PARENT TAKE HOME LETTER
December 2008

Dear Families,
In the four weeks preceding Christmas we will explore the symbols of Advent. Advent means “The Coming” and refers to the coming of the Christ. For our children, Advent can be a time to reflect on the qualities of Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love which are at the heart of the holidays. Each week we will light another candle as we explore the themes of Advent and the Nativity.

Wish Upon a Star!
Thank you to everyone who helped make the holiday adoption of foster care children a great success! Unity families adopted 60 Kansas City foster children from the Cornerstones of Care organization and generously helped to fulfill their holiday wishes. Your loving gifts will brighten so many young faces! Thank you for your help!

Teacher Appreciation Coffee
Come one and come all! Join with the Youth Education staff and our adult volunteers to celebrate the gift of service that all our volunteers so generously provide to the children at Unity Temple. We will have coffee, pastries, fellowship and prayer in the Manse dining room from 9am to 10 am on Sunday December 14th. If you are not part of the volunteer staff, but would like to show your support for these wonderful teachers we encourage you to come by and say thanks!

Parent’s Day Out
We would like to invite you to drop your children off at Unity Temple on Saturday, December 20th from 1pm to 4pm while you shop or dine on the Plaza. Little ones under the age of 4 will be supervised by loving Youth of Unity teens in the Angel Loft; all other children are welcome to join in making gingerbread houses in the Power and Light classroom. Suggested love offering is $10 per family and a reservation is required. RSVP to Katie at katie.unitytemple@gmail.org or call the YE office at 816-561-4466, #127 on or before December 18, 2008.

Bringing it home…
The Christmas season is one of great excitement and anticipation for adults and little ones alike. But just as parents and caretakers can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the extra activities and demands of the holidays, children can become frazzled by having too much going on. Try to take some time every now and then to just BE with your child. Cuddle up and read a favorite book, take a walk through the park, or gaze at Christmas lights outside your window. It doesn’t really matter so much what you do, it is just important that you do it together. These are the times that your child will remember long after the longed-for presents have been forgotten. Remember in this time of giving that your child is God’s greatest gift to you, and you the greatest gift to your child.

For more information, contact Katie Barnes at katie@unitytemple.com or 816-561-4466 X127