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Walking the Spiral Path
It is hard to believe that May is upon us and that our church school year is winding down! We have had a wonderful year full of incredible growth and learning for all ages. My hope is that as you reflect back upon your own or your family’s experiences, you are able to note ways in which you are a different person from the one who walked through our church’s doors last September (or whenever you joined us.) I hope that in some way, either large or small, you can see that as a person you have changed because of something you experienced through church. I hope that you have been challenged to grow, think, or “be” in a way that has brought you some sense of transformation. And if you have not really given this any thought, I encourage you to take a few minutes right now to do so. I would love to hear what comes up for you during your reflection.
As I think back on the year, our exploration together of monthly ministry themes stands out in my mind as particularly significant. Here is a recap of this year’s themes in case you are trying to recall what they were: hospitality, atonement, gratitude, incarnation, death, justice, grace, and creation. This month, we will explore “faith” and then in June, our theme is “Letting Go.”
I have especially enjoyed the Adult Faith Development classes focusing on the monthly themes – such wonderful gatherings full of rich conversation and sharing! The Worship Weavers, Erik and I are already working to determine the ministry themes that will shape next year’s programming. I am so happy with our thematic approach to ministry on Sunday mornings and for the opportunity this format provides for multigenerational conversations.
As we begin our transition to summer Sundays, I offer my appreciation to everyone who has volunteered – both in our learning environments and behind the scenes – to make our religious education program possible this year. Our RE programs for children, youth and adults truly would not happen without the involvement of so many dedicated individuals. You know who you are and I thank you!
My wish is that summer brings to all of us times for rest and renewal as well as a less harried daily pace. Jen Edelson, Children’s RE Committee member, is coordinating times and places outside of Sunday morning for all of us to gather during the summer months so that we are able to continue building our connections with one another while sharing some favorite summer spots. We are thinking hikes, swimming holes, picnics, etc. Look for the details in the church’s Friday emails and the Sunday order of service announcement insert.
With appreciation,
Leia Durland-Jones
Director of Religious Education
Thank You To:
- The 2011-2012 Children’s RE Committee Members: Michelle Benedict, Jen Edelson, Krysti Mayers, Jamie McReynolds, Kelly Oehler, Cathey Polly (chair), Allison Pugh, Jenny Reid, Cathy Sanders, Callie Smith, Kristin Taverna, Kasha Viets-Wood
- The 2011-2012 Youth Programs Committee Members: Julianne Allen, Margaret Gorman (chair), Suzanne Ludwick, Pam McIntire, Katharine Maus, Bev Ryan, Carolyn Schuyler, Regina Voss
- The 2011-2012 Adult Faith Development Committee Members: Holly Dilatush (chair), George Jones, Jamie McReynolds, Pam Philips, Barbara Shenefield
- The 2011-2012 Lifespan Faith Development Council Members: Margaret Gorman, Don Landis (Board representative) Patricia Millman (chair), Cathey Polly
Religious Education Volunteer Appreciation Bagel Brunch
As a way of showing our thanks to everyone who helped make our children, youth and adult religious education programs such a success this year, the Children’s RE Committee is hosting a bagel brunch after both services on Sunday, May 6. Bagels and a variety of toppings will be provided. Come and let yourself be appreciated!
2012-2013 RE Registration Begins Soon
Our registration process will be electronic (with paper options for those who prefer). Watch your email and the church website for all the details. All children (infant through seniors in high school) must be registered to participate in the religious education program.
TJMC UU SUUper Sunday Summer Camp Begins May 27
Infants through rising sixth graders are invited to participate in summer Sunday morning programming! It may be hot outside but our summer Sunday activities will be super cool with a focus on nature and science. The program is “cooperative” requiring parents’ help. The number of Sundays parents are asked to volunteer depends on the number of families participating in the program. Registration is required and begins Sunday, May 6. Questions? Contact Robyn Fogler, RE Assistant, at robynf@embarqmail.com.
Sign Up for Weekly Electronic
RE Updates
The weekly Religious Education Update connects you with information about what is happening in the children and youth program for the upcoming Sunday. To have your name added to the email list, contact our Leia Durland-Jones, DRE, at leiadj@embarqmail.com.
