The UU Church of Concord has a policy to create the safest possible environment for our children while they are involved in church programs. We require that all volunteers who work regularly with children have been involved at the congregation for at least 6 months, have a background check, and provide references. We require that … Continue reading Policies to Help Protect Children and Adults
As Unitarian Universalists we affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We believe in the healing power of involvement in a spiritual home. As a faith-based community, we can provide support, compassion, and vigilance to maximize safety when individuals who have sexually offended participate in the life of our church community. … Continue reading Including Sex Offenders in Church
As I sit to write these words, it is a perfect summer day. A cool front has cleared out the smoke from the western wildfires, and my windows are open to take in the pleasant breeze. Yesterday’s meeting of the Pandemic Policy Team (PPT), however, still casts a shadow on my mood. We are returning … Continue reading Faith Development for Children in Uncertain Times
You can now watch and listen to Minister’s Musings on our YouTube Channel. Click here for January’s message. Our January theme asks us to explore the role of imagination in our lives – in our inner lives, in our relationships with others, in our institutions, and in our connection to all that is. I think … Continue reading What Does it Mean to be a People of Imagination?
Our mission statement says our congregation exists for three reasons: Connecting in love, growing spiritually, transforming ourselves and the world. As Spring begins to peek out from under the gritty, grimy remnants of snow, our worship theme for April will be Sacred Earth. I have heard from so many of you, and have experienced myself, … Continue reading Growing Spiritually
One of the great joys of my work is that I get to witness, or sometimes just overhear, the spiritual wonderings and discoveries of people from the nursery to the nursing home. I am eager for this new year, eager to continue the journey with you, eager to think and act together, to reflect on our experiences, and perhaps … Continue reading Learning About Inclusiveness from our Kids
Last Sunday as I was sitting at my desk in the Church School office, I heard two familiar voices in the hallway – one of our six-year-olds, in animated conversation with one of our elders. “I’m a liberal,” I heard the child declare confidently as he opened a door and made his way into the children’s choir rehearsal. A … Continue reading Faith Development Happens Everywhere
Our worship theme for April is Equanimity, and I will freely admit that equanimity is not anything I’m famous for. I laugh easily, cry easily, and while I can be extremely patient with other people’s children, my own personal children? My older son, now 22, came home to visit and got a volley of criticism … Continue reading Equanimity: a Theme for All Ages
We have a challenge for you – with rewards for all and a prize. But first a little background: our Coming of Age program is intended to be a great opportunity for our youth to explore who they are spiritually, ethically, and emotionally. We want them to develop a UU identity, grounded in our history, … Continue reading Ministers’ Challenge
This has been an exciting year so far for faith development opportunities for people of every age and stage! Christina Oliva and her volunteer helpers create a warm welcome for our youngest in the nursery, while the children’s Sunday School classes are introducing them to the symbols, values, and history of Unitarian Universalism. The new … Continue reading Faith Development is Heating Up
