UNITARIAN CHURCH OF LINCOLN



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12/31/2020

Dec-stillness-wk 5

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Dear UU Parents and Guardians,

January 3rd:

Sunday School at 11am is ON this Sunday
with the amazing Morissa Raymond!
​    
Please email me for the link

STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEPOVER

30 Stuffed Animals registered for our Stuffed Animal sleepover for winter break. 
The Stuffie friends have taken over the church while we are closed to humans during the pandemic. 
This has been a really fun way to re-connect children (and some adults) with what the interior of our building looks like.
Check out the first 4 videos here. Even if you didn't register your own Stuffie, these videos are still a lot of fun to watch. 
There's still a few more videos to come!

Video #1
Video #2
Video #3
Video #4

SOUP SUPPER

Did you miss our premiere? You can still watch the fun! 
Singing, stories, and reminders of the potluck we'd otherwise be having if we were together can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_ejbS5DdDY

Chalice lighters needed! 

Is your family willing to send in a video of you lighting a chalice (or a candle) to be used during our YouTube services? 
If so - please send as an email attachment or as a link to a google file (make sure it's 'shareable') to me by December 31st at the latest. 
The video will likely have words or music dubbed over it - so no need to say anything. Simply light the chalice and smile :) 
 Family Spotlight! 
In an effort for us to remember seeing faces, and to get to know one another better, I am going to spotlight one family each month in our church newsletter. (SO easy. PLEASE sign up. I promise it will not take much time at all.)
So far we only have 4 families signed up!!! Plenty of spots left. 
Sign up HERE to participate
It would be lovely if you could join us for our weekly gatherings! 
Here is what is currently being offered: 

Sunday School at 11 for K-5

*Middle and HS *
We are joining up with the Omaha youth groups - 
Wednesdays at 7pm
Please email me for the link

We invite all Middle and High School students from Omaha and Lincoln to join us for discussion and community through this app.
'Would you rather' questions - Thoughts along our monthly Soul Matters themes - 'Big questions' related to UUism.
Also - a "Pet Page"!!! So much fun.
***Be aware that once joining Discord, it opens up the app to multiple pages which will need to be moderated by students themselves and their parents/guardians for security.
https://discord.gg/3NuSj6f
*Parent and Guardian Chat: *
The chance for parents and guardians to just get together and chat
Every other Thursday 8pm and every other Wednesday noon
Thursday 1/7
     Link: https://zoom.us/j/866583131     Password: lovemykids    

 Wednesday 1/13
      Link: https://zoom.us/j/474526337     Password: lovemykids    

Videos This Week: 

(This week church staff is supposed to be on vacation, I'm still working more than I should, so this week's story is read by someone else on YouTube) 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCTuai83o0s

NEW THIS MONTH!
Theme: Stillness
These materials come to us from the Soul Matters Curriculum team
New Year's Eve/Freedom's Eve anticipatory games
Other suggestion for New Year's Eve with children: 
New Year reflection questions printable
Additional Resources for Parents With Stillness Theme: 
20 Questions for New Year’s Eve
  1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
  2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
  3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
  4. What was an unexpected obstacle?
  5. Pick three words to describe this past year.
  6. Pick three words your partner or close friend would use to describe your year.
  7. Pick three words your partner or close friend would use to describe their year.
  8. What were the best books you read this year?
  9. Who were your most valuable relationships with?
  10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
  11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
  12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
  13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
  14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
  15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
  16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
  17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
  18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
  19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?
  20. Create a phrase or statement that describes this past year for you.
Dark History of New Year's Day in American Slavery

On Being 'My 5 New Year's REVOLUTIONS'

How to Release Emotions Stuck in Your Body

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12/17/2020

dec-stillness-wk 3

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Dear UU Parents and Guardians, ​

All of you are such gifts in my life. Thank you for being a part of this community. I am holding you in my heart this holiday season. I so wish that we could be together in person, but know that I carry you all with me in spirit as we celebrate the December holidays.

December 24th: Christmas Eve Service will be at 5pm so that families can join before bedtime (Or the rush to wrap those final gifts and get cookies out for Santa...) An ALL AGES service. Check your emails from the church office for the link. Bring a candle close to your computer so we can all sing Silent Night together by candlelight.

December 27th: NO Sunday School at 11 - enjoy Winter Break!

January 3rd: Sunday School at 11 is ON with the amazing Morissa Raymond

Chalice lighters needed! 

