Greetings UUCMP Family and Friends!

Here's what's happening in Religious Exploration!

Last week the older youth (9th -12th grade) had a deep discussion about what it means to be a UU, starting with the the 1st Principle:  The inherent worth and dignity of all people.  What does inherent mean?  Can someone lose their worth and dignity?

The 7th-9th grade OWL class was joined by a panel from the Rainbow Speakers, a former PFLAG group, who came to share pesonal experiences on what it's like to be considered Queer, Transsexual, and Asexual. 

Teachers Tara and Maisy lead the elementary school kids in making chalices and playing a fun bean bag toss game. Special thanks to Christine Wood for helping out with the younger kids. Angela played with our youngest babies and tots in the nursery.

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The Committee for Family Ministries is looking for fresh faces, helpers are always welcome in the classrooms, or even providing snacks for our kids and teens is appreciated!  Remember, you don't have to be a parent of a child currently in a program to help out. 

Are you a friendly, chatty individual?  Consider being an RE greeter!  We ask that you greet incoming families and let them know that Religious Exploration classes are available during the service, after the story for all ages.  Check out the sign up for Sunday volunteering here:  
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e45afa62da57-sunday.  ​​​​

All families are welcome to join the music department in a variety of ways as well.  Right now, Camille is starting a Children's Choir, open to any student in grades 3-8.  This choir will meet once a week between January 17th-February 28th to learn a special song for the Sunday service on 2/28.  If your child is interested, please contact Camille today at music@uucmp.org.

 
 
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Our parent resource table, located outside my office in the RE Corner of the new hexes, has some fun seasonal activities to take home, such as a "My UU Principles" booklet, coloring sheets, and "Family Mealtime Questions" handout. 

There's also a large selection of books and movies for all ages in the R.E. Lending Library.  This month's featured books are on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dream for equality.  Be sure to stop by and take a look! 

Upcoming Events

Sunday, 1/17, OWL will be lead by Warren Finch and Bonnie Fernandez.

Definitely not one to miss, so please make sure your kids are here and ready by 10:30.

Please check out the signup genius to see if you can provide snacks for our hungry teens!  
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e45afa62da57-snacks

Non Owl Youth  will meet in the Emerson Room with Katie Schwirzke.   They plan to take the next several weeks to discuss the 7 UU Principles.  This week is the 2nd Principle:  Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. 

Pre-K - 2nd Graders will be exploring the curriculum called “Growing Times” with Teacher Karli.  

Teachers Tara & Maisy will have the older Elementary kids engaged in fun and learning. 

And as always, the nursery will be open for babies and toddlers with Angela.