I recently asked some of our families what brought them to the fellowship. Some of their answers were, “I was looking for a community that held my values,” “We were looking for a progressive religious community in which our daughter, Kristi, could find community, values, acceptance, tradition, knowledge of traditions,” “I wanted my kids to have a religious/spiritual component in their lives. I didn’t realize how much I needed it (and a community) too until we started coming.” There was a theme emerging. I then asked, “What do you hope to gain from your time at the fellowship?” “Community, friendship, learning, growing, comfort, care, giving, understanding, peace and things I haven’t even thought of yet,” and “To be seen and valued and respected” were the first answers.
As some of you have seen, we are embarking on a process of discernment for our Religious Education Process. We are looking at our past (the good and the bad), our present (as rocky as it seems), and our future (the wonders it beholds…) and determining a path for the Fellowship’s programs for Youth and Children. In this discernment process, we will be considering everything from timing, to frequency, to curriculum, to staffing, to budget, to volunteers, to structure. We hope to grow into our new space while living out our historical values.
With all this future focus, what is happening this year? Well, we are hoping to create a simple program where children, youth, their families, and volunteers can create a sense of community. We want to meet everyone where they are so that we can invite them into that community. This year we are focusing on creating a safe space where people (young and old) can build lasting relationships.