Last month we had half a dozen BVUUF youth join 1,000 other Unitarian Universalists from Front Range congregations for the 8th Annual Standing on the Side of Love service on the Denver Capitol steps.  It was a really moving service for marriage equality and rights of LGBTQ people.

In youth group, we’re exploring many different spiritual practices during our opening ritual in order to deepen our ties to ourselves, each other, and/or something larger. So far, we’ve eaten apples and honey for Rosh Hashanah, sung “Meditation on Breathing,” and written 6 word memoirs. After the spiritual component, we dig in to an activity in one of these areas: team building, art, or social justice. [Please save and bring in empty Altoid tins (or similar) for an art project, if you have them!] Thanks to Christiane Olivo for being a youth advisor!

The Our Whole Lives sexuality class for 7th/8th Grade has just started with 7 youth and 4 facilitators, drawing from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder and BVUUF. Thanks to Scott McCollom, Heather Munro, and Jamil Scott for facilitating this life-changing curriculum!

Coming of Age will have their opening ceremony and Chalice Circle retreat in October to launch the year of contemplation and engagement with profound questions.  We have 12 youth and 4 guides, drawing from UUCB and BVUUF. Thanks to David Hughes, Linda Spencer, and Laura Murray in advance for your mentorship throughout this year!

Events

Youth Social Night: Halloween Party

What: Youth Group Halloween Party!
When: October 26, 2013, 5-8pm
Where: Monroe Family home  (address to be emailed)
Why: To hang out with other youth!
How: Wear your costumes! There will be Halloween-themed games, a photo scavenger hunt, and pizza!

Please RSVP (and include any dietary needs) by 10/23!

Family Pumpkin Glow

What: Pumpkin Glow Potluck and Party
When: October 27, 2013, 5-7pm
Where: BVUUF Sanctuary
Why: Bask in the Glow of 100 pumpkins!
How: BYO Pumpkin, Carving Tools, Candle, Finger Food Potluck item. BYO a dinner dish to share and utensils. We will provide cider and fun! Join us for this favorite Annual Event. Bring your pumpkin pre-scooped and carve it. Enjoy the nibblies! We will light all the pumpkins about 6:45 p.m. and sing Halloween songs to the GLOW of 60 pumpkins! It is beautiful!

Multi-generational Central Cluster Gathering – with High School Youth Mini-con!

What: The Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder will be hosting like-hearted members of UU congregations from Cheyenne to Colorado Springs for the annual Central Cluster Gathering.
When: November 1-3, 2013
Where: UU Church of Boulder; 5001 Pennsylvania Ave., Boulder, CO 80303  (What? A con in Boulder? So close!)
Why/How:

• 2 night sleepover
• Make new UU friends from other churches
• Midnight worships
• Awesome workshops

For more information and to register:  MDD Website

Note: If we don’t have at least 3 youth from BVUUF attending, the youth will need to find an adult to sponsor (attend with) them other than me.

Resources

Babysitter List – Youth, add your name!

Around this time of year, many BVUUF members start asking for the list of potential UU babysitters.  If you would like to be added to this list, please email me with your: Name, Grade, Email, Phone, Experience/Certifications, and Town.  I can also send you a list of babysitters, upon request.

Let’s Talk Month

Let’s Talk Month is an opportunity to  encourage parent/child communication about sexuality. It is a national public education campaign celebrated in October and coordinated by Advocates for Youth. Parents are the best sexuality educators for their children. You can be an “askable” parent, a caring parent, and a wise counselor, with support from your community.

Quick Communication Tips from Advocates for Youth

Door Openers “What do you think?” “That’s a good question.” “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” “I’m trying to understand what you’re feeling.” “Do you know that word means?” “I’m glad you told me about that.”

Door Slammers “You’re too young.” “Where did you hear that?” “If you say that word again, I’ll …” “That’s none of your business.” “I don’t care what your friends are doing.” “That’s just for boys (girls).” “We’ll talk about that when you need to know.

Local Sexual Health Resources:

Colorado Youth Matter: Family Resources – links, activities, trainings

BVUUF Our Whole Lives – sexuality curricula

_____________________________________________

If you would like more information about or would like to be involved in this vibrant ministry, please fill out the Boulder Youth Contact Form.

Thanks!

Emily Conger, Youth Coordinator
School of the Spirit
Boulder Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Email Me
BVUUF Youth Ministry Website
District Youth Conference Calendar
~)<