Religious Education Update, February 2011
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
An Invitation
Would you like to get to know and work with a small group of dedicated people within our congregation? Are you interested in deepening your understanding of our UU faith and traditions? Would it feel good to know you are really helping support the congregation you love? This is your invitation to join one of the small groups that does the “behind the scenes” work of our lifespan faith development program (otherwise know as religious education.)
Are you interested in children’s programming (nursery through fifth grade)? The Children’s RE Committee would love to have you join us for our monthly meeting, usually the fourth Wednesday of the month. If sixth through twelfth grade is more your area of interest, we welcome you to join the Youth Programs Committee. We meet once a month, usually on the first Wednesday.
Our Adult Faith Development Committee considers the needs of adult learners (all of us!) and plans the classes for adults of all ages. We meet regularly, though not monthly, and usually enjoy an inexpensive dinner together beforehand.
All three committees, Children’s, Youth and Adult, work directly with the Director of Religious Education to carry out our church’s educational programs. All three committees are welcoming new members at this time. Our meetings are fun and our work together is collaborative and inspiring! Will you join us? Contact Leia Durland-Jones, DRE, at 293-8179 extension 3# or leiadj@embarqmail.com. Leia is waiting to hear from You!
Weekly Electronic RE Updates—
A Great Way to Keep Informed!
The weekly Children and Youth Religious Education Update, emailed 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 Leia Durland-Jones, Director of Religious Education, at leiadj@embarqmail.com. You can “unsubscribe” at anytime if needed.
Thank you to our Coming of Age Mentors
A big heart-felt thanks to the eleven members of our congregation who are serving as Mentors for the youth in our Coming of Age “Challenge” class. They are: Cindy Benton-Groner, Dawn Dirks, Ruth Douglas, Griff Giffis, Holly Hintz, Laura Horn, George Jones, Raven Long, Walt Megonigal, Jean Newland, and Sally Whaley. Mentors and youth will meet regularly (at least twice a month) between now and the end of May to complete the COA workbook which includes the writing of a faith statement. Youth who complete the workbook are eligible to participate in the COA pilgrimage to Washington DC in June. Additionally, the youth will share their COA experiences with us during our Sunday morning worship service on June 6.
PJs, Pancakes & Bingo!
Do not miss this super fun event for all ages on Friday February 4, 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 new 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 at 293-8179 extension 3# or leiadj@embarqmail.com.
Save the dates:
February 2 Youth Programs Committee Meeting
February 6 Four year-old-Fifth grade Chinese New Year Celebration
February 9 Adult Faith Development Committee at “Aqui es Mexico”
February 13 UU Stars Story Sunday
February 23 Children’s RE Committee Meeting