[printprofilepic]I think no one can surpass the eloquence of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. as he delivered his I Have A Dream speech. Even after more than forty years this speech is thrilling to read or hear—it is prophetic, challenging, inspiring, urgent, hopeful and faith-filled.
While reading it, I couldn’t help but think of faith communities and the potential we have to change people’s lives, just as his speech has done. As he questioned America’s promises to all people, as he urged unity of purpose, and as he supported his dream with faith and hope so must all of us do the same for each other and for the world.
We Unitarian Universalists write and talk much of building the beloved community, but the real work to do so is difficult. It requires time, the gift of presence, patience, honesty, empathy, deep listening and accepting that to evolve in heart, mind, and soul takes effort and encouragement. As the children, youth and adult religious education (RE) programs begin on September 12, I hope we can practice the chant I taught to the children who attended the summer camp: “When I breathe in, I breath in peace—when I breathe out, I breathe out love,” a chant that forces us to slow down, be present, and discern what is most important in our lives.
My dream(s) for this year are:
- That all adults know the children and youth by name and have at least one conversation with them
- That great joy and lots of laughter and gratitude will be apparent in our inter-generational services
- That our children and youth will participate in meaningful social justice activities
- That children, youth, and adults will support and mentor each other to greater spiritual depth and practice
- That the church will find the perfect DRE
- That church work will be thought of as holy and sacred work
RE News
It is delightful to welcome our children and youth back to RE classes and all the adults who will challenge, inspire and mentor them. This year’s teachers are Nancy Tenbrink*, Lorraine Whalen*, Suzette Williams*, Rebecca Howard, Susan Mendel, Elizabeth Watson, Mike Begnaud, Kimberly Peterson, Steve Tenbrink, Kristine Coblentz*, Warren Houghteling*, and Gordon Keating. (*Returning teachers from last year—thanks!!)
It’s also delightful to welcome Theresa Cull as the new RE chair this year. I’m grateful for the RE committee members who’ve agreed to stay on the committee for one more year: Mark Peterson, Jim Cooley, Kay Ulrich, Tara Adams, and Elizabeth Watson. We will miss Amber Ripoll’s contributions on last year’s committee.
I’m more than pleased to have Pam Risley, Danise Begnaud, Mike Adams, Connor Schultz, and Cameron Van Cleave agree to join the new Youth-Adult Committee, which will focus only on the youth program (7-12th grades).
You Need to Know
- RE classes start on September 12 from 10-11 a.m. for preschool-8th grade. High school meets from 11-noon.
- The Children and Youth Safety Policy was ratified by the Board and is now in effect. You can view the policy on the church website (under Religious Exploration). I hope all church members will become familiar with the policy and support it.
- Children and youth are welcome to sit with their parents at each service for the first 20 minutes or through Time for All Ages. Childcare will be provided after they leave the service in the Assembly Room or on the playground.
- OWL sexuality education classes will meet on most Sundays (see church calendar) from 4:30-8 p.m. from August 29-Nov. 14. This is a closed group.
The church summer camp was so fun for me (and I think the kids). Many thanks to Susie Schillaci, Elizabeth Watson, Robyn Schultz, Kristine Coblentz, Tamara McMahon, Stephanie Richard, Susan Mendel, Kimberly Peterson, Tara Adams, Monica Thompson, Kristen Dors, and Petra McDowell. 6-7th grade helpers (who were superb!!) included Rowan Cantua, Donnie Thompson, Kai Coblentz, Drake Terrill, Theodore Peterson, Nica Vasquez, and Rory Cooley. With 24 younger kids this was a group effort to keep kids safe, included and cared for.
See you soon,
Benette Sherman
Interim Director of Religious Exploration
