UU Family News

News at a Glance

UU Kiddo Displaying his Sunday School Craft

Letter from the FM Director - Looking forward to seeing you!

What FM is All About: Nurturing the Spiritual Lives of Families

This Sunday - Bullington Gardens or Awe Walk at UUFH

Next Sunday - A Look into What UUs Believe

Photo Highlights - UUs in Action

Save-the-Dates: Uniquely UU Events for kids and adults

Letter from the FM Director

Dear UU Family,

I hope these last days of summer are bringing joy, rest, and special moments for you and your family! The weather has been gorgeous, and I hope you've all had a chance to enjoy it!

This Sunday, August 30th, there will be two UU worship services in Hendersonville, so you have a choice of where to attend:

Off campus, Rev. George will lead an all-ages outdoor worship service at the amphitheater of the beautiful Bullington Gardens. Folks are invited to check out the Fairy Gardens after and enjoy the hiking trails.

On campus, guest speaker Regina Hutchison will lead a worship service exploring Hendersonville's Celtic roots and nature-based spirituality. More info available here.

Family Ministry staff will be on campus guiding lessons about wonder and going on an Awe Walk. The UU nursery will also be open and staffed with caregivers for our youngest UUs.

This Sunday is sure to be lovely whatever you decide, and the fall is full of exciting events too!

The Family Ministry Program Kickoff for 2026–2027 is happening on the first Sunday after Labor Day, September 13, and marks the official beginning of Family Ministry programming for the year.

Sunday, September 13, will be a day filled with fun, fellowship, and community, including:

10:30 AM: Intergenerational Water Service
Bring a little water from somewhere meaningful to you or from one of your summer adventures. I'll be bringing water from the creek near my house!
11:30 AM: FREE Lunch for Families
Enjoy lunch together, served from the new kitchen in the cottage.
12:30 PM: FREE Musical Theater Performance
Join us in the sanctuary for a special performance about Carl Sandburg!

It’s going to be a fantastic day filled with community, wonder, and meaningful connections.

Please invite your friends! This is a wonderful time for new children to join us before classes settle into their regular routines. New families are always welcome.

I can't wait to see you and your family! As always, our UU Family is spectacular because you are a part of it! At UUFH, you are loved, your children are cherished, and our faith is love in action!

♥️ Sunday Shae

UU Family Ministry Nutures the Spiritual Lives of Families

https://www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/waking-up-your-spiritual-brain-part-1/

Research shows that individuals with an active spiritual life experience significantly lower rates of addiction, depression, and suicide.

Spirituality is a universal human capacity, and feeling connected to something larger than ourselves may be essential to a fulfilling life.

Our UU values and UU spiritual community are important to our health and the well-being of those we love! It's good for all of us!

You may want to check out this episode of Hidden Brain to learn more.

Options for this Sunday, August 30th at 10:30AM

This Sunday you have options!

On campus at UUFH - We're Going on an AWE Walk!

"Experiencing awe... reduces stress, and fosters deep social connection and empathy," writes Julia Baird.

This Sunday we will walk around our beautiful UU campus, discovering beauty and indulging our curiosity. Then we will have a chalice circle to share what we noticed and how we feel.

At Bullington Gardens, Rev. George is leading an outdoor worship service!

Rev. George will host a special nature-based outdoor worship service on Sunday, Aug. 30, at the Bullington Gardens amphitheater.

This will be a family-friendly service for all ages that encourages us to engage our senses and explore our deep connection to the Earth. This service does not replace the usual Sunday worship at UUFH, which will take place as usual.

Because the amphitheater at Bullington Gardens is small, we must limit the attendance for this service to 25 participants, including children. The venue requires a short walk into the forest, including a modest downhill walk going in (and uphill coming out).

Seating will be on simple benches with no back support. Wheelchairs may be accommodated with advance planning and assistance. In the event of rain, the outdoor service will be rescheduled.

Please use this form to sign up or contact the Fellowship Office.

Curious? Here's a TED talk about the Power of Awe

Julia Baird: The power of feeling small: how awe and wonder sustain us

In a time of personal heartbreak and sickness, author and journalist Julia Baird took-up ocean swimming and found that the connection to nature provided an incredible capacity to heal and to calm. Blending science research and personal experience, in this talk Julia makes a case for the importance of experiencing awe and wonder, and the transformative effects of feeling small.

ted.com

Next Sunday - September 6, 2026

A Look into What UUs Believe

Every person is important: Every individual matters
Fairness and kindness: All people deserve dignity.
Learning together: We accept one another and keep on learning together.
Searching for truth: Each person is free to search for what is true and right
Having a voice: Everyone should have a vote or a say in things that concern them.
A peaceful world: We work together for a peaceful, fair, and free world.
Caring for the Earth: We care for our planet, which we share with all living things.

Photo Highlights

John's last day before leaving for college!

It's been a great 3 years, John! Thanks for all your work and the smiles you've inspired!

Keeping Love at the Center

UU Kids Keeping Love at the Center as They Play Outside

Family Ministry Nurtures Curiosity and Wonder

UU Kiddo Makes an "Emotions Bottle" or Sensory Jar with Mama's Help

Grownups Enjoy Coffee Hour While the Kids Enjoy Time Outside

And that's a hit! Ball went up into the nearby tree!

Recycling Becomes Art in the Hands of these Talented Artisans

Sunday school friends making memories together.

Careful Stewards of Our Earth

UU kids carefully moving a tree frog from the swing set, so it doesn't get hurt.

Snack Time = Fun Time in the Nursery

Childcare is available in the nursery for our youngest UUs starting at 10:15 on Sunday mornings.

Sunday Morning Breakfast Club

UU Staff and Security Kids Sharing a Laugh While Waiting for Second Breakfast

FM Intern & ASD Advocate

Big thanks to Logan for unloading the dishwasher on Sunday mornings! You are loved at UUFH!

Family Ministry Volunteers: Breaking Bread and Making Memories

Lots of love and gratitude to everyone who makes the Family Ministry program possible!

Some folks call me Tenacity!

UU Kiddo who is so good at working hard and not giving up!

I brought my puppy, purse, and flip flops for a blessing today!

Kids feel safe to be themselves at UUFH.

Do you drive to UU on Sundays? Can you help members of our congregation by picking them up on the way?

Drivers are desperately needed! If you're willing to drive UUs who are unable to drive but who can walk independently, please email me at sundayshaeparker@uufhnc.org.

Save the Dates: Uniquely UU Events for the Whole Family