Save the Dates:
April 29 May Day/Beltane Celebration on the outdoor labyrinth
May 2 Youth Programs Com. Mtg. 7-9 PM
May 5 TJMC celebrates World Labyrinth day 1 PM
May 6 Child Dedication Ceremony, RE Volunteer Bagel Brunch
May 23 Children’s RE Com. Mtg. 7-9 PM
May 27 SUUper Sunday Summer Camp
Walking the Spiral Path
One of the important things our church strives to do is be a community of support for parents as they navigate the often demanding yet oh so rewarding, spiritual practice of parenting. Offering a listening ear, a hug, or sage advice can really help a mom or dad find his/her way through the challenges of parenthood. The Lifespan Faith Development Council (comprised of the Children’s RE Committee, the Youth Programs Committee and the Adult Faith Development Committee) is offering three events this winter/spring specifically designed for parents. For those with young children (or those contemplating parenthood), we have a two session program entitled “Bringing it Home: Creating a Rich Home Environment for the Young Child” led by two early childhood educators with Montessori and Waldorf backgrounds. Come learn some practical ways to create a peaceful, warm, nurturing environment for your family.
For our parents of middle school youth (or those who are approaching this age), please join us for a panel discussion entitled “Parenting Teens with Smarts and Heart.” We set this event up for a Friday evening (April 20 from 7–9 PM) and delicious treats (including wine, cheese and chocolate) will be served. Co-parents and single parents warmly invited!
And for our teens and their parents, we hope you will join us for “Teens Taking Action: Teen & Parent Summit.” This fun and interactive conference for teens, parents, and other caring adults in the Charlottesville community will be focusing on healthy sexuality as a part of personal and community well-being. Save the date Saturday, April 28, from 10:30 AM– 3:30 PM. Lunch is provided.
Advance registration is required for all of the events listed above and you can register online at:
http://www.uucharlottesville.org/news-and-events/winterspring-2012-adult-faith-development-prospectus
With appreciation,
Leia Durland-Jones
Director of Religious Education
Sundays are Spirit Play Days!
Our four year-olds through Kindergarten children enter the world of Spirit Play on Sundays upstairs in the main church building. Spirit Play is a Unitarian Universalist religious education experience modeled after the work of Maria Montessori. Each week the Spirit Play classes are told a story using props. The stories relate directly to our Unitarian Universalist beliefs, history or values. The children are then invited to reflect on the story as a group through “wondering questions.” Afterwards, each child engages in their own “work” with the story. Children may retell the morning’s story (or any of the previously told stories) using the basket of props or they may paint, work with clay, draw or play. The classroom also has “special corners” where children re-enact church rituals such as lighting the chalice and sharing joys and concerns.
Coming of Age Class Marketplace Helping Our Youth!
Stop by the Social Hall after services on Sunday and get in on these great deals while supporting our upcoming coming of age class as they raise funds for their June 2013 pilgrimage trip to DC.
¨ Attractions Coupon Books—more than just restaurants
¨ TJMC-UU Green Sanctuary T-shirt orders
Our youth (and their parents) thank you for your support!
Words for the Rainbow Chalice
As used in Children’s Worship at TJMC:
* Red: Respect for the inherent worth and dignity in every person
* Orange: Offer fair and kind treatment to ourselves and others
* Yellow: Yearn to learn!
* Green: Grow in our ongoing search for truth and meaning
* Blue: Believe in our ideas and act on them
* Indigo: Insist on peace and justice
Electronic RE Updates – A Great Way to Keep Informed!
The semi-weekly Children and Youth Religious Education Update, emailed most Thursdays, connects parents and non-parents alike with the information about what is happening in the RE program for the upcoming Sunday. Brief lesson descriptions are detailed and there is also information about upcoming church events. To have your name added to the email list, contact our Director of Religious Education, Leia Durland-Jones, at leiadj@embarqmail.com. You can “unsubscribe” at any time if needed.
2 Ways RE Families Can Show Their Financial Support Our Church
1. Pledge in the annual church stewardship campaign (fill out your pledge card electronically http://www.uucharlottesville.org/news-and-events/heads-up-the-pledge-drive-coming!)
2. Buy grocery scrip (Sunday mornings in the Social Hall or through the mail or electronically)
Save the Dates
March – Ministry theme is “Grace”
3 Sat OWL lock-in
4 Sun RE Classes, Stars Story Sunday, Stars Studio 6, week 1
7 Wed Youth Programs Committee Meeting 7 PM, S1
11 Sun RE Classes, Stars Studio 6, week 2
17 Sat YRUU Lock-in
18 Sun RE Classes, Stars Studio 6, week 3, S2
21 Wed Conversation about “creation” 7-9 PM, CP
25 Sun RE Classes, Stars Studio 6, week 4
28 Wed Children’s RE Committee 7 PM, S2
April – Ministry theme is “Creation”
1 Sun No RE/Spring break
8 Sun No RE/Easter Multigenerational Service
Religious Education Contacts:
Leia Durland-Jones, DRE: 293-8179 x 3#
leiadj@embarqmail.com. Usually available Sundays through Thursdays, and by appointment.
