RE-Flections by Beryl Aschenberg, Director or Religious Education Hear how the songs that were sung keep echoing, beautiful and clear. All of the people we loved are beside us now, can’t you feel them near? -Candles Long Ago (Sharon, Lois, and Bram) Throughout human history, people have gathered in the coldest, darkest time of … Continued
For Parents and Caregivers: Talking with Children and Youth about War From Beryl Aschenberg, Director of Religious Education Once again, we are looking on as violence spreads across the world stage. And once again, parents, caregivers, and teachers are faced with the challenge of explaining war and the threat of terrorism to their children. Over … Continued
by Beryl Aschenberg, Director of Religious Education Follen’s volunteer RE staff are an amazing group of people, fun to be with, mutually supportive of one another, and, who, by and large, truly enjoy what they are doing. Most would say there is deep satisfaction-and often a lot of fun-in what they do. Just ask Kerri … Continued
Spring is here, and RE kids of all ages got outside together in a safe manner this past weekend! (click any picture to enlarge) Our youngest kids came to the Gnome Hunt Saturday. The Middle School Youth Group had a hike at Great Brook Farm. Follen UU Youth took a bike ride for ice cream! … Continued
by Beryl Aschenberg, Director of Religious Education I have a confession to make. When it comes to Easter, I’m pretty lighthearted. I am more of a “Flowers that bloom in the spring, Tra- LA!” type of person, than one who dwells on the weightier holiday themes of resurrection and salvation. This doesn’t mean, however, that … Continued
Advent is traditionally known among Christians as a time of expectant waiting, hopeful anticipation, and cheerful preparation. The word derives from the Latin ad+venire, which means “To come to,” or “to come toward.” As we ready our families for the holiday season this year, what better way to prepare than with Kindness? By centering others … Continued
We want YOU to Teach RE in 2020-2021 Do you believe our values are needed more than ever these days? Do you care about the well-being of our children and youth? Do you have a little capacity? Are you able to use the internet with some ease? If you answered YES to any or all … Continued
from Beryl Aschenberg, Director of Religious Education I’ve heard some parents say that they are giving their children a “pass” on Sunday mornings during Virtual Church. That’s often been the case in Unitarian Universalism, even when we were offering children Sunday School in our buildings. I used to joke that UUs didn’t believe that they … Continued
The following is a “Community Poem” woven together from the responses of the Follen community to the question “Where Are YOU From?” after hearing poems from Rev. Claire Feingold Thoryn, DRE Beryl Aschenberg, Youth Advisory Committee Vice-Chair Lila Sandler, and the original “Where I’m From” poem written by George Ella Lyon which inspired this project. … Continued
from Beryl Aschenberg, Director of Religious Education To all the children and youth and families of Follen Church: I’ve been thinking about all of you so much this week and wanting to reach out to you to see how you are. Usually, sending a message to you when our regular routines are being changed for … Continued
