Religious Education Update, October 2011
Walking the Spiral Path
Autumn is upon us in all her glory and I love watching the fall colors creep into the leaves. Have you noticed the trees in the Summit House parking lot at church? I hope so. They are some of my favorites with their majestic red, orange, yellow, and golden leaves. I eagerly anticipate their splendor every fall.
Do you and your loved one have special trees or places that you admire throughout the seasons? Please tell me about them! Make some time and be intentional about enjoying the beauty that surrounds us. It can be as simple as sitting or playing in a favorite place in nature (maybe your own backyard!) and soaking in the season.
Also, I want to invite you to an all ages, all church autumnal hike and picnic at Ivy Creek on a Sunday after church this month. Watch the church website, Friday Emails and RE email newsletter for the details. As the day’s light grows shorter and we move towards the longest night, may we all find balance amidst the busy-ness and time to savor and delight in the gifts of the season.
Blessings,
Leia Durland-Jones
Director of Religious Education
——————————————————————————————–
Child Dedication Ceremony
October 30
A Ceremony of Child Dedication is a significant event honoring each child’s life and importance and their connection to a larger circle of care and concern. A Ceremony of Dedication will be held during both services on Sunday, October 30. Please contact Leia Durland-Jones, DRE, by Sunday, October 23, if you would like your family to be included or for more information.
Subscribe to the Weekly Lifespan Faith Development Update
This free email update is full of the latest information about children and youth RE classes and events as well as announcements and information particularly of interest to parents. For more information or to subscribe, contact leiadj@emabarmail.com.
A Conversation About Gratitude
Rev. Erik Walker Wikstrom and Leia Durland-Jones, DRE, invite you to explore the concept of gratitude, our worship and faith development theme during the month of November. All are welcome to join in the dialog from 7–8 PM. November’s UU Stars Studio Leaders will continue the conversation from 8–9 PM by exploring the UU Stars (first through fifth grade) lesson plan materials.
Put Your Faith in Action!
We still need adults to sign up to help with our children’s religious education experiences this year. Volunteers are needed at both the 9:15 AM and 11:15 AM services. Your commitment can be for as little as four weeks! Excellent curricula and resources are provided as well as lots of love and support from Children’s RE Committee members, the RE Assistant and the DRE. You will create lasting relationships with the young people of our congregation and this is a great way to learn about or deepen your understanding of Unitarian Universalism. Speak with Leia Durland-Jones, DRE, today! at 293-8179 or leiadj@embarqmail.com.
Harvest Tea with the DRE
Drop by Director of Religious Education Leia Durland-Jones’ office at church anytime between 4–6 PM on Wednesday, October 26, for informal conversation, cookies, tea or harvest punch. This is an opportunity to chat with Leia about anything on your mind, ask questions about the church school programs, share your ideas or suggestions or just check-in. All ages are welcome!
RE Wish List
· Croquet and bocce ball sets
· Rolls of blue “painters” tape
· Help with repairing a broken rolling dry erase board
Trick or Treat for UNICEF
For more than 60 years, America’s kids have taken to the streets on Halloween, collecting money to help children around the world who do not have enough food to eat, safe water to drink, or medicine to keep them healthy. Once again, TJMC-UU kids are invited to participate in this worthwhile endeavor. Trick or Treat for UNICEF boxes will be passed out at church on Sunday, October 30. Please return them to the RE office by Sunday, November 13.
2011-2012 RE Registration
There are four options for submitting your family’s religious education registration form:
1) Complete your family’s form via the church website under the “education” tab.
2) Download a printable PDF from the church website to complete and either mail in or bring to church.
3) Stop by the RE table in the Social Hall on Sunday and review a pre-filled form with your family’s information. Make any necessary updates or corrections and complete the volunteer options page.
4) Complete a new paper copy of the form in the Social Hall on Sundays. Thank you for submitting your completed registration form as soon as possible.
Save the Dates in October!
1 Sat OWL evening event at church
2 Sun RE Classes, Stars Story Sunday
5 Wed Youth Programs Committee Meeting 7 PM S1
9 Sun RE Classes
16 Sun RE Classes
16 Sun LFDC Meeting 1-2 PM S2
19 Wed UU Stars Leaders class (on theme Gratitude) 7-9 PM CP
23 Sun RE Classes
26 Wed Children’s RE Committee meeting 7-9 PM S2
29 Sat Tenth Grade YRUU Lock-in
30 Sun All Souls Day Observance (children’s RE four year-olds through fifth grade)
30 Sun Child Dedication Ceremony
Religious Education Contacts:
Leia Durland-Jones, DRE: 293-8179 x 3# leiadj@embarqmail.com. Usually available Sundays through Thursdays, & by appt.
Robyn Fogler, RE Assistant: 293-8179 x 6# robynf@embarqmail.com