Worship and Religious Education scheduling for Fall 2024
Last year, we explored and learned about holding a single service on Sundays to make for fuller and more exciting services and we included children in our services to live into our long-held goal of integrating children fully into our spiritual lives and faith. RE classes were thus held before services. After meeting with Faith Formation Committee (FFC), Staff including Rev. Joel and Rev. Sasha, and socializing with the children’s parents and grandparents, we are excited to be sharing our plans and information about our RE program and service schedule for the fall.
- One key timing change is important: Based on feedback about timing, the Sunday Service time will remain 10:00 AM throughout the year. Yes, our earlier Summer Hours start time is a preference for many and will remain throughout the year.
- Rev. Sasha and FFC are excited to continue having our children in the services. We have learned so much about worshiping together and giving each other space to make this successful. We feel it is important to continue this journey and indeed were gratified when Rev. Sasha called this out as a wonderful part of her Candidating Week with us..
- A new curriculum from UUA educators is going to be used this year by Rev. Sasha and the RE program. It is called Soul Matters and includes the integration of topics that will be explored both during the Service by Rev. Sasha and then, following coffee hour, in the RE classes for all ages.
- And, Yes, the RE classes will be held this year after coffee hour starting at 11:30 AM. This is a big change for families and the parents and it offers many benefits. It fits perfectly with the preferred 10AM Service time, does not require an early Sunday AM start for classes, and it will enhance the ability of all of our adult members to more easily be involved with the RE families who are likely still in the building at this time. Also, adult RE programs can be held concurrently for all, including parents not teaching RE that day!
We will be sharing more news on these changes in the weeks ahead.