Dear First Universalist Community,
What a year we had. Even as we look forward, let's glance backwards, to root ourselves in the past and recall the strength and resilience it's taken to get here, and to celebrate where we've come from, what we've managed to do.
For our religious education programs, we are steadfast, opting to be a tether for those who need it, a connection point and an opportunity for grounding. Know that even as things continue to shift, we'll keep providing programming, a chance to connect, to learn, and to grow.
Children's Chapel continues to be facilitated by Anna Bianconi, who has been our Children's Teacher for the past two years. Most Sundays, she connects with children over Zoom to celebrate holidays and to engage with our worship theme of the month. This small group of children are resilient, inquisitive, and eager. We also are offering once monthly Time for All Ages during the worship service, co-lead by Anna, Rev. Hillary, and/or Gwen.
Junior Youth Group has happily welcomed Ben Tupper as a new facilitator. Gwen continues to co-facilitate and Christy Hayashida is offering occasional facilitation support. Rev. Hillary joins the group as a facilitator once per month, as well. Our small group is creative, considerate, and interested in social justice causes. Right now, we are focusing on learning about the environment and ways we can support environmental justice.
Coming of Age is a fantastic group of seven committed, intrepid, deeply thoughtful young people. The group is co-facilitated by Joanna Landsman, Alexis Waller, Gwen, and Rev. Hillary. Ben Tupper acts as a mentor and attends group sessions about once per month. The youth in Coming of Age are tackling big questions, discerning their beliefs, and participating in and creating rituals. This session will conclude in May when the group leads a worship service and shares their credo statements.
Learning Hour has changed and morphed a few times over the course of this past fall. Primarily, the Anti-Racism Working Group has been offering facilitated, reflective discussions of the 8th Principle. In the coming months, we hope to offer an adult version of Coming of Age.
The RE Council is invaluable with their wisdom and insight and commitment to having high quality religious education programming for all ages.
In addition, I feel fortunate that we managed to have a number of safe, socially distanced gatherings this fall: apple picking, pumpkin carving, and bulb planting all were great opportunities to connect and have fun.
Grateful for this steadfast, resilient community.
Gwen Matthews
Director of Education & Communications