Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church

This summer, we are excited to offer a congregation-wide program on the theme of Sacred Texts.

As Unitarian Universalists, we draw wisdom and truth from many sources from throughout history and across faith traditions. Some of us draw from traditional sacred texts such as the Bible and the Baghvad Gita, while others draw from contemporary poets, ecologists, philosophers and activists.

We honor the wisdom found in stories from different religions and in the lives of those who have gone before—both Unitarian Universalist forbears and others who have lived lives of conviction and passion.

We also recognize the sacred in our own lives: in the birth of children and the stories of our elders, in our families and friends and in our own journey toward our best selves.

This summer, we invite the entire community of Northwoods to share their stories with each other as we go deeper in our understanding of sacred texts and the meaning they hold in our lives.

There are three main components of the Sacred Text Series:

Worship: Join Rev. Ellen and others as we explore in worship: What is the sacred? How do we see it at work in our lives? What can we draw from wisdom texts and the lives of others, and how do they shape our own understanding of truth?

Children’s Religious Education: Members of Northwoods are invited to share the sacred texts of childhood, books that were sacred to them as children, or were a source of joy for them in raising their own children. It is important to share what we love;  books and stories are part of how we share our vision with the younger generation.

From Winnie the Pooh to Shel Silverstein, from Dr. Seuss to John Muth, join us for a classroom learning experience for children from kindergarten through sixth grade.

To find out more or to share a story with the children, contact DFD Sarah Prickett.

Sacred Pen Pals: One of our most important sacred texts as Unitarian Universalists is the story of our own lives, and it is important that we share that story between the generations. In this program, older adults will be matched with children in the congregation and the children and adults will share letters back and forth over the summer with each other anonymously, facilitated by the DFD and RE volunteers.

These letters will share stories and memories, answering questions such as: What is your earliest memory? What do you like best about growing up in your family? What is your most important belief? On Sundays, participants will pick up a letter, drawing or story from their pen pal at the Pen Pal Depot at Northwoods. Sign-up for this fun intergenerational exchange will begin today.

On Water Communion Sunday between services we will reveal the pen pals and celebrate together, making scrapbooks out of the gifts we have received from each other to take home as our very own sacred texts.

Adults, please share the gift of your life’s wisdom with our children. Parents, please sign your children up to get to know one of our older members and share the joys of your children’s lives with them.

Considering membership? Want to catch up on your UU history and theology? Join us for Pathways to Membership class. We will have one summer session covering our three part series. This class will cover Unitarian Universalism and what it means to be a part of our church. The next class will be June 16 from 1-4pm. This class is recommended as a prerequisite for signing our Membership Book. Please register by contacting the church office 281-298-2780. Childcare available upon request.  

Northwoods was happy to host author Kate Sukel on Sunday, January 20, as a part of our Adult Religious Education programming.

Kayt is the author of “Dirty Minds”, exploring how our brains influence love, sex, and relationships. An audio recording is available for those of you who were unable to attend on our Podcast page.

You can purchase the books through most major booksellers. For more information, visit her website at kaytsukel.com.