Religious Growth Blog

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

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.

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

                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.

 

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

          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

         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

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

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