[printprofilepic]Unitarian Universalists are accustomed to thinking of a church year as September to May, which of course reflects the school year. This isn’t a bad thing, I think. Kids and teens need to feel they’ll have a respite from homework, tests, and rigid schedules. With religious communities we might view the summer as a time of deeper reflection on what happened, what was experienced, what was touching, what was challenging, and what was life enhancing during our church year. Were there times when we comforted someone? Were there instances when we helped another? Were there opportunities for reconciliation and humility expressed? Were there times when we gave as much as we asked or expected? Did we say thank you enough? Did we learn the names of more children? Did we mentor a teen? Did we have an enriching experience teaching in religious exploration (RE) or contributing to a covenant group or organize an event? Did we make a difference? Did we give enough money or time? Did we remember to strive to make our mission and vision a reality?
Summer is a time to listen to the birds, appreciate the blue skies, do a rain dance, and take the hike we couldn’t fit into our schedules. It might be time for a stay-cation or a time to travel to see extended families. And while you’re enjoying your summer, take those moments to talk with your child, your partner, or your friends, and think about this community of diverse thinkers, growing children, contemplative and creative teens, scholars, meditators, builders, and then say a prayer of thanks. Explain to your child why you go to this church, what you hope it will become, and how you and your family can contribute. Maybe you could talk about expecting great and risky changes, or about jumping into the abyss of mystery and uncertainty, which then might invite robust dialogue and divergent thoughts.
Summer isn’t quite here yet and within the RE program there is still important work to do before June. On May 8, 15, and 22 the RE committee and I will be available to answer questions about next fall’s program. We’ll be in the foyer with curriculum, RE teacher job descriptions, summer camp sign up, and registration forms. We can tell you about teaching in RE, about working with youth, about the overall mission and vision of RE, and about special programs or events. Whether you’re a parent or not stop by and meet members of the RE committee or the Youth-Adult Committee.
As we wrap up the church year, you may smell cookies baking or see children and RE teachers on walks or see us cleaning up the grounds. May is a time of ease and fun for our UCLA children and teens. May 1 is Youth Sunday during which the senior high group offers you their thoughts, talents, and presence in both services. Please make the effort to come and support them.
Our summer camp program will take place August 8-13 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Parents can sign up their kids during May. The theme for the camp is earth-centered spirituality and the title comes from a song we sometimes sing, The Earth is Our Mother. Participants will learn about water, trees, habitat, endangered species and pets.
This will be my last VOICE article since my last day in the church will be May 29. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to know so many of you. One of the difficult parts of being an interim DRE is knowing you will leave just when deeper connections have been made. I value those connections and carry with me the laughter of children, the wisdom of teens, and the dedication of adults. My sense is you will all continue with the work of a special and treasured community. My deepest hope is that the new permanent Lifespan Director of Religious Exploration will contribute resources, presence, creativity, and love.
I’m going to Asheville, NC as a permanent Lifespan DRE and will start there July 1. It’s a large UU congregation so will be a new experience for me.
Thank you for your support, friendship and collaboration, and may you all be well and happy.
Benette Sherman
RE News
May 1:
Youth Sunday at both services
Children’s chapel upstairs with Benette from 9-10 a.m. and from 11 a.m.-noon
Last Social Justice project in RE from 10-11 a.m.
May 8, 15, 22:
RE table set up with sign ups for RE teachers, summer camp, and fall RE registration
May 15:
Last day of RE classes
May 22:
Flower Communion (bring flowers to share)
August 8-13:
Summer Camp for K-6th grade (with 5th and 6th graders as helpers)
