Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church

Parents often ask me, “What happens when a child is dedicated in our church?” I will begin with a quote by Sophia Lyon Fahs, “Each night that a child is born, is a holy night; A time for singing; A time for wondering; A time for worshipping.” There is no “standard” UU Ceremony for Dedication. Each such dedication may use different words, provided by the family, from their cultural and religious traditions. We do believe that each child brings new life and hope into the world. We do join together to name and dedicate the child. We do affirm our commitment to nurture the child and hold the child in the fabric of our community. Our community hopes that every child receives love, guidance and nurturing. We are mindful in the UU ceremony of dedication of the following statements:
We give witness to our values and our commitment to be a religious community that stands on the side of love.
We form a covenant with the family to support them and to honor and recognize that the child is a precious gift of life and is entrusted to be cared for by family and the community.
We affirm the dignity and individuality of the child as we state the child’s place in the community of humankind.

The dedication can use different words and may also include a variety of symbols and rituals such as: water, laying of a minister’s hand on the child’s head as a blessing, a gift of a flower, or a gift of a book. The UU Ceremony of Dedication is a time to celebrate and be grateful for the wonder of each child. We as UU’s claim each life as sacred and dedicate our minds and hearts to the spirit of each child.

Lower Elementary students on April 18th will explore, “Caring for Our Planet” and on April 25th will help with church cleanup. Please have your student wear outside clothes for the cleanup.

Upper Elementary students on April 18th will explore, “Making Decisions: The Very short rule/The Good Samaritan”. On April 25th the students will help with church cleanup. Please have your students wear outside clothes for the cleanup.

Juniors on April 18th will have a guest speaker, Mary Beth Smith and on April 25th will have a movie day.

Seniors on April 18th will meet at the Edmonds home at 7:30 pm to continue their study of the New Testament and on April 25th, they will meet at the GPUC parking lot at 9:00 am to go down to COTS.

The RE Committee will meet April 19th at 6:30 pm in the RE wing to review next year’s curriculum.

Julie Artis, Director of Religious Education

Parents ask me, “How do I bring Religious Education into my home?” My answer to the “how-to’s” of religious education in the home is that the religious journey is a process -- a process which for some is filled with celebration and
ritual, for others quiet reflection, and still others thoughtful discussion or heated debate. As you and
your family grow spiritually; the process for worship at home will change. I suggest to start with the
four steps listed below.

1. Know a simple history of the evolution of UU ideas, symbols, and a statement of the current
principles and purposes.
2. Help your children express the thoughts and feelings they are experiencing. Know how to
communicate with your children involving process as well as content.
3. Reinforce spiritual values and bring the family together by structured observance or celebrations.
Examples are table graces, bedtime prayers and a home worship service.
4. Structure discussions on religious education lessons at home to bring conversation into the home
and your daily family life. Examples of some at home lessons could be UU beliefs/values, our
Jewish and Christian heritage, world religions, peace and social justice.
Remember the mission of UU religious education is not to shape or mold our children’s spiritual development according to some pre-set plan, but to nurture the unfolding of their unique spirituality and to cultivate strong moral character.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Lower Elementary Students on April 4 will enjoy crafts around the topic of Spring, and on April 11 the topic will be “Search for Truth.”

Upper Elementary Students on April 4 will enjoy crafts around the topic of Spring, and on April 11 will decorate reusable grocery bags.

Juniors on April 4 will attend church, and on April 11 the topic will be “Diving into UU Principles.” The students and I would like to send a big thank you to the 2010 Secret Pals which include: Mark Franchett, Rob St. Mary, Lynn Baker-Hunter, Jim Moir, Ann Lipsitz, Vicky Keating, Annie Ginn, Janet Weber, Paul Lipsitz, John Owens, Jud Cole and Sara Hassinger.

Seniors on April 4 will attend church, and on April 11 will meet at the Edmonds’ home at 7:30 PM to continue their study of the New Testament.

Dates to Remember
April 19 - RE Committee meets at 6:30 PM in the RE wing.
May 7- An Intergenerational GAME night in the annex -- (more information to follow).

