The First Day School’s Corner of the World: November 2021
By Charlotta Koppanyi
Fall is here and on Sunday, November 7th we’ll have daylight savings – again – feels like we just did that! Soon enough November will pass and December will be here and with that a new year. RE classes have moved inside, however snacks are being provided outside and these days that includes hot cocoa. We are continuing to adjust to the pandemic and our students decided we will follow our tradition with a Holiday pageant; however, we will break the tradition. This year, they will write a new script addressing a story they feel and think is important to tell. According to the plan, the puppet show – yes, we will be using the puppets our students made with our amazing Puppet Creator and Maker Extraordinaire Margaret Nelson – will be held upstairs in the Meeting for in-person and virtual viewing. However, no potluck will follow the show.
I truly miss our Pancake Breakfasts and potlucks, and I know I am not the only one. I am practicing patience for the day we will gather once again around a table and share a feast. I have a feeling our first Pancake Breakfast and potluck will be outstanding and well attended!
On that topic, I once again wanted to bring the attention to how generosity and compassion are important and integrated aspects of both a religious community and spiritual practice. That can be done in so many ways. Philanthropic giving and “service above self” is a part of most religious education programs and can be taught in many different ways and forms. Joey R. is collecting donations on behalf of Interfaith Action of Evanston and the community they work with. Connection for the Homeless, Evanston Latinos as well as many other organizations and community grassroots groups are doing hands on work which affects everyday life. They are also working for change. Many of our EFM members and friends are involved in different ways, and that, I believe, is important for our children to know. Our teachers and RE Committee members are examples of that.
Another way is sharing stories of people who work for change. On Sunday, November 7th, at 4 pm a free virtual lecture about the work of two Quaker sisters, Sarah and Angelina Grimké and the First Fight for Human Rights, is being offered by the Frances Willard House Museum and Archives. For more information go to https://franceswillardhouse.org/. Another source of inspiration I found is the book Sharice’s Big Voice: A native kid becomes a Congresswoman. In addition to the biography of Sharice Davids, with illustrations, the book includes educational material about the Ho-Chunk nation. I ordered it through https://bookedevanston.com/ Booked, 506 Main Street, a small independent bookstore, where I also purchase all the books for Recognition Sunday. They host a number of free events as well – especially great for all younger friends who love to read, and write or just listen to stories.
The photo is from a fundraising event I hosted with a couple of fellow Rotarians. We underwrote the event; the speaker donated his time and guests paid to attend the event. The proceeds will go straight to the community. It is win-win for all involved. Many children and teens organize similar events and the holidays is a great time to do just this. I was thrilled to hear that the Mitten-Tree was going to be set up again this year! Another way to support our community is to shop locally, especially from small business and companies that employ individuals who might have challenges getting into the mainstream job market. This, too, is a form of philanthropic giving.
In Intermediate we are studying World religions and the conversations, questions, and statements shared are really interesting and many! I am trying to balance the aspect of teaching about different religions and their faith, practice and teachings and answering, encouraging all the questions the students have. As always, their depth and philosophical thoughts paired with sober comments astounds me. The pageant script and show will most likely include some of that.
There will be a Godly Play training in February in Chicago. If you are interested in attending and being one of our teachers in Primary, this is a great opportunity. If you have attended, and would like to get a refresher in order to teach, this is also an opportunity for that. For more information, please click here and let Charlotta, Rex and Steve D know.
We are all in this together and together we will make it work!