As we begin this new church year, I am excited for the changes that will be happening in the religious education program. This year will see us continuing Nursery for our three year old and younger children, Spirit Play for our PreK-1st graders, Coming of Age for our 8th-9th graders, and Youth Group for our 10th-12th graders. However for our 2nd-4th graders and 5th-7th graders we will be utilizing a workshop rotation model in the classroom. This model of programming will see us visiting a new topic every four to six weeks.
We will be following month-long theme based programming for the younger grades. Each month we will be sharing stories and activities related to the idea that our UU community is a precious gift. We will be honoring this gift of community and its role as a caretaker of our UU values. Some of the themes are Covenant, Healing, Identity, Risk, Zest and more.
Our 5th to 7th graders will be participating in a Makerspace program. Every four to six weeks, the children will be creating a new project that supports our UU values and their interests. They will be making bucket drums and learning to play them, they will be creating content for the church website, giving back to the natural world, and deciding on their own project.
As our children and youth start out this new church year with new programs designed to enhance creativity and deepen UU values, I would like to encourage our adults to think of ways to deepen their connection to our community. Whether that be joining a Chalice Circle Group, attending a Coffee, Conversation and More program, or becoming involved in a church committee. All of these opportunities have the potential to enrich and deepen your spiritual life. Looking forward to a deeply enriching year and seeing you all. May it be so.
Carol Zimmerman, Director of Religious Education