Happy Groundhog Day and Imbolc!

Whether or not Punxsutawney Phil casts a shadow today, we are at the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox! Here are six fun ways for families to celebrate Imbolc: https://thegreenparent.co.uk/articles/read/six-ways-to-celebrate-imbolc

K/1/2 MORAL TALES will have their next class Sunday, 2/7/21, at 9:30.

K/1/2 & 3/4/5 Game Night! Come, join the fun as the classes get together and play some virtual games! Friday, 2/5, at 6 pm.

3/4/5 CARTUUNS will have their next class Sunday, 2/14/21, at 9:30.

K/1/2 & 3/4/5 Game Night! Come, join the fun as the classes get together and play some virtual games! Friday, 2/5, at 6 pm.

6/7/8 MARCH will meet again Sunday, 2/7/21, at a different time than they usually do: 5 pm (due to conflict with the Super Bowl).

Saturday, February 27, 2-10 pm

Middle school UU youth will come together to play, worship, and explore their UU faith. This day-long event will give our middle school youth opportunities to play games and connect in small groups, and to learn more about themselves and this amazing religion in large groups.

Registration is open through February 19.

Cost: $40 per person. Sliding scale based on your assessment of your ability to pay.

The day will include: social time, worship, community building, games, and small groups.

Our 2 middle school summer camps were wildly popular, and we heard things like:

“You’ll be surprised how much community can be built over the internet. Give it a try!”

“It was a wonderful event that combined UU values, inclusiveness, and personal growth with fun activities and crafts!”

“Even though it’s not the same as in person, it is 100% worth it. There is still that feeling of community that I miss every day. Some aspects went even better than they have in person too!”

Con-coordinators: Eric Bliss: EBliss@uua.org and Shannon Harper: SHarper@uua.org

Questions: Contact Amanda Radak, PWRregistrar@uua.org. For more information and to register:  https://www.uua.org/pacific-western/calendar/pwr-uua/middle-school-conference

SENIOR YOUTH (grades 9-12) will meet again Sunday, 2/7, at noon.

Senior Youth Movie Night (do-over!): Wednesday, 2/3, at 7. Running time is 1 hr 40 mins and discussion will follow via Zoom at 8:50 pm. We’ll be viewing the award-winning documentary, 13th.

Senior Youth Super Bowl Viewing Party: Sunday, 2/7, at 6:15 pm. Here’s the link:

Senior Youth Book Group: We are forming an optional Senior Youth book group to read Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning, remixed by Jason Reynolds and written with teens in mind. The meeting dates will be determined based on the schedules of those who sign up. A huge THANK YOU to Youth Advisor Mark Hyland for buying and delivering all the books!

Senior Youth Parents, If you haven’t already done so, please let us know how your Senior Youth will be participating in communicating via Band: dlre@uuschenectady.org

UU Wellspring for Youth:  Unfortunately, this program was cancelled due to low sign-up numbers.

The Aninger Fund is a trust fund created for the sole purpose of supporting leadership opportunities for the junior and senior youth of our congregation. Some excellent opportunities are available through UUA (UU Association) and CER (Central Eastern Region) and include but are not limited to: River Rising, General Assembly, Multicultural Leadership School (youth), and youth conferences.

The spring deadline for both individual AND group applications is May 1st, for review at the May RE Team meeting. Applications received after the May 1st deadline will not be considered until the fall (if they are still relevant).  Applications may be downloaded through the UUSS website. Applications should be submitted to Director of Lifespan Religious Education Robin Ahearn at dlre@uuschenectady.org.

Please remember to wear a mask, socially distance, take time outside, and wash your hands! -Robin Ahearn, Director of Lifespan Religious Education