I look forward to seeing you on Sundays!

  • 27 Aug 2012 10:32 AM | Anonymous
    P r e s c h o o l :
    Combination of the curriculum books: Chalice Children and Celebrating Me and My World. Lessons are specifically focused on concepts of peace and justice which are appropriate for the preschool level. Lessons introduce concepts such as: Peace, Sharing, Fairness, Friendship, Diversity, and Cooperation.

    K - 2 n d G r a d e C l a s s :
    This class will be using a combination of three curriculum books. 

    • In Our Hands - A Peace and Social Justice Program: The curriculum involves children in exploring their own knowledge and feelings about the issues of peace and justice. The program helps children to learn about their own feelings and understanding about
    conflict and unfairness and to explore constructive ways of both resolving conflict and promoting peace and fairness in their personal relationships. In Our Hands also engages children in exploring peace and fairness in and with their relationship with nature. Finally, it introduces them to several Unitarian Universalists who have made a contribution to peace and fairness in the world.

    • Tapestry of Faith: Love Surrounds Us: At the core of our Unitarian Universalist community are our seven Principles. The Principles encompass all the ingredients
    of a good and faith-filled life based on equality, freedom, peace, acceptance, truth, care, and love. This program explores all the Principles in the context of Beloved
    Community of family/home, school, neighborhood. Participants engage in activities that emphasize the love they feel in community.

    • Tapestry of Faith: Love Will Guide Us: In this program, participants learn to seek guidance in life through the lens of our Unitarian Universalist Sources, with an emphasis on love. Together we ask questions such as, "Where did we come from?" "What is our
    relationship to the Earth and other creatures?" "How can we respond with love, even in bad situations?" "What happens when you die?" Sessions apply wisdom from our Sources to help participants answer these questions. Participants will learn that asking questions is valued in Unitarian Universalism, even as they begin to shape their
    own answers.

    3 r d - 5 t h G r a d e C l a s s :
    • In Our Hands - A Peace and Social Justice Program: (See previous description)

    • Tapestry of Faith: Love Connects Us: Love Connects Us celebrates important ways Unitarian Universalists live our faith in covenanted community. Moved by love and gathered in spirit, we embrace our responsibility toward one another and the world at large. We encourage one another's search for truth and meaning. We strive to be active in peace-making and other efforts to improve our world.

    M i d d l e S c h o o l C l a s s ( 6 t h - 8 t h G r a d e ) :
    • In our Hands - A Peace and Social Justice Program: (See previous description)

    • Tapestry of Faith: Heeding the Call: Heeding the Call is a social justice curriculum that not only explores linked oppressions in our society, but also encourages participants towards personal growth in values that counteract the marginalization of others.
    Workshops on empathy, courage, abundance, joy, and other qualities ask participants to recognize how these standards can be tools for justice. Additionally, the program includes more concrete tools, such as suggestions on how to be a good ally and tips on the language of conflict resolution. True stories of courage, sacrifice and collaboration, role-plays, games, and a program-long justice project will feed youth’s rising
    realization that as people of faith we are all called to love justice - not just with our words, but also with our deeds.

    H i g h S c h o o l C l a s s ( 9 t h - 1 2 t h G r a d e ) :
    Sr. High students will combine curriculum, discussion, activities and guest speakers in their classroom experience to explore aspects of peace and social justice as it ties into our UU principles.
  • 01 Aug 2012 12:13 PM | Anonymous
    “Story is the song line of a person’s life.
    We need to sing it and we need someone to hear the singing.
    Story told, story heard, story written, story read, create the
    web of life in words.”

    – Christina Baldwin, author of the book, Making Sense of Our Lives
    through the Power and Practice of Story

    This quote spoke to me both as a Unitarian Universalist and as a storyteller. What a beautiful concept– that stories "create the web of life in words." Our seventh Unitarian Universalist principle states that we affirm and promote "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." This July, I was fortunate to be able to travel to a national Storytelling Conference where I was a part of a web of storytellers and story-listeners from around the United States.

    Many of you see and hear my storytelling on Sunday mornings as a part of the "Time for All Ages" during the first portion of the service. What you may not see is how I work with stories in many other aspects of my job and also in my life outside of the church. I have always considered myself a storyteller. I come from a long line of storytellers in my family, my mother being one of my biggest influences and inspirations. When I was a very little girl growing up in California, my parents and my grandmother would often prompt me by asking me to tell them a story. When I was young, my stories often began with, “Once upon a time” and ended with, “And they lived happily ever after.” 
    In school, I was often involved with theater groups and was involved in speech competitions in high school. For two years in high school, I was a featured storyteller at the Omaha Storytelling Conference which was held at the College of Saint Mary.

    Besides our "Time for All Ages," I also tell stories during Ingatherings when children and youth in kindergarten through middle school gather on Sunday mornings. I also find stories to match with particular lesson plans in the various classrooms as well as writing stories when no established story can be found to fit. On Sundays, I often find myself telling stories within the church in various ways on a personal level such as retelling a child’s response during a lesson to a parent. 

    Although we may not always think of ourselves this way, we are all storytellers in one way or another. Though our stories vary and certainly do not always end with, “And they lived happily ever after.” The simple question of asking a child, ‘How was your day?’ or asking a partner, ‘How was work?’ can prompt a story on a daily level. On a deeper level, stories are how we make sense of the world around us, how we learn about our family history, and how we pass along memories and morals and values to the next generation. Stories weave through our lives and help us become the people we are. Stories bring us together. The author Christina Baldwin writes, “Story is a search
    for community. As we tell each other who we really are, we find the people with whom we really belong. Story brings us home.” Our church, our community, our home is built upon stories, too. I would like to thank you for the stories you’ve allowed me to share with all of you and for sharing your stories with me.
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