Oct.19, 2014 SpiritJam Weekly Update

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Explore the theme of Vision with the CropWalk ServiceJam and Storyteller Papa Wynn; Make banners and signs for our walkers, plus try the CropWalk Scavenger Hunt/Obstacle Course. “We envision a world without hunger.”   

9 and 11 a.m. Kindergarten and up (adults invited too!):


WynnCircleJam (the Opening):  Storyteller “Papa Wynn” Montgomery shares one of the core U.U. stories, “The Preacher, the Farmer, the Little Church“ about Universalist John Murray, Thomas Potter and their vision of a loving God.  Over 250 years ago, Thomas Potter built a church hoping a preacher would come along someday. John Murray was sailing by and the ship was stranded on a sandbar, but John had given up preaching. Come hear their incredible story of tragedy, heaven and hell, and a very miraculous wind. Papa Wynn has developed this telling just for our  theme of vision. Every Unitarian Universalist should know this story.

 

 

ServiceJam for CropWalk:  “We envision a world without hunger.” Make banners for our walkers, hear about the Cropwalk from Dianne Ladd, BVUUF CropWalk coordinator, and role play walking for water, food, and shelter in the CropWalk Scavenger Hunt/Obstacle Course to see what it is like not having these things readily available. Rachel and Jean Cannella are creating the hunt for all across our 3 acres.

9 and 11 a.m. Preschool/Nursery-   with Miss Ari, Early Childhood Music Specialist and Teacher. Fifth graders and older are invited to be a helper at either 9 or 11 a.m. Sign up online. 

9 – 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 Adult discussion group:  “Jack Kornfield Tapes on Buddhist Psychology” led by Judy Feland, in the Thoreau Room.

7/8th Grade Our Whole Lives (O.W.L.) – 8:45 -10:15 a.m. with Scott McCollom and Emily Conger.

Playground Monitors:  Stephanie Pache and one needed, 10 – 11 a.m.  There are still openings.  Sign up online or on the bulletin board. Thanks! (Note that Stephanie is our BVUUF President of the Board and she is still honoring her commitment to help in the School of the Spirit! Muchas Gracias!)

Read more about our unique experimental SpiritJam model at www.spiritjam.info   Join us as we co-create this experimental program with paid lead teachers and monthly themes!

 

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Announcements: 

Pumpkin Glow, Sunday, Oct. 26, 5-7 p.m. Finger Food Potluck and BYO Pumpkin, carving tools and candle. Carve your pumpkin then sing songs by the glow of all of the pumpkins. Tip: Bring your pumpkin pre-scooped if possible, saves time. Brought to you by the Family Activities Group.

Magic 8 ball, Ouiji Board, Fortunetelling, Tarot? Sunday, Oct. 26 we will be predicting the future in SpiritJam, as our last Sunday of the Visioning Theme. Do you have one we could borrow or would you like to join in the fun?

Sunday, Nov. 2 – “Day of Remembrance” Service during which time we remember the loved ones who have passed away. Bring a momento, picture or use one of our roses as we share the names. Kindergarteners and older will start in the service.  K- 4th are invited to join Katie and the SpiritJam Staff as we share “Badger’s Parting Gifts” and reflections on death, then we will rejoin as a full community for the remembrance ceremony during which time mementos are placed on our special altar.

Name Tag Station: Want a nametag and a lanyard to decorate with beads? Register online  then pick it up at BVUUF on Sundays and choose a shoelace lanyard at the Name Tag Station.

Upcoming Adult Classes:

Sundays, Oct. 19 and on – Tapes on Buddhism

Judy Feland will facilitate 6 of the 12 Kornfield tapes, and maybe more as interest warrants. Sessions will be a listen and discuss class. Topics of the tapes may include aversion, delusion, compassion, generosity, sympathetic joy, and loving kindness. Time for these sessions will be 9-10:30 on Sundays Oct 19, Nov 2, 9, 16 with more sessions possible. In the Thoreau Room.
Thursday, Oct.  23 – Interconnecting with Mother Earth: the History and Elements of Modern Paganism
Facilitated by Francesca C Howell, PhD. Dr Howell is both a UU and a High Priestess of Wicca. In 2 Thursday evening sessions, Oct 9 and Oct 23, at 7PM, Dr Howell will describe how the basic beliefs and rituals of Paganism, evolving over centuries, honor Gaia and contribute to a thoughtful life. Dr. Howell has written a book, “Making Magic with Gaia” (Red Wheel/Weiser) that is a suggested companion for this class. In the Alcott Room.

 Sunday Classes on World Religions

  • Sunday, Oct. 26  Judaism presented by Lisa Ogle This is a 1 session exploration of the Hebrew faith  from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Thoreau Room.
  • Sunday, Nov. 2 and 16  Catholicism with Jean Nuttal facilitating a 2 session class Sunday Nov 2 and 16 at 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the Thoreau Room.
  • Sunday, Nov. 9 Buddhism presented by Ani Liggett in a 1 session class at 12:30 p.m. in the Thoreau Room.
  • Sunday, Nov. 23 Christianity facilitated by Jean Cannella, a 1 session class at 9-10:30 a.m. in the Thoreau Room.
  • Sunday, Dec. 7  Mormonism presented by Linda Thornton and Laura Murray, a 1 session class from 12:30-2 p.m. in the Thoreau Room.
  • Sunday, Dec. 14  Humanism facilitated by Dave Leonard, a 1 session class from 12:30-2 p.m. in the Thoreau Room.The A-RE committee is still discussing the possibility of presenting other religions such as Islam and Hinduism.
    This is the first time we are having classes in this manner; it should be an adventure. No formal fee is being requested for participation in these classes. Jean Cannella for the A-RE and Life Long Learning jmcannella@yahoo.com

Kudos to the Coming of Age  folks (guides, COAers, and parents) who were stranded on I-70 when it was closed last Sunday, due to snow, while returning from their weekend retreat in Vail. They remained calm and patient while trying to figure out how to get Linda’s van moving in the ice, how to meet parents, and how to stay warm. They made it back, 4 hours late, but safe and sound. The retreat was a hit by all reports, featuring a hike, several “ropes course” games such as “50 Ways to Use Your Noodle,” and spiritual practices, such as Tai Chi, Yoga, and Zen Doodling. One participant discovered that fishing fit the definition of a personal spiritual practice. Emily Conger, Youth Coordinator, created this retreat especially for BVUUF, with the help of Linda Spencer, Laura Murray, and Michael Newman, COA Guides. 

Your School of the Spirit Staff:

  • Emily Conger, Youth Coordinator, youthcoordinator@bvuuf.org 
  • Ari Flauta, Early Childhood Teacher, preschool@bvuuf.org
  • Rachel Stevenson, SpiritJam Teacher and Religious Education Assistant, assistantre@bvuuf.org 
  • Michael Newman, SpiritJam Teacher, spiritjam@bvuuf.org
  • Katie Covey, Director of the School of the Spirit, dirrectorre@bvuuf.org