ORUCC Children and Youth

Faith Formation Update

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Dear Families, A Hearty Thank You to those who were able to actively worship with us on December 24, and a Warm Hug and Hello to those who kept us in their hearts from afar. Now is the time to rest and recharge. We will not hold 9 AM Faith Formation this Sunday. Your child is welcome to attend the 10 am Worship Service. Nursery Care/Supported Childcare is also off this Sunday.

Programming resumes next Sunday, January 5, with a special Intergenerational Faith Formation at 9 AM. John Leonard’s delicious Epiphany breads will be shared following worship that day, as well.

As your family recharges this week, we invite you to explore the following devotion from “Advent at the Kids Table,” by Daryn Stylianopoulos, Lin Story-Bunce, Kendall Grubb, and June Bunce.

ISAIAH 9:2

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

With all the candles now lit on our Advent wreath, the light is so warm and bright. That light can serve as a reminder of all the many sources of light around us, of their radiance and brilliance.

Stars are so bright that we can see them from billions of miles away. That’s very far indeed! The sun is the closest star to our planet-the light of our world. It helps things grow and gives us warmth. It helps us know what time it is and where to go. The sun is necessary to all living things on our planet.

Some of the same materials and elements that make up stars are also a part of our bodies. And just like stars, we have light that we can share and shine in this world. Have you ever seen someone so full of joy that they seem to light up? Or noticed a warmth inside your heart when someone does something kind for you— or when you do something kind for someone else? And there are people you know who help you grow, and show you the way to go in life, and who make you feel loved. They are like stars in our world, shining their light.

Jesus was a light to many—he offered food to the hungry, and he showed kindness and love to people around him that felt left out and alone. Jesus’s light shined brightly through the love he demonstrated in his living. We can do the same for one another: we can be bright lights, little stars, in the world.

You are radiant! Shine your light!

BLESSING

God of Love,

Help the light and love within me to shine brightly for the world.

Amen.

KIDS TABLE TALK

• What makes your heart light up?

• Where have you seen love lighting up the world around you this week?

Was someone especially kind at school? Did you see a friend offer to help when someone got hurt?

• What are ways that you can shine kindness and love in your own school or community?

COMING UP…

• January 5: Epiphany Sunday All-Ages Faith Formation, 9:00 a.m.
• January 10: Family Game Night 6:30-8:00 p.m., has been moved to the SECOND Friday night of January to accommodate holiday travels. All are welcome to attend this laid-back potluck gathering for fun and friendship.
• January 20: MLK Day Children’s Service Day, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Representatives from Beth Israel Center, Madinah Academy of Madison, Madison Christian Community, and First Congregational are working together to present One Day…Weaving Hope, a Madison Area Interfaith MLK Day children’s event. Children, grades 1-8, will gather to celebrate the life and work of Dr. King through community building, cooperative games, art, service projects, and social justice activities. REGISTER by January 5 by visiting https://www.firstcongmadison.org/