Is your family willing to send in a video of you lighting a chalice (or a candle) to be used during our YouTube services? 
If so - please send as an email attachment or as a link to a google file (make sure it's 'shareable') to me by December 31st at the latest. 
The video will likely have words or music dubbed over it - so no need to say anything. Simply light the chalice and smile :) 
*Parent and Guardian Chat: *
The chance for parents and guardians to just get together and chat
Every other Thursday 8pm and every other Wednesday noon

(There will be NO chat on Thursday 12/24 on Christmas Eve)   

 Wednesday 12/30
      Link: https://zoom.us/j/474526337     Password: lovemykids    
Videos This Week: 
Story with Miss Chelsea: 
Christmas Quiet: https://youtu.be/KO_y_P5rREY

NEW THIS MONTH!
Theme: Stillness
These materials come to us from the Soul Matters Curriculum team
Spiritual Snacks to Share
Stillness Worship Ritual

Additional Resources for Parents With Stillness Theme: 

Finding Ancient Pagan Meaning in the Darkness of Advent

How to Avoid Emotional Burnout this Holiday Season

My favorite Christmas Eve Music: Loreena McKennit
For as long as I can remember, this was the playlist we listened to when we decorated the tree at my home when I was a child. I have carried on this tradition with my own children. Loreena's Christmas cds are also lovely, but there's something especially haunting and special about The Book of Secrets, The Visit, and The Mask and the Mirror. 



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12/10/2020

dec-stillness-wk 2

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Dear UU Parents and Guardians, 

December Sunday School Changes:

December 13th - THIS SUNDAY:
No Sunday School at 11, please attend
All Ages Stranger Share Our Fire Service on Youtube at 10am instead.
There will be LOTS of singing, stories, and info on how to bring items for donations to the church. Also a VERY fun video with lots of familiar faces!
Congregational Meeting to follow. Check your Daily Email for links

December 20th: Sunday School at 11 is ON with the amazing Shelly Fowler

December 27th: NO Sunday School at 11 - enjoy Winter Break!

January 3rd: Sunday School at 11 is ON with the amazing Morissa Raymond

STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEPOVER

All stuffies must register! Fill out the form for each animal by Dec. 17th here: REGISTRATION
(Please register just one stuffie per participant - two if needed to keep the peace)
While the church is empty, our stuffie friends will play! Adults and children alike are invited to bring a stuffed animal friend to the church for fun and shenanigans.
Drop off stuffies:
December 19 and 20 from Noon to 5:00PM 
or 
December 21 from 5:30PM-7:30PM. 
PLEASE be sure this is a friend you can be without for an extended period of time!
The animals will quarantine for 3 days before playing with one another. 
Chelsea will record the entertainment that ensues over LPS Winter Break,
and you will return to the church to pick up your friend and wash upon returning home January 2 or 3 from Noon to 5:00PM or January 4 from 5:30PM-7:30PM. 

All stuffed animals must register separately.

SOUP SUPPER

Watch online together as a community live on our YouTube channel!
December 19th at 5pm
Watch your emails through me and the office for the link closer to the date
Stories, songs, a craft project, and even a virtual potluck :)

Chalice lighters needed! 
 
Is your family willing to send in a video of you lighting a chalice (or a candle) to be used during our YouTube services? 
If so - please send as an email attachment or as a link to a google file (make sure it's 'shareable') to me by December 31st at the latest. 
The video will likely have words or music dubbed over it - so no need to say anything. Simply light the chalice and smile :) 

 Family Spotlight! 

In an effort for us to remember seeing faces, and to get to know one another better, I am going to spotlight one family each month in our church newsletter. (SO easy. PLEASE sign up. I promise it will not take much time at all.)
So far we only have 4 families signed up!!! Plenty of spots left. 
Sign up HERE to participate

It would be lovely if you could join us for our weekly gatherings! 

Here is what is currently being offered: 

*Sunday School *
Approximately: 30 minute program geared towards K-5 but open to all ages
Sundays at 11am
Please email me for the link

*Middle and HS *
We are joining up with the Omaha youth groups - 

Wednesdays at 7pm

Please email me for the link

We invite all Middle and High School students from Omaha and Lincoln to join us for discussion and community through this app.
'Would you rather' questions - Thoughts along our monthly Soul Matters themes - 'Big questions' related to UUism.
Also - a "Pet Page"!!! So much fun.
***Be aware that once joining Discord, it opens up the app to multiple pages which will need to be moderated by students themselves and their parents/guardians for security.

https://discord.gg/3NuSj6f

*Parent and Guardian Chat: *
The chance for parents and guardians to just get together and chat
Every other Thursday 8pm and every other Wednesday noon

Thursday 12/10
     Link: https://zoom.us/j/866583131     Password: lovemykids    
 
 Wednesday 12/16
      Link: https://zoom.us/j/474526337     Password: lovemykids    

(There will be NO parent chat on Thursday 12/24 on Christmas Eve)   

Videos This Week: 
Story with Miss Chelsea: 
Quiet - By Peter Parnell: https://youtu.be/LQe0IuNovCc

NEW THIS MONTH!
Theme: Stillness
These materials come to us from the Soul Matters Curriculum team
Around the Neighborhood: A Treasure Hunt for Stillness
From the Mailbox: Stillness Through Self Care

Additional Resources for Parents With Stillness Theme: 

Mindful: Poem by Mary Oliver
https://wordsfortheyear.com/2015/07/22/mindful-by-mary-oliver/

Watch Night: An Extended Public Service Announcement
Terrance Hayes
https://thegeorgiareview.com/posts/an-extended-public-service-announcement/
 
Video Meditation featuring Pablo Neurda’s poem Keeping Quiet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5kjfqbt-FA
 
My Life Changed When I Started Making Space For Stillness, Ryan Holiday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNpKjSRUtI4
 
Just Breathe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVA2N6tX2cg
“In this powerful short film, watch and hear from elementary school students learning to use mindfulness to navigate complex feelings.”

