We had a wonderful day of celebrations last Sunday: honoring our ONA commitment, blessing newly graduated senior Jillian Arthur, welcoming SIX new Youth Group members from Children’s Ministries, and sharing some very festive (and bubbly!) fellowship outside!
We had such a wonderful service celebrating our Children’s Ministries program!
A huge thanks to the WCUC Youth for offering leadership and inspiration for Sunday’s service. The sermon was based on several class conversations where we discussed what it means and feels like to be “beloved” – by God and by others – and how that can influence our sense of belonging. A question was posed this way to the congregation: “Think of a time in your life when you felt really comfortable being yourself, known and accepted for who you truly are…a situation where you experienced a deep sense of belonging. Where were you? Who were you with? What did it feel like?
We’d love to hear your responses in the comments section below!
Interactive prayer stations were set up throughout the sanctuary, designed to take people through the story of Holy Week. People moved through at their own pace, grinding wheat, washing feet, receiving communion, praying, making pretzels, creating garden critters for an Easter mural, and experiencing prayerful reflection in our labyrinth. It was a beautiful interactive journey.
Worship was filled with palms, Sunday School was busy making communion bread and remembering Jesus’ last supper, and the whole congregation gathered outside for a neighborhood palm parade – with ponies! Our festive day ended with pony rides for all who wanted them, including some staff. 🙂
Last Sunday, our Sunday School children learned the parable of the Wheat and the Weeds and then had a very hands-on experience threshing, winnowing, and grinding real wheat into flour. They learned just how messy and difficult a job it is! Check out our pictures that tell the story, and don’t forget to click on the YouTube link for a great video of the process!
Nan Gibbons, Director of Young People’s Music @ WCUC, shared her gifts in musical leadership with the people of all ages on Sunday after worship by offering an introduction to drumming. From age 8 to 90’s+, we made music in community, learned a few new skills, and most importantly had fun connecting with one another through this ancient spiritual practice. As Nan puts it: “Drumming is easily accessible and engaging, opens hearts, and connects us in prayer. In a guided drum circle, many small simple parts join to create complex beautiful patterns.” This was certainly so on Sunday.
The youth class welcomed 5th and 6th graders to join us on Sunday for a special Valentine’s Day card making project – continuing our relationship with Many Helping Hands 365. After a mini lesson on the different types of love found in the Bible, the kids decided that this project could be considered a mix of Philia (friendship) and Agape (unconditional) love. What a treat to have a jam packed youth room with kids ranging from ages 10-15, from five different towns: Maynard, Concord, Westford, Acton, and Wayland! The cards will be delivered to Helping Hands this week and will be distributed to elders in Cambridge and Boston on Valentine’s Day.
On Sunday, January 22nd, WCUC celebrated the confirmation of four thoughtful, engaged, and gifted young people in our community: Brooke Hosford, Jillian Arthur, Jacob and Luke Torgerson. We are so grateful for their courage and generosity in sharing their wisdom during the service. The festive reception that followed was a wonderful way to celebrate their year of exploring Christian faith and practices. Thanks be to God for these remarkable people!
In conjunction with the Cambridge based organization Many Helping Hands 365, WCUC youth gathered on Monday to design fleece blankets and scarves, accompanied by personal notes, for unhoused young people. These items will be delivered to shelters in and around Boston sometime next week.
Check out this great organization if you’re ever looking for volunteer opportunities, social justice activism, and/or civic engagement. There’s something for everyone!