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!

Thanks to everyone who came together to make this amazing morning happen! We had our first on-site pageant in three years, shared star gifts to guide our way in the new year, and celebrated our 90+ year old wise ones!

Beauty and peace and crafts and candles surrounded us on Saturday evening as many families gathered to celebrate the Advent season. Our event featured the creation of colorful luminaries, vivid watercolor stars, festive wire oraments, soothing weavings, and journeying through our gorgeous labyrinth. It was an evening filled with connection – connection to the spirit of the season, to inner peace, to each other and to God. Enjoy the pictures of our evening together!

WCUC’s first ever Instrument Exploration event was a success! Children (and adults!) were treated to fascinating demonstrations of unique and engaging instruments and plenty of time to explore the wide variety of sounds and playing techniques. Have you ever seen a shruti box or psaltery? Have you ever played a hurdy-gurdy? We did, and it was impossible to pick a favorite! A very special thanks to Jim Barkovic and Nan Gibbons, our new Young People’s Music Director, for sharing their instruments and their musical gifts with us.

The year is off to a great start for the Youth Group. We opened with a fun game night/pizza party to kick off the new church year. We then welcomed new and returning students to Sunday morning classes in September and October, and ventured out to the Davis Farmland Mega Maze to enjoy an evening of lawn games, live music, a giant corn maze, food trucks, and a festive atmosphere. The spirit is alive and well in this creative, energetic, and kind group of young people.

Check out the pictures from our gorgeous afternoon at Carver Hill Orchard! The apples were plentiful, the cider donuts were delicious, and the fun time with friends was fantastic. One of our favorite fall traditions!

The Welcome Garden was filled on Sunday as we celebrated the end of our summer worship season outside. A very festive fellowship time followed with food, drink, games, and the creation of a huge mandala in the center of our labyrinth. Check out the pictures from the beautiful day!