Christy's Report for March 30

Willem, Elizabeth, David, Nathaniel, Amanda and Conner were present at Sunday School. We used the first lesson in the "Fair Play" book of the Uniteen Life Issues curriculum which went really well with the lesson we did last week. This lesson was about how preconceived ideas can limit our experiences.

The kids blindfolded themselves, then each held onto a large piece of string and tried to make various shapes. In order to make the shapes, they had to communicate with each other and compromise, which often meant letting go of their preconceived ideas of how the shape should be. The first shape they made was a square, which they all reported was fairly easy. The next shape was a triangle and they were asked to draw what it would look like and where they would be in it before they tried to make it. No one ended up where they thought they would, and no one had predicted the final shape, although they did manage to make a nice triangle. The next shape was a TREE! Elizabeth was very frustrated and perplexed that there were no further directions. She knows how to make so many kinds of trees that she didn't know which one to choose. The kids brainstormed and it was suggested that they make a Christmas tree, which would be easier to make. Then Conner and/or Nathaniel (I'm not sure which one said it first, but I'm sure they do so you can ask them if you want. :) suggested making a triangle Christmas tree with a square base. Everyone was excited about this suggestion and although it took a lot more direction and compromise, they succeeded in making a Christmas tree with string while blindfolded!! (I keep telling everyone how brilliant they are!)

Between tries and after the last one, we discussed how it felt to compromise and let go of preconceived ideas. We talked about their preconceived ideas of "popular", "nerd", "funny", "straight-A student" and more. Amanda has negative ideas about what it means to be popular because in her school, it usually means snotty or cliqueish. However, she really likes Elizabeth who we learned considers herself popular because her idea involves being yourself, being friendly to everyone as much as possible and having lots of friends.

We all had a lot of fun and we learned from each other, which is always exciting to me. I really enjoy facilitating this learning community because I always feel like I learn as much as the kids do!

Christy's Report for March 23

Jeremiah, Conner, Amanda, Rachel, David, and Nathaniel were present at Sunday School. My proposed topic was the negative effects of "putting God in a box" or failing to notice God's guidance and blessings that are all around us. Amanda stated that she does not believe that it is possible to put God in a box because if there is something that we need to know or have, she believes that God will continue to make it known and/or available to us in more and more noticeable ways until we "get it". After a lively discussion, the kids reached a consensus that, while we agree that we cannot restrict God from taking care of us, we can help God do so more efficiently if we remain open to all of the miracles that surround us and try to refrain from limiting our experiences with our own ideas of how things "should be".

After the discussion we used a "NASA" approved (I learned it at a NASA workshop anyway ;) modular origami technique to make a box out of different colored paper squares. By the way, all participants should see Amanda for the correct way to put the box together. She discovered that I was doing it wrong. Apparently, there is a way to put each piece together so that all of the flaps are tucked into one of the outside parts of the other pieces, rather than some of them being tucked inside the box. Her way looks cooler because there are more colors on each square and the box is much sturdier. (All of you grown ups want to make one now, don't you? :) I'm sure Amanda would be happy to show you, too.)

Youth Sunday--Great Job, Everyone!

Youth Sunday was a big success! The kids all did a great job, and the congregation had very enthusiastic things to say about the experience. They were very impressed with your level of knowledge of Unity principles and with how professionally you handled yourselves on stage. I heard from at least one congregation member that they wished we would do it more often!

Here is what the final program looked like. Thanks to Mindy, Anna and Kathy for putting it together! Also, Thanks again to Mindy and Lisa for running rehearsal and helping with set up, snacks and program order on Youth Sunday. We couldn't have done it without you!

If you would like to let the kids know how much you enjoyed the service, please leave comments below!!!

Greeters: Anna Hamilton Schles, Daniel McKnight and Nathaniel Beck

Hymnals: David Schwartz

Master of Ceremonies for 1st Half: Nathaniel Beck

Lighting of the Christ Candle: Mikayla Dent

Song Leader: Amanda Schwartz
Surely the Presence sung by the Youth Choir
Weave sung by the Youth Choir and the congregation pg. 67

Daily Word Reader: Kyle McKnight

Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh read by Elizabeth Allenger

Musical segment: Amanda Schwartz
Stand By Me written and sung by Amanda Schwartz

Lesson: Anna Hamilton Schles and Connor Beck

Lord’s Prayer: Read by Daniel McKnight

Master of Ceremonies for 2nd Half: Willem Nadas

Meditation: Willem Nadas

Musical segment: Make New Friends sung by the Youth Choir

Offering Prayers: Conner Beck

Ushers: Kayla McKnight and Rachel Beck

Music Segment: Sung by the Youth Choir and the congregation joining in on the 2nd time
Magic Penny pg. 179

Program Cover design by Anna Hamilton Schles
Eggs by Conner Beck and Willem Nadas
Homemade Refreshments provided by Alina Frieberg
Artwork provided by the Youth of Unity of Kanawha Valley