Robyn Fogler, RE Assistant: 293-8179 x 6# robynf@embarqmail.com
Read the Winter/Spring 2012 Adult Faith Development Prospectus.
Sign up for classes below.
Our Winter/Spring classes will be offered February through May 2012 and held at Thomas Jefferson Church UU, 717 Rugby Road (unless otherwise indicated.)
Be sure to check our online calendar tfor any delays or cancellations:
http://www.uucharlottesville.org/calendar
Should you have any questions please contact Leia Durland-Jones, Director of Religious Education at 434-293-8179 or email at: leiadj@embarqmail.com.
cforms contact form by delicious:days
Walking the Spiral Path
One thing I know for sure is that our congregation is full of generous souls. I am reminded of this truth every Sunday when I see so many people helping in a multitude of ways to support the life and work of our congregation. Whether you are greeting, ushering, making coffee, running the sound system, teaching in our RE program, giving a ride to a church member who needs a lift, or helping out in another way on a day other than Sunday… the sharing of your resources (time, energy and talent) almost stops me in my tracks with a feeling of overwhelming gratitude.
To me, our church community is a blessing to all of us as well as the wider world and the truth that we all pool our money together to support its existence is a sort of miracle. As our Stewardship Campaign launches this month and you are asked to make your financial gift to sustain our beloved community, I hope you will reflect deeply on what you can give and that you will, as our beloved Gordon McKeeman always counseled us, “give until it feels good.”
Your act of making a financial commitment to our shared religious life is important and no matter the size of your contribution, your gift is valued and appreciated. Let us join together, combine our resources and commit anew to our continued support of the church we love.
With appreciation,
Leia Durland-Jones
Director of Religious Education
Organization Membership at CNE is for You!
Did you know that TJMCs Adult Faith Development Committee purchased an organizational membership with the Center for Nonprofit Excellence in Charlottesville? This means You now have access to CNEs website which includes job postings, professional development opportunities around the state and articles/resources that might be helpful to you in your church leadership and/or your professional life. The CNE office has a library of materials available for members to borrow. In addition, they offer workshops, brown bag lunch seminars, trainings and classes you can register for at a reduced rate under our organizational membership. The Adult Faith Development Committee encourages everyone to take advantage of the many resources available now to our congregation through the CNE. For more information, call CNEs Membership Manager at 244-3330 or visit the CNE online at thecne.org.
Adult Faith Development (AFD) Winter/Spring Semester
The AFD semester begins in February. Watch for announcements and registration information in the Friday Email, This Sunday in the Sunday order of service, the bulletin boards outside the Social Hall and the church website. Upcoming classes include:
w Working with The Body’s Subtle Energies: An Approach to Spiritual, Emotional, and Physical Self-Care
w Harvest the Power-Leadership Development,
w World Religions,
w Teens Taking Action: Teen and Parent Summit!
w Parenting Tweens with Smarts and Heart
w What is Spiritual Direction
w Little Altars Everywhere
w Serving with Grace
w Parenting Young Children
w Jesus: Teacher, Guide, Companion
w A Unitarian Universalist Prayer Practice
w Midweek noontime labyrinth walk, Wednesday Wonderings
w The Black Empowerment Controversy
w Beans and Rights
w a Taize service
w Planning for Life’s Final Journey: Helping Loved Ones Prepare.
Mid-Year Feedback Appreciated
The committees that make up the Lifespan Faith Development Council (Children’s RE, Youth Programs and Adult Faith Development) invite your feedback on how things are going for you, your child(ren) and family.
How is it for our littlest UUs on Sunday? Do you like the UU Stars format? Are you happy with Spirit Play? Would you like more social activities in addition to Sunday morning RE classes? What is your impression of how things are going for our children and our youth? What Adult Faith Development offerings would you like to see made available?
The committees serving these programs meet monthly and we always appreciate hearing from participants with concerns, compliments or suggestions. To offer your feedback, contact Patricia Millman, Lifespan Faith Development Council Chair, pmillman3@comcast.net; Cathey Polly, Children’s RE Committee Chair, catheypolly@yahoo.com; or Margaret Gorman, Youth Programs Committee Chair, gormanmargaret@hotmail.com.
PJs, Pancakes & Bingo!
Do not miss this super fun event for all ages on Friday, February 3, at 5 PM in the Social Hall. The Children’s RE Committee sponsors this annual all-church pancake dinner where wearing PJs is optional and having fun is not! After a delicious dinner of pancakes, sausage and other treats, we will play Bingo with our fabulous Bingo machine.
Bingo begins at 6:30 PM and Bingo cards are $2 each or three for $5. For more information or to find out how you can help, contact Leia Durland-Jones, DRE, at 293-8179 x 6# or leiadj@embarqmail.com.
