By Beryl Aschenberg, Director of Religious Education
“Who are YOU?” said the C
aterpillar.
Alice replied, “I–I hardly know, sir, just at present– at least I know who I WAS when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.” —Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
When it comes to Easter, I’m lighthearted. I am more of a “Flowers that bloom in the spring, TRA LA!” type of gal than one who dwells on the deeper themes of resurrection. This does not mean that I don’t recognize the opportunities for transformation that spring provides both to the earth and to my own tendency towards spiritual/emotional dormancy after the shortened daylight hours and winter cold. Easter is my symbolic turning point, the embodiment of life and hope in pastel colors of new growth.
Personally, my early spring rituals are more rooted in the Jewish celebration of Passover, this year beginning on the evening of April 10. As a child, I was made to understand that it was the grown-ups’ obligation to tell the story of liberation from generation to generation and that one day, it would be my obligation to tell the story as well. The Passover Seder itself is a tool, each item on the plate a reminder of a piece of the story: heartache, bitterness, sweetness, and renewal. How appropriate to this season.
Unitarian Universalist children hear all sorts of messages when the calendar turns to this time of year. Certainly, we have our own stories to tell. But we don’t live isolated lives; how do we respond to the traditions and beliefs of our friends and families? Celebrating Easter, Passover, and spring is a way to give thanks for the gift of being alive in this incredible world of ours. I invite you to enter this time of year with an open heart and open mind; share in the traditions, create your own, find what meaning you can, and celebrate what most speaks to your spirit.
On Sunday, April 16, we will be celebrating Easter and spring with a multigenerational service at both 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Children and youth are
welcome to stay for the full service. Younger children are welcome to participate in age appropriate activities in the Early Childhood class and Nursery.