Family Ministry News

information for infants – high schoolers and their caregivers

April Theme for Worship and RE:

Interdependence

Sunday, April 14

Spirit Sunday!

Multigenerational service for all ages

10:00 am

Children participate in the full service with the exception of those in RE Play (room 20,) OWL (Fiatfalva,) and Youth Group (room 32.) Childcare for children under 3 years old will be available in room 14.

Inviting Interdependence—In this service, we’ll lift up the idea that we can’t go it alone and explore how being connected/interdependent helps us make it through. How do we nurture our community and how does it nurture us?

Our exploration will include interactive components, music, and even a little improv!

Attention K-5th Grade Parents

We are seeking input from families as we plan for the future of the K-5 RE program. Please indicate your interest in participating in a discussion about the program by filling out this very short survey: Let's Talk About RE

Game Night + Pot Luck

The next Game night is April 21!

Game Nights are for everyone and provide a fun and relaxing way to be in community! Come any time between 5 and 9 pm with some food to contribute to the table and any favorite games you'd like to play.

Future Game Night: May 19

Congregational Retreat

Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28

Registration is now open at www.rruuc.org/retreat

RRUUC's all–congregation retreat at Seneca State Park in Gaithersburg returns this year on April 27 and 28. On Sunday our worship service will take place in the park and there will be no separate RE classes.

The annual retreat offers fun for the whole family!

Some of this year's family friendly offerings are:

Learn a circus skill with Natalie Schall – Intro to scarf juggling and more

Zip, Zap, Zop – Join Laura Piervincenzi for some fun theater games and perhaps a little improv!

Creation Station – Drop by throughout the day to have some creative fun! Tie-dying, bird-feeder making, and more!

A drumming circle led by drummer Katy Gaughan – make some joyful noise together!
Frisbee fun with Doran Flowers
Pick-up lawn games (corn hole, horseshoes, bocce ball, badminton, etc.)
A kid-friendly playground dedicated for our use
Board games and cards – drop in to play a bit – you can bring a game to share
Hike and/or bike throughout the park

Click for more details about the program and schedule HERE.

Child Dedications

Sunday, May 12 at 10 am

Child Dedication is the tradition of welcoming children into the faith of Unitarian Universalism. At RRUUC, Child Dedications are crafted by the religious education team along with the ministers and parents. They take place during a Sunday worship service once or twice a year and include blessings for the child and family and a promise by the congregation to

support and nurture the child.

Our next Child Dedication ceremony will take place during the May Spirit Sunday service on May 12. Children of any age can be dedicated. Contact Beth if you'd like to have your child(ren) dedicated or for more information.

Teacher Topics

First Sunday of the month, 11:30 am in Room 32

On the first Sunday of each month Beth and Laura will discuss a different topic/skill relevant to a successful teaching experience in the RE classrooms. All teachers are welcome to attend as they are able. Registration is not necessary.

Upcoming sessions:

May 5: Teacher Appreciation Brunch

May 19: Managing Conflict in the Classroom (rescheduled from April 7)

Black Lives Matter

Roadside Witness

Friday evenings 6-7 pm

Every Friday night members of RRUUC gather on the corner of Whittier Blvd. and River Rd. to live their values by participating in a Black Lives Matter Roadside Witness.

Join for an hour (or less) any Friday, between 6 and 7 pm. It's a great way for families to build racial justice values into a weekly or monthly spiritual practice. We have signs and folding chairs — just bring your gloves!

For questions, contact Jana Kirkman,

301-785-9270 or improbableyarns@gmail.com

Beth Irikura, Director of Lifespan Religious Education, birikura@rruuc.org

Laura Piervincenzi, Associate Director of Religious Education,

lpiervincenzi@rruuc.org