Coming of Age Class Marketplace: Helping Our Youth!
Stop by the Social Hall after services on Sunday and get in on these great deals while supporting our upcoming Coming of Age class as they raise funds for their June 2013 pilgrimage trip to DC.
· Attractions Coupon Books – more than just restaurants
· TJMC UU T-shirt orders
Our youth (and their parents) thank you for your support!
Save the dates:
1 Wed Youth Programs Committee Meeting, 7 PM, S1
3 Fri PJs, Pancakes and Bingo
5 Sun Four year-olds–Fifth grade Chinese New Year Celebration
8 Wed A Conversation about “Grace,” 7 PM, CP
12 Sun RE Classes, Stars Story Sunday
19 Sun RE Classes
22 Wed Children’s RE Committee,
7PM, S2
Walking the Spiral Path
Parents often share with me the desire to have their children actively engaged in the life of our church. They want their children to have a solid understanding of what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist, to have a place to identify, explore and express our UU values. They want their children to feel connected to people of all ages in our congregation. They want their children to know what it means to be part of a church community and to understand the privileges as well as the responsibilities this entails. They want their children to have practice naming, experiencing, and honoring a connection to something larger than ourselves – what some of us call God or Spirit (or a 1000 other names). I too want all these things and more for the children and youth of our church.
The good news is that what we dream of for our children is possible! It is possible when, as parents, we make commitments and follow through on them. When we commit to coming to church regularly, we teach our children and youth that church (and all that church means and is) is important. It is a priority. When we commit to coming to church regularly, we create the opportunity for our children to make connections and build friendships not only in their religious education classes but also with others they encounter on Sunday morning. When we commit to coming to church regularly, we model for our children the importance of attending worship service as a spiritual practice, a way to feed our souls. When we commit to coming to church regularly, it helps us discover other ways to become involved in the life of the congregation, perhaps with IMPACT or PACEM, all church game nights, community dinners or covenant groups. Our children see us involved and engaged and know that things of value, importance and meaning happen here.
As we enter the new year, I warmly invite you to consider making the commitment (or recommitment) to have your family attend church regularly. And, if there is anything I can do to help make your family’s participation in church more fulfilling, satisfying or meaningful, please do not hesitate to be in touch with me.
For the women of our congregation, I want to extend a special invitation to you to our second annual Women’s Dream Quest. The Planning Circle for this year’s Quest chose January for the very reasons I mention above, the slowing of pace and restorative grace. We want you to come sing, dance, pray, breathe, cry or just “be” with us, your sisters, on our congregation’s beautiful canvass labyrinth. The Dream Quest also includes opportunities to work with expressive arts as well as small group sharing. Experience with “dream work” is not necessary. Some participants do think about, work on or share from their dream life but the focus is not on dreams per se.
The whole Dream Quest experience is like being in a wakeful dream! The Quest includes an overnight in the church building with participants sleeping (or not) based on each woman’s personal needs. The labyrinth is available for walking all night long and there is something exquisite about sitting in our Sanctuary in the silence of midnight and candlelight. The registration fee is $75 with financial assistance/work scholarship available. Space in our Dream Quest is limited to forty women and many of these spaces are already taken. Please contact me immediately if you would like to register. I would very much like you to be able to attend.
As we greet the morning sun and the lengthening of the day’s light, each one of us has much to look forward to in this New Year. My wishes for all of us are peace, happiness and health.
With appreciation,
Leia Durland-Jones
Director of Religious Education
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. If you would like to subscribe please contact leiadj@embarqmail.com.
A Conversation about Justice
Rev. Erik Walker Wikstrom and Leia Durland-Jones, DRE, invite you to explore the idea of justice, our worship and faith development theme during the month of February. What does justice mean or look like to and for us as Unitarian Universalists? How can this theme enrich our spiritual lives? How might we bring the work of justice-making more deeply into our own lives? Come take advantage of this opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding on Wednesday, January 18, from 7-9 PM in the Parlor.
RE Wish List
w Help with repairing a broken rolling dry erase board
w Rolls of blue “painters” tape
w Fun sticky note pads
Save the dates:
Jan. 1 NO RE
Jan. 4 Youth Programs Committee
Jan. 8 UU Stars Story Sunday
Jan. 15 Lifespan Faith Development Council meeting
Jan. 18 A Conversation about Justice
Jan. 25 Children’s RE Committee
Jan. 29 Congregation fundraiser luncheon 11:30 AM
Religious Education Contacts:
Leia Durland-Jones, DRE: 293-8179 x 3#
leiadj@embarqmail.com. Usually available Sundays through Thursdays, and by appointment.
Robyn Fogler, RE Assistant: 293-8179 x 6# robynf@embarqmail.com
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