RE Corner

It has been another interesting and productive year for RE. We started the year with a new program centered around the story of Avatar, the Last Airbender (TV series). This series appealed to our youth and offered a novel way to explore our UU values. They looked forward to watching the videos and discussing values. I also developed a cart complete with a “fidget box”, games, crafts, and stories highlighting our UU values. The “fidget box” was a big hit, with adults as well as children.

In January we started a new curriculum called Flourish Together - A One Room Schoolhouse Curriculum for UUs. Each session had a story and a variety of activities that we could easily adapt for the children and energy level present each Sunday morning. We liked this curriculum for its flexibility and appeal for a wide range of age groups. Each of the lessons related to one or more of our UU values. Lisa Jamison took the lead in this as our primary teacher. We will continue this curriculum into the fall next year.

We registered for a 1-year pilot for a new UU curriculum called Woven Faith. I requested the components for the 4-14 one-room curriculum as well as the curriculum for each of the age groups we have. We are also looking at the “Whole Church” curriculum designed for intergenerational services.

Our youth participated in a Coming of Age Program. They had several outings, including a Corn Maze, Haunted House, Cosmic Walk, a Movie Night, and they helped with St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen in December. Although they did not complete the program this year, several of them plan to continue their service to the church and wider community next year, starting with the St. Paul’s soup kitchen June 30th.

At the end of the year, we celebrated our accomplishments at the RE Recognition Ceremony. Our youth and children were an integral part of this intergenerational service. Allison was the worship assistant. Rose and Scott lit and extinguished the chalice and helped with the collection. Eli, Rose. and Scott acted out the Time for All Ages story – “The Leaky Bucket”. They all helped with the beautiful Flower Communion.

The RE program finished June 14th and will start up again in September. Over the summer the services are downstairs in the Parish Hall, and youth are invited to participate. The nursery will be available throughout the summer. I plan to have the fidget box as well as several quite activities available for children in the Parish Hall.

Barbara Moloney

Chair, RE Committee