-Julie Artis, Director, Religious Education

Parents have asked me “Why should I bring my child to church?” My answer is: Children should come to our church for the same reasons as adults:
Because the church experience speaks to them about their values and beliefs;
Because in our church they feel an acceptance as they truly are;
Because in our UU churches children can ask their questions about the meaning of life and religion and not feel threatened.
Because they are loved in church, even when they think that they don’t want to be there.
The children need us as wise parents to bring them to church, because they cannot bring themselves. See you in church this Sunday and hopefully, every Sunday with your children.
...Julie Artis
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LOWER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS on March 7th will continue to explore our UU History with the topic, “Voice and Voting Counts”. Then on March 14th they will explore the topic, “A Peaceful World”.

UPPER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS on March 7th will continue explore UU History ”The Adventures of our People: Fannie Farmer”. Then on March 14th they will review the history of GPUC for “Founder’s Day”.

JUNIORS on March 6th all juniors are to be at church by 1:00 p.m. to set up for the Spaghetti Dinner and on March 7th they will prep for the Spaghetti Dinner. On March 14th the juniors will study the history of our church for “Founder’s Day”.

SENIORS on March 7th will attend the Spaghetti Dinner as a group at 6:00 p.m. and on March 14th will attend the church service at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate “Founder’s Day”.

NEW RE NAME TAG RACK-Please stop by the RE wing and see our new RE Name Tag Rack. Our very own George Gray made it for our students. Thank you George for your time, talent and kindness!

DRE CLUSTER MEETING-The GPUC/RE program is hosting the Northern Cluster Meeting for all DRE’s on Friday, March 12 at 10:00 a.m. This is a monthly meeting for Michigan DRE’s to come together and discuss programs and share information and resources. It will also be a time to share our beautiful church and introduce our staff to other DRE’s.
 
Julie Artis, Director of Religious Education

LOWER AND UPPER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS AND JUNIORS will be practicing on Nov. 29th and Dec. 6th for our "Festival Of Light" program.  The program will take place on Dec. 13th at 10:30 a.m. Please remember to turn in all student contracts and contact Mrs. Artis if you need help with
costumes. 

 SENIORS on Nov. 29th will meet at the Franchett home at 7:30 p.m. and continue with studying the "Old Testament".  Rev. Mitra Rahnema will be joining the seniors on Nov. 29th. Dec. 6th the seniors will meet at GPUC at 8:30 a.m. to car pool to COTS.  When they return to GPUC they will join the other students to rehearse the "Festival of Light" program.
 
UNICEF-Thank you to everyone that donated to our UNICEF collection.  The students collected a total of $278.20.  The funds have been sent to UNICEF on behalf of the Religious Education Program of GPUC.  Thank you again.
 
BAKERS-We need help for Sunday, Dec. 13th "Festival of Light".  If you would like to bake cookies for our cookies and coffee hour, please contact Julie Artis.  We are baking a special "Swedish" cookie for the event.
 
CHALICE COOKIE CUTTERS-The RE program is placing an order for Chalice cookie cutters.  If you would like to purchase one, please contact Julie Artis.  You may go to www.ChalicePalace.com to view the product and pricing.
 
GUEST at YOUR TABLE-On Sunday Nov. 22nd everyone was given a box to place on their table at their home.  These boxes are due Jan. 3, 2010.  If you have any questions please contact the staff at GPUC.

CHILDREN'S TEA PARTY with Rev. Mitra-Dec. 20th right after church; any child age 7 and under is invited to a Tea Party with Rev. Mitra in her office.  RSVP to Julie Artis if your child/children would like to attend.
 
DATES to REMEMBER
Nov. 29th and Dec. 6th-Rehearsal for "Festival of Light" program
Dec. 6th-RE Committee meeting at 9:30 a.m.
Dec. 13th- "Festival of Light" Program, all children at church by 9:15 a.m.
 
If you have questions or want to volunteer, please give me a call or email me.  Thank you all for supporting the Religious Education program for GPUC.

-Julie Artis, Director of Religious Education