Spring has Sprung!

SUNDAYS IN MAY

This month of May we continue our Spring Program of age-based rituals and lesson on Sunday mornings…

Moral Tales: Recommended for Ages 5-8
Gemstones of Goodness ritual held weekly.
Lessons during worship on the 1st & 4th Sundays: May 4 and May 25th

Elements include: Altar and story baskets w/ touchable props; 'breathing in' ritual; structured sharing, story, games & activities; Taking It Home handouts on decision-making and morality.

Tool Box of Faith: Recommended for Ages 8 - 10/11
What’s In My Heart ritual held weekly.
Lessons during worship on the 1st & 4th Sundays: May 4 and May 25th

Elements include: Ritual, story and activities built around the metaphor (and actual use) of tools for building faith (and understanding what taht might mean for UU's).

Youth - Building Connection: Recommended for Grades 6+
Youth are invited to gather weekly to listen to the service from Friendship Hall with snacks and quiet activities. Youth may also choose to attend worship in the sanctuary. On the 1st and 4th Sundays adults will facilitate games and activities, too.

Volunteers still needed for May 25th! Please contact Darcie Farber.

Families with children looking to engage in all-congregational worship may also choose to attend services. Our monthly rhythm offers services on the 2nd and 3rd weeks that may be more accessible for children and youth.

This month, those services are…

May 11 - A service centered around a ritual of the elements (earth, water, air, and fire), featuring multiple choir offerings, including a song from our Children’s Choir.

May 18 - Missa Gaia, the Earth Mass... a multimedia musical experience that features choir, orchestra, animal sounds & songs, and video.  (Whales helped write the music!)

OTHER EVENTS and HAPPENINGS for FAMILIES:

May 11 -- After Sunday Worship: Child Dedication Ritual
As a congregation, we pledge ourselves to one another and we commit as a community to the support and nurture of our children. A dedication ceremony serves to celebrate each life and to name and hold young children in our faith and love. Come celebrate with the Vose Family at this brief, but powerful ritual of dedication. If you have a young child you also wish to have dedicated at this time please contact Darcie Farber asap!

May 15 6:00 - 7:30pm Interfaith Concert
Free concert featuring music from diverse local faith communities, including UUSGS young adults Madi Mason and Cassia Farber. Held at the Bishop Marshall Center, Elliot St, Springfield, MA. This is a great opportunity for families to invite their children into experiencing elements of other religious traditions! For more information contact Darcie Farber.

May 17 1:00 - 4:00pm Family Mixer
Casual family-focused hangout at UUSGS with games and good company. A learning station will also be available for those wishing to learn more about our evolving communication tools and programs. For more information contact Erin Placey or Darcie Farber.

May 18 After Sunday Worship: "This Is for the Birds!" Workshop
Following a worship service rooted in Nature and interdependence, Paul Gonzales will be back to teach basic tool skills and help folks build milk jug bird feeders. 

STAY TUNED:

As the warm weather returns, we will resume creation of our gathering space in the woods. Work days will be announced soon. If you wish to participate in a more involved way with the planning and work of the project, please contact Darcie Farber.

SAVE THE DATE:

Saturday June 7th - Families are invited to participate in SPRINGFIELD PRIDE 2025. We will have more details about marching in the parade or helping at our booth coming soon!