Cradles to Crayons Service Day
On the Newton public school holiday for Rosh Hashanah, thirty of us volunteered at the Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory Warehouse in Brighton. Here are scenes of our industrious group sorting winter coats, cleaning toys and writing notes of encourage for kids receiving free backpacks.
Fall Sunday School Classes
Sunday School classes have started and here’s what we’re learning this Fall
The PreK – 1st grade and 2nd – 3rd grade classes will follow the lectionary Bible readings, hearing the same stories in class that congregants hear in worship:
September 15: The Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin
September 22: Two Masters
September 29: The Parable of the Rich Man
The 4th – 5th grade class begins a two year overview of the Bible using Connect, a two-year Bible survey designed just for the teen years which combines quirky humor with solid theology. During September we’ll read the stories of Creation in Genesis, make Bible brownies to learn to look up Chapter and verses, and talk about why we read the Bible and what we believe about it. On Sunday, November 24, the 4th graders will be presented with their own Bibles in worship.
September 15: The Stories of Creation
September 22: Bible Brownies
September 29: Why Read the Bible
The Youth class (middle and high school students) begins the year with a study of Hinduism, Budhism and Judaism. Sessions will include guest speakers from the other faith traditions. On Communion Sundays, the class will remain in worship.
September 15: Introduction to World Religions and Each Other
September 22: Hinduism
September 29: Budhism
October 13: Budhism
October 20: Judaism
October 27: Judaism
Apple Picking
We are going apple picking for the Newton Food Pantry following worship on September 22. This is a great time to get to know others in the church and to do good for others in our community all while enjoying the beautiful fall season. We will picking at the picturesque Nagog Hill Orchard in Littleton, MA. If you can give rides to others or if you or your child(ren) need a ride, let Kathy know.
Movie Night, Friday October 4
As part of its study this fall of world religions, the Youth class is sponsoring a showing of the movie “Baraka”. Everyone is welcome! “Baraka” means blessings in a multitude of languages. The film is a non-narrative series of stunningly photographed scenes to capture what director Ron Fricke calls “a guided meditation on humanity”. We’ll provide pizza starting at 6:00 pm. Donations to cover food costs are invited. Following the screening, youth are invited to stay for s’mores around the fire pit (weather permitting), or an ice cream sundae smorgasbord.
Newton-wide “Summit” Teen Group Starting
In collaboration with other UCC Newton churches, we are beginning a weekly teen drop in group to be held on Wednesdays at Andover Newton Seminary in Newton Centre. Student leaders from our congregations attended a focus group last week as we planned our kick off for the first week in October.
Also we are holding a “Summit” experience for parents of youth, and parents only, on Sunday evening, September 22 at 7:00 pm at Andover Newton. Come find out what this drop in group is all about. RSVP to Kathy.
Youth Overnight Retreat
November 10 -11 (Veteran’s Day Weekend)
We will be travelling to the Heifer Farm in Rutland, MA to participate in the Global Gateway experience. Global Gateway creates an existence in which nothing – shelter, food, water or cooking fuel – can be taken for granted. Participants prepare a meal with limited resources and sleep in representative housing such as a Tibetan yurt made from yak hair. By living the lessons of poverty first-hand, participants come to understand the complications surrounding hunger and poverty and see their connection in creating change that brings possibility and hope to millions around the world. Cost is $60 per person plus a transportation fee to be determined. Chaperones are Kathy Malone and Timmie Nagle. If you have not already done so, RSVP to Kathy.