I’ve been at the Fellowship as The director of lifespan religious education since July. But it’s only been in the last two months that I have been able to begin to work directly with our children, youth, and their families. And every moment has been a blessing. It is lovely to watch the children play on our new playground equipment, to hear the passion and conviction of our youth, and to hear the stories of our families.
Last month I attended a couple of festivals and met new people interested in the Fellowship. I have also been in contact with several new families interested in the work we do and the values we teach, particularly for their children.
Getting to know new families (new to the Fellowship and old to the Fellowship but new to me) takes some time. And in the chaos of the beginning of a worship service or the end of Sunday morning RE classes, I haven’t been able to meet as many of you as I would like (I would like to meet all of you). So we scheduled a parent meeting on November 21st after the 9:30 service. I hope that all of you who have their children currently registered for RE classes can make it. But I would also like to meet some of you who have not sent your children this year. I would love to hear from all of you how best we can teach your children and help you.
I also want to let everyone know that we will continue outside for Sunday morning RE classes through November. As we have seen in the past two months, November looks warmer than usual. However, there may be a need to change our plans due to the weather. Our priority is outside. The creation we have on our six acres is beautiful, particularly this time of year. So remember to send your children dressed in layers, and we will try to keep them moving and their blood circulating on those chillier mornings.
Religious education for children in December is still being decided. With the changes in weather, covid vaccines, and changing educational necessities, we are still moving month to month. I hope that come January, and we will have a brand new program whose plan includes a little more certainty. But before we move inside, I ask that our parents of children and youth take time to complete this survey.
Speaking of moving inside in January, we are also creating a robust offering of adult programs. We are planning classes on Unitarian universalism, the enneagram, expanding our meditation practices, and many more.
Soon our current (and last year’s) uncertainty Will be behind us and making way for more uncertainties. But together, we will move forward teaching our children, encouraging our youth, and learning from each other.