By Beth Williams Minister for
ReligiousEducation
However, I liked the Easter basket I always got as much as the Easter worship. What kid wouldn’t? I got a chocolate bunny, marshmallow chicks, and lots of jelly beans. But something bothered me. How did my beloved Easter basket fit in with the resurrection of Jesus?
My Christian theology had been left behind long ago by the time I discovered Unitarian Universalism. But I still had a question about Easter. How was it that my non-creedal, not necessarily Christian Unitarian Universalist church celebrated Easter Sunday with such gusto?
Well, I think I finally have it figured out. Before there ever was a Christian, there was an Easter. Some say the word comes from the early Norse word Eostur or Ostara, and means season of the growing sun and season of new birth. Others say it comes from a goddess of dawn and springtime called Eostre who was worshiped by the early Anglo-Saxon people of Europe.
In any case, it seems that it has always been a time to welcome the new green growth of spring that comes from the cold, death-like time of winter. Chicks, eggs, and bunnies are also traditional representations of the miracle of new life. In fact, ancient Egyptian, Persian, Phoenician, and Hindu mythology held that the world itself began with an enormous egg. So celebrate and enjoy Easter with all its symbols and trappings. It is everybody’s holiday!
R.E. PROGRAM NEWS:
S.T.E.P. Classes: We are very pleased to announce that two series of S.T.E.P. (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) classes will be held this spring at First Unitarian Society of Chicago. The classes will be located in the Garden Room on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm - 8:00 p.m. The first series will be for parents of children age 0 - 9, and will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 13, 20, 27. The second series will be for parents of children age 10 and older., and will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 11, 18, 25. Our facilitator will be Ms. Margie Crowley, Doctoral Candidate at Chicago’s Adler School for Professional Psychology. Admission is free and childcare can be provided. Advance reservations are requested, and can be made by calling Rev. Beth Williams at the church office.
April Calendar Events
Sunday, April 4: Intergenerational Worship Service: Counting Crocuses, 10:00 a.m., Sanctuary (Children stay for first half)
Church School Easter Party: Kids decorate Easter baskets, eat Easter goodies, play Easter games, 10:30 a.m., Garden Room.
Intergenerational Easter Egg Hunt: 11:30 a.m., Church grounds, or Sanctuary in case of rain or snow.
Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20, 27: S.T.E.P. class for parents of children age 0-9, 7:00 p.m., Garden Room.
Thursday, April 8: R.E. Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Explorers Room.
Friday, April 16: Intergenerational Pizza and Games Night (Bring a "White Elephant" door prize), 7:00 p.m., Garden Room.
Sunday, April 18: Kids’ Auction, 11:30 a.m., R.E. classroom (Hangout Room).