CREATIVITY / SCHOOL YEAR ENDS / SUMMER BEGINS –
In May, we celebrate creativity. We often think of creativity as connected to the arts, and indeed, self-expression is an important role for creativity. In addition, creativity can be an important part of problem solving. Children solve problems through play. Young children are naturals at solving problems by being fluid, playful and creative. Older children begin to lose their willingness to try things and make mistakes, some say because of our educational system which emphasizes correct answers. We, in Unitarian Universalist religious education, value creativity as part of our theology. We do not know the answers to life’s questions and prefer to keep it that way. Our theology values thinking, wondering, and skepticism as well as imagination, fluidity, and awe – all qualities of creativity.
May 6 and 13 Katie Kingery-Page and Lindsay Smith will encourage students to problem solve as they lead a creative session on outdoor printmaking. On May 20 the teens reflect on their semester of problem solving as they lead the regular program, touching on their curriculum from UUA, Virtue Ethics. Then, as the school year comes to an end we’ll wrap up school-year classes with a creative gathering of all classes on May 27.
And then we’re off to summer and the UU World Travelers program. Once again our RE students travel around the world, learning new skills along the way, without ever leaving Kansas. Every week a new host from the Fellowship takes them on a “tour” of a far-away place, new skill, imaginary or real life destination. On tap so far is learning how to fish, an overnight backyard camping trip, canoeing (an annual favorite), and possibly learning how to use a riding lawn mower (I see races in our future). Who could pass up any of that fun stuff?!
Do you have a passion you’d like to share? There are still slots open and we’d love to have you join us for a morning. Do you cook? Have you been on a cruise? Do you love to quilt? knit? sing? Contact Sandy Nelson at DRE@uufm.net for details on the summer program.
PARENT NIGHT OUT/KID NIGHT IN –
The May Parent Night Out (Kid Night In) is cancelled because Sandy will be out of town (visiting her new granddaughter!). We’ll gather next on Friday, June 1.
FAMILY FUN
We’re gathering for a fellowship-wide Memorial Day picnic on Saturday, May 26. We’ll meet in Long’s Park, at about 5:30 pm. Burgers, hot dogs, and (limited) beverages will be provided, as well as bubbles, hula hoops, and water fun! Let Sandy know if you’d like a veggie burger. Bring a dish to share, or dinner for yourself, or just come eat a burger.
OUR WHOLE LIVES (OWL)
Our Whole Lives is over for our 7th-9th grade group. Thank you for respecting their class time by not passing through the Jupiter room. If your family would like to participate in future OWL courses, please contact Sandy at dre@uufm.net.
See you soon,
Sandy