As the church year draws to a close, and our children and youth become even busier with sports, camping, and other activities, I look back with joy and pride at the year that was.
Our congregation hosted both Youth Advisor training and a Youth Conference for the Western Region this year. We now have five trained advisors, three trained youth leaders, and many connected and engaged youth. Two youth plus advisor Margo Lane attended a regional Youth Con in Saskatoon, and four youth plus advisor Jim Gardiner attended the national conference, CanUUdle. Jim acted as advisor for four Calgary youth as well. We hope to support at least one of our youth at GoldMine Youth Leadership School in Toronto this summer. Our Youth Group is growing in depth, commitment and leadership, if not in vast numbers! I am so proud of their involvement, here and beyond our walls.
In Children’s RE, we added full-morning worship circles to our calendar, which provided opportunities to come together as a community of children, not just in divided age groupings. All ages explored the wisdom of other faith traditions, and how we might find meaning and inspiration as Unitarian Universalists. Together, we planned and led a Sunday Service, sharing some of what we learned, the week prior to Christmas. I am again filled with pride as I listen to their questions, discussions and thoughtful sharing; and watch our children become involved in church life beyond RE.
Of course none of the church’s ministry with and to children and youth happens without the dedication and support of adults. The Chairs of the Our Whole Lives Oversight and Religious Exploration Committees are both coming to the end of their terms. I hope you’ll join me in thanking Brian Klowak and Lorna Turnbull, respectively, for their years of service. I have a grateful heart.
I would also like to thank remaining members Margo Lane, Claire Rudyk, and Lisa Naylor, and past members Tracey Peter, Myrna-Lou McGregor and Kristine Barr, for their time, energy, and spirit on these committees. This is such meaningful service, and I appreciate you so much.
I am blessed to serve a congregation full of loving individuals. Thank you for the food you’ve made, the movie nights, the cookies and juice, the props you’ve created, the invitations you’ve extended, and the myriad other ways you support RE.
Love,
Andrea
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