Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist

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

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

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

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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

Walking the Spiral Path Our congregation embarks on a very exciting era as we welcome Rev. Erik to our community this month. With Sunday morning activities at the center of what we do together, Erik’s leadership (particularly in worship) is eagerly anticipated by us all. The Youth Programs Committee and Children’s RE Committee want to support parents of children in the RE program by offering them the opportunity to attend worship too. To that end, we need non-parents and parents of grown children to become involved as volunteers in our RE program. What might this involvement look like? There are many possibilities!

Be a UU Stars Guide – twice a month for our first through fifth grade RE classes (no before class preparation or teaching required.) Guides create continuity for the children from week to week as the kids move through their UU Stars Studios. Support and training provided by the Children’s RE Committee.

Be a UU Stars Studio Leader – a four week commitment (sometimes fewer) teaching a prepared lesson focused on the congregation’s theme of the month. Prior to leading their studio, Leaders attend a special class with the minister and DRE for an in-depth conversation about the month’s theme.

Be a Spirit Play Teaching Team member – work with our four years-old through Kindergarten children twice a month as part of a teaching team. Teachers share the day’s story with the children who then choose their own “work” in order to integrate and internalize the morning’s message.

Be a two and three year-old Teacher – as part of a teaching team, you will be with our youngest UUs twice a month as they move through the cycles and seasons of the year with joyful play, fun crafts and wonderful stories.

Be a Riddle & Mystery Advisor – our seventh and eighth grade youth will spend the year exploring spiritual paths and practices with the UUA Tapestry of Faith Curriculum Riddle & Mystery. A team of four adults teaching together will allow team members to share the time in the classroom and also regularly attend worship. How can you help? Will you answer the call to help raise the next generation of Unitarian Universalists? We need you! Please contact me for more information or to volunteer. With appreciation, Leia Durland-Jones, Director of Religious Education

2011-2012 RE Registration Have you registered for the 2011– 2012 Religious Education program? Parents of infants through rising twelfth graders should complete their family’s registration forms immediately. There are four options for submitting your information:

1) You can complete your family’s form via the church website (look under the “education” tab.

2) You can 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 prefilled form with your family’s information. Make any necessary updates or corrections and complete the volunteer options page. Or,

4) Complete a new paper copy of the form in the Social Hall on Sunday. Thank you for your cooperation. The Children’s RE Committee and Youth Programs Committee are busy preparing for next year’s offerings and class groupings.

TJMC-UU SUUper Sunday Summer Camp While formal religious education programming resumes Sunday, September 25, families are invited to continue attending worship throughout the summer by participating in SUUper Sunday Summer Camp with Dr. Seuss! Upcoming sessions are: The Lorax with ice cream making (July 3), Horton Hatches an Egg/Horton Hears a Who with special thematic crafts and games (July 10), What Was I Scared Of? with mask making, outdoor mazes and shadow boxes (July 17), Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? with a game of luck and creation of blessing boxes (July 24), McElligot’s Pool with thematic crafts, games and snacks (July 31), 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins with freeze tag and a special snack using chop sticks! (August 7), Oh the Places You Will Go with scrapbook/travel journal making (August 14), The Cat in the Hat with a movie too! (August 21), Sprinkler Day – time to get wet! Registration is on the church’s webpage and in the Social Hall on Sunday mornings or call RE Assistant, Robyn Fogler, at 293-8179 x 6#.

Adult Faith Development Seeks Input The Adult Faith Development Committee invites your ideas for our fall semester (October through December 2011.) Is there a class that has been offered at TJMC in the past you would like to see offered again? Is there a topic you would like to explore with others in our congregation? Have you ever thought about leading or co-leading a class yourself? Is there someone you could recommend to teach an AFD class (from within or outside of our congregation?)

We would love your input as we begin our preparation for the fall. To share your ideas, contact Adult Faith Development Committee Chair, Holly D i l a t u s h a t.

The Adult Faith Development Committee is always on the lookout for new committee members so please let us know if you would like to join us. Next meeting: Wednesday, August 10, at 6:30 PM.

Read the RE Update 5-22-2011.

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