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12/3/2020

dec-stillness-wk 1

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Dear UU Parents and Guardians, 

Stuffed Animal Sleepover!
Save the dates!
While the church is empty, our stuffie friends will play! 
Adults and children alike are invited to bring a stuffed animal friend to the church and place in a rubbermaid container outdoors
December 19th and 20th from 12-5pm, or 21st from 5:30-7:30pm
PLEASE be sure this is a friend you can be without for an extended period of time!
The animals will quarantine for 3 days before playing with one another. 
Chelsea will record the entertainment that ensues over LPS Winter Break, and you will return to the church to pick up your friend and wash upon returning home
Jan 2 or 3rd from 12-5pm, or 4th from 5:30-7:30pm
All stuffed animals must register for this event! 
More details and registration form will arrive in your daily eblast and parent/guardian email from Chelsea, or you may inquire further by emailing her at: religiousgrowth@unitarianlincoln.org
Chelsea is willing to make special arrangements if your friends cannot be dropped off at the church during those windows of time.

SAVE THE DATE - SOUP SUPPER!!!

Our annual Soup Supper song and stories will premiere as a special event from the church on YouTube on December 19th
Watch for more information coming soon

Chalice lighters needed! 

 
Is your family willing to send in a video of you lighting a chalice (or a candle) to be used during our YouTube services? 
If so - please send as an email attachment or as a link to a google file (make sure it's 'shareable') to me by December 31st at the latest. 
The video will likely have words or music dubbed over it - so no need to say anything. Simply light the chalice and smile :) 

 Family Spotlight! 

In an effort for us to remember seeing faces, and to get to know one another better, I am going to spotlight one family each month in our church newsletter. (SO easy. PLEASE sign up. I promise it will not take much time at all.)
So far we only have 4 families signed up!!! Plenty of spots left. 
Sign up HERE to participate

It would be lovely if you could join us for our weekly gatherings! 

Here is what is currently being offered: 

*Sunday School *
Approximately: 30 minute program geared towards K-5 but open to all ages
Sundays at 11am
Link: https://zoom.us/j/805185601        Password: unitarian

*Middle and HS *
We are joining up with the Omaha youth groups - 

Wednesdays at 7pm

Both MS/HS meetings can be found at this link: 
https://zoom.us/my/firstuuomahareligiouseducation  

We invite all Middle and High School students from Omaha and Lincoln to join us for discussion and community through this app.
'Would you rather' questions - Thoughts along our monthly Soul Matters themes - 'Big questions' related to UUism.
Also - a "Pet Page"!!! So much fun.
***Be aware that once joining Discord, it opens up the app to multiple pages which will need to be moderated by students themselves and their parents/guardians for security.

https://discord.gg/3NuSj6f

*Parent and Guardian Chat: *
The chance for parents and guardians to just get together and chat
Every other Thursday 8pm and every other Wednesday noon

Thursday 
     Link: https://zoom.us/j/866583131     Password: lovemykids    
 
 Wednesday 
      Link: https://zoom.us/j/474526337     Password: lovemykids       

Videos This Week: 


Story with Miss Chelsea: 'A Quiet Place' by Douglas Wood
https://youtu.be/BeKoWVQhBsk

NEW THIS MONTH!


Theme: Stillness
These materials come to us from the Soul Matters Curriculum team
At the Table - Exploring Stillness Through Discussions

Additional Resources for Parents With Stillness Theme: 


"The Invitation to December" https://onbeing.org/blog/the-invitation-of-december/

Keeping Quiet
Pablo Neruda
 https://www.awakin.org/read/view.php?tid=2298


Blessing in the Chaos by Jan Richardson
https://wordsfortheyear.com/2015/07/21/blessing-in-the-chaos-by-jan-richardson/


​

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    Author

    Chelsea Krafka is the Director of Religious Growth for the Unitarian Church of Lincoln.
    You can reach her by email at: religiousgrowth@unitarianlincoln.org
    Chelsea oversees our Sunday School programs for Nursery-12th grade. 
    She has a Masters Degree in: Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education - 'School, Society, and Reform'
    She joined our staff in 2010, and came to us after working for more than a year as a Director of Education at 2nd Unitarian Church in Omaha, NE. 
    Chelsea was raised UU, grew up in this very church, and is grateful to now be bringing her own three children to the Unitarian Church of Lincoln. 

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​OF LINCOLN

6300 A ST.
​LINCOLN, NE 68510

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