Family Ministry News

information for infants – high schoolers and their caregivers

April Theme for Worship and RE:

Interdependence

This weekend is the Congregational Retreat!

There will NOT be a worship service or RE classes at the building. Join us at Seneca Creek Park for fun and games and community on Saturday and Sunday, and for a worship service Sunday morning at 10 am.

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

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 .

Let's Talk About RE!

Parents/Caregivers: You are invited to a focus-group style conversation with Laura Piervincenzi on April 30 or May 8. Both will be via Zoom from 7-8 pm. (Links below)

These conversations are about RRUUC's RE program for PreK-5th grade children. This is your opportunity to think about and speak to why you send your children to RE classes and what you hope your children gain from their time at RRUUC. The ultimate goal is to provide the religious education team with a road map for strengthening the program and meeting the needs of families. In addition to answering questions, there will also be time for open discussion.

Zoom link for April 30

Zoom link for May 8

Registration is not required. Contact Laura with questions.

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)

All Ages Game Night

+ Pot Luck

The final Game Night of this congregational year is May 19!

Drop by any time between 5 and 9 pm

Game Nights are for everyone and provide a fun and relaxing way to be in community! Come with some food or beverages to contribute to the table and some favorite games to share.

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